CH 14
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March Break & Under Mountain Rules
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The boys had all obtained the necessary items in order to complete the Goblins' lists. They were all packed and ready to go for their one week March Break. However before they left Dobby had found two other house-elves that had been released from their Wizard Family bonds due to the fact that the family that they had been bonded to from their infancy had been killed in a devastating Death Eater raid.
Harry's house-elves, Harry, Ron and Draco were there, looking at the two poor elves that had been turned out by the cold cruel hand of fate. Well Voldemort is just cruel and there was no fate involved unless it was the fact that they came to Dobby's attention quite by chance. He had felt that they would be compatible to Ron and his ex-nasty boy Master.
Dobby was petitioning the two boys to bond with either one of them before they headed out to the Goblins. The two house-elves were leery of such, but Harry was there and would guide their bond because if they truly didn't want the house-elves bonded to them, he was prepared to bond them to his house under the same bond conditions that Winky and Dobby had.
"Salix (...i...), this be Draco Malfoy," Dobby said. "Ex-nasty boy Master Draco, this be Salix. He be good at man stuff, preparing clothes, shoes, rooms and travel. But not be wanting bad master, so bonding must include that yous be nice to Salix and let'im be wearing protectives too."
"Potter," Draco asked for guidance, because he needed someone to help him with some things and he didn't want to muck up what might be his only chance at gaining a personal house-elf tied to him alone.
"Look at Dobby and Winky," the dark-haired Gryffindor said. "They're wearing protective clothing, shoes and have permission to wear outer-wear cloaks if needed. My only condition is that they make all their own things, keep them neat and tidy."
"What are the termination requirements," Draco asked.
"None," Harry said. "You treat them nice, descent and they work for you for the rest of your life and the life of any potential future offspring or heirs. You beat them or curse them in any way shape or form and they have the right to refuse to do any work until you apologize with true sincerity in your voice and actions. They'll remain bonded indefinitely because it's complete security for you and your secrets."
Draco blinked at that and Ron nodded his head understanding that Hermione's way was not the right way, but Harry had thought of something else. "Quality of life," Ron said. "Right, Harry?"
"That's right," Harry said. He turned to Draco and explained. "It's a Muggle concept, but one that is easily translated to house-elves and their living situation. There are many quotes out there, but my favourite is, 'Quality of life in a person can be defined as the way they treat, themselves, body, mind and soul; the way they others with kindness, consideration and joys; and how they are treated in return by all who know them.' (...ii...) I like it because it's like a catch all for the kind of bond that I formed with Dobby and Winky."
"So basically, put yourself in their shoes and treat them how you'd like to be treated," Harry continued, stopping the blonde from saying anything remotely stupid, like 'But I'm not a house-elf.' He could see that response lingering and so he stated. "It doesn't matter what species you are. Show any of them disdain and contempt and just see how much quality service you get out of those that work and live with you. Treat them fairly and pleasantly you'll notice a huge difference in yourself by the way they are around you. Trust me on this."
"All right," Draco said turning to Salix to hold out his wand, which once the Bonding Oath was said by the Wizard, the house-elf would accept the terms and conditions by grasping the wand with both hands and letting the magic in the bond combine.
"On my magic I ask that you bond with me under the terms stated here with regard to secrecy, security, Family honour and strive for an improved Quality of Life, including any defensives needed by making them yourself or having another house-elf make them for you. Bonded into permanency to me personally, Draco Lucianis Malfoy of the Family Lineage Mal de Foy and all adjuncts. Bond to automatically transfer at my death onto any future named heir, heirs or children, until the day you pass into the great beyond."
Salix liked that Oath and when he looked at Dobby and Winky, their Master Harry had his hands on their shoulders with pride. The two elves were smiling and nodding encouragingly and Salix knew that a lot of leeway had just been given to him.
He turned to the blonde boy who was holding a loaded wand filled with the Magical Bond Oath and Salix did something in return that no elf had thought to do. He said, "The quality of my life will be defined by the way you treat, yourself, body, mind and soul, in way that you will treat me with kindness and consideration, I will return all in joy and honest servitude. We will endeavour to deserve how we are treated by all who know us."
The magic flew around the room, tendrils of silver, blue and green wrapped in intricate runes and marks on both their arms. The runes formed a single line of unbreakable magic and rune code, in the colour of the blonde's magic. These runes ran along the outside the arms from shoulder to elbow on Draco's body and in the form of a two inch cuffs around both of Salix's wrists.
Dobby nodded. "Master Harry," he said to his shocked Master. "This be very new."
Harry grinned and said, "I agree, but I think that I like it. We'll have to write this down somewhere for posterity. An Oath like this should never be forgotten."
"I think that I like those terms too," Ron said. He turned to look at the other male house-elf. "I won't force you to bond with me unless you're sure that that is what you want."
"Maze need be bonding with a good Wizard Family," the little elf said. It was slightly younger than his brother Salix, but he was still capable of learning new things and he liked the bond that his brother had made with his new Master. The marks were clear and no house-elf would dare say anything about the bond.
"Maze likes red," he said in a slightly shy tone, commenting on Ron's hair.
"Then you better bond with him because his whole family is chock full of redheads," Draco said in an amused tone.
The little house-elf looked excited by that and Ron nodded. He thought about the Oath he wanted to present, but then he thought that the blonde Slytherin had the right of it. He took out his wand and repeated Malfoy's Oath word for word until the house-elf fulfilled his side of the bond.
Maze followed his brother's path word for word and the results were similar only Ron's magic was coloured in dark coppers, golden yellows and a hint of green in the mix. The house-elf was so pleased with the resulting cuffs that he hopped from one foot to the other in happiness with little squeaky giggles.
Ron patted his head as if it was the most natural thing in the world and said, "We'll hash out duties and tasks once we get to where we're going."
Each house-elf had their arms wrapped around their Master's legs in order to be able to Port with them when the time came. Harry said, "It shouldn't be long now. We should have our envelopes in hand."
The boys took out their envelopes and soon on a timer they were Ported away the UK Ministry of Magic's magical tracking radar and into a cavern of cold unforgiving winds. The Ministry was not aware of this absence due to the fact that these Port-Keys were Goblin made.
The boys quickly cast warming charms all over themselves and their house-elves. They moved further into the Mountain and away from the entrance that allowed below freezing temperatures to crawl across their skin like the icy fingers of something nasty.
(…Halt…) A goblin's voice growled out in Gobbledegook. (…Who dares enter the Under Mountain?…)
It was a ritual that all three boys had memorized and were able to reply with confidence. (…Human Wizard students have been called to train under the watchful eye of the ever, vigilant High Chief Borak Grendel's Clan…)
(…Do you bring offerings to our halls in payment for this training…) The Goblin grinned knowing that this was a perfect way to trip them up and to get first look at the gifts demanded. If he was lucky they wouldn't know that they didn't have to bring offerings, but if they showed anything from the mystery lists that every Goblin knew were sent out, he'd be able to pick out a prize for himself.
Ron and Draco turned to Harry who was scowling in anger. They realized then that something was up and they too frowned. They were both perfectly willing to wait and follow Harry's lead in this matter as it was clear that the Boy-Who-Lived was much more aware of what was going on.
(…Why would we bring offerings of 'things' or 'objects' when the training was 'freely' offered without a price attached…) Harry said. (…Why do you delay announcing our presence to those that have requested it?…)
(…Show your offerings or leave…) The Goblin said. He didn't want to guard this entrance, but he was on punishment for coveting the trophy of another member of the clan.
(…Nope…) Harry said crossing his arms. He turned to Winky and said in a quiet enough tone that the guard couldn't make out what he was saying.
She popped away and then popped back quickly having only popped into the room where the High Chief was awaiting his guests and getting irked at the delay. She said two words and popped out before the High Chief's guards could do anything to her.
The words were, "The guard."
That was enough for the High Chief to go find out who was posted there and why they were delaying their guests. Once it was determined who it was, he stormed through the Halls and pulled the Goblin Entrance Guard roughly by the ear. He magicked away the now ex-guard's armour and gear and thoroughly demoted him to slop work in the pigpens. Two guards dragged that Goblin away while two more took the post and repeated the same ritual question and receiving the same answers.
Borak grinned and said, "Gentlemen and lady," he said to Winky who giggled behind her hand and wiggled her ears. "Please follow me. We will take a brief meal together before we test your strengths and then view the accomplishments of the tasks assigned to you."
He led them into a Feasting Hall with long tables and benches that only fit two to three Goblins. They were invited to sit and dine at the High Chief's table, which they accepted because that's where they had noted the different coloured serving dishes.
Borak explained to the other two young humans that the custom of using coloured plates was because of Harry and the system that he had used at their first meeting. It further served to remind the Goblins that not all foods could be digested by the Human system. "We used your colour coding and hope that we have succeeding in creating a fair that is acceptable to your palettes. We will not be offended if you cannot eat it, but we were honest in our attempt."
"Your honesty is greatly appreciated," Harry said. "We will attempt every dish made for us and give an honest answer as to its taste."
"Good going there Potter," Draco said.
"What," Harry asked.
"You don't say that we'll try a bit of everything only to critique it," the blonde said. "It's just not done."
"Draco," Harry said in a lecturing tone that the blonde had come to hate when the Gryffindor was helping him to review Defence Spells. "Goblins do not do subtle. They don't appreciate politeness and hidden compliments that are really masked lies. By not telling them where they went wrong in the making of certain foods, they won't be able to fix it. They need to learn this in order to correct their error, it is an insult not to do so, because cooks and chefs only want to please guests by making things that are edible for all. I prefer their forthright honesty in this case."
"Harry's right," Ron said filling up his plate with a little bit of everything from the blue serving dishes and eyeing a few items in the green and red serving dishes as something he'd like to try, but only once Harry showed him how to 'soften' it up for consumption. He stayed completely away from any of the yellow serving dishes having been warned about their 'lively' contents. "I know that my mum would be insulted if we told her something was good and we actually hated it. She'd make more and that's just wasting food that could be used in something that we'd all prefer eat if cooked differently."
"All right," Draco said. "I see your point." He too helped himself to items from the blue serving dishes and watched as Harry took a couple of things from the green and red plates with a side helping of oils and vinaigrettes dolloped on a special plate that had many sections to keep the oils and blends separate from the others.
The meal was finished without much incident other than Ron choking on one of the red dished offerings. It was very hot and very spicy despite tempering it with a bit of flavoured oil. His reaction caused all round levity and it was much needed. The Goblins were afraid that the demoted guard had offended the Humans, but these particular Humans, if they were aware of offence, didn't mention it or probably didn't care at this point.
The group was reduced to essentials and all moved to a meeting room that contained a very familiar face to Harry. "Magistrate Bonebreaker," he exclaimed in pleasure at seeing the Gobliness. "May your enemies falter at a crucial moment and may your gold increase because of it."
"So mote it be," Ignatia said with a wicked grin and yellow gold twinkle in her eye. "You are one kind young pup."
Harry bowed and asked, "Why are you here, m'am, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Not at all," she said. "I volunteered to test the three of you. Since I am most familiar with you, young man, I wanted to know what alter-gifts you are capable of learning."
"I'm honoured," Harry said with honesty.
Ron and Draco observed this without comment, but bowed too to show respect to the elder Goblin.
"Gentle Wizards please be seated," the High Chief said. "I will explain the Under Mountain Rules to you." Once the young Humans were seated he began, "Training here does not include any Wizard studies. It will not allow you to advance in most your scholastic studies. The only one that I can think of being the exception is the study of potions." Harry looked wryly at the other two and shrugged, not caring if they were going to advance in that subject or not. The other two young humans replied in kind and all turned their attention back to the leader of the Grendel Goblin Clan as he continued to inform them of what they were planning to teach.
"You are here to be tested for weapons preference and use, as well as for something that we call alter-gifts. These gifts could be big or small, but they always take time to learn. You will be living in a special section of this compound and you'll not be able to leave it until all of your training is complete. You will not be learning any life skills or anything of that nature. Am I clear?"
"How are we going to explain this to our families or friends?" Draco asked. He had a task that he had to do for his father before he could actively rebel against the current form, but he couldn't be delayed by remaining here for training and then he remembered the conversation with Potter about the tales from Under Mountain.
"You needn't worry young man," Borak said. "The rules are quite clear. We cannot keep you here for more than one Human week. The training compound is in a completely separated section of the Mountain and 'time' is different there. Time spend learning will depend on your gifts and any additional training that you may feel free to request before you go down there. The minimum time is one year and the maximum is twenty-five years. However I doubt very much that you'll need that full length of time to learn to manage your gifts."
Harry looked at the other two Humans in the room and said, "We have the 'time' to learn."
"But what about the time that we spend there," Ron said. "We'll be older than everyone when we return."
"Physically you will all be unchanged," Ignatia said. "That's part of the Under Mountain Rules. When you return by Port-Key you will have only been gone for one week and outwardly there will be no change. Internally and with new skills you'll just have more confidence with your magickal nature. None of the training here converts to life skills, experience or the kind of wisdom you gain when you actually physically age. Just think of it as your first year going to a new school."
Draco looked around the table and asked, "Will we be training together or separately?"
"You three will see each other and your trainers only," Borak said. "A Goblin or other teacher will be with you depending on the alter-gifts you have, but that will be all. Your Winky has prepared shared quarters and any extras that you may need, I'm afraid that you will have to do without. Once you're in the compound the time spell will be activated and I will apologize right now if your training will have different time-frames, but should you go 'stir crazy' as the expression goes, you can be placed in a stasis sleep until your companion(s) have finished their training."
Draco looked at Harry and nodded. Ron did the same and Harry for his part only wondered, 'Why the hell are they looking to me like that for?'
Harry shrugged and nodded in agreement too. "We agree."
"Good," Borak said. "First we'll test you for your magical maturity and see if you've gone through that process or not. If not, we will have to induce you in order for you to access your magickal alter-gifts, although I suspect that each of you has already done so."
"I haven't," Ron said. "I know that I haven't, but I have studied it and have already decided where to allocate whatever magical influx I receive."
"Me neither," Draco said. "I have not passed that phase, but since we are known as 'Animapar' I have a bad feeling that we might go through it at the same time."
Ron sighed, but only nodded and said. "I believe that too. I've read the book and a few others that were in the Room, you?"
"I did," Draco admitted. The Goblins were listening with curiosity. "We have 'Synchronus' magic too because of the Animapar condition."
"Interesting," Ignatia said. "Well inducing an Animapar into magical maturity is simple enough and don't worry about the Synchronus magics. It only means that you'll have a larger pool to use and the division will be equal between the two of you. If you're ready we can do that now."
"Wait!" Harry said loudly. "Please test them first for any additional things like lingering spells, charms, potions or whatever. I don't want anything to skew the results or their potential during the inducement of their Magical Maturity."
"That is quite a wise statement," Borak said. "We'll leave them to the Magistrate, while we discuss the lists that we sent you."
"Of course," Harry said gathering the backpacks from the other two in order to prevent their contents from being affected by the magic that was about to take place. "Good luck guys."
"Thanks Potter," Draco said, turning his attention inward to prepare for the influx of magic, but also to prepare for the results of the pre-test against any lingering foreign magics.
"Yeah, thanks Harry," Ron said. He was nervous about being induced. Their conversation this summer had him worried about not receiving any new magic and worse it was obvious that his friend felt that he might be under some kind of magical influence. That much was obvious even to the redhead, because Ron was fully aware that his attitude fluctuated drastically and he couldn't pinpoint why or where it was coming from.
Both young men were fully aware that if they were under any sort of charm, spell, hex, potion or other, they wouldn't be happy. Yet, from the letters they had been extremely cautious about letting any of their immediate friends know what they were planning for this holiday. No one knew and not even Hermione had guessed at the plans they made.
Harry stepped through the door and was escorted to another room where the Icelandic Goblin High Chief explained that the lists were of items that they'd need to use in order to occupy their down time. "We have several manuals that are part of the rooms that you'll have access to," Borak said. "You'll have the time to do whatever you wish including building things like your own board games. The reason we asked for those books is that we need updated versions in languages that you'd understand. You might find the books currently in the rooms frustrating to read unless you are already familiar with the 'olde' runes and languages. They've been accumulated over time and some of the spells are no longer used for some reason. All supplies that you've brought with you are there to supplement the items already in the rooms. We just thought that a few more items from you would be ideal for different projects that each of you may wish to undertake."
"So if everything we've brought is for after lessons," Harry began. "Just what are we going to learn?"
"Let's wait a bit," Borak said. "You're companions are going to be occupied right now, while they're being tested for lingering spells and whatnot. If there is anything of that nature to be found in them, they'll have to be treated with the proper counter-measures first. The Magistrate will take care of that right away and then they'll be induced to gain their Magical Maturity. Feel free to occupy your time now constructively in this room. Your house-elves are free to prepare meals for you and your companions. I believe that they will need something filling to eat before we test the three of you for your magickal alter-gifts."
"Thank you for your time and assistance in this High Chief," Harry said with a bow. "We have taken up enough of your time."
"Nonsense," Borak said. "It is entirely my pleasure. You need the time to learn, so you will have it. We usually schedule for a full week because those two will not be the first ones we've invited that have to go through some kind of cleansing before even beginning our tests for skills and weapons preference."
"Will we be tested together or separately?"
"That will be up to the Magistrate," Borak said. "However I do believe that those two will need to be tested together due to their Synchronus Magic, but we shall see. I'll leave you for now."
"Thank you sir," Harry said. He watched the High Chief leave and then found a place to settle in the room. The room had a small square table and it was enough for him to pull out his net-book and send a quick note to the Potions Master who was waiting for a notification that they had arrived at their destination safely.
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Green_Lightning: Sir, we've arrived safely and will not be able to communicate with you until the end of the week. Due to the location where the training will occur, we will be out of reach for quite some time.
Snarkmaster1960: This is a bizarre way to communicate. I am grateful that we practiced this mode. Do you think that you can send emails even though we cannot communicate in this manner?
Green_Lightning: I'm not certain about that. If we did write them up and sent them I don't know if the magic will destroy your machine or do something else. Perhaps it's just best for us to open communication once we are free from our training location.
Snarkmaster1960: I don't like it, but if you feel strongly about it, there must be something to it. Never discount those kinds of instincts. They may save your life.
Green_Lightning: They already have. Oh, by the way, you know all of the stuff we accumulated for the Goblins in our lists?
Snarkmaster1960: What of them?
Green_Lighting: They're to occupy our time when we aren't training. Borak stated that most could be used for creating our own board games and I'm quite certain that Ron's going to want to make his own custom chess set. So would you like me or us to create anything in particular for you? I'm not sure of everything that we'll be able to make, but we can honestly try to make something for you.
Snarkmaster1960: Those things will all take time. How will you...
Green_Lightning: There will be time. So do you want anything special?
Snarkmaster1960: We have met a few times for false Occlumency lessons and have played several strategy games. I seem to have developed of fondness for GO.
Green_Lightning: So that's why we've been playing it at every other meeting. All right, I'll see if we can make you a board. Oh, Ron just stepped into the room. He and Draco were being tested for foreign magics before we get tested for magickal alter-gifts, as the Goblins are calling it.
Snarkmaster1960: Fine! I expect to be notified with an email from each of you, once you've been released from the training facility and before you travel back by Port-Key.
Ping!
Snarkmaster1960 has logged off.
HPHPHP
Harry snorted and logged off the instant messaging chat room that they had specifically created for the four of them. He put it away quickly and then put his hand on Ron's arm. The redhead's face showed utter devastation.
"Ron," he said. "What is it?"
"I been an utter prat to you," Ron said, his eyes filled with water that would drop and there was a look of shame in his stance. "I'm so sorry Harry."
Harry smiled gently and said, "Has it been removed?"
"Did you know," Ron asked.
"Suspected only," Harry said. "I wasn't sure most times and I couldn't pinpoint the when or the how."
"Can you guess why?"
"You have a different set of smarts," Harry said with a shrug. "She couldn't take the competition and she hates being ignorant of some custom or culture thing in the Wizarding World."
"It was the trail mix stuff," Ron said with conviction. "I really liked that stuff because it was a filling snack for between classes, but now. It's the only thing that I've ever accepted and have been eating on a regular basis."
"Don't worry about that," Harry said. "You can make your own that way you know exactly what goes in it or you can have the unopened store bought stuff that I had Winky pick up." He pulled out a couple of packages that were sealed and that his friend could see had not been tampered with.
"I'd love to, but I can't," Ron said and when he noticed the look that Harry was giving him, he explained. "The Magistrate gave us potions to clean our systems. We can't go through our Magical Maturity with anything in our systems, but its fast working. I just thought I'd let you know about it. I really gotta go to the loo now, see you."
Harry nodded and was glad that Ron had told him about the problem. He had long since suspected that Hermione was doing something to the 'healthy mixes' that she brought from home. He didn't think that she dosed them all the time, but there was enough of a difference a few of the times, that he had noticed when something wasn't quite right with Ron's attitude. He was fully aware that sometimes the attitude was just Ron being Ron, but the nastiness that he had heard during his very brief stay at the Burrow this past summer and had overheard before they had met up was just too volatile to only be Ron being Ron.
'I hope that this will change things now,' Harry thought. His contemplation was turned to Winky and Dobby who were trying to get his attention. "Yes," he said kindly to them with a gentle smile. He really liked his house-elves and never once thought of them as 'the help', although he knew that they did a lot of things for him that he was unaware of, but he never commanded that they do any of it. "What is it?"
"Winky be wantin' to add to our bonded Oath," she said clutching her skirts nervously.
"Can that be done?" He asked, curious about what they wanted. "Why?"
"We's be wantin' to add Life Quality too," Dobby said. "More protecting and permanent," he explained rubbing his wrists, wanting the magical cuffs that were a part of the new House-Elf Bonding Oath.
Harry blinked and then said, "I won't deny you whatever you two need. But how would we do that when we already have an Oath of Bonding."
"Oath of Bonding, can be said many times," Winky said. "Masters' sometimes be wantin' renewel and Oath of Bonding is said again and again and again."
"But doesn't that change your magics and what you're allowed to do in a Family," Harry said. "Is that book wrong?" He was referring to the book written by Braxton Hufflepuff. He had read passages about the house-elves to his own in order to find out if what was written was true or not.
"Master Harry's Oath was kind," Winky said.
Dobby nodded and added, "Was not takin' anything away, but was giving. Adding new Oath to existing Oath will change original Oath and not be takin' anything away."
"You be giving more with new part to Oath," Winky said. "Master only states an opening to existing Oath and Winky and Dobby be adding the new part, is all."
"Oh," Harry said taking out his wand. He looked at it critically and knew that he should have gone to Olivander's for an explanation about his wand not working too well. However it looked like it would work for this magical Oath. It wasn't like he was casting a spell, just re-opening one that had been cast. Still he did say, "My wand is a little wonky, how about I just do this wandlessly?"
"Anything be okay," Winky said getting excited.
Harry put away his wand and held out his hands for both his elves to take. They were shaking, but he was fully comfortable doing this. "Magic in my veins and core, open and listen to my plea and the plea of my house-elves. House-elf Family Bond open; now at my command."
Magic was fun, exciting and strange. The Gryffindor, not knowing what was possible or not, had just used an 'Olde' form of wizard magic. Wizard's of old used to address their magic, commanding it to come forth and act on their will. They were stronger because of it, casting great spells to aid or harm as the case may be. Such ideas were eroded over time and when a Ministry of Magic was formed along with other Governmental bodies. Rules, regulations and laws took over and the right to command your own core and the knowledge of it was gone from Human memory.
The house-elves knew about those 'Olde' ways because that's how their basic bonds were formed. They were created by beings that could command their own magical core. That's why dragons were the way they were and how many magical creatures came to be. These two were in awe that their Master had done something that hasn't been done in several millennia. They didn't think that he was aware of it, but they were going to fully inform him about it once they were in the secure location for training.
Holding his hands between theirs they felt his strong, powerful and gentle magic course forward and flow into the room. Their ears were flapping in happiness and they repeated their part in the New House-Elf Bonding Oath. Their Master's old Oath was different from the other two boys, but their Master's was better because he had actually listed in his own Oath his expectations of them and their work. Now they only needed to add their part because it was something stronger and it formed a better protection for all three of them.
The magic of Harry's core was rainbow of colour. It flashed in the room like festival ribbons, twisting about in play and joining to form a shimmering effect. All sorts of colours, bright and dull, shiny and matte, metallic and flat, whizzed around the room while the two house-elves stated their New Oath.
"The quality of my life will be defined by the way you treat, yourself, body, mind and soul, in way that you will treat me with kindness and consideration, I will return all in joy and honest servitude. We will endeavour to deserve how we are treated by all who know us."
The ribbons of magical light formed rune cuffs in a shimmering rainbow of colours, always changing. Two small lines of 'Olde' runes formed from Harry's top of shoulder to elbow, just it had in the other two boys. He hadn't been aware of that part of the Oath. So once the magic had returned to him and re-settled where it belonged he took off his shirt in order to have a look at the marks.
Harry conjured a mirror and had Winky make notes about the rune words. "Obviously they are to be read from top to bottom, but is it left to right or right to left," he wondered out loud. "Take them down in both forms and I hope that there are new rune books in the training compound that have this form down. I wonder if Draco and Ron have something similar."
Dobby was looking at his cuffs and knew that there was an old book in the Malfoy library that had this kind of writing in it. He was still wondering about telling his Master about it, when his ex-nasty boy Master came in the room.
"Merlin Potter," Draco said. "Can't get enough adulation from your fans that you have to admire yourself now? I never took you for a narcissist."
"Shut it Malfoy," Harry said. "I'm just looking at the markings that have appeared on my arms after my house-elves added to their Bonding Oath."
The blonde looked at them and noticed the coloured cuffs on the wrists of Potter's house-elves. "Jealous were they?"
"I think the word you're looking for is envious," Harry said. "Anyway when the cuffs formed, these marks formed on me and I was curious about them."
"What marks?" Draco questioned and looked at the Gryffindor to see what was supposed to be there. "You don't have any bloody marks."
Harry blinked and then looked at his arms and then the mirror. They were there, but it didn't seem like the Slytherin could see them. "They are there," he said. "Do you guys see them?"
All the elves nodded and Dobby was the one to say, "They's 'olde' language of Bond. No master has ever been able to see Bond contract with elves before."
"Oh," Harry said. "Is that what it is? It doesn't have any bad stuff in it, does it?"
"No Master Harry," Winky said. "They's our promise to youse."
"I'm glad," Harry said putting his shirt back on. "I'd still love to translate it though. Could you make a Runes table for it?"
"We's not allowed to write 'Olde' language," Dobby said. "New ones yes, but not language of bond. Malfoy Library has book in 'Olde' language."
"How do you know that," Draco asked.
"Dobby be cleaning library and be seeing it," the house-elf explained.
"Can you go and get it," Draco asked.
Dobby shook his head. "Dobby not Malfoy Family elf anymore. Dobby could tell Salix where it is."
"You do that," Draco said. "Map it out for him and I'll make sure that he's not disturbed by going there for the first time. I'd suggest that all of you leave this room."
"I'll go see Ron," Harry said. "Winky you come with me now. Dobby, you tell Salix what he needs to know and then come and find me. If we're not in the room then Draco won't be seen associating with us."
"Potter," the blonde said trying to explain.
"Easy there Draco," Harry said. "I completely understand. I'm also getting the idea that you're about to summon a Family Elf direct from your home. So I'm just going to remove myself and those linked to me away from whatever it is your doing, okay?"
"Okay," Draco said watching the Boy-Who-Lived seek out his other friend.
He waited for Dobby to show Salix where the book was, after which when Dobby popped out. He turned to Salix and then thought about the training that he was going to be doing. He sat at the table and made a list of books that he wanted from the Malfoy Library. It wasn't that long a list, but he added to the note a note for the Librarian elf that took care of the Malfoy books.
"Here hold this," Draco said giving his new personal elf the note. He took out an empty 'Hold-All' pouch that he usually had on him for gathering herbs and such from the forest. "Take this too. I'm asking the Librarian elf to give you books to put in this pouch." He knelt in front of Salix and said, "Now I'm about to call the Head Elf of Malfoy Manor and I'm letting you know that the way I treat it, is because I have to. It can't know that I'm different now. It's not time for me to rebel, do you understand?"
Salix nodded and was glad that he had not put on 'protectives', yet. "Salix be knowin'," he said. "Salix be glad about not putting on protectives, but…"
"But what," Draco asked gently.
The house-elf held out his wrists with the Runic Cuffs and said, "They'd be seeing and seeing be knowing."
"Hmm," Draco paused. He walked over to his backpack and pulled out a tatty and heavily patched jumper. It was the one that he had used during his hunt of plants in the Forbidden Forest and when he had harvested the Basilisk. "Put this on and it will cover the markings."
Salix cringed because it was 'clothes', but it was a conditioned flinching action and not one that was bond related. He reflected on his bond and he felt a peace. He shook his head and took hold of the jumper, holding his breath waiting for the bond to kick him out of service, but it didn't. That was no longer the nature of the bond he had with his Wizard.
He put on the jumper, noticing the interesting smells that still permeated it. Washing never quite took away the smell of a large reptile or the various herbs that his master had gathered.
"Thank you Master Draco Lucianis Malfoy," he said addressing his new master for the first time. He used elf magic to shrink it and make it fit, but he purposefully left the arms of the jumper slightly long to let only his fingers be visible.
Draco snorted at the long name and said, "Call me Draco or sir, not that long winded thing or you'll be taking too long to get to the point."
"Yes, sir," Salix said. "Master Draco, sir."
"Try to contain it to one form," Draco said kindly. "Now let me do this so we can get those books." His expression turned bored, bland and bordered on disdain. "Bippy, come to me."
Salix observed an aged house-elf appear. It was old and had power, but it cowered in the presence of one of the Masters of his Wizard Family. He stepped up when Draco pointed at him ordering the other, "Take this one to the Librarian Elf at Malfoy Manor. He's to pick up a list of books for me and will be returning once they are in the 'Hold-All' that I've given him for that purpose. Are we clear?"
"Yes Young Lord Malfoy sirs," Bippy said looking over the new Malfoy elf and noting that the bond was a personal one not a household one. He sneered at the younger elf, but knew that because it was a personal elf he couldn't boss this one around. "You be following Bippy."
Salix didn't look to his new Master for fear of not being able to do it, but he sensed the feelings of his Master and he wondered just how different the New Bond was. Maybe it was too strong for an elf to hold, but he sincerely hoped not. He popped away following the path of the Malfoy's Head Elf.
They popped right into Malfoy Manor's Library and then Bippy left him there on his own. Salix called out, "Chaucer!"
"Who be callin' Chaucer," another house-elf popped close by. "Who be ye?"
"I be Salix," Salix said. "I be Master Draco's elf. Please Chaucer, Master be wantin' these." He gave the list to the Librarian Elf and waited.
Chaucer read the list of books and then using his elf magic he pushed a bit into the paper to reveal the private note from the Young Lord. The Librarian elf grinned and said, "Give Chaucer the 'Hold-All'. I be fillin' it with proper books."
He popped away room in the Manor that the recent Masters were not aware of. Valuable books were stored away here and they were slowly fading from a lack of use, however now was the chance for them to come to the light again. He did a special form of release magic on the bookplates that blanked them out and prepared them for new ownership. It was how second hand magical bookstores did it when Family books were sold to them for re-sale.
Chaucer made three piles of books. They were wrapped and addressed to Ron, Draco and Harry respectively. He put together Draco's requested list in a forth pile with the same emptied bookplates. Then he added several others that he felt might be of use to the group that were about to receive a very rare training opportunity. He was hoping that those books would never make their way back into the Malfoy Library and if they did then it would be because the Young Lord wanted them and not for a covetous, hoarding purpose.
He popped back into the Library and made a show of gathering a couple of the Darker books from the shelves, but these were written in Parseltongue. He knew that Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived, could speak that language and so would probably find these ones useful, especially a couple of the private journals on creating Dark Bonds.
Chaucer looked at the new elf and asked, "Youse bond is different?"
Salix stepped forward to take hold of the 'Hold-All' that Chaucer was holding out to him. Once he had a firm hold of it, he pulled up his sleeve to show the Bond Marks. The Librarian elf grinned and let go of the bag.
"Good!" He said and still grinning he popped away.
Salix put his sleeve back down and popped back to his Master's presence at the Goblin compound. He put the 'Hold-All' pouch with Master's travel backpack and waited in the room with Harry, Dobby, Maze and Winky. His master was currently going through his magical maturity now. He and Maze could feel the changes happening in their Masters.
"Salix are you all right," Harry asked, pulling out a knitted beanbag ball from his pocket.
"Yes, Salix be fine," the house-elf said watching the Gryffindor drop it to the top of his foot.
Harry had moved the furniture out away from the centre of the room and began to occupy his time by popping the beanbag up and down on his foot.
Dobby and Winky were familiar with this game and sometimes they played it with their Master so they knew that they basic rule was you had to catch with your foot when it was passed to you and don't let it touch the ground. They stood in a loose triangle form to play the passing game. It was an exercise that warmed up their legs, but it was also done just for fun or to pass the time, which is why they were doing it now.
Winky explained the game to the two new elves and then provided them with a larger bag that was slightly floppy to get them used to popping it up and catching it. "No magic be used for this," she said watching them go slow until they were used to it. "Youse be doin' it on your own for fun and slowly, so no getting injuries."
"This be fun," Maze said and with that they all passed the time.
HPHPHP
Hours later the three Hogwarts sixth students were now in a vast Goblin armoury room. It contained the spoils of many a war and the weapons that the boys were testing were only going to be loaners until the time they made their own. That was going to be an important part of their training too.
They were being tested for weapon compatibility and had to select one long-range type, one-short range type and a compatible shield.
Two of the students had just gone through a rare phase in the lives of witches and wizards called, 'Magical Maturity'. They were still getting used to the magic that they had redirected internally and were both surprised to realise that they received more than they thought they would. This was due to being known as a rare combination known as 'Animapar' (…iii…). With that extra they were able to strengthen the gifts they already knew about, like Draco's potions and Ron's chess logic.
The new magic was still settling internally, but the two boys were now watching the third student test weapons and shield combinations. He was currently arguing about necessary versus ideal, which was difficult for the Goblins to understand at the moment. So he told about his past encounters with Voldemort and the Death Eaters.
"Look," Harry said with a sigh. "I'd love to have training in a weapon that would suit me, but the Human men that I'm currently stuck fighting are not going to follow some protocol of battle. I sincerely doubt that they had weapons when I first saw them because any long sword would have prevented them from grovelling properly at that Monster's feet."
The Goblins blinked and then looked at the other two boys. Ron answered the unspoken question. "It's true," he said causing Draco to look at him too. "I was at the Department of Mysteries with him and a couple of other students. You can't lock Harry into a conventional training regimen with only a limited number of weapons. He uses everything he can and some are just objects lying around like the shelving units he knocked down in the Hall of Prophecies. A long sword would not work for him so why not let him try out a short sword or a pair of long daggers instead. Don't you have a sword that can alter at will for someone like him, maybe a 'Varius Blade' (…iv…) of some kind?"
"There hasn't been a 'Varius Blade' made in a number of years," Borak's son Henrik said. "Those that do exist are in Families that will not wish to part with them. You also need a Master of that particular blade to teach him, but I know of no one available."
"I know of someone," High Chief Borak said. "I can even lend you a blade of that kind Lord Grindelwald, but it would be limited by the purpose for which it was built."
"I'd be honoured," Harry said. "However I'm not quite sure what you mean?"
"The only reason that a 'Varius Blade' exists or is known is because they are made by the men and women who're known to use them," Borak explained. "If you would have one, for whatever reason, you'd be best advised to plan and forge it yourself."
"Ideally," Draco said cutting into the conversation. "Wizards and Witches of old used to build their own weapons, wands, staves and other things, like their own armour. This was because they used to spell them so that no one could steal from them and they would normally be placed at final rest with these items, unless they had planned beforehand to release them into Family keeping by undoing certain spells or spelling the items to find their next owner."
"Following Under Mountain Rules," Ron began and looking at his two Human companions, plus his new bonded house-elf he said. "We'd have time to do what needs to be done in order to be prepared. You stated that once we are Under Mountain, we'd have one teacher assigned to train our alter-gifts, but nothing is going to stop more than one teacher being or choosing to teach us 'other' things that they have the knowledge to teach us, while we are there."
High Chief Borak and many of the other Goblins grinned. That was entirely true and they were planning on it, but they didn't think that the boys had realized that yet. They were surprised that all three didn't seem to think anything about it. However it had been centuries since any Goblin clan or tribe had offered this kind of training to a Human Wizard.
"Very well," Borak observed. "You are strong in your logic young Human. You are indeed correct. The training in your alter-gifts is one thing. Training in your weapons is another. The alter-gift testing and training will be largely up to you how far you want to take it. Weapons and combat training is the main purpose for your invitation. Should you learn something else, like forging your own weapons, well we can't stop you."
"Thank you," Harry said with a slight bow. "I'll continue to test the weapons in your armoury here."
"Henrik go get your great-grandfather's blade," Borak said. His son's eyes widened, but he bowed to his father and left the room. "I agree that you'll still need to choose single solid blades, but now we will pick out several for you to train and practice with. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the various lengths."
Ron's blade selection was something like a Bastard Sword or Claymore. His was of the Wizard variety, which meant that it could be wielded with one-hand due to the spells it had been created with. He was looking forward to making his own weapons though because it would be advantageous during future battles to maintain control of it. His long-range weapon was a sturdy compound bow with multiple stings for changing the tension and speed of his arrows' flight path. His shield was mid-long and ideal to use as a weapon itself once it can be customized to his fighting style.
Draco's blade was a wicked looking scimitar, with an additional dagger at his hip and his shield was smaller than Ron's. However for his long-range weapon he was in a similar dilemma as Harry with the blades. He preferred and was familiar with the traditionally curved bows and was proficient in using both long and short bows. No one had ever heard of a 'Varius Bow', but at his Sychronus partner's suggestion and agreement to help, he was seriously considering taking some of his 'time' to create and build one.
Harry ended up picking several types of swords, long and short, including various daggers, but all with the simplistic straight edge design. His shield preference was for something quite small because he was a dodger first and foremost. He preferred to keep his distance when he could and had told all of them that. His long-range weapon was going to be a crossbow, small and large due to arrow size and depending on the situation. He was contemplating on making it a 'Varius' too or else find a mid-size one that suited his dual needs.
The house-elves were instructed to go to the Under Mountain compound and set up their masters' belongings. All that remained was make sure that they had the room for training and that they had room to 'be alone' when they needed it. They also made sure that all needed supplies were available and now they were just waiting on the results of the alter-gift testing. Their masters would be joining them soon.
Two specialist teachers were called and had accepted to train the boys. One specialized in preparing them to use 'Varius' weapons and was going to able to teach all of them how to forge their potential weapons, including how to plan the construction stages and the select the necessary materials.
Their second teacher was a weapons instructor for the long-range weapons. It was a female, high-elf, who would teach them their basics. Mostly she'd teach them how to comfortably use their weapon choices and she'd be there to monitor their training regimen. However she was not confined to the Under Mountain Rules because, technically, she didn't live in the Wizarding World or Earth as they knew it, nor would she be affected by the 'time' issue that limited many of the other magical races.
The alter-gift testing was about to take place in the room where Ron and Draco were induced into 'Magical Maturity'. They both noticed that Harry didn't need to be induced for 'Magical Maturity'. They both shrugged it off and figured that since he was deemed to be a muggle-born or half-blood that he wouldn't have to go through it, but it was then that Ron said, "He can't be a muggle-born."
"Why not," Draco asked.
"His parents were not pure Muggles," Ron said. "His father was a full-blooded Wizard and his mother was a full-blooded Witch. She was known as a muggle-born because her parents were pure Muggles, but Harry told us that she was technically a half-blood and…"
"Harry's a full-blooded, pure-blooded Wizard because he had two fully magical parents," Draco said. "Holy Merlin, he needs to be induced for 'Magical Maturity' too, unless…" He turned with wide shocked eyes, to look at the Boy-Who-Lived who was looking at the both of them with a quirky, smirky grin.
"Unless, he's already gone through it," Harry finished the sentence for them, still smiling at their shocked expressions. "Yeah, I did. Oh, and just to further shock you my mum went through it too. Even if the current rumour is that Muggle-borns and Half-bloods don't, I wouldn't be surprised if many Half-bloods go through it and never bother to mention it to anyone. Everyone keeps saying that what happens is no one's business and yet the School and the UK Ministry of Magic keeps trying to stick their long winded laws and regulations into it. No wonder the statistics are not accurate."
"Bloody hell Potter," Draco said. "You've already been through the process and no one knew about it."
"It's not any of their business is it?" Harry asked pointedly. "Besides could you have attended those stupid information classes and listened to the teacher, who only drones on about the 'Acceptable Approportioning of Magical Influx'. They're trying to dictate how we chose to direct the magic from the influx by only mentioning a few possibilities when the possibilities should be near endless and varied."
"That's enough gentlemen," Ignatia Bonebreaker cut in. "You've all had greater choices then those of your fellow students, but that doesn't mean that time is standing still in these Halls. We must determine your alter-gifts and then get the three of you to the Under Mountain for your training."
All three were contrite and sincere when they said, "Yes Ma'am!"
They chose to put off the conversation for a much later date, so now they were all seated around a small table with a vial of something being placed in front of them by a young Goblin. "Sinius," Harry said. "How are you?"
"Lord Grindelwald remembers me?" The young Goblin said. He had been present during their meeting, but he never believed Griphook when he said that Harry Potter would know him by name.
"Of course," Harry said. "Your training goes well I presume?"
"Yes Lord Grindelwald," Sinius said. "I made these for you, but they will not taste good."
Draco snorted and said, "No potion has ever tasted good. The properties would be rendered ineffective."
"True," Harry said. "But something should be done about it, especially for families with small children."
"Why," Sinius asked.
"Small children fight more against the taste of something," Harry said. "I remember some students in my primary school who refused to take any foul tasting medicine. Muggles have long since accepted that in order to get a child to take their medicine there must be a reward factor, like chocolate or a sucker to get rid of the awful taste. Although, now most Muggle medicine is flavoured by the common tastes of Orange, Cherry or Grape."
"I don't understand," Ron said echoing his Animapar's confusion.
"Winky," Harry called out.
"Master Harry," she said popping into the room.
"Can you go to a Muggle drugstore quickly and quietly and return back before we go Under Mountain?"
"Winky can," she said, altering her appearance to that of a short, but elderly human female. He gave her some Muggle money and wrote out a quick list of things to pick up.
"Take them directly to our Under Mountains rooms when you have them," he said. "See if you can pick up several microscopes with various lenses too. I have an idea that we'll need them to test something, once we're there."
"Yes Master Harry," she said popping away and quickly getting the purchases that she needed. She picked up several Muggle microscopes and stumbled across a couple of magical versions, so she bought those ones too.
Meanwhile the boys downed the nasty concoction and waited for the Magistrate Ignatia Bonebreaker to cast the spell that would reveal their additional Wizarding alter-gifts. Many of these kinds of gifts could be linked to a person or just be something that they have a talent for learning.
They were each giving a special potion laced paper and quill that would use their magic to write out a base list of alter-gifts as interpreted by the Goblin potion. The potion is quite harmless, unless a Wizard was specifically allergic to some of the ingredients, but the boys were fine and they each wrote out a short list of alter-gifts that they could explore during their time Under Mountain.
HPHPHP
RONInstinctive mining – which he partially learned while seeking out the stones requested on his list of items from the Goblins.
Dousing varied – water, mineral & precious stone. All of which he could use in a treasure hunting profession, should that be his future choice in careers
Logic & Calculations – increased improvement to understanding Arithmancy, Runes and combining them into combinations for the purpose of spelling items, weapons, objects, etc…
Instinctive crafting – metal and stone specific. In short he could create magical weapons, jewellery, but would not have any results in using natural materials unless he had assistance.
Telekinesis - ability to use only the mind to move objects
HPHPHP
DRACO
Telekinesis - ability to use only the mind to move objects
Logic & Calculations – increased improvement to understanding Arithmancy, Runes, Alchemy and Potions, all of which increased his already instinctive potion combinations and creations. An overall complimentary alter-gift to match his Animapar counterpart.
Alchemy – branching into a potions speciality that involves spells and non-conventional ingredients like precious stones.
Language Interpretation – a partial instinctive gift that only becomes available if the Witch or Wizard already knows a minimum for four Human languages and a basic understanding of Runes. This gift will aid him in reading some of the books that Chaucer, the Malfoy's Librarian House-elf, had packaged away for him.
Plant knowledge and logic – increased understanding of plant interactions and gaining plant curiosity to the point that he'd be able to keep up against Neville Longbottom's Herbology scores and sometimes surpass him. Only this ability does not increase a need to learn how to grow the things, but will improve his understanding of the plant cycles and would know if it had an ideal growth period or a poor one in relation to creating or brewing potions.
HPHPHP
HARRY
Instinctive crafting – wood and stone specific. In short he could create magical wands, staves or anything that involves wood crafting, but would not have any results in using forged or natural metals, unless he had the assistance of someone else to shape the metals.
Non-traditional magical combat – evidenced by his personal training experience. He would only need to keep up the training regimen that he had already established at the School.
Telekinesis - ability to use only the mind to move objects
Increased Calculation Ability – specific to the merging of magical and non-magical elements, such as used in creating magical wands.
Spelling Objects – adding magical properties to items, objects or other, during their curing or creation process and upon completed objects that have not been enchanted previously. That would be perfect for converting Muggle inventions to work properly in the Wizarding World.
Mage Sight – enhanced sight for seeing the magical properties of certain objects. This is only an add-on ability to his already increased magical sight which includes the ability to read Auras and Lie Detection. It will be useful when he has to forge his own weapons. It will also allow him to help Ron and Draco when they forge theirs.
HPHPHP
The lists were only guidelines to their abilities and it would be entirely up to the boys just how much or how little they plan to train these in addition to their weapons training.
HPHPHP
TBC...
(...i...) Salix (Latin) = Willow (English)
(...ii...) "Quality of Life" quote, in this story, is completely made up and belongs to me. Should something similar exist, please let me know and I will credit the creator of it properly with disclaimer and all, if not, then I must be brilliant to come up with something new. (LOL)
(…iii…) Animapar (Latin) = Anima + Par, Anima means 'soul', Par means 'match'. They are not soul-mates as the translation I'd have used would reflect that which for those of you who're curious would be something like, Animasocius = Soul + Mate. I could have also used, 'Animageminus' = Soul + Twin (which if I ever re-read or review I might change it because of the strength that twins have, however the pairing will still be as stated in chapter one, Ron/Draco, once all the Dark Lord hoopla is done.)
(…iv…) Varius (Latin) = versatile, changeable (English)