I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Extended Family
Chapter 99 – Mastery
Takes place shortly after Feathered Family
"You look nervous. Why are you nervous?"
McGonagall glared at a smirking Marchbanks. "You know full well why I am nervous."
"It's not like you're the one performing the Mastery Demonstration."
"No, but he is my apprentice and I am nervous for him," McGonagall sniffed.
"Worried that he will not pass?"
"Bite your tongue! I have complete and utter faith in him." She sighed. "It is a rather nerve-wracking experience however."
Marchbanks snorted. "To put it lightly. You shouldn't be worried or nervous. I've read every report on him these years and read every paper you and he penned and released. He is more than capable."
McGonagall smiled. "He has worked very hard all these years."
"If any other did what he has, they would have easily been a Confirmed Master a long time ago." Marchbanks snickered. "Poor lad. Kept working by a draconian Mistress and pushed to the limits of a program and beyond."
"I will not be shamed for having high standards," McGonagall sniffed. "He clearly is talented enough to become an Accomplished Master. He has managed to work to the point of demonstration and qualification while having a family and a successful Quidditch career."
"I'm still amused that you made him a Junior Master so long ago and without his knowledge," Marchbanks laughed.
"It was rather funny," McGonagall laughed. She looked at the program paper and blanched a little. "Still, when I did my Demonstration, my panel was nowhere near as intimidating."
"I was surprised too when I was asked by them to join the panel," Marchbanks said seriously. "Harry's work has spanned the globe and caught the eye of other Masters and Mistresses."
"Those that specialize in our branch of magic have always been interested in each other," McGonagall said softly.
"He already had people interested in him after his O.W.L.s." Marchbanks smiled fondly. "And you had strong feelings in regard to that. Did anyone ever take you up on the duel offer?"
"None," McGonagall said smugly.
Marchbanks patted her shoulder. "I should give you a break. You're just being a McGonaMum after all."
McGonagall hissed as Marchbanks laughed. "Watch yourself Gilly."
"Unlike the vast majority of people in the world, you don't scare me," she snorted.
-0-
"You look nervous." Daphne smiled encouragingly. "I personally do not think you have any reason to be."
Harry fiddled with his tie. "I'm super nervous actually."
"You've worked so hard and know your material though," Hermione said.
"But I have to prove it in front of other Accomplished Masters and Mistresses."
"Professor McGonagall is an Accomplished Mistress," Daphne said.
"And I want to make sure that I uphold her reputation. I'm demonstrating all I've learned from her. I'd feel horrid if I failed and showed that she failed in teaching me."
"Aww, so you're more nervous about failing her than yourself?" Katie beamed and kissed him. "That's so sweet and so you. Also let me fix your tie, you've messed it all up."
Harry grinned. "Thanks. But yeah, I mean, her reputation is on the line too."
"Not saying you will, but what happens if you don't succeed in your demonstration?" Hermione asked.
"I can take it again," Harry said. "It's actually not as big of a deal to fail it. Since it's voted via panel if you succeed and there've been plenty of instances of people failing for petty or political reasons, retaking it isn't such a negative thing. It's more about bragging rights if you can succeed without failing."
"I assume Professor McGonagall did not fail hers?" Daphne snorted softly at Harry's look. "A silly question, of course she did not."
"What do you have to do?" Hermione asked.
"Answer questions about theory and some history things," Harry said. "Then give a practical demonstration."
"Are there specific things you have to do and show?"
"That's the hard part about the Accomplished Mastery Demonstration," Harry sighed. "Not really. I have to show my skills without a strict guideline and it has to be complicated enough as well as skilled enough to prove my mastery."
"Sounds horrid," Daphne shuddered. "At least for Potions, there are specific levels of potions I have to craft and brew. There is little need for spontaneity for demonstrations, aside from choosing certain potions of course."
"You're Certified, right?" Katie asked.
Daphne nodded. "Yes. Mistress Castor works with us and helps us with each step as we reach each milestone. There are plenty that choose not to progress."
"There's junior, then master, then certified, then accredited, then accomplished?" Hermione asked. "I really want to work for one now."
"It is quite rewarding," Daphne said. "I do not know if I wish to become accomplished, but we will see."
"You'll be fine Harry," Katie said soothingly. "You're awesome at spellwork and you know your stuff. You've taught a lot and I have faith in you and so does everyone."
He smiled weakly. "Thanks. I mean, I know I can do it, but it's going to be really rough. Madam Marchbanks gave me a warning about the panel."
"Does she think that they will not pass you for nefarious reasons?" Daphne frowned.
"Oh no, not that. It's just every single magical on the panel is Accomplished."
"Really? There's that many Accomplished Masters in the UK?" Hermione gasped.
"There isn't," Harry groaned. "Master Zhu is from China, Mistress Graves is from the States, Master Okoye is from Africa, and Mistress Chevalier is from France."
"You are being judged by international Accomplished magicals?!" Daphne asked, voice rising.
"And they came specifically to watch me demonstrate," Harry sighed. "Once they heard that I was ready to do it, they petitioned to be a part of the panel. McGonaMum is on the panel but can't judge because she's my Mistress."
"You'll be fine," Katie repeated soothingly. "You got this. A bunch of us will be watching and providing emotional and inspirational support and we already got things set up for a giant congratulations party once you succeed."
"And if the worst comes to worst, it will be easy enough to make it a condolence party." Daphne wilted at the looks from Hermione and Katie. "I was trying to make a joke to ease the tension. Clearly Tracy has become a terrible influence on me."
Harry laughed. "That actually made me feel a little better. Thank you."
-0-
"How is he?" Andromeda asked.
"Nervous but okay otherwise," Katie said as she sat down. The Demonstration was being held in the Ministry, specifically the Education branch of the building. The auditorium resembled a large lecture hall of sorts. A long desk sat against the wall, where the panel would be. The floor was broad and expansive for the demonstrator to showcase their abilities. Tiered seats rose and faced the floor, places for observers to sit and watch.
Harry's friends and family, the ones that were able to come, were there to show their support. Other apprentices and masters of Transfiguration were there to watch as well.
"Do a lot of people come to these things?" Tracy asked, looking around. "It looks like a lot of people are here."
"Accomplished Demonstrations are more rare," Alicia said. "So those in the branch and field tend to attend when they can. The ones demonstrating are typically quite skilled and many can learn from it. Either in preparation for their own attempts or to see what has been discovered."
"Transfiguration is one of the more difficult branches too," Samantha said.
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Sirius said. "He's played in front of thousands and thousands of people before and has taught a bunch of classes by this point."
"The energy in here is a bit different though," Andromeda mused. "I agree, he will be fine, but I do not envy the pressure he is feeling."
"Daphne didn't help things any," Hermione said severely.
"What did you do?!" Dahlia asked indignantly, she and Hadley and Hailey glaring at Daphne.
"I made a joke that was admittedly possibly in poor taste," Daphne said, face bright red. "I said the congratulations party could become a condolence party."
"Hey that sounds like a joke I'd make!" Tracy yelped. "Hey! She made the joke, not me!" She tried to pinch the bunnies back.
Samantha chuckled. "He probably found it funny."
"He did, thankfully," Katie smiled.
"May we join you?"
"Of course," Andromeda said with a raised eyebrow. "I had no idea you all would be coming."
Dumbledore smiled as he sat and Flitwick, Sprout, Pomfrey, Babbling, and Snape sat around the small group. "I had planned to attend from when I first heard of the Demonstration. I taught Transfiguration myself as you know and still keep up with journals and papers. Not to mention hearing Minerva gush about Harry all these years. And his students of course."
"It's always good to support fellow academics and their mastery pursuits," Flitwick said.
"Hagrid wanted to come but then he had a bit of an emergency in the Forest to handle. Not to mention he doesn't love the seats here." Sprout smiled. "Too uncomfortable. He sends his wishes however."
"Besides, it is generally good form for Heads and for instructors to attend practical applications," Pomfrey said with a broad smile.
"Practical application?" Alicia looked thoughtful before she started snickering. "As in, applying for a position at Hogwarts?"
"Minnie insists that we can use this as one," Pomfrey snickered too.
"I'm taking it seriously," Dumbledore said with a solemn look.
"Does he know?" Katie snorted. "Of course not. He'd be even more of a mess if he did."
-0-
"Please explain your reasoning," Zhu said, leaning forward in his chair. "You do not find apparition to be akin to a swapping or switching spell?"
"No, Master," Harry said. "The amount of magic required is very different when you compare them."
"Which is fair," Graves said, "but then you have to consider the difference in the amount of magic when you swap certain things. You expend more magic to swap places between an apple and a dresser than an apple and an orange."
"Yes, Mistress. However, there is still an inherent difference between swapping two objects or replacing part of one object with another and apparating. True, if you switch an arm of a person and a branch of a tree, you'd be expending a lot of magic and it might be possible that it will be more than apparating five feet or so, the initial cost of the magic is still higher for apparating."
"Are you one that thinks apparition to be a complicated form of vanishing and reappearing?" Okoye asked.
"No, Master, for vanishing is to completely erase an object into nonbeing. When you recreate something after vanishing, they are inherently unique." Harry had his hands clasped behind his back or else he would be rubbing his neck. "I find apparition to be a form of conjuration."
"Conjuration? But conjuring is similar to vanishing," Zhu said. "You are creating something from nothing using magic. In fact, a lot of conjuration is not permanent."
"A lot is, however, if you expend the necessary magic," Harry replied. "If you intend for the parchment you conjured to remain, then it will. Elements, such as fire which is the most common thing to conjure, is inherently less stable and more volatile which makes permanent flames a bit trickier, which is why we consider Gubraithian Fire to be so special and that is more stable because it is more enchantment."
He coughed a little. "However, say you conjure a flame and keep it lit with fuel. It remains as long as it has a source to maintain itself."
Chevalier hummed. "You raise a good point. But when a magical conjures something, they are bringing it to themselves. How do you explain you arriving somewhere else via apparition when you are not there to conjure yourself there?"
Harry smiled. "Reverse conjuration."
Murmurs filled the auditorium and the panel sat back and blinked.
"Would not that be considering vanishing to a degree?" Chevalier asked.
"I suppose, in the sense that banishing is reversed summoning," Harry said and chuckles could be heard. "Conjuration is a form of manifestation. You are manifesting your body somewhere else and since we are taught that determination, destination, and deliberation as the primary tenets of apparition, you can say that you are determining your magic to a destination and deliberately making it happen. When you conjure something into being, you are doing the same. You want the specific object to appear where you want it and are making it so."
"Care to explain conjuredema then?" Graves asked with a sly smile.
Harry laughed. "That is your subconsciousness body deliberately conjuring something for reasons it only knows." His words made the panel and the majority of the watchers laugh too.
-0-
"I am so lost," Tracy said.
"Me too," Angelina muttered. "But it sounds impressive and it looks like the panel is listening to him. Is he doing well?"
"He is doing splendidly," Flitwick smiled. "And I must say, I never quite thought of apparition like that. It has merit."
"It is certainly thought provoking," Sprout said. "Look at everyone paying attention and debating amongst themselves. Plenty of Mastery Demonstrations have audiences that are more or less like classes at Hogwarts."
"Where the occupants are mentally checked out," Snape said dryly and the others laughed.
"Oh I think it is time for the practical portion of the Demonstration," Dumbledore said.
"I cannot wait and see what Harry does," Andromeda said excitedly.
-0-
"Well Mister Potter, you clearly know theory and are knowledgeable. Your depth of knowledge is impressive." Graves smiled. "Now, time to see if you can impress us with your spellcraft."
"No pressure," Harry said with a weak smile, eliciting chuckles and laughter.
"None from us surely," Okoye said kindly. "I cannot say for the rest however," gesturing at the watchers.
Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had been thinking about what to do for weeks now. As soon as the date for the Demonstration had been finalized, he racked his brain for something that would showcase his skills and his abilities. The nebulous parameters for the practical portion had been incredibly irritating to account for.
McGonagall could not tell him what to do or offer too much in that regard. She did tell him what she had done for hers. She had created an obstacle course for herself and then assumed her animagus form and completed it. Then she did it again while changing the course again and again. Even then it had caused a bit of a division in her panel with some not finding it 'impressive' enough.
One thing had stuck to Harry however. McGonagall had told him to be proud of his achievements and that many drew from the experiences to do their spellwork. She also kindly told him to remember his roots and that everyone was a student in the beginning.
He opened his eyes. He knew what to do.
He drew a symbol with his wand and an immense tree appeared before him. It rose to the ceiling of the auditorium and the branches were filled with leaves. People exclaimed at seeing the tree suddenly appear. It grew larger as it appeared, flourishing in height and width and depth. When it stopped growing, Harry did an intricate wand motion and the tree shifted. The material undulated and from the roots to the top, the wood turned into small thin sticks in the shape of matches.
"Lignum ad metallum." Another wand wave and the matchstick tree changed again. Again, from the roots up, the little sticks shivered and became metal. A gentle tinkling of metal rubbing against metal filled the air and after a short time, the tree of matchsticks became shining silver, glinting in the lamplight.
"Oh, our first transfiguration lesson," Hermione breathed.
"Beautiful," Samantha whispered.
At his wand touch, the tree fell apart. This time, from the top to the bottom, the metal needles fell like rain. The sound of falling metal on stone sounded musical, gentle noises that sounded like the percussive beats of a xylophone. The needles flowed over the stone in a shimmering tide and soon Harry was surrounded by them.
He incanted softly, murmuring the words under his breath. He started moving his wand in distinct motions, like a painter with their brush. He flicked and drew, gestured all about. His eyes narrowed in concentration and the ocean of silver needles shivered under his magic. They began to change in pieces and sections, shifting slowly. Some started to come together, changing in shape and texture. Others melted against each other, coiling and changing bit by bit.
A large part of the eastern side became water and it started to ebb and flow in a self-contained sea. Others gathered, turning brown and green, metal to soil and grass. Small needles stood up and gathered together, becoming wood once more. The northern parts grew and grew, making a tiny but expansive forest. Harry continued to whisper and needles gathered in the middle, turning grey and transforming into stone. The stones piled upon themselves, as if being built by invisible hands. Walls formed, windows appeared, spires and towers growing taller and taller.
"Oh!" Luna gasped, drawing everyone's attention.
"What is it?!" Sirius asked excitedly. "You know what it is?!"
Luna nodded, her hair flying and tears growing in her eyes. "Oh we are so very familiar with it," she breathed.
"Surely not…" Pomfrey held a hand to her mouth.
"It's Hogwarts," Katie whispered.
Everyone watched amazed as the school came into being. The walls grew up and out, the stones shifting to fit into space. The towers rose higher and higher, taking familiar shape. The waves of the miniature Black Lake lapped against familiar grounds and the miniature Forbidden Forest creaked and moved under unseen wind.
"There's our tree!" Alicia squealed, pointing at a tiny willow at the Lake's edge.
"I can see my office window," Flitwick gasped.
"Oh my greenhouses," Sprout gushed.
"Look at the pitch!" Angelina exclaimed.
Harry flicked his wand and tiny needles flew into the windows and became dancing flames, flicking candlelight as seen in the distance. Another flick and a handful of needles became a bronze bell, tolling gently inside the castle proper. With a smile, he waved his wand and a tiny owlery appeared on the rooftop, complete with a small metallic owl that was white. When the last tower finished growing, the astronomy tower that rose the highest, small flags appeared on flagpoles and he took a step back. Finished.
Applause rained down from the watchers and the panel looked at the miniature castle with interest and admiration. McGonagall did not hide her emotions and she dabbed her eyes on a handkerchief at the display of craftsmanship and magic.
"Peripetasmata immortalia!" Harry made his most complicated wand motion yet and the entire diorama glowed with brilliant light. More than a few made noises of dismay, seeing the display disappear. When the light faded however, everyone made noises of shock and wonder seeing a large tapestry on the ground where the display was. The details of the Lake and the Forest and the castle were woven and embroidered onto the fabric.
With another gesture, the tapestry flew around the room and everyone cheered seeing it come close to them, letting them see the details for fleeting moments. With a final graceful move, the tapestry flew onto the table in front of the panel, lying flat and open.
"Incredible," Zhu said as he touched the tapestry. "This is exquisite magic."
"You truly love your school," Okoye said with a large smile.
"It was the first place I felt safe," Harry said firmly. "Where I met my family, my real family. I'll always love it and the people there. They mean everything to me."
"You must be proud of your apprentice," Chevalier said to a beaming weeping McGonagall.
"More than anyone knows," she said huskily.
Zhu, Graves, Okoye, and Chevalier shared a look that was brief and meaningful.
"Accredited Master Potter," Zhu said. "We came today to watch you, to listen, to judge. I find you knowledgeable."
"I find you talented," Graves said.
"I find you passionate," Okoye said.
"I find you dedicated," Chevalier said.
"Harry James Potter, we find you worthy of the title. Accomplished Master Potter, we thank you for your time and demonstration." The four of them rose and started applauding and the rest of the auditorium exploded in cheers.
-0-
Despite it being the summer, the great hall was full of laughter and chatter. A large banner floated over all saying, "Congratulations Accomplished Master Potter!". The tables were covered in food and drink and the atmosphere was bright and festive, full of good cheer. The tapestry that Harry created hung from the wall and people kept walking up to it to inspect it closely.
"I was right, that is my office window," Flitwick said with the biggest smile. "Simply incredible. The attention to detail is exquisite."
"I can't believe you put in our tree and hiding spot," Alicia said happily, hugging Harry.
"I made sure to include my favorite places," he grinned.
"Of course the pitch is perfect," Sprout smiled.
"It really is," Oliver said. "I bet if we measure it and compare it to the real thing, the proportions would be perfect."
Marchbanks shook her head in wonder. "I knew it. When I did your practical examinations, your O.W.L. year, I knew you would go on to do even more impressive things. I had no idea this impressive."
"Where are you going to hang it up after this?" Sirius asked.
"It is going into my office," McGonagall said stoutly.
"I still can't believe that you conjured a tree, turned it into metal, then turned metal into stone and water and wood and fire, then made it all into a permanent tapestry." Tracy shook her head with wonder. "And I was there!"
"What are you going to do now that you're an Accomplished Master?" Samantha asked.
"Take a break for a while." Everyone laughed at his words. "Find a nice frame to hang my certificate on the wall. After that, I'm sure McGonaMum will find something for me to do."
She snorted while the laughter continued. "There are still plenty of projects that you and I can accomplish together. I will not let you become lax in your skills after working so hard to obtain the title."
"Figured as much," he sighed with mock sadness. He looked at his certificate. "I've spent so many years working for it. It almost doesn't feel real."
"You have worked incredibly hard and I am so proud of you," she said softly, hugging him hard.
"You worked really hard too," he said, hugging her back. "Teaching me isn't easy."
"No, but it is worthwhile," she smiled.
Katie winked at her. "So, how did Harry do on his application?" she asked Dumbledore.
"My what now?"
"Passed with flying colors," Dumbledore said sincerely. "As if there was any question as to how much Master Potter loves Hogwarts." He looked at the tapestry and sighed happily. "If you ever want a permanent position here, you have more than earned it and it will be waiting for you."
"When," McGonagall corrected.
"When," Dumbledore repeated, chuckling.
"It's nice having job security," Harry deadpanned to more laughter. He smiled. "Thank you. I have been thinking about it more. One day."
"I am holding you to that," McGonagall beamed.
-0-0-0-
Ghostwriter - It's good for Ted, Harry, and Dora at least.
jouve25 - Thank you. I wanted to do a duel chapter, haven't had one in a while, and it sort of grew from there. Glad you liked it.
Syltphademus - I'm glad to help brighten your day. I'm still plugging away so it'll be awhile before this story is considered finished. As long as people find it interesting and like it, I'll keep writing.
odonnellzoo99 - I really wanted to do a fight scene and wanted to show how Harry has changed since his last duel. It made sense to have him focus on transfiguration and to show off his increasing skill at it. And of course, it's always nice to see Andromeda put the fear of magic into people. And the other impetus for this chapter was showing Ted off some. Sure, he may be considered less scary than Andromeda normally but it takes a brave man to court Andromeda in the first place so of course he is formidable in his own way.
poka - That was a big inspiration for the chapter. I wanted to let Ted shine some and show his skills and his character. He has to be a talented man too. And I like the idea that he still loves Andromeda deeply. Nott will probably finally learn after this, and after what Sirius will do to them.
Ivan Ong - All the chapters are built on each other and continue on, taking everything in.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Happy Birthday, hope you had a nice day. I know you like Andromeda so I figured you would enjoy it.
alix33 - Andromeda radiates style.
