Harry Potter and the Peverell Legacy
Book Two of the Heritage Series
Chapter Thirty-Five
Trust of the Guest Lecturer
Since the afternoon where Harry had been confronted by the Attaché from the French Convention two weeks had passed and the Exchange Program was still going on and while the politicians scrambled to get it stopped the students were hard at work learning everything that Beauxbatons had to offer.
The language barrier had now been overcome thanks to Sirius sending them a necklace enchanted to translate French to English. It was a enchantment Harry was familiar with given his use of the Black heirloom he had used while on holiday.
Of course, it didn't stop the Magistra from giving them a stern lecture on how using them was cheating and they would not gain an appreciation for the French language. She still made them attend the French Language Classes and in them they were not allowed to use them.
Harry however had begun to overcome his resentment of the prickly woman, he accepted that she was just doing her job and when he thought about it she really was just very good at it. And while she did rule with a hand of iron it was for their long-term benefit although that did not stop Harry from saying some very pointed words about her in the meantime.
The team had now settled and acclimatise themselves with the ways of the Academy of Magic. Something that had thought impossible a month prior but now they were able to actually enjoy the school.
One of the many wonders that had amazed the team was actually in the form of one of the schools teachers. A woman from Uganda who taught Herbology. The lessons themselves were not much different from back home although they were taught magical horticulture and how to create new plant species.
It was the teacher however was unique among the three schools due to the magic that she practiced. She did not use a wand at all, all of her magic was done wandlessly. When they had first seen it the Hogwarts and Durmstrang students were all very impressed as to them it was the mark of a very powerful witch or wizard.
The professor had laughed it off however and explained that wands had been invented by Ancient Roman Wizard and as their empire spread so had the use of wands until it has become widespread and the standard method of casting magic.
Uagadou School of Magi in Africa taught its students how to channel magic without the use of a wand, although they did offer courses in wand magic. She used her magic through her hands a mere finger point or wave of her hand could do just as much she said as the wands they all carried.
It was so surprising to see such magic used it made Harry question his own knowledge of magic, and his preconception of certain magic was tested by it. Six years in the magical world and he was still learning even with such simple preconceptions of what he held after his limited exposure.
As the weeks has passed Harry was spending more and more time within the sanctuary of his private room. It wasn't that he didn't want to be around his friends it was just that he wanted to study alone and given the questionable nature of his most recently purchased collection he wished to avoid explanations.
It also helped with his continued studies and applications of Occlumency and the Animagus transformation both of which he had made progress in, or at least he felt like his Occlumency skills had improved as it was hard to tell as they were not physical. He had managed to complete the Animagus transformation once since being in the school but it had exhausted him and transforming back had caused a few complications that required medical attention.
Today all classes had been cancelled, something the Magistra had not seemed happy with. The students were congregated on the sunny expansive grounds for the opening event of the Beauxbatons Equestrian Competition.
A large seating stand and been erected on the grounds and the seeing stones had been set up as well, all of the students were excited and the weather was only increasing the atmosphere.
The opening event was to be performed by the mentors, and Harry had to get ready for his demonstration, but he was busy thinking and not paying any attention. A sharp pain to his arm caught his attention and he to his right and saw Buckbeak was glaring at him.
"Sorry Beaky." Harry said rubbing his beak smiling "I am just distracted."
Buckbeak seemed to understand and crouched down contently to allow Harry to brush his feathers and get him ready for the demonstrations, Hippogriffs were proud creatures and Buckbeak would not settle for a single feather out of place.
He could hear Madam Maxime talking from the staging area and welcoming the teams to her school and he heard Sirius and Petrov speak also.
"Now we shall see our three escorts perform." Maxime announced, "Viktor Krum representing the Durmstrang Institute, Harrison Black-Potter representing Hogwarts School and our very own Fleur Delacour representing our Academy!"
Harry took a deep breath and stepped away from the beasts and vanished his brushes and looked at him, "Come on Beaky, it's time for us to show them how fierce you are."
Buckbeak stood and he stretched out his wings and Harry swung up behind him. He didn't use any supports, saddles, or reins, they only irritated Buckbeak and they would get in his way and they walked out of their pavilion and made their way toward the assembled students.
"So here they come!" said one of the French students who was announcing, "Fleur is riding none other than a pure white Pegasus!"
Harry blanched at the announcement and looked out into the open field for confirmation. She was indeed riding a beautiful Pegasus, it was pure white and large white wings and a golden horn, a shining silver mane. On its back sat the radiant part Veela both of which glowed and Harry was not sure which held greater beauty or perhaps they emphasised each other'.
The crowds were awed by their entrance and they were all talking excitedly.
"And here comes Viktor riding a flaming dragonhorse from over our northern border!" the announcer said, "look at that fire!"
The Dragonhorse was a large and as black as night, its mane and tail were made of bright red-blue fire, but its large eyes were also made of fire. It was incredibly impressive and expressed strength, raw power, and confidence, both of which Victor reflected on its back. Oddly the horse didn't have wings, although he did have something that looked like bone ridges along its sides.
"And here come Harrison on a hippogriff." The announcer said and it was clear they were not impressed by Buckbeak.
Buckbeak felt their lack of enthusiasm and planted both his front feet and let loose a loud fierce shriek and flared his large wings and glared out at the assembled students and staff. If anyone had been near them at that moment Harry would not have been surprised to see them slashed by his sharp talons.
Harry however had sat on his back calmly, he was not thrown off his back and kept a calm expression on his face even though he wanted to laugh.
"That Hippogriff has quite the aggressive temperament, I don't think it will do well to underestimate it, but his rider does not seem fazed at all." The Announcer said awed by the display.
Buckbeak threw his head into the air primly and calmed back down and trotted forward looking aloof.
Harry smirked at Buckbeak and patterned his neck to comfort him, "Don't worry Beaky, they will see just how fine you are when it is our turn to take to the sky."
"The team mentors will now demonstrate their own skills in this event as they did in the Duelling Tournament." The announcer said, "Victor would you like to start?"
Viktor spurred the fire-horse forwards and as he did the large bone like structures diffused from its body only to ignite and becoming fiery wings. It then took off in a charge across the grounds and it moved at a surprising speed leaving a trail of fire behind it before it leaped and flapped its flaming wings taking to the air.
They were an inspiring pair and showcased pure power and the heat from the mount could be felt by everyone in the stands. Viktor did not perform any tricks on his mount but showcased its power and speed which seemed to suit them both.
After a few minutes, they landed heavily and then Viktor dismounted quickly, and their appeal was over.
"That was a strong start from the Durmstrang Escort, now Fleur if you would?" the announcer asked.
Fleur didn't need telling twice and her Pegasus raised its silky wings and he dashed forwards and they became airborne quickly and it let loose a small cry which made everyone feel peaceful, Fleur had the Pegasus cross the grounds as it effortlessly kept itself aloft and she executed a number of tight turns and tricks.
They were working well together and it was obvious that Fleur knew how to handle her mount easily and seemed to be a natural at it. And throughout she was smiling and she and the Pegasus released an aura around them.
The Pegasus angled back down to the ground and lightly landed back on the ground with its wings flared out and it shone in the sun.
Harry wondered just how his own demonstration would compare to both of his friends, but he would not let their performances intimidate him, "okay Beaky we are going next and let's show them how strong and powerful you are, but also how graceful you can be."
"Okay so now it's time for the last escort, Harrison would you demonstrate the skills of Hogwarts?" the announcer asked.
Nodding Harry flicked his heel into Buckbeak who responded immediately by leaping forwards it a fast run, and then his wings extended and with a single flap they were airborne and all of Harry's anxiety disappeared and he became free.
Buckbeak flew at high speeds across the grounds, performing spins and flips effortlessly with Harry staying on him just through the strength of his legs.
"Okay Beaky let's show our pièce de résistance!" Harry called, "I think this will show them just how good you are!"
They did a full flip and then angled skywards and gained a considerable altitude quickly and then Harry released his legs and he began to fall and he could hear the crowd below shriek loudly and above the noise below he could hear Buckbeak shrieking loudly as he continued to fly and angled himself downwards.
"It seems that the Hogwarts escort has fallen from his mount!" the announcer called "Don't worry the professors are getting ready to catch him now."
Harry smirked and opened his arms and legs and his robes stretched out and his descent slowed as the air became trapped in his outer robe as he had planned. Then below him Buckbeak appeared gliding at a constant speed watching for him carefully.
He flicked out his wand and cast a cushioning charm to dull the impact which would otherwise hurt him as a man and he landed on Buckbeak who compensated for his weight with a mighty flap of his wings and he screeched triumphantly, and they were only a twenty feet above the ground below and there was a great cheer.
Buckbeak angled down towards the ground and landed gracefully and glared at the assembled students.
"Well that was quite the performance from Harrison Black-Potter!" the announcer cried out "that was a great demonstration of trust between rider and mount!"
"I think I can say that was both an incredible display and incredibly dangerous." Sirius said and Harry looked up to see him glaring at him through the projected image above.
Harry smirked up at him and winked, he had told him back in Hogwarts of the first time he had done that trick.
"So let's get on with the first rounds!" the announcer said breaking the moment between Harry and Sirius looking at each other through the enchanted communication stones.
o-HP-o
The opening rounds of the event had bored Harry, equestrian showcasing or dressage bored Harry and he had been very happy for the event to end for the day and he eventually retired to the team living quarters and he sat out on the veranda outside their quarters enjoying the last vestiges of French sun before it set for the night, and he was just sitting with one of his project books in front of him finally working on finishing his potions project.
His concentration was broken by Hermione storming outside with a look of pure annoyance and she threw herself into seat opposite him.
Hermione had been on a walk with none other than Ernie McMillan, she hadn't told Harry but he knew that Ernie had asked her out and he had chosen to feign ignorance. He continued with his work and waited for her to speak as he didn't want to press her and if he did she wouldn't say anything.
He was just writing down the final list of ingredients he had settled on for the potion and now just needed to work out how to brew it so that it would work correctly, he was on the right lines but there were some kinks to resolve.
"Well I will not be going out with him again." She eventually said.
"What happened?" Harry asked delicately.
"He took me for a nice walk through the grounds and through the flower gardens." Hermione said primly, "And once we got to the Rose garden and in front of the golden statue of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel he made his move!"
Harry regarded her with raised brows and looked her over, she wasn't harmed so he stayed calm but depending on what Ernie did he would consider if he deserved a thrashing in a duel.
"And?" Harry asked
"Well I slapped him and hit him with a hex!" she stated looking pleased with herself "The nerve of him."
Smirking slightly Harry hid his amusement by leaning over his book, but she had seen him hide.
"Why are you smirking Harry?" She said narrowing her eyes in warning.
"Well Ernie has fancied you for a while." Harry said no longer hiding his amusement, "He has not had much experience if the Hogwarts rumours are true so I am not surprised he didn't act the gentlemen."
"What of you?" Hermione asked turning the attention away from her disastrous date, "I have noticed you have never asked out a girl, well other than Katie but I don't really count that."
A blush rose to his cheeks but he schooled his expression even if the blush gave him away, and he half-heartedly wished he had Dora's ability.
"What about Daphne?" Hermione asked raising a brow with a slight smile, "You two a close these days."
Harry gave her a pointed look "I thought you didn't like her much."
"I don't really know her." she admitted but there was a tone he couldn't identify to her words "I actually like her, she is very clever and beautiful. You do not need worry that she is a fortune hunter as she is a lady of standing herself and heir to her own fortune, she is well connected and pureblood."
From her words Harry guessed her issue, "She is not like Pansy, she is not a blood supremacist like Pansy, she might be a toff or occasional snob. She cares for her own kin above all others, which is something I admire."
"So you do like her." Hermione said smiling triumphantly "I thought you did but didn't think I would get you to admit it."
"I have said that before Hermione." Harry said shaking his head smiling at how his friend and seeminly played him, "I think it might even be mutual but we cannot be together."
Hermione's expression changed to stern suddenly "You cannot put your life on hold Harry not because of Voldemort. He is out there planning to take over this country and you are a target, as I am, as is Ron and even Neville because of our association to you. But life must go on Harry."
It was not that simple Harry thought to himself, no one other that he seemed to understand that. Sirius no doubt would understand but would still tell him something similar to Hermione was now.
"You know I started to like Ginny for a time." Harry admitted quietly to his best friend, "I even got jealous of her relationships at one stage but that passed as quickly as it came. She is now my friend and that is as far as it goes. Daphne is no different."
"I knew." Hermione said in an equally quiet voice, "I saw your reactions to her presence, but Harry you only stopped liking her as you began to notice Daphne more. And if you think you can think your way out of this you are wrong."
Harry couldn't help but smile at the thought of the icy young lady who set his blood burning as often as she made him chill with her sharp and directed words and stare.
"I have been reading up on the ancient houses." Hermione said changing the subject, "a thousand years ago the houses often intermarried and made political marriages to ally themselves. It is actually quite fascinating, back that far in our magical community there are many parallels to the muggle community."
"Not surprising really, back then we were more interlaced with the muggles society it is only since we withdrew into secrecy that our own society didn't move with the muggles." Harry said shrugging, "Marriages bind alliances between houses, but those days are far behind us Hermione. Political alliances are better and not as messy or long lasting."
He didn't voice it but as he said it he suddenly remember the Black family tree and how manage marriages there had been connecting all manner of families so perhaps his view was not so correct in retrospect.
"you are right, to marry for love is better, but some of the political marriages end up just as good." Hermione pointed out, she lent over the table and had a look at his project book with the ingredient list he had finished, it was covered in notes and crossings out and but he had finally figured them all out. "I have never seen this potion before."
"That's because it hasn't been made yet." Harry laughed "if it existed I would be very angry as it would mean I have wasted months of research."
"Your inventing potions?" She asked scandalised.
"No," Harry mused "At least not yet, I have an idea and ingredients, I haven't figured out how to brew it correctly yet."
She tried to work out what the potion would do if he created it but it got her stumped and she glared at him "It still catches me unaware sometimes when you have overtaken me in certain subjects you know."
The laugh escaped him before he could stop it and he laughed harder at her sour look, "I am merely applying myself as you have told me to do for years, and if anything I needed the challenge, the curriculum here is hardly challenging me."
"You still haven't told me what this is." Hermione rolled her eyes but didn't disagree the curriculum here wasn't that hard.
"No I haven't." Harry told her smiling devilishly "and this time I don't think I will, you helped me with my runes project more that I would have preferred." A look of hurt crossed Hermione's face and he realised he had not explained himself well, "I am glad you helped but the accomplishment of doing something on your own without any one's assistances is much better and sweeter. I feel like I cheated."
"What made you so interested in potions anyway?" Hermione asked "I thought your interests lay in Defence and duelling."
"Who says a potion has no use in defence?" Harry asked her with a brow raised in challenge "A wand is all well and good but you taught me that a sharp mind can also be a weapon."
"But…" She said and she looked down at the ingredients list and studied it intently "I see, I think I know what you are doing then."
"It might not even work." Harry said taking the book back and closing it, "But it is keeping me occupied, there isn't a lot here that does."
"You miss Hogwarts?" Hermione asked and she looked out at the expansive gardens full of flowers, statues and fountains and she looked longingly out at the horizon.
"I do." Harry said, "I miss the castle, its secret passages and the familiar feeling of its walls and magic."
"I miss Ron." Hermione said wishfully, "We have exchanged some letters but the distance is too great and they do not make up for how we are all together."
"I think you mean you miss bickering and arguing with him." Harry told her, "I have never seen you so impassioned then when you and he have some form of pointless argument."
"There are not pointless!" she said primly and but she smiled a little "He is just stubborn and refuses to see when he is wrong."
That was rich Harry thought to himself, he thought her wrong as often as Ron, they were as stubborn and pigheaded as the other.
"Harry!" Neville said stepping outside, "We missed you at dinner."
"I was not in the mood for the French cuisine." Harry said sourly, "I do not like the meagre food they serve us here, all to supposedly keep the waistlines of the young eligible ladies fine and the gentlemen's bellies flat."
Neville and Hermione exchanged shocked looks at his words but it only elicited a round of loud laughter.
"What?" he asked.
"I have never heard you sound like such a snob." Neville laughed "You sound like Lord Harrison Black-Potter a true pureblood elitist who likes the finer things."
Harry joined their laughter and looked sheepish knowing it was true, "I long for a decent meal, Hogwarts isn't known for its fine cuisine but by merlin what I wouldn't give for sheppards pie and treacle tart!"
"Roast chicken, steamed vegetables and boiled potatoes with butter." Hermione said with a longing voice, "maybe a forest fruit and ice cream to finish off."
"I miss the cooking from home." Neville said, "Gran went on a grand tour in her youth and when she came back with my grandfather they brought back a state for foreign foods, our greenhouses are full of different vegetables and herbs from around the world and our elf knows many different foods, I find Hogwarts's food sometimes plain."
"The food is very traditional at Hogwarts." Hermine agreed, "Even in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade."
"Most do not like foreign things." Harry agreed, he remembered the foods his aunt used to cook, the smells of spices and meat used to waft into his cupboard often when they were entertaining.
"Have you told him?" Neville asked Hermione.
"Told him what?" she asked not understanding.
"Oh right." Neville said abashed, "You left to go off with…. Well you missed the announcement. The Headmistress told us that tomorrow a guest lecturer will arrive at the school!"
"Who?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"She wouldn't say." Neville said the disappointment evident but he looked excited, "But the French students all seem to know. They wouldn't tell me either but said only that we would not be disappointed."
"A mystery lecture?" Harry mused aloud, "Well I don't think there has ever been a mystery in a school that Hermione and I have not uncovered."
"You might be right there." Neville agreed and then he sobered, "I have also heard that the French ministry has convened an emergency session to discuss our being here."
"Another one? That will be the fourth in two weeks! that cannot be good." Hermione agreed, "Any further news on that?"
"No." Neville shook his head, "But Mathis told me that he did not think we would be able to remain here for much longer."
o-HP-o
The next morning Harry and the team tried to get more information from the students and faculty but Madame Maxime had them all tight lipped, even Fleur would not give even the smallest hint to Harry when he asked and told him that he would not be disappointed and it would be a true privilege for his students to see it.
When they had woken the team took the time to make sure they were dressed pristinely and were presentable, the school's insistence on such things made sure that each students took pride in their appearance and it was becoming a habit for them after only a month at the school.
They atmosphere in the hall was buzzing with excitement and everyone was chatting and smiling and laughing, waiting on the Headmistress who seemed oblivious to their impatience. That mood however changed quickly with the arrival of the mail as it flew through the air and landed in front of them, and the headline were very grim.
FOURTEEN SHIPS DESTROYED AROUND THE BRITISH ISLES
You-Know-Who and Death Eaters Kill Four Hundred Muggles
Last night saw a wave of attacks on ships around the British Isles, the death toll is believed to be four hundred but bodies are washing up along the coast and the number grows steadily by the hour.
No witnesses to the attacks have been found but it is thought to be the work of the terrorist You-Know-Who and his followers, the Dark Mark was in the skies above each of the destroyed muggle ships.
The Ministry responded quickly to the reports of the mark around the coast and the Auror Office, Obliviator's and the Muggle Liaison Office have been working through the night to contain the sites from the muggles and they have been trying to trace the Death Eaters responsible.
While the forces remain at large, the Ministry has been able to identify the magical signatures of a number of known Death Eaters at a number of the sites. Among them are Bellatrix No-Name, Rodolphus and Rebastan Lestrange, and Antonin Dolohov.
Minister Scrimgeour has met with the muggle Prime minister in the early hours to reassure him that we have the situation in hand and that this situation is contained, but the jury is still out on that score.
He has not given an official statement to the press, but an argument has been heard between he and Headmaster Black, according to our source the Minister is trying to have Lord Black privately fund our war against the Dark Lord as the Minister blames the ongoing conflict on Lord Black.
Lord Black however has been helping the DMLE since Minister Fudge was forced to step down from his position, his private funding has greatly expanded the DMLE and is responsible for the surge of Aurors hired and other departments budgets being increased.
It is thought that the Minister is turning to the House of Black to try and bankroll his term as Minister and his militaristic approach to these conflicts, Gringotts is reportedly withholding on loans to the Ministry due to ongoing tensions between the two institutions.
Madam Bones however has been seen storming through the halls of the Ministry through the night and has also been seen at the sites of each destroyed ship. She has refused to comment this morning as she has been busy trying to resolve this issue but she did say that the DMLE is out in force and that each member of the community should keep their eyes open for possible attacks and their wands at hand.
For more information on the attacks see page 2
The news was not only in the British Papers but also in the papers delivered to the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students, along with further news. The Army of Restoration had been seen again in France, a small number to be sure but they had left their mark for all to see.
Hermione, Neville and Harry wondered if the Army was trying to bait Voldemort into attacking, as their reappearance coincided with the large number of attacks by the Death Eaters.
The news stripped the hall of the happy and light talk, instead it replaced it with hushed whispers and dark looks.
Harry almost went hungry, the news made him loose his appetite and the meagre light breakfast served did nothing to encourage him, but he managed to nibble at some of the food and he was happy when the native students were sent classes by the Headmistress.
"Our honoured guests, please make your way to the Grand Lecture Hall, your lessons for the day have been cancelled and the lectures will take all day, you will get a lunch break between each session." She said and smiling happily.
Fleur glided forwards smiling and silently led them out of the hall and refused to answer any questions and just kept walking.
Harry and his friends had learnt some of the layout of the school and could get to most of their classes without getting lost, they still were escorted around the school for a number of the classes and activities, the layout of the school was complicated and navigating it was made harder due to rooms that split the outer corridors and the inner corridors, but it was made harder as you often didn't know if you were opening a door to a corridor, or to a classroom or somewhere else.
It was an odd design for a school, and one that Harry wondered at as it seemed to be a way to make sure visitors did not venture too far into the school's depths.
Fleur flicked her wand at a set of ornate wooden doors and they opened slowly, and a smell of sanded wood and varnish leaked out of the room. The room itself was hexagonal and angled downwards with seating facing one side of the room where a large chalkboard and podium sat.
The students piled into the room and found themselves seats and waited for the surprise.
Harry, Hermione, Neville, Elijah and Ingrid took seats near each other and began to chat and gossip about who could possibly be the guest speakers and why all the suspense was necessary, the news of Voldemort and the Army forgotten.
Five minutes passed and then to the shock of the assembled students a man walked through the large chalk board at the front and put down his dragon hide satchel on the desk and walked to the podium.
The man was not a ghost, but he looked to be in his early sixties. He had black and white hair which was cut in a very out of date kind of way and he had a number of lines on his face but it was his eyes that caught Harry's attention.
They were incredibly sharp and showed a great intelligence and were alive but at the same time Harry saw that they had a great depth too them which Harry had never seen in a person, even Dumbledore had never had that much depth to his eyes, whoever this man was he had seen a great deal and not all of it was good.
Like the man's hair, his style of robe was also a little odd, they were obviously French but they were from an older period of history and were most certainly not contemporary French Wizarding style but they seemed to suit this odd man, he seemed to be the embodiment of a by gone age.
Everyone was watching the man silently, all talk had stopped and many students were looking at him in wonder and awe.
"Is that…." Daphne breathed but she didn't finish the sentence.
"Good morning students" The man said in perfect English, and then he repeated the greeting in five other lanaguges without even the trace of an accent.
He smiled up at them all and looked amused by their reactions, his eyes swept over them all one at a time as he studied the faces before he continued.
"It is good to see that some of you know who I am, that means that your generation have not stopped picking up a book or two or have not lost all interest in history." He said his amusement clear to see on his lined face and light beard.
"But for those of you who have not delved into the pages of history and perhaps the intrigue of my speciality, I am Nicolas Flamel." He announced and chuckled as many of the room gasped in shock, they might not recognise him but they all knew his name.
Harry too was shocked, this was the man who had created the famed Philosophers Stone, the only known alchemist to do so in all history and he had also held said stone in his first year and had led to its destruction.
"While many know of my achievements and know many details of my work and other interests." He continued "most do not even know my face, I could stand in the crowd of ten and people may still not know which of them I am. Then again I suppose why would an old man like me end up on the pages of the latest gossip magazine? I certainly will not be on any lists of eligible young bachelors, or at least not this side of six centuries at any rate."
The students laughed lightly at his small joke.
"Well you are not here to listen to this old man prattle on about the shortcomings of today." He said and he began to walk on the stage, "This Exchange Program is the first of its kind across the magical educational institutions in the world, I myself was once a student in this very school and I even sat in this room as a young boy who was beginning to learn about magic, but here sit the students of two opposing schools who are here to learn the secrets which only Beauxbatons can teach!"
Flamel sounded truly enthusiastic about what he was saying and all of the students were hanging off his every word.
"I may be most well-known for my advances in the field of alchemy and of course creating the Philosophers Stone but I am also a foremost scholar of magic in itself." He said "I have learnt magic from all corners of the world, from the many tribes of Africa and Arabia, from the ancient empires of Egypt and Greece, From the magics of the ancient Maya, Aztec and Inca of south America, I learnt the secrets of the native American Indians and I have spent time with the Aboriginals and Māori of Australia and New Zealand. I have also spent time travelling Asia learning the secrets of Laozi. Do you know what I discovered?"
The students sat silent and waiting on his next words eagerly.
"Magic is one of the most incredible things in the world. I have lived for six centuries and I am still learning more about it even now." He said smiling "As students you are here to learn enough to pass your exams and make your way in the world, but have you ever wondered what else you could discover if you went looking?"
He walked back to the podium and looked at his notes and said "Mr Michaelson?"
"Yes Professor?" Elijah responded shocked he had been picked.
"If I were to ask you what sacrificial magic is what would you say?" he asked.
Elijah paused before he answered, "It is a dark application of magic, and a magic that has been outlawed by the European governments centuries ago."
Flamel nodded at the answer but then questioned Elijah further "Why would you say it is dark? What makes it a dark magic?"
"Sacrificial magics at its very heart is channelling the life energy of the thing sacrificed into raw magical power to achieve something else. All magic related the killing of an animal or human is by its very nature dark." Elijah answered, "At one time this magic was widespread across Europe but it has since become a darker part of our history."
"Just so. Now as Mr Michaelson has said sacrificial magic is classified as dark as to use it you must take life." Flamel expanded, "Many civilisations have practiced this magic over the course of history and most predominantly used animal sacrifice to channel the power but some turned to the use of human sacrifice. Many dark witches and Wizards have used this magic to devastating effect but some uses of the magic have great uses too."
Harry regarded the alchemist with surprise, something he saw mirrored in many of the other students, this was not how they thought this lecture would go.
"Miss Granger?" Flamel said suddenly picking another name from the parchment in front of him.
"Here Professor." Hermione said shakily.
"What is Necromancy?"
Hermione was startled by the question and looked horrified "A hypothetical application of magic mostly used to generalise any magic relating to the dead or death."
Flamel looked at her carefully and seemed to make a conclusion "Yes, go on."
Hermione took a sharp intake of breath, "At its core it relates to the resurrection of the dead, which is magical impossibility. However other magics related to reanimation of the dead are also classified as Necromancy, Inferi, and voodoo thralls being examples."
"Better." Flamel responded nodding "Now both of these types of magic are classified as dark and in many countries they are banned, however from both types of magic wizards and witches have learnt the balance of the world."
"Miss Dobrev?" Flamel called looking around for the student and once she revealed herself he asked "Do you know what I mean by the balance of the world?"
"No Professor." She said, "I have never heard of it."
Flamel did not look disappointed but consulted his list "Mr Danvers, how about you?"
"No, I have never heard that term before Professor, it is not something we have been taught at Hogwarts." Joshua answered honestly.
"Does anyone know what I mean?" He asked, "this is an important lesson in magic."
Harry raised his hand and the professor homed in on him instantly.
"I of course already know your name Harrison Black-Potter." Flamel said giving him a friendly smile "You know the answer?"
"I might be wrong but I know of a similar phrase or concept." Harry admitted uncomfortable under the alchemists' gaze. "I read that 'To create a life, a life must be taken such is the nature of the world as there must always be a balance'. It is accredited to an ancient druid settlement in England that once practiced dark sacrificial magic which went against their own peoples most sacred law, 'Life is sacred, to take the life of another human is the highest crime against nature itself' or it was something to that effect."
Professor Flamel blinked and seemed to be caught off guard by his answer for a moment "You are quite correct, I myself have studied the native magical practices of your home country and it is true, at the same time as the Ancient Egyptians were meddling with the power of life and death, the druids had discovered what happened to those who meddle with its power."
"What do you mean Professor?" Ernie asked confused "this is rather dark stuff all this isn't it."
"Now that depends on your view of magic. In my youth, I of course had devoted myself to the pursuit of unlocking the secrets of alchemy and a big part of that was walking a path of enlightenment." Flamel said patiently "Life and Death. Light and Dark magic. Human nature. All of them I studied in order to find the truth to behind so many things."
"Is it possible to restore a human back from the dead?" Daphne asked, "we have always been taught that it is not."
The alchemist looked at her keenly but answered her honestly "To my knowledge it is not. I have not found any proof that it can be done. Inferi, Draugr, Thralls and Mummies are examples of reanimating a dead body but they do not retain their sense of self or for better term a soul. The closest wizards have ever gotten was with the creation of Vampirism, the Ancient Egyptians created them during their own pursuit but what they created was not what they intended."
"However just because we do not currently know how to do it does not mean it is not possible but that is currently beyond our understanding of magic." He said looking at them all slowly before he added in a sadder voice "Death is permanent and irreversible, there is the world of the living and the other side where all the dead reside, both are inaccessible to the other." The professor said sadly "That is the way of the world and the way of magic."
"What about ghost's professor?" Lydia asked "They are still dead."
"Physically they are, ghosts are an after image of those that have died. Like an imprint or an echo of their former selves. I believe that the life of a ghost is kind of purgatory for they can never change their circumstances and will linger on and endure long after all of us."
"Professor what about the stories of doorways to the other side?" Henrick Zimmeran asked, "In many cultures there are legends of such things."
"A very astute question" Flamel complimented "There are rare locations and artefacts which act as a doorway into the next world, but once the living step through they do not return and the dead also cannot return through them, these doors were created thousands of years ago by wizards experimenting with the power of life and death and in each case there unleashed pure horror in the world."
"Professor how can that be true, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned." Arthur Goodwin said pointedly looking at Harry "he was dead."
Professor Flamel frowned and cast a look at Harry before he answered, "You should call him by his name, do not fear a name it gives him power over you."
There was silence for a long time and the Professor seemed content in not answering the question for some time he stood there looking at them each in turn before his eyes fell on Harry for a long time but he eventually spoke again and decided not to answer.
"Now the reason I bring up life and death and even sacrifice and necromancy is because these areas of study are considered dark and dangerous." He explained "But to understand these basic principles of magic allows for better understanding of other magic's. Can anyone name me the darkest creature in our world?"
"Banshees."
"Acromanula."
"Vampires."
"Werewolves."
Were all called out but the professor shook his head and waited.
"Dementors?" Hermione asked raising her hand like she was in a lesson.
"No, but they are among the foulest and loathsome creatures I have encountered." The Professor said and he was about to give them the answer when Neville raised his own hand, "Yes Mr..."
"Longbottom sir," he said and he looked unsure of himself for a moment but managed to get his answer out, "humans?"
The Professors eyes sparkled brightly reminding Harry of Professor Dumbledore.
"Why do you say that?" he asked with interest.
"Whether muggle or magical humans are most often cause the most darkness and destruction, we have a dual nature and often give in to our darker thoughts and walk that path."
"Very good Mr Longbottom!" Flamel exclaimed "Could you also hazard a guess what makes us so different to a vampire, werewolf or even a dementor?"
Neville was hesitant and looked unsure of himself but the professor gave him an encouraging look, "a vampire was a human before they became a vampire, but once turned they are governed by urges of their kind, the need to feed and it is uncontrollable to most. A werewolf when in its animal form is a creature of instinct and hunts as directed by the mind of the beast. A dementor is a dark creature who spreads misery and sucks out souls but that is the nature of the creature it cannot be changed."
"Yes, keep going Mr Longbottom." Flamel said eagerly "I want you to finish your train of thought."
"Humans…" he said "well we are born neither good or evil, light or dark, we have the potential to be both, things will happen that will push us in either direction and eventually when we leave this world we have picked a path."
"Very good Mr Longbottom!" Flamel congratulated, "exactly the point, humans have the potential to go either way but you will not find a dementor that is friendly or likes cuddles, a tame werewolf or even a vampire that does not have the hunger."
The lecture lasted long into the day and the two teams hurried through their lunch just to get back to Professor Flamel he challenged their outlooks on magic, from the fundamental differences between good and evil and light and dark magic, from love, life and death and even the practicalities of charms and transfiguration, and he created a large number of debates as the students got more comfortable with him and they opened up their own opinions.
"During my quest to unlock the mystery of Alchemy I had to learn a great deal not only on magical theory but also myself." Flamel said finishing his lecture, "I had to look into myself to find some answers and that was perhaps the hardest thing I ever did, to understand one's self without reservations is a powerful but terrible thing."
"Professor?" Malachi called.
"Yes Mr Oristokov."
"You have said that you had to learn more about magic, does that mean you have spent time learning the darker applications and deeper lore." He asked, "I once read that you oppose the dark arts."
Flamel considered his answer before saying "Yes I have studied it, and I spent more years than I care to remember researching the ancient dark magic and its power and allure almost consumed me, but if not for the actions of my wife I may have succumbed to the darker side of my nature which dark magic exploits. I have no love for dark magic for it permeates the worst part of human nature and grows like a disease but I respect it for everything has a purpose, for lighter magic to exist there was be dark, I chose the lighter path whereas others in my field, such as Paracelsus chose the darker."
"Professor I have one more question." Danyl asked, one of the Durmstrang students from the sixth year.
"Of course." Flamel said smiling "But this really must be the last one, you will be late for dinner and the Headmistress does not like tardiness."
"You have lived for so many years, how long could you live on the elixir of life?" he asked "Does it give you youth too as you do not look to be over sixty."
"A very astute question, I do not know how long the elixir would work for I am the only known maker and so far I would say I am not doing badly at all" he said laughing at his words, "You are correct that the stone also gives vitality to the user for if it did not my body would have aged considerably and failed, my time in this world however is not much longer, I destroyed my stone and I am living off the last remnants of the elixir."
There were large gasps from around the room, most not believing that the alchemist would destroy something that prevented death and would chose to die over life.
Harry sat in his seat and felt sick, and he felt incredibly guilty as it was his fault that stone was destroyed.
Professor Flamel did not seem surprised by their reactions in fact he looked amused "You are young and I am old, I have lived for many generations and now I look on my eventual death as finally getting a rest."
Those words triggered Harry's memory from his first year at Hogwarts when Dumbledore had said something very similar, and it also reminded him of Dumbledore's own acceptance of his death last year.
"Now off you all go, I hope that I have opened your eyes to the diverse applications to magic and their moral implications, but remember this if nothing else, magic is a gift and that gift should be nurtured for without it you would not be here now." He said and then the students began to file out of the lecture hall and Harry followed slowly wound up in his own thoughts.
"Mr Black-Potter a word if you would." Said a quiet but firm voice from behind him.
Harry turned and was surprised to see the Professor looking up at him, frowning he walked back down the steps towards the stage area.
"Professor?" he asked unsure what the old alchemist could want with him, especially as it was his fault he would soon die.
"I have wanted to meet with you for many years Mr Black-Potter, ever since your first year at Hogwarts." Flamel said smiling "I was most intrigued by the efforts you went to."
"You were?" Harry managed to say.
The Professor gave him an understanding look "Brian held you in high regard and he mentioned you often in our correspondence."
Harry blinked he didn't know anyone called Brian, "Brian? Professor?" he asked confused.
"Brian, is what I called Albus Dumbledore, it was the only name that he had that was ordinary and I liked to remind him of that." He explained and looked like he was smiling at an untold joke "As a student at Hogwarts he wrote to me about alchemy asking me questions and I found him to be a remarkable bright boy and we exchanged many a letter on the subject. But it was a year after he left school that I really got to know him and he studied under me for a time."
"You knew him well?" Harry asked quietly, he felt the old sadness well up in him and the guilt that he had caused his death, not unlike the man in front of him.
"I believe I did, he was not often forthcoming but I am old enough to know how to read people and find the hidden truths." Flamel said sadly lost momentarily in his thoughts "It was his idea to use the school to hide the stone, one I did not agree with, but I was convinced by my wife that the stone would be safe, and Brian said every protection would be placed on it. But he told me what happened."
"I am sorry I did not protect it properly Professor." Harry said and he looked away from the old professor and he felt guilty "It is my fault."
"No dear boy it is not." The old alchemist said firmly and his eyes showed pity which made Harry feel worse. "Voldemort would have gone to any length to get my stone, it would have been the quickest way for him to regain his body. Its existence was dangerous, I have been forced to live a quiet life behind numerous magical protections and wards in order to keep it safe."
"Why? You are a powerful wizard surely you could have protected it?" Harry asked despite his mind telling him to keep quiet.
"I and my creation are famous around the world, in my youth we were attacked and ambushed many times by witches and wizards trying to get a source for immortality and vast wealth." He said sadly "but that is why I was so intrigued by you."
"I don't understand?" Harry said not following his train of thought.
"Brian told me of the protections around the stone, while they were not what I would call secure, his final protection was a great work of magic."
"The mirror." Harry stated remembering the magical mirror and the enchantment Dumbledore had wrought.
"Exactly, Brian did have a keen mind especially when he applied it to a situation, the magic he used to put the stone in the mirror was genius." Flamel complimented, "Voldemort and his puppet were unable to access it due to their less noble desires, but you were, you did not want the stone for its properties or its power, you didn't even want to use it! Your only intention was to protect it, and keep it away from someone who would exploit it."
"I did what I had to." Harry shrugged.
"No, you did something which I would expect from an adult." Flamel countered "what you did was something I had not seen in some time, even Brian was wary of the power of the stone had over even the sharpest mind, you were selfless."
"Voldemort could not get that stone!" Harry said passionately "I was not going to let him, even if I didn't stop him a few years ago."
The alchemist hummed in response and regarded him critically "Did you know you almost died protecting my stone?"
Harry nodded, "I was unconscious for days, Professor Dumbledore said I was lucky to be alive and probably would have died had he not arrived."
"Yes he did save you, and he did it the only way he could." Flamel smiled and then shook his head and changed the subject, "I have met a number of your kin over the centuries, both from the House of Black and Potter and I do find you perhaps the most interesting of them."
"Who did you know?" Harry asked surprised that the old professor would have met with them.
"In most recent years I was acquainted with your great grandfather Fleamont Potter and with Cassiopeia Black your great aunt." He said and he pointed down at Harry's hand "I see you have the rings of three ancient houses on your hand, you are the first to wield so much power."
"Three?" Harry asked startled, he looked down at the two rings on his fingers "I have two rings."
The professor smiled knowingly "Yes you do, but one of those rings is part of two families is it not."
Harry blinked, this man obviously knew his ancestry "Yes I am a descendent of the Peverells as well as the Potters, but that ring is only the Potter ring."
The old man tilted his head slightly and looked at him directly "Is it? I believe the totems, both the Griffin and the Thestral lay in that ring, odd don't you think?"
"Sirius told me that it is just the original image of the family before the lines merged." Harry said awkwardly not liking this direction of this conversation as it revealed family secrets but the old man seemed to know more about it that he.
"The Peverell family totem was the thestral, it was bound to their land in the days of old." Flamel stated, "The Potter family totem is a Griffin, bound to their blood long before the marriage of Hardwin Potter and Iolanthe Peverell."
Harry thought on the man's words for a moment before asking "So are you saying that they are actually independent of each other? But the Potter's only became an Ancient and Noble House after that marriage."
"I actually find it very interesting that the bloodlines have merged on you, you are descended from the Peverells and the Le Feys through the Potters and the Blacks respectively." Flamel said almost to himself looking at Harry closely, "two opposite lines merged in a single person, I find it most odd given the ancient histories. Now we should go, we are pushing tardiness."
Harry nodded unsure of what to do but realised he was being dismissed and he began to turn away when the professor pulled out two small leather bound books.
"As a thank you for keeping the stone safe." He said handing the smaller one to him "This is my own first edition book of the Tales of Beedle the Bard, my wife thought you might like it and I too think you might find it illuminating and if not at least amusing."
"Th-Thank You Professor." Harry stammered taken aback by his generosity, it was the same book Dumbledore had left for Hermione.
"This here is a book of my own making, it contains many notes and scribbles of my journeys through the world and learning many different areas of magic." He said with a sad smile "It would take a life time to unlock everything within this book, but there is much within its pages even some of Brian's own papers you will find. Many would pay a huge fortune to obtain this book but I think you might find its symbolic nature more valuable. It may look small but no matter how many times you read it cover to cover you will find something new, its content will change and shift suiting your needs, wants and even ability and comprehension."
"I – I don't know what to say Professor." Harry admitted taking the heavy book from the professor, it was heavier than he thought it would be and he was surprised at the Professors own strength.
"Nothing is to be said, there are a gift and a thank you." He told him sincerely "Now be off with you, I am sure you must be hungry and I must go and find my wife who will be venturing through one of the many gardens in these expansive grounds."
Harry didn't linger, and hastily made his way out of the room with the books held close to his chest and he didn't go to dinner but went straight to his room and locked the large book in his trunk and sat reading the children's book, hoping that an odd story about a man and a hopping pot could distract him from a very strange encounter.