A/N: And here's the next chapter! Time for Harry to get a bit of practice directing the power of Aether.

Disclaimer: I don't Harry Potter, Spyro the Dragon, or any other works referenced in this story. I only own my original ideas.

Chapter 38: Aether

Harry wasn't surprised when Vaerath pulled him aside during the next training session. Ever since he'd destroyed the horcrux inside his scar, He'd felt like some barrier within himself had been removed. He'd felt this power before in small amounts: when he battled Voldemort in the cemetery, as well as when those dementors came after him and Luna. Now, though, it filled him, ready to be released at a moment's notice. They'd already practiced their spells for the day, but this was something extra

"Harry, from what you described within your dreamstate, you have unlocked the power of Aether within yourself. It is a power known for its ability to do the seemingly impossible," said Vaerath, "some have described it as magic in its purest form. It has the capacity to do great and terrible things. It has been used to tear worlds asunder as well and put it back together. To wield it properly, you must learn to direct this power, without letting it control you. In combat, it will behave similarly to other elements you've learned, but will be more draining. While useful, the power of Aether is not the best choice for every situation, due to it have the having the habit of tearing things apart at the atomic level. Let's begin. Don't worry, I'll help you if your control slips".

The rest of the group stood back as Harry and Vaerath assumed dragon form. The power of Aether still roiled within Harry's core, but felt slightly more manageable now. Vaerath gestured, and a large number of training dummies appeared. He inhaled deeply, and spat forth a beam of violet energy, slicing through the air towards his target. The dummies never stood a chance. When the dust settled, there were no dummies left. Vaerath summoned more dummies, and Harry focused on channeling his power.

He inhaled, and directed the energy forwards. It began to flow, the sheer force almost pushing him back. The beam of violet energy lanced towards dummies, swiftly tearing through them. He felt the flow becoming unsteady, the beam wavering as he fought for control of it, and swiftly halted the flow. As he did, he noticed it had left him feeling a bit winded. Vaerath looked over what he'd done, and nodded.

"A good first try," said Vaerath, "and good job keeping it under control".

"I… I felt like it was going to go out of control," said Harry, "so I stopped it".

"I guess that would be your training as a wizard coming into use," said Vaerath, "you already have practice keeping you magic under control, so it stands to reason that you'd have an advantage at keeping Aether under control. Here use this".

Vaerath handed him a chunk of bright green crystal. It felt warm in his claws, and was emitting a comforting glow. As he examined it, it suddenly crumbled to dust! At the same time, he felt energized.

"Don't worry, that's normal," said Vaerath, "those crystals are a rare thing, and as such can only be used sparingly. Now then, we have some extra time. I don't want you try to use Aether again for now, due to the inherent risks that might come from pushing yourself too hard. Is there anything you wish to ask me?"

"Can you tell about some of the other worlds you've visited?" asked Harry.

"Well, they're quite a varied lot, given the infinity that is the multiverse," said Vaerath, "Mundus was a pleasant enough realm, met a wise old dragon acting as the grandmaster of an order of monks. Pleasant fellow, always up for a friendly debate about various topics. Toril was similar, though there was the issue of the dragons of that realm being in an ongoing cosmic-scale sibling rivalry. For various reasons, I kept my true self concealed when I could while in that world. In all honesty, this isn't my first time in your world, Harry".

"It isn't?" said Harry.

"Nope," said Vaerath with a smirk, "how do you think Hogwarts got its motto?"

"Wait, you knew the founders!?" said Hermione, "You have to tell us about them!"

"Well, I met them while resting in a cave not far from where Hogwarts now stands," said Vaerath, "long story short, Salazar dared Godric to wake me up. Godric, being brave, albeit somewhat overly so, took the dare. After a bit of arguing, we got to speaking more civilly, and became friends. It's sad to see much of the information about them has been twisted by the lens of history".

"Such as?" asked Draco.

"Well, for instance, Salazar and Godric weren't enemies," said Vaerath, "in fact they were friendly rivals at worst. Sure, they argued at times, but it wasn't more than that. Yes, they did have a fight before Salazar left, but this was a regular occurrence as the two were dueling partners, and regularly tested their mettle against each other. You must remember this was a different time: skill with the arcane and skill with a blade were of equal importance. It was not on any sour terms that Salazar left, but wherever he went, he never made it back".

"How did the story get so distorted?" asked Harry.

"All it takes is one person to start a rumor for it to spread like wildfire," said Vaerath, "and while I wasn't here to see it, I can only suspect someone started a negative rumor about Salazar".

Before anyone else could ask a question, there was a flash of light and a slivery form glided down. From the feelings of positive emotions drifting off of it, it was easy to recognize as a patronus. This one resembled a miniature dragon, and flew down right in front of Vaerath.

"The serpent has been destroyed," said the patronus in a voice Harry didn't recognize, "only one phylactery remains. Riddle will not risk the creation of another".

With its message delivered, the patronus vanished, leaving them to think about its brief message.

"Well, that's one less thing to worry about," said Vaerath, "That puts Riddle in a very fragile position".

"Who in Merlin's name is Riddle?" asked Draco.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle Jr.," said Vaerath, "you might know him as Voldemort. Half-blood wizard and the Dark Lord currently troubling this world".

Draco paled at these words.

"Wait, the Dark Lord is a half-blood?" said Draco, "why would he…"

"Does it matter?" asked Vaerath, "now, I must inform Albus of this development. Each of you did well today. You are dismissed".

Vaerath left the Room of Requirement, and the various students filtered out soon afterwards. He wasn't sure what it was, but he knew that it wouldn't be long now… He and Voldemort would clash for the final time, and the victor would decide the world's fate.

A/N: And there we go! Not many chapters left now. This particular story is swiftly coming to an end. See you next time!