Chapter 13: More Power
A figure moved through the forbidden forest with barely a whisper of noise. He blended in perfectly with the shadows, moving from tree to tree. It was early evening, with the sun starting to set. The figure, a person, stepped out of the shadows and into a small clearing. Standing in the middle, he waited. Not disappointed, a minute later he heard many hooves galloping in his direction. Another minute later, he found ten arrows being pointed at him from ten different centaurs. Harry just grinned. They would need more than that to scare him.
"What do you want human? You have no place here in our forest," came an angry voice. An eleventh centaur walked into the clearing.
"Hello Bane, it is a pleasure. I need to speak with you about the current state the world is in," Harry said with a bow. Some of the centaurs looked surprised that Harry was being courteous. Bane wasn't one of them.
"I don't care what you humans do to each other. It does not concern us," he said.
"You are wrong." Bane looked incensed.
"Don't tell me what is right or wrong! We will not get involved," he spat. Harry sighed. He didn't want to do this, but Bane wasn't giving him a choice. Harry's eyes started to glow emerald green.
"You will be involved with the war whether you like it or not." The sky started to darken with clouds. "Voldemort will not stop after he takes Hogwarts." It started to thunder. "He thinks of you as nothing but filth, and will destroy you." Lightning started to arc along the clouds. Harry's robes started to billow in the wind. His axe appeared in his hand and he raised it over his head. "As the Heir of Salazar Slytherin, I ask for your assistance in defending the school and its neighboring forest." Sparks started to arc along Harry's body as he stood there with an ethereal glow. Some of the Centaurs backed off. They all lowered their bows, knowing they were with a far superior power.
Although it looked as if it physically hurt him to say it, Bane asked, "What do you want us to do?" Harry smiled and lowered his axe. The storm quickly disappeared.
"I thank you for seeing reason Bane. Voldemort would have claimed the forest and you wouldn't have been able to stop him on your own. I would like to be able to consider you my ally. All I ask is that you protect the forest from Voldemort's armies," Harry said with another bow. Bane bowed himself.
"I will do as you ask. But let it be known, I am your ally. Not your Ministry's. The forest will be protected to the best of our abilities."
ooOooOoo
Ragnok knew he was important. He was one of the seven on the Goblin High Counsel. He was currently working in his very rich looking office. He was only disturbed for meetings with the most prominent people or goblins. This meant that being disturbed was a very rare thing. That's why he was surprised when a goblin walked in to his office.
"Master Ragnok, I have someone who wishes your audience," the goblin said, bowing. Ragnok sneered.
"Then send them in Griphook, and pray that they are worth my time," he said. Griphook left and returned a few minutes later with three humans. He recognized two of them. It was the Weasley boy, one of their best cursebreakers. The other was the French girl, Delacour. The third man he didn't know. He had very elegant crimson and gold robes on, with a ruby encrusted silver sword hanging at his waist. Ragnok looked at Weasley, expecting him to speak, but was surprised when the man in the middle stepped forward.
"Master Ragnok, it is an honor. I hope your gold flows strong," the man said bowing. Ragnok was surprised, and that doesn't happen often. It was rare to see a human that shows respect to goblin customs. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, as I know your time is very valuable. My name is Neville Longbottom, Magical Heir of Godric Gryffindor."
He was now surprised twice in less than two minutes. He knew the Gryffindor line was still in existence, but he didn't expect the Heir to walk up to him. The Longbottom name was also nothing to sneeze at, as it is a prominent pure-blood family. "What may I do for you Lord Longbottom?"
"I would like to ask for your mighty assistance in the coming struggle with the self-proclaimed Dark Lord Voldemort," Neville said, looking Ragnok in the eye. Ragnok had been waiting to be contacted about this. Voldemort had sent his emissaries of course, and while they held a tempting offer, he knew the tricks that man liked to use. Unless a binding magical contract was used, and they didn't offer, he knew that Voldemort would most likely turn against them if he won.
"And what, Lord Longbottom, do you have to offer? I have already been asked by the so called Dark Lord to aid him, and his offer was tempting," he responded. He was not going to help Voldemort, but he wouldn't help Longbottom either unless he had a convincing offer.
"I offer friendship, I offer protection, and if you wish, I even offer gold," he said with a smile, causing the goblin leader to smirk. He did like gold. Protection, while not entirely needed, reassured him.
"What exactly is in your offer of friendship?" he asked.
"I will help and hope for better relations between goblins and humans. The Ministry is in for a change with the new Minister, and I am sure that, with mine and my friends' help, we can change the way they see and treat your grand race." Ragnok smiled a toothy grin. Voldemort offered power and gold, but they were to be his slaves. Longbottom offered him rights and gold, and to be equals in the fight to come.
"I believe I like your offer Lord Longbottom. I will recommend it to the Counsel." With that, he put his right fist over his heart, and bowed. Neville did the same, and left the room with Bill and Fleur.
ooOooOoo
Hagrid, Luna, and Harry were walking through a familiar forest path. Harry had just returned from the Centaurs, and decided to come with the other two, for extra protection and the fact that Harry knew the spiders were in debt to him. They followed the path deep into the forest until they started noticing the spider webs and smaller spiders. Harry grinned, wishing he could have dragged Ron with him.
They quickly found themselves surrounded by rather large spiders. They didn't attack, but seemed to make a path deeper into their territory. Luna walked on as if she was walking through a field of flowers and not surrounded by spiders that were more at the smallest, half her size. Harry had his magic flared, ready to fight if needed, while Hagrid had his crossbow loaded.
"Who are you humans?" came a rumbling voice. They turned to see Aragog and another spider roughly the same size looking at them.
"Aragog, we have come ter talk ter ya," Hagrid said. Aragog clicked his pincers together.
"Ah Hagrid, it has been a long time. Who are the other humans?" Aragog asked.
"This here is Luna Lovegood, and him there is Harry Potter," he said, pointing to each of them. At the mention of Harry's name, there were many clicks around them. Evidently there were many Acromantulas around them.
"The Basilisk Slayer?" came a softer voice from the spider next to Aragog.
"Yes Mosag. It is I, and I have come to ask for your assistance," Harry said. Hagrid looked at him in surprise, wondering how he knew Mosag's name.
"What do you need from us, Basilisk Slayer?" asked Aragog.
"We need your support in the coming war with Lord Voldemort."
ooOooOoo
"Hey Hagrid!" Neville said as the four Heirs walked down to dinner with their apprentices, minus one. Draco was now civil towards them all, at least in private. He wasn't really a friend, but he was courteous to them all. He couldn't show it in public as that would take away all his power over the current Death Eaters in training in Slytherin house. Harry was the only one of the four with two apprentices. While everyone didn't blink an eye at Hermione and Ron, very few knew why Daphne and Cho were suddenly so close to the Heirs. Hagrid was walking through the Entrance Hall when they saw him.
"Well wha' do we have here? Hello everyone," Hagrid said, giving them a beaming smile.
"What sort of creatures have you been showing them lately Hagrid?" Ginny asked.
"Well, I've been wantin' ter show the sixth years griffins, but they are very rare and tough ter find," he said, a disappointed look on his face. Neville put on a thoughtful look.
"I think I can help you there Hagrid. When is the next lesson for the sixth years?" he asked. Hagrid told him after lunch tomorrow. "Alright. Leave your next class open and I will meet you down there." They all said their goodbyes and walked to the Gryffindor table, where they had all been having their meals since the apprenticeships. Most didn't even take notice to it, but a few Slytherins glared at Daphne from across the hall.
"How are you going to help Hagrid Neville?" asked Hermione. Neville just grinned.
"Just go to that class and you will see," he said mysteriously. The other three Heirs knew what he was going to do of course but that didn't stop Hermione and Cho to pummel him with questions. He just shook them off.
Next afternoon came quickly, although not quick enough by the looks on Hermione and Cho's faces. They all strode down to Hagrid's hut. They were followed by many other students, not just the sixth years, that didn't have class at the time. Hagrid looked a little surprised by the many people but pleased as he signaled for Neville to begin.
"Alright everyone, today Hagrid wanted to talk about Griffins. Some of you might already know, Griffins are a pain in the arse to find and train. Well you are in for a treat," he said. He turned toward the Forbidden Forest and let loose a high pitched whistle. A minute later a large object came sailing out of the trees and flew toward Neville.
The entire class, including Hagrid and excluding the other Heirs, gasped as a Griffin about twice the size of a normal lion landed next to Neville and pulled its wings into its body. Its feathers, which were a beautiful crimson, went from its golden beak over to the middle of its body, which continued into golden fur. Its long and powerful wings tucked into its body to and blended in. Its eyes were a beautiful sea green. Neville reached up and started to pet its head, causing the animal to lean into his hands. Neville smiled fondly at it.
"This is Regin. He is a Griffin and a good friend of mine." Neville continued to talk about Griffins for the rest of the class, answering questions patiently with the help of Hagrid. When the class was dismissed, The Heirs were left by Hagrid's hut with their apprentices.
"Neville, why is it that my mark looks exactly like your Griffin?" Ron asked.
"And mine looks just like Harry's phoenix, Purity," Daphne said. As if to prove the point, Purity appeared in a flash of white and gold fire and landed on Harry's shoulder. As he reached up to pet his familiar, Harry explained.
"The markings you were given by us represent our familiars." There were a couple gasps at that.
"Does that mean… Ginny has… oh Merlin," said Cho, realizing what that statement meant. Ginny's face pulled a wicked grin before she turned toward the forest and gave a shrill whistle, similar to Neville's. There was a loud roar as a Dragon suddenly flew out of the top of the trees and headed toward the group. The Heirs suddenly found themselves becoming human shields as it came closer.
The dragon landed with a loud thump next to Ginny. It had gleaming red and gold scales shined in the sun. While not very large, it was quite long, nearing sixty feet. It had large wings which had a span of around eighty feet and a spiked tail. Its powerful muscles rippled under the scales as it lowered its head to Ginny. Ginny, despite being just as big as its head, wrapped her arms around one of the two horns on its head. The dragon made a sound which would best be described as purring.
"This is Ignis, and she is my familiar. I know what you mean, she is a little intimidating at first, but you will soon learn that if she likes you, she is a big push over," she said, laughing when the dragon gave what seemed like an indignant grunt. After getting over their shock, they approached Ignis, who seemed to like all the attention.
"May I ask why a fully grown Chinese Fireball Dragon is doing on the grounds Ms. Weasley?" Albus asked in a firm voice. All the teens turned to see him walking up to the group with a stern look on his face, which was belittled by the twinkle in his eyes. Ginny just smirked.
"Albus, this is Ignis, and she is harmless, unless I want her to be otherwise," she finished with an evil grin that sent shivers down the spines of Cho, Hermione, Ron, and Daphne. Albus chuckled and patted the nose of the dragon. They turned when they heard a long and musical whistle come from Luna. There was a soft glow of white light from just inside the forest. The glow disappeared and a beautiful unicorn came trotting out of the trees. Its silver coat was glistening from the sun as it stopped next to Luna.
"This is Mico. She is my familiar, and no offense Ron and Albus, but she doesn't like to be approached by boys, except for Harry and Neville for some reason," she smiled, brushing the creature's neck with her hands.
"Quite alright Luna, I understand. I am amazed however at your familiars. They are amazing and powerful magical creatures," Albus said, who was now petting Regin.
"Yeah, they do help us on occasion," Harry said. He was swiftly shut up when Purity cuffed his head with a wing, causing them all to laugh. "Just kidding girl. I wouldn't know what to do without you."
The news, like usual, travelled fast and soon everyone knew about the Heir's familiars. That was mainly due to the fact that they all became subjects of Hagrid's lessons and lived on the grounds, adding extra protection. Ignis even had students sliding down her tail, which seemed to make her happy.
The school year was quickly coming to a close, and the training had paid off for the HE and DA. It was a record setting year for DADA as many of the students were very advanced. All the magical training had also increased their abilities at the other magical subjects like Charms and Transfiguration. OWLs and NEWTs were just starting and many people were cramming in last minute studying. Ginny and Luna just smirked. They knew that they were taking the tests, but they also knew they could pass them in their sleep.
It was the last day of training until after the tests were over. Harry had told the HE to go up to the training room and start the usual warm ups. He was currently in the Entrance Hall, waiting for certain visitors. Finally a thestral pulled carriage came up to the front doors, dropping off three people.
Harry grinned as Minister of Magic Amelia Bones, Senior Healer Emily Robbins, and new Head Auror Ethan Travers walked up the stone steps. Amelia Bones was the first to reach him.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter," she said, shaking his hand. Harry smiled up at her.
"Minister Bones, Healer Robbins, Auror Travers. It is a pleasure to meet you. I have called you here because I wish to show you some up and coming students and wish for you to see their abilities. Before I can explain in full, however, I will need you to sign this," he said, waving his hand, causing a table to appear with a piece of parchment on it. "It states that you will not repeat any of this information you learn here to anyone, except for others that have signed it. I am sorry for the secrecy, but it is needed." They quickly signed the paper and after Harry banished the table, started walking.
"Mr. Potter," Robbins began, but Harry stopped her.
"Please, call me Harry." She smiled and continued.
"Harry, I couldn't help but notice one of your members on the contract," she said. Harry smiled. He knew Emily was Demelza's mother.
"Demelza?" She nodded. "Yes, I thought you would, and I am sure you noticed Susan, Minister," he said. She smiled also. "Let me explain. I am a leader of a group called the DA, or Defense Association. It is a club focused on dueling and learning DADA spells. After two weeks, I chose twenty of the students that showed the most talent and power, and brought them together to form the HE, or Hogwarts Elite. They have been trained in wandless magic, offensive and defensive spells, healing magic, and of the few that have master wandless magic, trained in mind magic and weapon's fighting. To be honest, I think many could pass the Auror exams right now," he said. He heard a snort from Travers, and with a smirk, led them into the Room of Requirement, which looked like the dueling arena/library that it became for the apprentices, except much larger.
He walked in to find the groups split into offensive, defensive, and healers. They were waiting for Harry. The other Heirs were standing in the middle. He noticed Demelza wave to her mom and Susan wave to her aunt. He turned to Travers.
"Well Auror Travers, I am guessing by your snort in the hallway that you disagree with my last statement," Harry said, giving him a smirk.
"Well of course. No offense Mr. Potter, I know you are a powerful wizard, and am sure you are a capable teacher, but what makes you think school kids can take on fully trained Aurors?" he asked. The other Heirs rolled their eyes. They hated when people jumped to conclusions based on age. Harry gave him a feral grin.
"Well then, choose one of the twenty three other students in this room, and duel them." He gave the man a challenge, and he could tell Travers would accept as he didn't see how a child could battle with the Head Auror. Travers turned to the group.
"Which of you are seventh years and will be trying to become an Auror after school?" Only two students raised their hands. He pointed to Katie. She grinned and cracked her knuckles as she moved to the dueling arena. Travers shook his head and walked to the other side. Harry turned to Minister Bones.
"Are you ready to see your Head Auror get his arse kicked?" he asked.
"I wouldn't mind," she said with amusement. Healer Robbins just laughed lightly. Harry asked the room to provide a shield to stop all attacks from leaving the arena. He walked up to the middle.
"First to be incapacitated wins. No lethal spells. Anything else goes. I will be officiating. Bow to your opponent." The both bowed. The pulled out their wands and turned, walking ten steps. Travers spun around quickly, firing a disarming charm, which hit Katie directly in the back, causing her wand to shoot out of her hand. Katie slowly turned around to face a smirking Auror.
"Like I said, no child," but that was as far as he got because a stunner hit him full on in the face. Katie blew the pretend smoke from her hand and walked off the stage, summoning her wand to her hand. Harry walked over to Travers and revived him.
"Like I told all of them, never let down your guard, even when victory seems assured," he said with a sneer. Walking away from the man, he told the group to start running through the drills they did yesterday. The group instantly started getting together, practicing their magic.
"This is very impressive Harry," said Amelia. She was an Auror herself, and most of these students could put away just about any Auror on the force. Some were even third years. "In fact, when they graduate here, I am sure they could possibly pass right over Auror training." He heard a gasp and turned to stop Healer Robbins to rushing over to the table where a very injured person just appeared.
"Do not worry, the person is not real. It is a simulation made from the room," he said. She calmed down after that and started watching Ginny instruct the healers.
"This is incredible. They are far advanced for their ages. The instructor, the red head, she is fantastic," she said in awe. She quietly walked over to them to observe and talk with Ginny. Amelia had walked to Neville and Luna, who were putting the rest of the group through the paces in dueling. Travers was observing from a distance, nursing his pride and ego. Harry grinned. That is exactly what he wanted. He didn't want the HE leaving school and wasting their time in training they already had. After this, he knew that they would be instantly let into the Auror ranks or Healer ranks, depending on their chosen field. He hadn't even shown them all of their powers. All eight of the students that were able had finished becoming animagi and many of them only needed a wand for very advanced spells. Some didn't even need wands anymore.