This is a slightly unusual chapter, since it is written from Harry's perspective. Aside from these author's notes, this chapter takes place entirely within Harry's notebook, which quite conveniently doubles as a way to give a mostly full list of his known possessions and their powers. However, the notebook in this chapter is slightly further ahead in time than the current timeline, although it does not include any spoilers.
A guide to Mithril, by Harry James Potter. May 9th, 1996.
At the urging of my mentor Bathsheda Babbling, I have started this book to list my findings and experience with the magical metal known as mithril, along with anything I think relates to that topic.
For the purposes of this, I have begun with the definitions of the different types of mithril on the first few pages. Note, entries are not in date order, instead they are written in whichever order I thought them most relevant.
Mithril;
Meithralum: Often called goblin steel by magicals not in the know, it is used in almost everything goblin-made, due to its highly enchanted nature. The blacksmith first takes purified gold, then seals it into a highly magical environment. They can then imbue their intent into the metal as they set it into its shape, however once set the metal and it's enchantments are immutable. Due to the nature of it's manufactory, very few goblins are actually taught how to work the metal, raising the price of their artefacts even more.
Many people believe that only goblins can create meithralum, however I have been told that any magical species could create it. I have reason to believe the goblins weren't even the first ones to discover meithralum, making me wonder who they learned it from.
Mithril: A superior version of meithralum. Visually it can be indistinct from meithralum, in that both are a perfect, rustless silver (Unless otherwise coloured). When both metals are in a high magical environment they glow with the colour of their owner's magical signature, although this is so faint it is almost impossible to see in anything other than a pitch black area.
Unlike meithralum, mithril can only be created from pure magic. Equally, a mithril artefact may be modified at any time after it has been set, so long as it can first be turned into its liquid state; Mithrilium. While both mithril and meithralum are immune to almost every form of damage, both magical and mundane, plain mithril has a grievous weakness to dark magic; In some cases sufficiently Dark magic can burn right through the metal.
Mithrilium (For the sake of definitions, the name shall be shortened to 'Rilium'): The liquid version of mithril. In essence, both 'rilium and mithril are as similar as water is to ice. When initially formed, mithril will always start as 'rilium, although in most cases the transition from a liquid to a solid is instantaneous. It is the ability to turn into 'rilium which allows mithril to be modified once it has been set, a state that is unavailable to meithralum.
It's appearance can also vary a fair bit. When it is turning into mithril the normal silver spreads across the 'rilium like frost. However, in its raw state, 'rilium has the colouration of its signature, which in most cases is an extension of its creator. Only the magical with the same signature as the 'rilium is able to modify both the shape and intent of the liquid.
When in its liquid state, 'rilium is highly dangerous to anyone who is not it's owner, due to its habit of reacting with foreign magic, resulting in a great degree of heat and often the destruction of whatever it had reacted to.
Mithraite: The crystalline form of both mithril and meithralum. It is important to note, it is rumoured to be possible to create a mithraite crystal without the reactant being mithril or meithralum. In every case it is created by channeling a large dense amount of magic into a reactant, often achieved by sealing it into a magically resistant chamber and fed a substantial amount of magic. In a process that can take up to a year, the metal is broken down and reformed into a crystalline structure. Once the process is complete, the resulting crystal will on average be at least 10% the original reactant's volume, but with the same mass.
Even if formed from mithril, it is impossible to increase the amount of mithraite. However, mithraite is capable of handling problems that even mithril of the same density would struggle with. This is best used as a logical memory unit, which the goblins use to give their artefacts the ability to improve themselves when exposed to a replicable and beneficial power.
My possessions / inventions;
Note: Not everything here directly links to my mithril, however in most cases I am planning on augmenting my few non-mithril items.
Shoes - Originally I simply imbued each pair with an impervious charm, which I gradually improved until there was a thin layer of air between the floor and my soles. This allowed me to walk over dust without moving it and helped lower the risk of slipping. I later replaced it with a thin layer of mithril, which did the exact same thing without requiring me to refresh the charms every few weeks.
Trench coat - Bought for me by Tonks, it was one of the first things somebody bought specifically for me outside of Christmas. It's made from a soft blue-grey leather, which has six pockets dotted around, each of which are enchanted to be bigger on the inside. After the Quidditch world cup I alchemically combined it with my dragon-skin coat, giving the trench coat dragonhide protection and the ability to turn itself invisible.
Mithril generator - Produces a high amount of magic, but is very hard to stop and can become dangerous when it begins to hold too much magic. Very rarely used in recent inventions due to this danger. Generates magic by using a decaying rune, which makes the mithril start to produce more magic to counter the rune.
When done properly the mithril will produce too much magic, which normally results in the mithril growing at an exponential rate, although when the magic is harnessed quick enough the generator remains the same size.
Mithril core - A three layered orb which produces a relatively small amount of magic on demand. Automatically stops itself when it holds too much magic, making it extremely safe. Generates magic by the innermost layer rapidly growing using runes while the second layer tries to keep it the original size. The third and outermost layer then keeps the entire core stable, along with absorbing the magical bleed off from the two inner layers fighting.
Mithril kettle - A two layered pyramid shape, it is the latest design of a magical generator. It produces the most magic of any of the current generators, although this is reflected by its size. It is considered the safest supplier of high demand magical generation. Currently unused in any used artefact, although the goblins were given one in return for my bismuth kiln.
It generates magic by the inner layer using a decaying rune, which then turns any excess magic into pure heat. The outer layer ensures the inner layer is kept floating in the centre, along with keeping the space in between the two filled with a constant supply of water. When the reactor is producing an excess of magic, the water is turned into steam, which is released out of the top and can be turned into a further supply of magic. Finally a cylinder is pushed through the outer layer and into the inner layer, from which the generator can be controlled and magic can be withdrawn.
Mithril ward - Latest design of me and Bathsheda's ward generator. It uses a mithril generator to copy an active but small template ward and recasts the ward over the required area. Because of this recasting ability, the mk2 version was designed to accept multiple template ward schemes, which it can then combine and cast as one combined ward; allowing for modular ward schemes.
Unlike conventional wards, the mithril ward can absorb a near-infinite amount of magic without taking any strain, since the runes controlling the ward are not directly linked to the ward being attacked. As a side effect, the mithril ward's power is always static, meaning it will only ever be as powerful as the generator is supplying. In comparison, a conventional ward will start out relatively weak, but over time will increase in strength. The only mithril ward currently in effect is used for Dumbledore's house.
Mithril greaves - Almost always equipped, they rest upon my shins and work as a magical battery. Enchanted to be unseen or unfelt by anyone other than myself, they were later fitted with multiple mithril cores, allowing them to gradually recharge overtime. As an unforeseen side effect, they also act as protection against attacks aimed at my legs. Later modified to be unlocked by a key given to Dumbledore and Bathsheda which allows them to remove them in an emergency.
Dementor cloak - Obtained from when I became the first person in history to actually kill a dementor, it is extremely permeable to magic. This gives it the seemingly unique ability to be completely hidden to magic, simply because detection magic needs to be able to interact with the magic to identify it. It can be considered the reverse of an invisibility cloak, since it can be seen through normal vision, but completely unseen to magical vision.
Invisibility cloak - 1/3 of the fabled Deathly Hallows, it can render those under it completely invisible, allowing them to walk through most magical protections without triggering anything. When active it completely blocks visual magical detection, however it will leave a 'dead spot' of magic the exact shape of the cloak. It's magical signature remains stationary relative to the earth, meaning if the physical cloak is moved, the signature will shift to reveal a new part of the pattern.
Breastplate - Standard shoulderless breastplate, has a mithril core generator in the front, which emits a faint green glow when it has magic left over, when the shield is taking hits then the glow fades. Gives off an invisible shield, which primarily defends my chest when I leave my trench coat open.
Hermione Granger's ring - While it has no actual use, I keep it as a memento to my late friend. It has a perfect record of her magical signature. It is also the only evidence I have to prove that other people can learn how to form mithril.
Head mithrilium - Makes me impervious to almost every form of mind reading and altering magic, including legilimency and basilisk petrification. When I relax into an occlumency trance I can send my consciousness to any other instance of my magical signature, allowing me to 'possess' my mithril artefacts.
Arm mithrilium (Mithrilium Sleeve) - Can unlock almost any lock, summon magical shields and can summon my spear, flask and saber. It also has a side effect of making my arm extremely durable, although it is more susceptible to disruptive magic like dragon fire and a dementor's aura.
Spear - First used against the troll in Halloween, then remade to fight against Voldemort in the fight for the Philosopher's stone. It was later modified so that it would always hit it's target and return to the hand of whoever threw it. Ron Weasley has used it twice, once against the basilisk and then again against the dementors.
Magic Saber - Uses a mithril generator to keep a constant stream of raw mithrilium, which forms a two foot blade of glowing green magic. Can penetrate almost any conventional ward, although the Mithril Ward can shrug off its attack. Due to the raw mithrilium blade, it can absorb non-shielded mithril and can melt through almost every mundane material.
Flask - One of the first 'useful' objects I've made, although it is only an infinite supply of water. Dumbledore and professor Flitwick both have copies, while Alastor Moody was given an updated version which magically replenishes any drink poured inside.
Shield - The original shield is a standard circle shield. Uses several layered shielding spells, giving it an extremely strong magical defence. It can also absorb kinetic energy, which will slow the attacking object, along with breaking apart any spell which penetrates the first shield. I also have a work in progress shield, based on a tower shield. It has stronger spells and core, but cannot shrink to a discrete size.
Mutatio watch - Created to house my shield, it was then expanded to allow me limited metamorphmagus abilities, although it currently only lets me turn into a predetermined disguise. The current design has a thin band with a small watch face, all made of mithril. The prototype mk2 watch was made with a wider leather strap and quartz watch face, which can actually display the time.
Earrings - Look similar to wrap-around hearing aids, they boost the protection offered by my head mithrilium to form an invisible shield around my head, which protects me from physical harm and some magical attacks.
Goblin-made sword - Made for me by the Goblins as a trade for the Sword of Gryffindor. Functionally it is more of a clean slate than a standard goblin-made sword, given many of its decorations and enchantments were left out.
The Gauntlet - Can turn into a ring, which visibly changes to match the appearance of the Gauntlet. It started with the standard pure silver of mithril, with the Philosopher's Stone sitting on the back of the hand and faint bright red lines leading out of the Stone like veins. At the knuckles and edge of the gauntlet there were dark red bands from Voldemort's magic. Post year two, the entire metal gained a faint green tint from where it had imbued basilisk venom.
It then lost its smooth finish when exposure to the Dementor distorted the metal. The dark red band then gained a second lighter red band when Tom Riddle's magic joined it. After channelling a large amount of energy the Philosopher's Stone's veins became more distinct, as the mithril around them was turned into tiny green mithraite crystals, which were later removed.
When it was first created, the Gauntlet stopped at my wrist, but as I took more damage to my arm, such as when I was bitten by the basilisk, the Gauntlet grew to both protect and heal me. After the basilisk, it grew up to my elbow, then after Moony broke my arm and the horde of Dementors froze what was left the Gauntlet grew all the way up to my shoulder (Although once my arm was later healed the Gauntlet went shrunk back to my elbow.)
Due to the Philosopher's Stone's presence, the Gauntlet has absorbed Voldemort's flame curse, Tom Riddle's flame whip, Basilisk venom, and the Dementors cold. Currently those magics can only be released when somebody tries to steal the Gauntlet, which has yet to happen.
The Philosopher's Stone itself works as a magical focus, similar to a wand, although the magic that comes out will always be tinted towards a transfiguration effect. It makes all transfiguration, transmutation and alchemical rituals far easier than they would otherwise be, while also being capable of using a limited amount of magic to defend itself and its wielder. Visually it is a fairly small blood red gem, with tiny flames running through it.
With that all combined, the Gauntlet is capable of channelling magic, although it is notably weaker when used offensively. I often use it as a cheap way to link my mithril, such as when I linked it to the defence of my new workshop, or when I needed a way to remotely control a prototype sword. It has displayed minor signs of sentience, most notably how it jumps to whichever hand is most needed, often without myself noticing. Another sign is when it independently summoned the light to scare away the dementor horde.
Soul Gem - Created by compressing a dementor into a gem. When fed magic, it replicates both the dementor's cold and corrosive aura. Due to this fact, it was considered too dangerous to try and use, resulting in most of its powers being unknown. Currently it is stored in a mithril albatross that is flying around the north pole.
Corvus I & II - My mithril crows, both are essentially twins of each other. They have memory cells of people's magical signatures, which are small plates of mithril which hold a person's magical signature. Corvus can then track that signature back to its owner, much like an owl. In certain cases, where a person has a particularly unique or notable signature, they can also locate somebody who isn't saved within their memory.
They also serve another purpose, which is reconnaissance. Due to my ability to possess them, I can control them as if I was a bird, giving me a relatively risk free way of scouting out an area while retaining all of my senses.
Reviews:
First off, thank you to everyone who has reviewed the last chapter. From the reviews I got from the last chapter, it looks like the main issues can be summed up in 3 points;
- Fear I will drop this story;
For this, be assured I have no intention of abandoning this. I admit there are times when I don't feel like writing for it, often I use that time to work on other stories or try and improve previous chapters. The whole reason I started writing this story was to try and portray a revolutionary Harry story, something I judge to be many chapters away. I won't stop writing after how much work I put in to reach this point.
- Time between chapters;
Regrettably, there is little I can do about that. However the general consensus was that people would prefer it if I left the old chapters as they are and focus entirely on new chapters. With that in mind, I'm going to be focusing less on older chapters. I won't stop because I want to be able to look back at the older chapters without cringing, but it won't be a priority.
- Too many inventions;
This is a fair point, which is something I've tried to tone down in recent chapters. Particularly for the fourth year Harry will be spending very little time developing new objects, the few he does will probably end up being background stuff. However, I do greatly enjoy thinking up new stuff Harry could invent/use, and for better or for worse his mithril is now an integral part of his character and the story.
It doesn't help that I have been inconsistent with names or even when something was created. When writing the last chapter I did a huge overhaul of my notes, which included making a proper list of his mithril. Henceforth, everything in the list above is the definition for it in the future, even if it may be slightly different to what was established prior. If there was anything I somehow missed from the list, please let me know and I'll add it on.