"October already," Draco declared.
Harry nodded. "The first meeting of the ARMED club will be tonight.
The trio were in the Great Hall with the other Slytherins, eating their breakfast. They had all decided that they would be joining ARMED, despite their reservations about Rowle. Since neither Callidus nor Harry had appreciated Rowle's treatment towards them, they had spoken to the other club leader, Gabriel Truman. The Hufflepuff had been incredibly friendly - more so than they were accustomed to from someone they barely knew. Furthermore, Truman had been very enthusiastic about the new club, speaking of all that he hoped ARMED would accomplish for the student body. However, it was evident to both Callidus and Harry that this branch of ARMED would not be covering anything considered Dark. It sounded interesting and they could see that Truman would probably do his best to make the club enjoyable, but both boys felt as if they would be at a disadvantage if they didn't join the Slytherin faction.
They had both been worried about meeting Rowle's requirements. But in the end, Harry had been able to write to Gringott's bank where it turned out that some old Potter spellbooks had been stored. As for Callidus, he realized that his older self had purchased two incredibly old and rare grimoires. It felt like it was luck alone that had gained them entrance into the club.
After their initial meeting with the Flitwick and Lockhart in the Great Hall, their interest in ARMED had waned. However, when the younger Slytherins had their first meeting with Tristan Blackshale, they were disappointed. It turned out that Flitwick had given all the volunteers suggested frameworks to follow. While Wystan had been very flexible with the suggestions, adding his own extra spells and techniques if he thought the students could handle it, Blackshale was extremely rigid. He treated Flitwick's framework as if it were mandatory, rather than optional, refusing to deviate from Flitwick's written notes.
While the trio had ended up learning a new spell, they hadn't enjoyed the experience. Blackshale had been far too tyrannical. He was like a younger Professor McGonagall, except more judgemental, hovering over the student's shoulders like an over-zealous ministry safety inspector. It left the trio wondering how Blackshale managed to have any friends at all in his House. Perhaps he treated his friends completely differently.
"I can't believe that all of you have decided to go," Parkinson whinged from across the breakfast table. "I mean, I knew Draco would but I thought you two didn't like Euphie." This was addressed to Callidus and Harry.
"We don't like her," Callidus answered. "We're just hoping that what we can learn outweighs the unpleasantness of her presence."
"I hope it's worth it," Parkinson muttered.
Before Callidus could reply, the owl post had arrived, and a letter had been dropped in front of Callidus, narrowly missing his pumpkin juice. Callidus picked it up and recognized Wystan's pointy scrawl. He unfolded the letter.
Hello Callidus,
I can't believe September is nearly over - or I suppose that when you receive this, September will actually be over. Makes you wish you had your own time-turner, doesn't it? Do you even know what a time-turner is? Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned it, because now that you know of their existence, you'll want one. One paragraph in, and I've probably already filled you with disappointment. I feel like that ought to be some sort of record. The handwriting changed to Calypso's loopy style. Or you could just have low expectations!
The handwriting returned to Wystan's scrawl. Isn't she cute? Anyhow you wanted to know why I chose Euphemia to lead the Slytherin faction of the club? I've always found her to be nice though with my 'talent' I do get the sense that she's rather greedy, but then again, most Slytherins are driven by either a need for recognition or by galleons. On top of that, she volunteered for it. Running a club is a lot of work - I know you probably thought I was just winging it during your dueling club meetings, but to be honest, I gave it a lot of thought. The handwriting switched again. Aww, he likes to think that he's cool but he tries so hard. I know that sounds sarcastic, but it's actually a good thing 3
Callidus scrunched his nose. Was this turning into some sort of love letter? It was kind of embarrassing.
The letter returned to the pointy scrawl. She's just perfect, isn't she?
And now it was Calypso's handwriting. I am, aren't I? But you're pretty perfect yourself.
Callidus winced, scanning through the letter until it contained some actual content. What were they thinking, putting all this lovey dovey stuff in a writing? Couldn't they just keep it between themselves?
Anyway, wrote Wystan, we've been making a lot of headway with FLAME's objectives. There's a lot of interest in the magical world for forms of magic that can solve problems in ways that Light or Grey magics can't. On top of that, people resent being told by the ministry what forms of magic they can or can't perform. I mean, how and why is it even the Ministry's business to tell us what magics we can use in our own homes? Witches and wizards deserve the right to practice the magics they chose, so long as all participants consent in the processes involved.
Of course, opponent will argue that it's a slippery slope, but I believe they are using fallacious reasoning. They're using fear mongering to block something that they don't understand, and because they don't understand it, they don't want anyone else to have access to it.
It sounds like you're current potions projection is quite fascinating. Now that you mention it, it is rather odd to think that the vapourization of potions has not been heavily studied. If you make any interesting breakthroughs, let me know. I can get you in contact with people who can get your ideas published, or if not that, then I could get you in contact with interested investors. Since starting FLAME, I've met quite a number of interesting and powerful people.
As for this new disease, FLAME hasn't been involving itself in any of the research. Most of that is being done at St. Mungo's, although they're more focused on finding a cure, than understanding the disease itself. Actually, what our researchers are studying is the impact of different types of magic on a person's magical energy. Some call it the aura, or others refer to it as the magical signature. We haven't come up with a definitive term yet. But preliminary studies have shown that using what's considered Dark Magic leaves a lasting mark on one's 'magical signature.' In fact, Light magic and Grey magic do so as well, but naturally, people are most fascinated with the effects of Dark Magic.
We don't yet know what this mark on the 'magical signature' means. That is, we can't confirm whether it's harmful or benign, but my guess is that the mark is largely neutral. It'd be a huge blow against us advocates of all forms of magic if it turns out that Dark Magic is harmful. Of course, I wouldn't let my biases colour my perceptions of the results. It's not my research anyway - it's just what some of our researchers are working on.
I think I've been blathering for long enough, and Calypso is starting to wilt from the lack of my attention. The handwriting switched to loopy and round. I am not! And then it returned to Wystan's text. Ha! She's so adorable. I can't say no to my fair maiden.
Until next time,
Wystan Overcliff
By the end of the letter, Callidus couldn't help shaking his head.
"What did Wystan have to say?" Harry asked, peering over at the letter.
"About Rowle? Nothing useful. He said she volunteered to lead the club, and that she was nice and - greedy." Callidus frowned.
"Greedy?" Harry echoed. "Hm. Gabriel Truman didn't mention any entry fee when we asked him about his faction of ARMED. What if she's keeping all those galleons for herself?"
"Hrm," Parkinson hummed, her eyes narrowed. "Honestly, that wouldn't surprise me." She peeked over to the end of the table where the seventh years were sitting before returning her gaze to Harry and Callidus. "Are you to sure you want to join?"
Callidus shrugged. "We might as well find out what it's all about."
Classes seemed to pass slowly that day. They were learning the skurge charm in Charms, which was used to clean up ectoplasm from passing ghosts. However, Callidus also noted that it could be used to frighten spirits including poltergeists like Peeves. He didn't yet know how he could take advantage of the spell, but it seemed like it would be worth remembering, just in case.
The Hufflepuff's resident ghost, the Fat Friar had volunteered to help Flitwick with the class, and was acting remarkably cheerful about the whole matter, despite the fact that a few students had almost hit him with the skurge charm.
"Good job there!" the sunny-natured ghost kept declaring. "Oh my, careful with that wand! Almost hit me! But excellent job casting!" He floated across the front of the class, and between the desks, leaving a generous trail of ectoplasm in his wake. Between the Fat Friar and Flitwick, it was hard to tell who was merrier. Callidus would have found it more amusing, but it was hard to stop thinking about what the ARMED club would be like.
Finally, classes were over for the day. Callidus spent an hour working in the potions lab, before joining the rest of the second years in the common room to half-heartedly work on their assignments. Before long, it was evening. The trio collected their spellbook and galleons, and made their way to the empty room where the club would be meeting. When they arrived, there were already numerous Slytherins there.
Despite not having been used for as long as anyone could remember, the room was tidy and spotlessly clean. It certainly wasn't filled with dust, cobwebs and broken furniture, like one might imagine a previously abandoned room to look like. Most of the chairs were taken by the upperclassmen, so the younger students remained standing. The trio spotted Euphemia Rowle at one side of the room, collecting the grimoires and fees from a group of students, while another student recorded their personal information on a parchment.
Making their way over to her, they waited as the other Slytherins handed over their books and galleons. When they were finally in front of Rowle, she looked startled to see both Callidus and Harry. However, her expression changed and she gave them a polite (but chilly) smile. When she turned to Draco, she warmed considerably.
"Good to see you here, Draco. Ah, what a remarkable grimoire you've brought. Doesn't this pre-date Merlin?" Rowle queried, as she examined the book.
Draco nodded proudly. "It does."
"Remarkable." Rowle looked at the book with admiration before carefully setting it down with the other books on the table. "This is an amazingly generous loan on your part. I can't thank you enough."
"You're quite welcome," Draco answered, looking pleased with himself. He shuffled over to the other student, who took down his name and the title and description of the grimoire he had lent.
Next was Harry's turn. He handed his galleons and books over to Rowle. She looked down at the spellbook, flipping through its pages and frowning, before looking back up at Harry.
"You are aware that most of these are Light or neutral spells, don't you?" Rowle questioned.
Harry shrugged. "And? You asked for an old spellbook and I brought one."
Rowle's icy blue eyes narrowed slightly, and her thin lips pulled into a thinner line. "Are you quite certain you understand what this club is about?"
Now Harry was starting to look irritated. Even Callidus felt annoyed. Rowle was speaking to Harry as if he were a small and ignorant child.
"I understand that this is a club to study and practice magic of all types," Harry said tartly. "As far as I'm aware, Light and neutral magics fall under the category of 'all magic.'"
Rowle looked like she was almost ready to argue but managed to hold herself back. She pasted a false smile on her face, and set the book down, placing it so that it was slightly distanced from the others. "Please make your way to the left. Roselind with take down your name and information." Rowle looked away from Harry and gave Callidus the same false smile.
It pained Callidus to have to hand over the book and the gold. He knew that the book would eventually be returned, but he didn't trust Rowle. Unlike Draco or Harry, Callidus didn't have an inheritance - all he had were the earnings he had made as an adult (as well as his more recent earnings, selling potions under the table.) Fifty galleons was a small fortune to him, and handing it over to someone like Rowle felt as distasteful as licking the underbelly of a rat. It left a bad taste in his mouth.
Rowle examined his book. "Hmm. Not as old as some of the others." She shrugged. "Make your way to the left." And with that, Callidus was dismissed.
After giving the girl at the table his name and information, he made his way over to his friends, who were standing by one of the far walls. The older students seemed to cluster together, as did the younger ones.
When all the interested club members were finally processed, Rowle made her way to the front of the room and flicked her wand to set off a stream of sparkling pale sparks to gain the students' attention. Her movements were so dainty and refined that Callidus wondered how many years it took for her to perfect her pure-blood mannerisms.
"Hello everyone, and welcome to the first meeting of the ARMED club," Rowle began. "As many of you are aware, ARMED is a subsidiary of the FLAME organization. We've started this club so that we can have access to the many types of magics that aren't taught at a school like Hogwarts. Many of us here already have the private means to supplement our knowledge, but the aim of ARMED is to gather all these magics in one place so that we have access to greater knowledge and greater magic. It's up to us to supplement our own gaps of ignorance. It's up to us to make sure we don't suffer the disadvantages of only knowing the magics that Ministry administrators allow us to learn. To that end, I've agreed to head the Slytherin faction of ARMED, to ensure that our generation receives the advantages we rightly deserve."
"Hear, hear!" a couple of the upperclassman called out in approval.
Rowle smiled, tipping her sandy-haired head in their direction. "Much like the dueling club - those of you who are in it will know what I'm talking about - we'll be splitting the ARMED club into two groups to account for differences in ability and skill. Each week, I'll be delving into different spell types, but it's up to you to decide which specific spells of that spell type you wish to learn. I recommend that those of you who are more experienced in magic help your peers who might be less experienced."
"Will we be practicing spells here?" a third-year called out.
Rowle shook her head. "No, I'm afraid not. As most of you should know, certain types of magic are monitored in Hogwarts. If Dark Magic is cast, Dumbledore will be alerted and it could very well result in your expulsion. However, we will be practicing magics. A number of you are already aware of this, but long ago, Salazar Slytherin had created a secret duelling room attached to our common room. Any type of magic cast there - even unforgivables, is undetectable." Rowle smiled at the exclamations of surprise from many of the students. "But sadly not all of you will be able to access this dueling room. You see, Salazar Slytherin was very particular about who he wanted in his House, and the room is only admissible by way of blood."
"What do you mean?" a fourth-year asked.
"I mean that the secret entrance will not open unless you apply a drop of your blood, and the room only permits those whose blood is - pure," Rowle explained.
"But then how will I be able to practice any of these magics?" the fourth-year asked. Callidus didn't know the older student well, but thought that he was probably a half-blood.
Rowle's expression became sympathetic, but to Callidus and Harry, it looked fake. "I'm afraid you'll have to be resourceful and find your own means. You are Slytherin after all, aren't you?"
"That doesn't seem fair," Harry muttered.
Rowle seemed to have heard Harry, because she answered: "As a member of ARMED, you'll still have access to many resources such as these spellbooks and grimoires. You have to keep in mind that most pure-blood families have had years and years of experience with these types of magics. Think of it as a matter of experience and safety."
"Yes, except that we're all here to learn, so presumably, we're close to equally experienced," Harry retorted. Callidus silently agreed.
"I can see how you might think that," Rowle remarked, condescendingly. "How nice to see that you have such confidence. But hubris and inexperience are a dangerous mix." Rowle looked over at Draco. "Draco, with a lineage such as your own, I highly suggest that you take on the role of overseeing your friends. I know that I can count on you. I wouldn't want for anybody to be hurt after all."
At this point, Callidus went from feeling mildly annoyed to seeing red. He balled his hands into fists, not wanting to lash out and look like an idiot in front of the other Slytherins. How dare Rowle talk down to them in such a manner? Both Callidus and Harry knew that in terms of magical ability, they were just as good (if not better) than Draco. For Rowle to give power over to Draco was like an attempt to drive a wedge between them, unbalancing their friendship.
He didn't know if Rowle was correct or not. He didn't know if pure-bloods had some innate advantage when it came to Dark Magic, due to blood and breeding. But now, Callidus was determined to prove that he (and Harry) could be just as good at Dark Magic as any pure-blood. In fact, with his intellectual capabilities, he might even be able to prove it on an objective level.
As for Draco, the blond was looking particularly smug, clearly preening under Rowle's constant flattery. Callidus really hoped that Rowle's comments wouldn't get to Draco's head and cause him to act like he was better than them. It sounded like something Draco would be susceptible to, and Callidus was already thinking of ways that he'd have to knock Draco down a few pegs.
Callidus barely listened to the rest of Rowle's speech. By the time the meeting was over, his emotions had cooled only a little.
"Merlin, I swear that every time we deal with her, she gets worse," Harry ranted as they made their way back towards their dormitory. "It's like it's her life goal to be the queen viper of condescension. She makes me want to - arrg -" Harry's hands made a strangling gesture.
Draco looked puzzled. "What do you mean? And what are you implying?" Obviously the idea of strangling someone would be lost on him - such uncouth behaviours were limited to muggles.
"Of course you wouldn't understand," Callidus sighed.
"I understand!" Draco defended. "You're both just mad that Euphemia recognizes my natural advantage. But it's not your fault that you were born the way you were - blame your parents for that."
Harry narrowed his eyes at Draco. "Blame. My. Parents."
"Err - that's not what I meant," Draco backtracked. "I just meant that sometimes fortune and fate favour some over others."
"If you were anyone else, I'd have hexed you silent and bawling on the floor by now, Draco," Harry growled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco answered, clearly bewildered. "It's not my fault if you're jealous."
"This is hopeless," Callidus cut in. "I mean, this is Draco you're talking to, Harry."
Harry sighed. "I know. Believe me, I know."
"What does that mean?" Draco exclaimed irritably.
Harry ignored him. "But Rowle on the other hand -" His green eyes were hard, "- She's going to regret underestimating us. We need to find a place we can practice, so we can show her just what we're capable of." He knit his brow. "I keep feeling like there's this secret chamber I should be aware of. I should spend more time looking for it. I feel like it has something to do with snakes."
Callidus frowned. "Are you sure it isn't just a dream?"
Harry shook his head. "It doesn't feel like a dream. I know it's there - somewhere in Hogwarts. And I feel like it isn't somewhere on the upper floors. Merlin's bloody beard! I wish I could remember!"
"Supposing it even is real, how are you going to have time to look for it between classes, ARMED, dueling club and Quidditch? I mean, if it's a secret room, it isn't going to be easy to find," Callidus pointed out.
"I'll figure something out," Harry replied stubbornly. "I'll find it."
A/N: I've been slacking off badly with my writing lately, and playing old video games instead...