Hi there folks. Rachel here as the Sorceress of Stories. I present to you Chapter 14. But before that, let me address some of the reviews that requires answering.
Midoriryu: Thanks for pointing out the mistake. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.
Ohaeolin: Thanks for pointing out my mistakes. I made sure to take note of problems pointed out to me.
Dahasmaga: Yes, he is not uber powerful. Even if you have the power, it doesn't mean you know how to use it. That's is the scenario I'm working on. Harry is not arrogant and using his Telepathy to plant suggestion into his relatives is never arrogance but survival. Don't tell me that you won't do the same thing if you have the ability to do so if you're suffering. That's a Martyr's point of view and doesn't exist in this story. My Harry is a survivor, not a moral compass, so he'll do everything in his power to make sure his life doesn't go down the same path as one.
Schnuff: Your view has merit but where will Harry point it to? At this point in time, Harry is not actively pursuing Voldemort BECAUSE Voldemort is not in the story yet and is hiding. He doesn't know for sure if Voldemort is alive though he know for a fact that Death Eaters are still around. Which is one of the reason why he bumped up the security of Potter Manor while increasing his skill and knowledge of magic. I think you need to have your vocabulary checked, my friend. A skill is learned (e.g a skilled craftsman, a skilled badminton player, etc.) ability is inherent to a person (e.g. his ability to do remember every book he read word for word, ability to turn himself into a piranha and eat his enemies swimming in the water, etc.) BESIDES Mr. SCHNUFF, YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE MY WORK IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANY TO BEGIN WITH. Don't you think its funny for a 48 year old to criticize a 15 year old in making up stories?
syft3land: So noted, my dear. I will strive my best to eliminate the problems you mentioned in future chapters. Mwah!
ElDani: Thanks. I'm slowly improving as I read through the reviews concerning my mistakes. I'm still in high school after all and English is not my primary language. Yes, I wrote the story though my brother corrects the plot and adds more to it to make it more interesting. Let's just say that this is a collaboration with my brother. The speed of the update is because two people are working on it at the same time. While he edits the finished chapter, I start with a new one, and so on. So really, it's not magic or anything, it's just two people working in tandem to produce faster updates.
gster391: NO pairing as of yet, my dear. Maybe soon but that's not yet in my plot.
DZ2: Noted...great idea there. Hmmmm... (making changes to original plot...erase erase erase, write write write)
RebeliousOne: Don't worry. Harry will be displaying some unique skills in Sorcery soon enough as he goes through the knowledge offered in Hogwarts.
Dark Neko 4000: Read the fic below so you'll know what happens next. Also, no pairing for now Neko-chan (or Neko-kun).
RRW: working on it. I'm shaping up the chapters for a possibility of that event.
REVIEWER: Really? Well, I didn't know that. Good for you.
jbf: thanks for reading the first chapter and farewell. Mwah! Adios!
attis89mackan: You may question me and i will gladly answer you, my beloved servant (tee hee hee). The Orb of Aldur is taking away when the gods left the world to make way for the new gods. It only stands to reason right? The orb was under their jurisdiction, they took it with them since they wouldn't want to be responsible for problems it might cause.
SlayerX86: Read on, my friend, read on.
DraconicWrath: No partners for now. and definitely no Harry/Ginny pairing. I don't think they're compatible. Really! Ending up with a stalker for a girl? no way! Where's the love in that.
konatachan603: here's another chapter for you, my dear. Please, don't laugh too much. I don't want you to die and stop reading my story because you laughed yourself to death. (morbid much. he he he he)
Now that's over and done with. On with the story...
~~~Sorceress of Stories~~~
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
Harry Potter: Shadow Sorcerer
Chapter 14: Start of an Apprentice's Life at Hogwarts
September 3, 1991 (Wednesday)
Apprentice Dorm, Hogwarts
Harry James Potter was frowning as he looked down at his schedule, as well as the list of subjects he would be taking for the duration of his First Year in school. He disregarded the class schedule for now but opted to read the list of special classes he would be taking for his apprenticeship.
As he read through the list, he realized that it contained the notes of those who were present during the interview. He was quite happy with most of the professor's decision regarding his education but frowned after reading some of them.
For Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall's assessment informed him that his skill in her subject was noteworthy. McGonagall stated that while his skill in Transfiguration was top-notch, he lacked the magical theory to advance to the next level. This was the main reason why the Transfiguration Professor recommended that he still follow the first year curriculum for a thorough grounding on the theories and treatises of Transfiguration, schedule a self-study with recommendation from her, as well as a one-on-one session to practice.
Professor Flitwicks recommendation for him, however, was surprising and caused him to burst out in excitement. Since he was already displaying excellent control over his magic, the half-goblin professor suggested that he assist him in his classes from First to Third year, doing self-study, and make him his disciple in Dueling. The additional note Flitwick made that he would be taught various techniques and spells commonly used in the International Dueling Circuit turned the young Lord Potter's smile into an evil grin.
The other teacher's notes and recommendation of him was lackluster yet informative.
Professor Sprout recommended that he attend her class with the First Years for a hands-on approach to Herbology. No one-on-one lessons for now since he lacked experience that he would slowly acquire as he go through her lesson.
Professor Sinistra, on the other hand, asked him to assist her in teaching the First Year classes while scheduling the whole evening of every Saturday for one-on-one lessons. Her note of bringing his 'unique' telescope caused him to burst out in a fit of giggles due to the unintentional innuendo, though deep inside he prayed that it was unintentional.
Professor Snape's assessment of his skills was to the point. He applauded him for his knowledge in the basic preparation in Potions Making and suggested that he still attend classes with the First Year. However, Snape suggest a once-a-week 2-hour sessions for additional tutelage was something that Harry looked forward to. Potions was an interesting subject for the young Potter and having to acquire the necessary skills in the subject from a renowned Potion Master was something to look forward to.
He didn't get any assessment for History of Magic though he did see a note from the Headmaster to discretely use the class as a way to relax or self-study unless Binns' lesson was new to him. Harry wondered why the Headmaster noted that one but he vowed to find out during his first session of History of Magic.
Professor Babbling assigned him a couple of books for self-study along with a note to give him access to the Restricted Section of the Library where these books were located. This note was countersigned by Professor Sinistra along with recommendations on what book to read, as well as post-script to go to her if he required assistance with the subject. For these two, actual one-on-one lessons would be during his Third Year since these subjects were Electives.
Same can also be said for Care of Magical Creatures.
What made Harry frown, however, was the assessment of one Professor Quirinus Quirrell. His suggestion to limit Harry's education since he was already 'too powerful' made him furious. His gut feeling was going into overdrive due to the stuttering professor's presence but the assessment pushed him to the decision to reactivate the ancient wards of Hogwarts.
His gut feeling never failed him as of yet so he had no plans of disregarding its warning anytime soon.
Harry exited Morgana's portrait with a skip to his step. After memorizing his schedule, he 'created' a bag using Sorcery to hold his books for class. He berated himself for forgetting a most basic item for schooling so he immediately sent Flippy to Diagon Alley to purchase him a proper bag with an expansion charm so he can bring all his books with him if need be.
His first class of the day was Transfiguration with the Gryffindors and Slytherins. He made his way to his classroom since he already knew where it was, which conveniently near his dorm. He didn't bother to go to the Great Hall since he already had his breakfast back at the Apprentice Dorm courtesy of Flippy.
Since it was quite early and he had the room all to himself, he decided to just relax and read his first year Transfiguration book to refresh his knowledge on the basics before the class would begin.
Professor Minerva McGonagall was surprised when she saw Harry James Potter already in her classroom. She was worried that he didn't see him for breakfast but refrained from having a house elf look for him since the boy was showing a level of maturity that no first year should have, well not all of them anyway.
When she entered her classroom to get ready for her first class of the day, she saw Harry pouring over his first year books with a slight frown marring his face. She knew the boy was studious but this takes the cake.
"Apprentice Potter, I'm somewhat surprised to see you so early in my classroom." said McGonagall, startling the young Lord out of his reading. "You're an hour early for class and you didn't take your breakfast in the Great Hall."
"Good morning, professor." Harry greeted his Transfiguration Professor. "I woke up early and already had breakfast back at the dorm thanks to my personal house elf. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I decided to come early and read the first year text to brush up on my theories before class."
McGonagall nodded in approval.
"Very good, Apprentice Potter. Your dedication to your schooling is something to be commended. I expect to see such diligence in all your seven years in this institution, especially under my subject.
"Thank you, professor." said Harry with a smile, it was nice having someone commend once in a while. "Your note informed me that I will be attending theory and assist you during practical. May I know how this works?" asked Harry.
McGonagall nodded. She took her seat behind her desk and conjuring a cup of tea before explaining.
"Transfiguration, as well as other core subjects has a 2-hour schedule. The first hour is delegated to teaching the students the theory of the subject. This usually involves a class lecture and addressing the questions from the students. I expect you to attend this session."
Harry nodded, not saying anything but waiting for her continue.
"The next hour is focused on practical. This will be the part where you will be my assistant. In most cases, your task will be to keep an eye on the class and give help to those who need it. I want you to observe each student and help those who are in need of tutoring to get the spell done. Is that clear?"
Harry nodded in excitement.
"Yes, professor."
"Good, before the students arrive, I want to inform you that I will be in my animagus form to keep the students guessing. This is a tradition for me since I took to teaching this subject. This way, I can observe the class as they wait for me, as well as impress them in the Art of Transfiguration. Besides, students always have lose-lips when the teacher is not around so this is the perfect time to listen to a little bit of gossip." explained Professor McGonagall though she said the last part with a twitch to her lips.
"You're an animagus professor?" asked Harry in surprise. "May I know what form?"
"I'm a common house cat, Mr. Potter." replied McGonagall with a smile. She didn't bother to hide her animal form from the young Lord since it was public knowledge. Animagi were expected to register their form in the Ministry of Magic so it is a matter of public record accessible to anyone who deemed it necessary to know.
"A very useful form." commended Harry. "Anyway, professor, can you explain to me how you transform and your experience as you transform? I read all about animagus from a book and I want to know your experience of an actual transformation." asked a very curious Harry.
"Hmmmm…I normally don't say anything about animagus to a first year but I guess your control over magic makes you an exception." mused McGonagall before continuing. "Animagus transformation is actually quite simple, Mr. Potter. The first phase of the process is actually the hardest – finding your inner animal and communing with it. There are two ways to discover your inner animal – the first method is through meditation. The second method is through the use of a rare potion called Animagus Revealing Potion which forces the drinker into their animal form to determine what animal they will transform into."\
She paused waiting for any question; when there was none coming from a very attentive Hogwarts' Apprentice, she continued.
"The second phase after discovering your animal is to guide your magic inwards, using your mind as a base as you picture the animal, you command your magic to change you to your inner animal. The requirement for this to succeed is to properly control your magic to every single part of your body to induce the change. This is the reason why animagus training requires the practitioner to slowly induce the change to each part of their body until they could completely shift into their animal form." McGonagall finished the explanation to a clearly thoughtful Harry Potter.
He never knew that the process for animagus transformation was so simple. The books he read made it sound complicated which he assumed was the reason why there were only a few animagus in the Magical World. He was quite sure that his own brand of Sorcery would allow him to change into an animal but the process itself eluded him. However, if he combined it with the magical version then it might be possible to change without difficulty. Harry decided to take the change to give it a try under the guidance of an animagi.
"Professor, I have a method to transform into an animal at will, but I need you to watch me just in case if something goes wrong." asked Harry to a surprised Transfiguration Professor.
"Apprentice Potter! Animagus transformation is not to be taken lightly." barked McGonagall. "The repercussion when things go wrong can be quite dire."
"Professor, what I propose is not actually animagus transformation but something unique to only a sorcerer can do." Harry explained patiently. He didn't tell her that his Sorcery was different to what she thought it was. "I KNOW that I can change anytime I want but I didn't have the information on the actual change which you just provided."
Professor McGonagall was silent as he gave Harry a long look. She knew that Harry was powerful and the young Lord have shown restraint in the past in learning magic, limiting himself only to those which would not cause him any harm. His maturity demanded no less. If that was the case then the young apprentice knew that he could do it without any harm to himself. She conceded to his request.
"Alright, Apprentice Potter." said McGonagall with a sigh. "You can try it now since we still have some time before class will begin. I will supervise the change and reverse it if things go wrong."
"Thank you, professor." said Harry with a smile. He stood up and walked towards the front of the class, stopping a few feet away from the teacher's desk. "I will now start the change, professor."
Harry closed his eyes and pictured what animal he wanted to become. According to Belgarath, the process of changing into an animal was quite simple. All he needed to do was picture the animal in perfect detail before WILLING yourself into that animal. If he combined it with the process of animagus transformation, he could keep the change safe by pushing his will to every part of his body rather than doing it all at once. In most cases, he just needed to properly distribute his Will to completely saturate his body with magic before inducing the actual transformation.
Taking a deep, Harry pictured an animal that he studied while he was relaxing on the grounds of Potter Manor. He studied the animal in their natural habitat, as well as their physical characteristics. Once he had a solid image in his mind, he gathered in his Will and let it surround him inside and out. When he felt that it was enough, he flexed his Will to induce the change.
The sensation was weird. He could feel his body turning to something similar to water as he shifted towards his animal form. He could feel himself shrinking and every part of his body changing. However, what was most obvious was a slight shift in his mental state when the instinct of the animal he was changing into started manifesting in his mindscape. It was a weird yet a liberating feeling.
He opened his eyes when he felt the change stop.
He saw that he was shorter judging how close to the floor he was.
His sight, smell, and hearing much sharper and more defined. He sniffed the air and smelled the scent of a feline in the room. He knew that the feline was McGonagall since she told him earlier that her animal form was a cat. Deciding to drop that for now, he proceeded to check himself to see if he the change was absolute.
Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration Mistress, was astounded when she saw the Apprentice of Hogwarts slowly shift and change into his animal form. She couldn't believe that a first year student succeeded what most wizards and witches in their prime were unable to do. It seems that Mr. Potter's control over his magic surpassed all their expectation.
Harry finished checking his new form and grinned when he didn't see anything wrong with it. He looked up and saw McGonagall staring at him with wide eyes. He barked to get her attention.
"You've done it again, Apprentice Potter. No first year should be able to do what you just did but the evidence in front of me is quite obvious." said McGonagall with a proud smile on her lips. "Can you change back? This is the third step in animagus transformation. Once you had a successful change, the last and final process is to separate your human mind from your animal mentality and shift your body back to your human form."
Harry understood the concept and nodded his head. He closed his eyes again and pictured his human form and gathered in his Will. The shift to his human form was far easier since he was quite familiar with his body. It didn't take long for the sensation of melting to pass and found himself standing in front of McGonagall back in his human body.
"Wow!" exclaimed Harry. "That was bloody amazing."
"Language, Apprentice Potter, but you're right. It was amazing. I am surprised at the ease of changing to your animal form. I was ready to step in just in case something goes wrong but you astound me as you initiated the change perfectly without any flaw." said McGonagall. "I see that you're inner animal is a silver wolf and a very big one at that."
Harry nodded with child-like exuberance. He couldn't form any words as he basked in the success of changing into an animal using Sorcery. He didn't bother to correct McGonagall since a sorcerer could change into ANY animal with study. He wanted to keep this ability a secret from everyone for now so he'll let people assume that he was a wolf animagus.
"Does this mean that I need to register, professor?" asked Harry. He knew the law in regards to being an animagus and had no problems with it. It was just one of his forms anyway so it was no big deal.
"Correct, Apprentice Potter. I will personally accompany you to the Ministry of Magic this weekend to have your form registered. This is the law so it's better to follow the Ministry's mandate to avoid problems in the future.
Harry nodded and a thought crossed his mind that made him grin.
"Professor, can I join you in your custom in regards to the start of the class?"
McGonagall thought about it for a few seconds before a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
First year students belonging to Gryffindor and Slytherin were showing off why they are placed in their respective houses as they entered the Transfiguration classroom of one Minerva McGonagall without getting eaten by a large silver wolf taking a nap beside the teacher's desk.
Gryffindors, being the brave soul they were, merely summoned all the courage they could muster and entered the room ignoring the wolf though keeping a close eye on the animal just in case it decided to wake up and attack.
The Slytherins, on the other hands, utilized their cunning by accompanying the Gryffindors as their rival house entered the classroom, making sure that the Lions were within the path of the sleeping wolf just in case it chose to wake up and attack. The ambitious Slytherins were using them as cannon-fodders which would certainly raise the ire of the Lions if they knew about it.
Those already in the room were quite curious as to the presence of the sleeping wolf. Though what caught their attention was the tabby cat watching the students with amusement. Some of them swore that the cat grinned when one particular Slytherin nearly screamed when the wolf twitched if not for a Gryffindor slapping a hand over the Snake's mouth to avoid waking up the sleeping animal.
It was quite funny seeing a Gryffindor helping a Slytherin but it seems that self-preservation could also be a Lion's trait if faced with an apex predator – and the wolf was certainly one judging from the fangs peeking out of its muzzle as it continued to sleep, oblivious to the world.
The Students already in the room behind the safety of their desk were curious as to the presence of two completely opposite animals in their Transfiguration classroom. They all knew for a fact that felines don't get along with canines, the latter of which was in the form of a wolf. But from the looks of it, the wolf and the tabby were quite comfortable with each other, friends even.
The bell rang signaling that the class was already in session. Some of the students pulled out their wands when the bell rang thinking that the noise would wake up the sleeping wolf and start attacking them. Fortunately for them, the wolf just huffed before going back to its nap. The sigh of relief that the students released were quite loud causing the tabby on the teacher's desk to grin wider, or if a cat could grin then it would have done so.
"Made it!" said Ron Weasley as he entered the classroom and stopped in front of the teacher's desk trying to catch his breath. Behind him was another Gryffindor in the same state.
Both didn't notice the wolf beside the desk waking up from its nap and leveling both students a hungry look. The students who saw the wolf gasped and started waving their hands trying to catch the attention of the soon-to-be-mauled-or-eaten redhead's attention.
"Good thing, McGonagall's not here yet or we would've been late." Weasley boasted but was stopped short when he heard a growl coming from somewhere behind him.
Confused, Ron and his companion turned only to scream when they saw a large silver wolf looking at them, fangs quite visible along with two rows of razor-sharp teeth and tongue lolling to the side. It made for a very scary sight but he didn't know that it was a wolf's equivalent of a laugh.
He was about to make a run for it when a voice stopped him from doing so.
"It's nice to see you finally come to class, Mr. Weasley. I think you noticed that the bell already rang and I see you arriving a few minutes afterwards. Well? What do you have to say for yourself." demanded McGonagall in a stern voice though there was a slight hint of a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Many of the students were shocked when the innocently-sitting tabby suddenly jumped down from her perch on the table before transforming into the imposing form of Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration Professor and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Urm…we got lost professor," said Weasley, cringing back in fear from the look the Transfiguration Professor was giving him, as well as looking back to the wolf who didn't budge from its location. "It won't happen again. Can we take a seat now please" the last word came out with something akin to desperation.
Honestly, the presence of a predator just a few scant inches behind you coiuld do that.
"See that it doesn't. The next time you come in late, I'll make sure that Mr. Finnigan behind you is transfigured into a pocket watch so the both of you can arrive on time or a map so you won't get lost. Get to your seats and prepare for class." she snapped at the trembling duo but her eye twitched when the wolf let out a snicker or something that sounded like one.
Not wasting any time, the two boys dashed off to their own seats to get away from the irate professor and the hungry wolf.
McGonagall turned to the grinning wolf and raised an eyebrow.
"Well, Apprentice Potter, are you just going to sit there all day or are you going to change back so we can get the class started?"
The wolf which McGonagall addressed as Harry Potter gave a loud bark before shifting back to his human form to the amazement and shock of the students. He didn't go to a seat, however, since he knew the Transfiguration Professor would be giving an explanation as to how he would be helping the class later on.
Professor McGonagall took advantage of the student's shocked silence to give her short announcement.
"If you remember from the Sorting, Apprentice Potter here will be attending core subjects like a normal first year should though he won't be following the regular schedule. After the lecture, he will be assisting me in the practical portion of this subject." she informed the stunned class. "Any questions?"
A student raised her hand which caught Minerva's attention.
"Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"Professor, how come Potter's assisting? Isn't he just a student?" asked Granger, looking at Harry with disbelief though the young Lord could easily spot the telltale signs of jealousy that he often saw in Dudley.
"He IS a student, Ms. Granger, but of a different kind. His knowledge in magic is easily advanced compared to a first year so while he is learning theory, he will be assisting in the actual spells since he can already do the assigned work for the class." explained Professor McGonagall. "Anything else, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione Granger just shook her head and sat back down while continuing to observe the young Potter from a distance.
Harry couldn't refute the mastery Professor McGonagall demonstrated as she taught her subject.
Despite reading the books, the Transfiguration Mistress offered some useful information not found on text but on actual experience that not only aimed to simplify spellwork but lay the groundwork for higher level Transfigurations. Harry judiciously took down parchment after parchment of notes to make sure he didn't miss anything. He made a mental note to purchase a Dicta-Quill so he could compare his note to her actual lecture to avoid mistakes.
He may be a bookworm at heart but Harry knew that some information can only be learned through actual experience and not on text, especially from the mouth of an expert.
The first hour of Transfiguration passed without problems though Professor McGonagall asked Harry to come to the front to demonstrate the actual Transfiguration from a match to a needle.
Taking advantage of the situation, Harry decided to impart his own knowledge of Transfiguration to avoid similar questions like those voiced out by Granger during the start of class.
"I don't particularly own a wand since my method of using magic is quite different from yours so…" Harry snapped his fingers causing an imitation of his Holly and phoenix feather wand to appear on his hand, ready for use. "I will be using this fake wand to show you the actual wand movements for you to replicate this spell."
Harry placed the match on top of the desk for everyone to see. He proceeded with the wand movement and shouted out the spell while picturing the desire to change the match into a needle in his mind.
"Reformabit Acus!"
The students could only look in awe as the match turned into a perfect needle right before their eyes. Those who doubted Harry's placement as an assistant could no longer find any evidence to refute that title. To their eyes, though some still doubted him, he was more knowledgeable than anyone in their class.
"The spell is quite easy. The actual translation of the incantation is 'Transform Needle' telling your magic to change the composition of the match into a needle. Now, I would like to stress that saying the incantation will not be sufficient to produce the desired results. You must picture the actual needle in your mind. This is the secret of transfiguration – proper visualization produce proper results. Any questions?"
A Slytherin raised his hand. Harry nodded towards him.
"Why don't use a wand?"
"Even if the question is not relevant to the subject matter, I will answer just to get rid of the rumor that will be spreading after this class." Harry said with a smile while some girls simply blushed telling Harry that he just exposed their plans afterwards. "My Magical Rank does not allow me to use a wand since using one will only limit the results of my spells and no, I will not be revealing my actual rank since you don't need to know. Any other questions?"
Daphne raised her hand to get a nod from Harry to proceed.
"Mr. Potter, you mentioned that visualization is the key to a perfect Transfiguration, can you expand on this since it would be safe to say that not all of us are familiar or used to visualizing." asked the Greengrass heir.
Harry saw that quite a lot of students nodded at her question.
"Visualizing is when you picture something in your mind. I think most of you are familiar with day-dreaming?" He got a nod from quite a lot of people in the room though some of the girls blushed and sighed much to his confusion.
"Good, I want you to pick up your wand to prepare for the spell...good. Now, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath to relax. Now, I want you to imagine the match, picture it quite clearly down to the last detail. Now use your imagination, picture the matching changing into a needle, and make sure that you visualize the needle properly since that will determine the result of the spell. Once you have the needle fixed firmly in your mind, open your eyes and cast the spell." instructed Harry, waiting for the students to follow his instructions.
Harry saw that almost half of the class was able to change their match to a needle, though a bit slowly compared to his own speed in transfiguration. Some ended up with a needle made of wood, while others just manage to change a part of the match.
"To those of you who managed to change the match into a needle, well done. I suggest that you continue practicing, this time, changing it back to its original state. The incantation is 'Reformabit Inrita' meaning 'Transform Cancel'. Once you've accomplished that, try to do it all over again but focus more on the speed of the change. This will help improve your visualization and your ability to manipulate your magic." He got a nod from the students who were successful in the spell.
"To those who didn't get the desired results, I suggest that you keep trying but take time to relax and picture the change in your mind and make sure that you have the details firmly fixed in your visualization. Don't be disheartened that you didn't get the right change for your first time. It doesn't mean that you lack the magic to do so. I told you earlier, your magic requires guidance and only your mind can give it. Improve your focus and visualization then repeat."
Those who didn't succeed nodded and closed their eyes again, taking Harry's advice to heart in regards to perfecting the spell.
"Thank you, Apprentice Potter for a marvelous demonstration and explanation." commended McGonagall with a proud smile to Harry that made the young Lord Potter blush. "Apprentice Potter is quite correct with his explanation. He explained one of the major secrets of Transfiguration. Make sure that you keep this in mind for future spellwork. For those who succeeded in changing their match to a needle, I give you all 10 points each. Please continue with your assigned task and good luck."
McGonagall turned to Harry and spoke in a much lower volume.
"Apprentice Potter, I can only say that you did a great job in conveying the secrets of Transfiguration to the students. Your method of instructing them to change the match into a needle spoke of experience that only one can gain in actually doing the spell instead of reading about it. I commend you in your expertise. Since I can't give you any points due to the lack of a House affiliation, I can only give you my respect and thanks for imparting this important knowledge to the students."
Harry nodded and gave the stern professor a smile.
"No need to thank me, professor. I just placed myself in their shoes as it is their first time to do the spell. I was like them when I first discovered Transfiguration and tried out the spell written on the book. It was hard but I was able to make it work with practice. I just imparted to them the secrets to my success to make sure that they learn faster. After all, the faster they learn, the more they can learn in the future."
McGonagall nodded in approval to Harry's train of thought. He was proud that the boy was showing maturity not common in kids his age. Not only that, the young Potter didn't begrudge others of knowledge. He shared as long as he was able to without any repayment. She agreed with the Sorting Hat's placement. Harry Potter was perfect for being an Apprentice of Hogwarts.
"Indeed, Apprentice Potter. Now, let's roam around and help those who require tutoring. I noted Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Weasley having problems so let's get to it." said McGonagall as she stood up and started walking towards Weasley who was waving his wand around like a baton. Harry followed her example and made his way to Longbottom.
Harry made his way to Longbottom as indicated by McGonagall and silently observed the boy as he tried to do the spell only ending up in failure. Harry frowned since the boy did everything perfectly and the focus the boy showed meant that he perfectly visualized the result. Acting on an instinct, he stretched out his senses to feel the boy's magic. When Longbottom released the spell, Harry could feel the magic rush from his hand to his wand. However, it seems that the magic didn't reach the wand as if the magic of the wand itself was rejecting Longbottom's own.
"Mr. Longbottom, can I see your wand for a moment please?" asked Harry, startling Neville Longbottom and earning him a startled squeak.
"S-sure, M-Mr. Potter." stuttered Neville handing Harry his wand. Harry took it with a smile.
"Please, Mr. Longbottom, call me Harry. We are both students after all and the same age too." said Harry before checking out the wand in his hand. He noticed that the wand was quite old, as if it's been used for many years but this was impossible since Neville only started doing magic today. He sent out his mind to the wand and bonded with the core. He analyzed its magic and found it to be quite the opposite to Neville's unique signature. He frowned.
"Mr. Longbottom, can you tell me if this is the wand you bought from Ollivander?" asked Harry in a soft voice, handing the wand back to the Longbottom heir.
Neville shook his head and whispered.
"No, this was my father's wand. Gran told me that I don't need a new wand and I should just use my father's wand to follow in his footsteps."
"Does your Gran know that the wand chooses the wizard and not the other way around?" asked Harry, an idea already formulating in his head.
"Y-yes but she insisted that I use dad's wand and nothing else." murmured Neville.
"I see. Then keep trying the spell, Mr. Longbottom. I think I have a solution to your problem. Please stay after class." said Harry as he walked towards McGonagall and asked to be excused for the rest of the period. The Transfiguration Professor just gave him a confused look but allowed his request.
Not wasting time, Harry left the classroom and sprinted towards a dark alcove he saw earlier. Willing his Shadow Magic to come forth, he walked through the shadow and disappeared from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry appeared at the back of his study in Potter Manor. He specifically instructed the elves to avoid lighting this part of the room to make sure that it had plenty of shadow for him to travel just in case he needed to return home. Godric sensed his grandson appear on the wards.
"What brings you here, grandson? Aren't you supposed to be in school?" asked Godric.
"Hello, grandfather." greeted Harry as he exited the study to his workshop. "I have something I need to do for a classmate of mine."
Harry explained what happened with Neville Longbottom in Transfiguration class.
"Indeed you are correct, grandson. A wand chooses the wizard and using another wizard's wand is more of a detriment than a boon. Also, helping a Longbottom honors the alliance between your ancestors."
"I agree, grandfather. I read in my ancestor's journal that the Potters and Longbottoms had a long-standing alliance and my instinct is telling me to help Neville in any way I can. I don't know why but my instincts never led me astray." explained Harry as he entered his workshop.
This room was specifically chosen to house the materials in Belgarath's shop and then some. He didn't want to expose the precious and rare ingredients to others especially when he was not around to guard them.
He walked to the center of the room and closed his eyes as he gathered in his Will.
It was time to create a wand for a brother-in-arms and he would make sure that it was the best as he could make it.
"Apprentice Potter, I hope you have a good reason for letting Mr. Longbottom wait for so long after class. I was forced to give him a free pass for his next class since it seems he deems it important to wait for you." McGonagall said in a stern tone.
It took quite a while of scanning the various ingredients he had in his shop for the right components to craft Neville's wand. He could easily say that it was harder compared to making Sirius' since the components were quite rare and powerful.
"I apologize for not explaining the situation properly, professor, but time was of the essence so I made sure to get back as soon as I finished my task." said Harry with an apologetic nod to McGonagall as he walked over to the table. He pulled out a rectangular box made of Hickory. He placed the box on the table. Neville and McGonagall eyed the box, not knowing what to make of it.
"Would it be safe to say that Neville didn't get to finish his assigned spellwork for the day?" asked Harry looking at Neville who sadly shook his head in negative.
"He didn't but he made a valiant effort. He was able to slightly change the shape but nothing else." revealed McGonagall.
Harry nodded since his theory was correct. Neville was magically powerful as a wizard but it was stunted because he didn't have the right wand to focus it.
"The reason why Neville wasn't able to properly change the match into a needle is because of the wand he carries. From what he told me, it was his father's wand." McGonagall turned to Neville with a sharp look. "From what I learned from Ollivander, a wand chooses the wizard and not the other way around. Meaning, the wand didn't choose Neville as its lord and master." Harry pushed the rectangular box over to Neville. "Open it, Neville, and give it a try."
"What is it?" asked Neville, eyeing the box with suspicion. McGonagall seemed to realize what the box contained but Harry held up a hand and mouthed to her that an explanation will follow.
"Just open it, Neville. Trust me." said Harry, his tone full of confidence.
Neville sighed and slowly opened the lid and gasped when he saw what's inside.
Harry proudly provided the explanation.
"That, Neville Longbottom, is your new wand. It is made from Hickory and Cherry wood, exactly thirteen inches with a core of griffin feather and a hair from a male unicorn's mane. I will explain later how I got it but please hold the wand in your dominant hand and give it a wave."
Neville was astounded at the sight before him. The wand was a work of art. The handle was made from Hickory and the shaft with Cherry. The handle of the wand contained an image of a griffin in flight and a unicorn pawing a hoof. Slowly he reached out and grasped the wand in his hand. He could feel the wand hum as if welcoming his presence. He waved it to produce a large amount of red and silver sparks.
Harry and Professor McGonagall could feel the thick presence of magic in the air as both the wand and its new master bonded, their magic intertwined.
"Perfect. Just perfect." exclaimed Harry, not knowing that he imitated Ollivander just then when one of his wands matched with its master. "The wand is perfect for you, Mr. Longbottom. Cherry is a wood for those with an affinity for earth so I would say that you have a talent in Herbology. The Hickory as the handle means a strong personality, a hidden ability to lead those who you find worthy and a fierce fighter to those you see as an enemy. The griffin core signifies strength and wisdom, while the unicorn hair means purity and love. Overall, a perfect wand for Charms and Battle Magicks."
Harry conjured a match and placed it on the table in front of the awed Longbottom heir.
"Neville, use your new wand to change this match into a needle please."
Dazed, Neville simply nodded and concentrated for a bit before incanting the spell along with the wand movement. The match immediately turned into a perfect needle.
"Bravo, Nevile, bravo. It was the wand that's the problem not you." exclaimed Harry, clapping the Longbottom heir at the back.
"But, but…it was my father's wand. My Gran told me that I should be worthy to use it." murmured Nevile as he sadly took out his father's wand and looked at it.
Harry was about to say something but McGonagall beat him to the punch.
"Mr. Longbottom, I can easily say that your new wand is a perfect match for you. You successfully completed your spellwork in a single try compared to the results of using your father's wand. Apprentice Potter is quite correct; it is the wand that chooses the wizard and not the other way around. Augusta holds too much of the past and forgets that you are not your father but his son. It is normal for a son to idolize and follow his father but not to the point of hindering one's future. I will explain it to her clearly before you meet for the summer holiday." McGonagall said sternly but both boys could see the warmth in her eyes as she looked at them. She turned her attention to Harry who was quite happy with the success of his second creation.
"Now, Apprentice Potter, please explain where you got the wand." asked McGonagall though she already had an idea where it came from. She only needed proof and a confirmation.
"I crafted it, of course." Harry said proudly not noticing the disbelief in both Neville and McGonagall's face.
"Mr. Potter, making a wand is no mean feat and more so for a wand of such caliber as what Mr. Longbottom holds. Are you saying that you are capable of making such a wand?" asked the stern Transfiguration Professor.
"Yes, professor, but I would like to correct you. I am not a Wand Maker like Ollivander, but a Wand Crafter." explained Harry, grinning all the while.
"W-what's the difference?" asked Neville, looking at his wand in awe. Having a wand made by the Boy-Who-Lived and Apprentice of Hogwarts was something that he couldn't believe that it was made exactly for him.
"A big difference. A Wand Maker simply creates a wand by matching the wood with a magical core and hope that it matches with a witch and wizard. A Wand Crafter, on the other hand, 'crafts' a wand by picking the right ingredients to ensure the PERFECT match for a wizard. This is why some wizards and witches are powerful because their wands match them perfectly. Due to the perfect synchronization between a wand and a wizard or witch, magical output is doubled and an almost perfect control over their spells and rituals." explained Harry.
"And where did you learn this particular skill, Apprentice Potter. Wand Crafting is a delicate and precise art and I doubt you learned it in just a span of two years if we follow your timeline when you entered the Magical World." said McGonagall as one of her eyebrows rose to match her disbelief.
"Let's just say that I had a very good teacher and leave it at that." Harry said sadly as he remembered his first and last meeting with Belgarath.
Both sensed the underlying sadness in Harry's voice so they dropped the subject.
Edited by Corruptmonk
May 27, 2012