Thanks to all of you who took the time to follow/favourite/review my story :)
AN1-2018/20/07: Thank you Guest for pointing out my mistake in Jonathan's letter !
AN2-2021/08/28: Many thanks to dstone12 and Miette for correcting my mistakes in this chapter
Severus was excited. Today, he was studying with Drunek for the first time. Wirkrund had announced the past evening Severus had a good enough grasp of the basics to truly begin his apprenticeship.
"You are early Daoack," said his Master with a smile.
Like Wizards, Goblins taught in classrooms, although theirs looked more like cosy caverns. Severus had been waiting in his assigned room for at least fifteen minutes, pacing as he waited for Drunek to finally finish his breakfast and come teach him.
"So eager Vijanas are when they do not know what awaits them," he said with a toothy grin, the one Severus interpreted like "I am so happy to torment another youngling and he does not know how painful it will be yet", which seemed common to all Goblin masters.
He bowed to his Master, earning himself a nod of approval.
Despite the warning of impending headaches, Severus felt good. He had learned quickly that Vijana was a term of endearment for Goblins under their majority, meaning Goblins under 36. Even though he was emancipated, and less than two years from seventeen, Severus liked to be able to feel like a child sometimes. The evenings playing with Kiveä and Soraa, Drunek's brood, were surprisingly delightful although some days, he fled to the quiet of his room under the amused gaze of their parents.
Drunek's gravelly voice brought Severus back from his musing.
"To begin with, I will tell you about the differences between Goblins' and Wizards' magic."
Drunek paused, enjoying teasing Severus.
"There are none."
No way. He was kidding.
"Wirkrund told you the solar plexus Khorlo is the Khorlo of self, which must be opened to balance Magic within one self. Its opening manifests as Familiars for Wizards achieving the Ritual. In order to open your Khorlo, you first must feel your magic move inside and outside your body. Hence you began learning Taichichuan. Wirkrund also told you Goblins learn how to open the Khorlo of self while Wizards who have shorter lives do not have the time to and use wands to compensate."
Severus nodded, eager to learn more.
"It is not exactly true. Depending on your species, different Khorlos are naturally cracked at your birth. Cracked means they are neither closed nor open. The more magical the species, the more Khorlos are cracked or even opened at birth."
That was fascinating. It created so many possibilities and explanations for creatures' powers and abilities.
"With time and practice, you can learn to crack then open your Khorlos. The Goblins' method is Taichichuan, but other species have their own best suited to their needs."
Drunek raised his hand, preventing Severus' interruption.
"Goblins and Wizards are similar enough on the magic plane that Taichichuan works for both. In truth," he said smiling maliciously, "Taichichuan was first created by a Wizard and a Goblin who were studying Magic together."
"In this case, why do Wizards no longer use it?"
Drunek nodded.
"After one of the wars between Goblins and Wizards, about ten centuries after Merlin, the English Prince of Magic banned Taichichuan claiming it weakened Wizards. The truth is that he wanted to keep the knowledge of Taichichuan within his House because it was a time of unrest within his ranks, some pleading for peace while others pushed for war against the Goblins. He was afraid to be overthrown and wanted to limit the magical development of his potential enemies. With time, the Art was lost, although it subsists among Muggles and some Asian wizard countries which jealously keep their secret."
Severus could not believe it. So much knowledge forgotten because of a Prince. And war. So many improvements that might not exist because of that man.
"Even though they are similar, Goblins and Wizards are not born with exactly the same Khorlos cracked. You must also realise some Khorlos are more difficult to open than others depending on species. And when I say open, even trying, some barely manage to crack one."
Severus nodded. He understood the warning. He would do it, with his Master guidance.
"Each species has one Khorlo which prevents its free control of Magic, we call it the main Khorlo. If this Khorlo is not open, you cannot perform Magic. Manipura, the Khorlo of self and feelings, is not steadily opened for Wizards. This is why children perform accidental magic, which is an instinctive use of magic in reaction to a primal feeling. The wand role is to steady the opening, but it requires harmony between the wand and the Wizard."
That was… awesome. And fascinating. And only his first day with Drunek.
"Of course, it is not the only Khorlo Wizards need to open to improve their use and control of Magic, but it is the more difficult for them and the one which is the Key to their Magic. In fact, the Ritual is different for each species as they do not have the same main Khorlo. Manipura is not open for Goblins either but it is not our hardest Khorlo to master by far. Vishuddha is our main Khorlo. It is the Khorlo of communication, explaining why Goblins developed Runes magic which are written to compensate, instead of spells like Wizards. Wargs communicate with their pack through magic, which explains why most Goblins' familiar are Wargs."
Drunek paused, letting Severus a few seconds to soak up his words.
"Wait, Master Drunek, what does it mean for Wizards who master non verbal spells?"
His Master nodded approvingly.
"To keep it simple, casting non verbal spells means Vishuddha is open, as you do not need words to be the Bridge of communication any more. More often than not, Vishuddha will open before Manipura for Wizards, as they get closer to their wand."
It made sense, even if it had his head spinning.
"Now, Faes and Vampires have the opposite problem from us. Mudhara, the link between magic and all elements, is wide for Faes, meaning it is so open they have difficulties controlling their powers. They often sink into madness without the balance of their familiar's stillness, which are usually plants. Svadhishthana, the Khorlo of desires and pleasures, is wide for Vampires and they have difficulties resisting their more primal instincts. Having one Human familiar or more reassures the Vampire his needs will be assuaged and prevents him from going on rampage ripping all apart. More often than not, the Human familiar is also the Vampire's mate. Their link gives the familiars longer lives. Muggle Legends of Vampires mostly stems from Vampires who did not have familiars."
Severus nodded, trying his best to write everything his Master was saying without losing a bit of information.
"Understand that what I am telling you is a simplification of a complex process. For example, plants are only still compared to magic Creatures. Goblins' lives are long compared to Humans' but are mere days for Elves."
Severus nodded thoughtfully.
"Can Faes and Vampires have Bridges to lessen the opening of their main Khorlo?"
"Indeed," nodded Drunek, "but it is called a Wall. Contrary to Bridges, they can only be temporary as Magic eventually wears them out. We are talking about hundreds of years for such long life species."
Severus had so many questions, and it seemed each answer added another five to his list.
"Does it mean Goblins who have opened Vishuddha can cast spells?"
Drunek smiled toothily at him.
"To make sure you understand, successfully opening your main Khorlo means not needing a bridge to do magic anymore. It means you have passed the Ritual. Performing Magic successfully only requires harmony between your Bridge and you. Runes are not always enough for Goblins to do magic, same as a wand is not always enough for Wizards to cast spells successfully. To answer your question, Goblins need to open Vishuddha to cast spells but they will also need to at least crack Manipura because spells are Wizards Magic, linked to Manipura."
Severus nodded, thinking about Crabbe and Goyle.
"Does it mean the Wizards who go to the lesser schools only need to open their Khorlos wider to have more power?"
Drunek chuckled.
"As I told you, I am simplifying a complex process. Khorlos are not the only components needed to use magic. Like for all things, Wizards have some innate talents for Magic or not, same as Humans can be predisposed to run fast or make beautiful paintings. If not nurtured, this talent will remain as it is, and someone with less talent who learned how to use Magic will have more power and control. And opening your Khorlo too wide will cause the same problem as it does Faes. You must also find balance between all your open Khorlos. Even with the main one open, you are not at the end of learning Magic. Only Merlin managed to open all his Khorlos without widening any and sinking into madness. Though some said his love for Morgana did widen his Svadhishthana and allowed her to trap him."
"I understand."
Severus' mind was buzzing with possibilities, he did not know which to follow.
"So Muggles really do not have magic?"
"Indeed. Magic flows through them as it does any Creatures, but they cannot access it, even if they open their Khorlos. In that case, they can sense it as energy and better their body and mind by caring for the rightness of the flow."
"Hmm."
There went his brief idea of giving Muggles access to Magic so they would not envy and fear Wizards anymore. Not that it would have been easy.
"But Muggles can use Magic through objects if they were made for them."
Drunek's ears raised in surprise.
"Indeed, but it is not well known, Daoack. As I told you, Muggles cannot access their magic. However, you know Magic is in every part of our body, which is why potions ingredients can be used in wonderful potions. For a Muggle to use Magic, he needs a Bridge to reach it. This Bridge always is the Magic of another, often contained in an object. To link the Bridge to their Magic, Muggles need to activate it with some body parts, usually blood because Magic is concentrated and free in it."
Severus was relieved. It confirmed the protective spell he gave Petunia would work if she followed his instruction. He might even be able to improve it when he was better at Runes and Khorlos theory.
"What happens when you break a Wizard's wand?"
"Kak," growled Drunek, ears flatten back. "I know some are fond of the practice, and not only in your Ministry. Breaking a Wizard's wand is traumatic and disables the Wizard. The only time the Wizard will remain unscathed is if he was not bonded to his wand. If on the contrary, the bond between Wizard and wand was very close, the break can induce the Ritual, and the Wizard will either pass or die."
That was barbaric. How could the Ministry sanction this? Of course, it was a sure way to prevent recidivism. In all honesty, it was not worse than Azkaban. Severus shuddered at the thought
"Is it the same if one Goblin loses his sight or the use of his hands?"
"Indeed. You should note some of our greatest Shamans, Goblins who mastered Wizards' spells, were blind. Each time, the blindness induced the Ritual and they passed," answered Drunek gravely. "Centuries ago, it was believed it was the only way to pass the Ritual. Many were made to take the Ritual."
Well. Drunek had insisted Goblins and Wizards were similar.
"Is wandless magic a sign you are bonded to your wand?"
Drunek smiled.
"Non verbal spells first, then wandless ones, show an increasing closeness between a Wizard and his wand. The equivalent for Goblins is to write runes in the air, then to only think about them, as Wizards do when they cast without a wand. It is an indication your main Khorlo is opening more and more. However, you can never predict who will pass the Ritual."
So taking the Ritual always presented a risk for your life. He was not sure it was worth it. Doing wandless magic could be enough. Sill, he wondered how it would feel to have a Familiar. A constant presence by your side.
Severus pushed those thoughts aside, another question on his lips.
"How do spells work?"
"Ah, a bit sidetracked but an excellent question nonetheless, my Learner," said Drunek with his toothy smile. "I will give you the example of spells but the same principle applies for all Bridges. I did tell you wands, runes, words, and any other tool used to steady one´s Khorlo is called a Bridge?"
"You just did, Master," answered Severus with a smirk.
"Funny Learner," humphed Drunek. "The admitted theory is that creating a spell means creating a link between Magic and the desired results of the spell. The words bond together Magic and the result. Once the spell is done several times, it is imprinted on Magic and works for all Wizards who master the spell. Thus, you cannot cast an unknown spell without knowing its intent and movements, because you must at least cast it with an intent close to the spell's first use."
Drunek raised his hand to prevent Severus' question.
"Yes, this is the bareback theory. Then you must add Khorlos use, intent, wands and more to it. It is only our first day together Daoack!"
Severus blushed, knowing he already had more questions than the remaining time with Drunek today allowed.
"I must tell you the opening of a species' main Khorlo is the key to all magical Arts. Most magical Arts exist among any species, Potions, Arithmancy, any kind really, but under different forms. You can only use these Arts if you have your Khorlo open or a Bridge to steady it, like wands for Wizards and runes for Goblins. The wand is an object so it is easier to conceive, but runes work the same for Goblins. If a Goblin does not master runes, he won't be able to do other magical Arts. At least not well."
Severus nodded. He had surmised as much when Potions was one of his apprentice subjects. He wondered which kind of project he would be given. He could not wait to begin, even if he had to admit the Goblins were wise to give him time to learn the many basics of his other fields.
"Besides Khorlos, our Magic is influenced by two other factors: our main element, which can be Water, Earth, Fire or Air, and the two Energies, which are the Sun and the Moon. The Sun gives energy, its intensity fluctuates depending on the time of the day. The Moon gives and takes depending on its phase. Species main Khorlos link them to different elements and energies. The more magical a species, the more linked they are to energies and elements, which is their strength as well as their weakness."
Drunek paused, making sure Severus was still following.
"For example, Vampires already have difficulties with their main Khorlo being wide open. If you add the sun energy at its apex which enhances their magic intensity, it is too much for them to handle and they combust. Another example is the Moon which influences Faes Magic. Their Magic depends on the phase of the moon as well as their element. To be more accurate, the intention of their Magic is different. I will tell you more about it once we have covered the Khorlos and Runes in more detail. Just keep in mind the Khorlos are the main structure to perform Magic, then you add Layers to it with elements, energies and will."
Severus nodded, head buzzing with wonderful and intricate information.
The rest of the lesson flew by and it was time for dinner before Severus knew it.
From then on, every afternoon, Drunek taught him about Magic theory as well as Runes. Severus learned that the symbols he had not recognised during his Trial were non-occidental runes. Hogwarts Runes program focused only on occidental runes – Severus wondered if they even knew other kinds of runes existed. Goblins used runes from all over the world, Chinese as well as Arabic or Egyptian. They were the first written language created by living beings. As such, they had imprinted their meanings into Magic a long time ago. Drunek did not answer Severus when asked if he knew Elven or Fae runes.
The diversity in the origins of the runes used by the Goblins made sense the day Drunek took Severus to the Room of Crossings. It was the room which allowed Goblins to travel quickly to their major cities. Each of these cities were in a different country, on different continents. The Room of Crossings long precluded portkeys' invention and had been one of the main Goblin's assets during their wars against Wizards.
Drunek promised Severus they would travel to those cities for their runes study once he was proficient in the basics of all runes. Severus could not wait to discover those places.
He got his wish sooner rather than later when Master Wirkrund began adding stealth to his morning lessons. Severus and the Goblin travelled through the Room of Crossings to the place of the day. There, Severus practised his Taichichuan then Wirkrund taught him how to move without making a sound. Wirkrund told Severus he varied the place so Severus would be used to all environments, but he knew Wirkrund also enjoyed seeing Severus come face to face with disturbing insects, plants and creatures.
Weeks came and went quickly, all of Severus' energy focused on learning. It was almost a surprise when he received a letter from Jonathan.
Hey Severus,
I am writing to let you know of some surprising but welcome revelations and changes at school. Evan is proofreading the letter to be sure I do not forget anything (You bet I am!).
Everything began a few weeks ago with one of the board of Governors' requests. Did you know Slytherins get almost 30% more detentions than any other House? More surprising, Gryffindors get at least 25% of their detentions cancelled, (this is not surprising Jonathan, have you been living under a rock for six years?) when it is 10% for Ravenclaws and 0% for Hufflepuffs and us.
Severus was indeed surprised. He knew Gryffindors were the favourites but to have numbers confirming it was unsettling.
Turns out there is a Book that records all Hogwarts detentions – time, place, professor who assigned the detention, who supervised it,... – and someone gave a copy to Lord Prince.
How had the man known where to look?
He expressed concerns to the Wizengamot, saying he worried something was wrong with Slytherins who were not usually known to get noticed like this. After a vote, the Wizengamot gave the matter over to the Board of Governors who then asked for a formal review of Hogwarts. This review is supposed to be done every year, with an exhaustive review every five years. Apparently, the guy in charge is an old pal of Dumbledore and was not really thorough – he has been suspended from his functions in wait for his hearing to explain his negligence.
That was quick. The board really was not on Dumbledore's side. Were they on Lord Voldemort's?
I am not sure what the non-Slytherin Governors' agendas were. You know the board is composed exclusively of Purebloods, but most of them are not Slytherins. Members are from all Houses, and even from other schools and countries. (I bet even Dumbledore supporters find the workings of our school murky and it was the right pretext to go and look).
During the review, they also looked at the Infirmary records. They were intrigued when they noticed Lupin came there three days every month on the full moon. They quickly realized he had a big furry problem ( Surprise, surprise... or not). We are not quite clear what happened next – I am telling you what we learned from this morning's announcement as well as from Slytherin's grapevine – but the board has decided to allow werewolves to be students at school as long as they remain secured together in a special place during the full moon – it seems wolves are quieter in packs and less likely to hurt themselves when not alone. The place will be out of reach from other students, (Obviously. only Dumbledore could think of doing otherwise).
Werewolves officially allowed at Hogwarts? Severus shivered as he remembered the Monster that had almost killed him. What was the board thinking?
Lord Voldemort announced he had pushed for this solution and that he was organising a fundraiser to finance a huge plan of research on potions to help werewolves, be it to make them sleepy during the full Moon, let them keep their human mind during the transformation or even Cure Lycanthropy. (Too bad you are apprenticed, you could have participated! It was a really good opportunity to gain support from non-humans and show how different we are from the Ministry. Mulciber says we gained support from several Hufflepuffs since the announcement. Of course, we are encouraged to show support as well in any way needed. I thought I would gag when I defended Lupin from two fourth years who went crazy when he brushed past them in a corridor).
Severus barely smiled at Evan's antics. Had Lord Voldemort known about Severus' plight and chosen to ignore it in hope of future political favours? He could imagine it. The man was driven by his mission… and his ambition. The role of leaders was to take decisions for the good of the majority and yet...
The inquiry did not stop there. I do not know how, but they discovered Potter, Black and Pettigrew were non-registered Animagi. (I cannot believe Pettigrew managed this, he is as bad as I am at Transfiguration...)
Of course. How would Potter have handled the werewolf without hurting him otherwise? It explained the sounds of fighting he had heard that night. It explained everything. Had Lord Prince guessed and oriented the inquiry or was it mere luck?
They are now registered, and McGonagall is supervising them – apparently, there is an ethics chart to learn and follow, (Do you imagine Black abiding by it?) A meeting with their parents was convoked, I do not think I had ever seen Lords Potter and Black so grim. Potter and Black were subdued. All three were also suspended for one week and I heard something about confiscating a cloak (Maybe it was Potter's favourite and he is crying like a girl because he won't be able to look as good without it?)
That was nothing compared to what they deserved.
You must imagine how bad the situation looked for Dumbledore. He has lost a bit of his twinkle and is on a six months probation with monitoring from the board.
That was all? Nothing on Severus? No further punishment?
I wish it was more, knowing what he did to you. I am unsure what the Blacks will do. (I think they are going to magically renounce the git, I would feel sorry for him if he had not tried to murder you. I bet the Potters adopt him to lessen the loss of protection.) Evan is probably right. (Probably?!).
On another note, with all the restrictions on your apprenticeship, does your Master celebrate Christmas? Can we send you gifts? (You do know Christmas is in two weeks?)
Already? It was not even that cold. Unless... the City was not in London. It would explain why he had never seen goblin houses in Diagon Alley.
Do not forget to eat and sleep even if your Master does not.
Severus snorted. Nobody could forget to eat when Frekka, Drunek's wife, was watching over you.
Until next letter,(Do not forget us in favour of smelly cauldrons),
If they knew what he was learning... They were right though. He promised himself to write the next day.
Jonathan (and Evan)
To Severus' surprise, he did not receive any letter from Lord Prince to boast about his accomplishment and ask something of Severus. Did he know Severus felt Dumbledore's punishment was not enough? Why had he not used Severus' story? Not to condemn Lupin and lose the support Lord Voldemort craved? Not to expose his House to scandal? Many possible reasons to fail the one task Severus had given him. It could not be to protect Severus from Dumbledore's hypothetical reprisal.
The letter Severus did receive made him so ashamed he could have cried, and he did feel tears in his eyes at the reassurances of love at the end of the letter, as well as the promise it was only the beginning of Dumbledore´s punishment. He was a selfish coward, not daring to tell his Mentor about the incident when he had used it to test his estranged grandfather.