I do not own anything to do with Harry Potter, or the Assassins Creed.
Hello guys, Badger here. Welcome to a new chapter. I'm glad to see people enjoyed the previous ones, and a couple of people gave me a few ideas to characters to involve, and stuff like that. One character in particular gained my interest, but I won't say who just yet, first I want to find a way to introduce them into the story, before delving more into their personal story arc in this story. Which reminds me, if there is a character you think this story should include, do let me know.
Anyway, I'll leave it there for now. I'll let you read on. I hope you enjoy this new chapter and I will see you at the very end.
Chapter 4
Training And A Small History Lesson
Dumbledore and McGonagall stood beside Master Atsu and Warrior Badger, along the edges of the safer parts of the Forbidden Forest, watching Harry train. Dumbledore had asked Master Atsu if it would be possible if he, and other staff members, could supervise and witness the training for themselves, to which Master Atsu smiled in response before giving Dumbledore a gentle nod. After conjuring a training ground for Harry, one that allowed people to run, jump, slide and climb to test ones agility, the Headmaster watched in fascination at the finesse the young boy possessed whenever he vaulted a wooden post, or swung from an over-hanging pole. Dumbledore had asked Master Atsu the purpose for such training to which Master Atsu was glad to inform the ancient Headmaster that Assassins needed to be quick, and light, on their feet and needed to know how to free run quickly and elegantly, when it came to chasing after a target, tracking, scouting, or even running to escape combat.
Dumbledore wasn't the only one watching in fascination. McGonagall couldn't quite believe what she was seeing. Her eyes could barely keep up with the boy as he trained. He was practically a blur to the Deputy Headmistress.
"How can the boy be this lively, at this time of day?" She asked, after a moment "Most students are, most likely asleep…and breakfast hasn't even started yet!"
"It's all part of training Madam" Toma replied "An Assassin can never be sure when they will need to head out on an assignment…whether it's in the early hours of the morning, or late in the evening…by training Novices at different times of the day, it allows them to adapt, to grow…tiredness, and sluggish movements, can cost an Assassin greatly"
"Some Novices adapt sooner than others" James added "However, everyone, to begin with, are slow, sluggish, weak and tired, when they're woken up during the early hours to sharpen their agility and reflexes…it can be extremely brutal for some…but vital for their survival!"
"Speaking of survival" Dumbledore spoke up "Forgive me for prying Master Atsu…but I have noticed that, unlike yourselves, Novice Potter doesn't possess a weapon…could you explain as to why?"
"No need to ask for forgiveness, mild curiosity doesn't hurt anyone" Toma smiled "As to the answer to your question…it is simple, Novice Potter is merely that…a Novice…a Novice is not permitted to carry weapons as they are not to engage in combat…a Novices role is to scout, gather information and obtain vital letters and documents…should a situation turn dire, a Novice is to run and escape from combat instead of fight"
"So, when will Harry be permitted weapons?" McGonagall asked
"It's Novice Potter, madam" Toma immediately responded "And that will happen when a Mentor promotes him from a Novice, to an Initiate, only then will he be trained in combat…and with how quickly he's progressing, I imagine it won't be long until Novice Potter becomes an Initiate himself"
"Really?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, surprised
"Oh yes" Toma nodded "He is a quick learner…and eager to…in fact, when he's promoted to Initiate, he would be the youngest Novice, in a century, to be promoted to Initiate…once he's become an Initiate he will be granted a sword by the Mentors, as well as the Assassins Creed signature weapon, the Hidden Blade"
"The Hidden Blade?" McGonagall repeated
In unison, Toma and James held up their hands where a small, silver blade shot out from the leather of their arm bracers, which seemed to be activated by a small mechanism attached to some kind of ring on their smallest finger. With the blade on the inside of their wrists, it allowed the Assassins the place their palm against the cool steel, if they wished. Dumbledore couldn't help but wince at how sharp the blades look, as they glistened in the sunlight. He, for one, would not wish to be on the receiving end of such a weapon.
"Every Assassin, once promoted to Initiate, is gifted their own Hidden Blade" Toma explained, as he and James flicked their wrists, causing the blades to disappear once more "They aren't to be used in combat…they are only to be used to take out targets up close, as quickly and as quietly as possible, for the Assassins are to strike from the shadows…of course, when Novice Potter is gifted his own Hidden Blade, like all his Brothers and Sisters before him, he will go through the traditional practice of installation"
"And what are those practices?" Dumbledore asked
"Removing ones ring finger" James spoke up
Dumbledore and McGonagall looked in mild shock, and horror, as both Assassins lifted up their arms, which held their hidden blade, once more. Looking closer, the two Hogwarts Professors could see that at least half of their finger had been removed entirely.
"The practice of removing the ring finger has been around as long as the Creed itself" Toma explained "It was done to allow the Hidden Blade to eject without causing any accidents…when the Brotherhood was redesigned, the practice was stopped, for a time but was eventually brought back, after many Assassins found themselves, accidentally, slicing their finger, or cutting it off entirely, when they ejected their Hidden Blade"
"You're saying Harry is going to have to partake in this practice!" McGonagall screeched, finally processing what she had just been told and in turn, causing Harry to stumble and fall to the ground, startled by the volume of the woman's voice "He's only a boy…this is barbaric!"
"The Assassins Creeds traditions and customs are sacred!" James yelled, turning to the Deputy Headmistress, giving her his full attention "You will remember to respect them!"
Toma placed a hand against the younger man's chest, when it looked like James was about to step closer to the woman. The young Assassin Warrior immediatley stopped his rant, as he looked to see the, usually calm, Master Atsu giving him a stern glare, before looking to Harry, who had gotten up from the ground and was watching the group, wary of something possibly happening.
"Head on up to the castle, Novice Potter, and clean yourself up" Toma said "We will continue your training another time"
Harry looked unsure about leaving, but knew better then to question orders given to him by a Master. Bowing to Master Atsu, Harry began brushing off his robes, before walking back to the castle, where he was rather looking forward to breakfast. Toma waited until Harry was out of earshot, before he turned to Dumbledore and McGonagall, the stern glare still on his face.
"Please forgive my Brother, he is rather fond of the Creeds code and customs" He said "However, he is right in saying they are sacred…no matter how barbaric they might seem…I'm sure the Wizarding World has its own customs and traditions, that they find sacred…customs and traditions the 'Muggle' World would find barbaric, if they found out about such things"
McGonagall opened and closed her mouth a few times, as she thought about that. Dumbledore, meanwhile, stood beside her, ready to come to her aide and defence, in case things turned more ugly. Whilst he didn't expect the two Assassins to physically attack his Deputy Headmistress, they were sure to attack her verbally. Thankfully, that didn't seem like it was going to happen, but he still kept his guard up. After a few seconds, McGonagall's shoulders slumped as she let out a sigh.
"I apologise" She said "I didn't mean any offence…whilst I don't like the idea of removing ones finger, I understand that it's a tradition…and you are right in saying the Wizarding World has customs the Muggles may not like themselves…again I apologise for any offence"
"Apology accepted Madam, and there is no offence taken" Toma replied, his expression softening, ignoring James mumbling to himself about taking offence to her statements
…
Later, it was a pleasantly satisfied Harry, dressed in a fresh pair of robes, that was heading to his first lesson of the day, which according to the Time-Table given to him by his Head of House was Transfiguration. After taking a relaxing shower, Harry had enjoyed a rather lovely breakfast, where once more, he heard people whispering about him, and it seemed they were nervous to approach him. Harry didn't mind though. It meant he got to enjoy his breakfast in peace.
"Hey, wait up" A voice said, making Harry break his stride
Harry turned to see Hermione making her way over to him, a few books under her arm. The previous day, Harry had answered countless questions she had about him, and The Creed, though he didn't tell her everything, and she helped him study the basics of magic and potions, at least the basics for their First Year. Whilst Hermione was still a little uneasy about Harry being an Assassin, but the two had become friends, at least in Harry's eyes, though he was sure Hermione viewed him in a similar way. Harry had stopped, allowing Hermione to catch up to him, where she took a moment to catch her breath, before the two started walking together.
"How are you this morning, Hermione?" Harry asked
"I'm fine thank you" Hermione smiled, before giving him a curious look "I didn't see you in the Great Hall, when I was having breakfast…if you don't mind me asking, where were you?"
"I was training" Harry replied "Master Atsu and Warrior Badger had me continue sharpening my agility, whilst Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall watched…Master Atsu decided to end training early though…Professor McGonagall was very vocal in her disapproval of some of The Creeds customs…thankfully, by the looks of things, they seemed to have settled the matter peacefully, without things coming to blows"
"That's good" Hermione said, where Harry could see that she had something on her mind, like there was something else she wanted to say
"If there's something on your mind, Hermione, you can tell me" He said, causing Hermione to jump, slightly startled as she had been in deep thought
"Umm, well…" She said "I was wondering if…I could watch you train?"
Whatever Harry thought Hermione was going to ask him, that wasn't it. Her question had left him fairly surprised for a brief moment, but he quickly composed himself, as he took a moment to properly process and think her question through properly. After a few moments, he eventually shrugged, all the while not breaking his stride.
"I don't have a problem with it" He said "However, I'll have to ask Master Atsu, though I'm sure he'll allow you to do so…though, I'm curious, why do you wish to watch me train?"
"Well, I guess after everything you told me yesterday…I kind of want to see what training is actually like" Hermione said, though it looked like she wasn't sure on how to word her response
Harry, meanwhile, chose not to comment and instead nodded, dropping the matter for the moment, as he and Hermione entered the Transfiguration Classroom. It was clear that the two were early, as the classroom was early, save for a lone cat sitting on the teachers desk. The cat was so still, it's eyes not blinking, if it wasn't for the fact one of its ears twitched, Harry would've thought the cat was taxidermized, as Mentor Auditore had a taxidermized bald eagle on his desk. Allowing Hermione to sit first, the two sat at one of the desks, at the very front of the class, where they got their books ready, for their first official lesson of the year.
It wasn't long until the rest of the First Year students began to arrive, each one filing into the room and taking their seats, one by one. However, one student, dressed in Slytherin Uniform, made a beeline for Harry, where he stood straight and spoke in a formal manner.
"Potter" He said, voice smooth "I am Draco Malfoy, I would like to welcome you back to the Wizarding World…I understand that you might not know much about the Wizarding World itself, and would need someone to teach you about it, and those you should, and should not, associate yourself with…I can help you there"
Everyone watched, with intrigue and curiosity, as Draco extended his hand to the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry looked at the blonde boy with an unreadable expression, as he stood up, the two standing mere inches apart. The air began to feel tense as the two stood for several moments, and Draco, though he would never admit it, began to feel nervous, as he continued standing there hand out extended. After several more seconds, Harry reached out and shook his hand.
"I appreciate your offer, but I must decline, however I am not one to forget my manners when someone extends their hand" Harry said, before he removed his hand from the boys grip "You see, whilst I don't know much about the Wizarding World, I already have those that are willing to teach me, and most likely know more than you do…however, should I ever change my mind and require your assistance, I will let you know"
Draco nodded. Whilst it wasn't the response he hoped for, it was better than nothing. When Draco was getting ready to board the Hogwarts Express, his father informed him to look out for Potter and try his best to befriend him. His father hoped that by doing so, they could corrupt the Boy-Who-Lived and convert the boy to their cause, though his father refused to elaborate further. When Draco watched as Harry revealed himself during the Sorting, dressed in strange robes and with two strangers, Draco saw an opportunity to find out more about the strangers and if there was a way they could exploit whatever they knew. Draco hoped that by, publicly, declaring a friendship and association with Potter, others would keep their distance.
However, Potter had declined. Thankfully, they had a full seven years at this school. There was still plenty of time to worm his way into Potters good graces, to begin converting him to their ideology. With nothing more to say, Draco made his way to a seat near the back of the class, where students began whispering amongst themselves, about what they just witnessed. Meanwhile, Harry sat back down in his seat, to which Hermione noticed a strange look on his face.
"Is something wrong Harry?" She asked
Harry looked to her for a moment, before looking behind him where he saw Draco talking to a couple other Slytherin students. Turning back to Hermione, he lowered his voice, so no one could eavesdrop on their conversation.
"In the Assassins Creed, we are taught to be observant" He said "And the Assassins take pride in being good judges of character, some better than others…and there is something about that boy, that gives me an uneasy feeling…I'm not sure what it is, but I recommend being cautious around him, just in case"
Hermione opened her mouth, about to say something, but jumped when the door to the classroom swung open, hitting the wall with a loud bang, where two Gryffindor boys ran in. If Hermione remembered rightly, from the Sorting, they were Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom. Both of them were out of breath, with Ron in particular having a haphazard and messy appearance. The two boys looked around the classroom, where they shared a sigh of relief.
"See, I told you we would make it" Ron said, triumphantly "I'm glad we did too…I dread to think of the look on old McGonagall's face, if the two of us were late!"
Hearing that comment, the cat jumped off the desk, transforming into Professor McGonagall, mid jump, much to the shock of the students present. As her feet touched the ground, she immediately made her way over to the two Gryffindor boys, giving them a stern glare.
"I will ignore the 'old' comment, this time Mr Weasley" She said, the tone of her voice showing what she thought about that "Now, would the two of you didn't arrive along with the rest of your fellow students?"
"We…we overslept" Ron said
"YOU overslept!" Neville corrected "I had to go back to the Gryffindor Common Room and wake you up…then the both of us go lost"
"Then perhaps I should transfigure an alarm clock, that way you will wake up on time, Mr Weasley" McGonagall replied "Or perhaps I should provide you with a map…I trust you don't need one to find your seats!"
There were a few chuckles across the classroom, even Harry cracked a small smile, as Ron and Neville sat down in the only seats available, as McGonagall made her way to the front of the classroom, to address all the students, where she noticed the look on Harry's face. There was still surprise, and awe, over her Animagus transformation. She almost smiled, remembering both his mother and father having similar looks when they witnessed it for the first time. Thankfully, she was able to stop herself from smiling, she had a reputation to keep up after all.
"Welcome, First Years, to Transfiguration" She said "A more complex form of magic, where even the basic spells requires a lot of practice, time, skill and concentration to master and perfect…as this is your First Year, you will only learn some of the more simpler Transfiguration spells, however, as you move onto your Second Year and beyond, you will learn more complex, more advance spells"
Removing her own wand, she flicked it, in a smooth wide arc, where two blackboards appeared on both sides of her desk, with instructions written in white chalk. The instructions were labelled as the 'Match to Needle' spell, otherwise known as Par Acus with a perfectly detailed description of how to pronounce, and perform, the spell, as well as moving sketch done in white chalk to give the First Years a visual representation on what their wand movement should look like.
"Par Acus, the Match to Needle spell, is one of the easiest Transfiguration Spells to learn" McGonagall said, waving her wand again, where Matches appeared in front of every student "However, don't be discouraged if you are unable to properly turn your match into a needle, or be unable to turn your match into a needle at all…even the easiest spells are difficult…just keep practicing and you will get it eventually…as you practice the spells, I will go around the class and help out those who are struggling…there is more information in your books, if you are still confused, or struggling, now, get to it"
In an instant, every student removed their wands and the room was filled with their voices as they uttered the incantation. Harry, meanwhile, was looking at his match trying to picture a needle in his head, where he noticed Hermione was beginning to get frustrated, as she continued uttering the incantation, to no avail, as the match refused to do as she wanted.
"Do you want some help Hermione?" Harry asked
"Yes please…" Hermione said, looking down, seemingly ashamed of asking for help
"It's okay to ask for help, Hermione, even Assassins know when they need help" Harry said "Now…if you are struggling, try picturing a needle in your head"
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked
"When training, Assassins are taught to be able to visualise anything, and everything in their minds" Harry said "I guess you could say, they develop some kind of photographic, or eidetic, memory, it's why Assassins are always observant to everything going on around them, even the little things could prove vital later on…perhaps the reason why you are struggling with the spell is that you don't have a clear vision of what you are trying to turn the matchstick into…so, take a moment to picture a needle in your mind and when you do, try the spell again"
Hermione was fascinated at what Harry was telling her. As a lover of books and learning, she read anything and everything in hopes of learning something new. In one of those books she read that Photographic and Eidetic Memories were extremely rare and not something that could be taught, and in the case of Photographic Memories, there was no scientific proof to confirm that Photographic Memories are a genuine phenomenon. So the fact that the Assassins Creed were taught to develop such things was extraordinary and it made her wonder what else the Assassins were capable of. The thought both intrigued, and scared her, a little. Eager to see if Harry's idea would work, Hermione closed her eyes, to try and picture a needle in her head.
As her mother had a sewing kit, for whenever clothes got torn or ripped, Hermione had seen a needle plenty of times, so it was pretty easy to picture it in her mind, to the point she thought she could actually reach out and touch it. Keeping the picture of the needle in her mind, Hermione opened her eyes and performed the spell again where, to her delight, the match began to slowly change. After a few moments, a needle was sat where the match was just a minute ago.
"Well done" Harry praised
"Thank you" Hermione smiled "You need to do it now"
Harry rolled his eyes, before he looked back to his own match. Bringing up the picture of a needle in his mind, he performed the spell, where he felt a soft surge of power run through his body, as the match began to change. Keeping his concentration up, Harry was able to turn his matchstick into a needle, where he felt a sense of pride being able to successfully preform a spell. He was also fascinated by the feeling of power his body felt when he performed the spell.
"Well done Miss Granger, Mr Pot…Novice Potter" McGonagall said as she took a closer look at their needles, causing Hermione to jump though Harry didn't react at all, having heard her approach thanks to his training "Your needles are excellent, take ten points for Gryffindor and Ravenclaw…and Novice Potter, I would like to speak to you after the lesson ends"
"Of course Professor" Harry nodded
"Are you in trouble?" Hermione whispered as McGonagall continued going around the classroom, checking on the students' progress
"I don't think so" Harry replied "But I'll find out when I speak to her"
When the lesson eventually ended, Harry remained in his seat, as the other students began making their way out of the classroom. Hermione seemed hesitant to leave, but did so after Harry gave her a reassuring nod. Once the classroom door closed, Harry got out of his seat and stood in front of McGonagall's desk, hands behind his back, as he stood straight.
"Forgive me Professor, but why did you ask to speak to me?" Harry asked
"I wanted to apologise to you…Novice Potter" McGonagall replied, remembering to use the Creeds customs "I wanted to apologise if I offended you with my…disapproval of your customs…I apologised to Master Atsu and Warrior Badger about any offence I may have caused…and I wanted to give you the same apology, if I offended you the same way"
"It's okay, Professor" Harry smiled reassuringly "You didn't cause any offence…I understand that the Creeds customs will seem problematic to others…however, despite how painful it will be, I am more than ready for when I am gifted my own Hidden Blade"
"Well…that's good" McGonagall nodded "And I'm happy that I haven't offended you…now, off you go, I don't want to keep you here any longer and I'm sure your next professor won't be happy if you're let to your next lesson"
…
Meanwhile, in their private dorm, Toma was reading a letter, sent by Mentor Auditore, in response to their letter. James sat back and patiently waited, as Toma read through the contents.
Greetings Master Atsu,
I'm glad to hear that you were able to safely transport Novice Potter to Hogwarts. No doubt your presence there will cause questions to spread. It's only a matter of time until the truth is revealed, and the Templars receive word themselves.
I also show equal concern over what you said about this Dark Lord. I dread to think the power the Templars would possess if this Dark Lord and the Templars formed an alliance. When I arrive at Hogwarts, along with a few Brothers and Sisters, I will talk with Albus Dumbledore myself, and see if an alliance is possible. However, I imagine the Wizarding World, has a government of its own. If an alliance is to be made, then we will need to associate ourselves with their government, especially as we won't be able to keep ourselves hidden from them for long, especially with our presence in Hogwarts.
Please await for our presence.
Pro sanguine et pro fraternitate,
Mentor Hondo Auditore
"What is the word from Mentor Auditore?" James asked
"He will be coming to Hogwarts, along with a few Brothers and Sisters" Toma said "He wants to talk with Dumbledore himself, about an alliance…and he believes we should associate ourselves with the Wizarding Worlds government"
"Are we sure that's a good idea?" James asked "The Assassins Creed have kept themselves out of government affairs and, thus far, we have kept ourselves out of government sight…whilst an alliance with the Wizarding Worlds government can prove beneficial, it could also cause problems…and secrets we've kept hidden could be revealed"
"That's a risk, we're going to have to take" Toma replied "By forming an alliance with Dumbledore and the Magical Worlds government, it can give us an advantage over the Templars and this, believed to be dead, Dark Lord…and with an advantage, could see us finally end, and win, this war"
…
And that's the end of the chapter. There are a couple of nods to the Assassins Creed lore sprinkled in, mainly the ring finger being removed and a Novice not being built for combat. Now, when researching the Assassins Creed lore, I read that the practice of removing the ring finger was no longer done when the Assassins Creed was rebuilt. However, I like the fact that Assassins had to remove their ring finger, so I decided to keep it as a common practice for this story. Before anyone asks, I don't know when Harry will be made an Initiate and gain his own Hidden Blade in this story, just yet, but probably soon, depending on how the next few chapters play out.
There a lot of plot ideas, and minor story arcs that I have for this story, so I'm not entirely sure where this first part of the The Creed Trilogy could go. Nor do I know where the second and third part of the Trilogy could go, but I think you will still enjoy it either way. That is all for now though.
I hope you enjoyed this new chapter and I'll see you next time, in whatever story I see you in.
Badger Out