The Winged Wolf Ch 9: Creation, Healing, and Death, a Harry Potter + Avengers Crossover fanfic

Chapter Nine: Creation, Healing, and Death (Hogwarts Arc: Year One)

Synopsis: Making daggers, healing lessons, a goblin fight, toad hunting, and meeting twins.

The rhythmic ringing of metal upon metal sings out within the heated forge, the cry of shaped metal giving voice to my creation, born out of steel and fire. I pull out the kukri knife from the blazing magical flames, using the hammer and anvil near me to help refine its shape while using transfiguration for further control of the fine detail.

As the blade glows a hot salmon color, I stab it into the glistening liquid next to me, a mixture of dragon blood and oil to help quench the blade, tempering it with my magic. Placing it next to an identical blade I created from the same billet, I pour my magic into them both to allow for the mosaic pattern to shine through and smile at how beautiful both tuned out. The dragon blood helps the magical retentiveness of both blades, with the metal absorbing some of the magic in the quench.

Going over to the last of my materials for the blades, I grab the dragon bones I bought for this project, placing them in a western alchemical circle. Activating the circle by pushing my magic into it, I watch as the bones combine and change to make a denser bone billet in the end. Using this, I transfigure it into two pieces and make them into the handles for the two kukri blades.

"Perfect" I voice aloud, seeing the beautiful pattern on both blades and the shine of the dense dragon bone handles. I still have another obstacle to overcome though, working to practice the Japanese branch of alchemy even more.

Looking to the table behind me I see the push dagger I created for Hermione as a Christmas present, an interrupted twist Damascus pattern shining out on the blade. A beautiful pearl-colored handle made from naturally shed Unicorn horn that was also made denser using western alchemy to combine two horns, and further shaped using transfiguration as well.

Unicorn horn being a great material to enchant, its magical nature allowing it to almost soak in and hold the size of growing enchantment I imbued into it so that it will grow with Hermione as time goes on. On the blade itself, I was able to practice my first real runic enchantment, inscribing the runic formula for the unbreakable charm along the center of the blade.

Runic enchantment usually leads to the spell being longer lasting and more durable, lasting the blade's life depending on the enchanter's skills but it's more about aesthetics for me. After figuring out how to weave an enchantment into the material itself, my enchantments, the few I have done so far, also last the life span of the object. Though I still have to work on layering multiple enchantments, and practice more complex enchantments as well, such as channeling various elements, practice makes perfect. At the moment I can layer two spells on top of one another, though the charms on the handle and blade itself would be considered separate, being they focus on two different areas.

The push dagger I made for Hermione allowed me to work on basic Japanese alchemy by combining the two blades, merging and strengthening their soul. Though a side effect of this process is that the object being used to strengthen the alchemy focus breaks down into energy that has to be controlled by the alchemist.

This allowed the basic capabilities of the dagger to be strengthened, making it stronger, sharper, and the enchantments more potent. All in all, I found the result to be very satisfactory after making sure all the energy went into the dagger and it should make a great gift for Hermione. After I teach her how to use it, nothing too complicated for a push dagger, it should be able to keep her safe and hopefully, she finds it to be a beautiful blade as well. The last enchantment placed on it was the one I have on my own weapon, allowing it to become a ring and transform when she needs it, handle in hand.

With a small smile, I put it away to be packaged and wrapped later.

What I am working on with the kukri blades is to focus that energy on a single concept in the Japanese alchemical process, in this case, the spirit of sharpness. Placing the two blades within the Japanese alchemical circle, I push my magic into it and begin the process, keeping my image of sharpness in mind.

Yet even as I did my best to keep this concept in mind, to keep it focused, I could feel a good portion of the energy escaping to alchemical conversion. By the time the whole process was done, the blade was much sharper than it was originally, but I only used about 30% of the total energy. This means this would be a failure and I'll have to start the entire process over again because I didn't have a firm enough thought of sharpness in my mind. Thinking of mythical properties, scientific properties of sharpness such as an obsidian blade being 30 angstroms, and even science fiction properties of it being able to cut something like an atom.

All in all, I need to ensure I stay to a single focused concept when I try next time, so that I can make the best use of all the available energy. While I am pretty annoyed at the waste of work and materials, I can at least use this as a learning experience for now, and I might be able to gift the blade to someone else or sell it. I want to make sure that the blade is the best I can make it so that I have a great and useful gift for Sirius.

A wand and the use of magic can help with a lot of things; dealing with beasts of all kinds, changing the terrain, fighting any nefarious magicals, and even shielding against bullets and disabling guns if the situation calls for it. Yet if said animal or person closes the distance, unless you have a command of magic like Voldemort or Dumbledore where you can use raw power to push someone away, your wand isn't much help. So, something like a knife can save your life, something I'm sure many a pureblood witch caries on their person.

Regardless of that, I don't have time to start work on another set of blades right now, so I'll have to wait for when I have free time in the future to continue practicing and making Sirius gift. Now, now it's just me and a cooling down forge, idle time to kill before meeting with Madam Pomfrey for my first lesson with her.

I hate that.

When living with my grandfather I was almost always busy and even when not, the peacefulness of the forest helped soothe my mind, giving me a measure of peace. With Yumie resting and nothing to occupy my mind, that gripping hollowness creeps in like a grasping griping poison inside my heart. I would almost rather have Kreacher put up the portrait of Walburga Black from wherever he has it stored now.

Lonely when alone and not alone, the voices of self-recrimination and deprecation whispering in the voices of long-gone tormentors, but even still, the hollowness creeps in.

Am I a monster, despite my grandfather's words?

Why do I feel so alone at times, despite my godfather's company?

Am I doing enough to prepare against the oncoming storm that is Voldemort?

In these dragging and long hours of idle time, those vile and villainous voices whose cruel visage cut through my veneer of civility, to give voice to the veracity of my internal demons, awaiting the vindictiveness of fate, to vanquish or be vanquished. What do I do against the preordained and the weight of prophecy, to fight and rage against a storm in which I have no hold or tether in which to find purchase?

All I can do is make the best of the hand I have been dealt and thrive where others may falter and fail, bringing death and ruin to those who would harm me and mine.

As for fate? I suppose we'll see where it all ends when things are said and done.

Taking deep and calming breathing I slip into meditation, using my occlumency to help calm and center my mind, putting away these internal demons to be faced at another time. I have plans for my life and future, so I'll soldier on and make sure I make the best of this magical world, demons and all.

Spending the rest of the time in meditation I work on my occlumency and mind palace, strengthening my mind to help overcome the trials and tribulations ahead. After some time, my internal clock draws me out from within my mind and with another task at hand, I smile, looking forward to my healing lessons with Madam Pomfrey.

ΩΩΩ

Coming out of my forge room I see Sirius stepping away from the fireplace, a small smile worn on his face, though he pauses when he sees me, a slight blush suffusing his cheeks before he clears his throat, "how are you doing pup? Get whatever you were working on done and out of the way?"

"Partially, at least finishing up one of my projects, though the second one didn't work out as well as I wanted, so I have to start from scratch" I tell him with a small frown and a halfhearted glare to nowhere, still a bit aggravated. Though I pause suddenly as a scent registers to me in the room, and I take a deeper smell and I can't help but smirk at my godfather.

"So, how was your time with Ms. Amelia Bone?"

"Ahem, what are you talking about pup" he tries to deflect but I give him a dry look in return.

"Sirius, I can literally smell her scent in the air" giving him another dry and exasperated look.

"Bloody blood hound" he muttered and seemingly pouted as well, "she was just delivering the compensation the Ministry owed me for my time in Azkaban, so you might want to add another 10,000 galleons to the Black account pup" he once again deflected, though with a much better reason this time.

"Firstly" I gave him a piercing look, "that's great news and I'll be sure to add that to the accounts later, and secondly" I arched my brow at him, "I can once again smell the attraction in the air, those pheromones are coming from both sides by the way."

Giving him a softer look, "you don't have to put your life or relationships on hold for me Padfoot, I know you won't love me any less just because you decide to date or by the gods even marry one day".

With a huff he sprawls across one of the couches, "I know pup, its just, I want to make sure I'm there for you, especially after we missed so much time together" wearing a sad and reminiscing look on his face, his eyes staring far off into memory.

"And we'll still spend plenty of time together Padfoot, no matter if other people start filling your life as well, be that Amelia, Moony, or someone else. We're family and there's no changing that" I tell him with a smile, giving him a deep snuggling hug to help reinforce that point, getting a tight and warm hug in return.

"Thanks pup, and speaking of Moony, if you stop by on Monday you should finally people able to meet the not so infamous member of the Marauders. And that's another thing," he starts checking out his pockets before pulling out a palm-sized antique looking compact mirror, "this should help us communicate when you're not around, something me, your dad, and Moony made. A two-way communication mirror, just say my name and the one I have will vibrate, so we can talk" handing it over with a wide and mischievous smile.

"That's awesome Padfoot!" wearing a wide smile of my own, honestly very happy to have a way to keep in touch, and happy to have something I read about so long ago.

"Thank you, thank you very much!" he gayly espouses, giving a half-sitting bow with a happy laugh, showing some well-earned pride for something he created with his friends so long in the past.

Getting up myself I know I still have things to do before my meeting with Madam Pomfrey, "speaking of personal creations, I finally found a great, and more importantly, a legal blood binding spell for the storage rings in the Black library, so I need to pen a letter to my account manager to see if we can do some business. Then I'm back off to school, though I'll make sure to always keep the mirror on me, thank you Padfoot, it means a lot" I smile and give him another hug.

"Always pup, and I'm happy you like the mirror so much, now go do busy people work and I'll do more studying of my own. Maybe I'll look into getting a part-time job as well, keep busy myself and all of that" he mutters to himself.

"That sounds great Padfoot, now use in getting stuck in the Potter Manor all the time, even if it's better than Black Manor" I say with a smile and give him a last hug before heading my way into my office.

ΩΩΩ

Making my way to the Hospital Wing I could see Madam Pomfrey at her desk reading what looks to be some medical book about potions. I admit that I was rather excited for these healing lessons, one because it adds another skill to my repertoire, and two, even though I have an amazing healing ability myself, the skill could be incredibly useful for others, or myself if my healing was somehow ever suppressed in some way. How that would happen I have no idea, but magic and other various abilities that exist in the Marvel world are vast, so it's best to prepare for any eventuality.

I had already penned a letter to Raggok, my account manager, for a meeting later today, and ran into Hermione in the common room as well. I wanted to make sure she arrived a bit early for dinner to she could try some Japanese and Chinese style meat skewers with a few other sides. I also had Dobby talk to the other House Elves to share recipes and try out some of the meals he makes for me since I don't want to make it unfair to other students that I'm having different food.

I wouldn't be surprised that it's only allowed for me because Dumbledore doesn't want to rock the boat with our relationship much. Hopefully having the other House Elves try and spread out the food I'm eating among the other tables will help alleviate any animosity other students may have at that, slight though it may be.

Heading up to Madam Pomfrey she looks up from her book and I greet her with a small smile and a small bow to show my respect, "I hope you're doing well this morning Madam Pomfrey, and I would just like to say I really do appreciate you taking the time to teach me"

"You're welcome Ms. Potter, and as long as you continue to show that same amount of respect and enthusiasm for healing then I will be more than happy to teach you. This can be a dangerous field of work, more so, you have the responsibility of other's lives in your hands" her tone easily telling the severity of her words and the depth of her beliefs in how important healing is to her.

"Now," she said in a much lighter tone and giving a small smile of her own, "we won't be working on anything so severe so early in your education, or at all if you decide that learning deeper into this sort of magic isn't for you, but we will start with the basics first"

"Perfectly understandable Madam Pomfrey and that sounds great" my own expression was light, but my eyes sharp with understanding.

From there, the first thing she showed me how to do was cast a basic diagnostic charm that showed any glaring issues by highlighting the area on a patient in red, such as a leg, wrist, or chest. Being that she cast it on me I was able to feel the structure of the spell, and in all honesty, it was a rather simple spell as well. Something anyone would learn in the equivalent of a basic first aid course so that you know not to mess with the part in red.

After showing my proficiency in that was when we went into a more advanced diagnostic charm that focused on the damaged areas but correlated with your own medical knowledge as well. If you just had basic knowledge then the spell may show the person has a broken bone, but with more knowledge then you could tell that they have a transverse fracture or a comminuted fracture where the bone has been broken into two pieces or more. As well as what muscle damage there may be, damage to a vein or even worse if there is arterial damage.

All in all, this type of spell encourages Healers to keep up to date with their medical knowledge and expand it so that such a charm is more useful. This charm was pretty difficult to learn due to how it needs to be cast over a damaged area and controlled specifically to just that area, so you're not given a deluge of needless information.

I have very good control over my magic but controlling it within the magical dummy she provided proved a challenge due to some of the natural interference from the magic that the dummy had, and that a patient would have as well. I was able to get and control the spell by the end of our lesson, impressing Madam Pomfrey, but I'll have to get some basic to advanced biology books in the non-magical world as well. This way I'll be able to get the most out of this spell, and more biology knowledge never hurts.

About ten minutes before the lesson was set to end Hedwig came flying in with a response from my account manager, letting me know he could meet me at noon, a half-hour from now.

"Thank you, Hedwig" I sent her mentally while stroking her pure white plumage.

"Pay it no mind dear, I'm always happy to help, be it a letter or just company" she bumped her head against mine, sharing a brief moment of warmth between us before flying off once again.

"While I do not appreciate our lessons being interrupted, seeing the Gringotts symbol of the letter I will assume it's of some importance and of some official capacity" her eyebrow arched in my direction, but a smile played at her lips nonetheless.

"Sorry Madam Pomfrey, it's a letter from my account manager agreeing to a meeting a bit later today, do you mind if I leave a bit early?" looking at her with a sincere apologetic expression being that I really was enjoying the lesson.

"Perfectly understandable Ms. Potter and I am glad to see such mature management and hard work in someone your age, so we will meet at the same time next week" she responded succinctly but with warmth apparent in her eyes.

"Thank you! I do appreciate you taking the time to teach me" a wide smile spread across my face, happy that there wasn't any issue with me leaving a bit early.

Pulling out a small booklet from her apron she handed it to me with a more serious expression, "speaking of teaching, this is a basic healers handbook that I'm trusting you with and I don't want you working on any of the spells I don't tell you to. While no serious or permanent damage will be done, you could still hurt yourself or others if you try spells you're not ready for and that will be the end of your apprenticeship. Understood?"

"Completely," I tell her with a solemn nod of my own. I'll make sure to prove worthy of her trust and show my competency of the magic we go over so that we might be able to start learning at an accelerated pace as well if my talent and comprehension show I can do so safely.

"Very good Ms. Potter" a nod of recognition from her at my seriousness, "I want you to go over the spells Anapneo to help with anyone who may be chocking, Fascia to help bandage people if necessary, and Episkey so you can help with any small wounds or Merlin forbid, broken noses when quidditch starts up again" her exasperation at the sport being helpfully reinforced with a roll of her eyes.

I admit that made me a bit amused, but I would guess she gets plenty of work from the various teams and is helped along by the aggressiveness of the sport itself. Giving her my affirmation that I would work on the spells she pointed out and only those spells I left the Hospital Wing in a rather happy mood. Of course, this would be exactly the time that something, or someone, comes along to try and put a dampener on said happy mood.

Strutting along the hallway was Malfoy with his sycophants, his sense of self-importance worn about him like glass armor, and his followers, a brittle shield. Crabbe and Goyle doing their usual bodyguard routine next to the blond ponce, and Draco seemingly having roped in Pansy Parkinson into his circle of followers.

"Potter!" he spat out with a sneer, "I don't know how you got into the Slytherin dorms to try your pathetic intimidation tactic but when my father hears about this you be sorry!" anger suffusing his words, his borrowed bravery a house of cards, but his braggadocious confidence in his father holding the firm.

"Malfoy" boredom and my lack of care practically dripping from my words, "I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, and you have nothing to prove your accusation either. Unless you think I did something neither you nor any of your other blood supremacist friends can figure out" a deadpan and unconcerned look lazily spread across my face.

While his bodyguards looked confused, and Parkinson was glaring at me spitefully, Malfoys pale face turned crimson, probably due to a combination of embedment at knowing I was right, and anger for the same reason. "Screw you, Potter, I won't forget this, and I'll make sure a dirty half-blood like you learns not to mess with your betters" his face locked in a scowl as he tried to come up with something intimidating but coming across as juvenile. Not all too shocking being the eleven-year-old spoiled pureblood elitist that he is. His angry walk/stomp away from me with his circle of followers following his coattails certainly didn't add anything to his supposed gravitas.

"Lovely" I muttered out with a roll of my eyes, making my way back to my room so I can shadow travel unobserved to an open alley near Gringotts. I need to take some time to learn apparition from Sirius sometime to have a more legitimate form of instant travel available, so my shadow travel is a better-kept secret.

From what I remember Harry Potter managed the feat when he was a child after running away from Dudley and his gang, appearing on the school roof. So, if he can manage it as a child due to accidental magic, I certainly can do the same after having studied the magical form of travel, I just need to put some time aside to practice in the future.

With that thought in mind, I disappear from the middle of my room without a sound after changing into a black yukata, leaving behind a remnant of void-like black smoke.

ΩΩΩ

After appearing in an unobserved shadow, I made my way through the alley and to the goblin-run bank with time to spare, before having a teller send me to the back to my account manager's office. After being called in after knocking I saw that the office was still adorned with various weapons of excellent quality, and Raggok still sitting behind his opulent mahogany desk, his attention turning to me as I made my way in.

"So Ms. Potter, you wish to talk about a business opportunity with me? I hope you have something profitable to show because account manager or not, I don't appreciate my time being wasted on pointless frivolities" his tones serious and firm, but lacking any ridicule or condemnation, for the moment.

"Well Mr. Raggok, I feel that is definitely worth your time" pushing a newly made and enchanted silver ring across the desk.

With a raised eyebrow he picked up the ring "And what is this Ms. Potter? I can feel that there is an enchantment on this ring, one bonded rather well into it I might add, but not one I'm familiar with. There is no need to keep me in suspense, Ms. Potter, how might this make a profit?" he said with interest, though some impatience coloring his tone as well.

I looked at him in the eyes, sharpness to sharpness, a small smile forming on my lips, "what you have there Mr. Raggok is the first-ever storage ring, that one in particular holding about 100 square feet of stable space. One where you can deposit what you wish and summon said items with a thought, and when you push your magic into the ring."

With a slight widening of his eyes, he looked closer at the ring, his magic examining and interacting with it, "Truly? Well then, I dare say that you have something very profitable indeed on your hand. And if it is damaged?"

"I have a blood binding spell tied into the ring from the Black family library bound to the ring as well, it takes a drop of blood and will allow the owner to set a destination for the ring to be summoned to, either at his or her order or if the life of the ring's owner ends" I pointed out succinctly, showing that the rings wouldn't be easily stolen, if able to be stolen at all.

"If somehow the ring is sufficiently damaged or destroyed, then its contents will be released in the area around its destruction so that the stored items run no risk of being destroyed unless some added enchantment allows for that desire to be achieved" making sure to point out the benefit that you won't have to worry about lost items or galleons like you would with a mokeskin pouch.

You could add something like that to be sure if you were transporting something you truly didn't want others to know about, but the benefit of the ring, besides the ease of use and transportation, is its stable space. A bag could be expanded to do something similar, but a bag would still be an easier target than a ring. And there is the added benefit of being able to deposit or summon anything from the ring with a thought.

"Truly Ms. Potter you have come up with something innovative and valuable, but tell me, why have you come to me when you could very well market this on your own?" his fingers folded but having his full attention.

"It comes down to two things, time and quality" I pointed out as I leaned back into my chair, "I simply do not have the time to work on the enchanting myself so that I could run my own business. And if I hired others, I simply could not get the same quality of work as the goblins could provide consistently, in terms of ring making and enchantments" I told him honestly.

He looks at me with a sharp-toothed smile in return, "You make good points Ms. Potter. So then, my clan will provide the materials and work, while you provide the original enchantments and Black family blood protection spell, at say, a 70-30 split?" a greedy sheen shining from his eyes as he made such a proposition.

"Hahahaha, no. A 50-50 split" my tone sharp, a deadly firmness that brokered no retreat.

He scowled, a harsh brutal visage with his goblin features, "60-40" he spat out with hard eyes.

"50-50" I smiled back at him, a deadly and hungry smile that beguiled any warmth of the usual youthful innocence of my appearance.

With a guttural roar he pulled a blade from his side and slammed it into his desk, "60-40 witch! Careful, it is only your youth that protects you, account manager or no!" he leaned closer, a predatory grin cut upon his face, looking to intimidate me, certainly proving the goblins brutal reputations.

Slamming one of my hidden blades down in return I lean in closer, "bring it goblin!" a bloodthirsty grin stretched wide, Cheshire in its nature.

Raggok widened his eyes in surprise, most likely having expected me to crumble his intimidation after my refusal to budge like any normal witch or wizard. They are a warrior culture with many rebellions under their belt after all, no matter them taking up the role of bankers now.

Suddenly a battle-hungry smile appeared, "first blood to the blade, witch?"

"Haha! To submission, goblin"

"Very well, the terms are set" he said with a smile before suddenly lunging over his desk with his blade, and I kick back, my chair falling as I roll away from him two more knives drawn, leaving one in the desk.

He ran at me faster than one would expect, his knife in front of him held in a saber grip, reaching out with lighting quick slashes and stabs, my training and above human reflexes allowing me to dodge and weave like a ghost in our deadly dance.

"Haha! That's it! This is what I call fun!" I slash out with one of my knives held in a hammer grip, cutting his arm as my off-hand knife held in a reverse grip, blocks one of his slashes. And with a hiss he makes space, looking at his arm in surprise that I managed to get first blood, my age belying my training. Looking back at me, his expression becomes all the more focused, though a battle-hungry grin still worn nonetheless.

"You've been well-trained girl, you have my respect, lets's see what else you can do!" he laughed, lowering his stance as he prepared to charge back into our deadly dance of blades again.

"You have some lethal skill yourself Mr. Raggok" giving out a slightly maniacal laugh after that affirmation, "show me what more you can do then! Come on, lets spill some blood hahaha!" and I took the initiative, launching myself forward in a burst speed, thrusting out with my blade.

Surprisingly he catches my blade with his own and put me in a wrist lock that forces me to drop my blade, even as I stab out with my other knife after a quick flip, making him release me. He comes forward once more, adding in low kicks when he can, covering himself with fast and unpredictable slashes of his blade, showing off his decades of experience over me, no matter my training.

Plus, I don't often get the chance to let loose a bit, so why show everything right away?

As he lunges forward again for another stab I jump over him, slashing out with my knife, a slash that he barely blocks with his own, surprised at my show of acrobatics. Though his pause was momentary as he closes the distance between us as I land, giving me a deep cut to my side as he blocks my blade arm with his own after having come in close.

It wasn't a deep stab only because I managed to turn just in time, yet it heals in seconds, the healing hidden beneath my clothes.

"That's it! The clash of blades a symphony and the scent of blood a feast, what else do you have!" the blood lust and battle mania causing the adrenalin to sing a joyous song of blood and beaten flesh. The chain of that secret beast within slackened to enjoy this occasion but help firmly still.

I throw my knife at his chest before pulling two more from my set of six hidden blades, leaving just one more hidden blade to use. He easily bats the throwing knife aside, but it allowed me to get close enough to score another wound on his arm, this one deeper than the first before he makes to kick me away.

I jump over his leg, spinning as I do, and score another cut across his leg, though he slashes out with his blade as I land again, landing his own cut across my forearm, managing to leave a small cut across my metallic bones. Yet like the wound to my side, it quickly heals, leaving a bloody stain whose content is hidden by my black yukata.

Once more he comes closer but this time I take the chance to headbutt him in the face, breaking his nose against my much harder skull. With a groan, he stumbles back but his blade still up and at the ready, not for a moment truly dropping his guard, shaking his head to clear out any disorientation.

I don't let him rest though as I rush forward, putting his wrist in a joint lock that makes him drop his blade, though he quickly pulls out a smaller hidden blade of his own, reversing our earlier scene.

"Skilled, ruthless, and bloodthirsty, with seemingly little regard for any wound or pain you may suffer in return as long as you can score a mark of your own. Truly Ms. Potter, your quite the berserker aren't you" a wide and bloody smile showing his approval of his assessment.

"Haha, you got me Mr. Raggok, but we're all multifaceted, aren't we? I just have a bit more of a dichotomy than most, and I can't say either side of me doesn't love a good fight" a wide smile of my own giving truth to my proclamation, eyes predatorily locked onto the goblin in front of me.

"How true Ms. Potter, how true indeed" he lets out a wet chuckle, the scent of both our blood permeating throughout the air.

"Feel free to call me Elizabeth Mr. Raggok"

He nods with a smile, "And the same to you, call me Raggok"

As we both look at each other, a pause lasts between us, a moment holding its breath, before we both launch forward again at some unvoiced agreement. Though this time as he stabs forward, I let the blade sink in into my gut, causing him to freeze in shock at the unexpected move, and I give a manic smile as I place the edge of my knife to his throat, above his dancing jugular.

"Submit?"

He looks down at the blade, still shocked at my brash action, even as he feels my blood across his hand, but even still he knows I have him dead to rights, my blade being much more lethal than his would be.

Closing his eyes for a moment he lets out a long, slow breath, "I surrender".

And thus closes negotiations, a 50-50 deal the final verdict.

ΩΩΩ

Raggok soon calmed down once he saw how fast I healed, which undoubtedly surprised him, but he soon refocused on the business at hand, activating some enchantments in his office that repaired everything and vanished the remnants of both our blood. Even the blood staining my yukata, which I was happy about, hitting it with a repair charm soon after, leaving it good as new. I also collected my knives strewn throughout the room.

After we both retook our seats, I shot Raggok a deadpan look, "you know, as fun and as exhilarating as that fight was, I doubt it was all that legal right?"

Leaning back into his chair he let out a slight groan and chuckle, though also a slight look of envy at how perfectly fine I was, "you would in fact be correct about that Elizabeth, and while many a witch or wizard would back down at my little intimidation tactic, a few would stand firm, earning a small margin of my or any goblins respect, and some form of compromise"

Grabbing his nose, he pushed it back into place with another wince but let out another chuckle when looking back at me, "I don't think I have ever come across any witch or wizard that would be willing to go blade to blade with a goblin, much less someone of your age. Even Godric Gryffindor had to use magic in tandem with his sword fighting, though I doubt he was so blessed with your particular healing ability" giving me a rather dry look.

"Yet you're continuous challenging of me, and even gleeful acceptance of a fight pushed even me passed a point that was probably wise. Yet still, you surprised me, where I at the start was willing to go easy, making sure I stayed in control so as to not hurt you, you met me blade for blade, wound for wound, and eventually earned my submission. You pushed me to the edge of my skill and earned the full measure of my respect and the respect of every other goblin" an honest look worn on his face as he gave me his assessment.

"So while I most definitely pushed passed the bounds of legality among the wizards, you met me as a warrior, and I have no fear you are one to go cry to the Ministry like many a weak witch or wizard. And even if beyond all reason you were, both of us have things we would rather the Ministry not know that was revealed here."

With a giggle on my part, I have an agreeing nod.

"Though that astonishing healing ability of yours is truly an incredible advantage in any fight" giving me yet another dry look, even if a certain amount of amusement could also be seen. "And truly, Godric Gryffindor would and even goblin kings would look enviously at such an ability, the Hogwarts founder certainly never had a skill of such usefulness."

Giving a mischievous smile and shrug I just said "you never know" with a slight look.

Giving me an exasperated look in return he rolled his eyes at me, "I'm positive the ability to heal from wounds in seconds would have been recorded in our history, even if it may have been forgotten in wizarding history. Though I do have to give you my congratulation Elizabeth."

"Oh, and why is that?" giving him an inquiring look, a single eyebrow arched.

"One-on-one combat is the requirement for a goblin's adult ceremony when he or she meets the approval of their goblin instructor and opponent. Actually winning said fight almost guarantees said ascension into adulthood, unless cheating is to be discovered, then a severe punishment is delivered. While it may have no effect among the wizarding world, it will earn you the respect among the goblins, even if the specifics of said fight will remain between us" an almost kind looking smile forming on his face.

Feeling a bit shocked momentarily at the knowledge I nodded, but quickly coming back to myself I met his eyes with sincerity on my part, "Thank you".

"You certainly earned it" he said, before his smile turn into a smirk, his eyes holding a bit of schadenfreude, "you have also earned another title, besides being the girl who lived, given by me, Berserker, a title many a goblin never live to reach or live long enough to keep."

With a groan I leaned back, exasperated at gaining another title, though at least this one was better earned, and only known among the goblins, for now at least.

After a much more energetic laugh at my expense, we both got to work at outlining the space ring contract. On Raggoks suggestion, we had four tiers of rings; a wallet-level ring that held a 1-foot by 1-foot amount of space, enough for your money and some shopping at 3 sickles and is a simple silver ring, a personalized ring with a 25 by 25 foot worth of space for a galleon, and a Lord or Lady's ring, those hold a seat on The Wizengamot, that was 5 galleons and held a 50 by 50 foot worth of space and could be enchanted with other protection and become a portkey.

The last addition to the lineup was a merchant's space ring that could be simple or ostentatious that held up to 100sq feet or up to 200sq feet, with the possibility of other protections added as well. While non-merchants could certainly order such a ring or such a space added to a Lord or Lady's ring, it was to be marketed to those who may need and make the best use of such a spatial ring.

Marketing would begin in Britain, and after popularity grew, outlets of sale would open in America, Japan, China, and finally Eastern European magical communities. Considering its usefulness and potential popularity, as well as the international sales, the sales should bring thousands upon thousands of galleons at the earliest stages alone.

Though of my 50% of the profits, I set aside 5% to go to help fund the DMLE, under the control of Amelia Bones, since she's trustworthy and as a nice bit of happy news for her since she's dating my godfather. Though mostly because she's trustworthy and having a competent and well-trained elite police force is a must. Another 5% will go to an education fund for orphans and the disenfranchised children coming to Hogwarts to help them with supplies, those like the Weasley family included, put under the management of Raggok or someone he trusts.

Lastly, 30% will go into my trust vault and 10% into the Potter vault until such a time that I am considered of age and both vaults are merged.

After going through everything, Raggok wrote up a magically binding contract that also included the silence of both our parts of today's events and of which, I through read over three times. While some loopholes may exist, there was nothing obvious or seemingly small that stood out to me after reading it over, something which Raggok seemed to approve of. With a smile, both of us signed with a blood quill, whose use is meant exclusively for such contracts, and it was stored in my vault.

With the incredible efficiency of goblins, the sale of these rings should begin within two weeks, and I even set a personal special order for three to be delivered on Christmas. Sirius already has his made by me, the blood binding added later, but I had three rings set to order and delivered in beautiful wood boxes, each holding 50sq feet worth of space.

All three were silver rings, one with a beautifully carved cat head with high-quality green jade for the eyes for Professor McGonagall, one that had another intricately carved raven head with sapphire eyes, and one that had an owls head with two small diamonds for eyes that might be expensive but is easily affordable for me.

I would make my own at a later date.

With a smile and sigh of relief, my work and trip at Gringotts finally came to an end.

ΩΩΩ

Stepping out onto the busy street of Diagon Alley with the white marble bank and its guards behind me, I give myself a stretch before casting the tempus charm. Seeing that I have quite a few hours before my dinner meet-up with Hermione, and I've already finished up my various written assignments for my classes, I think I have some time to kill.

After making my way to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and grabbing a small serving of chocolate ice cream, I send my mind into a nearby shadow as I sit at one of the tables. A very specific target comes to mind, and I looking through the shadows of the Ministry, I find a certain pink toad within her office working at her desk.

Dolores Umbridge most definitely takes after her book counterpart rather than Imelda Staunton, the actress who played her in the films. Heavy, squat, and of a decidedly toad-ish appearance, she also looks as if she practically baths with the grease of British cooking, a cloying stench of fat, sweat, and cheap perfume almost permeating through the shadows to choke the back of my throat with a nauseating inducing gag reflex.

Yet seeing as I found my target, I practice what any successful predator must have, patience, and I while awhile my time either snacking on small snacks or reading, ever watching from the shadows. Though I have to chuckle at the slight humor of that phrasing as it glosses through my mind, true as it might be, still nonetheless a bit pretentious.

Am I becoming a bit dramatic? Maybe just a bit, but what's life without a bit of drama now and again?

Thinking about that, I use the small amount of conjuration I have been working on and create a lower face oni mask, dark crimson, and black teeth, though it takes me a few minutes to get right, even with my wand. After getting it right, I put it away with a smile for later, it should last the day at least.

After killing an hour, she seems to be finally finishing up her various tasks, cleaning up her office with a wave of her wand and making her way to her personal floo. Making sure I don't lose her to whatever security measures she may have, I tie my mind to her shadow, following her through the fire attacked to the shadows within her clothes.

After familiarizing myself with her home I let a smile appear, more than happy to have found her den, and now able to get there whenever I please. Time to start the hunt.

Leaving my seat I make my way to an empty alley, deep enough in shadow that no one can see me as I disappear, finding my way into the home of one Dolores Umbridge in her home office. Seeing that she is working on something with a rather sickly smile, I peek from behind her, seeing her catalog of various pieces of blackmail of people. Everything from taken and given bribes, to various compromising pictures of people.

At least she's consistent with her character, though I do have to hand it to her that blackmail can certainly be a useful tool when used correctly. Though sadly it seems focused on half-bloods and muggle-borns from what I can see, furthering her pureblood agenda undoubtedly.

Nothing particularly useful to me at least. Though after finding nothing useful, I take the next few moments to don my new oni mask, having a bit of fun with the whole setup.

Seeing that she's occupied, I cast an anti-disapparation Jinx and anti-portkey charm after shadow summoning Voldemort's wand, neither being particularly difficult just rather a niche bit of knowledge that isn't useful for many, so most never bother to learn them. I mean, Voldemort's Death Eaters are routinely shown to be rather incompetent bar a few exceptions, and they were known to cast such spells themselves around homes they attacked.

Happy that I've cornered my oblivious prey I put out all the lamps in the room with a snap of my fingers, a fun but minor bit of wandless magic to be sure. Though the sudden snap and darkness earns me a scream from the Pink Toad, causing a wide schadenfreude smile to form.

Giggling and using my knowledge of musical magic, I let it echo throughout the room as I shadow travel to the front of her desk, just as she finally grabs her want to relight the room, seeing me at the front, clad in black and donning a demonic-looking mask.

The terrified scream that follows brings a shiver of pleasure up my spine, her face wrought into a visage of shock, horror, and disbelief. When she finally remembers that she has a wand, and is this armed, she raises it quickly, the hand that holds it shaking and already reeking of fear and sweat. Yet before she can even think to mutter or cast a spell, I launch a wandless expelliarmus at her, catching the resulting flying wand with ease, breaking it, much to her horror.

"W- who are you?" her voice wet with saliva and raspy with fear, eyes shining in the relit room.

Staying silent I simply stare at her, letting the silence spread between us like a cancer, gnawing at her already frayed nerves.

After seemingly taking some courage from my silence, she puffs herself up like the overblows toad she is, "Who are you?! I demand you answer me!"

Yet still, I stare, silence laying bare the growing tensions, her anger and fear hand in hand, a smile, wide and hungry worn beneath the mask.

"You will answer me! Or I shall have you thrown in the deepest cells in Azkaban!" she screeched out, but as she did, I tapped Voldemort's wand on her desk a few times, holding it as if it were a conductor's baton, and began to hum the opening notes of Lacrimosa from Mozart's Requiem, rising with a slight crescendo.

"I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and you shall cease that this instant!" she screamed out in a panicked tone, lacking any way to defend herself.

I simply chucked at her, another echoing sound, and launched a dark cutting curse at her from the Black family library, causing a slightly deep cut, but being incredibly painful all the while. And oh how she screamed a lovely scream, prey finally learning that it's cornered and trying to run to her floo. I simply launched her back with a telekinetic shove, not even bothering with a wave of my hand, sending her stumbling back into the wall behind her desk.

With her in pain and cornered, I started to sing a lovely song:

La-cri-mosa di-es illa

With a scream, she got up and tried to run toward me, fear overtaking her mind, but she let out a much more pain-filled scream soon after when a throwing knife impaled her hand on the wall …

Qua re-sur-get ex fa-vil-la

Waving Voldemort's wand as if conducting an orchestra, I close my eyes to internally listen to the rise and fall of the music, the sorrowful textures creating a beautiful tapestry, offhandedly sending another blade with eyes still closed at the pink toad's other hand, her outcry conjoining with the strings of the orchestra …

Ju-di-can-dus ho-mo re-us

Qua re-sur-get ex fa-vi-lla

Ju-di-can-dus ho-mo reus

I send dark cutting curse after dark cutting curse at Umbridge to the tempo of the song and watch as her will is quickly broken, my voice ringing out throughout the room. And after changing a few of her desk items into glass vials and locking the transfiguration, I delve into the shadows of her mind …

Hu-ic er-go par-ce, Deus

Pi-e Je-su Do-mine,

I pull out memory after memory from her mind, every time she blackmailed those she hates, every time she made up reasons to fire them, and every time she killed them and non-magicals in the last war under the guise of Death Eaters being blamed. Each and every memory was stored away in glass vials, but my rage was kindled at what else I found, how she caught and tortured muggleborns and what she considered half-breed children, kept hidden in her basement.

Having finished the reprise of the song by now, I figured it was time to bring things to an end, reach the climax to the end of a monster in the guise of a human form. Resonating my voice to sound like more than one is singing, I telekinetically pull my knives from her hand, getting a weak and painfilled moan in response. Magically slamming her down to her desk, I keep her there with a sticking charm …

Dona eis requiem

As her blood stains the floor, her glowing memories lighting up the desk, though lacking any from Fudge at the moment since I have my own plans for him, I send a rather brutal curse I learned from the Black library at her, the bloody eagle. It is with one last agonizing cry that a woman who hurt so many dies, her ribs busting from her back, a macabre parody of the named bird, made famous by pillaging Vikings …

A-men

And thus ends the requiem for Dolores Jane Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, and someone whose foul appearance could never hope to imitate the true vileness within. Now I had two girls so save that have truly suffered at her hands, making sure to empty her vault with 5000 galleons into my pouch that will go to both of them, some small form of recompense from a dead woman.

ΩΩΩ

After making my way through the hidden trapdoor in the pink toad's bedroom, I raised the lights within the chamber, coming across two terrified and shivering girls, looking to be about fifteen years of age. Twins going from the memories of Umbridge, but having been horribly mistreated, with various wounds strewn across both their bodies, shaking from the torture occurs, and one even missing an eye.

Truly, the woman was far more monstrous than I could have ever imagined and received an end far too quick, but these girls need to come first. It is almost darkly ironic that she considered them beasts for the simple fact of them being born werewolves, yet they have far more humanity than Umbridge did.

Kneeling in front of them I showed a kind smile, "she's gone now, you don't have to worry about her" hoping they could see the compassion I tried to convey through my eyes.

The one with the missing I was the first to look at me, but her twin was the first to speak, "she's gone?"

"She is" I told them both, using my wand to quickly transfigure away their chains, turning the shackles into iron sand, the most expedient transformation I could think of offhandedly.

Rather than respond, both simply hugged each other tightly, crying into each other's embrace when the realization that they were finally free hit them. My heart broke into a thousand pieces seeing the pain displayed in front of me, and my hate for those who would so happily cause such misery grew, anger at the inaction of those who preach about acceptance but let evil grow and prosper through their inaction.

Shadow summoning two vials of cherry blossom tea have on hand in case of emergency, I approached them slowly, doing my best so as to not startle them considering everything they have already been through.

"Here, these will help with both your wounds" both vials held in front of me, keeping a relaxed posture so it doesn't look like I will try and attack. Yet even still both looked at me in suspicion, though I could hardly blame them, so I took a sip from both vials to show they held no ill effect. After seeing that I was fine each of them took one of the now opened vials, downing them in a single go.

Happily, the effects started to show almost immediately, the wounds on their body fading away at a rapid pace, their complexion reaching healthy levels once again, and even the missing I from one of the twins regrowing. And while this certainly isn't a time for experimentation, that tidbit of knowledge should certainly be useful in the future, at least in regard to knowing the limits of the cherry blossom tea.

"Thank you! Thank you so much" both of them cried out, their expressions showing the extent of their joy and relief, most especially that they will not be forever marred and handicapped due to the vitriolic hatred of their jailer and torturer.

"I'm just glad that I could help you both, I'm Elizabeth, what about you two?"

After my question, both became slightly more subdued, seemingly much more cautious with a hint of fear in their demeanor.

"Ashina"

"Daciana"

Thinking about why they would become conscious of me once again, I came to my own conclusion there, "I already know that both of you are werewolves" and they both tense up, "but that means absolutely nothing to me, the content of your character means much more to me than the fact that you're werewolves" showing them both a kind smile, and being completely honest in my assertion.

Both appeared much more relieved after what I told them but still held some nervousness in their dispositions, causing me to send a questioning look their way.

"It's just" Ashina started to mumble out when Daciana took over the conversation and blurted out "our last name is Greyback" in a panicked tone.

I couldn't help but raise my eyes at that revelation considering the notoriety of their father, but I quickly returned to my kind smile toward them "just as I won't blame you for being a werewolf, I certainly won't blame you for who and what your father has done, neither of you are him and so you are not responsible for his crimes."

After hearing that both of them seem to completely relax, sinking into each other's embrace once again, happy that they are once again safe and healthy, while not having to worry about facing any persecution from me.

"Do either of you have anywhere to go, probably not back to your father I would assume, but what about your mother?"

"She was someone from his pack, but she died trying to challenge him" Daciana shared with a solemn look.

"She fought for us, wanting us to have a better life" Ashina added, eyes moistening at the memory and pain from her loss, her sister holding a more stoic expression.

Seeing that neither had anywhere to go, and not really liking the thought that either one or both could end up back in the hands of their father, I came to a decision, not wanting them to perish after I just finished saving them.

"Dobby"

With a slight pop, Dobby appeared wearing his suit, standing in a formal Butler's stance with heels together, and giving an English-style bow, one hand in front and the other behind him, "Yes Mistress?"

"Can you prepare one of the guest rooms in Potter Manor with a queen-sized bed? And let serious know that we are to have a couple of guests, and he can come to me if he has any questions or complaints" Making sure to give Dobby a kind smile to help counterbalance my serious tone.

Giving a smile of his own he gives me and the other girls another bow, "Yes Mistress."

Turning my attention back to the twins, I shared a bit of an awkward smile with them "so, how about it? I know I might have already set things in motion, but do you too want to stay with me? The place is incredibly safe, you will always be fed, can Start learning from the library, and it's just me and my godfather so far, though a friend of his may join our little family as well" looking at them with an expectant look after finishing my explanation.

Understandably both looked immensely shocked at first, but both shared a wide smile with each other before looking back to me, rushing forward to give me a tight hug from both of them.

"Yes! Thank you so much for this and for saving our lives" they said in tandem, both of their eyes wet and shining with emotion.

Soon after I took both of them through the shadows back to my home, showing them to the room that Dobby prepared, having some beautiful furnishing, an empty bookcase, two desks, and an incredibly comfortable queen-sized bed. Both of which they were happy to share with each other so they could take comfort in each other's presence, something I took notice of earlier on.

Even though he was rather surprised, after explaining the situation and what they both went through, Sirius was fine with them staying in our home. Having gone through his own unjust suffering as well he was able to both sympathize and empathize with a bit of what they have gone through.

This was also another opportunity for him to stay busy during his free time, planning to act as a tutor to both of them in various subjects, more so after we get them their own wands, the wards hiding any magical use from the Ministry. It is also still early in his relationship with Amelia, and she has her own busy work schedule as well, freeing up plenty of time to help our new occupants.

After situating them both in their room and Sirius Going off to his own room as well, I saw that I still had some time before meeting up with Hermione. Heading to the music room, I sat at the piano to once again bring some music throughout my home, hoping that the peaceful pieces may alleviate the heavy hearts everyone within the home seems to bear.

First, I started off with Liszt's Consolation No. 3, the peaceful accompaniment of the bass clef beautifully supporting the rising and falling melody of the treble clef, the piece lulling its way through the house. My magic intermixed into the music to help bring some peace to those who hear it, a slight empathetic form of magic intertwined with the music. I played for their heavy hearts, our hidden scars, and concealed sorrows, to bring some measure of peace to us all.

From there was Chopin's Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor to sing throughout the halls, sorrowful and beautiful melodies ringing out, then was the solemn music of Yann Tiersen, the piece Comptine d'un autre été (Amélie) allowing for personal contemplation and reminiscence.

Finally, I ended with Liszt's Liebestraum No.3, a piece of almost quiet hope and incredibly emotive, and I hope I could impart a small measure of peace to those in my home. The same small measure of peace and solace that music offers me, a small piece of freedom through the language of colors and emotions.

Finishing off the piece in a rolled chord of four notes, both ending in a fifth, I let out a peaceful sigh and saw it was time for dinner with Hermione. I think I'll just have Dobby set us up in my room, it should be a great way to end a long day, with a friend.

Wow, this was a long chapter for me! I know there was a lot here, and there wasn't as much plot progression as I wanted, but I think there were a few fun things. Busy, yes, but I at least managed to check two more things off from my outline, and still on the first page at that! Considering I have 15 pages in total for the Hogwarts arc, there is still a lot to cover, and this story will be much bigger than I ever thought it would be at the start.

I hope those that are still here are enjoying the ride, and I hope any issues with the story will be fixed in the future as I grow as a writer as well. I should have left a note earlier before posting this, but for those who didn't see it since it should be gone by the time this is posted, the earlier chapters went through some editing.

Yeah, I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do when I started this story, and this is my first time really writing something creative at any real length outside of a few pages in a creative writing class in college. I found my groove a bit and finally made an outline that helped even more, but with that, I started writing longer chapters.

Seeing this, I went back to my previous chapters and combined some of the earlier chapters so the overall length of all of them were fairly consistent. I proofread them and used Grammarly, so hopefully there is some improvement in that regard, though I doubt I caught everything. I also wrote a whole lot of notes as I reread what I wrote, making a few corrections and additions here and there to help with consistency a bit.

There was nothing added that changed the story in any massive way, it's still early in the story so that wasn't a big problem, but a few changes such as silver being a great conductor for electricity rather than gold and her use of chi and magic at the same time was altered just a bit.

Long story short, I did a lot of editing that you can go over if you want, but don't need to, finally finished another chapter after finally managing to focus on writing and not reading and/or watching videos, and there is a lot more to come. I truly hope you have some patience with me oh great readers, I will finish this arc come hell or high water, and then start the outline for the next arc! Though that may be in another story since this one is turning out so long, so, like book 2, in the far future.

Lastly, I wanted to mention this in it's own section in the story but it really ended at a good place, so here it is in the author's notes (sorry not sorry about the length, skip if you want):

Dinner Menu

- Sticky Rice

- Pickled Vegetables

- Pickled Ginger

- Tempura

- Yakitori (Japanese Chicken Skewer): Mune (chicken breast), Tsukune (chicken meatball), Reba (liver), Tebamoto (chicken wing shoulder), Bonjiri (chicken tail), Kanmuri (chicken comb), Seseri (chicken neck), and Kawa (chicken skin). Cooked over charcoal

- Yakitori Tare

- Chuan (Chinese Meat Skewer)(Jiayuguan Grilled Lamb): Fried is Suet and tossed is Chinese spices: Marrow, Kidney, Tribe, Skin, Lean Meat, Lamb Chops, and Intestine

- Coffee Jelly and Whipped Cream

Song: Lacrimosa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from Mozart's Requiem

Performance I watched: W.A. MOZART - Lacrimosa | Andra Ariadna & Ghost Stories Incorporated (YouTube)