Harry Potter and the Scabbard of Excalibur [AU]
Orion Ultor
Everything’s Got A Price.
- Location
- East Coast
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Ornias [6 Covenant Strength, 14 Gnosis]
Oh man, I think I accidentally tapped a vein...quick, to the lotto!
I think it's likely Ornias would be too obscure/alien for us to communicate with. Or there might be restrictive bindings that limits their actions. But gradually as we figure Ornias out the dividends will start coming - we might even need Dark Stars to properly comprehend his Astrology lore. So yeah, initially he could totally seemingly be a dumb starfire orb.
Or we could roll well and unlock some of that mystical astrology juice right away..
It's going to be interesting regardless. Oh yeah, this also means we won't have to seek out the centaurs in the forbidden forest with no Hagrid protecting us.
Or we could roll well and unlock some of that mystical astrology juice right away..
It's going to be interesting regardless. Oh yeah, this also means we won't have to seek out the centaurs in the forbidden forest with no Hagrid protecting us.
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Gabbie
That One Writer
- Location
- Italy
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Or we could do the reckless thing...
And have another headmate.
- Location
- Louisiana
I would not be surprised if this backfired pretty bad. We are working with demons after all, and we're reaching for the stars. Kinda throwing caution to the wind to get the biggest demon we can on our payroll, with zero knowledge of who he is or what he does beyond a vague description and Wikipedia articles.
A strange thought occurred to me. A mixture of dark magic and astrology is called dark stars, such a term may well describe black holes. The essence of the idea is this, perhaps dark astrology is the use of black holes in astrological magic to create a negative effect, because a black hole from a symbolic point of view can be an inversion of a star, when one serves as an infinite source of energy, the other is an infinite hole ready to absorb everything. If the idea is correct, then the ritual of dark astrology, according to my ideas, will look something like this. To steal a person's life force, we make up his horoscope, find out which stars and planets he is associated with, during the ritual we symbolically assume the role of the nearest black hole and metaphorically absorb these celestial bodies, thereby taking away the life force of the person we need.
Gabbie
That One Writer
- Location
- Italy
- Pronouns
- They/Them
You dare say Wikipedia is unreliable? *gasp*
[X] Ornias [6 Covenant Strength, 14 Gnosis]
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
We can get covenant strength back(That's used to determine what kinds/how many demons we can bind). Not gnosis.
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
New bad scenario comes to mind. Ornias turns the pact around. Binds us like a Wizard binds a Demon.
We then have to engage in a convoluted scheme to free ourselves while doing whatever tasks he gives us.
We then have to engage in a convoluted scheme to free ourselves while doing whatever tasks he gives us.
This option seems less likely, given the need to spend gnosis on this option, while we have never met examples when events caused by the loss of gnosis turned against us. Although it may well turn out to be a situation of the Dursleys and Death Eaters.
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OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
I suppose there's a point to that. On the other hand it's completely possible he'll also feel the need to train us to his standards for whatever tasks he wants us to do. Opportunities to gain power/advance but in an unpleasant and plot creating fashion.
Kind of like... I don't know, I just started book 7 of Cradle. (Edit: For context the Akuras are one of the big movers and shakers in the setting)
In the end of Book 6, Charity shanghai's Lindon onto the Akura Clan team for the Uncrowned King Tournament(Which he had some interest in going to regardless) as a way of repaying the "debt" Lindon incurred by killing Harmony in book 5/reward for his performance in Nightwheel Valley. He seems to be getting provided with considerable resources but he also is separated from Yerin/Eithan(Mercy, being an Akura who's also on the team is there with him), has angry competition trying to get his spot, and in the initial testing before things started he was threatened with imprisonment if he failed the initial tests(Which showed him to be a Monster/Xianxia protagonist in terms of capabilities).
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Across the Void
Birdsie
Sharp Talons Cleave The Worthy
- Location
- Poland
Across the Void
Nothing that Geist might've said would ever be enough to prepare Harry for actual demon summoning. As space crumpled like a ball of paper clenched in a hateful fist above the ritual sketched on the floor, reality itself dilating with cruel twists and disregard for natural logic, Harry's scar burned on his forehead with cattle-brand intensity, enough that he almost doubled over from the pain. A breathless void that Harry couldn't describe had at some point filled the room like water flowing into an empty fish tank, drowning any possibility of warmth or survival.
A hiccup of light, as space tessellated in an incomprehensible, mind-bending array of visual distortions and fractal shapes and colors that made him want to throw up, and promptly, the spatial anomaly spat out something dark and large with seven hundred wings on its back and a hundred eyes bigger than dinner plates, and then everything snapped and folded back on itself, oxygen returning and burning pain fading away in an instant. In place of the ominous figure that Harry had seen a moment ago, what stood in the middle of the room was a person with faintly-glowing alabaster skin, hair like flaxen strings kneaded into braids, golden laurel wreaths resting upon its head, and long ears not dissimilar to those of an elf. It wore nothing save a bedsheet robe of spotlessly white fleece or silk; Harry wasn't sure.
It spoke; a few words in Arabic. As Harry rose back from where he'd knelt from the pain, Geist provided the correct response, and the entity frowned, switching to an old dialect of English, barely comprehensible to Harry's ears, though not problematic with Geist providing a constant font of translation.
"I am upset that you summoned me," Ornias said. "I can no longer hear the heartbeat."
Don't indulge in its stupidity. Just say what you want.
"I want you to teach me Astrology."
"Astrology? Do you mean the practices of the stars and celestial objects and their ties to fate? I'd thought your seniors would know more on this topic; I am merely an educated servitor. I am no one to judge your decisions, however. Very well," Ornias said, any hint of disappointment or unhappiness wiped away in an instant. It straightened its posture momentarily, eyes bored and unfocused as it stared at Harry's forehead in some odd approximation of failed eye contact. "What do you wish to learn?"
"I- am... not sure yet," he said, paused, and then muttered under his breath, quickly; "I'd honestly done this more as practice in demon summoning."
"I did not understand that part," Ornias remarked, lips furrowing.
"You weren't supposed to."
Ornias nodded. "Nevertheless. I obey your commands, summoner, but I can't fulfill your desires if I do not exactly know what they are. If we are to proceed in this manner and make any progress, it'd be wise for you to command me to learn modern English first, or procure a more reliable method of translation."
Harry wanted to facepalm but managed to hold off. "Alright, let's start with this - do you have any reliable methods of concealing yourself?"
"Concealing myself?" Ornias seemed puzzled, eyebrow lifting up in earnest surprise. It clearly hadn't expected anything of the sort. "I... am not certain what manner of concealment you should wish for me to assume, summoner?"
After a lengthy discussion of its capabilities, it promptly turned out that Ornias had excellent skills in manipulating light and other domains related to 'making sure the stars worked correctly,' as it said. As such, it'd be relatively effortless for it to maintain invisibility and evade unwanted attention - still, only to be safe, Harry commanded Ornias to stay within the dungeons, and to not even venture outside the room it had been summoned in unless necessary to avoid the attention of anyone that wasn't Harry.
As soon as the command left Harry's mouth, Ornias attempted to argue, debate, and sway him to retract it. Ornias seemed to detest the concept of staying in such a closed space for any length of time, especially for the majority of its stay - was the demon claustrophobic?
At the end of the day, though, while Harry felt slightly uncomfortable being an accomplice in the psychological maltreatment of a... demon, there weren't many alternatives available to them. Allowing Ornias to roam the Hogwarts grounds or sky was complete idiocy, and Harry could see that even without Geist's prodding advice. Aside from the possibility of the castle's wards detecting a demon of its magnitude flitting around, there was also a chance that someone would notice its presence with a spell that detected life, and then it'd be a complete game over - Hogwarts would be searched, the room would be found, and they'd doubtless figure out that Harry summoned a demon.
Still, Harry had to confess, the prospect of summoning and binding a powerful demon into complete loyalty was something exciting - and now that he'd managed to do it, there were butterflies in his stomach, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle and laugh with giddiness as he left the dungeon behind, practically vibrating with exhilaration. A part of him wished to boast to his friends about the feat of magical prowess, but was quickly squashed by the rational parts of him that screamed in agonized outrage at the very idea; as well as the part of him that swore an oath to be responsible with his new, dark powers.
Anyway, shouldn't we find some better accommodations for Ornias at some point?
A majority of demons do not require food, water, or anything of the sort. They are tool races; made and bred for servitude or work in specific domains. Even though Ornias might seem unhappy about this arrangement, I assure you it must feel content to have a summoner after so long.
Doesn't that go contrary to what you told me about demons not liking being stuck on Earth? Harry's eyes narrowed.
Ah, well...
Harry sighed with bone-deep disappointment. Apparently, the stories and hushed legends about the Dark Lord had been fabricated - he was not a wizard supremacist of any kind, and not even slightly hateful of Muggles. No, apparently, he was a human supremacist, and thought demons ought to serve and make no complaints.
How can you be this bigoted? I'm pretty sure you were more open about House Elves.
There is not one, but an entire, massive set of substantial differences between House Elves and demons, Harry, and it's so big I could talk for an hour about the fine details. For starters, the former weren't born as a species of servants, only made into one.
I'm not having this conversation. And I'm not abusing a demon, either. As soon as I learn everything I've wanted, I'm unchaining Ornias. Harry mused. Or, at least, finding him better accommodations than a dingy basement room.
As he was about to exit the dungeon, Harry encountered a lone, coarse-furred rat standing close to the wall and staring up at him. Almost instantly, Harry noticed its abnormality because most rats were prone to ranting and mumbling to themselves about food, danger, or other things.
"Hello?" he asked, in the squeaking tongue of rodents. "Are you okay? Why are you staring at me?"
It didn't respond to his query - no, it didn't even acknowledge he'd said anything, as though they'd been standing and staring at one another for this entire time. After a second, its head tilted to the left, in clear confusion.
Harry wrinkled his brow, utterly confused. What kind of rat was this? Was it... a fake rat?
He drew his wand and tapped it slowly against the rat's head, curious and afraid at once. "Reveal yourself!"
Nothing happened. Harry sighed and stepped away, and then the rat was suddenly his Transfiguration professor.
"Ah!" Harry stepped back and ignominiously fell on his butt, wand clattering away. "Ow!"
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, our exalted lord and savior, the Chosen One of the British Isles. The boy who survived the Killing Curse when he was several months old. And, who also, lost to a rat animagus turning back into a human.
"Ah, Harry. We don't ordinarily teach the Animagus-Reversion Charm to First-Years, I'm afraid, nor would most of them be able to cast it even if we did. Still, I commend you for a valiant attempt," said Professor Pettigrew, with a small tint of sarcastic amusement. "I've got to ask, what gave me away?"
"You, uh, were staring at me real weird," Harry said, attempting to salvage the secret of his ability to talk to rats.
"I cannot help but notice you were squeaking at me," Professor Pettigrew noted curiously. "Do you normally do that with animals you encounter, when you're alone?"
"I- er, that is, I'm not insane, Professor. I'm, just, uh... uh... a rodent fan?" Harry said, and realized how lame and weak that excuse felt; Professor Pettigrew looked on the verge of bursting into laughter, mouth quivering and face red, only able to maintain his state of tranquility by years of experience as a professional working with children.
"As amusing as this encounter was, Harry," Pettigrew breathed out, "I'll have to ask you to vacate the dungeon now. Normally, I would be obliged to penalize any student wandering in the Hogwarts dungeons at night severely - to punish you with extreme rigor - but I am no stranger to... shall we call it, student eccentricities."
Harry arched an eyebrow, surprised - he thought he was in trouble.
"In return for not docking any points and assigning you multiple days of harsh detention," Pettigrew leaned in, "I'd request that you return the favor, and keep my presence down here a secret from anyone. As far as you know, you never saw Professor Pettigrew in the dungeons. Alright?"
Harry blinked. And then - like any Hogwarts student in his position would - slowly nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other." Pettigrew winked, then transformed back into a rat, and scurried off.
Well, that was weird, Geist commented. I wonder what manner of secret shenanigans he's up to. It's a shame there are no rats around - we could ask them to tail him.
Harry shrugged and continued upstairs, a tad more cautious in his movements, simply in case there might be Professors hiding under the clever guise of stone gargoyles or transformed into owls, or something to that effect.
---
According to your expectations (and hopes) the privacy of your demon-summoning should be relatively safe. At least, for so long as no one makes a thorough search of the dungeon - though even in that case, Ornias should be able to conceal himself.
And speaking of Ornias, make a few decisions --
[ ] Demons Are Tools - He can stay down in the basement until you're done with him.
[ ] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo - Dedicate a portion of your free time to figuring out potential alternatives to Ornias' current accommodations. +Ornias; a happy worker is an efficient worker. However, your grades might suffer.
[ ] Overcome Language Barrier - Make sure that Ornias can speak modern English, first. Makes any learning with Ornias faster in the future.
[ ] Learn Astrology - He can learn English from you at the same time as you learn Astrology from him. Isn't that equivalent exchange?
Is there anything else (miscellaneous) that you'd like to do in October? Maybe investigate what Pettigrew's doing, or question him?
[ ] Write-in
Nothing that Geist might've said would ever be enough to prepare Harry for actual demon summoning. As space crumpled like a ball of paper clenched in a hateful fist above the ritual sketched on the floor, reality itself dilating with cruel twists and disregard for natural logic, Harry's scar burned on his forehead with cattle-brand intensity, enough that he almost doubled over from the pain. A breathless void that Harry couldn't describe had at some point filled the room like water flowing into an empty fish tank, drowning any possibility of warmth or survival.
A hiccup of light, as space tessellated in an incomprehensible, mind-bending array of visual distortions and fractal shapes and colors that made him want to throw up, and promptly, the spatial anomaly spat out something dark and large with seven hundred wings on its back and a hundred eyes bigger than dinner plates, and then everything snapped and folded back on itself, oxygen returning and burning pain fading away in an instant. In place of the ominous figure that Harry had seen a moment ago, what stood in the middle of the room was a person with faintly-glowing alabaster skin, hair like flaxen strings kneaded into braids, golden laurel wreaths resting upon its head, and long ears not dissimilar to those of an elf. It wore nothing save a bedsheet robe of spotlessly white fleece or silk; Harry wasn't sure.
It spoke; a few words in Arabic. As Harry rose back from where he'd knelt from the pain, Geist provided the correct response, and the entity frowned, switching to an old dialect of English, barely comprehensible to Harry's ears, though not problematic with Geist providing a constant font of translation.
"I am upset that you summoned me," Ornias said. "I can no longer hear the heartbeat."
Don't indulge in its stupidity. Just say what you want.
"I want you to teach me Astrology."
"Astrology? Do you mean the practices of the stars and celestial objects and their ties to fate? I'd thought your seniors would know more on this topic; I am merely an educated servitor. I am no one to judge your decisions, however. Very well," Ornias said, any hint of disappointment or unhappiness wiped away in an instant. It straightened its posture momentarily, eyes bored and unfocused as it stared at Harry's forehead in some odd approximation of failed eye contact. "What do you wish to learn?"
"I- am... not sure yet," he said, paused, and then muttered under his breath, quickly; "I'd honestly done this more as practice in demon summoning."
"I did not understand that part," Ornias remarked, lips furrowing.
"You weren't supposed to."
Ornias nodded. "Nevertheless. I obey your commands, summoner, but I can't fulfill your desires if I do not exactly know what they are. If we are to proceed in this manner and make any progress, it'd be wise for you to command me to learn modern English first, or procure a more reliable method of translation."
Harry wanted to facepalm but managed to hold off. "Alright, let's start with this - do you have any reliable methods of concealing yourself?"
"Concealing myself?" Ornias seemed puzzled, eyebrow lifting up in earnest surprise. It clearly hadn't expected anything of the sort. "I... am not certain what manner of concealment you should wish for me to assume, summoner?"
After a lengthy discussion of its capabilities, it promptly turned out that Ornias had excellent skills in manipulating light and other domains related to 'making sure the stars worked correctly,' as it said. As such, it'd be relatively effortless for it to maintain invisibility and evade unwanted attention - still, only to be safe, Harry commanded Ornias to stay within the dungeons, and to not even venture outside the room it had been summoned in unless necessary to avoid the attention of anyone that wasn't Harry.
As soon as the command left Harry's mouth, Ornias attempted to argue, debate, and sway him to retract it. Ornias seemed to detest the concept of staying in such a closed space for any length of time, especially for the majority of its stay - was the demon claustrophobic?
At the end of the day, though, while Harry felt slightly uncomfortable being an accomplice in the psychological maltreatment of a... demon, there weren't many alternatives available to them. Allowing Ornias to roam the Hogwarts grounds or sky was complete idiocy, and Harry could see that even without Geist's prodding advice. Aside from the possibility of the castle's wards detecting a demon of its magnitude flitting around, there was also a chance that someone would notice its presence with a spell that detected life, and then it'd be a complete game over - Hogwarts would be searched, the room would be found, and they'd doubtless figure out that Harry summoned a demon.
Still, Harry had to confess, the prospect of summoning and binding a powerful demon into complete loyalty was something exciting - and now that he'd managed to do it, there were butterflies in his stomach, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle and laugh with giddiness as he left the dungeon behind, practically vibrating with exhilaration. A part of him wished to boast to his friends about the feat of magical prowess, but was quickly squashed by the rational parts of him that screamed in agonized outrage at the very idea; as well as the part of him that swore an oath to be responsible with his new, dark powers.
Anyway, shouldn't we find some better accommodations for Ornias at some point?
A majority of demons do not require food, water, or anything of the sort. They are tool races; made and bred for servitude or work in specific domains. Even though Ornias might seem unhappy about this arrangement, I assure you it must feel content to have a summoner after so long.
Doesn't that go contrary to what you told me about demons not liking being stuck on Earth? Harry's eyes narrowed.
Ah, well...
Harry sighed with bone-deep disappointment. Apparently, the stories and hushed legends about the Dark Lord had been fabricated - he was not a wizard supremacist of any kind, and not even slightly hateful of Muggles. No, apparently, he was a human supremacist, and thought demons ought to serve and make no complaints.
How can you be this bigoted? I'm pretty sure you were more open about House Elves.
There is not one, but an entire, massive set of substantial differences between House Elves and demons, Harry, and it's so big I could talk for an hour about the fine details. For starters, the former weren't born as a species of servants, only made into one.
I'm not having this conversation. And I'm not abusing a demon, either. As soon as I learn everything I've wanted, I'm unchaining Ornias. Harry mused. Or, at least, finding him better accommodations than a dingy basement room.
As he was about to exit the dungeon, Harry encountered a lone, coarse-furred rat standing close to the wall and staring up at him. Almost instantly, Harry noticed its abnormality because most rats were prone to ranting and mumbling to themselves about food, danger, or other things.
"Hello?" he asked, in the squeaking tongue of rodents. "Are you okay? Why are you staring at me?"
It didn't respond to his query - no, it didn't even acknowledge he'd said anything, as though they'd been standing and staring at one another for this entire time. After a second, its head tilted to the left, in clear confusion.
Harry wrinkled his brow, utterly confused. What kind of rat was this? Was it... a fake rat?
He drew his wand and tapped it slowly against the rat's head, curious and afraid at once. "Reveal yourself!"
Nothing happened. Harry sighed and stepped away, and then the rat was suddenly his Transfiguration professor.
"Ah!" Harry stepped back and ignominiously fell on his butt, wand clattering away. "Ow!"
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, our exalted lord and savior, the Chosen One of the British Isles. The boy who survived the Killing Curse when he was several months old. And, who also, lost to a rat animagus turning back into a human.
"Ah, Harry. We don't ordinarily teach the Animagus-Reversion Charm to First-Years, I'm afraid, nor would most of them be able to cast it even if we did. Still, I commend you for a valiant attempt," said Professor Pettigrew, with a small tint of sarcastic amusement. "I've got to ask, what gave me away?"
"You, uh, were staring at me real weird," Harry said, attempting to salvage the secret of his ability to talk to rats.
"I cannot help but notice you were squeaking at me," Professor Pettigrew noted curiously. "Do you normally do that with animals you encounter, when you're alone?"
"I- er, that is, I'm not insane, Professor. I'm, just, uh... uh... a rodent fan?" Harry said, and realized how lame and weak that excuse felt; Professor Pettigrew looked on the verge of bursting into laughter, mouth quivering and face red, only able to maintain his state of tranquility by years of experience as a professional working with children.
"As amusing as this encounter was, Harry," Pettigrew breathed out, "I'll have to ask you to vacate the dungeon now. Normally, I would be obliged to penalize any student wandering in the Hogwarts dungeons at night severely - to punish you with extreme rigor - but I am no stranger to... shall we call it, student eccentricities."
Harry arched an eyebrow, surprised - he thought he was in trouble.
"In return for not docking any points and assigning you multiple days of harsh detention," Pettigrew leaned in, "I'd request that you return the favor, and keep my presence down here a secret from anyone. As far as you know, you never saw Professor Pettigrew in the dungeons. Alright?"
Harry blinked. And then - like any Hogwarts student in his position would - slowly nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other." Pettigrew winked, then transformed back into a rat, and scurried off.
Well, that was weird, Geist commented. I wonder what manner of secret shenanigans he's up to. It's a shame there are no rats around - we could ask them to tail him.
Harry shrugged and continued upstairs, a tad more cautious in his movements, simply in case there might be Professors hiding under the clever guise of stone gargoyles or transformed into owls, or something to that effect.
---
According to your expectations (and hopes) the privacy of your demon-summoning should be relatively safe. At least, for so long as no one makes a thorough search of the dungeon - though even in that case, Ornias should be able to conceal himself.
And speaking of Ornias, make a few decisions --
[ ] Demons Are Tools - He can stay down in the basement until you're done with him.
[ ] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo - Dedicate a portion of your free time to figuring out potential alternatives to Ornias' current accommodations. +Ornias; a happy worker is an efficient worker. However, your grades might suffer.
[ ] Overcome Language Barrier - Make sure that Ornias can speak modern English, first. Makes any learning with Ornias faster in the future.
[ ] Learn Astrology - He can learn English from you at the same time as you learn Astrology from him. Isn't that equivalent exchange?
Is there anything else (miscellaneous) that you'd like to do in October? Maybe investigate what Pettigrew's doing, or question him?
[ ] Write-in
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- Location
- California
[X ] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo
OctarineShrike
Avatar of Mandos
Ornias is someone we can ask about the implications of that Supernova we saw with Neville.
- Location
- California
[X] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo
[X] Ask Ornias about the millenial supernova.
[X] Ask Ornias about the millenial supernova.
- Location
- USA
[x] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo
[x] Learn Astrology
[x] Learn Astrology
Kufufu
Adequate at best
- Location
- What's it to ya?
[X] Ornias Is My New Friend And I Want Him In The Next Family Photo - Dedicate a portion of your free time to figuring out potential alternatives to Ornias' current accommodations. +Ornias; a happy worker is an efficient worker. However, your grades might suffer.
[X] Overcome Language Barrier - Make sure that Ornias can speak modern English, first. Makes any learning with Ornias faster in the future.
[X] Inform Dumbledore of Pettigrew sneaking around in the dungeons.
[X] Overcome Language Barrier - Make sure that Ornias can speak modern English, first. Makes any learning with Ornias faster in the future.
[X] Inform Dumbledore of Pettigrew sneaking around in the dungeons.