The First Week
The Sacred Tree
18 August 1991
"Alright," Charlus said. "We're going to be scattered. I'm going to be between France and Greece. James will, of course, be here with his wife. Henry will be with whatever woman he's been seeing."
Harry grinned.
Charlus held up his hands. "If you find out, you tell me, alright?"
Harry nodded.
"If you need anything. You send a note. We will be there, Grindelwald be damned."
It was five-ten in England. Harry had his backpack on his shoulders and his cat carrier in his hand. Inside was a sleeping, snow Bengal kitten named Diana.
Charlus gave him a hug and ruffled his hair. "See you in December."
They left his room and met James downstairs.
"First Potter not going to Hogwarts and most likely the first Potter in Hufflepuff," Charlus said as he walked past him. "Way to go, James. Excellent job you've done here."
"Go to hell, Charlus." James wrapped his arms around Harry. "I'm no longer upset about your transfiguration score. Despite everything it is good."
Harry blew out a breath. "Whew. I've been so worried."
"I know," James said. "It's why I want you to know I've forgiven you."
Harry rolled his eyes.
James grinned at him then kissed his face.
"Oi!"
James released him then handed him a package. "Anything you need. Use the mirror to call me. I'm not afraid of Grindelwald."
Harry nodded.
"I'll see you for Christmas."
Harry stepped outside to find Henry on the step. He got up and with his arm around Harry's shoulder, they walked to the gate.
"You will be alright."
Harry nodded. "Will you?"
"I'm to worry about you." When Harry just blinked at him, he said, "Yes, I'll be alright."
Henry opened his arms and Harry stepped into a hug that was far longer than James and Charlus'. Henry kissed his forehead then released him.
"I love you, Harry."
"I love you, too, Grandad." He removed his letter from his pocket. "Harry Potter."
The note began to glow electric blue then Harry felt a hooking sensation behind his naval. In the next moment, he was yanked forward in a swirl of wind and color, leaving Henry and his hand behind. He felt, though, that he took the whispered 'I love you' with him.
He landed in a deep, vibrant green valley surrounded by tall mountains a minute or so later. Everything around him appeared to be green and wild. Even the lake, which separated him from a village, reflected a lovely shade of green.
The rainbow that arched over the lake completed the picture of serenity. Harry narrowed his eyes for it wasn't a rainbow in the true sense of the word: it didn't arch. It inclined until it disappeared behind a thick, white cloud.
Harry looked at Diana. "We have to walk that to get to the castle, don't we?"
The thought left him ill at ease.
The height it inclined to was nothing. He'd reached higher heights on his broom. No, it was that the bridge looked like multicolored gas.
Harry thought to take out his broom and he did when he felt as if his racing heart would make him faint.
He'd relaxed upon mounting the broom. Rising on it made him relax further. It was a short flight only extended by his fascination with the cloud, which was all water. Impossibly tiny and light bits of water that had him drenched before he realized he was.
He pushed forward to find the rainbow bridge continued to a stone bridge that extended over water. Harry would swear a huge snake was swimming in it. Beyond that was a dark stone castle with tall towers and turrets. It was wider than Hogwarts, but shorter, too, with only four stories.
It was built on a rock like Uagadou, but this rock was much lower than the mountains surrounding it. He could see a large ship in the distance. On the other side were greenhouses and beyond that was a Quidditch pitch.
He eased his broom forward and made his descent. Harry glided off his broom before pushing it into his backpack.
The first time Harry Potter entered Durmstrang Castle he was soaking wet. The snickers and giggles of the older students made his neck warm.
A good-looking man with shiny, black hair and stunning, gray eyes stepped forward dressed in sweeping, black robes.
"What are you grinning about?" Harry spat in German.
"I said you'd fly through the cloud like an idiot. Lots of brains, but no sense," Regulus Black said. With a wave of Regulus' wand, Harry was dry again. "Come on."
Harry took a moment to look around the entrance. It was a long and narrow, stone hall with relief sculptures of creatures and the powerful wizards muggles had made their gods. Above them were unlit torches attached to the stone.
Regulus led him to a chamber off the hall. It was full of his year mates. There were sofas and armchairs and a snack table. He was tempted to Lingonberry Beer.
"Put on your robes now because Thanos shows up fifteen before on the dot. You can do it here or go through that door."
Harry nodded.
"Off with you." With that, Regulus pushed him into the room.
Harry went off to the side to throw on his robes as it was twenty-six to seven. He removed his clothes underneath his robes and exchanged his flip flops for boots.
Someone threw themselves in a seat next to him. "Took you long enough."
Harry looked to his left. "Hey, Mafalda."
They'd met at Cassiopeia's house more than enough times, but it had been her grandmother, the eldest Mrs. Prewett, who'd made sure they were friends.
James had forced Harry to attend Simeon's birthday parties. Sirius, in turn, had taken it upon himself to introduce Harry to the guests. He made sure to say 'this is James' son' to anyone who would hear him out.
Mrs. Prewett, along with Mrs. Callidora Longbottom, Mrs. Margret Bones, Madam Marchbanks, and Mrs. Helen Boot, probed and prodded him. Then, much to the dismay of Naomi, Harry had been invited to the homes of each except Mrs. Bones.
Which was fine by him.
He'd met Edgar Bones and was fine with not knowing the rest of the family.
"What took you so long?"
"I didn't want to come early. You should go get dressed. Thanos will be here soon."
She jumped up and jogged over to her things. The students in her vicinity followed and the action spread across the room. So by the time the Deputy Headmistress entered only the stragglers were undressed. She made them all stop even if they were in their underwear.
"Let this be a lesson to always be prepared and on time." She smirked at them. "Welcome to Durmstrang Institute. Today is the beginning of the rest of your lives." She looked around. "This castle was built by the old gods who chose to separate themselves from those beneath them. Today we carry on their tradition of upholding ourselves as divine and supreme; the pinnacle of the world.
"We continue to uphold the idea of having great witches and wizards guide children to be their best selves." She looked at her watch. "The Welcoming Feast is about to begin and, in a matter of minutes, The Sacred Tree will choose a suitable adviser for you."
Harry wondered if Grindelwald could fix it so that he ended up with a handpicked adviser. He hoped not, though he doubted Regulus was suitable for him anyway.
Thanos unfurled a scroll. "Now I will line you up according to merit."
Harry ended up at the front. He looked behind him to see Mafalda was fifth. Draco Malfoy, a pale, pointed-faced boy with gray eyes and white blond hair, just missed the top ten. Standing behind Harry was a tall, dark-skinned, South Asian boy with dark eyes that glittered. He looked at Harry unhappily.
A few minutes later, they marched through the entrance hall in a single file line. Now every torch was lit. The flames were pure red and the stones were bathed in it.
The double doors of the Banquet Hall burst open without prompting. Seven vertical tables were inside lined with gleaming, silver dishes. Each year was assigned to a table and the one center right was completely empty.
There was an eighth vertical table. It was smaller than the others, but a number of students were there. Harry would say around forty. There was a place for two additional people.
His heart skipped a beat.
Directly in front of him was the High Table, which was on a platform. Behind it was a wall of windows that displayed the lake with a ship floating on it. The sun setting behind the tall mountain made it a picturesque scene.
The other windows were stained glass and framed by glittering silver.
Thanos stood on the steps before the platform. "Good evening," she said. "Mr. Harry Potter. Yes," she drawled, "that is his real name. He is first in his year having set new records on his Charms, Astronomy, and Dark Arts exams. He also scored in the ninety-ninth percentile all time on each exam. Step forward, Mr. Potter."
Harry stepped to the middle of a large, glowing tree with nine symbols scattered across it. It's limbs branched out to various Professors.
Woosh!
Harry jumped at the sound. It was familiar to him, but, for once, he hadn't started the fire. No, a symbol on the tree had ignited and the flames had shot towards a Professor. A tall, thin man with unfeeling, blue eyes and a thin-ish goatee that didn't entirely cover his weak chin.
Harry and Igor Karkaroff stared at each other in horror. Beside him, Regulus covered his mouth, but he couldn't stop himself from shaking. Harry vowed to pay him back for that. Karkaroff said something to Regulus which only made him laugh harder.
Harry shook his head as Professor Thanos said, "Potter to Karkaroff." Even she sounded amused.
She pointed at the eighth table and Harry made his way over to occupy a vacant seat.
Harshane Rai was surrounded by mist when he stepped to the tree. Ice shot out of it to a broad-shouldered man with platinum blond hair.
"Rai to Winter."
For a time, Harry watched the effects of the tree. He saw fire, golden light, a ghost popped out and shot towards a Professor. Flowers burst from the tree and towards people. Eventually, though, he grew bored of the proceedings. There had to be about one fifty in his year after all.
Most of the students eyed him through narrowed slits. Some whispered to their friends behind their hands, but one was bold. She, a pretty teenager with blue-green eyes and brown hair, held out her hand. "Mia Novak."
Harry shook it.
"Where d'you go to beat Grindelwald's score?"
"The Palladion, but I had some tutors before that."
She held out a hand. "I'm with Karkaroff, too. Welcome to the team."
He shook her hand. "Thanks."
When the last of his year was seated with a flaming, red face, the Headmaster got to his feet.
Maxim Morozov was what Harry imagined Poseidon looked like. A tall and well-built man. Powerful in stature and, from what Harry knew, in magic, too. He stood before them dressed in sweeping robes of golden silk.
"Welcome to all our new students," he said. "And welcome back to everyone returning. We have another year of excellence and great competition ahead of us. I expect you to do your very best."
He was quiet, but they heard every word. His voice was sharp in the silence, as if it was possible it could cut through steel.
"But that is tomorrow," he said. "Tonight we enjoy each other, united as Durmstrang." He clapped his hands. Food and drink appeared on every table except his and the High Table. "Bibere humanum est, ergo bibamus."
Suddenly, a space opened next to Rai. A black boy with light, brown skin and curly, black hair he'd pulled back into a small ponytail, sat down. Harry scooted over to clap hands with him. His dishes and utensils then moved over of their own accord.
He'd met Andrei Dolohov many years ago at Delphinium House. They'd attached themselves to each other out of necessity then reconnected at The Palladion.
"Welcome to Durmstrang."
"Thanks."
Andrei picked up a book. It was black with the Durmstrang emblem and motto on the cover in silver.
"Flying Jacob," he said. Some sort of casserole accompanied by rice and a salad appeared on Andrei's plate. He looked at Harry. "It has bananas in it."
Harry scrunched up his nose making Andrei laugh. Frowning, he grabbed his own menu then said, "Korv stroganoff." It showed up with rice and snow peas.
"It changes everyday with dishes from different countries," Andrei told him. He looked around then said, "Can't believe Malfoy is here."
Harry smirked at him then a crooked a finger. Andrei leaned over and Harry whispered in his ear. "Grindelwald made him."
"No fucking way. Shame he can't join his cousins yet." Andrei grinned at him then tilted his head, but he didn't look down the table.
Harry cared little for subtlety, so he did. Sure enough there sat Phobos and Deimos Rosier.
Harry met Phobos' hooded, blue eyes. He was a handsome boy with golden blonde hair. The only blemish on his symmetrical face was a burn mark. The sight brought Harry joy.
He couldn't help himself. He winked and waved. When he turned back to Andrei he found his friend shaking his head.
Harry grinned then said, "Help me out."
"Lineup?"
"Veen, Thanos, Karkaroff, Winter, Yoon, Gartner, and Heller."
Andrei looked at him in confusion.
He heard Mia whistle. "Really?"
"What?"
"The first four and Gartner don't teach first years," she said. "They actively avoid it. They only teach advanced fourth year and up." She looked him up and down. "Seriously. Welcome to the team."
Andrei reached over to clap Harry's arm. "Good luck. You know what Karkaroff's like and you met Thanos."
"Most students don't make it to advanced NEWT classes with Winter, Veen, Karkaroff, and Thanos," Mia said.
Harry bit his bottom lip.
Bloody hell.
Hours later, Harry followed Andrei out of the Hall.
"Umph!"
Harry walked right into a brown-haired boy with hooded, blue eyes and sharp features. "You're not supposed to be here," Deimos Rosier said.
Harry stepped to the side, but found Phobos there, so he got in his face.
"Already?" he heard Andrei say. A second later, he was beside Harry.
Suddenly, a hand was around Harry's neck, pulling him away. He knew Karkaroff's smell. It was stale liquor masked in sweet, spicy cologne.
"You have no protection here," Karkaroff said. "No one gives a fuck about anyone named Potter." He let go of Harry's neck and pushed him causing Harry to stumble back a little. "I won't be bullied by your grandfather and Black is nothing."
Harry dusted off his robes as whispering students looked between him and the smirking twins. "I'd rather die than ask you for anything."
"Careful boy," Karkaroff said. He stepped closer to Harry. "I have the power here."
Harry nodded. "I'll let you think that until I need real help." He looked around. "May I go now?"
"I can have you whipped just 'cause I feel like it."
Harry smiled. "That would be a reason to get real help. May I go now, sir?"
Karkaroff narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not scared of you or anyone named Rosier. With or without help."
Karkaroff grabbed him by his collar than pushed him away. The Rosier twins smiled and waved at Harry, who blew them a kiss back. It showed up as a fiery set of lips that landed on Deimos' marked cheek.
Harry winked then moved to the staircase and looked around.
Now he needed to find where to go.
••
First Day of Classes
19 August 1991
"Welcome to Advanced First Year Herbology," Professor Gartner said after taking attendance. She was a pretty, strawberry blonde with a round face and pink lips.
Her robes didn't match her face for they were tattered and dingy brown. It was understandable, though. Harry, himself, didn't wish to dirty an old set of robes for herbology.
They were in a classroom near the center of the castle, where they walked on water. It was literally water they could touch, but not sink into or drown in. The walls were covered in flowers. Bees, butterflies, and all other types of bugs you'd see in a fairytale forest were present.
Only twelve of them, including Malfoy, had made it, so they sat at the three front tables. Harry was at the edge and paired with a blue-eyed blond with pointed, pink ears and a long face. Rolf Scamander, his name was.
"This isn't a class for wand magic, but there are a few spells important to the subject. Today we will focus on the Fire-Making Spell." She zeroed in on him. "Mr. Potter, I hear fire is your thing. Do explain why it is a charm and not a transfiguration despite being a conjuration."
"The incantation," he said. At her expectant look, he touched his forehead. "Incendium is something like wild fire; destructive fire, so the incantation is telling magic to do something by or with destructive fire. A transfiguration spell would just ask for the fire."
She gave him a pleased look. "Excellent. You should write that down if you didn't know it," she said pointing at the other students
She spent the next half hour going over the Fire-Making Spell. The next hour was spent practicing it. By the end of the first class, all of them had managed it. There was a clear difference in Harry's small, controlled fire in comparison to his classmates, though. Only Rai and a black girl named Aello Fitzgerald had come close.
"I need three feet on plants and fungi affected by heat and/or light," Gartner said. "Hand it to me on Wednesday."
Their next class, Charms, was in a section of the castle that glowed in golden light and the floor was covered in vibrant, green grass.
More of them made it to Charms and, Harry was certain, there was another advanced Charms class as Rai wasn't there.
Mafalda was, though. She'd followed him to a seat at the edge of the table and took the one to his right.
Professor Veen was a pale, weedy man with a thin face and sharp features. He took attendance then asked them a number of introductory Charms related questions for about a half hour. When he was satisfied, he turned to motion.
The remainder of class was spent dissecting the language of locomotive charms and their wand movements.
"This is only a charms, dark charms thing? Spells that are similar in nature have similar wand movements?" Harry asked. "Or does this go for transfiguration?"
"All magic built off another will be similar to the original and its predecessor. All magic of the same sub-branch will be similar." Veen rubbed his chin. "Only four people have scored higher than you in potions all-time. Hmm…"
Harry heard the note of skepticism and shrugged. "I didn't read recipes or look at a lot of wand movements."
Mafalda asked, "What did you do?"
"Learned how to tell the difference between any two sets of sub-branches," Harry told her while Veen listened in. "Like I know jobberknoll feathers are in all truth serums and memory potions and why, but I can't tell you the other similarities between Candor and Veritaserum."
She looked at him. "Why?"
"Because I was told to start with the whole then break it down to the next big piece. Study transfiguration, transformation, general then switching then human transfiguration. If I understood the branch and the sub-branch, I'd find spell casting easier."
Veen hummed. "You'll put that to test for me soon enough," he said before walking away.
"So you read theoretical books that explained magic?" Mafalda asked. "Instead of focusing on books that explained recipes and individual spells? How does that work for astronomy and herbology?"
"I broke down herbology by language, I guess." Harry waved his hand around. "Err – I read about the differences between magical and non-magical plants; fungi and plants; there was this book that explained terms: flowers, plants, herbs and the like. I also looked at tools and gardening techniques." He shook his head. "I've been under the Blacks and wandering around the Mediterranean all my life. I didn't study for astronomy like that."
She looked at the ceiling. "I'm never gonna sit at that table."
"You're fifth to start out," Harry said. "I can help you find some of the books I read if you want."
At the end of class, Veen passed around three books. "I want you to read all three and hand me five to six feet on locomotive magic by the sixteenth of September."
After lunch, they headed to potions. This section of the castle was guarded by a huge dog statue. The marble thing snarled and growled at Rai, who'd been in front of them. Harry stepped to it and it bared its teeth. He didn't back down though.
"How do we get past it?" Rolf said.
"Move," Harry told the dog.
Rolf snorted when it snapped its teeth. Mafalda giggled in her hand.
Harry shrugged and stepped back. "I'm a cat person. What do you do with dogs, Scamander?"
Rolf rolled his eyes then rubbed its stomach, which seemed to do the trick. It started panting and rolled away from the door, lying on its back.
With the way cleared, Harry and the other students walked through the doors. Rolf followed after scratching behind its ears.
They entered a corridor where the walls were jagged, gray stone and mist was everywhere. Ghosts walked past and through them. One swooped out of a wall with a knife in hand and ran straight at and through Mafalda, who screamed.
"You filthy, Frenchman, it's not funny!" she spat.
That only made Harry laugh harder. No one had ever called him a Frenchman.
After taking attendance, Thanos asked, "In essence, what makes a potion different from a charm and a transfiguration from a wand?" She turned her back on them and held a finger. "I'm not asking for the obvious." Once she reached the blackboard she looked back at them. All the hands that had been raised were down, so she turned to Harry. "You answered this question well enough."
"No potion can conjure and any potion dealing with transformation changes completely, but the change isn't long lasting like a wand transformation would be," Harry said. "I'm still unsure about charms. You can touch fire and water and truth potions make you 'do.'"
She held up a finger. "We'll get to that." She then pointed at him. "Ballas said getting you to answer questions was like pulling teeth," she said. "If I have to pull all thirty-two every Monday, I shall."
Harry placed a hand on his chest and gaped.
"Close your mouth," Rolf hissed. "Don't make it so easy."
Mafalda coughed and grinned at Rolf.
"The answer to my question was simple and, in hindsight, obvious, yes?" Thanos said. "But you would be hard-pressed to find such an answer in a book. I haven't looked myself, but those at The Sanctuary of Knowledge reported that such a straightforward answer cannot be found in any theoretical book in any language." She crossed her arms. "Understanding of potions relies on your ability to observe and analyze the facts. For there's more to potions than throwing your ingredients into a cauldron full of boiling water."
For the entire three hours, they took notes and drew pictures on 'more,' which was basically all they should've learned in the last two years with additional information. Or maybe it was just things Charlus, Henry, and the portraits had taught him over the years. It seemed a lot was new to even Rai. Only Malfoy seemed as bored as he was.
That afternoon, Harry found himself lounging on a sofa in Regulus' office, which he'd followed him back to. Somehow, Regulus had ended up in the world of fire, which had lava and fire crawling and dancing through the cracks in the walls. The floor was covered in fire that didn't burn and the ceiling was covered in smoke.
Harry was in love with the place.
"How was your first day?" Regulus asked. "Gartner is in love by the way."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Of course, the subject I hate." He shrugged. "It was fine."
"How is Draco?" Regulus asked. "I'm surprised he's here. Between you and Dumbledore I was certain he'd end up at Beauxbatons."
Harry looked at him. "I think Grindelwald made him come here."
Regulus nodded. "The Scamander boy, too. He's snatched a few prizes for Durmstrang."
••
First Duel
20 August 1991
They had defense the next morning. After lunch, Harry led Rolf and Mafalda to Dark Arts in the realm of the fire. From what Mia had said, it was the only part of the castle that got hot in the winter.
"There are two sections of the Dark Arts course: creatures and combat," Professor Karkaroff said after taking attendance. "We will spend Tuesdays on combat and Thursdays on creatures. Now, onto combat."
It was another hour and a half of note taking. Mafalda and Rai enthusiastically answered questions. With each 'correct' they received they shot Harry a look, much to his amusement.
After their fifteen minute break, they went next door to the Dueling Room. It was one of many in the castle and this one was Karkaroff's personal room. It was large with a long platform in the center. On either side were spectator seats.
"Prewett and Rai will demonstrate a duel for us."
Rai looked at Karkaroff in horror. Mafalda looked excited.
The two stood on opposite ends of the platform. Harry and Rolf took front row seats.
"Nothing illegal," Karkaroff said. "At the bang: one, two – "
BANG!
"Expelliarmus!"
"Reducto!"
Mafalda slid out of the way of a vibrant, red spell as the ground in front of Rai exploded into bits. He lost his balance.
"Petrificus Totalus."
An electric blue spell hit him. Rai's arms locked up and he hit the ground hard.
Harry blew out a breath.
Karkaroff revived Rai then fixed the floor. After, he called up the next student.
One by one Mafalda picked off each student.
"You can kick her arse, right?" Rolf asked in English. He was red-faced for Mafalda had just knocked him out.
Harry frowned. "Maybe," he answered in English. His accent was thick, but no longer as French as it had been. "I don't speak English…well."
"You're an Englishman?"
He nodded. "Only because Grandfather says I am. I've barely been there."
"Potter," Karkaroff called.
Harry took the free end of the platform. He knew one spell. Well, he'd have to make the best of it.
BANG!
"Reduc – "
"Incendio."
The sleeve of Mafalda's wand arm caught fire before she could finish his incantation. Harry was at a loss as to what to do next. He hadn't mastered any other spell. He'd been too focused on Shield Charms.
"Disarm her, idiot!" Rolf said.
"Expelliarmus."
The wand popped out of Mafalda's hand and Harry caught it.
Karkaroff raised his eyebrows.
"I only know theory and protection," he said with his arms up.
Karkaroff had a glint in his eye. "Come see me Saturday morning. We need to have a discussion about your future."
Harry shot him a baleful look, but only said, "Yes, sir."
Transfiguration was after lunch.
The corridors of the world of ice had icicles hanging from the ceiling and sticking out from the walls. Pure white, crunchy snow covered the floors. Harry thought the ice blue lighting was the perfect final touch to the winter wonderland.
He also thought it amusing Professor Winter's classroom was located in such a place.
After taking attendance, Professor Winter said, "Welcome to Advanced Transfiguration Year One." He was a tall, muscular man with long, ash blonde hair and blue eyes, one of which had a former deep gash underneath. "We will begin today with notes then move on to spellwork."
Harry grinned and fought the urge to bounce in his seat.
"Transfiguration is a difficult subject and it continues to be a debate as to whether or not there should be an advanced course. I say that to tell you that I, and all others who teach Advanced Transfiguration courses, have an expectation that you will master a task we give in a timely manner. Most cannot. There is no shame, so do not feel discouraged when you find yourself in Standard Transfiguration Year Two."
For the first half, they went over basic transformation theory. It was all note-taking and question answering.
The second half was dedicated to spell-casting.
"In two or three decades, you may sit down with your children and tell them of what to expect in their first transfiguration class. You may even say 'we had to transform a matchstick into a needle.' A friend from Uagadou, Beauxbatons, or Almalja might say 'we had to do that, too.' It is the one thing all transfiguration theorists agree on: matchstick to needle or the reverse is the best beginner transformation. Why? Miss Prewett?"
"Similar shape, size, and color for the most part."
He nodded. "Anything else, Mr. Potter?"
"Same number of syllables."
"Professor Thanos will pull your teeth on Mondays," Winter said. "I will do so every Tuesday and Friday if I must. Understand?"
Harry shook his head. "No, that's not understandable at all."
Winter smirked then waved his wand. Harry jumped and placed a hand over his mouth. His face warmed when matchsticks landed in front of them.
Everyone laughed except Winter, who settled on a smirk.
"I have no expectation you will change this matchstick into a needle today," Winter said, "but I do expect progress."
When he moved away, Harry took a deep breath as he picked up his matchstick, hoping his wand didn't fail him.
Half an hour later, he wasn't concerned despite having made no progress; despite his companions making some. Some even seemed pleased Harry wasn't so good in transfiguration. He was too busy trying to figure out why he couldn't show off to care about their looks, though.
What was he doing wrong?
His mind went over all the advice his father and grandfather given. He even took a peek at Mafalda's notes.
'Be precise in wand movement and enunciate.'
Check.
'Know the theory.'
Check.
'Detail. Detail. Detail.'
Check…
But it had to be the detail. What was he missing?
He was attempting to change a matchstick into a needle. Red and brown to silver; square end to pointed end; rounded end to rounded end with a hole; cardboard to metal….
"Ah."
Harry picked up his wand. "Transvertus."
The cardboard turned silver and became steel. Almost. Streaks of cardboard remained embedded in the metal.
For a forty-five minutes, piece by piece, Harry produced a needle minus the eye because, try as he might, he could not add the hole.
He wiped the back of his hand across his forehead. He'd never worked so hard in his life and a stupid hole was holding him back.
Winter came by to examine their work. When he stopped in front of Harry, he hummed. "Well done." When Harry scowled, she said, "Problem?"
"I'm being bested by a hole."
"What are you trying to do?"
Harry blinked. "I'm trying to create a hole."
"That might be your issue."
Harry scrunched up his face. "I'm trying to add a hole?"
"Oh," Winter said with a pleased look, "excellent, but not quite."
"But – "
Winter backpedaled to him. "How many holes does this needle have?"
"Zero."
"Incorrect. How many holes does the needle have?"
Harry sighed. "One, but it all amounts to the same –"
"It does not," he interrupted. "To add is close, but not quite the word we are looking for. To create, here in this room, means to bring into existence. You are not performing a conjuration. The needle is already here."
"But the hole isn't."
Mafalda giggled.
"If the needle exists, so does its eye. Language, Potter. What is the language of transformation?"
Harry scrunched up his face. "Change? Change it from a needle-like object without an eye to a needle because this isn't a needle?"
Winter's face lit up. "Now that you have defined transformation what shall you do with your newfound understanding?"
Winter watched as Harry lowered his eye to the needle.
When he next raised it, a needle was on the table before him.
Winter held it between his fingers. "Wednesday you're going to do this again with the objective of changing the matchstick with a single incantation."
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Can't wait."
••
First Meetings
Wednesday had brought Astronomy in another golden classroom. They had spent an hour drawing pictures of the Solar System. The rest of the double was on the sun. As Durmstrang thought divination had its uses, Professor Yoon, a short woman with brown hair, taught the science and the symbolism.
After lunch was an hour and half of History in the realm of the dead. Harry enjoyed ancient magical history far more than he enjoyed modern history. As such, he had enjoyed the lesson on Ancient Ethiopian wizards, who specialized in healing and the Dark arts.
Saturday afternoon brought a trip to Karkaroff's office.
"Potter. Sit."
Karkaroff's office was a little smoky. The ceiling was covered in it, but nothing was on fire. The walls were black and so was the thick carpet on the floor.
Harry had no choice but to obey, but he dragged his feet nonetheless.
"Must you be so fucking difficult?"
"For you? Yes."
A silver armchair moved backwards. Harry watched as it came to a stop behind him only for it to knock into the backs of his knees. He fell back into it and the chair returned to the desk to face Karkaroff.
Karkaroff exhaled. "This…is unfortunate," he said. "You and I paired together by magic for the next seven years. It's something I had considered and hoped wouldn't happen, but I'm no fool."
Harry inclined his head in agreement. No, Karkaroff wasn't. Not entirely. He'd realized Regulus and Narcissa were escaping and had run home behind them. Harry assumed Grindelwald or Dumbledore had paid him a visit. Either that or he was smart enough to realize Durmstrang was an unplottable haven.
"Was this change of heart helped along by anything. Or maybe someone?"
"No," Karkaroff said. "I'd reached that conclusion Monday afternoon. Grindelwald's letter only arrived Wednesday." He leaned back in his chair. "You have goals and I intend for you to achieve them. What have you learned?"
Harry sighed. "The Shield Charm, I guess, but that probably needs more practice. I was working on The Fortifier and looking at – "
Karkaroff raised his hand. "You will master the Shield Charm and the Fortifier and move on. The Shield Charm is only truly worthy of your time at the moment, but the Fortifier is a nice weapon to have."
Harry nodded.
"Had you cast the Disarming Charm before?"
"No."
Karkaroff nodded. "I thought so. Good. Once I am satisfied with your shields, you will work on essential defensive spells. I expect to be through by the next term in which you will spend your time on essential offensive magic."
Harry wrinkled his nose. "What's in this for you?"
"Glory," he said. "I'm the adviser of Harry Potter, a child who somehow garnered the attention of the Dark Lord and Gellert Grindelwald." He leaned forward. "I. Am. No. Fool."