Chapter 7: The Other Warrior of Light.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Final Fantasy XIV ARR. HP is the property of J.K. Rowling and FFXIV ARR is the property of Square Enix.
Spells/Abilities/Primals
Mother Crystal
Thoughts/Echo Flashback/Parseltongue
"Yes," answers Harry, "That crystal looks like the one I found this morning except its blue."
Zacharius nods then asks, "What color crystal did you find young man and where was it?"
"The crystal was purple and I found it while digging in the garden." Harry answers.
"Really you found the Crystal of Lightning in the ground? Most curious, I found my first crystal after killing a voidsent sent to kill the Sultana."
Zacharius is perplexed by this revelation but shrugs and figures each persons' encounter with the crystals are unique.
Albus jumps into the conversation with a question, "What is a voidsent?"
Zacharius thinks for a moment, "A voidsent is a creature from the void, what you would call a demon. The void came about when a star is consumed by the Darkness."
"I see," says Albus, "Now what…"
There is a knock at the door and Tom enters with the rest of the meals. He smiles and tells his customers to enjoy and then he departs back into the main dining area.
Zacharius looks around the room and says, "Let us enjoy our meals before we get into the more serious topics. What say you Harry? May I call you Harry?"
"Yes, that is…" Harry's stomach growls and he gives an embarrassed nod.
The adults all chuckle and they dig in to their meals. Dumbledore and Ollivander talk quietly about wandlore and about the new students soon to arriving at Hogwarts. Harry and Severus strike up a conversation about Harry's mother as a young girl. Zacharius listens to the conversations with one ear his mind on other matters. Occasionally he catches an anecdote about Harry's mother and he smiles remembering the days when he was a youth before he became an adventurer.
Harry smiles as he hears about his real mother, not the lies of the Dursleys. Thinking of the Dursleys however, makes his good mood sour. Severus notices this and frowns. As everyone finishes their meal Harry works up the courage to ask an important question.
"Professor," Harry asks nervously, "am I going back to the Dursleys?"
Severus looks torn. He knows that Harry was placed where he was because of the protection Lily created but there was no way he could allow Harry to go back there. His own thoughts aside he knew Albus would likely send Harry back there he was stubborn like that when it came to Harry's safety.
"Harry, I…" Severus begins to say
Albus interrupts him, "No Harry, you will not be returning to your relatives."
This perks Harry up but he has to ask, "Why?"
Albus sighs, "In truth Harry I had fully intended for you to return after today. However, the conditions you lived there under were unacceptable. So, Minerva, Poppy and I were giving the Dursleys an earful and laying down some ground rules. Your family however did not like this and Petunia in her anger cast you out of her house saying you were no longer welcome there thus breaking your mother's enchantment."
"Then where will I live?" Harry asks.
"I don't know." Answers Albus.
All are silent absorbing this information.
"If I may offer a solution." Zacharius' voice cuts the silence away.
As the others look at him and he takes that as a sign to continue.
"First let me explain about the crystal Harry found. In the old legends of my home they mark a person as a Warrior of Light chosen by the Mother Crystal. The Mother Crystal is the universal source of life. There is more than one Mother Crystal. For every star in the sky there is a Mother Crystal. The Crystal of this World is named…"
Harry speaks the Crystals name, "Gaia."
Zacharius looks surprised and nods, "Yes, her name is Gaia. I take it she has spoken to you?"
"Yes, as soon as I touched the crystal I heard her. She said 'Do not fear little one this pain will pass. Through Lightning you are purified and through Light you are Reborn.'"
"Interesting the first words I heard from the Mother Crystal was 'Hear, Feel, Think.'" Admits Zacharius.
"She said that too." Says Harry.
Zacharius smiles, "That phrase is a recurring theme with her. Back to what I was saying. Gaia has chosen Harry to be one of her protectors. I bet you were tasked with finding the other five crystals. Each Crystal of Light has a different elemental aspect. The Purple Crystal is the Lightning Crystal. Red is Fire, Dark Blue is Water, Green is Wind, Yellow is Earth, and Sky Blue is Ice."
"This is all fascinating," drawls Severus, "but how does this help find Harry a place to live?"
Zacharius simply smiles and says, "Well as a Warrior of Light myself I can't let Harry here go untrained. I am willing to offer room and board at my store the 'House of Splendors'. It is a shop of curiosities and such. I named it after an old friend's store. Though I'm not as ruthless as Rowena when it comes to making deals."
Albus looks at Zacharius shrewdly, "We do not know you or your intentions why would we even consider?"
"Ah, but Garrick here can vouch for me and I have stated my intention to help Harry train as a Warrior of Light. It will give the lad a home and before you ask I intend for him to go to Hogwarts he needs to learn about his Wizarding abilities just as much as his new ones. I can also swear on my life and magic that I mean Harry no harm and I will do all I can to protect him from those who would harm him."
Garrick speaks up, "I will indeed vouch for Zacharius' character and say that Harry will be most safe with him."
"Oh, and what makes you so sure he can keep Harry safe?" asks Severus.
"We met when I was gathering wand materials in the Black Forest. I was being chased by a swarm of Erklings. Nasty things by themselves but a whole swarm will tear a person apart in minutes. I spotted Zacharius as I ran and shouted for him to run. I tripped over a root and I thought I was done for, the next thing I hear is some chanting then a loud crash like glass breaking. I looked up to see Zacharius in front of me holding a glowing staff. He lowered the staff turned around and asked if I was hurt. I told him no and asked what happened to the erklings. He glanced behind himself and said I doubt they will bother anyone again. I peered past and saw the entire swarm frozen in ice!"
"It was less a staff and more of a rod (Lilith Rod Zeta) but that is beside the point." Remarks Zacharius.
"Zacharius, why don't you Albus, Severus and Harry your shop? That way Harry can see his potential home. Albus and Severus will look it over and see if it will suffice for Harry's new home?" Suggests Ollivander.
Severus moves to say something but Albus interrupts him, "Capital idea Garrick, will you be joining us?"
Ollivander shakes his head, "No I should get back to the shop I most likely have a line down the alley by now, I have never been gone this long from the shop."
Albus nods, "Yes time has flown by, hasn't it? Well then let us be off. I will settle up with Tom and meet you all outside."
Zacharius, Severus and Harry say their goodbyes to Ollivander and thank Albus for paying for lunch. Zacharius leads Severus and Harry outside. As soon as Albus joins them Zacharius begins navigating through the crowd to Horizont Alley.
"My shop is this way down Horizont Alley my shop will be the one on the right just before Carkitt Market." Zacharius says.
They reach a large store front build with the sign 'House of Splendors'.
Zacharius goes up to the front and unlocks the door. He turns around with a smile on his face and says, "Welcome to my home. Welcome to the House of Splendors."
Albus, Severus and Harry follow him inside. Inside the shop there are multiple rows of trunks each with a sign overhead stating what could be found in said trunks.
"As you all can see next to each trunk is a registry which lists the inventory in the trunks. I have two house elves who will enter the trunk and retrieve the items you need and bring them to the counter for purchase and bagging. Upon the walls, there are works of art depicting people and landscapes that I have met and seen." Explains Zacharius. "Biggs, Wedge come and present yourselves to our guests."
Two elves pop into existence next to Zacharius and bow. Each elf is wearing a blue and black uniform (Garlond Ironworks Uniforms) and has a pair of googles obscuring their eyes. One is slightly taller than the other.
The taller one speaks first, "Hello I is Biggs."
"And I be Wedge!" says the other.
Albus and Harry smile at the antics of the two elves. Severus just rolls his eyes and wonders how Zacharius got them to wear uniforms.
"I showed them the designs and gave them the materials to make their uniforms. This way I didn't give them clothes and they get to look smart." Zacharius says as if reading Severus' mind.
"Why would giving them clothes matter?" asks Harry.
"House Elves are magical beings who need to live in symbiosis with witches and wizards or they need a strong magical building with which to be bound too," answers Albus, "Their magical cores are unstable and by serving as helpers to a magical person or place their cores stabilize. Without this stabilizing element, the house elf will wither away and eventually die."
Severus nods and continues, "House elves pride themselves on the quality of their service and do not expect payment since by being bound to a magical keeps them healthy and happy. Thus, a master and servant relationship was created. It was decided back when the Pact was made between our races that giving clothes to a House Elf would release them from service but since they can't survive without the stabilizing element a magical provides the act in and of itself became horrifying to elves. To even suggest giving an elf clothes scares them to no end."
"Exactly and since giving them clothes was out of the question I asked them if they would like to make their own uniforms to wear while at work." Says Zacharius.
Harry nods in understanding.
"Now please follow me to the living quarters." Zacharius says and motions for them to follow.
They make their way to the back of the store and go through the door to the living area. A large fireplace with a floo powder container are along the right wall. In front of the fireplace is a couch and some chairs. To the right of the fireplace there is a small bar with various beverages lined up on the wall.
"In the left corner near the far wall there are some stair leading up to the sleeping area three bedrooms two baths. The two doors on the far wall lead to the library and the basement. To the left is the kitchen." Zacharius informs them.
Zacharius allows Albus and Severus to wander the house casting various charms and spells. Wedge pops in and gives Harry some tea and snacks. Harry sits on the couch and munches on his snacks. Zacharius excuses himself and heads into his library trusting Biggs and Wedge to watch after Harry.
As Zacharius walks towards his desk in the library he contemplates on his actions since his arrival on this star.
"It has been two years since I came to this star. I do hope the others are alright. What am I thinking, they will be fine Thancred, Y'shtola and Krile will keep Lyse, Alphinaud and Alisaie out of trouble" Zacharius smirks thinking of his friends.
Zacharius looks down at his desk and opens a drawer. In the drawer is a simple box. He smiles and takes the box back into the living room where Albus and Severus are discussing their findings.
"Well how does it look? Are my home and its protection good enough for you to allow Harry to live here?" asks Zacharius.
Albus and Severus share a look and then nod to one another.
"It is a fine home with strong wards. We are worried that Harry would be mobbed every time he stepped out into the Alley." Says Albus.
Zacharius nods, "That is a concern yes and I could not in good conscience force him to stay inside all the time. What if I enchanted a necklace to cast a glamour over him for when he leaves the shop?"
Albus nods, "That would work. There is also the matter of the door in your basement. We could not enter it."
"Of course, you couldn't I have it spelled so only I and the elves can enter or let someone in. The Armory is the most dangerous area in the house. It is where I keep all my weapons and armor after all."
Severus looks incredulous, "You have an Armory?"
Zacharius raises an eyebrow, "I am called the Warrior of Light you know. What kind of Warrior would I be without weapons and armor? Anyways, come and I shall show you."
Zacharius and his guests walk towards the basement door and descend. The main room of the basement is large and has various training equipment in it.
"I had the Goblins come and reinforce this room for when I train. They added stabilizing spells and reinforcement wards that they used in the construction of Gringotts." Explains Zacharius.
Albus and Severus are shocked that the goblins warded the room so strongly.
Severus begins to ask, "How…?"
Zacharius just smiles and opens the door to the armory. "They are warriors and well they respect other warriors so when I asked for the best reinforcement wards that they had for a training room where heavy combat magic would be used from time to time. They conferred amongst themselves and brought me an offer. I train and spar with their warriors from time to time as well as pay the installment fee they would get me the best they had. It was an offer I could not and would not refuse. The chance to train and keep my skills sharp with the best of their people was too good to pass up."
Albus, Severus and Harry pass by Zacharius and enter the Armory. Along the wall there are fifteen symbols beneath each symbol is an armor stand and a weapon rack. The symbols are different colors. Three are Blue, three are green and nine are red. In front of the armor and weapons there is a pedestal. Upon each pedestal is a small box each with a different colored gem inside.
"Welcome to my armory within you will find the tools of war and magic that I can wield." Says Zacharius. "From right to left we start with the Blue Symbols. The Paladin, these men and women marry exquisite swordplay with stalwart shield work to create a style of combat uncompromising in its defense. Clad in brilliant silver armor, they charge fearlessly into battle, ever ready to lay down their lives for their liege. To be a paladin is to protect, and those who choose to walk this path will become the iron foundation upon which the party's defense is built."
"The Warrior, they come from a mountain tribe renowned for producing fearsome mercenaries. Wielding great-axes, these men and women learn to harness their inner-beasts and translate that power to unbridled savagery on the battlefield."
"The Dark Knight, who watches for when even the holiest of men succumb to the darkest of temptations. None dare to administer justice to these sacrosanct elite residing outside the reach of the law. Who, then, defends the feeble from the transgressions of those meant to guide and protect them? A valiant few take up arms to defend the downtrodden, and not even the holy priests and knights can escape their judgment. Pariahs in their own land, this is what it means to be a "dark knight." These sentinels bear no shields declaring their allegiance. Instead, their Great Swords act as beacons to guide the meek through darkness."
Zacharius continues, "The next three are Disciples of Magic specifically the Healing Arts. First, we start with White magic of Amdapor, the arcane art of succor, was conceived eras past that the world might know comfort. Alas, man began perverting its powers for self-gain, and by his wickedness brought about a catastrophe. Although the art subsequently became forbidden, it is now in the midst of a revival at the hands of the Padjal, chosen of the elementals. Those who would walk the path of the white mage are healers without peer, possessed of the power to deliver comrades from the direst of afflictions—even the icy grip of death itself."
"Next is the Scholar. In an age long past, when mankind flourished under the radiance of arcane mastery. Though the history of that age tells of countless wars waged with earth-shattering incantations, between the various nations, it was the brilliant strategic maneuvering of scholars that allowed their mundane army of mariners to throw back would-be conquerors time and again. These learned men and women defended the freedom of their tiny nation with their unique command over spell-weaving faeries, utilizing the creatures' magicks to heal the wounded and bolster the strength of their allies."
"Now we come to the Astrologian. Ever has man coveted knowledge, and none more so than that of his fate. Thus, did he labor to master the skill of foresight—but initial efforts bore little fruit. That is, until he looked to the stars above, which foretell the coming seasons, and learned to read the heavens. Though this gift is known today as astrology, the people saw fit to not only read the stars, but to write their movements as well. By attuning their aetherial energies to that of constellations, they learned to wield magicks with heretofore unseen properties. Thus, was astromancy born—a new form of magick which grants its users power over fate. Employing a star globe and divining deck in their miraculous deeds, fortune always smiles upon these masters of arcana."
Zacharius gestures to the rest of his collection. "These are the one who deal the devastating blows to the enemy. First, we shall start with the Monk. An order of ascetic warriors as dreaded by foes on the field of battle as the city-state's great pikemen. The monks comprised an order known as the Fist of Rhalgr, and it was to this god—the Destroyer—that they devoted their lives of worship. By mastering seats of power within the body known as chakra, they are capable of performing extraordinary physical feats."
"The Dragoon is next. Born amidst the timeless conflict between men and dragons, these lance-wielding knights have developed an aerial style of combat, that they might better pierce the scaled hides of their mortal foes. Taking to the firmament as though it were an extension of the land, they descend upon the enemy with every ounce of their bodies behind the blow. It is this penetrative power that characterizes the dragoon."
"We come to the Ninja. Hailing from the war-torn lands of the Far East, the secret arts of the ninja were born of necessity, and have since given rise to a unique breed of highly-trained combatants. Able to manipulate the vital energies of the land, the air, and living beings, they manifest their power through the weaving of signs, unleashing a wide array of attacks against their foes. Master the arts of the ninja and you learn to bend the tide of battle to your will."
"The last of the melee is the Samurai. Far across the rolling waves, towards the rising sun, there lies an island nation. In the distant past, the realm's great lords vied for supremacy over its sea-girt confines in a long and bloody conflict. And taking to battle in their lieges' names were noble swordsmen whose art was forged in the crucible of war: the samurai. Eventually, the nation was unified under one banner, and these warriors came to wield their katana not upon fields as part of an army, but upon streets as protectors of the peace. But as a neglected blade grows dull with rust, so too do men forget their purpose. Amidst waning memories of the old ways, a determined few hold fast to their convictions, hands by katana grips, awaiting the moment for steel to sing."
Zacharius looks at his audience and realizes that of the three Harry is the only one paying attention to the whole lecture. Albus and Severus are discussing the new magics that have been revealed to them. Paying no attention to the other arts. Zacharius shakes his head and thinks, "They will learn in time that magic, while grand, cannot be the solution to everything."
He smirks at Harry and continues his lecture, "There are just two more before we get to the really cool stuff just you wait. Now for the Bard. The word "bard" ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of old, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions. In time, their impassioned songs came to hold sway over the hearts of men, inspiring their comrades to great feats and granting peace unto those who lay upon the precipice of death."
"The Machinist is a new concept in my homeland. The war with Dragons raged on, brutal and unrelenting. With no end in sight, the people grew desperate. As the dragoons laid down their lives in defense of their home, Ishgard, a nation in my homeland, turned to technology to protect her sons and daughters. Great cannons and ballista now line the city walls, plucking dragons from the sky. Following the example of Cid Garlond, a dear friend, who has demonstrated the potency of magitek, the fusion of Magic and Technology, the Skysteel Manufactory still works tirelessly on the development of advanced armaments. As new and devastating weapons were brought to the fray, a new class of champion rose to wield them―the machinist."
Zacharius sees that the Machinist explanation caught the adult's attention, no doubt interested in how his home managed to fuse technology and magic together when it was nearly impossible here on Gaia.
Zacharius smiles once more, "Now we come to my favorite group of the Disciples of Magic: Combat Magicks."
"The Black Mages of Mhach are not what you think for they are not evil, merely destruction incarnate. In days long past, there existed an occult and arcane art known as black magic—a potent magic of pure destructive force born forth by a sorceress of unparalleled power. Those who learned to wield this instrument of ruin came to be called black mages, out of both fear and respect for their gift. Yet great power served to corrupt the judgment of mortal man, and so he unknowingly set out upon the path of ruin. People who take the black will become agents of devastation, capable of annihilating those who oppose them through little more than the force of their will."
"Red Mages are quite unique and I enjoy practicing Red Magic. In a Mountainous region of my homeland people meet fleeing from a catastrophe. It is in these elevated lands that the people took shelter, when a burning star guided them away from the Calamity's treacherous floodwaters. The survivors gathered from near and far, and amongst them were refugees of the sorcerous cities of Mhach and Amdapor. These sworn enemies buried their history for the sake of the future, and cast aside their vestments of black and white. Upon the remnants of their arts a new discipline was built, and the first red mages stepped forward with rapiers in hand to fight back against the rising tides of destruction."
"Finally, we come to my chosen profession and preferred magic Summoning. The beast tribes of Eorzea worship and summon forth beings known as primals, among which are Ifrit, Garuda, and Titan. Yet what is a god to one man is a demon to another, for the city-states of Eorzea see these beings as a grave threat to their collective survival. In times immemorial, there lived mages who had not only the power to summon the primals, but also the means to transmute the primals' essences, thus binding them to their will. Known simply as summoners, the existence of these men and women and their arcane art have been all but lost to the ages."
Harry raises his hand. Zacharius and Albus smile while Severus just shakes his head.
Zacharius motions for Harry to go on and Harry asks, "Is Eorzea your homeland? I have never heard of it. Can you really use everything here? What is a Beast Tribe? Can you show me a Summon?"
Zacharius smiles and says, "Yes I come from Eorzea, specifically the city state of Limsa Lominsa and I would be surprised if you had heard of it. Yes, I am quite proficient with all of these arms and armor. The best analogue of a Beast Tribe here on Gaia would be the Goblin Nation. A nation of magical nonhumans. And why not and particular summon that you wish to see?"
Harry thinks for a moment then recalls the dream he had earlier today before his Aunt woke him up.
"I want to see Ifrit, please."
Zacharius nods and walks over to the Summoner Symbol which looks like a horn to the others assembled. Zacharius picks up a silver grimoire and suddenly there is a flash of light and he is wearing different clothes. He is now wearing a Green Coat with gold filigree on the cuffs and skirt of the coat. Upon the left shoulder, there is brown leather that goes down the lapel and the back of the coat with two stylized wings protruding from the back. Under the doublet is a white under shirt. For pants he wears a dark blue waistclout. Brown leather thighboots and red and white ringbands complete the ensemble. However, the most shocking change is worn upon Zacharius' head a large stylized red horn (Summoner's Artifact Armor 1 set).
"As you can see I am now wearing the traditional garb of the Summoner." Zacharius states.
He looks at the other and notices that they are staring at the horn.
Zacharius chuckles and says, "The horn allows for better communication between Summoner and Egi."
"What is an Egi?" asks Harry.
Zacharius just smiles and opens the Grimoire. With a hum, the book begins to glow purple and sprouts dragon wings. The aetherial wings glow and script seems the emanate from the book.
"This Grimoire is called Mimesis Lux." Explains Zacharius, "She is an Anima weapon, born of Astral and Umbral energies. Forged in battle reformed anew. She has supped on the energies of the gods and monsters. She has been my companion throughout many of my adventures."
Severus raises an eyebrow, "You speak as if the Grimoire is alive."
Zacharius smiles and the Grimoire flashes suddenly a Small Fairy-like construct appears before them. The little sprite yawns and turns to Zacharius.
She speaks, "Hello Zacharius, I was having a little nap, who are your friends?"
"Mimesis meet Professors Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. The young man he might be joining us here at home. His name is Harry Potter and he is like me a warrior of light." Zacharius introduces each person to the Anima who flies up and looks at each of them before turning back to Zacharius.
"Hello it is nice to meet you all I hope we can be friends." The Anima then disappears back into the book.
"The Anima are quite alive as you can see." Says Zacharius to a flabbergasted Severus.
"Remarkable." Whispers Albus.
Zacharius looks the Headmaster and nods in agreement.
"Now Harry you wanted to see Ifrit, yes?"
Harry nods in reply vibrating eagerly waiting to see more magic.
Zacharius smiles and with a flick of his hand a quill appears in it. Opening Mimesis, he begins to write the aetherical calculations which bring forth the Egi. Three orbs of fire surround and circle around him. Another flick of his wrist and the quill vanishes. He places his hand over the Grimoire for a moment and drags the aetherial calculations out of the book and into the air. The magics form a spark which expands and in a small explosion of Fire Ifrit-egi is formed.
Harry immediately recognizes the similarities between the Egi and the monster from his dream.
"While not as intimidating as the real thing Ifrit-egi has all the powers of Ifrit but none of his personality. Which is good because Primals such as Ifrit, Titan and the others like to force their will on mortals. Through this Tempering the mortal's soul is overwhelmed and they begin to worship the Primal as their god. The only release these unfortunates have is death for they are forever enthralled by the Primal their freewill taken from them." Explains Zacharius.
Zacharius snaps the grimoire shut and dismisses the Egi. He places the grimoire back on the weapon stand and looks to his guests.
"If it is agreeable to you all I suggest we retire to the sitting room and discuss a few things."
They nod and head back up into the sitting room. As they get comfortable Biggs and Wedge serve more tea and snacks. Once they are settled in Zacharius leans forward and looks each of them in the eyes.
"First of all, I would like to say that I will answer any questions you all have to the best of my ability. However, before we start I would ask Harry one thing."
Harry pauses chewing his snack. He looks at Zacharius and nods his assent.
"I would like to teach you the Arts of War and Magic you are compatible with, to that end I wish to give you this," Zacharius push forward the box he retrieved from his study earlier. "In this box is a chain similar to the one I wear." Zacharius reaches into his shirt and pulls out a silver chain with a silver pendant at the end. The pendant is simple in design. It is a circle with an opening in which a gem can be placed.
"Thank you but what is it for?" Harry asks.
"It is the place where I put my soul gems when I change from one discipline to another."
"What do you mean? What is a soul gem, is it like a Horcrux?" asks Harry.
"Nothing of the sort! A Soul Gem is the crystalized knowledge and experiences of a fallen hero. Their stories are forever carved into the gem so that when a new hero takes up the gem they learn the skills, powers and abilities of the discipline faster. As for changing disciplines when you have more than one soul gem, each for a different discipline, you can switch between the two as simply as picking up the weapon/focus of that specific discipline." Explains Zacharius.
This explanation causes both Albus and Severus to sigh in relief for the feared the worst as soon as Zacharius said Soul Gem.
"Now with your Professors' permission I would like to formally invite you to become my Apprentice. Now as your Teacher I would instruct you in the Arts of War and Magic that resonate with your soul. As your caretaker, if your Professors' agree to you staying here that is, I would ask that if I ask you to do a chore to help out around the home if Biggs and Wedge are busy that you would do so. I will never ask you to do anything that I cannot do myself. I will not make you do something against your will. Nor will I punish you unfairly. I suspect from the way you all spoke during lunch that you did not have a good time with your relatives to say the least?"
At Harry's nod Zacharius continues, "While we are not family if you need a shoulder to cry upon or an ear to listen I shall be that person. I will treat you with the respect you deserve and while I will no doubt seem harsh at times during your training I will never intentionally harm you."
"If this sounds agreeable to you all I will go and ask the Goblins to write up and official apprenticeship contract to be signed by you and me with your Professors as the witnesses. If fact why don't I go over there now and get the ball rolling and you all can discuss my offer."
With that Zacharius gets up and heads over to Gringotts. Harry, Albus and Severus confer with each other weighing the Pros and Cons of Zacharius' offer.
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Well this is a surprise another chapter done.
Next time we will see which Gem Harry takes up first and training hell… or as we players call it "Several runs through Palace of the Dead" *shudder* Poor Harry… Oh well I suffered through it and survived so will he. And then we finally get to meet Harry's new friends and the trip to Hogwarts! Hold on to your Butts we are just getting started!