DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER NOR BEASTMASTER
A/N: now this chapter I based it off Dar's test in the series.
I just noticed that the beginning of the first chapter sucked royally! Oh well I have no beta's and so everyone reads the raw version since I am so hyper minded. Anyways on with the story
THE MASTER OF BEASTS
Chapter Seven: Sheroc's Test
Sheroc flew into the forest under the trees and around spider webs. The first landing he did was in front of a spider's nest which was home to a group of giant spiders. These spiders looked hungrily at Sheroc as the eagle landed in front of a rather large spider the largest of the group. Aragog leader of the spider clan walked out from the nest. "My, my what a foolish bird you are," he spoke as he crept closer, none suits you more spider the bird replied and that startled the spider, "My you are brave," he said yes and you are very foolish and with that the eagle gave a sharp cry as if casting a spell and the world stopped.
Aragog was impressed when the eagle stopped the spiders from diving in and having a bird for a snack. Very cleaver you are indeed to try and kill me the bird replied and Aragog could only stare in shock, "There is only three possibilities you have here, either you are a wizard in the guise of an eagle, a wizard's familiar with his master hiding in the bush or you have a sort of ward on you to protect you and so your master can speak through you," he said rather agitatedly, I have none of the above the eagle said ruffling his feathers.
"Then pray tell who are you?" he asked, I am Sheroc the lord of the skies. The eagle then did his version of a bow. The spider looked shocked at the name, "Sheroc? Sheroc the ancient one?" he said and the eagle looked flattered by this. He fluttered his feathers as he listened to the spider flatter him for a while. Now if you are done I want to do me a favor the eagle said, "Why should we listen to an eagle such as you!" a spiderling shouted to him as she came from behind Aragog, "Be silent this is Sheroc the most powerful magical being on earth!" he said, "How do you know that no wizard is playing us for fools?" the spiderling said, "Because no wizard would dare speak Sheroc's name for they do not know it," Aragog said, "All creatures that are not human know of Sheroc the cursed one." The spiderling moved away when the eagle gazed at it with its piercing eyes. The old ancient eagle made the spider move back in fear. I can summon that which spiders fear in a heartbeat and not die under its gaze. I have met the greatest one of them all Iera before her passing the eagle said and the spider moved back in fear, "You spoke her name!" said the spiderling, and why not she is after all the guardian of water Sheroc replied and the spiderling walked backwards, "Because an ancient beast once resided in the castle of Hogwarts. We do not speak its horrible name nor do we speak of it even now," the spiderling was clearly shaken.
Sheroc watched with amusement as the spiderling walked backwards. "Now tell me what is it that you wish to speak to me about eagle?" Aragog said clearly amused, I have found a beastmaster; four in fact replied Sheroc, "You lie! There hasn't been one in years!" the spider was clearly surprised when Sheroc released his hold on the other spiders and they slowly trickled down clearly shocked as they heard the whole thing. Oh yes my friend I have found a few humans worthy to become the next Beastmasters. This is a time of chaos Aragog and we need more then one to put nature back into balance. He said and the spider gave a wheezy sigh. "I felt it as well Sheroc I should have known," the spider said settling down, "So is this the reason you came here?" he asked, I came here to ask you personally if you would participate in the ritual that would make them the next Beastmasters. Sheroc said and the spider was indeed intrigued by this. "You want me to participate in creating the next Beastmasters?" Aragog said why yes I need a flesh eating animal such as yourself to perform the task that would shred them up quite nicely the more gruesome the better. Sheroc said and the spider seemed to think of it.
The rest of the spider clan began to drool with the possibility of a meal when Aragog raised his voice. "My children Sheroc the eagle has come up with a message that will forever bring our clan honor. He has graced us with the privilege of participating in the Beastmaster ritual." The spiders then began to shout and cheer, "We will be the ones who perform the sacrifice of flesh but absolutely no eating is allowed! Is that understood!" he said and the spiderlings all understood as they cheered.
Sheroc after finishing his deed flew towards another alcove in the forest one that is instead filled with Centaurs. The eagle landed and gave a squawk for a greeting.
The centaur that stood guard looked up from his activity which is the fine tune his weapons. Upon seeing the golden eagle he smiled, "Well hello there my friend what is it that I can do for you?" he asked, I have come to ask you for a favor great star gazer. The eagle spoke back surprising the centaur. "You speak? Well that is something new and who is it that I owe this favor to?" the centaur asked, I am called Sheroc lord of the skies. The eagle replied and the centaur was taken back, "Sheroc I have heard of that name well then my friend come with me and I will show you to the elders," he said and Sheroc fluttered after the centaur as he galloped away.
The centaur elders greeted the guard but became quickly aware of the eagle as it flew onto one of the posts of their clearing. The eagle then turned its piercing eyes towards the elders. "Um elders this is Sheroc he wishes to speak to you?" he said, "Sheroc? We have heard of you from tales told by our ancestors." One of the elders said as he approached the eagle. I am he Sheroc said looking down, "Why grace us with your presence ancient one?" another elder this one had dark black spots on his grey hide unlike the first elder who has white and brown socks on his legs.
I have come to ask you as I have asked the spiders. I just got through talking to them to make preparations of a ritual that has long since been lost through time, Sheroc said, "And what pray tell is that?" asked a female centaur who has just entered the meeting. She has a light cinnamon coat with long blonde hair flowing behind her. I want your help in a ritual used to create a Beastmaster Sheroc said and the group looked at him stunned. "I have heard of such a ritual but the last beastmaster died ages ago," a centaur said, I know but this time the forces of darkness are working against us. We need four new Beastmasters and we need them now, said Sheroc, "But why come to us I thought only humans only can become Beastmasters?" said the first elder centaur, that was true in the past but I fear that the balance of nature has tipped too far off balance and the forces of darkness are raging stronger then ever. I have found four worthy humans but I need the animals that will help in the ritual. The spiders agreed with helping me with the sacrifice, but I need your help with the gathering of the parts. I also need your help with guarding the candidates when they take the test.
The elders looked at each other, "I see," said a centaur, "From what we last heard the Beastmaster was a Muggle a non magical person. How is it that four will restore the balance of nature?" asked the second elder. These are not Muggles Sheroc said rather amused and the group gasped, "You mean to tell us that they are wizards! "They said with venom in their voices. They are only young ones centaur not yet adult and not truly knowing of the ways of the world. They can still be taught the way of the forest, desert, sea, mountain and ice Sheroc countered.
The centaurs looked both horrified and shocked at such as statement. Why would the great lord of the skies tell them that the cursed wizards be the ones who will be the next beastmaster. "My lord this must be a mistake I mean it was the wizards after all that caused this mess," the first elder said, and it is they who must fix it replied Sheroc. The centaur sighed, "Who is it that we must protect during the tests." The centaurs said and Sheroc ruffled his feathers, they are yet to be seen but be careful for the one with the scar on his face his not conscious and is on the verge of death. He already has faced the trials and awaits the sacrifice but the others must take the test. Time is running short and the hour is nearly upon us that we must perform the ritual. With that said the Centaurs knew when they have lost an argument.
As time grows on the essence a total of three days has passed since Draco, Hermione, and Ron had decided to become Beastmasters. With Harry unable to comply they simply moved through the forest with Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and very bewildered McGonagall, a slightly nervous Flitwick, and a very apprehensive Hagrid.
The gamekeeper at Hogwarts looked at his student with sadness for he knew from his giant mother that the ritual that makes them Beastmasters is full of peril as well as a means of death. He was saddened by this and hoped that none would have to take it but when he saw the three his heart went out to them, and to Harry as well. He was the first friend to the young wizard when Hagrid went to look for him. It was then that Hagrid felt sorry for what had happened and glad he was not there. When the Headmaster mentioned Sheroc Hagrid was more then surprised to hear that name the one that his family has told him when he went to visit his brother.
The giant told Hagrid the tale of Sheroc the eagle who cannot die. He also told him of the Beastmaster from what he heard from his elders as they told tales after a hunt. It seemed to him that every creature magical or otherwise knew of this Sheroc and Hagrid has yet to meet the one who will sacrifice the children. He knew he could not interfere but still he wants to protect them. Dumbledore already told him that it was impossible to do since Sheroc is clearly the most powerful being on the face of the earth.
As they approached the clearing Hagrid finally got a good look at it. He was impressed by the size of the eagle as it stood on a post of a rather impressive group of small huts. All around them centaurs where putting the final touches to the small huts that looked to be too small for any living to be in. The eagle then turned to a centaur who walked up rather skittishly to the wizards. "Sheroc here says that you are here to take the Beastmaster trials?" he said and the three young ones nodded. "You will step into the huts please," he said and the group followed his league and each took a hut careful to lay Harry in the last one. When that was over they stood up and left the area to patrol the area.
Only one Centaur remained and that was the first elder of the herd. He was white with a few grey spots on his lower legs and his wrinkled face shown his age. He held a staff with him to show that he was in charge. "As you noticed the Huts are not made for standing." The elder said with as raised voice. "You probably already know of the three eagle feathers in each hut, for each day that passes a feather will fall and for three days you will not even move. You will lie there and not move an inch that includes going to the loo as you wizards so kindly put it so if you have to go, go now," he said and the people left to relieve themselves.
When they returned the centaur then instructed them to strip. At first they were apprehensive but they did as they are told. They had to do it to Harry since he can't do it on his own. "Now then you will lie down in each hut and not move until the last eagle feather falls. When that happens you can move but only after the third eagle feather falls. You will be tested during this time as different animals and an occasional human will stumble into the huts. Dangerous creatures will come in as well. No matter what happens you must not move, speak, or even react to this you got it?" he said and the three nodded still embarrassed at having been told to strip in front of each other. They then entered the huts and each laid down on the hard earth.
While the group went to relieve themselves and prepare for the test Sheroc fluttered into Harry's hut and landed on the boy's bare chest. His talons quickly made bloody marks on the boy's body. Sheroc used his power to heal the boy and then turned to the boy probing until he found the faint spark of life force that was indeed Harry's. What troubled him though was the taint of dark magic what is leaking off the body and disappearing. Hmm I wonder if this is the connection that Fawkes told me about the night before the eagle thought remembering what the phoenix had told him.
FLASHBACK
Harry is a special child a child of prophecy at least that is what Dumbledore had said to him said Fawkes as the phoenix sat on one of the trees to the selected clearing deep in the forbidden forest. The moon was high showing that it was near full and the forest was alive with animals both good and dark but not evil. Sheroc smiled as he watched an occasional werewolf or unicorn run past the trees into the clearing. So you say that this Harry Potter is a child of prophecy then? Sheroc asked and Fawkes nodded. It was said that he is the only one who was marked by the dark lord Voldemort to be his equal and thus has the power to destroy him with a that Sheroc stared hard into the phoenix's eyes, you say that this Voldemort is a recently resurrected dark lord? He said and Fawkes nodded.
The eagle then sighed, so in other words whether we like it or not we have to help this Harry to the bitter end
END FLASHBACK
Sheroc was true to his word as he watched the dark magic and seemed to follow it to Harry's scar. Fawkes did mention that the scar was created by magiche thought and used his power to break the connection with the dark magic even thought the scar remains. Using the powers in him Sheroc began to work on the boy. He began to clean out the dark magic from the boy's own that connected him to the dark lord and build up defenses using the boy's own consciousness and unconscious magic. But being a little curious Sheroc peered into the boy's memories careful to stop time first so that way he can have plenty of it as he healed the boy magically.
To say that the eagle was shocked was beyond words. From Harry's memories Sheroc could tell that Harry had suffered all his life; from losing his parents, to his aunt and uncle's and suffering greatly because of it.
Angered by this Sheroc mentally thanked himself for the punishment the Dursley's deserved. As the boy's memories finally receded Sheroc was glad for the overall ability he has to heal. It seems that after finally repairing the damage that the dark magic has done on Harry Sheroc worked on wakening the boy so he could take the test. Though he could have done it at any time the eagle chose this time to perform the task. Since the boy needed to rest but looking at him now he knew he does not have much time. So without further thought he dove into the mind and soul of Harry Potter.
Where am I? Was a question that was asked by none other then Harry James Potter as he stood floating in darkness. The darkness felt more like a deep ocean something he was not accustomed to. As he floated down deeper into the abyss he could hear a voice calling to him, but his mind is elsewhere. Sirius, mum, dad, Cedric I will be there soon he said out loud to himself as he watched a light come further and further to him. Your time is not at hand yet young Potter a new voice filled the void, whose there? Harry asked, someone who is willing to give you a second chance at life, someone who can help you defeat the dark lord said the voice, why should I listen to you? Harry said, my life was nothing but lies I have been lied to by the very person I trusted! He put me in a home and thought it was safe! Harry's temper began to rise. I can assure you that I am not lying for I can't lie it is not my nature. Humans tend to lie, demons tell half truths or straight answers, but my kind can't lie said the voice and Harry began to think about it your time is not at hand young Potter. The voice said and Harry felt his body beginning to float upwards from the void.
As Harry moved upwards he felt a lot warmer and alive as if given a new life. What is this feeling I am having? He asked, that is life young Potter life the voice said, why do you want to bring me back to life? Harry asked, I have a new mission for you and your friends replied the voice, what new mission? Harry asked, you and your friends have been chosen by the creatures of this world to be their ambassadors known to all as Beastmasters but humans have forgotten and have called you Beastspeaker.
What difference does it make? Harry asked, a Beastspeaker is one who can talk to only one specific type of animal like what you can do with snakes. A Beastmaster can speak to all animals and it is he or she that can control the powers of nature itself if they are of magical origins. The voice said, so let me get this straight I have the power to control the elements of nature at my whim? Harry asked, not exactly replied the voice you have to learn the skills to do it but to do that you have to take a test the voice said, what sort of test? Harry asked as he looked around for the source of the voice.
A test that determines if you are worthy, your friends at this moment have decided to include you in this task but due to your present state that is why I am here. The voice said, how so? Harry asked, I am currently on your body interacting with you and healing your magic, your body you will have to do it on your own. The voice replied, so I am trapped until I wake is that right? Harry asked, yes you have to make the choice, and because your friends have made the choice for you to become a Beastmaster it is up to you to wake and participate. The voice then stayed quiet as if detecting Harry was in a thoughtful stage.
Harry thought for sometime as he drifted upwards, do I have to be awake the whole time? He asked finally, yes was the reply from the voice. How so? Harry asked, you have to be awake and not move a muscle while lying nude in a small hut. You will be assaulted with all sorts of trials but you can't move. For three days and three nights you can't move. Three feathers will tell you the passage of time and then when the last feather falls only then can you move. The voice instructed, seems simple enough Harry said, oh easier said then done child for you can't even get up to use the loo the voice said and Harry groaned, do not worry I have taken care of that problem for you already so all you have to do is carry out the test and then we will see where you stand the voice said and Harry then felt a rush of light like hitting the water's surface.
Slowly bright green eyes opened to the world in the afternoon. Squinting the said person turned to see who was in front of him when he felt something soft like feathers. "Do not worry time has stopped so you can move now," a voice hissed and Harry recognized it as Parseltongue the language of the snakes! "You can use the restroom if you can move," the voice said and Harry slowly looked and watched as a brown blur moved off him. Slowly he moved his hands and found it a struggle to do so.
Slowly but weakly he stood and found that he was indeed nude. When he crawled out of the hut he was at first horrified at finding others nude before him. "Do not worry I have stopped time," the voice said and Harry turned to see the same brown blur in front of him. "They will not see you so you can move with ease to relieve yourself and then you must return to the hut and begin the test," the voice said and Harry nodding walked way to relieve himself.
When he returned flushed and highly embarrassed he laid back down on the hard earth just as time returned to motion. When that happened Harry had heard the last of the instructions, and found himself staying as still as possible. It was easier for him given his health so he just lay there staring at the top of the small little hut.
For the rest of the day into the night and on to the next day they were assaulted with all sorts of trials. One of them being nearly eaten by ants. Having a spider (in the case of Ron) crawl into the hut and trying with all your might not to move nor scream. Being peed on by various animals and having critters you never knew craw into parts that are not mentioned elsewhere. Both magical and mundane visited the huts and did all sorts of things. Gnomes came and began to play with certain body parts while pixies pulled on hairs (all over the body). The worse was on the second night where they had to endure the howling of a nearby werewolf. The were in general actually walked into one of the huts and the group took all their will power not to bolt from the huts nor move.
The wolf sniffed around but eventually left the area to search for other prey. They then heard the footsteps belonging to a group of Deatheaters that landed just outside their camp. They were accompanied by a group of dementors as they hovered around. The group nearly screamed when they came into the huts and they could feel the cold fingers touching them. The Deatheaters nearly found what they were looking for, but decided otherwise and left on their broomsticks.
All the while it was just the waiting that they had to endure. While each and every trial was indeed difficult they could not move. They had to endure it for one more night and then it was over. The last night was the worse they had to endure. On the last night they were assaulted by a group of bats that came and seemed to nearly eat them alive. Several snakes also came into the camp followed by their mother which was a basilisk. The mother gazed into the huts and found the humans. At first the children nearly died but refused to do so calling on all their willpower not to blink nor move away. The basilisk flicked its tongue in and out before moving her young to a safer area.
The last trial was an hour before dawn when a dragon came in with its latest kill a large deer. The dragon ate heartedly growling to itself as it burned the carcass, (as well as the huts). When the dragon was done demolishing the place and eating his fill he flew off but not before leaving several burned children in its wake.
All this time the eagle feathers stayed a lot till the appointed days where they would fall and vanish. Now with the rise of the sun on the fourth day in the east the forest began to brighten to a new day. With this new day the group began to move for it was the start of a new day.
Being allowed to stretch and get the kinks out of their muscles they are dirty, smelly, burnt, and bloody from their ordeal. Hermione being the first up noticed Harry for the first time. "Harry you are alright!" she said and she stiffly raced to him giving him a big hug. Harry nearly fell when she tackled him to the ground but held on. Ron also tackled the boy but Draco held back unsure of what to make of Harry.
When Harry noticed this he asked, "Why is Malfoy here?" he asked and Ron explained everything that happened when Harry was in a coma.
When Ron finished Harry was staring at Draco and he could feel himself melt under the withering glare of Harry as he probed his very being. He could not take himself away from Harry's piercing gaze and so forced himself to relax under the gaze as Harry seemed to probe into him. When he was done Harry sighed, "As much as this is all embarrassing Draco I accept your apology," Harry said with a smile and Draco felt himself relax and breathed the breath he did not realize he was holding.
When Draco started to relax the hairs on his neck began to rise as he sensed something. "Um guys," he said and the others looked at him wondering what was going on as he slowly pointed. Slowly as one they turned and nearly screamed at the amount of spiders dripping their fangs in their direction. Ron began whimpering as he slowly started to back away. The others did as well but as soon as they did the spiders began to advance. Many more came from behind them, "Where is the centaur guard?" asked Hermione and they looked around only to find a sea of spiders. "Now my children," an all too familiar face said and Ron and Harry turned to each other knowing that look.
Aragog approached from beyond the trees in all his glory standing proud at his children, "Now my children the time is at hand go and tear them to shreds," he hissed and they attacked.
Harry being the weakest of the group was the first to be hit by the first spider. The spider was on him in two seconds tearing into his body and ripping him limb from limb. The others ran in separate directions and the spiders were all over them. Two smaller ones attacked Hermione while a rather large one attacked Draco knocking him over. Ron on the other hand was the last as he screamed before the last spider killed him. Its fang pierced his chest and out the other as he felt his life ebbing away.
While all this was going on Sheroc watched from the treetops flying overhead and listening in to the crunching noises of the spiders as they tore the children apart. The eagle waited patiently for the spiders to finish before the centaurs began to gather the parts of the different children. They gently gathered them up and began to mend them together. As if the heavens are crying rain began to fall as thunder sounded in the distance. Sheroc if he were human would have smiled.
TBC
