Chapter 12

Harry Potter and Elfridge, the head House Elf of the Potter Family left for Ether Castle in Northern France. After Harry recovered from his magical maturity ritual, Elfridge decided to increase his training at the Ether Castle. He decided to choose this Potter property because of its vast size and large training center. Ether Castle came into the Potter's heritage via the Ether family line. Harry and Elfridge entered the large property and Elfridge decided to just to explain the basis and show him where the training will be taken place for the next two weeks. The Ether Castle was enormous and so the basics were just necessary to get the new regime underway.

Elfridge pointed out Harry's room where he was staying in which consisted of a cozy guest room in one of the lower levels near the training area. After a nice dinner, Harry went to bed early trying to think of the benefits for what he would about to endure with this next step of training.

At the break of dawn, Harry rose and dressed in a pair of light weight matching dark gray training clothes and comfortable tennis shoes. Next, he glanced at his training schedule for the day that Elfridge posted on his door the night before.

Time Activity

6:00 AM – 6:30 AM Breakfast

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Practical Shadow magic

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Shadow apparition practice

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Shadow magic defense

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Lunch

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM Shadow magic duel/attack mode

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM Blacksmith / Weaponry basics

02:00 PM – 05:00 PM Mage Crafting –staff

Next couple days went by like this and then Elfridge had Harry learn how to weave in between Shadows to remain undetected with stealth magic and then integrate that into combat scenarios. After Harry managed to weave in between shadows with remaining undetected, Elfridge taught him how to use shadow magic to defend and attack with duel-like operations. This was especially useful for night time fights with dark wizards to catch them off guard and to use shadows to conceal yourself from attackers.

Next, Harry learned how to make weapons from a goblin, Gallrock, who taught him how to fuse steel, iron, and other precious metals with magic to make weapons any goblin would be proud to use in a fight.

Gallrock's intention was for Harry to make formidable weapons to use in any fight if necessary. Dueling with a wand is one thing, but most wizards do not learn how to use muggle weapons in a fight. That is where swords, daggers, and a staff come into play.

Harry worked particularly hard on his weapon-making studies. He started out with small-hand-held weapons like daggers. Then he transitioned to making a staff. In the olden days, powerful wizards had the option between a wand and a staff. According to the goblin Gallrock, his magical core as well as his other natural talents were enough to wield a staff. Historically speaking, wizards who wielded staffs named 'mages' or 'warlocks. Harry did not think of himself personally as that, but he was happy to have another powerful weapon to add to his growing collection.

Finally, during the last waning weeks of summer break, Harry learned how to use Ancient Runes in a variety of helpful ways for combat. Despite Harry's magical maturity, and his unblocked natural powers, Harry still had to go slow with ancient rune magic. This type of magic was finicky and powerful at the same time. It had to work by a steady and practiced hand. Just because Harry read all of the books in his parents' library on the subject, did not mean he was an expert in the matter. Ancient Runes theory was one thing, but practicing was another beast onto itself.

The next day, Ethridge had Harry start out with Ancient Rune blocks. Blocks were a combination of two or more runes put together with a single intent. They were more powerful and needed an equally powerful Intent (single magical command) behind it for the block to work. Luckily, with Harry's near perfect memory and magical maturity to boot, he was in prime condition to move forward with his education in ancient runes. While studying advanced magic theory in his free time, Harry decided to pen a letter to Professor McGonagall for some advanced placement courses.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

I hope your summer is fairing well, I have been doing quite a bit of studying over this summer and am prepping for September. I hope to test out of a few 3rd yr. classes. I also had a change of heart and want to change my elective courses.

Classes to test into Year 4:

-Defense against the Dark Arts

-History of Magic

-Charms

-Herbology

-Ancient Runes

I will be prepared to sit examinations for these classes to test into Year 4 when they are available.

Sincerely,

Harry J. Potter

The rest of Harry's summer break went on like this, with a lot of hard work on Harry's part, and playful, banter, but encouraging instruction from Elfridge. He improved tremendously with his fighting form, style, and strength with his weapons he made with Gallrock.

Throughout his summer break, and during the last week, Harry did his best to spend some time with his familiars. His Phoenix who enjoyed being a smart-ass, and his intuitive wolf friend.

Last day before going back to Hogwarts was used to review what he learned under the last few grueling weeks. While fully immersed in his 'mind realm' by reinforcing his Occlumency shields and almost-perfect photographic mind-library, he wandered around Ether Castle to kill some time. He was up on the top floor and decided to do some snooping, as any young heir would, and Harry felt his magic aura tingle once he came closer to the South Tower. He could just feel the wards seeping off the old-wood door to the tower.

Harry Potter decided to test the wards and reached for his wand. He tapped the door handle which head was ingrained with the Potter Family crest and said, "Heir Potter, son of James Potter and Lily Potter demands entry to this room." Harry reached out slowly to touch the door handle, it burned his skin slightly but then there was a small click as he twisted the door knob. His eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the small narrow window on the opposite end of the room. Harry looked around observing every wall, mostly lined with precious books, then he turned to the right, by the far wall at the end of the book shelf there was a pedestal, and on top of that pedestal, a glowing prophecy.

Harry gulped, his magical core tingling, just itching to get nearer to the prophecy. Its glow started to pulse as he stepped ever closer towards it as if its magical signature was pulling him. Finally, after a long-silent moment, he breathed out and grasped the prophecy with his right hand. It sprung to life and the voice that sounded eerily like Luna Lovegood spoke…

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord is born…

The boy's bloodline is seeped with power from two ancient family lineages

Only he will be able to defeat the Dark Lord with natural power

With his gifts he will strike fear and dread into the hearts of the wicked

He will assist other countries to defeat evil before it spreads

The boy will become an accomplished wizard and enjoy the fruits of his labor

Harry Potter did not realize his heart was beating out of his chest until he carefully put the prophecy down and stood back in shock. This was the real prophecy that his family kept hidden from the likes of Dumbledore who just wanted to use him for their own gain. His shock wore off after he got his breathing under control by sitting in a mediative stance on the floor. So, he really was the Chosen One, that had to vanquish Lord Voldemort. Harry kind knew this, just intuitively speaking, but this prophecy just solidified his fate.

After a few moments Harry settled his thoughts and finally spoke out-loud to himself, "Well…fuck, fate sucks!".