Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Harry Potter
October 21st, 2017
Seven days. For seven days, Harry had tried to fight, tried to change the GWM practices from within, and tried to stop the abuse of magic and Muggles. Something about the number seven seemed determined to haunt Harry, for it was on the final day that Nicolas confronted him.
"Well?" Nicolas asked. They were in Nicolas' office once more, the ever silent Zhen grinning at Harry maliciously from the corner. "What do you have to say for your actions?"
Harry bristled. "I'm not the propping up my government with dark magic!"
Nicolas Flamel rolled his eyes at Harry. "We've been over this, Harry. We need to focus on securing our position! We cannot do that if our Muggle allies are plotting to kill us!"
"Magic is might?" Harry spat. Unfortunately for Harry, he wasn't the only one fast losing patience.
"Yes!" Nicolas roared. "I will not stick my head in the sand and pretend we are the same as the Muggles! Our magic is a gift, one that separates us from them by a chasm!"
"Then you're no better than Voldemort!"
Silence. Harry wasn't even aware that his wand was in his hand until he felt Zhen's pressed into his neck, her face sharp and focused. Nicolas was staring at Harry, not with offense or horror on his face, but with a contemplative expression that the younger man wasn't sure he liked. Nicolas rose from his desk.
"The only thing that has gone right this past week is that we've managed to kill much, if not all, of Mikael's Dementor forces. But there have been many failures over the past seven days, and we can lay them entirely at your feet, Potter," Nicolas snarled, his voice slowly becoming more dangerous.
"You failed with negotiating with the Muggle leaders, necessitating their destruction. You failed to prevent Mikael's attack on Great Britain's soil, and the destruction of dozens of families can be laid at your feet. Your Muggle colleague plotted to betray us, and it was only through Zhen's actions that he failed! And the Portkey Office of Britain, the map that your family created, was destroyed when Dementors attacked, ransacking the Ministry, necessitating the use of Fiendfyre in the middle of London!"
"Mikael has started attacking at random all over the world, devastating hundreds of families before vanishing without a trace. Britain was our first and most likely only, chance of stopping him, and you wasted that chance by securing the Muggles! You utter fool!"
Nicolas sat back down, his magic restless and stirring the parchments on his desk. Zhen's wand stayed at its position at Harry's neck, but she allowed him to keep his own, not that he would use it. Not that he could use it, as he was too stunned by Nicolas to even react anymore.
"Potter, you're on leave as my Undersecretary," Nicolas said. "Zhen, you'll be taking over his duties in the interim, I hope you'll learn from his mistakes?"
"Of course, High Chancellor," Zhen said, her eyes not straying from Harry's.
"As for you, Potter, get out of my sight," the High Chancellor ordered. Without another word, Harry walked out of his office.
Harry barely noticed as he walked through busy halls, filled with witches, and wizards completing the tasks needed to run a global government. He didn't return the nods or greetings sent his way, his eyes avoiding all contact with his former colleagues. The Aurors manning the International Portkey Distribution barely nodded to him as he requested a Portkey to London, taking the old shoe a moment later.
A moment later, he tossed the shoe in a trash can before twisting in place. The sensation of Apparation engulfed him before spitting him out in Hogsmeade. The witches and wizards here gave him curious glances, but Harry ignored them, as he began to walk to Hogwarts.
He was frustrated, no other way to describe it. As Harry walked up the long, winding path toward Hogwarts, he allowed his eyes to trace the familiar towers and spires, rebuilt from the war that had destroyed them almost two decades ago. But Harry's sharp eyes could see the discolored stone, scars of the Final Battle, forever marking Hogwarts.
The doors to the Entrance Hall opened smoothly on enchanted hinges, and Harry was hit with a wage of nostalgia as old memories washed over him. He could almost see his younger self walk the halls with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, innocent and unaware of the darkness their future held. He almost envied his past self, that the most dangerous thing he faced was a mere Dark Lord.
Harry chuckled. As if Tom Riddle could ever be called something so simple. Footsteps hurried toward him, and Harry turned just in time to catch his daughter, Lily Luna Potter, in his arms.
"Daddy!" she cried, wrapping her arms and legs around him. He stood with the strength of all fathers, marveling that this tiny human in his arms was his daughter.
"Hey, Lily," Harry said. "Did you see me coming?"
Lily nodded. "On the map! Right mommy? Mommy?" Lily asked when she realized her mother wasn't behind her.
Ginny huffed as she hurried around the corner. She gave Lily a stern look as she approached. "Lily, you shouldn't run off like that! Hello, dear," she said, kissing Harry. "Nicolas didn't need you today?"
Harry's face must have twisted because Ginny gave him a small smile. "We can talk later. It's good you showed up actually, Cuff sent me an owl requesting me to cover an article. Jefferson called in sick."
"That's fine, Ginny, I can watch Lily. Stay safe," Harry said, giving his wife a warm look. Ginny winked at him before kissing Lily goodbye and vanishing through the doors to the Entrance Hall.
Harry carried Lily through the halls of Hogwarts, nodding politely to the portraits and ghosts he recognized. She babbled incoherently to him about her day, ignoring the fact that he has seen her just that morning. He finally arrived in front of a portrait of a young woman holding a lamb across her shoulders.
"Back again so soon?" she asked.
Harry sighed. "Yes. Platypus," he said, giving her the password.
The young woman giggled but swung open without further comment. Harry stepped into the suite that Headmistress McGonagall had permitted him and Ginny to use while Mikael went on his rampage across the world. It was not the first time the family had requested sanctuary, as over the years of Harry being an Auror, the couple had been under threat many times by various criminal elements. But never on the level of a man such as Mikael.
Harry also knew that the hallway he walked through was full of other families, each likewise seeking sanctuary at Hogwarts. He knew many of the families personally, some had Aurors, others were high profile targets like the Longbottoms or the Weasleys. They were people Harry would trust with his life.
He collapsed on a couch and grunted as Lily crawled on his chest, wrapping her arms around him. She seemed to have tired herself out and was half-asleep on him, and Harry couldn't help but fondly stroke her hair with one hand. Unbidden, his other hand reached into his pocket and pulled out the Riddle Coin.
How long they laid there, Harry couldn't say. His eyes were half shut as he rolled the Riddle Coin around his knuckles, admiring how the light caught the runes. Something cold and wet soaked the front of his shirt, and Harry nearly rolled his eyes when he realized his daughter was drooling in her sleep.
An errant thought floated through Harry's mind, of casting a drying charm to dry off his shirt. Unfortunately, Lily was lying on him in such a way that prevented him from reaching his wand, and he was too content to risk moving her and waking her. His mind wandered to how much he wished he could cast a drying charm without moving his daughter, and that's when it happened.
Harry Potter had only a second to comprehend his suddenly dry shirt when the Riddle Coin burned in his hand. It flashed once, before pulling him, and his daughter Lily, away in a Portkey that slipped through the Hogwart's wards like water.
As he spun through the air, clutching his startled daughter desperately, he could only hope that this didn't ruin his day further.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Daphne Greengrass
October 21st, 2017
"You have no idea how amusing this is, Potter," Daphne said. She was standing over him as he lay on the ground, his daughter looking around curiously from her position on his chest. "Are you going to lay around all day?"
"How did you kidnap us from Hogwarts, Greengrass? And how are you not dead?" Harry asked, staggering to his feet. He blinked in confusion as he looked around. "Are we near an ocean?"
"You're at Cape Horn," Daphne replied. "And it's Dantes now. I've been married for many wonderful years."
"Like mommy?" Lily asked, bringing the attention of both adults to her. Daphne smiled indulgently at her.
"Yes, like your mother, Lily," Daphne said. "You may call me Daphne."
"Hi, Daphne."
Daphne gave Lily another smile but turned her attention back to Harry Potter, who was discretely palming his wand and pointing it at her. "That won't be necessary, Potter. You're not here as a prisoner."
"Could have fooled me. What's going on, Dantes? Why are we here?" Harry asked.
Daphne's gaze flickered behind him, glancing at where the Acropolis would be if a cliff wasn't blocking it from view, but returned her gaze to Harry. "You're here because you've solved the Riddle Coin. You're actually the first person to have solved it twice, which is an impressive accomplishment considering most people can't even do it once."
"That's because my daddy is the best!" Lily interjected. Harry shushed her and kept a hand on her shoulder to keep her close.
Daphne's smile was mocking, but only Harry seemed to notice that. "Your father is certainly something. This is also the second time he's brought a child along with him, but between you and me Lily, you're much more well behaved than Teddy."
"Teddy?" Harry asked, blinking in confusion. "When did I bring my godson here?"
"Around a decade or so ago. I think it was right before he went to Hogwarts," Daphne explained carelessly. "Come, we have much to talk about."
Daphne began to lead them to a pathway set in the stone cliffs. It was a gentle climb and combined with the fresh sea air rather pleasant.
"Why don't I remember?" Harry asked when they took a moment to allow Lily to catch her breath. Daphne eyed him before turning to Lily.
"Would you like to ride a pony, Lily?" Daphne asked. Lily's eyes lit up.
"Could I?"
Daphne waved her hand, purposefully forgoing her wand to Transfigure a few nearby stones into a pony and saddle. Before Harry could do more than blink in shock, she plucked Lily from the ground and placed her in the saddle, handing the reins to Harry. She gently guided them into motion, and they continued their hike.
"What you need to understand, Harry, is that this place needs to be protected. It is a place of refuge, the last refuge, where we may go when the world fails us. The status of your blood, your political beliefs, none of that matters here," Daphne explained.
"So, everyone is equal?" Harry asked. Daphne shook her head.
"Equality is a myth. There will always be those who are stronger, smarter, or more powerful. You can foolishly choose to handicap them, bringing them down to everyone else's level, or embrace them, handing them the rein to help guide and protect everyone."
"Sounds like something a Pureblood would say," Harry muttered.
Daphne would have rolled her eyes if she had less self-control. "You'll be surprised to discover Purebloods are a minority here. They are treated no better or worse than anyone else."
"Pardon me if I don't take you at your word, Greengrass," Harry said, causing Daphne to frown. "But I find it difficult to believe things are as you say."
They finally reached the top of the cliffs, entering a dense orchard. Daphne wondered if Harry realized the trees didn't fit the climate, or that they were covered in ripe fruit that was out of season. But as she plucked an apple to hand to Lily, she doubted it.
"Why don't you ask a former co-worker?" Daphne asked. She nodded to a group of figures who were harvesting fruit in the distance.
Harry gave her a confused look but looked over at the group. Daphne could tell the moment he recognized his former co-worker, even though he was taller and bigger than he remembered. "Jack? Crenshaw!"
Jack Crenshaw turned and looked at the group with a broad smile, although Daphne couldn't help rolling her eyes at his theatrics. He was placed here for this reason to show Harry that this place wasn't a prison but a safe place. Jack approached.
Daphne could see how Jack's new height and strength unsettled Harry, and how Lily craned her head back to look up at him with wide eyes. Jack towered over the trio, and his body was packed with muscles.
"It's good to see you again, Harry!" Jack said, wrapping a strong arm around the much shorter man. "How have you been? And Lily! Look how grown-up you are!"
"You're tall," Lily said in the matter-of-fact manner all children were capable of. Jack laughed.
"One day you'll be too," Jack said, ruffling her hair. He nodded in greeting to Daphne. "Lady Dantes."
"Mr. Crenshaw. Harry has managed to solve his Riddle Coin and dragged one of his children along. Again," Daphne said. Jack laughed.
"Sounds like Harry. I remember when we were taking down some scumbag in Knockturn, and we were getting ready to kick down the door when it exploded outwards. I was knocked on my ass, but Potter snapped off three spells before turning to look at me. He threatened to put me on administrative leave if I wanted to sit around on the job," Jack finished with a laugh. Daphne joined in, and even Harry reluctantly chuckled, slowly relaxing.
"What's an ass?" Lily asked, looking at the laughing adults. Silence fell over the group as Harry glared at Jack.
"It's a crude word for bottom, Lily," Daphne explained. "Only foolish men use it as it's beneath us ladies."
Lily looked toward her father who nodded encouragingly. "Then why does mommy say it?"
"Because she grew up with your Uncle Ron," Harry quickly said. Lily nodded, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief and return to gnawing on her apple.
"Sorry about that, Harry. Old habits die hard," Jack said with an easy-going grin.
"What happened to you, Jack?" Harry asked bluntly. "You disappeared six years ago without a trace. Your girlfriend thought you were dead."
Jack looked uncomfortable. "It was for the best. She wanted to get married, and I just wasn't ready, you know? And then I solved the Riddle Coin and showed up here, and boy was that a surprise! It took me months of waiting for the other shoe to drop to realize everything Dantes was telling us was the truth."
"Dantes?" Harry asked, looking toward Daphne.
"My husband, Alexander Dantes. He was in our year in Ravenclaw," Daphne explained. She was curious if Harry remembered Alex. Judging by the furrowed brow, she doubted it.
"The Muggle-born? I think Hermione mentioned him a time or two," Harry said.
Daphne's feelings toward Hermione were complicated. Alex had long ago shared his history with his fellow Muggle-born, and Daphne had long since gotten over any antagonistic feelings toward her. Still, Daphne had once cursed Sue Li when the witch expressed interest in Alexander, and she had been tempted to do the same to Hermione. Only the knowledge that she held Alex's love, and was better than Hermione in every possible way, stayed her hand.
Jack spoke once more. "So, are you sticking around Harry? There's so much to show and tell you! And the Acropolis! You haven't even seen it yet! You'll love it," he finished with an easy grin.
"Harry won't be staying this time," Daphne said. Both men turned to look at her, but she only looked at Harry. "You'll be leaving this time for the same reason you left last time, why you agreed to have your memories removed."
Harry looked at her in doubt. "I agreed to allow my memories to be Obliviated?" The skepticism was clear in his voice.
But Daphne was unbothered. "We do not hold people against their will here. Jack can confirm that anyone who wishes to leave may do so, but that they must allow us to bind their memories so we can keep this area protected. This place must remain secret so that it may preserve our race in the event of a disaster."
"You sound like a cult," Harry said, weaving a spell around his daughter's ears so she couldn't hear the conversation. "All this secrecy to protect some cliffs and trees?"
Jack laughed, and Daphne allowed herself a small mocking smile. "Not at all," she said, elaborately twirling her arm. The canopy overhead began to split as the trees had their branches pulled out of the way. For the first time since they arrived, Harry and Lily could see the Acropolis. "For this."
The Acropolis was massive, dominating the horizon. It was shaped like an egg, although much of the bottom was hidden beneath the waves. Its surface was rocky, and a handful of trees and bushes could be seen growing near the peak. Waterfalls and rivers poured down the sides, twisting ever downward into the ocean below. But all of that paled in comparison to the final detail.
It was made of crystal. The sunlight hit it, causing it to glow like a fire. Some of the reflected light shown on dozens of metallic discs that orbited the structure slowly and only Daphne knew what Alexander designed them for. It was a beautiful sight and one that often left people with a loss of words.
"It's pretty!"
Daphne and Jack laughed at Lily's observation. Harry smiled before he could catch himself, but he tore his gaze away long enough to look Daphne in the eyes. "What is it?"
Daphne could hear the concern and worry in his voice. "It's an Acropolis. A fortified place to survive the dangers of the world. The Riddle Coins Alex and I created search for many things, but among them is a strong desire to preserve humanity. Over the years, more joined us, allowing us to create a structure that could hold a nation."
"But why?"
"You've seen the world, Harry. You know the dangers that lurk in the open; you know that what your mentor, Nicolas Flamel, is doing is wrong," Daphne said. "Yes, we know about Nicolas Flamel. You are right to distrust him, but I think you will be horrified by how far he has fallen. But that is for you to find out yourself, as I know you will not believe me."
Silence fell over the group as they listened to Daphne. "You're going to leave here, Harry, for the same reason you left for the first time. You love your family, even your extended family. We allow those who arrive to bring their immediate families, but those past that must earn their place by solving their Riddle Coins. You returned in the hopes that you could help them succeed."
Daphne could see the moment when Harry understood. "The Weasleys. I wanted them to be safe too."
"Yes. Which is why we aren't going to take your memory this time. You'll be able to tell anyone of this place, Harry; I hope you realize how dangerous that secret may be. Gather your family, those you wish to protect at Hogwarts, and we will bring them here when the time is right."
"And how do I know you're telling the truth? That you'll keep your word?" Harry asked.
"My nephew, Scorpius, is still at Hogwarts. I will be retrieving him soon, and that's when I'll bring your family with me. I give you my word, Harry Potter," Daphne said. "Please, hand me your coin."
Harry reluctantly passed it over to her. Daphne held it up, examining it intently, as she used her magic to change the runes engraved on it. It glowed a soft blue before she passed it back. "Should you require an early exit for you or your family, tap the coin with your wand, and I'll send someone to your location to assist you. Please do not abuse this privilege," she said warningly.
Daphne turned to Lily, dispelling the spell that prevented her from hearing. "I hope to see you soon, Lily. I could give you a tour of the Acropolis if you'd like."
"Yes, please!"
Jack stepped forward, clapping Harry on the back and nearly sending him to his knees. "They're good people, Harry. And they're telling the truth, this place is about protecting people. Give them a chance. I did."
Harry gave Jack a long, intense look before nodding. "I'm glad to see you're doing good, Jack." He turned to Daphne. "I don't suppose you have a Portkey back to Hogwarts? Not quite sure where Cape Horn is in relation to Hogwarts."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Grab onto your daughter," she said. The moment Harry did so, the Riddle Coin activated, taking them to Hogsmeade. "You can come out now, my love."
Leaves rustled. The air in front of Daphne shimmered, as layer after layer of magic was dispelled, stripped away. Slowly the shape of a giant was revealed, taller and more muscular than Jack. The final spell was removed, revealing Alexander Dantes standing there.
Daphne admired her husband's form for only a moment before focusing. Slowly her body twisted and elongated, muscle and bones grew into existence as Daphne's body grew to match Jack's height. Her other features grew to match her new size, granting her a figure that would not be out of place on a goddess. She laid a gentle hand on Alexander's scarred face.
"I love you," Daphne said. "And your new eyes aren't half bad." Alexander gave her a tired wink, the purple iris now perpetually glowing with magic.
"Thanks, I grew them myself," he said. He turned toward Jack. "Ready your men. They're going to be needed soon."
"Yes, my lord," Jack said in a serious voice, so unlike his previous one. He immediately turned and took to the air, flying away.
Daphne wrapped her arms around Alex, burying her face in his neck. His hands, which should be even stronger than her own, gently rested on her back. "You still haven't recovered?" she asked.
"I'm almost there. We knew it would take me a while to recover; I'm just happy I didn't disintegrate myself," Alexander said. A stone chair grew from the ground behind him, and he sank into it, pulling Daphne with him. Together the pair looked up at the Acropolis.
"Me too," Daphne said. "I just wish you had more time to recover; it's almost time."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine. Every day I feel more of my strength returning," Alexander said, his arms wrapping around Daphne to prove that point. She sank into his grasp with a content sigh at the strength she felt in those limbs. "It feels like my whole life has been leading up to this moment."
"Our lives," Daphne gently corrected. "My life has been tied to yours ever since you saved me all those years ago."
"Our lives," Alexander agreed. "Any regrets?"
As Daphne looked up at the Acropolis they had built, the sensation of her husband's arms around her, Daphne knew that answer:
"None."
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
Alexander Dantes
Nine Years Ago
"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Alexander asked. He and Mikael were standing on a cliff, overlooking the Acropolis. Construction was going well, and Alexander knew it would only be a few more years before it was finished. He couldn't wait.
"No, it is time for me to leave, and to spread my new gifts to werewolves everywhere. I will not forget what you have done for me, Alexander," Mikael said. No longer was he small and weak, his body ravaged by his affliction. Mikael stood a giant among men, his strength without compare, and it was all because of Alexander. He Apparated away, leaving Alexander to reflect on the past year.
Alexander had taken Mikael's blood and sought to understand the werewolf's condition. Although not the first, Alexander confirmed the disease's long-known origin: a failed attempt at forcing an Animagus form. But Alexander also had access to the libraries of Uugadou, and it was among those texts that he discovered exactly what had happened.
It could all be traced back to one wizard who lived almost 900 years ago. He had little skill in Transfiguration, but deeply desired an Animagus form. He chose the form of a wolf, as his people had long considered it to be the ultimate hunter, and he sought such attributes for himself. But the fool was ill-prepared.
He attempted his ritual using the full moon's power, as he thought it would unlock the power for himself. Unfortunately for him, he lacked both the magic and knowledge to realize that his ritual was severely weakened due to the fact he performed it alone. Nature was all about balance after all, and one person cannot balance a force of nature, no matter how powerful they are.
So the ritual went wrong. The wizard gained the ability to turn into a wolf but found the process painful as his body broke itself to change form. Early reports indicated he could turn at will, but he would always be forced to change when the full moon rose. But worse was the ravenous hunger he was afflicted with, causing him to bite others, in an attempt to complete the ritual.
The texts didn't mention what was needed to balance the ritual, to complete it, but looking at Mikael's blood under a microscope told Alexander something far more interesting. The werewolf's blood attacked foreign blood cells, quite viciously, but when Alexander introduced the blood of a Metamorphmagus, namely himself, he found that his blood cells changed themselves to mimic the werewolf's blood. The werewolf blood ignored these new cells, and while they would rush about chaotically, Alexander's faux werewolf cells moved normally.
Alexander extracted the new blood cells and introduced them to more of his blood. The new blood cells immediately changed, despite not being introduced to pure werewolf blood. He began to get very excited, but to push further, he needed a test subject.
So he had asked Mikael.
Alexander explained he had a possible way for Mikael to control the change, but it would require his cooperation and agreement in testing a few different things. Mikael agreed easily enough, and soon the two men were injecting Alexander's blood into Mikael, not that the werewolf knew it was Alexander's blood.
But Alexander made a slight miscalculation. He had a Philosopher's Stone embedded in his chest for years, constantly pumping the Elixir of Life through his bodies. When Alexander injected his blood, it also included a generous amount of Elixir of Life, which had a shocking effect on Mikael's body, healing him to such a degree, he looked ten years younger.
It was unintended, and Alexander quickly took another sample of blood to examine if anything had changed. Through a microscope, Alexander watched as the Elixir of Life seemed to hunt down Mikael's blood cells and seep into them, causing them to mutate. They became less erratic, and when they came across Alexander's blood cells, they instead merged, becoming a single, larger blood cell.
Alexander dismissed Mikael so he could think. The werewolf blood should not have interacted with his blood, or the Elixir of Life, in such a manner which meant magic was the cause. Neither he or Mikael had cast any spells on the blood, and while Transfiguration magic filled Alexander's blood, it wouldn't explain the merging, nor how the Elixir of Life mutated the blood, instead of curing them entirely.
Which left the original ritual. Alexander quickly reread the texts and nearly slapped himself. The original ritual lacked balance, which the authors, and Alexander, had determined to mean a second participant, namely a woman, to provide a counterbalance. But a Metamorphmagus wasn't a man or a woman; they were a being made up of Transfiguration magic. It was a small distinction, but it did mean that with Alexander injecting his blood into Mikael, he completed the ancient ritual by providing a counterbalance.
Privately, Alexander had been amused an ancient ritual considered him female enough to fulfill the requirements. Daphne's expression when he told her was just as amusing. Alexander's reaction to Daphne's threat of forcing him into high heels less so. Daphne actually carrying out that threat, far less.
After this discovery, Alexander and Mikael waited for the next full moon to see if the werewolf would change. They stayed up all night watching the celestial object, and Mikael didn't even twitch. Finally, just before sunrise, Alexander asked Mikael to try to transform, and the werewolf did so, turning into an average-sized wolf instead of the twisted form of a werewolf. He turned back a moment later.
Mikael had been ecstatic, but Alexander had been curious. Mikael now looked like an average man, and his wolf form seemed no different than an animal's. Would it be possible for Alexander to improve upon it? When Alexander voiced his thoughts, Mikael hungrily agreed.
So they went back to the lab. Alexander took a new sample of Mikael's blood and began to play with it. But while the change seemed to have cured Mikael of the werewolf affliction, Alexander started to add in variables to see if Mikael's blood would react.
Unicorn, dragon, sphinx, even a nundu were used, their blood did not change Mikael's. Even non-magical animals had no effect, and Alexander began to wonder if it was simply incompatible. He had almost given up when he had, on a lark, used a Dementor's blood.
Dementors don't have blood like regular animals. They have an ichor that rests underneath their hide and absorbs magic. As near as Alexander could tell, when they sucked someone's soul out, this was where it was digested, and it is from this mixture that Dementor's gain their inhuman strength.
Mikael's blood absorbed the Dementor ichor, much like it had absorbed Alexander's. The blood darkened significantly, and grew once more, but remained stable. Alexander began to celebrate when the blood started to die off, withering as it seemed to lose potency.
From what Alexander could see, Mikael's blood didn't require nutrients any more, although it could still use them. It sustained itself off of magic alone, which Alexander believed stemmed from the Elixir of Life. But Mikael's blood had no fresh source of Elixir of life in it. So, in order to continue his experiments, Alexander implanted a Philosopher's Stone into Mikael's chest.
He had consent, of course. He wasn't a monster. But Alexander did hide the fact that the dark liquid he was injecting into the former werewolf was Dementor's blood. Most people are wary of the creatures for some reason.
The results were fascinating. Mikael groaned as his body began to twist and lengthen. He went from a respectable 182 cm to 213 cm in a matter of minutes. His muscles bulged and expanded, putting professional athletes to shame. After a few painful minutes, the changes stopped, and Mikael rose.
Alexander allowed Mikael to acclimate to his new body before having him try to change into his wolf form. Mikael did so, his body growing even larger as it fell on all fours, but slowly he rose on his hind legs, standing like a human, as he got used to the new form. His rear paws were similar to a wolf's, but his front paws were humanoid, ending in sharp claws. But the biggest surprise for the two men was when Alexander asked Mikael how it felt, and he answered.
Enough of the Metamophmagus trait remained in the blood to allow Mikael to change his vocal cords and speak like a human while in his new form. The two men had a fascinating conversation about the allure of chasing one's tail, before Mikael transformed back into a human, and thanked Alexander for his gift. He then stated he would be leaving.
As Alexander watched the builders in the distance work on the Acropolis, he considered what most would call a hasty departure. It was a long time coming really, once Alexander discovered that Mikael could transmit the changes via bite or blood. Ambition had burned in the werewolf's eyes, but Alexander was content to allow Mikael to go. He knew the werewolf would be back.
But Alexander had another thought on his mind. The reason why Dementor blood worked was because the Dementors were part-human. There was a connection that allowed Mikael's blood to adapt to it. Most magical creatures were not part-human, but there were some, like Veela, Yuki-onna, and Centaurs, who were. And so many others.
Mikael may have left with his "perfect" form, but Alexander knew that perfection wasn't an end, but a process. And he had all the time in the world to pursue it.
Magic Break Can't Be Seen
AN: A lot of interesting theories in the reviews. No spoilers guys, sorry!
Flamel: I wanted to show how his mask is slipping, how he's being more open about using darker means to achieve his goals. He's readying himself for war with the muggles, as even with his actions they fear the magicals.
Ginny: There is a dreadful lack of canon characters in this story, I know. With Ginny I wanted to at least show that to the rest of the Wizarding World things are "normal" and everyone is still working. I also made a reference to "Uncle Ron", but outside of Harry Potter, none of the canon characters really matter to the plot of this story. They're just there to highlight things.
Harry Potter: He might have seemed easy going during Daphne's section, but he was also an Auror. He knows when to keep his mouth shut and observe to find his answers. Him seeing the Acropolis in this manner was always intended, as well as the fact that he did solve the Riddle Coin multiple times (Figured all those adventures at Hogwarts, and having a Horcrux in his head was good for something). He's managed to bring two children along (Teddy and Lily), and Daphne's decided that since he keeps coming back, he obviously has a place there, allowing him to keep his memories.
Jack: Another little OC. I wanted a former Auror that worked with Harry to help convince him to believe Daphne. I also wanted to show that Mikael isn't the only superhuman...
Alexander: Wrote this chapter to tease why Alexander hasn't been seen in the "present" for the story. He's been busy recovering from something, you'll just have to wait to see what. I hoped I managed to show you, the reader, how Alexander is developing mentally and physically over the years.
Mikael: In canon, werewolves are usually weaker or more sickly as the condition wears them down. The Elixir of Life healed the damage, while Alexander's Metamorphmagus blood completed the ancient ritual, although it left behind a remnant (being able to be passed on with a bite). Alexander then experimented further, turning the wolf form back into a werewolf, but with greatly enhanced strength, speed, and senses. This also bleeds over into the human form, which is why Mikael, Alexander, Daphne, and Jack are all so large. More on this in the next chapter.
Daphne: Yes, eventually she manages to become a Metamorphmagus, which is why she "grew" at the end of her section (it just took her far longer than Alexander). She and Alexander can both do that due to the ability, although most people don't have the ability due to how painful it is.
Dementor: Considering how humanoid they are, I think it's entirely reasonable for there to be a connection between them and humans. If it wasn't clear, there needs to be a human connection for Alexander/Mikael's blood to absorb, in order to gain their traits. Wolf blood is the baseline, but Dementor blood enables a massive increase in size (considering how large they are) and strength, as well as a greater capacity for magic (due to how they "digest" souls/magic). There are other humanoid magical species, and each have traits that could be particularly useful to Alexander.
Magical species: So why doesn't Alexander make a human/dragon crossbreed? This chapter is based off the theory that all magical humanoid species share a common ancestor, one close enough that allows them to interbreed. Hagrid is an example of this, between a magical and a giant. If a human were to try to breed with a dragon, well... let's just say all the burn cream in the world won't help them. Now, this isn't to say that eventually Alexander won't figure out a way to artificially create a species with the traits he desires. But to be honest, if he can reach that point he can probably augment his own genes anyway, making the whole thing pointless.
I hope you're all enjoying the story! The NEXT UPDATE will be in THREE DAYS!