Yo,
I'm back with the next chapter of Destined Saviour. Next chapter of the story is available you know where and thank you for your continued love and support. Do share your feedback with me.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Familiar/ Ghosts /Goblins" talking.
'Familiar/ Ghosts/ Goblins' thinking.
'Parseltongue, Will/Memories, Portraits'
"Spell" is being used.
Enjoy.
Destined Saviour
Chapter 5
Magical
30th June 1994
"You are worthy of being House Black Heir, Harry. That's why you are accepted by the House Magic. Don't doubt your capabilities, pup." Sirius said ruffling Harry's raven locks. Harry looked up joyfully into Sirius's misty greys.
"Dattebayo, old man," Harry said with a cheer and Sirius laughed at the weird word.
"Harry,"
"Yea,"
"I want to teach you something," Sirius said and Harry's emerald's looked at him in curiosity. He started roaming across the entrance taking everything in the ancient house.
"How about you learn to protect your mind?"
"Protecting my Mind!?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Yes, it's called Occlumancy," Sirius affirmed.
"Sounds like fun," Harry gave him a smirk and they both started exploring the House. Though Sirius thought of starting with Animagus, as Harry became his Heir he thought Mind Protection is important now.
1st July 1994
On the warm summer evening of July, in Grimmauld Place, Harry found himself seated in the Black House study, facing Sirius across a worn-out wooden table. Despite the gravity of the situation, Harry couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. His takeover of Harry's body has sparked a thirst for magical knowledge, and he is eager to learn more.
"Harry," Sirius began, his expression serious, "the art I'm about to teach you is advanced magic, not typically taught to students. It's even called Dark by some. As I told you, it's called Occlumency." Sirius started.
After Harry agreed to the lessons last night, Kreacher appeared with the news that dinner is ready. Though surprised, Sirius nodded and they had a peaceful dinner with happy tales and laughter. Kreacher, Sirius noticed, is being very respectful to them and he observed the old elf looking at Harry with reverence as if he is the second coming of Merlin himself.
Though amused, Sirius thought of getting to the end of it when he is more relaxed and rested and so they both went to the 2 usable rooms in the house, the Master bedroom for Sirius and RAB bedroom for Harry.
After a good night's sleep, he woke at midday, though Sirius heard some sounds throughout the whole morning as if someone was exercising and walking around the home.
After a good bath, it was evening he walked into the kitchen and had something to eat and now sat face to face with Harry to train him in Occlumency.
Harry tilted his head, the unfamiliar term piquing his interest. "Occlumency? What does it do, Padfoot-sensei?" That made a barky laughter out of Sirius.
With a happy laugh, he explained. "Occlumency is the magical art of defending your mind against external penetration. It shields your thoughts, your memories from others."
Harry's eyes slightly widened. Mind defence is not a new concept for him, he saw how powerful Genjutsu can be and having too much chakra, he couldn't for the love of Kami come out of it if he was caught in one. Though this sounds like a good counter to it. With eagerness, he asked, "Why would I need to learn this?" He asked with more curiosity than ignorance.
Sirius leaned back in his chair. "You are... unique, Harry. Some might want to take advantage of your situation, to peer into your mind and use it against you or just to use you. And believe me, in the wizarding world, the battles aren't just physical. They can be mental, too."
Naruto can understand that and even relate to that. With the determination that would make Hashirama proud, he asked Sirius to continue. Sirius took it as his cue to start.
"Clear your mind, Harry. Your thoughts, emotions— they are doors for potential intrusion. You must learn to close them, to control them." Harry nodded in understanding and Sirius continued.
"Step 1 is Understanding your Mind. The first step is understanding the workings of the mind." Sirius explained. "The mind is like a fortress with many doors— these doors represent your thoughts, memories, and emotions. An Occlumens learns to close these doors, to control the access,"
"Next step is Meditation and Clearing the Mind. The next phase involves meditation. Clearing your mind is the first step towards shielding it," Sirius said. To explain this practically, Sirius asked Harry to sit quietly and clear his mind of all thoughts, to focus on his breathing, and let his mind become a blank slate. This exercise required patience and persistence as Naruto was used to the constant chatter of his thoughts and has too much energy.
But after many attempts failed, he decided to observe his magic/chakra instead of just breathing and that managed to do the trick. He is able to clear his mind of all thoughts and just focus on the flow and feel of his magic.
To say he liked it would be an understatement. Naruto loved the feeling it gave. It's like this raging river trying to come out at moment's notice with his command. But when he touched it, his magic calmed like a serene lake.
After letting Harry concentrate for a few minutes, Sirius tapped him on his shoulder and got a sting. He was surprised by the charge of Harry's magic got just a few minutes of focus but Harry's eyes opened and the relief and clarity he saw in those eyes made Sirius's day.
"Loved the feeling?" He asked with a knowing smirk and Harry nodded with a wide smile. "Good. Let's continue, Step 3 is Building Mental Shields. This is the toughest part. For this, I have to test you using the intrusion spell. I promise to not look any further than needed when we reach the stage." Sirius defensively explained before Harry can protest.
"You are thinking too deeply into it, Padfoot. I can understand it's part of the training and trust me, I've experienced worse." He said darkly, a certain white-haired man pushing him into the creek coming to mind.
Sirius was taken aback by this but knowing Harry's history to save him, he nodded in understanding and continued. "Next step is Organising Your Thoughts. This is where you will organise your thoughts and memories. Categorising them and making them easier to manage and shield." He further elaborated on dividing them into mental chambers and locking them against intrusion.
"Now you will be strengthening your defences. This will be done using your will and intent. Imagine the strongest object, animal or even door guarding your thoughts and once I confirm you have strong shields, I'll use my strongest Legilimens and test it." He said and Harry nodded.
"Generally, Occlumency training stops here as you got strong metal defences to stop any intrusion, but in the last war, me and James came up with this last step. Controlled access." Sirius said in a grandiose pose and Harry leaned forward eagerly.
"Sometimes, the best defence is to mislead the enemy," Sirius explained. "This step required the highest level of control and understanding of one's own mind. So pup, your training is complete when you thoroughly mislead me about your love interests." Sirius said with a satisfied smirk and Harry gave him a blank look.
"Look at that! You learn fast! Already giving me blank faces." He said and heartily hugged Harry. They both laughed at the insane regimen Sirius planned and were interrupted by a pop. They turned to see Kreacher appear with a tea tray. The tray was lowered to the table and he was holding two envelopes in his gnarled hands.
"Master Harry, letters for you from the Ministry," the house-elf croaked, handing them to Harry, ignoring Sirius completely.
Harry took the letters and looked at the envelopes before opening them. He was surprised that it was from the Ministry and looked at Sirius who was sitting in an armchair and already sipping tea Kreacher brought for them.
"Sirius, it's from the Ministry." He said and saw the old man walk up to him. He gestured Harry to open the letter and both of them read it.
'Ministry of Magic,
Department of Magical History and Heritage,
1st July 1994.
Dear Sirius Black,
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
I write to you today in my capacity as the Head of the Department of Magical History and Heritage, to formally convey to you our decision regarding your hereditary title and family assets. As you may have known, on 30th June, 21:16 hrs somewhere in London, your claim to Black House Lordship was received by the Ministry of Magic and hence investigated.
It is my duty to inform you that, effective immediately, the Ministry recognises you as Lord Black, the rightful Lord of the House of Black and your Heir. Your Heir's name will be confidential as it is up to you to disclose it and only I know as of now.
Thus, it has been decreed that all rights, privileges, and assets associated with the title of Lord Black are to be restored to you. These include the Black family vault at Gringotts, the Black ancestral home, and all other properties and assets associated with the House of Black.
Even though you are still a wanted criminal, it is our Department's duty to ensure the safety of all Ancient and Noble Houses of Magical Britain and so you will be given a rightful trial on 21st July at 09:00 hrs in Courtroom 7.
We at the Department hope that you will be in time for the trial and exercise your right as Lord Black. I assure you, you won't be arrested when you show up in the Ministry and if need be, I'll personally accompany you.
Should you need assistance in understanding the various aspects of your restored status and trial, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Magical History and Heritage. We can provide you with a detailed account of your family lineage, as well as the responsibilities and expectations that come with your title.
Any letters addressed to the Head of the Department of Magical History and Heritage will reach me if you feel uncomfortable writing to the department.
Yours sincerely,
Evelyn Rosier,
Head of the Department of Magical History and Heritage,
Ministry of Magic.'
They were surprised. Sirius was looking at the parchment as if it were the most precious thing. A stray tear fell from his eye. He didn't expect a turn of events like this and he honestly took the Oath to infuriate his mother. He felt Harry's firm grasp on his shoulder with a happy smile.
"Well, I didn't see that coming," Sirius muttered, his grey eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and resentment. He scrubbed his face with his hand, "I've spent most of my life running away from that title. To think it would allow me to be free... Unimaginable."
Kreacher, who had been standing silently by the door, finally speaks. "Kreacher remembers when the noble House of Black was one of the most respected families. Perhaps this is a chance to restore its honour, blood traitor master."
Sirius scoffs, "And what honour would that be, Kreacher? The honour of bigotry and pureblood supremacy?"
Kreacher cringed, "Kreacher only meant that the blood traitor master could use the lordship to make things right." He said, glancing at Harry.
Harry interjected, "He's got a point, Sirius. You could use the influence and resources to be free." Sirius looked up and that's when he remembered. He got a shit-eating smirk.
"Now I have to send a letter." He said with a victorious smirk. Harry raised an eyebrow. Sirius quickly took some parchment and quickly started scribbling something. Finally, with the Black Family crest, he sealed it.
"Kreacher, take this to Andromeda Tonks and tell her it's my official invitation to Family House. Only come back with her reply. Is that clear?" He asked in a commanding tone and Kreacher nodded. Though Sirius didn't trust the elf, he knew Kreacher will do this as he ordered in his official capacity of Lord Black.
Sirius sighed, "I suppose I'll have to get used to being called 'Lord Black' now. Merlin help me." Harry laughed at his disgruntled face.
That's when he turned to his wand and frowned. Sirius was complaining about all the fake respect everyone will show him once his innocence is proven. "Padfoot," he called and got a hmm from the man. He picked up his wand and showed him.
Harry looked nervously at Sirius, gripping his wand tightly. His usually loyal holly and phoenix feather wand had been unresponsive lately, much to his frustration and confusion. "There's something... something wrong with my wand." Harry said in a wavering tone.
Sirius, who was sitting across from him, looked up from his complaining, his brow furrowed with concern. "What do you mean, Harry?" He asked, perplexed.
"My wand... it's not working properly," Harry confessed. He flicked his wand as if to demonstrate, but nothing happened. "See? Nothing! I don't understand why..."
A thoughtful look crossed Sirius's face. "Did anything unusual happen recently, Harry? Something that could affect your magic?"
Harry thought back. Of course, it did. Naruto took over Harry's body after all and it's not normal even in this magical world so far he observed. He can't say it, can he? That's when he remembered it. The Dementors. His mind made a plan.
"Well... nothing. Except for the Dementors thing." He stopped with a sigh as it was a sensitive topic and got an understanding look from Sirius.
"Well," Sirius said, leaning back into his chair. "Wands are mysterious things, aren't they? But they're also very personal. They're tied to our magic, our emotions... everything that makes us who we are. I'm not an expert, but I'd say, perhaps something changed in you to make your wand reject you." He said in a thoughtful tone.
"Not a problem. We will meet one of my family Wandmakers to correct that tonight." He said with a roguish smirk. Harry was surprised by that.
"Are you se-" Harry stopped himself knowing that this would only make the man even happier and shut up. Sirius's smirk widened at that. "Come on, pup. I promise I won't be caught. I should get a wand either way. This old wand doesn't work for me anymore." He said waving around a wand and Harry relented at that.
"We're going to meet our family wandmaker, Emeric the Eldritch," Sirius replied, his tone carrying a touch of respect and anticipation.
"Eldritch?" Harry echoed, a curious look on his face.
"Yes, Emeric Eldritch. He's been crafting wands for the Black family for generations," Sirius explained.
"The Black family had a long history steeped in magic and tradition. Among our various connections, one of the most noteworthy was our private wandmaker. While Ollivander's was the popular choice, pure-blood families often preferred to have their wands made by a personal wandmaker who understood their lineage and magical nuances." He explained in detail and redied.
Soon both of them walked out of Grimmauld Place towards Diagon Alley, Harry changing himself into Naruto and with his black dog in tow they started. Though Sirius was surprised, he decided to ask about Harry's Metamorphmagus ability later. Sirius was a perfect dog, barking like a good dog and even more when they were close to beautiful women. Due to Naruto's whiskers, they got a lot of attention and Sirius revelled in it. He even got many pats from women as a reward.
Instead of going to the bustling Diagon Alley, they steered off into the sketchy Knockturn Alley and then took a left and entered the Grimoire road and followed the few and far between shops and entered a good-looking muggle store.
As they walked in, the scent of various woods and magical ingredients filled their senses. Shelves lined with various tools and materials hinted at the craftsmanship that occurred within these walls.
At the centre of it stood an old man, Harry presumed him to be Emeric Eldritch. With his flowing white beard, twinkling eyes, and a capacious cloak draped over his stooped frame, he looked every bit the archetypal wizard. A lifetime of crafting wands had given him a weathered, yet kind, countenance. His hands, though gnarled and old, were steady and displayed an elegant finesse when handling his precious creations.
"Emeric," Sirius greeted, extending a hand. "It's been a while."
The old man peered at them through his half-square glasses, a smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Sirius! It has indeed," he replied, his voice a rich baritone taking Sirius's hand. His gaze shifted to Harry, interest lighting his eyes. "And who might this be?"
Taking a deep breath, Sirius launched into the strange tale of Harry and his peculiar predicament. Emeric listened patiently, nodding at times. The wizarding world was no stranger to oddities, and while Harry's story is unique, Emeric is intrigued more than anything. He knew of Harry Potter, of course. He didn't expect the kid to show up in his shop. He also knew Sirius's predicament.
Though the Ministry threatened harsh actions against anyone cooperating with him, he didn't care. He stood with House Black for generations and he is not going to change it now. When Sirius finished, Emeric studied Harry for a few moments before gesturing for him to follow. "Let's see what we can do for you, young man."
In the heart of Emeric's magical workshop, a vast collection of wand materials awaited. From dragon heartstring to phoenix feather, from unicorn hair to thestral tail hair, from holly to yew, each wand ingredient had its unique energy.
Harry, under the watchful eyes of Sirius and Emeric, began the process of finding a wand that might choose him. He picked up a hickory wand with a dragon heartstring core, giving it a tentative wave. Instead of a magical response, the wand sat lifelessly in his hand. He tried again with a different wand, this time an elm one with a phoenix feather core. Yet, the outcome was the same.
As Harry continued his fruitless attempts, Sirius exchanged a concerned glance with Emeric. Each rejected wand further highlighted the unique predicament they were in.
"He has a strong magical presence," Emeric murmured, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he watched Harry try and fail with another wand. "Yet, no wand resonates with him. Intriguing."
Sirius looked troubled, his gaze fixated on Harry. "What does this mean, Emeric? Is he... incompatible with magic?" Sirius feared the worst as Dementors are and will be vile creatures. He understands this more from his experience.
Emeric shook his head slowly, peering over his spectacles at Harry. "I wouldn't jump to such conclusions, Sirius. Magic, as we know it, is unpredictable and mysterious. We are dealing with a situation that is both unprecedented and puzzling. But every problem has a solution." He nodded sagely.
Harry, now holding a Willow wand with a Troll Whisker core, looked at the two wizards, his expression a mixture of frustration and determination. "None of them... none of them feel right."
Sirius put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry. We'll find a way."
Emeric nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Indeed. It's a puzzle, my boy, but together we'll piece it. I believe the answer may lie in the essence of who you are." Harry nodded though he is still in Naruto's form.
Thus, what should have been a routine visit turned into an unprecedented challenge, testing the wit and patience of both Harry and his guides. Despite the setbacks, Harry remained resolute, his spirit undeterred as he continued his quest for a wand that could truly call him its master. He was fascinated by the different types of wand woods and cores.
He didn't see this many in Konoha even though the village is filled with numerous trees. He can smell them, sense them and even understand them to some extent. Just with a mere touch, he can tell if it suits him or not. That's why he is very curious to find the one that fits him.
After several unsuccessful attempts, Harry stood before the extensive collection of wands, his mind swirling with uncertainty. Maybe he spoke too soon. Sirius and Emeric exchanged a glance, both equally puzzled about how to proceed.
"Perhaps we're going about this all wrong," Emeric suggested, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Harry, you have the most unique magic I've ever seen. Maybe the wand for you isn't from the usual assortment either." He mused.
Harry nodded, his gaze wandering across the various materials and cores to find some that at least remotely tingle him. Then his eyes fell on a peculiar wand placed separately from the others. Emeric explained to them that it was one of his biggest mistakes.
When he tried combining 2 unsuitable wood and core, this unpredictable wand resulted and how he was ashamed of it as he knew such a combination was never to be made and left it halfway. He feels the wand to be a burden but can't relieve himself of it as its snapping would dishearten him and so he let it stay there.
If Naruto remembered it correctly that's — a thirteen-inch English Oak (an extremely Old Oak) wand with a thestral tail hair core. Thestral, he remembered Sirius mentioning once, were magical creatures only visible to those who had witnessed death. There was something about this wand that drew Naruto in, its mere presence speaking of untold stories and trials.
With a sense of familiarity yet anticipation, he reached out and picked it up. As his fingers wrapped around the wand, a surge of warmth radiated up his arm. The wand quivered slightly, a jet of orange sparks shooting from its tip, illuminating the room with a warm light.
A sense of belonging, missing until now, washed over Naruto. The wand felt right, a seamless extension of his being. He gave it an experimental wave and a gust of wind whooshed around the room, ruffling papers and causing Emeric's capacious cloak to billow dramatically.
A gasp escaped Sirius, his eyes wide with disbelief and joy. "It... it chose him," he whispered, a smile spreading across his face.
Emeric looked equally pleased, nodding sagely. "Indeed, it seems the wand has chosen its wizard. It's an unusual choice, Oak with Thestral Tail Hair core. A wand with such a core is said to be drawn to wizards who are, in some way, touched by death and capable of accepting the inevitability of mortality."
"and English Oak wands are known to be loyal companions, representing strength, courage, and fidelity. Their owners were said to be of powerful intuition and a connection to the natural world. Legend has it that Merlin himself wielded an English Oak wand, although there is no concrete evidence as his grave remains undiscovered." Emeric explained in an impressed tone.
"You got yourself a strong wand, young man. Let me complete my unfinished work and make some adjustments to support you more." He said slowly to Naruto. Knowing it was unfinished, he nodded.
"Can I watch?" He asked curiously and Emeric gave him a happy nod.
Emeric took the wand from Naruto's hand and asked him to drop 7 drops of blood on it. With a ritual dagger, Emeric made a small cut on Harry's finger and Naruto let his blood drop on the wand and watched in fascination as Emeric took a blackish-silver hair and weave it across the wand and carved many small words he remembered as runes on it.
As Sirius went to get a wand, Naruto watched in fascination as slowly all runes glowed golden and seeped into the wand. The wand itself glowed and after a few minutes of intense magic emission, it dimmed and flew into Naruto's extended hand.
A strong magical outburst shook the store as Naruto's hand touched the wand. Emeric and Sirius ran into the room. They saw Naruto wave his wand with it releasing small Foxes and Thestrals around. What he left before was like a bridge, now he can feel his wand as an extension of his body and magic.
"Well done, my boy. Are you satisfied now?" Emeric asked and Harry nodded in satisfaction and gave a small bow to Emeric in respect.
"No need for all that." Emeric laughed it off.
"We are done, Harry. I'm sure you'll be happy to practise with your wand with me from tomorrow as Emeric just explained to me that your wand likes a good challenge." He said with a smirk and Harry nodded eagerly.
Harry wooshed his wand and everything went back to normal in the workshop. It's a real piece of beauty with a large base and a Silver body with red streaks across it with small black pins that had the extra Thestral hair for support.
Harry looked down at the wand in his hand, feeling a profound connection. While he didn't completely understand Emeric's words, he felt a certain truth in them.
"So," Sirius began, grinning at Harry, "how does it feel to have a wand of your own?"
Harry returned the grin, a spark in his emerald eyes. "It feels right, Sirius. It feels like... a new beginning."
And so, Naruto Uzumaki, in a body that was not his, found his magical companion, marking a significant milestone on his journey in the wizarding world.
With a newfound sense of achievement and the comforting weight of his wand in hand, Naruto stood beside Sirius, ready to bid farewell to Emeric.
"Thank you, Emeric, you've helped me a lot today."
Emeric smiled warmly, patting Harry's shoulder with his weathered hand. "I merely provided the tools, my boy. It was your spirit that found its match."
Sirius extended his hand, shaking Emeric's with a firm grip. "Emeric, thank you for your help. This... was not a situation we could have predicted."
The old wandmaker chuckled, his eyes twinkling behind his half-rimmed spectacles. "Predictability is overrated, Sirius. Unpredictable stories are the ones that make history."
Sirius smiled, a note of gratitude in his gaze. "Still, you've done us a great service today."
"As long as I can be of help, it's my pleasure, Sirius," Emeric replied, ushering them towards the door.
As they left in their disguise, Emeric watched the duo disappear into the alley, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Unpredictable indeed," he muttered to himself before returning to his workshop, the echoes of their visit lingering in the air.
And Cut.
That's it for this Chapter, folks. Hope you all liked it. Tell me, what you think of the chapter and story in general.
Any suggestions are welcomed.
See y'all in the next chapter.
Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.
