I have been writing this for exactly a month!
Disclaimer: I claim no ownership to Harry Potter
Cascadia followed Harry up the stairs, making sure he didn't fall. He was blindfolded and the twins went in front. Sirius was waiting in his informal parlour. As they opened the door Cascadia vanished the blindfold and Harry looked around. Most of the room was the same as normal; it was only the empty side that was different. Hugely different. Sirius had put up a fifteen metre warded fence roughly ten metres from the wall. Inside the area looked like a rainforest. There were several small trees and half the area was filled with dense magical plants. The other half had a few saplings and a raised platform. On the platform was four trees in a square, with vines forming the walls. Inside Harry could see a small black shape.
"She's been here for a couple of days and is fairly used to her surroundings. Their breed imprints on the first human they touch and she hasn't touched anyone yet so I suggest you hurry before the twins try to steal her."
"Wh-what is she?"
The creature in question had just moved out of her den, she was small, only a little bigger then a kitten and was covered in glossy black fur. Her body shape was similar to that of a Panther cub. She had a pattern similar to that of a leopard, but in silver. Her eyes were silver and she had needle sharp fangs.
"She's a Jagter, a cross between a Kneazle, a panther and a Nundu. She will grow to be a bit bigger then the average cat, no-where near as big as a panther and she doesn't have the poisonous breath of a Nundu."
Smiling Harry slipped over the fence and held out his hand. The little cub looked curiously at him, before wandering over slowly. She pressed her head to his hand and wrapped her tail around him. There was a silver flash and his hand burned where she touched him.
"That's just her bonding to you. It means she won't imprint on anyone else. What are you going to name her?"
Harry paused, thinking. She would grow to be a predator so he wanted a name that would continue to suit her.
"I'll call her Kenja."
She wrapped herself around him and lay down, stretching.
"You can also take her to Hogwarts, since technically she's a cat. When she's fully-grown she'll be bigger then the average cat, about the size of a medium to large dog. She'll grow to be quite fine though, and muscular."
Once again Harry nodded. The twins passed him the variety of toys and the collar. Kenja purred as he slipped the silver band around her neck, it was the perfect fit.
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Harry rode through the estate, Kenja frolicking along next to him. Sirius had mentioned that long with Kenja they were importing a heap of animals into the estate, he'd charmed and warded a new rainforest sector and the animals were being delivered today.
Each section of the estate was warded, so animals that were meant to live in a desert couldn't enter the lake. Certain animals, including Kenja, could pass through these wards. Even fewer animals could pass through the wards near the house. The crups, Kenja and the horses in the stable were the only ones kept in the yard.
Harry was trying one of the new horses, a large bay mare named Alela. She was incredibly sturdy and didn't frighten easily. She had been used as a dressage horse in the muggle world and had the most incredible movements. Sirius had said if Harry liked her he could have her, along with a black stallion called Mistro. Mistro was an incredible jumper, and Harry had great fun the day before, galloping around the estate jumping everything and anything he could.
They cantered through the desert, Kenja sprinting along below. Dotted around the estate were small stables, where horses could be put if they were used as transport. Harry found one on the each of the desert and tied Alela up, leaving her and Kenja with water and meat or chaff respectively.
Over the ridge Harry could see the shimmering barrier of the ward looking over the new rainforest. To anyone other then the Black family, and by extension Harry, it would look like the desert went on forever. Harry often amazed and surprised his friends by his knowledge of where the wards were, and where the safe passage through was.
Sirius was standing next to a large truck, presumably filled with the animals. There were several wizards in black Dragonskin uniforms standing next to him, ticking things off a clipboard.
"Well, it seems to be in order. Your wards are strong enough and the special areas are set up. We'll bring out the animals now, if you could help us." They stepped back to the truck and began to pull out a menagerie of magical creatures.
All were in silver magic resistant muzzles. They passed down the leashes and Harry and Sirius released them into the forest. Harry watched as the animals ran, bounded, flew and shuffled into the protection of the trees. After releasing a range of insects and birds they slipped back into the truck.
"That's the normal creatures, we need to go to two different warded sections for the others though." Sirius explained as they lead the way through the trees.
To the sides Harry saw several strange deer like creatures with large, wicked sharp horns, sharp hooves and needlepoint teeth. Despite looking like peaceful herbivores Harry could see strips of meat in their teeth and blood staining down their front.
Their reserve had normal creatures, predators and prey together in the usual habitat. Occasionally the animals ate one another, but normally Sirius had wards up to prevent any species becoming extinct. The creatures that were two dangerous would be in an entirely different section, where they lived independent of any other specie.
They headed to one of these areas now, the truck parked and opened its doors so they were just inside the wards. They stepped back and inside one of the cages slid open.
A large creature that looked like a warthog leapt out, followed by a herd of similar looking beasts. They were massive, with blood red eyes and serrated fangs. Their tusks were red and they had a black-red tint to their wiry hair. Pawing at the ground they noticed one of the wizards frantically shutting the truck and charged, leaping to the side the men jumped through the wards and the creature paced up and down, looking for its prey.
Shocked Harry stepped back, staring at the unmasked intelligence.
"Sorry 'bout that. They're in a blood rage from being in the truck with the other creatures. They'll calm down soon 'nough."
A wizard explained, in a rough accent.
'They're called Kalabos, distantly related to the Tebo. We also have them in the desert sector."
Sirius watched them in wonder, the keepers had thrown several carcass's to them and they were gouging on the bloody meat.
Finally they moved on, driving to the next warded area. They parked the truck the same way before stepping back. The doors creaked open and Harry waited, expecting some demon to appear. Instead out flew several birds. They were silver, with white mist trailing behind them. They had gold beaks, claws and eyes, with a golden feather on each wing.
They soared around the trees, accompanied by the most beautiful music. Harry found himself stepping towards them, trying to reach them. He felt a hand on his arm and Sirius pulled him back, waving his wand in an intricate pattern. Suddenly the noise was blocked and the birds turned, the mist turning black, all their silver feathers turning grey. Their beautiful, peaceful shape became harsh and angular. They shrieked and flew off.
"Rashla, a type of demon-bird. They look enticing and beautiful to lure you in, once you're enough they strip your flesh off your bones and devour you. Make sure you don't enter that section, they're one of our most dangerous creatures."
Harry nodded, shaking in fear. Despite growing up with animals, beasts and pets alike he'd never been so fooled. From a young age he'd been taught occlumeny, yet had been defenseless against the birds music.
Once Sirius had thanked the wizards and payed they walked back to the manor, stopping only to fetch Kenja and Alela.
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Later, as Harry rode Mistro through the estate, he began to wonder about his wand. In two days they'd be visiting Ollivander's, to test the custom-made wands. Sirius had been owled by her yesterday and they'd filled in a sheet with random questions about Harry's personalities, lifestyle, hobbies, magic and random questions, like; if you could only live in one country for the rest of your life where would it be? Harry had answered England, although after reading more on Hogwarts was considering Scotland, apart from it's weather it was rumored to be one of the most beautiful, and magically advanced, countries in the world.
He tightening his reins and squeezed Mistro into a canter, sitting deep in the saddle he spun around and galloped back to the manor, leaping over several logs as he rode.
He pulled up near the stable where Cascadia was standing, her black mare and Alela saddled behind her. It had become tradition to work on his riding skills most afternoons in Summer, especially since he was about to leave.
He dismounted and rubbed down Mistro, before stabling him and leaping onto Alela. He quickly settled into the saddle, her flowing movements made it easy to relax and concentrate on his mother.
"Excited for your wand?"
Of course Cascadia knew what was going through his mind.
"Yes, I've been researching woods and cores, but none of them seem to suit me. Especially not the cores. What happens if I don't find a wand?"
"That's never happened before" she answered softly, "besides there were wands at the shops that suited you, just not perfectly. If all else fails they could work. Anyway you're the boy-who-lived, any wandmaker would jump to the chance to craft a wand that may finally vanquish he-who-must-not-be-named."
Despite marrying Sirius, with all his boisterous habits and quirky mannerisms, Cascadia was a gentle person and not one of the bravest. She was a charms master and was incredibly inventive, often writing books with dozens of new charms that she'd invented.
"Thanks Aunt Cassie."
Cheered up Harry turned his attention to riding. Cascadia was teaching him the cues needed to make Alela halt from canter. Alela had been a famous muggle Olympic horse, but Cascadia had discovered her owners treating her badly when she refused to jump and had obliviated them and taken her, finding her to be a perfect match with Harry.
Along with the normal horses the Blacks had several Abraxan, Aethonan and Granian wing horses, despite loving to fly Harry was always quite nervous on the powerful creatures.
They finished their ride and Harry slipped upstairs to entertain Kenja for a few hours before dinner.
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Arriving on Diagon Alley sprawled on the ground had never been Harry's favourite thing to do, so as a young child he'd made Sirius help him familiarize himself with portkeys, so he could land easily on his feet. Sirius had invented a small game, Harry would wear multiple portkey rings, set to different parts of the estate. He had been told the activation phrases but didn't know which portkey went where. Sirius used spells to constantly track harry and he would pop up, jinxing him with a variety of prank spells, ranging from funny to downright annoying. It had helped Harry get his balance and, surprisingly, helped with his flying.
The street was quiet, being a Friday most witches and wizards were at work. A group of young children ran around, darting in and out of the stores.
Ollivanders was empty, only the shop assistant was inside.
"Hello again, I didn't say last time but my name is Maddi. Just come downstairs and we'll try your wands."
Harry followed her to a narrow door and down a set of rickety wooden stairs. The room below was lit by a fire, that was protected by a ward. Noticing him looking at it Maddi explained.
"Sometimes personalized wands react very strongly, that's why we test them down here. Ok, lets start"
She handed him the first wand, calling it Applewood and Dragon heartstring but when he waved it a red jet flew out and hit the wall, letting off a loud crack.
"Most definitely not, ok try this one. Ebony and Veela hair. Ollivander doesn't approve but I've tried multiple different cores for your wands."
Once again harry swished it around and it glowed red and burned his hands.
"Well, that is very strange. Both of those should be suited perfectly to you given the information you gave me. Lets try a few more."
After trying seventeen more wands Harry had found one that suited him. Ebony, 12 inches and unyielding it had Pegasi Mane as its core.
"Well, that suits you but would be best as a second wand, it would work though. I have one wand left for you to try. 13 inches and flexible with Aspen wood, its core is the whiskers of a Nundu."
Harry looked at her in shock, Nundu whiskers were practically impossible to find, and were immensely powerful. He took the wand and waved it slowly. For a moment nothing happened and he was about to put it down when there was a large snarl and a transparent image of a Nundu burst out the wand. It jumped around him before leaping into his scar, filling his head with warmth.
"That- that's impossible. Normally, well normally that doesn't happen but I suppose you've never been normal have you Mr Potter."
Still shaking she took both the wands and packaged them.
"Um Maddi, what did you mean by impossible?"
"Well Nundu whiskers are never used for wands because no wizards match them, this is the first ever to happen."
"Is there anything wrong with that?"
"No, it just surprised me, I suppose if its never happened before we don't know if that was meant to happen or not. I suggest you don't share that information."
"We won't be" Sirius spoke for the first time, "if anyone asks tell them about your ebony wand, pegasi mane is rare, but has been documented several times in Britain alone."
"Yes, I suggest you use both wands though, there are no laws against having two wands. Use the Ebony wand in class though, you won't be as powerful but you can practice with the Aspen anytime no one is watching. I will put the trace on the Ebony and register that as your wand. I never made any records about creating the Aspen so no one will know about it. It also means you can perform magic with the Aspen and the ministry won't detect it. Just be careful."
"I will, thanks Maddi."
"Your welcome, do you mind owling me if anything strange happens with either wand?"
Harry nodded before he and Sirius portkeyed back to the manor.
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"Are you all packed?"
Cascadia quizzed Harry; it was a couple of days before he left for Hogwarts and he wanted to go stay in the grounds with Sirius and practice some magic and spend time with the twins but he had to be packed first. Showing her his neatly arranged trunk-with compartments for clothes-casual and school-books, stationary, school gear, personal items like his neck chain and a section for Kenja. She would be in her carry case but Harry would carry her food, toys and care gear in his trunk. They'd be apparating to Platform 9 ¾ so he could wear his robes. He'd had his wand holster adjusted with the normal section-for his ebony wand-and a hidden compartment-for his aspen.
Dressing in a pair of plain grey robes and grabbing a small bag he jumped on his broom and flew quickly to the small cottage on the sea side of the estate; where he was meeting Sirius, the twins and Kenja. He soared over the different habitats, desert, grasslands, forests and lakes flashed below him, diving down he twirled through the trees, watching the animals below.
Eventually he came upon a small wooden cottage, it was painted white with blue trimmings and had green vines with bright blue bell flowers running up the sides. Sirius sat out the front, watching the twins play. Seeing Harry he jumped up and grabbed his back, taking Harry's he stuffed it inside and beckoned to the twins. Kenja saw Harry and ran over, climbing up his leg to sit on his head-her favourite perch. Setting out into the wood the foursome walked for an hour until they reached a clearing; where Sirius placed a series of wards and laughed at the twins struggle to erect the small canvas they'd be sleeping under. Setting up beds Harry scouted the area with Kenja, looking for a stream that Sirius claimed was around, after returning empty handed Sirius ashamedly admitted that it might have been another ten miles east. Grumbling good-naturedly Harry began to set up a fire; they'd be cooking their dinner.
The next few days past in a blur, Harry spent the time playing with his siblings, spending time with Sirius-who taught and allowed him to perform magic with his Aspen wand- and learning more about Kenja, all the while strengthening his bond with her. Finally it was time to leave, Harry flew back to the manor with Kenja and got a final sleep, before preparing to leave.
He pulled his trunk downstairs, where Cascadia, Giselle and Aslan waited to wish him goodbye.
"Promise you'll write."
Aslan said solemnly, his eyes looking at Harry steadily.
"Of course, every week if you want."
Nodding Aslan stepped back, allowing Cascadia to sweep him into a strong hug, practically breaking his ribs.
"We'll miss you Harry, see you at Christmas."
Smiling he nodded before turning to Giselle. Her electric blue eyes fastened on his and she looked at him seriously.
"Goodbye Harry Potter, good luck."
She said, her voice strangely unemotional.
"Uh, well bye Giz, see you soon."
Slightly unsettled he grabbed his trunk and walked to Sirius, waving goodbye to his family he took Sirius's arm and disappeared in a crack.
Thanks for reading,
Pronounciation- (capitals are emphasized)
Kenja- Ken-JA
Jagter- Ja-GU-ter (Guttural sounding)
Alela- Ah-LAY-la
Mistro- MY-strow
Kalabos- Ka-LA-boz
Rashla- RUSH-la (Guttural sounding)
Thanks to Jharry1960 and magitech for their excellent reviews. I will try to reply to all reviews that say more then great chapter or love this idea, I love all reviews, I just only have the time to reply to ones that give creative criticism and advice.
Hogwarts next chapter.