Flipping through a textbook on wand-making, only to be met with terminology and explanations on its intricacies that don't make any sense to me. Things such as wood richness having special effects on the wand being made, various runes that seem to be used in them, and descriptions of various wand cores that have been used over the years.
"The creation of wands spans back several centuries, when the Angles and Saxons first made their way into the British Isles. They brought with them, of course, their knowledge of wand-making. The perfect fusion of wood from a tree saturated in magical energy, and a piece of a magical creature, working in tandem to realize their wielders wishes." Lockhart is explaining as the three of us go through the various books and supplies left at this workstation.
Shutting the book I was going through and setting it back onto the bookshelf, before looking through another part of the area. Half listening to the explanation Lockhart is giving.
"I'm well aware Gilderoy, as well as the fact that the secrets of wand-making have been segregated from common wizard society and are now exclusively knowledge of wand makers alone." Quirrell says with an annoyed tinge to his voice, the two of them talking about the history of wands.
I then open a drawer on one of the desks and find multiple stacks of parchment sitting inside. Pulling them out, I undo the bindings and look over the heading of them, only to be surprised to see what they're about.
Wand Record No.18
Owner: Ruby Reynolds: Hufflepuff: Sixth Year
Wand Length: 7 Inches
Wand Wood: Cherry Wood
Wand Core: Thestral Hair
Findings: Cherry Wood Wands have been found to possess a form of remarkable power, particularly in the realm of Dueling. Spells have been shown to be increased by a significant magnitude whenever I practice Dueling with the other students in the school. I've also found that I've been able to learn a variety of other spells with a certain ease that I didn't have before, requires more testing for certifiable marks.
The Thestral Hair Wand Core on the other hand, seems to have made spells of the Dark variety more potent, as well as giving all spells a boost to their destructive capabilities. The benefit seems to not be as much as the Wand Wood though, will need to test whether this is an issue with the hair acquired or some other variable.
Wand Record No. 13
Owner: Susie Cawthorn: Slytherin: Fifth Year
Wand Length: 10 1/2 Inches
Wand Wood: Willow Wood
Wand Core: Sphinx Hair
Findings: The Willow Wood used in this wand seems to have increased my ability to utilize Healing spells by a noticeable amount. I had accidentally cut my arm while working on Wand No.28 and when I used this wand to cast Vulnera Sanenture, it mended my arm much faster and more thoroughly then any other time I had used it before. Will be testing this further in the future.
The Wand Core was of a much more unusual breed this time around, in this case a Sphinx Hair. I dread to think of how the person that initially made this wand was able to do so, but I digress. When testing the wand I've found that those with this form of Core seem to have better forms of Transfiguration when used for that purpose. Initial hypothesis is that this is due to the Sphinx being the result of ancient Egyptian Wizards experimenting in Transfiguration to create the Sphinx in the first place. More research required.
Wand Record No. 27
Owner: Michael Dollen: Ravenclaw: Sixth Year
Wand Length: 6 3/4 Inches
Wand Wood: Laurel Wood
Wand Core: Phoenix Feather
Findings: Unable to properly test this wand due to it not recognizing me as its wielder. Hypothesized to be due to the qualities of the Laurel Wood, as other Phoenix Feather Core wands have also been able to be wielded by me.
More tests will be done once this limitation has been overcome.
Wand Record No. 35
Owner: Yuri Haxlin: Hufflepuff: Seventh Year
Wand Length: 7 Inches
Wand Wood: Elm Wood
Wand Core: Unicorn Hair
Findings: Elm Wood wands have shown a slight increase in Charms spell work, alongside an even more minor ability to at least slightly cast other forms of magic. Conclusion so far is that Elm Wood is a subpar wood for wands.
The Unicorn Hair on the other hand has shown to form a sort of symbiotic bond to the Elm Wood, compounding the effect to otherwise never before seen ability. I'd almost venture to say that it outperforms almost any other wand I've tested so far, but I'd rather not make such a claim at this time.
Further experimentation is required.
Wand Record No. 39
Owner: Unknown
Wand Length: 6 1/2 Inches
Wand Wood: Vine Wood
Wand Core: Veela Hair
Findings: It seems wands made of Vine Wood have a natural inclination towards Elemental Magics, such as the spells Incendio and Aguamendi. This was noticed when experimenting with the wand and happening upon even the slightest of intentions causing large scale instances of the spells.
The Veela Hair Wand Core on the other hand, has shown a separate form of enhancement, particularly in the form of vastly increased Charms affinity, and a noticeable improvement in forming my Occlumency barriers. Will need to find a test subject to try my Legillimency on as well soon.
Dang... Teddy really went all in on testing and figuring out how these wands worked. I wonder how this led to him making that Chimera Wand I found.
"Hey Professor." I call out behind me, where Quirrell and Lockhart are still talking and searching on their own. "I think I've found something important."
At my words they both make their way over to me, one on either side as I lay the parchments out on the desk, so both of them can look them over. Quirrell picking up one of them and looking it over, while Lockhart merely glances down and skims another.
"Fascinating." Lockhart mutters. "I take it this Teddy person was looking into wand lore in order to assist his superiors in whatever goal they have." He says, reading over different reports on the wands.
"Not just that. Here." Quirrell interrupts, placing the parchment he was looking over back onto the desk. "It seems he wasn't just researching the effects of individual wands, but also in how to make them himself."
At that I take a look at the parchment he had placed back down.
Wand Creation Record No.3
Wand Length: 9 Inches
Wand Wood: Acacia Wood
Wand Core: Acromantula Fang
Findings: Another failure. The Acromantula Fang was to potent for the Acacia Wood to contain long enough for the magic within them to properly join. Will need to find a way to lower its potency for future wands.
Yikes. He went and got ahold of one of the Acromantulas out there in the forest just to test making a wand.
Lockhart's face tightens at this knowledge, grasping ahold of his chin in thought.
"This isn't good Quirrell." He begins saying. "The knowledge on wand-making isn't to be known to those not apprenticed to another wand maker. If some seventh year has somehow gotten ahold of this knowledge, and is using it to assist in some organization that we don't know. Well, I don't want to wait and find out what it is they're looking to do with this knowledge and power." Lockhart frowns as he finishes speaking, before grabbing ahold of another parchment that seems to have caught his eye.
"I'm well aware Gilderoy. If word got out that a seventh year was stealing and experimenting with the wands of others, and possibly attempting to create his own, then the Ministry would have to get even more involved. And once that happens... its only a matter of time before the Wand Maker's Guild finds out as well." Quirrell sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose at this.
I turn and question him at that, unsure of what the Wand Maker's Guild is.
"The Wand Maker's Guild? Sir?" I question, having never heard of such a thing before.
Quirrell turns to me and answers in turn. "The Wand Maker's Guild, Miss Freaner, is the premier organization when it comes to wand-making. They are comprised of almost every well known wand maker throughout the Wizarding World and hold a very large amount of control in each country, particularly those with Wizarding Schools such as ours." He explains to me, an annoyed inflection coming into his voice as he continues. "And they're well known for causing massive problems for the various Ministries of the world whenever something gets them in a tizzy, which this information would certainly do." A sigh escaping his lips as he maneuvers through the various parchments on the desk.
"But why would they do that? Wouldn't it be better for them to cooperate with the Ministries? Or come to a more amicable agreement with them if something like this comes up?" I ask, not understanding what the issue this Guild would have with things.
At my words, Lockhart lets out a small bark of laughter. "My word Quirrell~ I see that you haven't taught your apprentice much of how the greater Wizarding World acts. You should definitely address that before she does something to get her in a lot of trouble." He remarks with a chuckle.
At this remark, I feel a spark of annoyance inside me. Not liking the patronizing way of speaking about me and almost saying something, when Quirrell interrupts instead.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't patronize my apprentice Gilderoy." His voice quiet and chilling, my Magic Sensing going buzzing wildly as I feel his magic come to bare. "I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I'm having to teach and train her to be stronger while simultaneously making sure Dumbledore doesn't notice anything suspicious. It'd do well for you to remember that before one of us does something we'd regret." He finishes saying, his face calmly staring at Lockhart as his magic bares down around us.
Gulping at this display of power coming from Quirrell, I barely manage to take a look at Lockhart, wondering how he well he'd be handling it.
Much to my surprise, Lockhart just stands there. A smirk upon his face as he brings his own magic to bare against Quirrell's as well.
Both of them clashing together for what feels like an eternity, before just as suddenly, the two sides of magic dissipate. The weight of both disappearing from my body and letting me breathe more easily.
"My apologies Quirrell~" Lockhart speaks up. "I had forgotten just how difficult maneuvering around the castle must be with Dumbledore around. I'll be sure to choose my words more carefully so as not to enrage you." He replies, waving his arm towards me in response. "But to answer your question dear Miss Fraener, the Wand Maker's Guild is a very... sensitive... organization. The very idea that someone, let alone a seventh year student, would be able to reverse engineer the craft of wand-making would send ripples through their ranks. Masters would stop all production to learn how their knowledge was uncovered, apprentices would seek different avenues of teaching, and the various Ministries would likely stop working with them and focus instead on forming their own wand makers themselves."
At everything being said, I merely nod, my thoughts racing at the implications being brought up here.
Who or what could Teddy have been working for?
"Lets continue looking around." Quirrell speaks up. "I want to be sure we've gathered as much information as possible before we make our way out of here and report to Dumbledore." He says stepping away with a swish of his cloak.
And with that, we continue looking around the area. Inspecting various drawers and cabinets. Quirrell and Lockhart each casting various forms of diagnostic spells on anything suspicious looking they can find.
As this is all going on, I wander off slightly from the two of them, figuring I'd see what I can find a little ways away.
Making my way over to a misshapen wardrobe kinda standing out amongst the rest of the junk, I raise my arm to open it, when I hear the loud crash of one of the junk piles falling over further away. The noise shocking me and causing me to jerk the wardrobe's door open, making the clothes within to fall out and onto me.
"Pwah! God dang it!" I exclaim, fighting my way out of the clothes. Brushing myself off once I do so and glaring at them, an insignia on their breast pocket alongside a roll of parchment catching my eye.
"What the..." I trail off as I lean down and uncover the symbol, straightening the robe its stitched onto so I can get a better look at it.
It seems like a depiction of the Sun with a large spike coming out the top of it. The Sun itself being colored an orangish-red, with the large spike colored black.
Moving that robe off to the side, I grab another and examine it, and finding another different but similar symbol on it. This time it has the same Sun, but instead of a black spike coming out the top, it has a Crescent Moon along the bottom of the inside part of it.
"Well these can't be good." I mutter to myself, looking over the two different robes with their symbols and trying to figure what these could be about.
"I wonder if Structural Analysis can tell me anything?" Placing my hand against the first robe, I activate the spell, feeling my magic take hold and begin bringing up information.
[Teddy Taylor's Umbral Star Betelgeuse Robe]
[The robe given to Teddy Taylor upon his 15th birthday, where he was granted admittance into the Umbral Star]
[All Stats increased by 5% when worn by Teddy Taylor]
[Elemental Resistances increased by 5% when worn by Teddy Taylor]
[Can only be worn by Teddy Taylor]
The... Umbral Star? The hell is that? The name of the conspiracy?
And what are these enchantments? Stat buffs and increased resistances? As well as a restriction to the wearer? Someone really has power and money for this stuff.
Grabbing ahold of the second robe, I repeat the process. Structurally Grasping it to see what it could give me.
[Teddy Taylor's Umbral Star Arcturus Robe]
[The robe granted to Teddy Taylor upon his 17th birthday, where he was given the mission to craft a successful Chimera Wand for his sponsor]
[All Stats increased by 20% when worn by Teddy Taylor]
[Elemental Resistances increased by 20% when worn by Teddy Taylor]
[Lowers probability of spell backfire by 15% when worn by Teddy Taylor]
[Can only be worn by Teddy Taylor]
Not as much as I was hoping for, but the implications of this information is staggering.
Even more increased Stats, better Resistances, and an additional enchantment on top of that. I suppose as you move up in this Umbral Star, that they grant better quality robes and enchantments. Makes sense, wouldn't want to risk someone leaving the organization and having overpowered enchantments available.
Checking out the parchment that fell out alongside it, I'm immediately aware of what its referring to.
Wand Creation Record No.10
Wand Length: 10 Inches
Wand Wood: Alder Wood & Cherry Wood
Wand Core: Thestral Hair & Hippogriff Feather
Findings: I've done it! Finally, after almost a year of research and experimentation, I've finally made the Chimera Wand I was assigned to make.
Unfortunately, its not a perfect success just yet. I believe I made an error in the formation of the wands as they were twisted around each other. I'll have to see if my Master would be willing to allow me to attempt a second one even despite the repercussions of doing so.
I can only hope that this one is enough to please her.
"So he entered the group at 15 and was then given a mission at 17 to create the Chimera Wand that I found for whoever is sponsoring him." Running through this information quickly as I gather up the robes and tie them together using my Thread Creation and Thread Control.
"Lets get these back to Quirrell and Lockhart so they can take a look at them as well." Hurrying back towards where the two of them were checking things over.
Rounding the corner where they are, I'm met by the sight of the two of them looking alert and worried.
"Did, uh, something happen Professor?" I ask upon approaching them, noticing Lockhart off to the side waving his wand, various almost clear spells flowing out of it.
Quirrell glances at me for a moment, before moving on to keeping an eye around the area. "Rin, keep your eyes peeled and all of your Skills prepped and ready to go. We're being watched." He says in a low voice, his wand grasped tightly in his hand as he watches around the area.
Hearing his words sends a chill down my spine, unsure of who, or what could be watching us. Let alone how they could be doing so right now with us holed up in here.
"What do we do Professor?" I ask slowly, my own eyes watching around me, while simultaneously I push my Magic Sensing and Barbatos' Vision outwards as far as I can, checking for anyone possible close enough to be watching us. Stowing the robes and parchment I found into my Inventory for safe-keeping for the moment.
Quirrell speaks again, his words grave and tinged with a slight worry. "Just be prepared to fight and run if anything happens. Gilderoy is checking what he can around us to see if he can find how they're observing us right now, but if they're capable of doing this in the first place then I doubt anything will be found. Better then nothing though I suppose." He mutters at the end.
[Quest Alert]
[Quest: You are being watched by those hiding in the darkness of the stars. Escape their sight before being killed/captured]
[Secret Objective: ?]
[Quest Reward: 100,000 EXP, 10 Affection with ?]
[Secret Reward: ?]
[Accept/Decline]
[Quest automatically accepted]
Eh?
Whiiiish!!
Quirrell's hand snaps off to the side, his wand at the ready and forming a barrier between where we're standing and a large torrent of flame.
"Ahhh!" I yelp, falling backwards and scrambling back a bit, only to hear Quirrell speak up.
"Rin! Get up and get ready!" His wand snapping again to the other side, a rope coming from the tip of his wand and wrapping around a nearby table. Toppling the table over and swinging it over to where we are, allowing it to serve as a rudimentary wall.
"Haha~!" I hear Lockhart whooping from where he is. "They certainly don't like us now do they Quirrell?! Why, its been a few years since I've seen spells as strong as these come barreling towards me~!" He says excitedly, a bright smile upon his face as he blasts away some unknown red wave of magic with his own.
"Rin!" Quirrell grabs my shoulder and shakes me back to where we're huddled behind the table. The heat of the fire spell that it was blocking earlier making it incredibly warm to be close to. "Get your head out of the clouds and get ready!" He snaps at me, before once again waving his wand upwards and shouting. "Bombarda!"
The blast wave roaring out from his wand and making my ears ring from the change in air pressure caused by it.
Swallowing nervously, I try and steel myself, taking a deep breathe before snapping out with my own spells.
'Thread Creation!' I think intensely, forming the five different threads I'm currently able to form, cloth, web, wood, stone, and iron. Each one going its separate way along the ground, guided by my Thread Control Skill and 136 Dexterity Stat.
As I work to keep the focus needed for controlling each of these, I also begin setting up different forms of Magic Arrows with Alarm at multiple different time limits. Spinning Magic Arrows, Fire Magic Arrows, and Water Magic Arrows, all slowly moving around me, having chosen these as the best qualities to make it past the fire and neutral spells that are coming at us.
Using Barbatos' Vision to get an eye on what direction the exit back into Hogwarts is, I time my movements. Waiting with bated breathe for the small interval of time between the spells being launched at us from all sides.
"Now!" I shout to myself, rushing off into the direction of the doorway.
"Rin!?" I hear Quirrell shout from behind me as I run off, his voice surprisingly worried.
Fwooosh!
The oncoming fire spell roaring its way towards me, the heat incredible even with it being a decent distance away and only getting hotter.
With a twitch of my fingers I call the various threads back to me, each one tethered in some way to another object in the area. The web thread pulling a string of items with it, each one being thrown in the way of the flames.
The stone and iron threads had instead sewn themselves together into a tightly netted mesh, which then forms a wall against the flames as well.
The cloth and wood thread threads meanwhile, having been wrapping themselves around the wrist of both Quirrell and Lockhart and gently tugging them along the path I'm running through. Thankfully it seems they're willing to trust what I'm doing as I can feel them moving along the same path.
As this is all happening, my various Magic Arrows have been launched away. Each of them having just enough power to knock away anything blocking the path, such as the junk piles knocked over once all the spells started attacking us.
I hear footsteps quickly forming behind me, before they reach up to my side. "Rin! What are you doing?!" Quirrell admonishes from next to me, with Lockhart trailing further behind.
"Just trust me Professor!" I holler back to him. "Just keep us safe please!"
As we make our way towards the doorway, the various spells intensity ramping up rapidly. Blasts of fire, waves of neutral magic, and what seems like animated items from where we were coming from.
The door coming closer as we run, I reach out towards Quirrell and Lockhart by suddenly pulling in my threads, yanking both of them close enough for me to place a hand on and yelling out. "Teleport!"
Bzzzt!!
"Awww!" "Arggh!" "Oof!" The three of us exclaim, tumbling wildly over each other in front of the doorway.
Thankfully, Lockhart and Quirrell are much quicker at straightening themselves out. "Bombarda!" "Reducto!" They each shout, blasts of raw power bursting from their wands and knocking everything else away, freeing us for a moment.
"Rin! Get through the door!" Quirrell shouts at me, turning alongside Lockhart and urging me backwards. "Quickly!"
I reach out for the door and fumble with the handle, desperately trying to turn it and push the door open.
But nothing happens.
"What?" The words escape my lips without me realizing it. My hands fumbling with the door handle more, shaking it as I push and pull in the hopes of it swinging open.
"No, no, no, no!" Pulling my wand from my robes and angling it at the lock of the door. "Alohomora!" I cry out in desperation.
The door handle jiggles violently at my spell hitting it, before a small latching sound can be heard from inside it.
Grasping the handle once again, I manage to swing the door open and shout for Quirrell and Lockhart to come along. "Professor! The door's open!" I yell out, turning my head just in time to see them both hustling towards the door themselves.
"Get out of here Rin!" Quirrell urges, his hand on mg shoulder as he pushes me through the doorway, followed by himself and then Lockhart, the door slamming shut behind us.
All of the various spells from before can be heard crashing into the door on the other side, but thankfully it seems Hogwarts doors are made of sturdy stuff.
[Quest completed!]
[Quest Reward:100,000 EXP, 10 Affection with ?]
[Secret Objective: Figure out how they were watching you] [Failed]
[Secret Reward: Greater chance of being recruited by those hiding in the darkness of the stars]
[Level Up! x7]
[35 Stat Points Gained]
[21 Level Points Gained]
[10 Affection gained with ?]
'Oh gosh, that was crazy hectic.' I think to myself, slumping against the wall, watching Quirrell and Lockhart gather their breathe from the unexpected overexertion we all had to endure.
"Quirrell..." Lockhart starts. "That was exciting... wasn't it?" A grin plastered on his face as he lets out a laugh.
His laughter becoming contagious, a light chuckle escaping my own lips. Quirrell sighing off to the side.
I wonder where things are gonna go from here.
[Rin Fraener the Gamer]
[Title: Quirrell's Apprentice]
[Level: 162]
[Gender: Female]
[HP: 2964 Base: 2000]
[SP: 1920 Base: 1000]
[MP: 8488 Base: 4000]
[Str: 126(141)]
[End: 123(143)]
[Dex: 126(136)]
[Int: 561(581)]
[Wis: 400(425)]
[Luc: 38]
[Cha: 221]
[Cur: 5]
[Ski: 5]
[Cou: 5]
[Pol: 5]
[Wil: 5]
[Stat Points: 35]
[Level Points: 62]
[Perks: 36]
[Flaws: 3]
Greetings and salutations everyone~
I absolutely loved this chapter~ between the wand lore, the news of the Umbral Star, and the hopefully good to read action. It was all just a lot of fun to write, hopefully the same for you all as well~
Speaking of the action, how was it for you all to read? Bit of a spoiler, but action scenes will be somewhat important as things go on so if theres anything you think would be better let me know!
On another note, let me know what your thoughts are on this Umbral Star organization. Could be neat to see what kind of ideas you all have for it.
Thoughts, comments, concerns? Send a pm or post a review~
Eagles, rabbits, and hot sauce. You figure it out~