'Harry Potter' – Written text in books or letters.
A/N:
Sorry for the delay. Been busy with some other work that came up.
Henceforth the story will be updated once every week on Thursdays with a new chapter.
Enjoy the read.
Deathly Fate
Chapter 5 – A Wand, A Stone, A Cloak
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." — Isaac Newton
A boy with sandy brown hair and brown eyes made his way out of Gringotts in the early hour.
Harry knew there was still a bit of time till the wandmakers shop opened and hence decide to have breakfast till then.
He made his way to the Leaky Cauldron, and had a scrumptious breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, sausages finishing it off with a cup of tea.
He checked the time in the clock on wall and seeing his waiting come to an end, he paid Tom for the breakfast and made his way towards Ollivander's.
He soon needed to find what was wrong with his wand, why it felt so different, so cold.
[Break]
Harry soon found him outside Ollivander's, the only time he had been here before was with Hagrid to get his wand.
The wand had seen him through many things, had been his constant companion.
He needed to find just why it felt so different now, where was the warmth that he felt with its each touch lost, why casting magic through it so much more difficult.
Seeing the open sign on the door, he walked in to find the store empty, he looked around.
From what appeared to be a room above the store, Ollivander descended, his eyes on Harry.
"Ah, Mr Potter or should I say Lord Potter now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, is the wand I sold you working well, you look to be concerned." Ollivander said looking at Harry through his pale silvery eyes.
Harry had always found the old wandmaker to be a bit erratic, he supposed it had something to do with spending his all time in the dusty store making and selling wands. Ollivander's calling him Lord Potter surprized him, but knowing from his past experience with the wandmaker he believed it to be a part of his erratic nature. Afterall the wandmaker had a strange way of knowing name of each that graced his shop even before they themselves told their name. Pushing his thoughts aside Harry spoke of what he had come for.
"Mr Ollivander, my wand is feeling different in my hands, its cold in my hands whereas before it used to be warm to touch. Though I can still cast magic through it, it appears to be more forced, and I need to make more effort to cast it. I thought it might do well to consult you on the same."
Ollivander looked at Harry, his eyes widening at what was being said.
"May I look have a look at your wand, Mr Potter?" Ollivander asked.
Harry slowly removed his wand from up his sleeve and handed it to Ollivander unsure of what was to come.
Ollivander took the wand in his hand and caressed the wood with his fingers, feeling the wand. As he did so his eyes widened comically, and he looked taken aback by what he had found.
Harry was about to ask what happened, but before he could Ollivander spoke,
"The wand no longer suits you Mr Potter, you have grown out of it."
Harry was astonished at the strange explanation and asked Ollivander to explain further, fear making place in his heart hearing such about his wand.
"Like I have always said a wand chooses a wizard, Mr Potter. But in some cases, usually after great emotional and physiological events, the bond between a wizard and a wand changes. A wand can be looked at as a quasi-sentient being due to them forming very deep connections with the wielder's magic, a change in wilders magic and personality often leads to a wand performing poorly for the wielder as it no longer recognizes the magic. Sometimes after attaining magical maturity or life changing events, a wizard/witch especially those of great power outgrow their wand. This is due to their change in their basic nature, which was what made the wand chose them first. As their basic personality changes, and matures, the wand's personality thus no longer matches the wizard's and the wan dis no longer suitable for them. They outgrow their previous wand and need a new one to successfully continue casting magic. Such is the case between you and your wand. It ones was the perfect match for you, but no longer, sure you can cast magic through it, but it will not always give the best results."
Harry thought of the revelations regarding his wand. It pained him great to hear that his beloved wand was of no use to him now. But what worried him more was, now he had to get a new wand. He asked such and Ollivander replied,
"Mr Potter, yes you will have to get a new wand now, one much suited to the changes in you. But alas I doubt any wand in this shop could ever be a perfect match for you. I see in your destiny, a wand best made for your blood, one which will obey your command like no other, but I have it not."
"What! But where will I get a new wand Mr Ollivander, how can I even use magic or go to Hogwarts without a wand?" Harry asked worriedly, panic setting in.
"Worry not Mr Potter, I have a solution to your worries. Though no wand in this shop at present can match you, I can always make you a custom wand, one which would be a perfect match for you as of now."
Harry sighed in relief and asked Ollivander to do the same.
Ollivander asked Harry to follow him to his workshop, as he made his way excitedly, mumbling about how this was going to be a tough challenge.
Harry followed Ollivander to his workshop. He was equally excited and concerned about getting a new wand. The loss of his trusted Holly and Phoenix feather wand was still heavy on his heart, but he looked optimistically at the situation. As he thought of it, he could not help but wonder whether getting rid of the Horcrux was cause of this change in his wand, after all his and Voldemort's wand shared the same core. Or was it his conversation with Death and the following changes in his personality and decisions. He could only wonder.
Arriving in the workshop, Ollivander laid what looked to be an assortment of different woods one table and multiple different coloured jars on another.
He asked Harry to feel each of the wood and core specimens on the table and pick the one which feel warm to him, the ones his magic reacts to.
Slowly Harry touched each of the woods first. One by one he touched any blocks of woods, but each gave no response. Finally. When he picked a block at the far end of the table.
It felt warm, the warmth radiating form block climbing up his hand. He handed it to Ollivander.
Ollivander's eyes widened as he took the wood.
"Quite the anomaly Mr Potter, quite the anomaly, the wood you have chosen is Yew. It is from the oldest yew tree in Britan."
Saying so Ollivander gestured Harry to pick the core.
Harry was shocked by Ollivander's comment on the wood. He knew that the wood was the same as wood of Voldemort's wand. He knew not what to make of it but proceeded to pick the cores.
Picking the cores was a more tedious task. As Harry passed his hand over numerous glass jars, he felt nothing. He continued and as he touched a jar filled with dark greenish black liquid, he again felt the same warmness.
He picked it up and handed it to Ollivander, whose eyes disappeared in his hairline.
"That is Basilisk venom you have chosen Mr Potter. Strange, truly strange, your wand is going to have a liquid core. Liquid core wands are the rarest, the last one to be made two centuries ago. This is truly going to be a challenge but worry not. Also, there is something more that I believe is needed."
Saying so Ollivander quickly took the hammer to Harry's holly and phoenix feather wand and removed the feather inside.
Harry was shocked, the breaking of his wand something he had not expected, he was about to react, but Ollivander interrupted him,
"Mr Potter this wand is of no use to you now, but the phoenix feather in it still has a great affinity to you, combining it with the venom will truly make your wand one of a kind, trust me. Now I ask a sample of your blood. It will be used to stabilize the cores. The phoenix feather and basilisk venom do not react well together and adding them will only cause an unwanted explosion in my shop. But I believe with your blood as binder they will be stabilized and work harmoniously in your wand."
Harry shook his head deciding to defer to the man with expertise in his craft. Ollivander asked for Harry's hand and with a quick small cut collected a few drops of his blood and healed the cut.
Later, Ollivander asked Harry to wait in the shop while he crafted his wand.
The wandmaker was excited, perhaps the most in his entire lifetime at the prospect of making such a wand.
Harry went back to the shop and waited; he knew not how much time passed. Ollivander had closed the shop before beginning his work crafting the wand and hence there was no worry of a customer walking in.
Harry waited patiently, his thoughts wandering to the selection of wand materials and what it could mean. He believed and trusted Ollivander to do his best to make Harry a wand and knowing so Harry waited.
After a long wait, Ollivander appeared back in the shop, the expression on his face one of great joy and happiness. He was carrying a long black box with him. As he came to Harry he opened the box,
"Mr Potter what I present to you might just be my finest and greatest creation ever. Yew 13inches, unyielding, with core of basilisk venom and phoenix feather, stabilized by your blood. The wand is extremely loyal to you, even I dare not touch it for the adverse reaction it may cause. I advise you to never hand it to anyone. The venom and feather have made a powerful magical conduit, there effect amplified by your blood. The wand will serve you well. It will work excellently with any magic you excel in."
Harry looked at wand presented before him. It was dark brow with dark black coloured veins running through its length. The handle was carved in the design of phoenix feathers. It was beautiful, and as Harry took his hand near it seemed to call him to hold it to unleash his power through it.
Harry slowly picked the wand. A warm feeling washed over him as the wand suddenly emitted multi-coloured sparks. The wand almost sang in his hand urging him to cast magic.
Ollivander smiled and said,
"As I have said before great things are expected from you Mr Potter. Also, remember I have not put the Ministry's trace which detects underage magic on it. Be sure to use it wisely."
"Thank you, Mr Ollivander, how much should I pay for it."
"The ingredients are as rare as they come, and as it is a custom wand, it would be 250 galleons. I will even add in a wand polishing kit and a dragonhide wrist wand holster for you." Saying so Ollivander handed the items to Harry.
Harry paid the price form his newly acquired money bag from Gringotts and thanking Ollivander left the shop.
Harry decided to head back to his relative's home, happy to finally have solved the issues with his wand and much more to think and read from his trip to Gringotts.
[Break]
Harry quietly made way to his room in the house under the invisibility cloak.
It was around mid-afternoon, his visit at Ollivander's taking most of the morning and much of afternoon.
He quicky settled in the room and unpacked the stuff he had acquire through his trip in Gringotts.
Deciding to go through it he settled comfortably on his bed and first picked up the black leather book he had picked up in the Peverell vault.
Even now he felt the pull from the book. Urging him to open it.
He took a good look at the book. The cover was made of pitch-black leather. A beautiful Elder tree delicately carved in the front. The resemblance to the one from his conversation with Death was astounding.
Slowly he opened the book. As he opened the first page, letters in ink started to appear on the yellow blank parchment.
Harry was shocked and surprised. It eerily reminded him of Voldemort's diary back from his second year.
He was tempted to close the book and throw it away, but the same magic that had urged him to open the book urged him to want to read it. Deciding to do so he read slowly.
'To our Heir,
If you have found this book and are able to open it, then that is what you are.
You are a true Peverell by blood and have the blood of me and my three brothers.
This book was made by me with the help of my brothers to guide our future heirs on the course to master our magic, the magicks of death itself.
Use a quill to write in this book, and I will talk to you, answer your question, and teach you the magicks.'
Harry read the words in shock. He wanted to know more but was sceptical about writing in a magic book. As he thought about it, he wondered if the book was also a horcrux. If true then writing in it would lead to him being possessed by whoever put his soul in there, one of the three brothers if what was written was true. But he also knew that Death had guided him to the book, and as he was a Peverell it was his property. He was confused. Deciding against his better judgement he picked up a quill and an inkpot from his table and wrote the first question that came to his mind.
'Who are you?'
'I am Ignotus Peverell, the youngest of the three brothers. I can sense your magic, the blood of the three brothers runs strong in you. If I may ask what is your name?'
'I am Harry James Potter' Harry wrote.
'Potter! Well then, I am probably your many times great grandfather. It seems the three bloodlines merged in my blood. It a pleasure to meet you. Finally, someone with our blood has emerged.' Ignotus replied.
'You say that you are related to me how so? And what are the three bloodlines you keep on mentioning?' Harry questioned confused at what was being told to him.
'Ah! Firstly, I must tell you our tale, only then you will be able to understand what I say. You must have heard of the Peverells and the three Peverell brothers. I don't know what century it is now, but our tale is one not easily forgotten. You see there was a time when me and my two brothers Antioch and Cadmus together got three gifts form death. Antioch got a wand made of Elder wood and Thestral hair core, the wand was such that it recalled and remembered each spell cast through it. Cadmus got a stone enchanted by death itself, one with power to summon the souls of people form the realm of death. The stone also allowed the true possessor to walk and travel through shadows. I got the invisibility cloak. The cloak provided the wearer with true invisibility. No spell, charm or enchantment would be able to detect the wearer inside the cloak. The cloak also provides protection to the wearer against most spells, curses. These three magical items were a boon as well as a bane to us. Their power and stories attracted trouble from all over the world. Anyone with a hunger for power wanted them. Most wanted to collect all of the three items called as Death's Hallows and desired to be the Master of Death. Alas, they knew not what it truly means. The Hallows only work as designed for the ones that contain the Peverell Blood. For others yes, they will work and will be quite powerful but one without Peverell Blood will never be able to tap in their true powers. This was something that the ones desiring them didn't understand. They applied every trick and strength, committed any vile act they must in an attempt to own the Hallows. For the protection of our families and ourselves we three brothers decided to hide ourselves. In hiding each of us took up new family names. Antioch went to establish the Black Family, Cadmus the Slytherins and me the Potters. So, you see, somehow you have the blood of all these three lines and grants you the power of magicks of death itself.'
Harry mind went numb with all the information he was getting. The image finally making some sense now. Slowly he put together how he had the blood of the Peverell brothers. First him being a Potter gave him blood connection to Ignotus. Through his mother he was related to Slytherins and finally through his grandmother Dorea to the Blacks. The answer astonished him. Getting his questions answered about his heritage filled him with satisfaction and pride.
Yet through all this he still had a lingering doubt, hence he penned,
'How come are you able to talk to me through this book, especially after so many years since your death? Is the book a Horcrux of yours?'
'Ah! Ha! Ha! So, you know the term. You must also know that they are quite the foul and evil creations. To answer your question; Yes and No. This book does contain the essence of my existence. But it does not contain a part of my soul. What it contains is a shade of my soul created using the Resurrection stone. When we three brothers had decided to separate from our families and establish new lines, we thought it important to leave behind a tool to guide our heir if one arises. Antioch using his wand charmed and enchanted this book to hold the shade of my soul. Cadmus using the resurrection stone designed a ritual to create a shade of my soul. And I provide my soul. The creation is before you. It is not a part of my soul but a shade of the entire soul. Rest assured I can sense your worry, the shade can neither absorb your magic or posses you, I am merely here to guide you on your path. I swear on the Peverell Blood that this is the truth.'
The book glowed bright white, and Harry magic told him that what was written was the truth. Relief washed over Harry as he read it. He felt assured. Perhaps this book was truly the answer Death talked about. He wrote,
'Sorry for asking, but I am curious, are you dead or alive?'
'There is no reason to apologise for asking me Harry, after all I created this book to help my heirs. To answer your question, I am neither dead nor alive. You see creating this book came at a great cost for me and my brothers. Death allows none to escape its realm. Before you ask, I cannot tell you of the cost now, you must first master the magicks of death to understand how this book was created.'
Harry though not satisfied with the answer chose to agree with Ignotus's opinion, eager to know more about the magicks of death he wrote.
'I understand, but what are these magicks of death and how do I master them?'
Words quickly appeared on the parchment providing Harry with the answer,
'The magicks of death are the blessing Death gave us three brothers. You must learn them to understand them. There is know way I can put in words what they are. As to how you learn them, well I will teach you through this book. Day after day I will train you, make your magic, mind, and body stronger and explain you of the mysteries of magic itself. There is another thing I you must know. You cannot share what you learn from this book to any other. The magic placed on the book will prevent you to do so. Also, the book will be invisible to all except you and none other than yourself can touch it.'
Harry felt that somehow destiny had given him the tools he would need. He knew learning from Ignotus himself would be incomparable and do great to train and prepare him for the future. Just as he picked up the quill to write again there was a tap at the window, he looked up to see a large owl outside.
Knowing someone must have written to him, he quickly decided to continue his discussion with Ignotus later. He wrote in the book,
'Ignotus, there is an owl for me at the window. I will write to you soon after I attend to the owl.'
'Ok Harry! Do write back soon. There is much we need to discuss. I would also advise you to start meditating regularly. It will help you have a better control over your magic and also calm your mind. Also, there is much you need to tell me about yourself. It would be quite the folly for me to not know about my heir. I can sense in you magic the hardships you have went through, they have only made you stronger. Till the next time you write Harry Potter remember you are a Peverell. Stand up for yourself and what is right no matter what the world thinks and says, you possess the power to achieve what you wish, all you need is a step in the right direction to allow you to wield it.' Ignotus replied.
Harry closed the book reading the last sentence.
He quickly went to the window and opened the window. In came a large brown owl. Attached to it was a sealed envelope.
Slowly Harry untied the envelope and fed the owl some owl treats. The owl soon left after eating its fair share of treats causing Hedwig start hooting loudly in protest.
After the ruckus was done, Harry took the envelope and tore open the wax seal. From inside a piece of parchment slip out.
He wondered who it may be from and moved to open it.
He received quite the shock and relief when he glanced at the senders name at the bottom.
Padfoot
Harry felt greatly relieved and happy to have heard form his godfather. He had not talked or even heard about the man since that night. He had searched through the Daily Prophet and even muggle new papers to find something about Sirius's whereabouts, but his search was fruitless. All the Daily Prophet contained was made up rubbish probably form Fudge and the muggle paper had no mentions.
Harry had thought much about what had happened to Sirius that night after he had fallen asleep. He knew the man had made escape safely. Harry's talk with Dumbledore about Sirius had been source of much frustration for him. Harry wanted his godfather free. He wanted to talk to him, to know more about his parents from him, their school day and much more. First and foremost, Harry had always wanted an adult he could look up to and trust since his childhood. When he first entered the wizarding world and met Dumbledore, he had thought he could look up to the headmaster. But the recent events had left him felling disappointed in the man. When Sirius arrived and was proved innocent, Harry felt maybe there was still some adult that truly cared for him as just Harry and nothing more. Sure, the man had put his revenge in front of Harry's safety, but still Harry felt for the man. Sirius and Remus were perhaps the only people he had met that talked about him and his parents like normal people and not someone to be looked up to. Harry had already decided to forgive Sirius for going after Peter. He knew even he would have taken such a decision in the moment. He had decided to give Sirius another chance.
Slowly he opened the letter and read the contents.
'Dear Harry,
Hope this letter finds you in good health. I am constantly worried about health after the happenings of that night. Hearing that you have recovered from one of my sources filled me with relief.
Firstly, I am extremely sorry Harry for whatever you have gone through. I was stupid and reckless. But that is past, and I have decided to put it behind and become a much better man than I was.
And THANK YOU! For believing in me and saving me. I can't put my gratitude in words for what you have done for me. Probably much more than I could ever hope to do or pay back. If it was not for you and your patronus we both would have faced a faith worse than death. Your patronus is something that bring me great joy and happiness. To cast the spell successfully at such a young age is quite the feat. And the form of the Stag it took, your father's animagus, well to tell you it felt as he himself was there. I am immensely proud of you and what you have achieved. I know for sure even James and Lily would be very proud of you for what you have achieved in such a short time.
All other things aside, you must be wondering why I took so long to write to you and where did I go when I disappeared from the clearing. To answer the first question, I was not ready. Being in Azkaban ha its toll on me. I was weak, barely able to hold myself. There was no way I could be there for you and do my best. I also knew Dumbledore and the other members of the staff were coming to get you. If I had stayed I the best would have happened, is I would be locked up in Azkaban. There was no way I could prove my innocence. And I would be of no use to you locked up. I wanted to help you. Make up for the lost years and provide you the life you deserve. Hence, I decide on my only option and returned to the place I once swore to never return to.
To answer about where I am right now, it is something that cannot be shared through a letter. If it falls in wrong hands, it will cause both of us great trouble. But know that I have something at hand that will help you greatly in future. It will prepare us to face the incoming storm.
Again, I am very much sorry for leaving you. I had no other choice, and this was the only rational decision. All I ask from you is to meet me once so that I can see for myself that you are fine. There is something that I am trying to pull through to get you some much needed help in future against him. I can only hope that you forgive me and give me a chance to explain myself in much better way than I ever could writing this letter.
To tell the truth I am very much guilty for what happed to you, no matter what the world says and what the truth is. I should d have been there for you, and I plan to make up for it the best I can.
Also, I will not hold it against you should you chose not to contact me. I can only hope to understand what you are going through.
All I ask is for one chance to meet you. If you want to meet me, please reply to this letter. I am sure your owl will be able to find me.
Please write back.
Take care,
Padfoot.
PS-this note will burn away once you finish reading it.
As Harry read the letter a lone tear fell from his eyes. He had decided the moment he had seen the senders name, that he wanted Sirius in his life. He knew the man cared deeply for him and he felt it too.
Quickly Harry penned down his reply.
He quickly took it to Hedwig and asked him to deliver it to Sirius. Hedwig sensing Harry's urgency took off to deliver the letter.
Harry hoped that Hedwig would find his godfather soon.
Now there was something more important for him to do. Something that would probably change his path forever. He still had to write to Ignotus, of course he wanted to know more. And he still had the Potter and Slytherin Grimoires to look through. But from his tour of Gringotts there was another thing that needed his attention. He could feel it in his Lord's ring.
A place to visit.
A/N:
Another chapter done.
The magic of the Peverell book will be explained further. Hope I have done a good enough job of putting my imagination in words of what it is.
Ignotus is an addition and will play a vital role throughout the story and act as Harry's mentor.
Next chapter will have lot of Harry and Ignotus. Harry will begin his training.
The Fourth year and the Triwizard Tournament will be follow soon.
As mentioned in the beginning the story will be updated every Thursday henceforth.
I have also decide to keep the chapter length between 5k to 8k for easier reading experience. Some chapters will be longer depending on the content. Do comment or PM me telling if you want longer or shorter chapters.
Please do leave a review.
Thanks for reading,
lordgreencryztalz