Deathly Fate

Chapter 8 – Their Magic

"One day at a time"

"Wingardium Leviosa" Harry intoned in the training room at Potter Manor.

A drop of water levitated from a glass on the table in front of him and suspended seven feet in air.

This was what Harry had done for much of the last four mornings at Potter Manor. He had spent his time in the training room improving his control on magic and understanding it with Ignotus' guidance.

He continued to suspend the drop of water. This exercise was proving to be much more tiering than he had believed in past. His wand arm was sore. The first he had tried it, the one hour required to maintain the control had been much painful. Now after 4 days of practice it was getting a bit easier. He was more accustomed to his magic. He could feel it being channelled through his wand to the droplet holding it in place.

Something that had caught his attention while doing this was if he put out only the bare minimum amount of magic to levitate and hold the droplet, the droplet would be perfectly stable in the place, and he did not get exhausted too quickly. The attempts to force more than required magic on the droplets had led it being burst and if not, him exhausting much more quickly. He had come to more realization when he practised speel later those days. If he put in just the precise amount of magic in the spell, it would work as intended almost perfectly. Here he realized just how wrong he was when casting magic at school. He would always put in more than required magic through his wand to make casting easier, this would not only tire him out much easily but also wated his energy. Hence now on he started using just the necessary amount of magic required when casting spells and the effects were much noticeable. His casting was better, more fluid and more in sync with his magic, it's as if the spells sung to him. Also, he could cast more magic and got less exhausted at the end of the day. Sure, it was extremely difficult to learn at first, he had to get rid of his old habits of forcing more than required magic when casting spells. But once he had got hang of it, it just got better. He had also read about it in the Potter Grimoire and found that using your energy wisely and proportionately while casting played a crucial role in you being able to stay your ground, be it in battles or in duels.

In the time he was not working with Ignotus he was working on learning magic from the Potter library. He also spent a considerable time reading his school material for the upcoming year and ahead. He was getting good at most of what was taught in fourth year.

Now it was over three hours of him levitating the droplet. Knowing it was more than enough for now and with a bit of exhaustion sinking in he slowly let the droplet back in the glass and wrote in the book informing Ignotus of his recent work.

'You are doing great Harry, your control over your magic has got better and as you tell me it is also helping you in casting other spells. For today this is enough, you must be exhausted. Now I want you to take some rest in the afternoon. In the evening I will start teaching you about magic.' Ignotus replied.

Thanking Ignotus, Harry closed the book and headed to the kitchen to eat something before taking some rest.

[Break]

A teary-eyed Sirius Black was sitting at the Lord's table in the Grimmauld Place.

Hedwig had just delivered a letter to him from Harry.

It was almost 5 days back that he had wrote to his godson, and finally hearing form him had overwhelmed him with emotions. It had taken some time for Hedwig to find him under the wards of the house of Blacks, but the bird was smart and had finally tracked him down. Perhaps it was the close bond she shared with Harry that made it possible for Hedwig to find him.

The letter itself had filled him with warmth. He was relieved to know that the boy was in good health and had seeming forgiven him and told him not to worry about the past. How Harry had so easily accepted him, he knew not but was overjoyed at it. But there was something in the letter that bothered him.

What bought the most excitement and filled him to the brim with happiness was that Harry was ready and eager to meet him.

"I see the boy has replied and by the stupid grin plastered on your face, I must deduce he has agreed to meet you. But the look in your eyes tells me there is something more to it." The voice of Arcturus fille the room.

Sirius looked dup to his grandfather's portrait. The man had taught him a lot in these past days and continued to train him. He was happy to have his help. They had formed a sort of bittersweet relationship that included trading sarcastic remarks all day, though his grandfather seemed to get the best of him each time.

"Yes, and he has agreed to meet. But he writes in the letter that he has left his relative's house and will be at someplace else for the rest of the holidays. I know not where a boy as young as him would spend his vacations. It worries me a lot and I must see that wherever he is that he is safe. It is not good for him to be out in open, he could get in much danger, especially with wormtail out of capture now. He must be in the leaky cauldron or at one of his school friends. I will visit him soon to see what is wrong and if he needs my help." Sirius replied as he got up deciding to go looking for Harry.

"You truly are a stupid mutt Sirius. If the boy has left his relatives place and what you tell me of him is right, then I can only assume that he has finally had enough and decided to take matters in his own hands. In ways he does remind me of Charlus and his recklessness to do what he wanted. But I think there is more to it. He would not leave his relatives house without already planning beforehand, that would be stupid of him. And as for you finding and visiting him, I doubt you could easily find him with your convicted statues. I must remind you that you have long since missed the opportunity to care for him like an elder figure in his life. I warn you he will not take it in a good way if you try to stop him from living his own way, afterall he has rarely had an adult do good for him. Please do not interrupt, I know you care deeply for the boy, but you can no longer mother him around. He is not a just some other kid, situations have forced him to grow up, all you can do is be there for him when he needs help." Arcturus said.

Sirius realized what was being said, took back his seat on the chair. He wanted to go and meet Harry desperately. The boy had not mentioned where he had gone in the letter. All he had said was he would be safe and that he had much to do.

"Also, as for meeting the boy, and knowing where he is, its quite easy. His owl is still here and can go to him, you can write him a letter and decide to meet."

"Ah! I almost forgot about it!" Sirius deadpanned.

He quickly rushed and got Hedwig.

"Sirius, I want you to be cautious when meeting the boy. Remember you are an escaped convict. If you are not careful you will not only put yourself but also the boy in danger. The best would be to ask the boy to come to London so that you can meet him here in the house, this way it will be safe for you both. You can ask Kreacher to apparate the boy directly in here." Arcturus explained.

Sirius agreed with what his grandfather had said and wrote Harry a letter.

Soon Hedwig was out of London with a letter from an excited godfather to his godson.

[Break]

Daphne Greengrass was lying on her bed.

Her eyes were swollen red from crying, tears dried on her face and dress.

She could not fathom how faith would be so cruel to her and her family.

Earlier her father and mother had called her and her sister to the Lord's study and explained them of the situation.

She knew not what to do, she could not even imagine how her younger sister was handling all this.

Daphne as the heiress of the Greengrass fortune had be taught to be strong, to face nay situation that might come her way and find a way to get out of it. But no, her sister was not such. Astoria was an innocent soul, her carefree and childish ways much different from Daphne. Daphne wondered if after this her sister would ever be so cheerful, bright, and carefree as she was now.

As she thought about the impeding future, she could not even bring herself to attend the next school year. She would be alone. All she wanted to do was stay at her home, safe.

She kept staring at the ceiling, one though after another brooding through her mind and not a single way out of the problem in front of her.

[Break]

'What is magic?' Ignotus asked Harry.

The said boy after some much-needed rest was sitting in the Lord's study at the Potter manor with the book in front of him.

As the question appeared in front of him, Harry wondered. He had never genuinely thought about it. Since coming to Hogwarts Harry had always thought of magic as an inseparable part of him. If he was being honest with himself, it was something that separated him from the Dursleys, gave him freedom and made him feel happy about being someone. And hence he wrote.

'I do not know what magic truly is, but I know it is an inseparable part of me. It is what gives me freedom. I don't know if magic and soul are the same things, but I think not, I think it is something much more. I think that it is sentient, everywhere around us and it is up to us to utilize it. Magic for me is also a tool, a way for me to do things and achieve what I want. It is what runs through me and makes me capable of doing wonders with it. When I use it, it fills me with happiness. It what makes me different from others. But I also think magic for someone is the way they understand it. It is different for everyone and yet it is the same all around us.' Harry wrote.

'Truly a beautiful answer Harry. You are quite right. The reading you are doing in the library is definitely benefitting you. Magic is everywhere around us and though great minds have tried to explain it in their own ways, all the have explained is the phenomena and not what magic truly is. None have ever been able to understand magic for in its entirety. It is better to think of it and understand it in your own than, believe in it in your own way and it will work wonderfully for you. What most important here is the belief in yourself and your magic. Never doubt yourself.' Ignotus replied.

Harry agreed with what was being said. He thought about it. Now as he was learning and growing his belief in himself was getting stronger. He no longer considered him to be Faith's vessel and accept what came to him and live with it. No, he would get what he wants, work for it and make a name for himself through his actions.

'There is one more thing I want to tell you about. People magical and mundane have been afraid of what they do not understand since beginning of time itself. Its in our nature to fear what we don't know. Hence came about the distinctions in type of magics. People fear our magic, the magicks of death because they don't understand it, can't control it. Same goes for Dark and Light magic. People no not what dark magic really is, and I am not justifying that it is something great. No, all I say is it is a tool just like you said. Yes, there are some spells of true horror but even those can be used for doing good in adverse conditions. People often compare dark magic with heinous things like murder, but it is much more capable than such things. And those that think that Light magic is the face of good, my only reason is you can kill someone just as easily with a levitation charm as you can with a serving curse. Its us people who have made these division to delude ourselves and others. In truth all that exist is knowledge and your wisdom on how to apply it. In situations of life and death, in battles there is nothing dark and light there is only a tool that can get you back home at the end of the day.' Ignotus wrote further.

As Harry read through it, he began to see the larger picture. In his own studies he had come across many questionable spell in Potter Grimoire and this had shaken his belief that Potter were a Light family as all said. Though he had already decided to learn all he could a long way back, it was much difficult to come to terms with everything so easily. When he had talked to his grandfather's portrait, he had got a much similar talk. Potters were never light or dark, it was the other people that knew nothing about them made up these thinks. To be a Potter was to stand up for themselves. To fight for the weak, to protect what's yours at all costs. Now all the lingering doubt in his mind had been shed.

'I understand Ignotus, and hence forth I will keep that in mind. It has helped me a lot clear my own doubts and strengthened my beliefs.' Harry wrote.

'Now I will teach you of the magicks we have been talking about. The magicks of death are not just a collections of spells. They are in you, you just have to learn to use them. Now before we being there is something you must learn by yourself. I advise you to study up on Occlumency and Legilimency, you will finds books on then in the library. I will guide you wherever you are stuck but cannot teach you due to limitations of this book. I am sure your grandfather's portrait will be also of great help when you learn it. These will help you a lot and are a great and must have tools for you.' Ignotus wrote.

Harry decided to begin his studies on the same asap. He had also read about them in the grimoire and other books. He had found them much useful and was looking forward to studying them.

'Now the first I will teach you about summoning the guardian of the Peverell family. A Thestral. It will be of great use to you. The guardian will be as strong as you will it to be. It will be an extension of yourself. The guardian has been of great help to the Peverell family, it has protected us from many odds. You must learn to control it. Summoning it is comparatively easy, what you need to practice is to channel your magic and intent through the guardian to make it capable of doing as you wish. It can do simple things like act as a messenger for you and this require very little of your magic and intent. But something like having the guardian fight for you, of protect you from stray spell in a battle require a great control of yours on your magic and intent. You must practice this magic extensively to summon the guardian at a nary thought and do your binding. To summon the guardian, you must focus your will to call the guardian with your magic. There is no spell, just your intent. Think of the Peverell magic in your blood and hold your wand outstretched. Though I warn you the spell will be taxing on you the first few times you cast it. Once you get a hang of it, it will be much easier and more efficient.' Ignotus wrote.

Harry was excited to perform it. He reread the instruction and prepared himself.

He outstretched his wand arm and focused on the feel of magic in him.

He willed his intent to cast the guardian.

He felt nothing.

He tried harder, his face scrunched as he maximised his concentration.

Suddenly a cold feeling washed over him.

Black fog started to descend form his wand.

He stood ground as the fog existed his wand which warmed in his hand.

The fog coalesced in to a mass which slowly started forming into a shape.

A creature he had seen on the walls at Peverell vault appeared in front of him.

The Thestral took its shape, it was horse like winged with skeletal features. Formed of the black fog it emitted wisps of blackness from its body.

Slowly it opened its eyes and looked at Harry.

Harry stared at the pitch white eyes in the middle of the pitch black face.

It was beautiful, formed gloriously in front of him. It stood almost a bit taller than him, its wings outstretched.

The Thestral bowed its head in front of Harry.

Harry could feel the connection between the creature guardian and his magic. He could feel its pull on him. He could feel it was waiting on his intent for future action.

The magic of the guardian was cold. Eerily cold, unlike any other he had felt.

He could feel the drain in his magic and knew would not be able to keep it much longer.

He wanted to try something, know more about his guardian.

Harry slowly willed his intent toward the guardian to take a round across the room, up in air flying.

The Thestral took to his command and galloped his way across the room. It stretched its wings and took to the air flying circle in the room.

Harry could now significantly feel the drain on his magic. He knew he had to end it soon or would pass out from exhaustion.

He willed the guardian to disappear, and just as it had come it again dispersed into the black fog. Though this time the fog didn't go back in his wand but rushed towards him. The fog engulfed him and got sucked straight into his chest.

As his vision cleared Harry took a stammered breath. Casting the magic had its toll on him.

He stumbled to the desk grasping for his breath, and slowly lifted the glass of water there and gulped it down.

After sitting on the chair and catching his breath for a moment, Harry slowly felt his depleted reserves return. He was feeling better, but the tiredness and exhaustion was still there.

He went back to the book and told Ignotus of what had happened.

'I suspected something similar would happen. As you witnessed you can successfully summon the guardian and command it using your intent. What you need to do now is practice this. It will prove much useful to you in future. The more you practice, the better you will get at it. Now I advise you to have some food, having so much of energy drained out of you must have got you hungry. After that rest and study theory from book for the rest of the day. Tomorrow you can begin by practising summoning the guardian again and then I will teach you further. Remember the guardian will be as powerful as you will it to be and the amount of magic you can put into it. As you will learn from your practice, it will able to do many great thing for you, some you cannot even fathom, but all these are for you to find and learn.'

Harry read the last line and closed the book.

He got out of the study and made his way to the kitchens, famished and hoping Daisy would have something up for him.

Once he was filled with a hearty meal, he looked up to see Hedwig fly towards him, a letter tied to her. Knowing that it could only be from Sirius, Harry quickly untied the letter from her and fed her some bacon which Daisy got for her.

He slowly opened the letter, and quickly read the contents. He was elated to finally be meeting his godfather, all he had to do was call for an elf named Kreacher, and he would take Harry to his godfather. Harry knew not what Sirius was doing, or from where he even got the elf. All he could do was follow the instruction if he wanted to meet his godfather which he wanted to.

He planned on visiting his godfather wherever he was tomorrow after he had been rested well.

He quickly wrapped up the letter and made his way toward his room.

[Break]

A well-rested Harry woke up the next morning, he was energized and was looking forwards to what today had for him.

He quickly got ready and after a good English breakfast he made his way to the Lord's study.

He knew he had lot to study and train on but that could wait for a day as he knew a visit to his godfather was important.

He had planned to first head to London using his Lord's ring and then call Sirius' elf to meet him. He could not call the elf here in the Potter Manor due the security measures in place. He had also decide to tell Sirius about his recent findings and the Potter Manor though he had decided to keep the bit about the Peverell family a secret. Not like he could be able to explain much about it due to the security of the Book. He knew that Sirius could be trusted on to this, he had also consulted his grandparents portrait on this, and they had suggested so, they were also eager to meet Sirius thought that would have to wait for now.

He touched his ring and willed himself to be taken to London near the Leaky Cauldron.

Appearing there he quickly made way to a less visited alley and making sure he was not seen called for Sirius' elf.

"Kreacher" Harry called.

After only a few moments an old shabbily dressed elf appeared before him. The elf looked at him strangely.

"Half Blood Master calls" the elf asked in a cracked voice.

"I hope you are Kreacher, and I want you to take me to Sirius, my godfather." Harry said.

When Harry looked at the elf's appearance, he was left wondering what Sirius was up to.

The elf nodded and grabbed Harry without notice, as he grabbed him both disappeared with a pop.

Harry landed in a dark place, for a moment the thought that this might be a trap occurred to him, but soon he was engulfed in a wild hug.

As he opened his eyes, he saw Sirius hugging him and not knowing what to do in such a situation Harry tensed up a bit but awkwardly returned the hug. He was happy to meet his godfather at last and see that he was doing well.

As his eyes adjusted to the lighting in the room, he saw that he was in a huge room as grand as the Lord's study at Potter Manor. There was a huge table in front of him with an elegant chair behind it.

Just as he was taking in the room, Sirius released him from embrace and looked at him making sure Harry was doing well. Sirius had unshed tears in his eyes.

Just as Harry was about to speak something to Sirius, he heard a voice from somewhere his left.

"So, you are the boy that finally got my wayward grandson on line. Hmm, you do share looks with us, you have got Dorea's cheekbones. Though you look much like Charlus. Your eyes are something that I don't identify, they must be from your mother. Ah! Where are my manners, being a portrait in this locked up house for so long has grown on me. I am Baron Arcturus Orion Black, and I was your grandmothers brother." Arcturus said from his portrait.

As Harry looked at the portrait, he was surprised. The portrait was much like the ones of his grandparents. The man in it old but still sharp. His eyes a steel grey and deep. The man had an aura of power just like his grandfather around him in his portrait. An inkling of idea about where he was. Before he could question about it, Sirius interrupted.

"How are you doing Harry? I am so relieved to finally be able to meet you. Again, I am sorry for keeping you away so long, I just could not find another way. Your letter had me worried, you said where not staying at your relatives. Where are you staying?" Sirius continued before he was interrupted by his grandfather.

"Let the boy catch a breath Sirius and it is him who first deserves answers and not you. He must be more confused than we are finding himself here and it would do good to first answer his question and then ask our own."

Sirius smiled sheepishly.

He gestured Harry to sit at one of the armchairs. As Harry sat, he took the offered glass of water and finishing it spoke.

"It is really good to meet you Sirius, and no you need not worry about the place I am currently staying at. I am the safest I could possibly be at this place. And yes, I do have some questions as to where am I and what you have been doing here all this time."

Sirius took a deep breath and began explaining to Harry everything that had occurred since the night the Peter had escaped. He talked about how he had made his way to Grimmauld Place and found out about his status as Lord Black. He explained his conversation with his grandfather. He also told Harry about the things he was doing and preparing to help him and so on. He also explained Harry about his status as the Heir Black and why Sirius had taken such a decision. Though Harry knew about it he chose not to interrupt.

After he was done explaining Harry was astonished.

"I am truly grateful for having you Sirius and very much happy that you have decide to help me. You to sir it is great honour that you are helping me." Harry said addressing Sirius and Arcturus.

"All that I am doing is for my family Harry, afterall Dorea my sister would have been quite disappointed at me for not helping you. And no sir business we are family. You can call me Arcturus." Arcturus said.

"Harry I should have been there for you a long time back and was not and it is all my fault. Now I am hoping that being there for you and help you in whatever you need is the least I can do to payback. Now as I have explained my story, you must tell me where have you been, you have me worried, and I cannot handle the curiosity anymore."

Harry nodded his head and answered.

"I am staying at Potter Manor."

This almost caused Sirius to fall out his chair in surprise and shock. Whereas Arcturus looked at Harry with something akin to pride in his eyes. It was Arcturus who spoke.

"You definitely are a resourceful young man. If it is fine with you, you must share the entire story of how you got there. It certainly piques my curiosity."

Sirius could only look on his mouth open as Harry nodded.

Harry went ahead and narrated them his version of what had happened with him since that night. He told of all the details expect the part about Peverell and Slytherin families. He was still not ready to share it with anyone and wanted it to be a secret.

As he narrated the tale, Sirius expression changed a multitude of times. He was angry, happy, sad and proud all at the same time. What little trust he had for Dumbledore had been shattered as Harry told his tale and Sirius swore to make any that might even think of harm against his godson pay their fair share.

Arcturus was experiencing a similar turmoil. He was angry that Harry had been kept from his birth right, cursed Dumbledore in quite the colourful words. At last, he was glad that Harry had found the Potter manor. Hearing about his sister and best friends portrait had filled him with a sense of longing. He wanted to talk to them but knew it was not possible. But what filled him with immense pride was Harry's decision to train, to get better, to not be a tool for other but make his own thought. He already had come to care for the boy hearing the tales of what he had been through, but now the young man had gained his respect. He decided to do what he could to aid him the best.

"You definitely are very much resourceful Harry. I am very much proud of you. I know I can't make you change your decision to fight Voldemort but know that you will always have me beside you whenever you need me."

What followed was Sirius and Harry discussing and talking for a few hours. They exchanged stories, laughed and Sirius showed Harry around the Grimmauld Place. He even allowed Harry to visit and take any books he might find helpful from the Black Library. Arcturus helped there and guided Harry to the books regarding Black family magic and also handed him the Black Grimoire to help him train. As the heir of the family, he explained Harry must be well versed in the family magics.

In the end time to leave arrived and Sirius gave Harry a mirror to communicate with him. Harry was happy to have it and promising Arcturus to visit soon, he willed his Lord's ring to take him back to the Potter Manor.

[Break]

Over the next few days Harry continued his training at Potter Manor. He would often talk to Sirius using the mirror and they would plan. One of their most important plans was proving Sirius' innocence so that Sirius could take up his title as Lord Black in the Wizengamot.

During the next few days Harry also visit the Diagon alley under disguise using the Slytherin bracelet. He was there to buy some new clothes. This was something he had put off for much long. He needed new well-fitting clothes.

On the occasion he had also visited Bloodclaw in Gringotts to discuss about the accounts as promised. The visit went as planned, but sure there was a commotion.

It was Dumbledore.

His phoenix, Fawkes had appeared between Harry's meeting with Bloodclaw.

Apparently, Dumbledore had found out about his disappearance from Private Drive due to the Weasleys being unable to contact him. This had led to Dumbledore searching him everywhere though discreetly and trying to find him using Fawkes to deliver him a letter.

The letter was as expected, and Harry had replied Dumbledore using Hedwig not giving him much information about where he was and only telling him he was safe and not to look for him.

He had also got a letter from Weasleys along with Dumbledore's. They had asked him to join them for the upcoming Quidditch World Cup. The letter told him that Mr Weasley had somehow got them premium tickets and they were excited to have him.

Harry was happy to hear from them. His training and being at Potter Manor making it impossible to maintain contact with anyone.

He was also excited about the world cup, who wouldn't be and had replied positively to the letter stating he would be at the Burrow a day before the world cup.

All business settled he had went back to his training routine.

He was still practicing summoning the Peverell guardian and was getting better at it. Now he was not as exhausted and was able to control the guardian much better.

He had also take to practising his family magics and reading the grimoires.

What he was looking forward to was beginning his study of Parseltongue using the Slytherin Grimoire and the books he and found in the Slytherin vault.

Both Ignotus and his grandfather had agreed that he must use every resource he has to the best of his ability and had encouraged him to practice the serpent tongue.

His grandmother had been especially proud of his advances in his training. She was also helping him learn Potions and be better at it. It was her best subject and though she did not have a mastery in it, was no slouch.

A/N:

Another chapter done, hope you like it. Please do a leave a review.

Harry will be learning the Peverell magic much more in the coming chapters.

The next chapter will be the world cup and what follows. It will also be much longer.

The poll for Harry's animagus form is still up in my profile. So, fill it up, it will be open for almost another week.

Thanks for reading,

lordgreencryztalz