Shadow of the Snake Chapter 4
Disclaimer : I do not own Harry Potter or anything else I may have used.
Author's Notes : So, not everybody liked the ravens. That's alright, I wasn't really looking forward to making them sentient deities or whatnot. Anyways, enjoy!
"The train at platform 2 is currently boarding. All passengers please mind the train doors. The train will be leaving for London Marylebone at 10:00 am." A gentle voice announced throughout the station as commuters or travelers messily walked to their destinations.
Harry stood within the maelstrom of people and luggage, staring at the ticket. The train he was supposed to board appeared to be in the platform 9¾. Now, though he might not have traveled by train a lot, well never, Harry was pretty sure a platform with a numerical fraction did not exist.
Huginn and Muninn had opted to explore the station and flew away the moment Harry stepped into King's Cross station. Harry wasn't worried. During the remaining month he had lived in St. Margaret's Orphanage, they had frequently took to the skies but always returned before the night.
The boy turned towards platform 9, deducing that he would probably get some form of a hint there. The sleek leather handle on his briefcase was comfortable in his hand. It weighed as though nothing was in it, even though it had around 20kg worth of books in them.
Harry had returned to Diagon's alley a week after his first trip. The books he had purchased were all already been finished and absorbed. The theories within were very intriguing, the information limited within was just too lacking for Harry's taste. In order to accommodate his desire for knowledge, Harry went and purchased over 30 more books at Flourish and Blotts.
The thick tomes containing many theories of the respective masters of their arts. Spell books contained various spells used for various situations. Though he was unfortunately not allowed to perform any of those. Elementary Potions & Detailed guide on their ingredients was a fascinating read.
Unlike his first year Potions course book, Magical Drafts and Potions, Elementary Potions & Detailed guide on their ingredients contained a far more detailed and in depth study into the ingredients and their distinctive effects. Many information about how an ingredient contributed to the potion's effectiveness or how an ingredient magnified another potion's effectiveness such as the Solar Bloom flower which turns a regular Wildfire potion into a blazing inferno. He also found that the book was targeting a specific audience, Grade 1 brewers.
After dissecting the text word by word, Harry had a comprehensive understanding of most basic potions as well as their ingredients. He had later found the next book written by the same author, Apprentice Potions & Detailed guide on their ingredients. Apparently, Potion brewers had a mastery system within the Wizarding World.
A Grade 1 brewer would be classified as a novice. Most novices would be students four or more years into their education, or a recent graduate interested in the field of Potion Brewing. A Potion NEWTs student would be classified as a Novice accordingly.
Grade 2 - 3 brewers were classified as apprentices. Novices who had gained a certain level in Potions can be taken on as apprentices by Potion Masters. A Grade 3 brewing level could be earned through the recognition of their mentors.
While a Grade 4 brewer were classified as Masters. In order to be fully recognized as a Potion Master, a mastery must first be attained of course. A mastery could be attained after pending by the National Potions Association. Requirements are as follows : An original Potion thesis, brewing ability judged by a panel of impartial Potion Masters, acknowledgment from a certified Potions Master willing to vouch for his apprentice's ability.
After a mastery has been acquired, the new Potions Master would receive a Bronze Cauldron certification. Two more levels can then be attained, Silver and Gold, with significant contributions to the field of Potions.
A Grade 5 brewer, the highest grade, were classified as Grand Masters. To be even eligible for consideration, one would have to be a Potion Master with a Gold Cauldron certification. A school must be set up in one's name and have 5 apprentices at least. Invention of a Grade 5 potion, tested and checked, as well as at least 20 years of experience total and 10 years of experience as a Potions Master.
In all of Wizarding History, only 5 have achieved the rank of Grand Master. Founder of the elite and exclusive French Potions Guild Le Chaudron Noir (The Black Cauldron), Alexandre Noir. The two co-founders of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Mungo Bonham and Edgar Hargrave.
Legendary alchemist, Nicolas Flamel, creator of the single Philosopher's Stone in existence as well as co-founder of Allester University of Magic. And finally, the inventor of at least a quarter of the total number of potions in existence, infamous for the creation of hundreds of dark potions and poisons : Vance Warwick Blackwood, founder of the elusive dark guild, Phantom Riders.
In addition, Harry purchased a dozen more spell books. One of them was very unique indeed. Written by a Italian dueling champion who reigned over the international dueling circuit for 8 years, Chiamare Gli Elementi (Calling The Elements) was a tome filled with his teachings.
The first half contained an analyzed and broken down study of elemental spells, teaching what is elemental spells exactly. While the second half was composed of a list of every elemental spell, and a few other extras, the author had learned. Although the last page of the book did say every spell with the exception of his most devastating ones.
Harry had practiced the wand motions and everything that was required to launch these spells over and over, and was confident that the first time he tried would be a success.
Another book that caught his attention was a battle manual written by an American wizard who was once part of a Mage squad working for the American government. It's crude title did the manual no justice. Stick Them with the Pointy End was an excellent book that taught the importance of movement and tactics during a duel. The author had specifically emphasized on the importance of a strong and fit body that was battle-ready at all times. Many parts of the book were detailed retelling of the soldier's personal encounters that was very enlightening.
So enthralled in the book that Harry had started to work out and exercise around the orphanage. Though he was never a weak child, Harry could not be described as being 'strong' or 'fit'. Proper nourishment was ensured at the orphanage, though the lack of sunlight gave Harry an waxen paleness which only brought out his vibrant green eyes further.
Though only two or three weeks into the exercise regime, Harry had developed slight muscles over his adolescent body. He still could not be described as 'strong', but he was well on his way. The rather intense work outs as well as the regular intake of nutritional potions now gave him a healthy glow.
Ah, yes the potions. Harry had discovered an abandoned shack not far from the orphanage when he was younger. It was a discreet place, in small hidden garden covered by thick vines and branches. It was Harry's personal oasis during his stay in St. Margaret's, a place of relaxation as well as a means of escape from the annoying children. It was also a perfect place for brewing potions.
Following Draco's advice, he had first started with a Cure for boils. At first, handling of the equipment was awkward as Harry was not used to cutting or dicing ingredients. He had never cooked before nor had he participated in the dinner preparation like the other children had.
However, after an hour or two, his movements had become fluid and swift. Harry had an artist's hands, steady and agile. Crushing of the snake fangs became almost effortless after Harry developed a pattern for grinding them. Slicing the horned slugs into thin slices of exact proportions was easier as Harry's hands smoothly slit the slimy entrails of the slugs.
After a few days and a few hours invested into potion brewing, he realized he was a natural at it. He finished the Sleeping draught a week after beginning his routine practice. Harry then moved on further into his potion texts and found a nutrition potion that seemed relatively simple to make. He was wrong. After an afternoon's sunlight had been drained, hours of faults and mistakes, Harry finally brewed a decent nutritional potion that was only slightly off its ideal color. It took only a few more tries after to brew it perfectly with ease.
The nutritional potions gave him the an ideal amount of vitamins and nutrients needed for Harry's growth. Furthermore, Harry had even upgraded the usual dismal taste with a more tasteful substitute. He would only later learn that tweaking a complicated Grade 2 potion could have earned him an apprenticeship with a good number of Potion Masters in England.
A few other books he had invested in was about the complicated art of rune work. It was no doubt, the greatest challenge to his intellect within everything he had seen thus far. One book, First Tier Runes, was filled to the brim with dozens of unique runes. According to the book, each individual rune contained a unique meaning and thus a unique magical property if used correctly.
Take the words of Thu'um for example. Using a combination of three runic words : YOL which stood for fire, TOOR which stood for inferno, SHUL which stood for sun. A viable medium together with a runic array of YOL TOOR SHUL, created a fury of flames and fire. Inhale air, exhale flame, and behold the Thu'um as inferno.
Or another combination : WULD which stood for wind, NAH which stood for fury, KEST which stood for tempest. The combination WULD NAH KEST would normally not have any effect, however when engraved temporarily on the body, the Thu'um rushes forward, carrying you in its wake with the speed of a tempest. Or so it said in the book.
And that was only a tier one rune. There were all together three tiers containing the runes under any classification at all. A few other books contained drawings and descriptions of even more runic arrays that was not under the tier system. The Sumerian runes and Mayan runes, both ancient runic arrays, could be woven together in a weave of runes and magics.
Harry also acquired a few rare tomes that the owner of Flourish and Blotts had kept aside for his more wealthy patrons. A couple in the shop owner's collection seemed redundant, only worth a pretty galleon as a collectible. However, a few of what he had, namely the ones Harry had purchased, were very fascinating.
He had purchased two separate texts on the rare art of Alchemy. Books on the subject were very rare and very valuable. He had spent a few thousand galleons for both of them. Though it did not even leave a scratch on Harry's considerable fortune, it was rather vexing to have spent a small fortune on the two thick tomes.
The first was a copy of an alchemist's grimoire, the original long lost, titled Equivalent Exchange. The author, Edward Elric, had lived in the 13th century, who had been a famed master of alchemy. Though he was not on the level of Nicholas Flamel, Elric was an alchemist acclaimed in his own right.
The book had luckily been an extensive introduction to alchemy and emphasized heavily on the impossibility of creating matter through alchemy, yet the possibility of constructing a new object through the conversion of elements was very real, and easily achieved. For example, a sword of bronze could be created by bonding copper and tin, both common elements.
The second was the personal journal of, surprisingly, a japanese alchemist. The owner's name had not been written in the journal, not even a nickname or an alias. Within was a very enlightening tome that continued where Equivalent Exchange left off. The owner must have lived in the before or during the Japanese's Sengoku era, a warring states period that lasted from the 15th century to the 17th century as Harry had found several mentions of what the author referred to as "the war".
Within, were many descriptions and notes of the alchemical tactics that he had used during the war : making a wall of rock rise from the earth to defend his comrades from the arrows that covered the skies, or reaching into the ground to pull out an iron spear to stab his enemies. There were also numerous studies on chemistry inside, detailing the elemental composition of various metallic alloys. Bronze, brass and steel made good weaponry apparently as the author had included many descriptive scenes of him disemboweling an enemy with weapons made of such alloys.
An important foot note near the end of the journal piqued Harry's interest. The owner has spent a few years of his life searching for what he had called 'the perfect sword'. During the latter years of his life, he had attempted thousands of mixtures of metals with each other, trying to find the perfect composition that made the perfect sword.
However, at the end of the very last page, he had only written a single of word, "Success". There was no mention of what metals he had used, or what percentage. And on the back cover of the book, a complicated alchemy circle was carved in to the leather before being traced with white ink. In the middle however, instead of the usual alchemical hexagram, was the symbol of a three pronged tomoe, an unrecognizable symbol in the middle. Perhaps it was the owner's insignia?
Harry had put it in the mental checklist of things to do, interested in what the 'perfect sword' would be like. It would be a katana, as the author had mentioned that being his favorite weapon, but he couldn't rule out it being a naginata, a tsurugi or even a tanto.
Aside from the alchemic tomes, Harry had also discovered a book on wandless magic which had no title. It had cost a few hundred galleons for it, and frankly, it was trash. The boy had wanted to confront the shop owner about the authenticity of the book but thought otherwise. The information found in the book was a valid source. However, the supposed feats of wandless magic described in the book, Harry had already performed since he was a toddler.
He did find out that the magic he was already doing wandlessly could not be tracked by the ministry and was thus put to good use, practicing simple charms with a wave of his hand. If not for the ministry's stupid laws on underage magic, he could be flinging curses and hexes with a thrust of his hand by now. Wandless magic had to be integrated from wand magic first. He had learned that the hard way when he tried, fruitlessly, to perform spells without even using them with a wand first.
Harry stood in between platforms 9 and 10, turning his head at the two signs in incredulous disbelief. He glanced at the ticket in his hand again, wondering if there was a typo error. It had to be, right? How could there be a train station platform with a fraction?
"Hey!"
Harry jumped internally, although he turned calmly to the sudden voice. He found a girl with vivid red hair and stunning violet eyes grinning brightly at him. She was pulling a large trunk behind her.
Reciprocating the smile, Harry took on his recently developed rakish persona. "Hello, I'm afraid I've not have the pleasure to meet you before. Do I perhaps know you from somewhere?"
The girl's grin turned sheepish. "I'm sorry, we've never met before. I just saw you looking around in confusion and thought you might need a hand. Where are my manners, I'm Susan. Susan Bones." She extended a hand.
Harry raised an eyebrow "I did not think you meant I needed a hand, literally."
Susan blushed and pouted before Harry chuckled "I jest. It's a pleasure, Susan. I'm Harry. Harry Potter." Taking her hand in his own, he gave it a gentle shake.
He of course expected the immediate gasp "You-You're Harry Potter?"
Harry shrugged "As far as I know."
The girl grinned "It's nice to meet you, boy-who-lived."
"Oh, that infernal title!" Harry jokingly said, as Susan giggled.
"Why do you say so?"
"Everywhere I go, people would gasp and shout, pointing and whispering. Just because I was in a few books, and perhaps a month's worth of cover pages on magazines and newspapers, doesn't mean I deserve a superfluous nickname that has one too many hyphens."
Susan giggled even more, watching Harry's self melancholy. "I don't think it's that bad. Boy-who-lived doesn't sound as bad as H-He-who-shall-not-be-named."
Harry raised an eyebrow at the hesitance at even saying such a ridiculous name, but he did not comment on it.
"Well, I guess. I mean, I shudder to think if a random reporter came up with the name 'Boy-who-just-wouldn't-die first." Harry gave a comical shiver, making Susan laugh. Deciding it would only be a proper social protocol for him to laugh as well, Harry joined in, his genuine-sounding laughter chorused with Susan's.
After the laughter died down, Susan smiled softly. "I can't wait to tell Aunt Amelia that I met the Harry Potter. She would have liked you as well."
"As well?"
Susan blushed at the slip of her tongue. "I mean, S-she wouldn't have, well no, I mean-"
Harry chuckled, "Don't worry about it."
Susan glared mockingly at him before she glanced at a wall behind him. "You're looking for platform 9 ¾, right? Well, it's right behind you."
Harry turned to look at the wall Susan had pointed out. "Okay... I'm sure platform 9 ¾ is a wall. But why don't you try again." He said, slowly as if speaking to a child.
Susan slapped his arm playfully "No, silly. The wall is a barrier magically concealed, but it's actually the entrance to platform 9 ¾"
Harry nodded, looking slightly amazed externally. 'If what she says is true, then the wall before me is a rather impressive piece of charms and runes work. Concealment charm? No, not powerful enough to envelop the entirety of King's Cross. It has to be a powerful charm, perhaps the fidelius, to create such a large scale illusion. No, I have to consider the possibility that it might not even be an illusion. A portal, perhaps? If so, then transportation runic arrays must have been engraved somewhere. Is it powerful enough, though? I read that the floo network essentially worked as a teleporter, but with the unique assistance of magical floo powder. Could runes substitute the use of floo powder to create a portal to another place entirely? I'm over thinking things, ah, she's speaking.'
"-well if you follow me, you will find out if it's true or not." Susan prompted him with a challenge, her hand beckoning him to follow.
Readying herself, Susan jogged slightly before accelerating in to a slow run, dragging the trunk behind her.
'If this doesn't work, she's going to end up with a face full of brick. That would be rather fortunate, she does have a pleasant appearance.' Harry mused.
If seemed that Susan was having similar thoughts as Harry noticed that she had tightened her eyes and gritted her teeth before impact. It was quite shocking to see her slip right through the wall as if there was nothing there.
Harry looked around, 'Impressive... no one even noticed. Are they too busy, I doubt it. Not many could ignore a 11-year old girl running towards a wall, dragging a trunk with her. A notice-me-not charm, then? Or does the illusion include the area around the entrance as well?'
His thoughts continued running as he comfortably walked through the barrier. The world around him immediately brightened up considerably. A few people were already there, not many though, because Harry was rather early. He wanted to beat the crowd and get a compartment early. It would be too bothersome if someone noticed the scar. Speaking of which, was still hidden underneath his long fringe.
Susan was on the other side waiting for him, her familiar pretty grin still in place. Harry glanced towards the left as a large red and black locomotive train appeared in his vision.
"Impressive isn't it?" Susan said. Harry turned to her, she was admiring the large train as well.
"Yes, it is. Well, should we get a compartment?"
Susan rapidly turned to him "W-we, as in us?"
Harry nodded briefly, "Well of course, who else is there?"
The girl blushed beet red. Harry was not sure what she was blushing about, he was merely following the social norm in which a suggestion to travel together should be given by one party to encourage building friendly relations. It was not as if he had asked- oh... he got it. She must have misunderstood the meaning of my question, perhaps judging my question as a romantic gesture.
Harry wanted to interject and attempt to clarify the misunderstanding before Susan gave a shy nod and a barely audible "Okay." before turning towards the train, looking downwards shyly.
'I don't think it would be a good moment to say oh, sorry, I have no romantic inclination towards you. Have a good day. She does look absolutely adorable with those red cheeks, though.'
They found an empty compartment near the middle. Susan blushed prettily again when Harry offered to help her move her luggage. When they sat down, an awkward silence appeared between them. Deciding to break the ice, Harry spoke.
"Which house do you think you will-"
"Which house do you think you will-"
The two spoke simultaneously, Susan blushed while Harry rubbed the back of his head roguishly, giving a smile.
The initial awkwardness between them was soon overcome as they started discussing about the different aspects of Hogwarts.
Honestly though, Harry had no interest in anything she was saying. The only reason why he was still here was because he had recognized the girl's last name. The Founding House of Bones. Their sigil was a moon and falcon, their colors were blue and white. Their words were Exaltaveris Quasi Honorem, meaning As High As Honor. With a total vault value of over a billion, they were the top 1 percent of the Wizarding World, in regards to both finance and influence.
She had mentioned about her Aunt Amelia as well. The only name that came up was Amelia Bones, Head of the Ministry's Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Once a powerful auror whose absence in the field was caused by her promotion. Now she was merely a pencil-pusher stuck in an office holding on to the few shreds of superiority she still has. Even so, it would be most beneficial to have friends in high places. It would only do him good to befriend Susan and thus her Aunt in order to subtly garner their alliance.
"-ve been reading some of our course books as well. Did you know that we'll be learning to turn a matchstick in to a needle?" Susan was rambling, but it was merely common courtesy for Harry to smile and nod, occasionally interjecting with thoughts of his own to prove he had been listening.
"Yes, I've had read about that too. That particular magic is under the branch of Transformation Transfiguration. It focuses on deforming the physical features of an object. It is one of the simplest Transfiguration spells that builds up the basis of our foundation. Transforming inanimate object to inanimate object only requires the following : Magical ability, will, intent and imagination-"
Susan giggled.
Harry gave an abashed smile, "I read. A lot."
"I can see that."
"So..." Harry tapped his fingers against the window sill, "We haven't settled the first topic of discussion : Which house do you think you'll be in?"
Susan took on a pondering look, "Hmm, well probably Gryffindor I guess, or perhaps Hufflepuff. The house of the brave and courageous or the house of the loyal and hardworking suits me the most. Compared to cunning and ambitious or wisdom and knowledge."
Harry leaned forward in interest, "You have something against Slytherin and Ravenclaw, then?"
Susan shook her head, "Not particularly. It's just that I heard from my aunt the characteristics of each house, and supposed they didn't really suit me very well."
The boy smiled, "Ah, fairness and equality. That's a trait Hufflepuffs value."
She returned with a brighter smile, "Like I said. Hufflepuff or Gryffindor."
"Hey, a little birdy told me that Potions is going to be a real thorn in the flesh."
Susan raised an eyebrow "A little birdy?"
"I have my sources, Susan dear." Harry's impish smirk and soft green eyes made Susan's heart flutter.
"The word is, that the Potions Professor is also the Head of the Slytherin House and is thus very biased towards Slytherins. More often than not, he lets them get their way while punishing students of other houses for senseless, minor issues."
Susan frowned, "That seems unprofessional. Wouldn't the headmaster do something about it?"
"I'd like to think so." Harry caught a flash of platinum blonde outside the compartment door. "Excuse me for a moment, I just found someone I had been looking for." Sliding open the door, he exited, not seeing the pout on Susan's face.
"Well, if it isn't Draco Malfoy."
Said boy turned around and grinned when he saw Harry leaning against the wall. "Harry! It's good to see you again, how have you been?"
"Can't complain. What about you, anything new in your life?"
"Well, I'm going to Hogwarts, does that count?"
Harry grinned "Sure. Hey, why don't you join us, I've a compartment right here."
"Of course! Lead the way."
Opening the compartment door he noticed Susan's questioning glance turning sour when she saw the trademark Malfoy blond hair before returning to the passive state it was before. "Susan, this is Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is Susan Bones."
Draco had not noticed the sour look, but looked hesitant to approach her as well. "It's a good to meet you again, Ms. Bones." He held her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckles, as was pureblood custom.
"Indeed, Mr. Malfoy." Susan had met him before, during a ball when she was 8. They had been introduced briefly to each other by their parents and had not had much contact since. But the name Malfoy had been held in poor regard by her Aunt Amelia, so she had never really liked them as well.
Harry noticed the somber atmosphere and decided it was not a good environment to improve his friendship with them. "Come on, now. We're all friends here, forget the pureblood traditional practices. I'm sure we are able to address each other informally."
Draco looked at Harry in interest, not familiar with the warm attitude he had now possessed. The Harry he had met in Diagon alley had a flair of aristocratic indifference. His now gentle green eyes contrasted with those previously cold emerald orbs.
Susan merely smiled, "If you say so, Harry. Please take a sit, Draco."
Ready to return the pleasantries, he responded with a smile of his own, "Thank you." A smile that he had spent hours practicing with teachers who taught him pureblood customs and practices. A smile which apparently didn't even hold a candle to Harry's natural charismatic rugged grin.
"Say, Draco. I've actually been brewing some potions during the months time." Harry started, attempting to start rolling the conversation ball.
"Oh? How far have you got to? Forgetfulness potion? Sleeping Draught?"
"Actually..." Harry flipped open his briefcase.
Susan looked around, "I never noticed before, but where's your trunk, Harry?"
"Right here," Harry tapped the briefcase while he opened a compartment and searched through it. "It cost a small fortune, but it's worth every galleon."
Fishing out a phial, he handed it to Draco. "I started working on Nutritional Potions and was wondering if my own stock was as good as the ones in the market."
"N-Nutritional Potions!?" Draco exclaimed in disbelief.
Harry nodded mutely, not surprised at his reaction, "Well, yeah, it's quite simple to make, only the ingredients are a bother to prepare."
Susan's eyes widened considerably as well, "You've been brewing potions? That's so cool! Aunt Amelia wouldn't let me go near the mansion's Potions laboratory."
"And a Nutritional potion no less..." Draco muttered as he examined the flask. He had seen them before, even drank them before but he didn't really like the coppery and cloying taste. The color was identical to the ones he had seen in apothecaries, a deep lavender with a slight glow on the surface.
Draco shook it slightly, noting the thickness and density of the liquid within. He opened the crystal vial and took a sniff. Scrunching his forehead in confusion he turned to Harry "It has a different smell. The usual has a unique smell of rust, but this smells sweeter, better."
"Oh, that's because I tweaked the potion slightly to improve the taste."
Susan took the phial from Draco and examined it herself "Tweaked it how so?"
"I thought the taste was bland and distasteful, so I researched some ingredients that have been previously used to enhance the taste of potions before. However, I ran into a dead end on that path because after some calculations, none of those ingredients were compatible with the ingredients that make up the Nutritional potion. I took to the books and after some trial and error, I found out that the addition of dia corpes, verillium salts and dried nettles, enhanced the taste to a satisfiable level."
Draco was completely in awe internally. His father had once told him about the various grades of potions when he had expressed curiosity over the subject. Improving an existing potion was worthy of at least an award from the Nation Potion Association.
He recalled the night he returned home and the conversation he had shared with his father when Draco told him he had befriended Harry Potter. Keep an eye on him and further deepen their friendship. Receive an alliance and gain his trust, his father had told him. Harry Potter was sure to become a powerful figure in the Wizarding World, and his father made sure to have reminded him of that. And he was right. Looking at the potion alone, he would definitely become a huge influential power in the future.
Susan was unaware of the difficulty successfully improving a grade 2 potion possessed and though she was very impressed, she was not shocked into silence like Draco. "That's amazing! Have you done anything else?"
Draco looked at her in incredulity "Done anything else? The Nutritional potion is a grade 2 potion, something we would not even be learning to brew in our seven years in Hogwarts. Not only did Harry successfully brew it to perfection, he even managed to improve upon it, a momentous historical record!"
Susan opened her mouth slightly in surprise while Harry merely laughed softly. "It's not that impressive, Draco. I'm sure you are pretty good too."
The Malfoy heir merely paled and nodded dumbly ,"Y-yeah... I guess..."
"Will the others be joining us?" Harry asked Draco as he promptly kept the crystal phial.
Draco nodded before grinning "Yep, I'm pretty sure they are. You should have heard what the girls said about you after you left."
Susan looked suspiciously at the both of them "What girls?"
Harry turned to her "Oh, just two of Draco's friends I met when we went shopping for our school supplies together. Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis."
Susan recognized the name Greengrass and remembered a pretty girl with silky black hair and icy blue eyes she had met at the same ball she had met Draco. Susan frowned slightly at the thought of Harry interacting with a pretty girl like Daphne, but kept her silence.
"He's so handsome~" Draco mockingly said in a high pitched voice, imitating a girl. Which girl Harry was not sure.
Not sure how to reply Harry merely chuckled "They didn't say that!"
Draco chuckled as well "Oh believe me, Tracy did."
"What about Daphne?" Susan added, looking at Draco.
The blonde boy thought for a moment before saying "She was worse! Blushing whenever Tracy asked her what she thought of the 'green eyed cutie'. I was rather jealous for awhile that both Daphne and Tracy probably has a crush on you. Then I realized that Tracy probably has a crush on you, which evens things out."
The two boys laughed, only Harry noticed Susan biting her lips in vexation.
The door suddenly opened and the familiar silky black hair and Tracy Davis' similarly smooth brown hair was the most eye catching. "Harry!" Tracy yelled before rushing to hug Harry, for a moment too long. Daphne followed her in while Blaise trailed behind.
"Speak of the devil..." Draco muttered as Daphne flushed red at the sight of Harry.
"It's good to see you too, Tracy, Daphne, Blaise. Oh, pardon me. This is Susan Bones. Susan, they're Daphne Greengrass, Tracy Davis and Blaise Zabini." Harry said, introducing everyone.
"I'm here too, not that anyone cares." Draco threw in among the introductions.
Blaise sighed and put a hand on Draco's shoulder in a comforting manner, "You think you have it bad? On the way here, the two kept wanting to find Harry. They didn't even let me have a proper goodbye with my mother before they pulled me away."
They all took a seat. Well, Tracy dragged Draco, who was sitting next to Harry, away before situating herself by his side. Daphne not wanting to lose out, situated herself on Harry's other side. The two grabbed his arms and glared at each other. Harry turned to the two of them, both amused and confused.
Susan glared at both of them, missing out on the chance to sit beside him. She had thought that it was only going to be the both of them when Harry had asked to share a compartment. 'He was so bold too, asking a girl he had just met 5 minutes ago to share a-' Susan blushed heavily.
Draco and Blaise stared at the scene in front of them, turned to each other, and sighed dramatically. It seemed that they were going to have to start getting used to such a spectacle every time Harry is within reaching distance of a girl.
Soon after, the train had started to move. The group engaged in small talk amongst each other when Blaise suddenly asked out loud "Did any of you practice spell casting at home?" Harry was slightly dubious within. Underage magic was illegal, who could cast any spells at home without the ministry finding out.
It was to his utter shock when all of them except him said they did. They turned to Harry at the absence of his voice pitching in. "Harry, you didn't practice anything at home?" Daphne asked, curious. All of them gave him questioning looks, as if demanding an answer to Harry.
Fuck, what was he going to say. He couldn't look surprise and ask why they can use magic at home, they might figure out his muggle upbringing. He couldn't risk that, currently he has their acknowledgment as one of them and if he makes a mistake here, he could possibly lose their friendship. To lose a prospective alliance with two Founding Houses and one particularly wealthy Noble House and two minor Houses would be akin to a stab to the gut.
Well, Susan might not hold anything against him. She did not seem to hold prejudices against any particular house or even towards the purity of blood, but he could be wrong. He might be over thinking things still. They might not even have anything against muggles or muggleborns, and might even accept him as their own regardless of his upbringing, magical or muggle. Could he take that chance, though? No... of course not. Why gamble when the solution has been in existence since the First Men. Lying has been the backbone of nations and empires after all.
Harry rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Well, I did, but I didn't think it was anything impressive, so I didn't want to say anything."
All of them had a look of understanding though Draco breathed a sigh of relief internally. It was not possible for a person to be both a genius in potion brewing and magical talent, right? That would be too unfair for the rest of us.
Daphne smiled softly "Don't be modest, I'm sure you are much better than you think. Why don't you show us a spell, your best one."
Harry took on a pondering expression before nodding and walked over to the window and slid it open. "What are you-"
"Ignis Tempestas!"
A powerful stream of glowing, liquid fire burst out of the tip of Harry's wand and out of the train compartment. It was a powerful fire elemental spell he had learned from Chiamare Gli Elementi, and it was his first time, honest to god, casting the spell. He had memorized the exact wand waving movement and had been confident in succeeding in his first try. However, the book had described a much larger column of flame, and if it had been the Italian dueling champion casting it, the flame would have been a bright blaze of blue flames. Disappointing.
Another thing he took note of was the moment he had finished the incantation. It was euphoric, as if a growing mass of substance was finally released as he poured the required magic into his wand. Harry's knew that magic was, when stripped down to the bare essentials, the act of performing your conscious subconscious thought. So in order to utilize magic, you have to crystallize your own properties into a mental, spiritual force that was the magic ability within you.
Never did he think that the first time he actually performed a spell on a wand was the release of this innate force within him. A force that seemed to have had a blockage, a dam in his sea of magic. Utilizing the wand as a conduit to liberate the seemingly limitless amount of energy inside him felt so relieving.
The rest of the occupants had been shocked into silence at the display, only Draco managed to speak before the rest of them. "What in Merlin's name is that!?"
Harry turned to them, and seemingly looked confused at their awed expressions. "That was just a fire elemental spell I found in a book. And to be honest, that was quite a disappointing result."
"D-disappointing, Harry? That was brilliant!" Susan exclaimed. The initial shock was slowly leaving them and was replaced with a look of wonder and amazement.
Daphne got up and playfully smacked his arm, "And you told us you didn't think it was anything impressive, I think I can pretty much speak for everyone here that none of us can do something even remotely close to that!"
Harry looked as astonished as them, "Really? I thought it was something everybody could do."
Blaise Zabini was once again reminded of what it was about Harry Potter that intrigued him in the first place. That spell must have been at least fifth year or up, yet a first-year, no someone who hadn't even had a single lesson at Hogwarts yet, managed to cast it effortlessly. He could feel the heat even from where he was sitting which only further proved Harry Potter's magical superiority.
It was a scary thought, actually, to known that Harry could fling his wand at him and have him reduced to ashes with a wave and a chant. Blaise had imagined his life in Hogwarts many times before today, but he knew now that the only path he could see himself on would be the one behind Harry Potter.
Draco Malfoy knew he had been wrong the moment the flames left Harry Potter's wand. It was possible for a person to not only possess immense genius in Potions as well as having unprecedented magical potential. The fact that he had cast such a powerful elemental spell that Draco had never even heard of before was proof enough.
Harry had even admitted that what he could do was nothing impressive. There was no reason to doubt him, so the only conclusion Draco ended up with was the fact that Harry Potter's talent had no limits and his Father had been right, frighteningly accurate even. What was he going to do with such a powerhouse amidst this generation of witches and wizards. Not only a powerhouse either, an insanely smart boy wizard who had the potential to rival Headmaster Dumbledore or even... even the dark lord.
The door slid open suddenly, making all conversation within the compartment to cease. A chubby boy took a step in only to pull it back at the sight of six witches and wizards staring straight at him. The boy's cheeks flushed in nervousness and his pupils dilated. He didn't speak, either in fear or anxiety.
"Yes? May we help you?" Harry spoke up, wishing for this massive waste of time to get out of his sight. His initial reaction was retracted immediately as the boy introduced himself.
He looked downwards, barely gathering the courage to speak. "Er- I, I'm Neville Longbottom, and I, I-"
Draco scrunched up in distaste, "Speak up or leave, Longbottom. Can't you see you're not welcome here?"
Harry raised a hand in front of Draco, "Now, don't be rude, Draco. Let him speak, it would only be common courtesy for an heir of the most Noble and ancient house of Malfoy. Right?"
Harry shot a sharp look at the Malfoy Heir, sending him into a flustered mess. "Right, sorry. Please, Longbottom, continue."
The only reason Harry had defended the chubby boy was because he had recognized his last name. Longbottom, one of the Founding Houses. The sigil was a red sun pierced by a golden spear on a shield of red and blue. Their words : Inclinavit, Inflectere, Indomitosque – Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken.
Harry had immediately profiled him the moment the boy introduced himself. A curved stature, looking downwards and unconfident, the boy was the direct contrast of his House's motto. The boy had been trying to look anywhere but at them, suggesting a lack of contact with peers of his own age. If he could be that 'friend' the boy must have been dying to find, his loyalty would be all but promised.
"I, I er- lost my toad, Trevor. I was w-wondering if you have seen it." Neville clumsily explained, his hands pulling at the fabric of his robes. 'Too easy.' Harry thought as he stood up.
"The solution is simple enough. Accio Trevor the toad!"
Neville looked shock. A boy who looked around the same age as him was performing such an advanced spell already.
A dark greenish brown blur flew through the door and landed landed on Harry's open palm. The toad looked not at all surprised at being pulled through the air and finding itself in a boy's hand, in fact he looked quite comfortable sitting on Harry's palm.
Not liking the slimy, grotesque amphibian at all, Harry stretched out his hand and handed the toad into Neville's waiting arms. He then sent a quick Scourgify at his hand, vanishing the layer of slick goo on it. "Try not to lose it again, Neville."
The chubby boy nodded, "Thank you so much, I'm not letting it out of my sight until we reach Hogwarts. Sorry, you are..."
Harry sent a charismatic smile, "I'm Harry Potter. It's nice to meet you."
Of course, the gasp that everyone produced the first time they met him was expected. Neville gasped, "The Harry Potter? The boy-who-lived?"
Harry chuckled "Or so I've been told."
The chubby boy gulped and turned to them. "I-I should go back now." He left as abruptly as he came in.
Harry closed the door and settled back into his seat. "I apologize for interrupting you earlier, Draco, but I was afraid you would have been making a grave mistake."
Draco looked hesitant to ask, but did so anyways, "What do you mean a grave mistake?"
The Potter heir looked disappointed at Draco's lack of foresight. "That boy that just left is Neville Longbottom, heir to one of the Founding Houses and has a total vault value of a little below 900 million galleons. I don't think you need me to decipher my intentions."
The blond boy looked disgruntled at being so casually dismissed for such a asinine reason. "That's exactly my point. He is a Longbottom, the Malfoys have never mingled with one of theirs, not even a single link exists to connect our two Houses, marital or otherwise. In fact, we have been enemies since our very first ancestor-"
"Then it is up to you to change that, Draco." Harry snapped. Draco winced at his tone of voice. "Let me impart some wisdom to you. It is always better to make friends than enemies. Similarly, it is easier to smile rather than frown. A kind gesture here and a smile there, what harm is there?"
Draco was undeterred but chose not to speak. He didn't want Harry to be upset with him. They could still be friends, even though they had separate ideologies.
Harry, Draco, Tracy and Daphne sat in the boat, the waters parting before their boat, causing small ripples across the still lake. The water looked opaque under the night sky. They had been warned about the dangers that lurked underneath these waters.
"Heads down!" The half giant in the front yelled out as they passed through a bridge.
Turning a corner, Harry caught his first glimpse of Hogwarts. It looked like a living fortress. Lights brightened up the entire castle, giving in an unearthly warm glow. The magnificent and fascinating castle was illuminated further from the light of the moon, showering it in beams of lunar light. Brick by brick, this castle was built, magic woven and weaved into every crack in the walls.
Harry could barely control the growing ball of excitement within him.
And that's it! Here's chapter 4, hoped you enjoyed it. It was quite tedious to write, I felt it was really difficult for me to deliver my thoughts in the form of words in this chapter. Not sure how you will think of it though. *special thanks to author, OnTheImportanceOfLungs, who has been helping me a lot in regards to the yet to be developed magic system.
Love it, Hate it, Review it. Any advice and tips are gratefully welcomed, I'm still an amateur in writing Harry Potter stories, please review if you have any suggestions or ideas. I would really appreciate it.
Seriously, Review.
Well, if you don't, I know where you live. I know where you sleep. And your parents won't recognize you when I am done. (Evil Laughter)