Harry sighed as he slipped into the desk. As soon as his bag touched the floor, a parchment appeared on his desk. The term Pop Quiz was atop and the questions were on the board. He pulled a quill out and rapidly started to answer. All twenty questions, each increasing in difficulty were answered to the best of his ability. Even the one asking about the reaction between an Incarcerous and a stone turning curse upon collision. The only one that gave him a major pause was the last question. "What happens when a vampire bites a werewolf with intent to turn it?" His answer was cheeky, but he doubted it was inaccurate.
Nicolas' face was set in stone as he flicked through the answer sheets of the pop quiz he handed to the fifth-year students. Only one was even remotely interesting to him in the answers. His lip actually twitched slightly at the last answer on the paper. 'The Courts would hunt them both down until their corpses were drained'. Accurate, but not what he wanted. That could be said for most of the work he glanced through however. Of the required material, most did not have mastery over the basics baring Dark Creatures and Curses, which was covered by a werewolf and an Auror respectively. Luckily it would be swift to catch them up with the new curriculum. Nicolas hid a grin as it was nearly as if he planned it this way.
"Okay class. Here is what we will cover. What makes magic either Dark or Light, why the ministries of the world have outlawed certain magics, and what the ICW does. We will also be reviewing for your OWLs, and we will be utilizing our secondary classes every week as a catch all. We are graced with three hours together today, so let's get started." Nicolas turned, and flicked his wand towards the gigantic black board that made up a makeshift wall hiding the stairs to his personal office. In a fit of animalistic movement, the blackboard started to walk towards the front of the class as all the pop quiz questions from before were erased vigorously with animated erasers. Taking up a piece of chalk, Nicolas started to draw.
Harry in the fourth row had the perfect seat in his opinion. It allowed him to see the entirety of the teaching area, without having to worry about the Ravenclaws who crowded the front. It also put him in a middling position in the room, which according to his training with Sirius, is one of the best places as it allows for movement to any portion of the room quickly. Remus also mentioned it put bodies between you and the most obvious attack orientation of the door to the rest of the castle. But, all those aside, Flamel was teaching and even with those thoughts in Harry's head, the lesson was deeply engaging.
"What makes magic Light or Dark?" Nicolas asked as he finished drawing a large diamond on the board, formed by arrows. "And before someone says that it's about something stupid like intent or what you do with it, will find themselves scrubbing the trophy room." Snickers followed the Professor's winning grin. Nicolas scanned the room and saw a single hand raised.
"Potter"
Harry didn't even remember raising his hand, but the professor called on him anyway. "Could it be how the spell is created?"
Nicolas smiled largely. "That is exactly correct. Now, there are two theories on Spell Creation. One is that we, as Magicals, are discovering new ways magic moves and are figuring out how to manipulate it. If this is the case there are a finite number of spells, curses, etc. Now, the second one is much more appealing to contemporaries who say that we are creating spells to make magic suit our needs and desires. This follows the concept that we have multiple spells for similar actions. Who can give me an example?" In a moment, a half dozen hands shot up, most of them Ravenclaws. With a careless point, he pointed to Isobel.
"The levitation and Locomotor charms do basically the same thing."
"Exactly. Take 2 points for knowing a spell from your NEWTs level Charms class. Now, the key is to know that they seemingly the same thing. While the Locomotor charm does not require concentration, the Levitation spell does. However, interestingly, the Locomotor charm was invented or discovered first. As it does not make things levitate, it is an Objector. Can anyone tell me what an Objector in magic is?"
This time, Harry remembered raising his hand and was rewarded with Flamel picking him.
"An Objector is a word of magical intent. Another example is Maxima. While Maxima can't be used with very many spells, I'd assume Locomotor is a Universal Objector."
"Perfect Potter. 3 points. Now, what you likely won't know is that Objectors are much more common than non-Objector spells. In fact, in charms you are taught that of targeting, which in itself is utilized with Objectors to provide accuracy. For example, if I was to wave my wand and say Accio, which is annoyingly common, I would be using an Objector. Now, the reason that Objectors were mentioned is a fundamental truth. They have no light or dark alignment." With a turn and a flick of his wand, chalk rose and wrote the word Objectors on the left side of the diamond. "Above and below we have light and dark. What covers the right side?"
"Um, what about things that aren't just intentional?" A Ravenclaw asked.
"That covers the final side. It is commonly called Shape Manipulation, or Shama. This is things like animation, Conjuring, transfiguration in general. Now, why are these not Objectors?" Nicolas wrote out Shape Manipulation on the right side of the diamond as he spoke.
Hermione answered swiftly, "Because you aren't just using magic to get an intended effect, but to change the reality of something?" She ended on a question as she quickly took notes.
"Nearly correct. You are by nature, changing reality when using magic. That is the definition of utilizing magic. No, when you are using Shama over Objectors you are changing the fundamental identity or concept of something. Objectors are additions to or subtractions from. You can levitate that table. But using Shama, that table is turned to a rabbit. That is now a rabbit." With several flicks, the table to the side of the room rose, floated to the middle of the room, and was changed into a rabbit. "The rabbit can of course be moved, using Objectors." The rabbit starts to move around the room landing softly on Hermione's head. "I could even use Objectors to release the Transfiguration. Thus, dropping a table on our young Lion." With a flick, the rabbit soared back to the wall and with a Finite, returned to its table form.
The students wrote down what they just saw, and attempted to label each portion. Harry just raised his hand and waited.
"Yes Potter?" Nicolas asked as he wrote in the middle of the diamond.
"This is all great, but we did not cover what is light or dark. Judging from your placement of Objectors and Shama, that means neither are Light or Dark." Harry pointed to the diagram as he spoke, and drew attention to the undefined terms at the top and bottom.
"Good Observation. You are correct. By definition Shama and Objectors are not Light or Dark Magic. Let me give you a fundamental Light Spell, and see if you can explain what makes it light Potter. The Patronus Charm is considered fundamentally Light. Why?" Flamel leaned against the desk as he looked at the class, his focus being on the Last Potter.
"Well to work, you need to bask yourself in Joy, and it is a counter to and a defense from Dementors and Lethinfolds. It is a patron guardian." Harry thought more, and a voice whispered in the recesses of his mind. "It is the counter, the coalition of the power of a wizards hope."
"All of that is correct. But what makes it Light?"
"The counter aspect?" Harry questioned, guessing for the right answer.
"Exactly. The Patronus Charm was created to counter dementors. It is, fundamentally, a counter. Which makes it a light oriented spell even though you are utilizing emotion to fuel the construct of the guardian." Nicolas wrote the board, branching from light which was on top of the diamond counter and energy. At the bottom, branching from Dark, he wrote emotion and Soul/Will.
"Who can give me a fundamentally Dark Spell then?"
"The unforgivable Curses." Ron spoke up without raising his hand.
"Correct, next time please raise your hand." Nicolas smiled at the redhead before continuing. " Dark magic by nature covers the concepts of emotional manipulation and soul or will. Most ministries in the world have outlawed magic that is fundamentally Dark such as Necromancy, the unforgivable curses and certain other spells. Now, Dark Magic cannot be cast at the same time as Light magic and vice versa. Some ministries have also outlawed Light Based magic that is primarily utilized by dark wizards. An example of that is the spell Fulgia, which is outlawed in Italy due to a dark wizard who used the spell wandlessly. Political and Historical reasons are why fiendfyre, which isn't light or dark, is outlawed in Britain as it was the cause of the London Fire of 1666." Nicolas lectured quickly.
"Now, most magical branches that are taught in the first five years of your education are on the board. Except of course, for one, which is runes. Runes are unique in that they are a mixture of light and Objector magics, as you are utilizing runes to channel magical energy to perform very specific tasks. They would go here." He draws a small line between Light and Objectors on the diamond and places the term runic on the line. "The whole diagram can be expanded slightly using these little lines. For example, Alchemy falls between shama and Dark due to its physical aspect and the concept of thirst of knowledge. Between Light and Shama would be Elemental Magics, such as showcased by our Champion last year. And between Objectors and Dark is Ritual magics. Why would those be categorized as different than runic magic?" Nicolas finished the diagram and turned to the class. When no hand rose, he smiled wryly.
"I didn't expect anyone to know that. Rituals are some of the lesser known magics, and are different as they do not require runes or anything to truly work. Rituals are by nature magics that are done in a very specific manner, with magic guiding. When combined with Runes, Rituals are arguably the strongest form of magic." Nicolas glanced at the clock and nodded as they still had plenty of time.
"Good. This covers magic in general. Let's apply." With a push, the blackboard flipped. There was a circular diagram with the first letter of each of the branches of magic covered, with Runic being replaced with a W. Above the circle Nicolas Flamel's name was written.
"Now, you know I am considered an Alchemist. So lets place that as a mastery level." With a flourish, a golden spike reached towards the A on the circle. "I am also a master of charms, transfiguration and of rituals." Nicolas smiled as the spikes continued to be created, each pointing to the appropriate letter. "I am of course knowledgeable in all other forms of magic, but those aren't mastery levels. Oh, it appears that according to the chart I am a Dark Wizard."
He turned to the class, and tapped the blackboard to the left of his diagram. Another diagram, already filled out with points touching alchemy, transfiguration, rituals, runes and with points towards all others. "Another Dark Wizard." With a tap to the right, a final diagram appeared. This one with points touching the light, dark ritual the w and the elemental portions. "Oh, a light wizard. Now who can you guess these belong to?"
Harry raised his hand and pointed to the one labeled light. "That's Voldemort isn't it?" He whispered. He recognized the skills that the Dark Lord showcased in combat and what he talked about in their talk.
"Break it down Potter. Justify that response." Nicolas ordered. The rest of the class looked at him.
"Voldemort is an expert duelist. He utilized many different magics, that according to that diagram would fall under light and dark. He is also skilled at transfiguration, and Elemental Magics. He came back, and that would require knowledge of ritualistic magic as he also knew that he had to do during the TriWizard Final. It matches." Harry spoke quickly, as sweat dropped down his brow. How crazy did Flamel have to be to label Voldemort a light wizard? He itched to get out, but a voice in the back of his head hissed, "Stay seated…"
"Potter is correct. This diagram is representative of Voldemort as we currently know him. He is considered a light magic user. The opposite is Albus Dumbledore. And before you question it… I know I taught him." The tension broke slightly with a few chuckles.
"The key to understand here, is that there is a difference between magical use and political alignment. When we discuss Dark Lords, and when you discuss them in your History of Magic class, you must understand that they are labeled due to their political motivations and the actions they take, not the magic they utilized." Nicolas spoke softly. Each student nodded before he continued, his voice firm on this nearly taboo subject in Hogwarts. "Magic being labelled Dark or Light or Objector or Shama, does not matter. The Ministry outlaws magic due to politics and its potential for harm in the society for which it exists to regulate. This is not a negative attribute but a necessary one. These political alignments are also necessary to understand the generalizations of politics in a complex society, such as ours. That is part of the reason I refused to teach Defense against the Dark Arts, as the Dark Arts are not the absolute terror that every teacher before now has likely informed you it is."
Harry sat with rapt attention as Nicolas proceeded to explain that Dark Arts was a term that had no real definition as agreed upon by the magical community. Even within the British Isles, the term Dark Arts could be as broad as every offensive capable magical spell, to as narrow as just the Unforgivable Curses. He then mentioned that was only taking in human society as societies such as The Goblin Nation had a completely different definition if one could get them to admit to using it. Harry sat, listened and found himself agreeing with the stances of Flamel. Never once did Flamel state his own alignment politically as Light or Dark, though most of the class assumed. Flamel was carefully neutral in his opinions about the current political climate.
Nicolas continued his lecture, noting his place. "This brings us to what we will be learning primarily in this class for this term. As per my curriculum, you should be capable of basic tactics in situations of danger, proficient in spells curses and hexes, and have a general understanding on basic first aid. This is alongside what you should know in terms of Creatures as you studied in third year and Magical combat specifics of fourth year." Nicolas looked around the room. "Of the people in this room at this moment, only four of you would be able to pass the OWL if you took it tomorrow, and of them, only one would have anything higher than an A. Therefore, this term we will be heavily revising and adding to the knowledge that you should know. This will primarily be done in the following manner. Next topic will be basic first aid. I will require a list due next class, featuring the effects of every basic first aid spell you know, how to cast it, and a general drawback if you know it. When we meet again, on the board will be the list of spells that you should know. If you do not have a spell, you will add it to your list, to ensure that you have a note of it. We will then revise, and move forward. Class dismissed. Potter, remain behind. We have to have a discussion about your knowledge." Nicolas tapped his wand on the notes for the class, which folded itself into a snug square and darted to the office up the steps. He swished his wand over his shoulder casually to move and erase the blackboard. He glanced at his timetable. His next class was the sixth years, and they would be covering something similar. As soon as he was certain of his next class he looked up to see Harry standing in front of his desk.
"Potter. As you are likely aware, the student I was speaking of was you." Nicolas began, noting the lack of surprise in the teen's face. "Due to your mentorship for the tournament, your practical and likely principle work is far ahead of your peers. However, I cannot tell how far ahead you are. Do you have a suggestion?" A perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose as he folded his hands under his chin.
Harry blinked. He was not expecting this at all, as he deeply enjoyed the lesson today. It was something that Sirius never bothered with, as it wasn't really necessary to figure out was Light or Dark when he just needed to survive. However, to know he was primarily a balanced wizard at the moment was interesting to him. He thought on what the professor was saying. He thought of the assignment that he was given, one he could finish in ten minutes in the tower. He thought on how even the Ravenclaws and Hermione were muttering about needing the library to complete the assignment. Then he opened his mouth.
"I don't know how far ahead I am. I know that the assignment you just gave I could finish by dinner, likely with more detail than anyone other than an aspiring healer would hand in. Defens- sorry Magical Combat, Charms and Transfiguration were the three things that I was trained heavily in. Creatures, Survival, Herbology and basic magical properties were things that we covered as my interest moved. That doesn't count my family magic." Harry shrugged slightly. "I won the tournament, which arguably puts me above any student here magically. But I don't know if that is true. There is also the fact that for this year I-"
"You cannot be harmed with malicious intent. That is part of the reason why you share no classes with Slytherin this year. Should you be hexed, and injured, the Goblet's Protection will kill the offender." Nicolas interrupted. He sighed and scratched his forehead. In a moment he came to a decision and pulled a sheet of parchment towards himself and started to write rapidly. In a moment, he turned the page around and showed Harry.
"This is a duel proposal. It lists the terms and the regulations. It also lists a time and a place. Should you agree, the duel will not place at risk the opponent. Do you accept?"
Harry rapidly read through the document, which outlined a duel between two parties, one Harry Potter and one Nicolas Flamel, until forfeit or Referee call to be held on the next Saturday at 10am at the quidditch stadium. Barred magic included anything illegal, permanent and his Crowning.
"What will dueling me tell you Professor?" Harry asked as he read it through once more.
"It will tell me everything I need to know about what to do with you as a student Potter. The fact is, I cannot pair you with anyone in this class. I need to know how much I have to teach to make that a nonfactor, if it is possible this year. I am also highly skilled and this duel will be able to push you in a safe environment. So, are you willing to sign?" Nicolas asked seriously. If the boy refused, then the entire year he would suffer through a class he was clearly too far ahead. He would atrophy and due to his position in the political climate of the country, perish. His dark dreary thoughts were dashed when Harry nodded and signed the parchment.
"I do have a question though Professor." Harry asked after the parchment was duplicated and a duplicate was sent to Remus and Dumbledore as the respective authorities. Harry nearly missed the go on motion as he thought about how to phrase what he wanted to say. "Professor Dumbledore mentioned how Grindlewald wanted to raise a daemon during the last war. Why was that such a bad thing exactly?" Harry knew what a daemon was, and he knew that Nero knew why it was a bad thing to raise one. But why would Grindlewald want a killing machine? That's all the knowledge his Crowning could give him on the topic. In the back of Harry's mind, a mad chuckle echoed before it was squashed with a flash of will. Nicolas didn't miss it yet chose not to comment.
Instead,Nicolas sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. While normally, he didn't mind when students asked questions, especially privately as with such a question, he did not wish to explain this to Harry Potter of all people. "Daemons are some of the worst things that can be summoned. They are entities that are pure magic, and bound to this plane by blood, runes, and the sacrifice of dozens if not thousands. There isn't much you can't wish for with a Daemon, if you put enough into it." Nicolas locked eyes with the Boy-Who-Lived; emerald locking with the faintest of silvers. "I am the authority on immortality Potter. The only way to get it, and keep it without a crutch like my stone is by a Daemon. But the price... you would pay with either your soul, or you would murder millions to get it. Magic follows a simple rule, and it is there is always a price. Most of the time, the price is our time. Our time to cast, our time to learn. However, for rituals, the price is always something else. In most rituals it is the ingredients used as the price. However for a ritual to bring forth something like that to this plane… the horrors would require much more. Grindlewald was willing, capable and nearly succeeded in using over 400,000 prisoners and the deaths of over a million as a catalyst to summon a Wish Granter daemon. A wish the powerful would be able to subjugate and twist reality itself, possibly irreversibly. That is why Albus battled him."
Harry nodded along, and compared that with the mental knowledge he had. It fit surprisingly well. "Professor, if that is all true, it sounds like daemons have been summoned before. Is that the case?"
"Of course it is. Let me ask you this, where do you believe Vampires originated? It is believed the first vampire was a human that wished for immortality. Of course, any time the Original is mentioned, vampires are silent. And, no Potter, there is not an exception to that. I have met hundreds of vampires and each has refused to speak on the Original One. They are more tight lipped about that than the Goblins are on how to make Goblin Silver." The joke got a small smirk from the boy and Nicolas nodded.
"I cannot speak to how many daemons have been summoned. I do know that any knowledge of the methods is considered a killable offense after Grindlewald's defeat. The ICW can, has and will hunt down anyone who is even remotely attempting it. It will not answer your Dark Lord issue Potter." Nicolas met the youth's eyes once more and noted the surprise in his eyes.
"I apologize. I thought you were asking on why because you were thinking on how to kill Voldemort."
Harry scuffed and shook his head. "Professor no offense, but I don't think dooming reality is a good idea to beat a Dark Lord. You said that as fifth years we should know basic thinking and tactics. To ensure that kill I'd have to become a monster worse than he, summon a daemon, wish for his existence to end, and then hope and pray that the ICW didn't notice it at all. Really intelligent." The teen shouldered his bag and checked his watch. "I'm sorry professor, I need to rush to Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall will not be pleased should I be late…"
"Goodbye Potter. I shall see you at dinner." With a flick of his fingers, Nicolas dismissed the teen with the door creaking open. The sixth years waiting outside allowed the fifth year to pass without comment before they filed into the room.
Harry raced through the halls of Hogwarts, darting into the Transfiguration classroom just before the clock above the door rang the hour. He puffed slightly as he found his seat and McGonagall started class. He didn't have a chance to speak to his friends before the end of the lesson, where they learned that this year would be full of complex transfigurations, revision and preparation for the OWLs taken at the end of the year.
By the time the class ended and the trio of Gryffindors entered the Great Hall, Harry had filled in Hermione and Ron in with what Flamel offered. He even asked their opinions.
"Look Mate, I just don't see how you shouldn't do this. I know that Sirius was training you, but Professor Flamel is like ancient. He will know and be able to do things, that Sirius couldn't. It's a cool opportunity." Ron said as they slipped onto the bench and started to plate their dinner.
"I hate to agree with Ron here, especially since he still hasn't learned table manners!" Hermione teased as Ron was about to bite into a roll that he grabbed. With a wink, the roll was placed on the plate and roast was piled beside it. Harry and Hermione just rolled their eyes and smiled before Hermione continued,"I am more worried about during the duel if well he comes out."
Harry lowered his voice,"He won't be an issue. The Crown is forbidden in the duel."
"How are you supposed to win then?" Hermione asked in an equally quiet voice.
"I'm not supposed to win. I figure this is also a power thing for Flamel. You know what the students are asking. Why am I even here? I dueled Voldemort, won the Triwizard and by some student's standards there isn't a check to me on the staff." Ron opened his mouth and Harry shook his head. "I can beat Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and I'm pretty sure I can beat Snape. If I can't I know he can. Dumbledore isn't here enough for him to be a constant check. This is Professor Flamel's attempt to show that he can be that check. The students are scared and his job is to ensure their safety." Harry shrugged. "If I'm being honest, I want to duel him. A part of me is screaming to duel him. To prove that I am not weak."
"You aren't weak Harry Potter." A dreamy voice spoke into his ear as he was wrapped in a soft hug. The blond hair of Luna Lovegood draped over his shoulder as he leaned slightly into the embrace. "I know what you are talking about. I want you to know that even if you don't win, you will never be weak Harry Potter."
"Thanks Luna." Harry smiled as the girl let him go and skipped back to her seat behind him. As dinner slowly ended, Professor Dumbledore stood.
"I apologize for interrupting your final consumption of the fine dessert that our wonderful castle has provided. However, there is an announcement that must be made since the rumor mill of this fine institution has already told you all. On Saturday, at ten in the morning, there will be a duel between Harry Potter and Professor Nicolas Flamel. The referee will be Remus Lupin. The Duel will be until forfeit or Referee call. All are welcome, as I will be Protector." With that, Professor Dumbledore sat and continued to eat his warm pudding.
The Great Hall broke into frantic whispers about the news that was just confirmed. To hear it from the rumor mill is one thing, but to hear it from Professor Dumbledore himself was another thing altogether.
They weren't sure who started it. Who said the sentence first would be lost in history. But Hogwarts always remembered what the duel ended up being called. "The most Spectacular duel"
AN: So. Here is a chapter. I am gonna be honest, I nearly didn't publish this today. Word of advice; Every fanfic writer creates as a hobby and a way to improve. Therefore, do not demand of us chapters. Yes, I said I would try to get a chapter by New Years. However, life happens. Also, pet peeve, but this is my story, and no one can say "where's my chapter" but me.
Next one will be nothing mainly a duel between Harry and Nicolas.