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Phenomenal Cosmic Power (Harry Potter/Multicross SI)

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Though without making the homunculus Voldemort doesn't get Harry blood

So does it mean that he will burn like a movie vampire touching a cross when he touches Harry?
 
Pakeha said:
The only other options were Divination, Creatures and Arithmancy. So, either an inept professor who smells of sherry and could spit out an actual prophecy at any time, a class studying creatures that won't exist in the next world, or Math. Magic math, sure, but still Math.
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Cannon arthimancy only talks about divining the future through numbers and the magical relations between numbers. Kinda important.
But not really.
 
A solution for Dumbledore with this could be to advertise "Voldemort" as a dark wizard rallying dark Wizards under a feared villains name.
So we have a dark lord threat of "Voldemort" who is not actually "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named". So the ministry can rally and prepare without having to admit the real Voldemort is back.
 
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Rita Skeeter
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    • "So," Hermione said as we sat on the Hogwarts Express, heading back to London for the Christmas Holidays. "You think You-Know-Who is back?"

    "Back in Britain at least," I said. "I don't think he's got a body though. At least, not yet."

    "Why do you think that?" Luna asked dreamily, still watching the window and the snow-covered landscape fly by. "Wouldn't Dumbledore have told you?"

    "He keeps his secrets," I said with a shrug. "Plus, I'm his apprentice, not his confidant. Still, though, I've seen the signs. The lessons have gone from goblin culture and arithmancy, to curse-breaking and battle magic. Plus, the Daily Prophet has been printing those articles…"

    "I still can't believe that they've just turned on Dumbledore like that," Hermione huffed in frustration. "I mean, calling him a 'fear monger' when he's trying to tell the truth!"

    "My Nan's canceled her subscription," Neville stated. "She said that it's all full of rot."

    "My Dad's started doing articles about how to stay safe if there's another war," Luna added. "He said we have a responsibility to inform the people. Also, what's battle magic? Is it like duelling?"

    "Less standing still and shooting spells, and more moving and transfiguration," I said. "Anyway, have all of you got plans in place in case things go south?"

    Hermione glanced at Neville, who shrugged.

    "My Nan has already strengthened the wards at home," he said. "My Dad's been bugging her about getting them up to code."

    "Nice to know your dad's doing alright," I said with a grin. "Hermione?"

    "I haven't told my parents yet," she said slowly. "I don't want to scare them. Especially if there's a chance You-Know-Who hasn't returned yet-"

    "I recommend you tell them," I said carefully. "Better to give them a heads up instead of springing it on them at an inopportune time."

    Hermione grimaced, but I pretended not to notice. Hopefully, if Voldemort did return, Hermione wouldn't end up resorting to obliviation this time.

    "My Dad's always got the wards on," Luna said when I glanced at her, not even looking away from the window. "Some people just don't like the Quibbler for some reason."

    I frowned, remembering how, in the books, Luna's home was destroyed. Were the wards active then?

    "Have you got any solid reason to think You-know-who's back?" Hermione asked. "I mean, I can understand if Dumbledore is being cautious after Trocar, but that alone doesn't mean he's here, in Britain."

    I looked pointedly at Neville, who sighed.

    "About a week after Halloween," he said, "Seamus mentioned that Harry had woken up in the middle of the night and run off. I can't even remember what we were talking about, but it reminded me of something Carnac had mentioned…"

    "You think Harry saw You-Know-Who in his dream?" Hermione asked nervously.

    Luna turned away from the passing scenery and gave us all an inquisitive look.

    "Harry has a connection to Voldemort through the curse on his scar," I explained, ignoring the flinches at my use of the Dark Lord's name. "In the other time, it allowed him to see what Tommy-no-nose was doing through his dreams. It may not be a solid indication, but together with everything else, it seems like he's back."

    Luna watched me closely with a tilted head. She knew enough about magic to know that a connection between the curser and victim was rare. I didn't think she believed it was the case with Harry for a second, but I was not going to mention Horcruxes.

    My friends didn't need to know about them.

    "You said in the other time, Voldemort got back his body with Harry's blood?" Luna asked, and I sighed, thanking Puck that she wasn't going to call me out on the curse-scar excuse.

    "I'm not too worried about that," I said. "Tom needed to hijack the Triwizard tournament for that to work, and now, Dumbledore knows to keep an eye out for that… although, maybe we could eliminate that risk if he destroys 'the bones of the father.'"

    "I wonder why Dumbledore hasn't told you to keep it secret," Hermione said curiously. "I mean, the magic of a wizarding apprenticeship requires you to keep your master's secrets, and this is all the sort of thing that I'd think Dumbledore wouldn't want you talking about."

    "He probably knows you're all trustworthy," I said, before pausing. "I didn't know that about the apprenticeship."

    "Really?" Hermione asked. "Because I thought you knew… didn't you research it?"

    "I had other things on my mind at the time," I said cautiously. "Are there any other effects of the magic that I should know about?"

    "I mean," Neville spoke up hesitantly, "you know how you used to make all those little remarks about Dumbledore?"

    I stared at him, mind whirring.
    "And now I don't. So the magic stops me from saying bad things about him?"

    "According to the book I read," Hermione said, glancing at Neville, "you can't besmirch his reputation."

    I leaned back against the seat.

    "And you both knew?" I finally asked.

    "Hermione wrote to me about it over the Summer Holidays," Neville said. "We both just assumed you'd look this stuff up on your own."

    Sighing, I shook my head. I should have, but I didn't really comprehend there'd be magical restrictions on my end. I guess, after Trocar's mention of magic being involved, I should have looked into it.

    "Thanks for telling me now," I finally said. "But in the future, can you let me know if you think I'm under the influence of some elder ritual or something."

    "Sorry Carnac," Hermione said softly. "We really thought you'd know."

    I waved her apology off.
    "As I said, just let me know in the future. It's not like I can really do anything about it now anyway…"

    "I'm actually kind of jealous," Hermione said reluctantly. "I mean, not about the bindings, but you're still learning from Dumbledore!"

    "Oh whatever, little miss I-have-a-time-machine-in my pocket," I said playfully.

    "Carnac!" Hermione exclaimed, glaring at me, before glancing at Neville and Luna.

    "Don't worry," Neville said, holding up his hands. "I'm not going to ask."

    "Is this the Tardis thing you were talking about before?" Luna queried.

    "Honestly, Carnac," Hermione said with an exasperated sigh. "How do you even know about Doctor Who?"

    "Why do you think I took Muggle Studies?" I asked with a grin. "Muggle culture is awesome!"

    "I thought you took it to find how magic affects eckeltricity," Neville said with a small grin. "You said you wanted to find out why technology doesn't work in Hogwarts."

    "I found that out in the first week," I said with an eye roll." Turns out some of the wards fry software, and chizpurfles make short work of the rest. Now I'm just there to enjoy the easy class."

    "Chizpurfles" Hermione asked, and Neville turned to her with an even bigger grin.

    "Why, Hermione! don't tell me you haven't read Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests…?"

    ----------------------------------------------------------------

    By the time we got off at Kings Cross, the talk of Voldemort was mostly forgotten and the conversation was solely focused on Lockhart.

    "I wish you had told us!" Hermione said for the umpteenth time as we shuffled onto the platform, luggage floating behind us. "I mean, if I'd known…"

    "Then you wouldn't have kept giving him doe eyes," I said casually.

    "Doe eyes‽" Hermione exclaimed. "Doe eyes‽ Carnac Le Fay, what in Merlin's name do you mean by doe eyes‽"

    Laughing, I strode ahead as Hermione glared at me, muttering about me spending too much time with the twins. If only she knew it was actually Sirius Black that was the bad influence. Then perhaps she'd stop giving him the doe eyes.

    "You have a good Christmas, Hermione," I told her as she glanced at the entryway to the muggle platforms. "I hope you enjoy the present I sent."

    "Yeah, Merry Christmas Hermione," Neville agreed with a grin. "Have a good skiing trip!"

    "Watch out for Tatzelwurms," Luna said dreamily. "I hear they like mountainous areas."

    Hermione's glower slipped away and she laughed.

    "You all have a merry Christmas as well," she said with a smile. "I hope you enjoy the presents I sent you. And, Carnac, next year I'll get you back. Doe eyes indeed!"

    Laughing, we parted ways, Hermione heading to the muggle side, while Neville, Luna, and I made our way through the crowd towards the floo fireplaces.

    We'd just gotten in line, when I spotted a flash of acid green.

    Oh shit!

    "Rita Skeeter, from the Daily Prophet!" the woman said with a wide grin, appearing out of the throngs of people. "I was hoping I could ask a few questions?"

    I schooled my face into an expression of pleasant disinterest, even as I mentally cursed the reporter. I hadn't mentioned her animagus to Dumbledore. How had I forgotten to mention her animagus form to Dumbledore?

    "Certainly," I said with a grin. "I'd be happy to! Although, I do need to catch the floo…"

    "It'll only take a few minutes," Rita said, smiling widely with a flash of gold teeth. Reaching into her handbag, she pulled out a notepad, and the quill that had been lingering behind her flashed forward.

    I fought to keep my smile up. I couldn't leave, and I couldn't tell her to bugger off without repercussions. All I could do was limit my interaction and try to control how she portrayed me.

    "So, Carnac, may I call you Carnac? What can you tell us about Professor Dumbledore's recent claims about You-Know-Who's return?"

    "Well, Rita," I said slowly, trying to think how to phrase my response. "As I'm sure you're aware, recently a vampire by the name of Trocar resurfaced-"

    "-The one who taught Defence three years ago?" Rita quickly asked, quill scribbling away.

    "Yes, although I don't know the circumstances of his hiring. He made some rather bold claims about approaching You-Know-Who's followers in an attempt to return him to power-"

    "-So, Professor Dumbledore hired a dark creature who sympathises with You-Know-Who's cause?" Rita queried.

    So that was her angle. How in Puck's name could I turn it around?

    "I think it'd be more correct to say that the Dark Creature in question weaselled his way into the Defence position by taking advantage of Headmaster Dumbledore's charitable nature-"

    "-So you're saying Professor Dumbledore wasn't properly screening applicants for the Defence position?" Rita cut in again. "Which lead to cases like the recent debacle with Lockhart that has just resolved."

    Well… she did have a point there. Let's try something different.

    Giving a brief gesture for Neville and Luna to go, I turned to fully face Rita Skeeter, only for a camera flash to blind me as her lackey took the opportunity to snap a shot.

    "Miss Rita," I said with as genuine a tone I could, blinking to try and regain my vision. "May I ask you a question?"

    "Sure," she said offhandedly, more intent on reading what her quill was scribbling away.

    "Does it bug you that Trocar is skittering around in the shadows, riling up Dark witches and Wizards?"

    Rita Skeeter looked up with a start, staring at me with a piercing gaze, before slowly nodding.

    "Certainly," she said.

    "I mean," I continued, ignoring her tentative expression, "he's already causing the Ministry, to turn against their own Chief Warlock with stories about the return of You-Know-Who. It seems to me that he wants the government to be in turmoil…"

    I stopped talking as Rita nodded, picking her quill out of the air and crossing out whatever had been written.

    "You think Trocar is a rabble-rouser?" she asked. "Trying to cause disturbance within the ministry by spreading lies?"

    "It's only natural Headmaster Dumbledore would believe You-Know-Who's back," I added, stepping towards the fireplace. "I mean, he's been saying You-Know-Who's gone, not dead for years. This is the first time someone has come forward to confirm his suspicions."

    "Hmm," Rita hummed, watching me curiously. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Le Fay," she said with a flash of teeth. "I won't keep you any longer."

    "You have a good afternoon, Miss Skeeter," I said, grabbing a pinch of floo powder and stepping into the fireplace. "La Maison Le Fay. Guernsey."

    Stumbling out the other side, I took a deep breath.

    That could have gone worse.

    Taking another steadying breath, I stood up straight, glancing around the kitchen to see if anyone was around before sighing.
    I'd used up my blackmail. She knew that I knew she was an animagus.

    I needed to let Dumbledore know about her. I needed to get her before she began digging up my secrets.

    I just hoped being an illegal animagus would put her in Azkaban for a while.

    All I really needed was it to be long enough for me to finish my time in this world.
     
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    • Pakeha said:
    "I mean, the magic of a wizarding apprenticeship requires you to keep your master's secrets, and this is all the sort of thing that I'd think Dumbledore wouldn't want you talking about."
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    But it isn't really Dumbledore's secret.

    He knew this before becoming an apprentice, and it doesn't pertain to Dumbledore himself.
     
    I'd say that none of those were Dumbledore's secrets. They were his secrets that he shared with Dumbledore. I can see him just wanting time to go faster. His first thought about being sold was correct. He never really did trust Albus. Now, he can't say anything against him. Rita should have known better. Then again he was being sneaky.

    I could see him goofing with her. It wouldn't take much for her to you know actually register. It might turn out that no one actually checks the registry. It'd be much safer for her to be registered and not have to worry about things.

    I feel sorry for him. Anything and everything that he has attempted to do has utterly failed. About the only thing of any value that he will end up with is his basic Hogwart's education. Half of that like the plants, animals, and potions would be useless long term though.

    I can see him hating the vampire guy. He was done. He had informed Albus. He had nothing else to do or could really add anything. Then what happened? The asshole just had to stir the pot and decide to burn things down himself.

    At this point, he is more around the center of the plot but has no plot armor or ability to change anything for the better. He is in a terrible place to be.

    He hasn't really tried convincing his friends that much that Tom is back. Look how much they don't really believe him. Hermione certainly isn't going to be bringing it to her parent's attention. Nope, no way. If he has this much trouble, it should just discourage him. Heck, he has a better relationship with Hermione than Harry ever did, and she doesn't want to believe him.

    This isn't even out in public or anything. This is privately them in a train cabin among themselves. She can't believe him. If he can't convince her to support him, he isn't going to gain any other allies. No forming the DA for him.
     
    A lesson in battle magic
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    • "Carnac, welcome back. I trust you had a good holiday?"

    "Yeah," I said, looking around Dumbledore's office to try and get an idea of what we'd be doing today. "It was pretty good. Just spent time at home with my family."

    "That's good to hear," Dumbledore said, standing up. "For today's lesson, I felt it'd be more appropriate to practice elsewhere. I am rather attached to my office, and what I have planned for today is a bit more destructive than normal."

    "What am I learning?" I asked as Dumbledore wandlessly opened a small doorway tucked behind a bookcase, a gestured for me to follow.

    "I thought it'd be an idea to practice battle magic," Dumbledore said, as we began to walk down the spiral staircase. "You're improving in leaps and bounds on the transfiguration side, but I want to see how you go up against an opponent. Namely, me."

    Grinning, I picked up the pace. I'd been busy over the holidays, and while I was still waiting for the storm so I could complete my animagus ritual, I had managed to get my hands on the family grimoire to do a private ritual of my own.

    "I must commend you for your handling of miss Skeeter," Dumbledore said as we reached the bottom of the stairwell, turning to me with a slight smile. "Not many can say they've made her 'change her tune' so to speak. Although, with your hint about her animagus form, I'm sure she was most happy to change her story to something a little less confrontational."

    "She literally called you a misguided old fool who was hoodwinked by a vampire's story," I pointed out dryly. "How is that not confrontational?"

    "I've been called worse," Dumbledore said with a tight smile, turning back to the wall before him to tap an off-colour brick. "Miss Skeeter has been trying to bring me down for years now. Thankfully it appears she's kept you out of it."

    As the wall shimmered and changed into an oak door, I rolled my eyes. Just because Rita was singing my praises by calling me 'a prodigious wizard' didn't mean I wasn't going to crush her if I caught her animagus form creeping around. It was actually a little terrifying how quickly she'd spun her story out of thin air, and how fast the public opinion had changed.

    "Are you going to level the illegal animagus accusation against her any time soon?" I asked hesitantly as we stepped out into the empty hallway.

    "I won't be able to do anything about her for a little while, unfortunately," Dumbledore said, shooting me a sorrowful look. "My position is tenuous at best, and I'm only now beginning to mend the rift between me and the Minister thanks to Miss Skeeter's article. If I began levelling accusations against her immediately afterwards, people may begin to find that suspicious. And I'm sure we don't want another repeat of Lockhart's trial."

    Scowling, I followed as Dumbledore picked a direction and set off, his teal robes swirling behind him as he hurried along.
    He had a point. That didn't mean I had to be happy about it.

    "There is good news though," he said cheerfully as we walked. "As I'm sure you heard, the trial with Lockhart has been extradited to Germany, and with several of his past victims healthy enough to appear in court, the charges should stick."

    "That's good, I guess," I said, still peeved about Dumbledore's logic.

    "Quite," Dumbledore said with a small chuckle. "In addition, the Cup is now destroyed."

    I glanced at him and he smiled serenely at me, eyes twinkling.

    "How did you manage that," I asked curiously, glancing around to check for listeners. Beyond a few portraits, I didn't have to worry. Everyone reasonable was huddled somewhere warm.

    "By exploiting a few loopholes," Dumbledore replied. "Bellatrix was a Black at one point. As such, the Black house-elf, Kreacher, was still allowed to visit her vault. Not to take anything out, mind you, but he still had access. All we needed to do was give him a goblin dagger soaked in basilisk venom and voilà! Another Horcrux is dealt with!"

    Dumbledore stopped before the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy, and, nodding slowly, I turned to the stone wall of the corridor. I hadn't used the Room of Requirement for a while, but I guess Dumbledore felt it was the best place to have our lesson today.

    "I've asked a professional at exorcising possessed individuals to come to Britain to try and help Harry," the headmaster continued, ignoring my pointed glance at the wall. "He's planned his arrival to coincide with this Summer's Quidditch World Cup. Partially to throw off suspicion, and partially due to the muggle conflicts in the Balkins keeping him busy for the moment. Once Harry is free of the soul fragment, we'll move on to the ring."

    I hummed in approval. Good to know all that was going down. I just hoped Voldemort would be as easily dealt with.

    As I watched the wall, I heard Dumbledore pacing. Before me, the stone and mortar began to flatten, and smooth as the texture of oaken wood spilled across the surface, forming into planks, as iron bracings swirled across the newly formed door.

    "Now," Dumbledore said, pushing open the large door wandlessly. "Today's lesson is simple."

    I followed him inside, to find a massive room. Heaps of broken chairs, desks, and lecterns were piled haphazardly in the corners, ringing a large open area in the centre.

    "Your task," Dumbledore said, turning to face me, "is to hit me with a spell. I want you to focus on using the magic I've taught you. If you manage to achieve that, then we'll go again, except I'll fight back. This will continue until we run out of time. Now, begin!"

    Blinking slightly at the rather succinct lesson plan, I grinned, baring my teeth.

    Dumbledore simply stood there before the slowly fading doorway. Smiling merrily.

    Mind racing at how to go about this, I flicked my hand, allowing my wand to appear from its holster.

    "Vocar Canid!" I said, gesturing at the nearest pile of furniture, and in a flash of magic, a hound leapt forward from the collapsing heap, bearing its teeth at Dumbledore.

    As the hound bounded forward, I created another, but as soon as the first one lunged, Dumbledore casually waved his arm and the summoning was severed in two, clattering across the tile floor in a shower of splintered wood as the magic ceased.

    "Vocar Arktos" I intoned, the spell splashing against a table behind Dumbledore even as the second hound lunged. Ending the dog with a slash of his wand, he spun around to face a bear as it erupted from the furniture, sending a chair-leg through the beast's chest, and spinning in a swirl of robes to block my three next jinxes with a shield.

    "Remember," Dumbledore called as I paused for a gasping breath, "transfiguration will only serve as a distraction against a capable wizard!"

    My next spell sparked against his shield, and he made a show of dropping it, watching me closely.

    "Ardere Armos!" I yelled, forcing the spell to move faster than its normal limitations, even as I wordlessly summoned the mound of furniture behind the headmaster.

    The wood slammed into his shield, making him step back, yet he still managed to spin and divert my stunning spell, only to be wreathed in smoke and sparks as the furniture began to combust.

    I almost cast Ignisium to cause a conflagration, but paused. Before I could follow through with the spell, tendrils of water shot out of the haze of sparks.

    "Kryono!" I shouted, overpowering the spell, and instantly the temperature dropped.

    Dumbledore in return, swept the water aside, redirecting my bombarda with ease, spraying wood everywhere.

    I paused again. I was getting too caught up in the fight… crushing that feeling, I took a steadying breath. If Dumbledore wanted it to end, he'd end it.

    "Avis!" I said through gritted teeth, pouring magic into my wand. Instantly, yellow birds and smoke blasted out, swirling upwards, before diving at Dumbledore.

    With a flick of his wand, the first twenty of the flock were crushed against the tiles, allowing me a clear shot for my wordless spell to sail cleanly through.

    Dumbledore's shield was up instantly, but instead of hitting his defence, the reparo sparked against a chunk of wood in front of him, and around him, the fragments of furniture began to zip forward.

    I saw him wince, before he waved his wand, loudly coughing out "Depulso!"

    The force pushed me back, peppering me with splinters even as I spat out my final spell. Instantly, all the wood fragments and birds, and smoke around Dumbledore were evicted from the centre of the room.

    Dumbledore breathed out just as my Levicorpus hit him in the chest, and across his robes, runes blazed into existence, before slowly fading away.

    He stared at me for a long moment, in surprise, before smiling.

    "Well done, my boy," he said, letting out a deep breath. "I must say, I didn't expect quite such a workout today. I don't believe I've seen that bear spell before-"

    "Oh, that is bullshit!" I stated angrily, still high on adrenaline and the desire to fight. "You mean this whole time you've been wearing enchanted fucking robes! I mean! Fucking how the Puck damned heck am I supposed to beat you in a fight if your…" I trailed off. This wasn't a fight. This was a lesson. A lesson that I'd barely passed.

    "Did you expect me to come without some additional protection?" Dumbledore asked. "After all, I didn't know what you would throw at me."

    I stared at the man incredulously. I needed to find out how to enchant my clothes like that.

    "It's a good thing I was wearing them as well," Dumbledore continued, waving his wand over the still-smouldering furniture to end the smoke. "I don't think anyone here wanted to see a successful levicorpus… Also, Carnac, you're floating."

    I glanced down with a start. I was hovering a meter off the ground. Quickly, I dropped to the floor. I must have done that when I was hit by the depulso. Gritting my teeth, I glanced at Dumbledore, who was ignoring me, in favour of examining the repaired chair I'd tried hit him with. I hadn't meant to show off my ability to fly. I'd wanted to keep it a secret!

    "Overall," Dumbledore said after a small eternity, "I'd say you did quite well for a first attempt. You did a spectacular job of manipulating the environment and putting me on the defensive, although I'll need to teach you how to counteract someone who uses apparition. Beyond that, my only critique, for now, is that it would be better to use Glacius instead of Kryono. It'll be less draining on your magic that way."

    I breathed out, feeling worn. I'd given it my all and managed to come out on top. If only just.

    "You do realise now," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly, "that the gloves are off now?" He gave me a genial smile. "I advise you to focus on avoidance."

    I grimaced, looking around for somewhere to take cover.

    Puck damn it!
     
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    • Looks like Carnac has some berserker tendencies there. Or just a lot of repressed anger and stress in need of an outlet...
     
    The animagus ritual
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    • Mid-April found me hiking across the moors above Hogsmeade, following Sirius Black further into the Scottish highlands as dark clouds swirled overhead.

    "Nervous?" Sirius asked, barely audible above the rain.

    "Kind of scared about being struck by lightning," I said, wiping some water from my eyes and glancing up as thunder rumbled.

    "Don't worry about that," Sirius said dismissively. "The fulgurite I gave you should prevent any accidental smitings."

    "Should," I repeated dryly, clutching the small tube of lightning-formed glass. "I feel so much safer already."

    "I swear you weren't this sarcastic when I met you," Sirius chuckled.

    I didn't deem to answer.

    "You got any idea of what you're going to be?" Sirius eventually queried. "You said whatever you were was either a corvid or a mustelid…"

    "Did you end up looking up what those meant?" I asked.

    "Yeah," Sirius said in exasperation. "You didn't need to be so vague about it!"

    "And you could have told me about Mandrake being a hallucinogenic," I shot back.

    "I said I was sorry!" Sirius complained. "I didn't think you'd make a big deal out of it!"

    I rolled my eyes but stayed silent. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to even think about the ritual and all the ways it could go wrong.

    "So," Sirius persevered, "do you think you'll be a badger? A ferret? A crow? A magpie? An otter-"

    "Can we just not talk about this?" I interrupted. "I mean…" I took a deep breath, centring my thoughts. "I don't know. I think I'm going to be a mustelid, but I'll be happy if the ritual even works."

    "You'll be fine," Sirius said reassuringly. "You're more prepared than my friends and I were when we did this… you know what? I think you'll be a honey badger. Or maybe a wolverine. You just seem so snappish lately."

    I ignored the jab. I wouldn't mind being a honey badger. They were awesome.

    "I heard your friend walked out on Professor Trelawney the other day," Sirius eventually said, changing the subject as we tried to pick our way through a patch of stunted gorse. "You know anything about that?"

    "Are you trying to get student gossip from me?" I asked incredulously.

    "Well," Sirius shrugged, "yeah."

    "She was annoyed Trelawney was doing a shit job teaching," I said shortly. "And with the exams coming up, she felt it was best to focus on worthwhile classes. My friends and I have convinced her to drop Care for Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies as well. Hopefully, she'll have an easier time with only two electives instead of five."

    "Good to hear," Sirius said. "I was talking to Harry, and he said he's thinking of walking out on Divination as well. Professor Trelawney apparently keeps predicting his ultimate demise."

    I nodded, readjusting my scarf, and casting another waterproofing charm. She was a fraud. A fraud with the occasional accurate prophecy, but still a fraud. Harry would do well to find a worthwhile class.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------

    "Here should be good," Sirius eventually said, stopping in a spot clear of heather.

    Taking a deep breath, I looked around. In the valley below, I could just make out the lights of Hogsmeade through the curtains of rain. This place would probably have a nice view if it wasn't in the middle of a storm.

    "Alright," Sirius said, facing me, suddenly very serious. "You know what to do. Keep calm, don't show fear, and remember, I'm here."

    I nodded, dismissing all my worries and doubts. If I failed, I was screwed, regardless of what Sirius could do. If I panicked, my mind would be overwhelmed by the animal I wanted to become, and I'd become a permanent addition to St Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward.

    Taking another deep breath, I pulled out the potion vial. It was too late to back out now.

    As thunder rumbled above, I placed my wand tip against my heart and spoke the magic words.

    "Amato Animo Animato Animagus."

    Uncapping the flask, I tipped it back, swallowing the slimy mixture in one gulp.

    There was a moment where I felt confused. That was easy. Too easy. Then a fiery pain blossomed from my chest.

    I felt itchy and hot, despite the rain. My heart was beating too fast. The air smelled of ozone, and I felt something in my mind, a second set of thoughts, that seemed to be as focused on me as I was on it.

    As calmly as I could, I concentrated on the thoughts that weren't mine. They were scared and panicky. Instincts to fight. To Bristle fur and bare teeth.

    I stayed calm, and slowly, the thoughts felt less foreign. A tilted head of curiosity. An inquisitive sniff. They felt as natural as an eye roll or a smile.

    Opening my eyes again, I found myself in the storm once more. Balancing on my hind legs, I glanced around. I was smaller than before. Weird.

    "Good job kid," Sirius said, and I had to subdue against the animalistic instinct to bare my teeth at the large thing with forward-facing eyes (Predator! Fight!).

    Forcing down the impulse, I slowly glanced around, turning away from Sirius (Danger!) to look at my surroundings through new eyes. Everything seemed more intense, from the smell of crushed heather to the sounds… Twitching my ears, I listened as Sirius shifted from one foot to the other on the wet grass, and as something moved through the gorse a little way away.

    Chittering slightly, I focused on the next bit of the ritual. The bit about changing back.

    Picturing my prior form, I tried to concentrate, tuning out the roar of rain and the feeling of cold water on my nose.

    The sounds and smells dulled, until, once more, I opened my eyes, to see Sirius Black standing before me. Grinning.

    "First try!" he said. "You got it on the first try! It took James a whole hour to turn back into a human!"

    Frowning, I glanced around. It was so strange. I had little instincts that didn't apply to my human form. I couldn't twitch my ears, or bristle my fur.

    "What was I?" I asked, again, examining with vague curiosity the way it felt to speak. How had I not noticed how weird vocal cords felt before? "How long before the instincts stop?"

    "You're doing better than Pet… Pettigrew," Sirius said, a small frown darting across his face. "You were a mustelid. Some sort of otter, or mink. As for the instincts, well, some will always bleed through, but the way you're handling it, I'd say it'll be a week, tops, before you have them mostly under control."

    I glanced around again, not looking at Sirius's face. It was going to be a rough week if my instincts screamed danger every time I saw an animal with forward-facing eyes.

    "Let's get back to Hogwarts before it gets dark," Sirius said eventually. "It'll probably be a good idea to wait a little while before turning back into your animagus form. Just give yourself a chance to get used to your new instincts first. After that, we can figure out exactly what you are, and train you in how to change form without a wand."

    "Sounds good," I said, stepping forward and twitching as my instincts screamed that my hind legs weren't meant to work like that!

    It was going to be a long week.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Theriac
  • Threadmarks
    • Tossing and turning, Harry tried to get to sleep. Unfortunately, even with the sound dampening charms on the curtains of his poster bed, he could still hear the rumble of thunder and the beating of rain against the window.

    After what felt like an hour, he sat up, rubbing his eyes and reaching for his glasses. He wasn't going to get to sleep any time soon.

    Quietly padding downstairs to the Gryffindor common room, he took a seat before the fire, staring at the glowing embers, deep in thought.

    There was just something about Carnac Le Fay. The first Harry had heard of the older Hufflepuff was when he'd gotten petrified last year, leaving Harry with the blame, and ever since then, he'd been keeping a closer eye on the older year, and he couldn't help feel something was off about him.

    There were rumours about him. Things like the theories about Quirrell, and stories about the prior Vampiric Defence Professor, that somehow seemed to be tied to Carnac, but whenever Harry asked how, people just shrugged, mentioning the talk of portraits and ghosts.

    Then there were the events of last year, when Carnac's followers, Neville and Hermione, seemed intent on blaming Harry!

    Sighing, Harry Potter rubbed his aching forehead. When Colin Creevey had mentioned that Carnac was Professor Dumbledore's apprentice, Harry had just thrown his hands up and followed Ron's example of dropping it. But now though…

    Kneading his stinging scar with his palm, Harry thought back on today's events.

    He'd overheard Sirius talking with Carnac, planning something, so he'd gotten his invisibility cloak.

    Sighing, Harry closed his eyes, leaning back into the chair.

    He'd followed them, as they set off into the storm. He'd been worried he'd lose his cloak in the wind or get struck by lightning, but he still followed them. He'd needed to know what was going on.

    Then he saw the animagus ritual.

    Carnac had become an animagus. Just like Sirius. Just like his father.

    As sleep consumed him, Harry dwelled on one final question; Why was Carnac Le Fay special enough to be taught that?

    "My Lord, the theriac is almost ready."

    Opening his eyes, Harry watched coldly as the Carrow twins added the final ingredients to the cauldron. A dash of gold dust, a pinch of powdered coral, and most importantly, the vial of basilisk venom from France.

    "That'll cure us?" Scabior asked hesitantly, picking at the decaying flesh on their forearm. Harry decided, that, to cease the man's complaining, it was worth the effort of the reply.

    "Yes," he said, forcing the words out of Scabior's mouth. "The theriac shall do what the unicorn blood could not. It shall heal our body and soul."

    'And then I shall have no more need for you,' he mentally added.

    Scabior whimpered in reply, rubbing his stiff jaw, and Harry felt like snarling. Weak. So weak. Supplying his body was all this vermin was good for.

    "My Lord," Amycus said softly. "It's done. The witching hour will soon be upon us, and the storm is at its peak. Shall we begin?"

    Slowly, he stood, ignoring Scabior's mental scream of anguish as decaying flesh stretched and pustules burst.

    "Yes. Let us begin," Voldemort said with a cold smile.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Finishing fourth year.
  • Threadmarks
    • "Avis," Neville repeated, giving his wand a flick.

    "Not quite," I said as we slowly made our way towards the main entrance, and the waiting carriages. "Your wand movement isn't quite right. It needs to be more like the letter 'm.'

    "Avis," Neville repeated, and his wand banged loudly, sending out a cloud of smoke and yellow feathers.

    "Better," I laughed. "Keep it up and you'll be able to summon a flock and make it chase Malfoy!"

    Neville grinned at me happily.

    "Did you learn this from Professor Dumbledore?" he asked. "Have you used it in your training?"

    "Nah," I said, waving at a few of the friendlier paintings as we passed by. "I picked the spell up from a charms book. It's a sixth-year spell, so it's pretty impressive that you can already summon feathers."

    "But do you use it in your lessons?" Neville insisted, watching me closely.

    "Not anymore," I said nodding to a few passing classmates. "Every time I try that trick now, Dumbledore just summons up wind, or depulsos them into oblivion. I'm thinking of trying 'Exorior Pyraustus.' It summons a bunch of tiny draconic insects."

    "Can you show me?" Neville asked, wide-eyed, and I laughed. Despite him being the level-headed one, I kept forgetting he was still a kid.

    "I still need to learn it," I said with a smile. "But on the train, I'll show you what I'm working on with depulso. I'm trying to use it to propel myself faster, but I need to find a way to ease the pressure on my arms."

    "Just invent a new spell," Neville said with an eye-roll. "It'll probably be easier than deforming existing spells."

    "Deforming?" I asked. "I don't deform spells!"

    "You turned a cooling spell into an ice spell," Neville said flatly. "You did that, when glacius is something that you were taught in third year."

    "Point taken," I said reluctantly. "But in my defence, I didn't know about glacius before, and I still think that Kryono feels more natural."

    "Good morning Mr. Longbottom. Mr. Le Fay."

    The two of us glanced up in shock to see Dumbledore standing in an alcove, watching us with twinkling eyes.

    "Mr. Longbottom," he said. "Looking forward to your Summer? I heard your parents were released last week, although I haven't had a chance to speak with them. They were rather good friends of mine, until we understandably fell out of touch."

    Neville stared at the headmaster, wide-eyed, before stealing a quick glance my way.

    "I do apologise," Dumbledore continued, "but I'll need to borrow Mr. Le Fay for a minute. Please give your parents my regards. I'll try and pop around sometime soon for tea and scones."

    Neville made a strangled noise, glancing at me once more before hurrying off. I turned to Dumbledore with a raised eyebrow.
    "That boy has a bright future," he said, watching Neville go. "His parents were brilliant magic users, and I always wondered what would happen if they had the chance to raise their son… I suppose now we'll find out."

    "Yeah," I agreed. "He's progressing in leaps and bounds. Although, I think he'd be more happy tending to the plants than casting spells."

    "Indeed?" Dumbledore asked. "A worthwhile profession to pursue. Young Mr. Longbottom's already rediscovered moly, so I'm sure his skills in the field will only lead to more breakthroughs."

    I nodded, not bothering to correct Dumbledore on who'd discovered moly. Neville could have the fame for this one. I didn't want the attention.

    "I did come here for more than simple chit-chat, though," Dumbledore said, glancing at me. "Although, from what I overheard, I'll need to brush up on my spellwork if I'm to keep winning our little matches-"

    "Is Tom back?" I asked bluntly, staring at Dumbledore.

    He gaped at me.

    "Yes," he said. "He's back. How did you know?"

    "I've known since Halloween," I said. "The fact you've been training me for something is pretty obvious."

    Dumbledore opened his mouth again as if about to say something, before closing it. More secrets. Why he was still keeping them from me, I couldn't figure.

    "I was actually here to discuss your animagus form," he said. "Have you figured out what it is on your own?"

    "No," I said with a frown. "It's not like any of the creatures described in the zoology books I've read."

    "I have a sneaking suspicion that I know what it is," Dumbledore said. "Would you mind changing into it? I've only seen Sirius's memories so far, and I'd like to see your animagus form for myself to be sure I'm right."

    I glanced around to make sure no one else was in the corridor with us, before shrugging. Slowly, I shrunk, my robes becoming a fur coat and my mind filling with a stream of animal thoughts and impulses.

    Standing on all four feet, I spun around, before seating myself before Dumbledore, tail twitching slightly.

    "Ah," Dumbledore said happily. "I do believe I was correct in my assumption. You're an ichneumon, Carnac."

    I tried to ask what in Puck's name an ichneumon was, only for it to come out as a chitter. I settled for quirking my head.

    "It's been a while since I've heard of something like this," Dumbledore said. "There are tales of wizards whose animagus forms were wurms or griffins, but they're rare…"

    I chittered again, trying to express my annoyance at how he was waffling on, and thankfully, Dumbledore got the message.

    "I apologise, my boy," he said. "You're probably wondering exactly what an ichneumon is."

    I huffed in agreement.

    "It's actually rather amusing," Dumbledore continued, and I resisted the urge to bare my teeth. "Ichneumon are known as slayers of dragons, snakes, and crocodiles, and one of the few things that can survive the gaze of the cockatrice. It certainly has parallels to your attack on the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets."

    I tilted my head. Slayer of dragons? That was an interesting title. Hopefully, it wasn't an indication of things to come.

    "From what I've heard," Dumbledore continued, "Ichneumon roll in mud, allowing it to dry, to use as armour, aided by a bit of natural magic of course. Fascinating creatures… I do believe India is a large contributor to the pet trade of them."

    In a flash, I was back in human form, staring at Dumbledore.

    "I think I'd prefer avoiding life as a pampered pet, thank you very much," I said.

    "Yes," Dumbledore replied, eyes twinkling, "I've also heard ichneumon are fierce and willing to fight to the death. Traits I do hope you can temper."

    "So they have natural magic?" I asked. "Mud magic?"

    "Some rudimentary form of enchanting," Dumbledore said, watching me closely. "We'll spend time on that next year. I'm a bit of an amateur at it myself, as you've probably figured by all the knick-knacks in my office, but I think it'll be exciting to see if any of the latent abilities of your animagus form bleed through as talent."

    I nodded slowly, mind racing. There were so many possibilities open to me now.

    "Whatever the case," Dumbledore said, "I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy your Summer, Carnac."

    "Thanks!" I said cheerfully, "you too!"

    As I walked away, my mind was racing. I wouldn't be waiting until next year to try my hand at enchanting. I knew all the basics already after all.

    Things were actually going right for me for once. I hadn't spent the end of the year in the Infirmary, I'd learnt some new skills, and there was no new news about Voldemort.

    My life was looking good.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Pakeha said:
    dragons, snakes, and crocodiles, and one of the few things that can survive the gaze of the cockatrice. It certainly has parallels to your attack on the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets."

    I tilted my head. Slayer of dragons
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Hmm, might have to do with how you used Weasel urine to slay the Snake. Also, some funny connotations for when you get to Percy Jackson universe. You'll be waylaid constantly by Egyptian Crocodiles, or 1v1 Renegade Dragons.

    Edit:
    It's also a real animal, but not the mystical creature irl( or maybe there's two species in this universe?)
    en.m.wikipedia.org

    Ichneumon (medieval zoology) - Wikipedia

    en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
     
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    "My life was looking good"

    *buzzes the intercom* Mr. Murphy? Your Ten'o'clock is here to see you, sir, shall I let him through?
     
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