Title: The Art of Necromancy
Author: Artemis Luna Diana
E-Mail: artemislunadiana@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Harry/Severus
Time: begins right after GoF
Summary: Harry returns to Hogwarts to spend the summer. Out of sheer boredom, he scours the library for books to read and stumbles across a book that will change his life…
Disclaimer: I own not a thing
WARNING!!!! THIS IS A SLASH STORY!!!! IF YOU DON'T LIKE SLASH OR THIS PARTICULAR PAIRING… LEAVE NOW!!!!
Chapter Two: Of Parties and Alleys
Harry soon settled into a routine. He woke early every morning and went to the Quidditch Pitch. He practiced for three hours, and then returned to his rooms to shower and dress for the day. He had breakfast in the Staff Lounge with Professor McGonagall, and after the two were done, they'd retreat to the transfiguration classroom for his animagus training. They worked until lunch, upon which they'd return to the Staff Lounge to eat. After that, Harry returned to his rooms. He'd study school related magic until supper: seeing what happened to his spells with the increase of power. He ate supper in his rooms and chatted with Dobby. After his meal, he'd work on his control and practicing more difficult spells or reading more of Fredrick's book. He wore himself out thoroughly, collapsing on his bed in sheer exhaustion. Every night he returned to the Necromancer's Haven, as Fredrick had termed it, sorting through the vast knowledge he had been gifted with; his guardians were happy to help.
He didn't know if it had something to do with his status as a Necromancer or if it was sheer dumb luck, but he hadn't seen any of the ghosts or Peeves since that night. He wondered if they could tell the difference.
It seemed as though he blinked and his birthday had arrived. The staff had thrown him a small party to celebrate. It seemed as if even though he had been more or less keeping to himself, he had come to know the staff that remained. Each had given him a gift, even Snape! Though his was a book on potions and came with an inscription saying, 'Hopefully this will increase your pitiful knowledge of potions.' Harry was still very happy to receive it.
Professor McGonagall had given him his very own Snitch. Harry thought she might have been a little surprised when he had embraced her in thanks. Professor Trelawney had given him a crystal ball, to which McGonagall had rolled her eyes. Harry was actually happy to have it since it could help in his divination. Professor Vector had given him a perch for Hedwig, and Hagrid had given him a book on dragons. Professor Flitwick had given him a book of advanced charms, and Professor Dumbledore had given him a box that when opened would supply the person with whatever sweet they wanted. Harry had pigged out on Chocolate Frogs while Dumbledore was munching on lemon drops.
A chocolate cake complete with chocolate icing baked by Dobby himself had completed the celebration. That night presents from Ron, Hermione, and Sirius had come. He had been writing to them, though he never revealed his location, and they never suspected anything. Sirius had gifted him with a book on pranks and a short note.
Harry –
Although I know you've never been one to play too many pranks, I figured that a little encouragement couldn't hurt. Happy Birthday!
Love –
Snuffles
Hermione had finally given into the temptation and bought him 'Hogwarts: A History.'
Harry –
Happy Birthday! How have you been? Still doing okay? I know what your thinking. She finally caved in. Trust me! This is a good book! You REALLY should read it! Anyway, have you heard from Snuffles lately? The Daily Prophet wrote another article about Sirius Black, which I've included. They haven't said anything about You-Know-Who though. I guess Fudge is still denying that he's back.
Love from Hermione PS – I'm a Prefect, do you think Ron will be mad?
Ron had given him a box full of Fred's and George's joke products.
Harry –
Happy Birthday! Mum asked Dumbledore if you could come for the last part of the summer, but he said no. Mum said that he was letting you go to Diagon Alley for your supplies and we could meet you there. Just let us know when.
– Ron
Harry fell asleep that night with a giant smile on his face. This was the best birthday he'd ever had.
***
The next morning after breakfast, Professor McGonagall told him he was finally ready to completely transform. Harry was nearly bouncing with anticipation. They knew that whatever he became would be white and furry, but other than that, they didn't know. Harry took a calming breath before willing the change to happen, speaking the words to the spell in his head. His eyes closed as he felt his body change. He knew he was on four legs and had a tail, but he was nervous about opening his eyes. What if he was a bunny rabbit??? Professor McGonagall had set up a mirror so he could see himself. All he had to do was open his eyes…
One emerald green eye opened. Then another. Harry's jaw dropped open in shock. A white wolf was staring back at him in the mirror. He barked, and the wolf in the mirror barked with him. It was him! He was a white wolf! He yipped in joy and bounded over to his professor, running circles around her. He raced back to the mirror, turning this way and that in an attempt to see all of his new form.
Professor McGonagall was laughing at the obvious joy in her student. She was a little surprised that the wolf had chosen him, and she was curious about what in his nature had caused it. She had known when she became an animagus that she'd have a feline form. It was in her nature, she could have become nothing else. Why had Harry become a wolf? Wolves live in packs: she could understand Harry's need for family, but then why not a dog? A wolf is a fierce protector, not easily tamed, and not someone you'd want as your enemy. Perhaps the choice was not so surprising after all.
She cleared her throat, and gained the attention of her student. She gave him 'The Look' and he transformed back. "Excellent work, Mr. Potter." He grinned at her, and she couldn't help but smile back. "Remember this: do not tell anyone that you are able to do this. After the war with Voldemort is over, I will personally march you down to the Ministry to register you, but until then, you need this defense."
"Yes, Professor, I promise."
***
On August 4, Professor McGonagall took Harry to Diagon Alley. They met up with Ron and Hermione outside of Flourish and Blotts. McGonagall allowed the students to run their errands without her supervision. She went to the Leaky Cauldron to wait for them.
While the teachers hadn't really noticed since they saw him everyday, Harry had been steadily changing since the night he'd come into his powers. When Hermione and Ron saw him, they didn't recognize him at first. Their only clue was that he was with Professor McGonagall.
Harry had shot up in height: he was currently 5'8" and still going. His dark hair was still untamable and fell into his eyes covering his scar. His body was lanky with subtle muscles from his Quidditch practices. He oozed confidence and a power that was heady in its feel. Hermione had to check to make sure she wasn't drooling.
His two friends waited until the professor left before pouncing. "Damn, Harry!" Ron said flabbergasted.
"Someone had a growth spurt," Hermione teased, after taking sufficient time to pick her jaw up off the ground.
Harry blushed. "Cut it out," he said, embarrassed at the fuss.
While Harry's changes had been accelerated and altered from the usual teenage growth spurts, Ron and Hermione had changed at a much slower pace. Hermione was developing curves in all the right places though she'd only grown a half-an-inch. Ron was about 5'6" and gangly. There was no question that he'd be very tall by the time he was done.
The three friends went about their business in-between much teasing and laughter. Harry was pleased that they hadn't run into anyone from school, and by the end of the day was extremely happy. He'd missed his friends.
***
TBC…