A/N: Harry Potter books and characters belong to JKR. I take no credit for any repeated quote or event from the original source.
Chapter 5
Ren nervously followed Mary and Aurora into Gringotts, practically hiding behind her whenever they walked passed anyone, discreetly trying not to pull too much attention to himself. His black dyed hair now reached almost the middle of his back tied in a simple ponytail, while his fringe covered his forehead, covering his scar that he had started applying make-up on. Even though he knew no one would be able to recognize him, that no one had recognized him the last two years when he walked passed here, he couldn't help but feel nervous for today's meeting.
A week ago it had been his ninth birthday, and after a long debate, he had agreed to meet with two of the Hogwarts teachers that had the trust from the goblins. That had only been half the reason that he had agreed to meet Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall, the other, and possibly more important one was because he wanted to hear more stories about his parents from different people, the stories he knew were from the point of view from friends, and both Aurora and Mary had admitted that the may have been slightly biased in how they remembered it. On the other hand, Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall would be much more neutral in their point of view.
Both were also a charm's and Transfiguration's master's in such order, and out of obligation for his craving of learning, he decided that meeting them would be worth the risk, not that there was much of a risk present to start with. The goblins would make sure that each would give an oath not to reveal anything he saw to anyone, and if wither did decline not to teach him or get involved for that matter, then it would be as simple as thanking him for his time and all of them would be able to walk away.
That being said, with the many stories he had heard about the both of them, Professor Flitwick seemed to want to teach anyone that had any interest in his subject. So he had managed to build some confidence over the past few weeks for this meeting to occur. His knowledge of charms was large for his age, with transfiguration only slightly behind, and his ability with wandless magic had also developed to a point that he could do the easier spells of the first year books with wandless magic. He had, of course, used this to levitate his books instead of holding them. Hedwig had found this annoying until she learned that sitting on a floating book didn't cause it to fall, something that the two of them had gladly exploited.
Occlumency was the greatest mystery to him. It had taken him a whole year to figure out a place he could feel safe, which had come out empty handed. Eventually, he had started searching through books that may be able to help his problem, at some point finding one that explained that creating one was as efficient as using one, but much harder since the actual place didn't exist. Starting had been incredibly difficult, having to use magic to access his sub concise mind to do so, but once he had managed to build the base, it had been like building blocks, one on top of the other as a form of defence. Ironically he had used a ward stone as the base to hold it together.
''Greetings Mr Potter, may you vaults flourish under you watch'' His account manager greeted him snapping him out of his thought.
''Greetings Glyryrm, may your enemies run in fear'' He answered smoothly, having memorized Goblin traditions...for the most part.
''We have prepared a room for you to talk in, there is also a bathroom when you require it.'' He explained as Ren nodded.
He had discovered early on that hair dye could easily be removed using transfiguration, to the point where he could do it without a wand. The contact lenses were the easier part, removed the colour ones and place the transparent ones, which was slightly easier to see through than the colour ones.
He closed the door as he sat down on top of one of the chairs in the room, nervous as to what the outcome would be in the next few minutes in this room. Part of him really wanted to follow his mother's footstep, which Aurora had explained was due to they similar practically identical personalities. It's not that he wasn't interested in his father's life, he did love hearing stories from Mary of stunts they had pulled and trouble that he and his friends had gotten themselves into, but he had never had it in him to be a prankster, and his father seemed to had dedicated his life to that end goal.
As Ren was lost in thought Mary was carefully observing him. It had been almost a year since they had met, and he had started to have a somewhat healthier colour. His skin was still quite pale, but it didn't give the feeling that it was transparent any more. Now that he didn't have the usual muggle dye and eye contacts his appearance was a much heavier reminder of Lily's, his eyes were identical to his mother, accompanied by the red hair and anyone would mistake him for her at a first glance. The part that most worried her was that he still looked much younger than his age, as a healer, she knew that his growth would be permanently affected, but knowing told did not prepare her for seeing it. She was brought out of her thoughts when the door opened, causing a small amount of noise when it gently touched the wall.
Her colleague entered the room accompanied by Ren's account manager not even trying to hide his excitement. Then again, she probably would have been the same had she known she was going to meet Ren. ''Mr Flitwick, it's a pleasure to meet you'' Ren said cheerfully as he stood up to shake his hand. She quickly spotted the fake confidence that Walburga had taught him, and could easily tell how nervous he was feeling at the moment. Filius had also picked it up as well since he gave the young boy a reassuring smile.
''Filius please, Mr doesn't feel fitting. I must say, when I was receiving a summon from Gringotts about an important client, I wasn't expecting to meet a Potter.'' He said cheerfully as they all sat down.'' I've been asked to help you with you Charms work before you attend school, may I ask how far you have gotten?'' Taking a deep breath as he built up his confidence, he tried explaining his knowledge of charms theory and application.''I've already finished the first two years of charms in theory, magically I'm unsure as to how far I have gotten, though I have some control of my accidental magic that allows me to levitate objects'' He explained carefully as Filus's eyebrow was raised, quickly followed by Aurora's. He had taken some few weeks to confess that to her, she mused at the possibility of the muggle lessons having such a drastic effect on Ren's confidence. A small glance towards Mary told her that she seemed to have been aware of his wandless magic. She shent her a glare that clearly meant they'd been talking later.
''Well then, I would say the best way to find out would be by seeing. Do you have the spare wand on you, Aurora?'' He asked the stoic witch as she pulled the untraceable wand out of her robes.
''We will only spend the first few minutes seeing where your limits are. Don't be disappointed if you have difficulty with spells that you understand the theory in, it's very rare for someone to be able to immediately grasp the concept of charms.'' He explained as the four of them stood up. She couldn't help but mentally say that Lily had been one of the few that had immediately grasp charms, and she knew Filius hoped that Ren would do the same.
Safe to say Filius couldn't help but feel overjoyed. Ren's fluency with charms was very similar to Lily's, though Ren did have a year advantage of theoretical study, which was clear to see as he could gracefully cast spell after spell with ease. At some point, his few minutes reviews turned into a full lesson, give him point ups on rough wand moments or where his holding was too technical, without even realizing he had started teaching him third-year level material. Had Aurora not reminded him he could have easily taught him the whole day without realizing, and something told him the young boy would have gladly continued had she not interrupted them.
''I think its quite safe to say there will be no problem with teaching you until the start of Hogwarts, after that we will discuss how to progress, however, I do believe that you have a fair chance of achieving a mastery in charms if you keep applying yourself as I've seen today.'' The diminutive teacher told Ren in excitement.
''Than you Mr Fli-Filius'' Ren said with a small blush creeping up his face.
''With this, I think our business is done'' Glyryrm commented as he stood up.'' If you'll excuse us Filius Mr Potter has an appointment.'' Before leaving he gave Filius a slight bow. ''May you foes cower in fear.''
''And may you vaults be filled with blood and gold'' The professor responded.
''It was a pleasure meeting you Filius'' Ren said somewhat more at ease now that he had gotten to know the professor.
''The pleasure was mine, I look forward to our next meeting.'' He said making Harry smile before he followed Glyryrm out of the room.
''Surprised Filius?'' She asked having enjoyed watching the lesson.
''You could say that. I wasn't expecting my summoning to Gringotts to meet Lily's son, who Albus assured us was safe in his Aunts house and unaware of the existence of magic. Even more surprised that he not only knows about magic but is so far ahead in charms.'' He said cheerfully before realizing how serious both of his former student's faces had turned as the door opened while Glyryrm walked in.
''I presume we should explain what's been happening.'' She said trying to sound calm as Glyryrm sat down.
She had seen many emotions pass through her colleague's face over the years, but as she told him how and why Harry had run away, he went from shock to anger, then disgust and lastly furry.
''And Albus allowed this?'' He practically growled in such a way that for the first time, both Aurora and Mary could clearly see his Goblin heritage.
''It gets worse, it would seem that Mr Dumbledore never visited Mr Potter even with his required duties as magical guardian, and simply rested with blocking Mr Potter mail including his account reports from Gringotts.'' Glyryrm growled back.
''Is that why he looks so unhealthy?'' He asked furiously.
''He has in fact been improving, this is the latest report of Mr Potters health, though usually, we would never discuss a client's personal information, we want as many people as possible to protect the young boy, and that includes knowing his health state.'' He explained as he passed the envelope to Filius. After some few short minutes, Filius looked up in disgust as he gently put down the envelope.
''Are you telling me, those... pigs did this to they own nephew? Their underage nephew from the age of one!?'' He asked in a terrifying calm manner.
''I'm afraid that they did. From what Mr Potter has told us, the main culprit is his uncle, while his cousin was a violent bully and his Aunt, even though really abused him directly, allowed this to happen.'' Glyryrm informs him grimly.
''And...and this?'' He pointed to towards the bottom paragraph in sadness.
''I'm afraid that it most likely did happen, though it seems to have only been once quite some few many years ago. That being said, it's because of this that we have asked for him to attend so many check-ups.'' The goblin said seriously.
''But why? What possible reason could they have for doing this? To a boy, that from what I've been told and seen today seems to be one of the kindest souls.'' Filius practically demanded.
''From what we've gathered, his uncle has an obsession with normalcy, that was...pushed...with his alcoholic problems. His Aunt from what Mr Potter has described and Ms Macdonald has told as seemed to have allowed it from jealousy towards her sister ability with magic, which was then redirected to her son. As for his cousin, it seems to be as simple due to being raised by irresponsible parenting.''
Some few long seconds past in the large room as Filius tried to calm down as he seemed to think about what he had just learned. It was because of reason like this why she understood why Filius was placed in Ravenclaw, his ability to process information and come up with the best options was second to none now that she had found out the mistakes Albus had made.
''What is being done to help him?'' He asked in a grave tone that didn't suit his usual cheerful persona.
''First and foremost, we are keeping this behind Mr Dumbledore's back, no hints are to be shown to this man. Second, when Mr Potter attends Hogwarts, it will be with a changed appearance and under the name Ren Calypso Rosier, who is a descendant of a squib branch of the Rosier family through his mother's line. The Rosier may have been a dark family, but they were extinct in Grinderwardls war, and the school will most likely asume that he simply is a descendant of a squib branch.
Third, if for any reason Mr Potter is threatened by an overwhelming force, he has given us permission to inform the correct authorities of his true identity, the title of Boy who lives has quite the pull in the public.'' Glyryrm explained before picking up the envelope.'' As for his health, potions have been supplied to at least make sure his body isn't damaging itself, but as you saw today, there has been permanent damage'' He said as Filius momentarily closed his eyes as he remembered the scar he had seen on one of his arms when he had momentarily moved up.
''Now that we've discussed this, what was your opinion about Ren?'' Mary asked trying to brighten to mood, which immediately had its effect.
''I haven't known him anywhere near enough time to tell, but what I've seen his good manner and kind, which after reading this is no sort of a miracle. As for Academics, the first that comes to mind is that he is his mother son in both appearance and mind. Though with that being said I realized that he inherited his father creativity that we always saw at school and used it when learning spells.'' He explained to which Aurora nodded in affirmation.
''We reached the same conclusion, its like he inherited all the positive traits from both his parents. As you just said, simply by pointing his stances mistakes allowes him to come up with ten or twenty ways to improve it.'' Mary stated remembering the lesson they had witnessed.
''The main difference would be his self-confidence. James was close to arrogant, and Lily was outgoing, but Ren was shy almost to the point of fearful. He hid it well but when I told him that charms were a hard subject that almost no one gets at first, for an instant his eyes betrayed the fear he was feeling, almost as if he was afraid to disappoint me.'' Filius continued explaining.
''We have been trying to build his self-confidence, but as you appropriately called them, those pigs that should have been his family completely destroyed that, though he has been improving in the past year.''
''How are you building up his self-confidence?'' Filius asked out of curiosity and what she assumed was quickly becoming concern of the young boy. She mentally sighed knowing that at one point they would have to fight over which of the two houses Ren should end up in seeing how rapidly he was becoming protective of the boy.
''His been taken lessons indifferent muggle subjects. Granted I may have enjoyed it a little too much in his first few dance lessons, but it has had a positive effect on his confidence.'' Mary trailed of remembering how she had snuck in and watched how awkward he had looked in the crowd. Filius left out something close to an amused and nervous chuckle.
''Most boys his age would find it nerve-racking, then again its better at his age than once he reaches school age.'' He agreed thinking of his own experience as Aurora laughed.'' Is there anything else I should know about Ren's health?'' He asked, not missing the concerned glance the two of them gave each other.
''We have also found that there is a large amount of dark magic leaking from Mr Potters scar.''
''WHAT!?'' Filius shouted terrified of the thought.
''It would seem, that Mr Dumbledore didn't bother checking in there would be any dark magic residuals from his cursed scar, even though it is common knowledge that it was done by reflecting the killing curse.''
''He didnt...not even...''He tried speaking in shock that Albus would let something like this occur.'' Can it be healed?'' He asked with concern.
''We have an idea as to what may be the cause, but we have to be completely sure since failure to extract whatever is in his scar would easily kill him. Even if we are right, which we really hope we aren't, extracting it could pose a great danger to not only his life but possibly his own soul.''
''His soul? As in soul magic? Wouldn't this affect his magic?'' Filius asked not sure he could take many more revelations today, and he was a Ravenclaw.
''It is draining on his magic, but as of now it is a small fraction, so it shouldn't be any danger for him as of now. That being said if our concerns are proven to be true then you two will be informed and we will look for a solution to rid him of the dark magic.'' The goblin explained.
Filius leaned back in his chair trying to process everything he had learned in less than a day. Albus, the man that was admired worldwide, had placed Lily's son in an abusive household. A place that had driven such a young boy to...he forced himself to stop as he shuddered at the thought. Ren had been polite, if not nervous towards him, lacking in self-confidence but driven to learn everything he could about magic. In a way, he reminded him a lot of Lily, she had been terrified of failing in his class and had practically needed to learn every charm that she could find to build up her confidence in the subject, but it hadn't been at the level that she panicked at every small detail like the young boy had been doing today. Taking a deep breath he decided to help not only for his friendship with the Potter family but for the person that had brought the war to an end and still suffered while everyone else had celebrated.
''How often do you want me to come and teach him?'' He asked with a new resolve to help the young boy that had been wronged.
''Ideally, four times a week during summer and once or twice during school time, of course, if there are any other inconveniences we can change this around. Of course, Mr Potter maid it very clear that he is more than happy to pay a generous amount for your time.''
''No, I already finished my holidays, not to mention that I enjoyed teaching him. I'll start first thing next week'' He said as the goblin stood up signalling the end of their meeting.
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With the passing of months, Ren's talent in charms could only grow. Filius was delighted that he not only understood charms but also excelled with ancient ruins. He hadn't felt this satisfied in teaching since he had helped the young boy's mother get her charms mastery. There was something about teaching muggle-born's that differed from teaching those raised by magical parents, mainly that at the beginning muggle-borns were much more applied to learn than the other students, but as they got used to living with magic, they became as lazy.
It was students like Ren that appeared every few years that really brought life to teaching, they didn't just learn the subject, they learned how to apply it. When Ren had shown him a small ward the cancelled the effects of gravity he couldn't have felt prouder, the fact that he had used it to float the book's around in his library for easier access it had amused him to no ends. The simple warding system he had taught him had become a complex circle that applied the effects of Wingadium Leviosa and Arresto momentum, causing whatever was placed nearby to start floating.
Aurora had also pointed out his creativity being applied in other subjects, being able to conjure a small dragon look alike simply by transfiguration a lizard with scaled wings. Both of them couldn't wait until Ren was of age, fully grown with his full core to access.
Until the age of seventeen child's magical core grew at a rapid paste, while at the same time attending Hogwarts allowed students to use it much more skillfully. It was because of Hogwarts teaching that a student's accidental magic decreased in the period of the first month. Both agreed it would be harder for Ren with his large amount of magic at his disposal, which was one of the reasons they had put so much effort into teaching him before attending Hogwarts. After a long debate, Filius Aurora, and Mary had agreed that with so many death eaters having avoided Azkaban, Ren should learn how to dual.
''And I'm supposed to be able to aim while I'm running?'' Was the only question Ren asked as he raised his eyebrow.
''Once you able to it will become second nature.'' Filius simply stated as they both took some few steps apart from each other.
He had to give the child credit when it was due, after only a month he was already at a level that would wipe the floor with most of his O.W.L's students. It came naturally to him.
''Begin!'' Mary said using the sonorus charm to amplify her voice.
A red spell passed her moments later as Ren sidestepped slowly to his left, narrowly dodging the spell. It had been quite a straightforward thing to do, the movement of magic was a dead giveaway and the moment of a spell, unlike a bullet, could be seen. It was slow.
Filius quickly recovered from the reaction, it was almost a norm that Ren wouldn't put up a shield. He wasted no time in sending another spell towards him. Ren couldn't help but smile as to how straightforward duelling was, simply sidestepping one spell after another easily predicting were each spell was directed towards.
Filius, knowing that Ren was finding this easy stepped up his game and started sending chains of spells, fully aware that he still hadn't cast a single spell to attack or defend himself.
His simple moments of sidestepping eventually became more complex, eventually leading to leaps and spins that made it much harder for him to be hit. There was a thrill to duelling that Ren simply couldn't deny, for the first time in his life, he allowed a small smirk to form on his face as he pointed his wand towards Filius.
'Motus Cincinno' He whispered as the spell left his wand leading towards Filius, who conjures a protego to stop it.
Ignoring the fact that he had aimed straight on target he kept moving calmly sending small chains of simple spells. Filius having realized how much of a natural Ren was decided to take the dual much seriously than what he was planning to and started using more complex spells, slowly pushing Ren backwards.
'Iter' Ren whispered the tripping spell as he was forced to leap backwards.
Knowing full well that he was outclassed, he relied more on observing the diminutive professor as he locked for an opening. Filius had also come to the same conclusion, which made him speed up his spell casting. Knowing that he had reached his limit Ren decided that catching Filius of guard would be his only chance of winning.
'Caecus Nigrum' He shouted as black smoke left the tip of his wand, filling the room preventing any of them to see anything other than black.
Hoping to catch the professor of guard, he unconsciously through his wand to his left hand in a fluid movement as he continued by chanting''Eritque Arcus Papilionem'' , causing coloured butterflies to leave his wand as they surrounded the professor, moving quietly to make sure that the professor didn't know were he was he wanted for the few seconds that were left for his first spell to wear of. Knowing that the professor would momentarily be caught off guard he would use the disarming spell.
'Petrificus Totalus' He heard from behind causing him to be completely petrified.
As smoke slowly lifted from the room as Filius appeared from behind him, undoing the binding he had placed on Ren. Pride was evident on his face as both Aurora and Mary approached the two of them clearly impressed.
''Very well done Ren, very well done indeed. Your rate of improvement is nothing short of amazing.'' Filius complemented as he helped him up.
''How did you know where I would be, I thought that so many butterflies together would cause enough noise that you wouldn't be able to hear me.'' He asked as most butterflies disappeared, while some few remained that had been absorbed more magic. Being attracted by the caster landed on his hair as one by one they disappeared. Aurora really wished she had a camera right now.
''Never underestimate a goblin's hearing, we can tell the difference of almost any noise, had it been a full human then the plan would have been very well executed. Using different coloured butterflies just after complete darkness would have been an excellent distraction. However, it also affected your own senses.'' He explained to which Ren nodded.
''I need some spells that either improve my other senses or allow me to see through that spell, or I could have used a tracking spell, though I would have needed to keyed it to make sure I knew where you were'' Ren said in understanding as he came up with his own ideas. Both Filius knew that he was as much Gryffindor as he was Ravenclaw, and after an amused glance at each other decided to have the discussion of which house he would go to after they finished his lesson.
''How did your first serious dual feal?'' Mary asked exitedly. After some few short seconds of thinking Ren's entire being lit up.
''It was amazing, I never felt like it before. I'm not sure how to describe it, it was straightforward and made me feel so free. Before I knew it I couldn't help but smile.'' Ren explained it as if it was an old fond memory. And it probably would be, Aurora thought to herself.
''The last charm you just used, was it an alternative of the bird conjuring spell?'' Filius asked curiously.
''Yes, once I figured out how to conjure one butterfly and make them appear in different colours it was simple enough to conjure.'' He explained.
''Lets practice increasing the time the spell last's if you had failed to hit me with a spell there wouldn't have lasted for you to cast another.'' He said turning completely to his professor persona.
Knowing where Filius was going with his lesson Aurora quickly left the room in such of her much-needed camera. When Ren had let slip that the Dursleys didn't keep any photos of him she and Mary had immediately bought a camera and we're hoping by the time he finished Hogwarts it would be full of memories. And seeing the side effect of the spell he had just cast she couldn't let it happen a second time without her taking a photograph.
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Sup everyone, thought Id put a dual at the end to make things more entertaining.
It may not have seemed it but Professor Flitwick was playing around with Ren/Harry even if he did have to take him more seriously than what he had thought at the beginning.
Another thing I want to say is that Ren/Harry is a natural at duelling, who has a similar way of fighting as Bellatrix, thought while she moves in a taunting manner, he moves in a somewhat more graceful form.
That's all I can think of, so yeah, thanks for reading and Ill see you in the next chapter. Bye!