I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.
"Normal Talking"
'Thoughts'
"Parseltongue"
Harry sat staring furiously at the Golden Egg that sat in the center of the room. He would like nothing more than to blast the thing apart but unfortunately, he needed it to figure out how to tackle his next task. He had tried everything he could think of silencing charms being one of the main plans he had tackled. He tried revealing charms he even thought of stunning the thing like it was sentient.
However, no matter what he tried the Egg would constantly screech its unholy screech the second he tried to open it.
It hasn't been all bad however, after his rather relaxing weekend he did go back to attending a few classes with his friends and found he missed the atmosphere more than he thought. Even sitting down for potions was enjoyable, it would seem even if he was stern, without Snape constantly sneering at him he found that potions were rather interesting to learn.
McGonagall and Flitwick had been most pleased with his return to classes though McGonagall was just as stern as ever and threatened him with piles of essays should she find him lacking in any measure. Despite his excuse of being in the Tri-Wizard tournament she still expected him to keep up with his studies.
Harry had found that returning to classes was just what he needed to get his mind off his situation. The return of some form of normalcy relaxed him greatly. Also, it would seem after his display with the Horntail Malfoy was hesitant to goad him in any way. It would seem the only true Slytherin trait that the blonde git had was self-preservation.
Ron though had been very absent in Harry's life, it was nice, but Harry would be lying if he said he didn't feel at least a little regret. Ron was possessive and horribly jealous with many other flaws, but he was still Harry's friend at one point even if it was only for a moment, he couldn't believe that Ron just saw him as some sort of trophy friend. There had to have been a point where they were true friends, but even so, just a moment.
Even if he thought this, he wasn't going to seek Ron out or anything.
Shaking his head Harry grabbed his Egg and placed it in a bag before walking out of his training classroom. If he was right his friends should be in Defense Against the Dark Arts right now. Well, except for Susan. If he was remembered right, Susan would be in charms with the Claws. The only classes he shared with Susan this year were Transfiguration, Herbology, and Care for Magical Creatures. The rest were with Slytherin; those being DADA, Charms, and Potions. The rest of his classes he had with the Ravenclaws.
It didn't take him long before he reached the familiar and yet unfamiliar classroom of DADA. With the professors constantly changing every year so did the décor. Entering the classroom, he saw he had come in just as Moody was about to start his lesson. Harry took a quick look around quickly spotting both Daphne and Hermione and when they saw him, they quickly made a spot between them. As he approached, he saw that there were a few Bulgarian and French students in the class as well. He saw Blaise and Tracey sitting at a table over as well.
"Ah! Look who has graced us with his presence!" Moody called out mockingly but with no real malice in his voice.
"Sorry professor, but I just got caught up with tournament stuff." Harry said taking the spot that Hermione and Daphne had made for him with a smile.
"Excuses! If anything, you should never miss a single one of my classes! The others? Bugger them! My class? It could very well save your life in this tournament!" He stated fiercely going back to writing his lesson out on the board.
"Still no luck with the Egg?" Hermione asked quietly as she took notes of what Moody was writing.
"It'd probably be easier to turn it to an omelet at this point." Harry huffed and Daphne couldn't help the small giggle that made its way out of her mouth.
"If you do then I would like pepper and salt, light on the salt, fresh garlic with bacon, ham, and cheese." She stated with a smirk as Harry just rolled his eyes and Hermione just snorted.
This was one of the many pluses of coming back to classes, he had more time to hang out with his friends. Over the past few days, he had noticed something though. Hermione, Daphne, and Susan all seemed to be… closer to him. He didn't quite know if that was the right way to describe it.
Like just now when he walked into class, if it was Blaise and Tracey, they would've just scooted over to make room. However, with these two they always did their best to make sure he was between them. He thought to ask them about it but thought better of it. It was nice but a little confusing to him.
Daphne had become more open with him after the first task. She was still prim and proper but she wasn't so… distant. When they first started hanging out, he remembered that she would constantly hide her emotions. However lately she hadn't been so reserved. Also, she and Hermione seemed to have worked out whatever animosity was between them as they were on speaking terms now.
Actually, Harry wouldn't feel that it would be overstating that they even seemed like friends. Speaking of Hermione, she had changed a bit as well. It wasn't as notable as Daphne's change of attitude, but he did find some things she did differently. Usually, Hermione wasn't one for undue touching but lately, she had, at many moments, pressed against him. Not in a glomping manner but in moments when their shoulders might press against each other she didn't right it or separate right away anymore.
Susan was her usual kind self but like Hermione, she had been more open with touching. Many time's whenever they would walk together he would find that she walked close to him and if her hands were free sometimes their hands would brush together. Harry thought it was just a simple mistake but she had also nudged his knee with her own at times when they were studying or sitting near each other at times as well.
Like he said they were confusing, but Harry found that it wasn't… bad. In fact, he found that he quite liked the change. Not that he would admit it to the girls or point it out, a Dragon he could deal with, angry witches?... Yup no.
"How about you Potter?" Harry was snapped from his thoughts as his attention returned to Moody at the front of the class.
"What about me?" he asked dumbly causing Daphne and Hermione to let faces fall into their hands while everyone else chuckled.
Moody rolled his eyes, his large magical eye being quite unnerving in the motion.
"Protective charms, want to help me with a demonstration?" Moody asked with a grin and Harry shrugged.
"Sure." He answered before getting up and walking to the front of the class. He took his spot opposite of Moody and had his wand ready.
"Now, you little snots should all know the normal protective charm, correct?" he asked receiving nods before indicating for Harry to lift a shield.
"Protego!" he cast and from his wand, a transparent bluish shield appeared in front of him without missing a beat Moody wordlessly sent a stunner towards his shield and Harry could feel the pressure of the spell. His shield held firm though and there was only a flash of blue light before both of the spells faded.
"Good, however, what if I did something like this!" he suddenly shouted sending another stunner and Harry quickly raised his shield but was unprepared for the stone that came flying towards him and struck him in the shoulder. It wasn't fast or forceful enough to cause any damage, but it would definitely bruise.
"Constant vigilance Potter!" Moody cried out. "Who can tell me why the shield protected Harry from the stunner but not the stone?" he asked looking towards the class as Harry rubbed his shoulder.
"The shield only blocks spells, sir." Hermione informed but looked quite miffed at the fact that Moody had basically thrown a rock at Harry, so did Daphne.
"But there was magic on the stone. I used it to shoot it across the room." He said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Harry then remembered what he had read on defensive enchantments from the book Pince had given him.
"The shield did block the magic that was moving the stone but couldn't stop the stone because it was a physical, not magical object."
"Yes, correct! So then how do we deal with this?" He asked the class again.
"Duck?" a Gryffindor asked receiving a few laughs in response.
"Or cast a different version of the shield charm." Moody replied before levitating the stone to Harry who took it in his hand.
"Throw that at me, Potter." He instructed and held his wand at the ready. Harry looked at the Rock for a moment before following the instruction and chucked the rock towards the DADA Professor who cast a similar shield as the one Harry cast. However, this one seemed more solid than Harry's. When the stone made contact the shield seemed to cave in a little then like rubber it sprung back into place. The stone, as a result, was sent flying back to where it came from.
Harry decided to take the Gryffindor student's suggestion and ducked before he could be hit again.
"Oh, look, ducking does work." Moody stated a bit too giddily for Harry's liking as he scowled at the Professor who just smirked.
"Do any of you know what I just did?" No one answered "I cast a defensive spell known as Protego Duo. This spell was developed by some bloke who decided he was tired of getting hit." Moody stated. He wasn't one to go into the specifics of a spell's history only caring that it worked.
"The spell acts as a physical and magical shield however the normal Protego shields are still superior at blocking spells, this spell will be used if someone decided to banish physical objects at you." Moody explained. After Harry returned to his seat, he went on to explain the wand motion and how to cast the spell. That was when Blaise finally spoke up and asked how they could tell they were doing the spell correctly. There wasn't much of a difference between this version and the normal one.
Moody just grinned wickedly while tossing a stone in his hand in the air and catching it on repeat.
By the time class had ended every student would have lumps and bruises for days. Harry for his part was able to get his shield to work well enough, so did Daphne but Hermione was had a bit of trouble with hers and it showed as she gingerly rubbed her hip.
"I like him." Harry said with a grin as Hermione just scowled at him. Daphne just rolled her eyes before waving her wand over Hermione.
"Episkey." She chanted and for a moment a gentle golden light flowed from her wand and wrap around Hermione and relief flooded her features.
"Harry?" she asked holding her wand up and He nodded.
"Please." He said as she repeated her actions with Hermione and Harry felt the few lumps he had fade away along with the pain that came with them. Blaise and Tracey soon joined them as they made their way to the great hall for lunch. It was here that Harry suddenly remembered something that annoyed him along with the Egg.
A woman by the name of Rita Skeeter.
Apparently, the revelations of Harry Potter being a Parseltongue was big news as well as the fact that he summoned what most assumed was a dark beast had painted him in a bad light. He remembered reading the prophet the next day and promptly tossing it into the fire after reading a few lines in. It would seem that whatever kept her in check the first time didn't last.
"Oh, Dark Lord Potter! I have saved you a seat!" Jones yelled out causing Harry to groan out. Jones was having way too much fun with this. After reading the prophet herself she had done her best to try to convince Harry to wear dark scary clothes when not in uniform to fit his new persona. He begrudgingly went towards Jones as she did keep spots open around her where he and his friends could sit for lunch. He was happy to see Susan already there waiting for them as they all sat down.
That was a day! When Hermione and Susan had joined him for lunch. Malfoy had been less than pleased and seemed to forget for that moment his hesitance at facing Harry but was quickly reminded of it when Harry clocked his jaw after calling Hermione a mudblood. He faced a Dragon just a few days ago, he wasn't going to put up with Malfoy. Though it did earn him detention from Snape he hadn't been dreading it.
It was this coming Friday and he found that spending any amount of time with the professor no longer filled him with dread or annoyance. They weren't besties or anything, far from it, but Snape just felt like another teacher to him now, stern but still.
Looking down towards Malfoy he saw that the git had a look of pure loathing on his mug and Harry was tempted to mock him in challenge but decided against it. As long as he didn't mess with his friends Malfoy might as well be a non-issue from now on.
"So, my lord, how has your day been thus far? Is there someone who has been troubling you? If so, I beg your pardon to allow me to deal with such a nuisance." Jones asked bowing her head though she had a huge grin on her face as Harry groaned.
"Do you have to do that? You're going to start even more rumors about me."
"First of all, yes, yes I do. Second, what do you care? You should be used to rumors by now, besides as long as you got someone as awesome as me in your corner what else could you need?" she said no short amount of bravado being added to the end of her statement.
"Hey, we're in his corner too." Susan said with a smile as Jones shrugged.
"Eh, you can have like ten percent of the corner I'll have the rest."
"No, I think we should have the majority of the corner here, I mean you're going to graduate this year anyway." Susan said before Jones laughed mockingly.
"Ha Ha Ha you doubt my power Hufflepuff, I have no problem failing every class just so I can retake a year."
"You will do no such thing!" Hermione said hotly, even in a joking manner the idea of failing on purpose was a big no-no for her. Her outburst had caused a laugh to ring through the group as they began to load their plates for lunch.
"So, Harry any luck with the Egg?" Blaise asked and Harry just shook his head.
"He'd have an easier time just making it into an omelet, right Harry?" Daphne asked with a playful smirk which he just rolled his eyes at.
"Pretty much what she said. I don't get it none of my spells seemed to work and no matter what I try the screaming just won't stop."
"What about the designs on the side?" Susan asked, it was one of the things she pointed out about the Egg. There were designs on the Egg but to Harry, it just looked like a depiction of Hogwarts nothing special.
"I don't think it means anything special but maybe I'm wrong." He said glancing at the bag which held his Egg. He looked around and spotted the other champions. Fleur was at the Ravenclaw table and seemed to be deep in thought. Cedric was sitting in Hufflepuff and seemed to be in a similar state. Krum looked normal but a professional seeker would probably be good at hiding his nervousness or confusion.
He thought about going to them for aid or even with an offer of working together but they were still competition. He liked them but it was what it was, plus he didn't want to rely on them too much if at all.
"You could give us the Egg, maybe we can figure something out." Hermione suggested and Harry smiled.
"I'd love to but If any of the organizers saw that I was getting help with the Egg then I might get disqualified. And I quite like having magic so no, but once I do figure it out, I'll come straight to you for help with a plan." He promised causing Hermione to smile widely at him.
"Oh, I guess we're not smart enough to go for help?" Daphne huffed out as Susan had a mock expression of hurt.
"What? No, I'll ask you too of course." He quickly amended and now Hermione looked offended.
"So now you're saying that I'm not good enough on my own?" She asked challengingly and Harry turned to her with wide eyes.
"No! That's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?" Susan asked trying to look miffed but being a Hufflepuff her nature was hard-pressed to hide her amusement.
"I just meant—" He was cut off by the sound of giggling to see the three girls holding their hands over their mouth's playful amusement dancing in their eyes. "Fine! I just won't ask any of you." He claimed smugly but Daphne just smirked at him.
"Oh sure, we'll see how that goes." Harry just huffed as he continued to eat. This was another development in the past few days as Susan, Hermione and Daphne seemed to greatly enjoy teasing him. Lunch went on rather normal after that as the group had to split again though this time Harry left with Susan as they made their way towards Care for Magical Creatures.
They traveled in comfortable silence for a while before Harry broke it.
"Hey, you know something." He suddenly said as Susan looked towards him.
"What's that?" she asked.
"I don't think I thanked any of you for helping me out with that first task." He informed looking towards her as Susan furrowed her brows.
"You don't have to do that. I mean we were all happy to help." She said sincerely and it was the truth, she was just happy with being able to be around Harry and get to know him. These past few days had been magical for her. Harry was very kind but funny too, he was also pretty smart for having slacked so much in classes up until now. She had asked him about that but was met with a flash of pain in his eyes, but it quickly vanished. She had wanted to press the issue but respected his privacy and could only hope that their relationship evolved to a point where he opened up to her fully.
"I think I do, if not for the help, then for just being with me. Don't tell the others because I have a reputation to maintain but, I was pretty lonely until you girls found me that day." He said smiling towards Susan causing her to gain a rather healthy rosy tint to her cheeks. She smiled back shyly clutching her books closer to her, even if it wasn't that much closer thanks to her bust.
"Well, thank you for not shooing us away. With what was going on at the time it couldn't have been easy to trust us. Especially since I'm from Hufflepuff and Daphne was from Slytherin."
"And Tracey." Harry added remembering that Tracey was there too. Susan nodded though she was more thinking about herself and Daphne as opposed to Tracey. She was more just there for the ride since she and Susan were together when Daphne came to find Susan that day after she overheard Harry in the Owlery.
"Right, but still." She said and Harry playfully bumped into her with his shoulder causing another flush to reach her cheeks. The two continued until they reached the class area where Hagrid was waiting for the class to assemble.
"Gather round! Gather round! I got quite the treat for you today!"
"Hagrid you say that every time!" A Hufflepuff student said exasperatedly getting a few laughs from the others.
"That's because every time it's true!" he said walking over towards where he would keep the larger creatures for class. As long as it wasn't a giant Blast-Ended Skrewt Harry would be happy.
The class followed Hagrid over to a Pen and all of them effectively had their mouths fall to the floor. In the Pen was an enormous creature, it was a sort of tanned brown color and had darker plate-like scales along its back and leathery skin. Its build was large and bulky and was quadrupedal in posture. Its legs were thick with muscles and also had the same heavy-looking plating along its leg forelegs which led to four-fingered claws.
Though that wasn't the most striking feature, no, the most striking feature was the pair of horns on the beast's head with them starting with a tanned brown color and ending in a black that shined in the sun. They rested just over the beast's brow and extended upwards at least four feet in length. Its maw had two fangs that protruded upwards like tusks and were also adorned with a beard of tentacles four of them forming a sort of mustache over the side of its mouth.
"Say hello to Benny!" Hagrid said cheerily with a wave towards the creature who now took notice of the Hagrid and students and walked over. Each step it took Harry could see its powerful muscles flex and relax with its motions. He then felt a hand firmly clench his.
Looking over he saw Susan her Hazel eyes wide in surprise and a bit of worry as the creature approached the wooden perimeter of the pen. Harry just smiled and gently squeezed her hand back to comfort her. It was here that Susan took notice of what she had done and blushed but didn't let go.
"Does anyone want to take a guess as to what this beauty is?" Hagrid asked as the creature's head lowered to Hagrid's level and its tentacles began to wrap and inspect Hagrid's outstretched hand. Now that it was closer Harry could fully appreciate how large the beast was as it stood a full five heads above Hagrid's own at the shoulder.
"That's a Graphorn!" Harry looked over and saw it was Seamus who answered, he was here along with Ron but Harry didn't linger on them for long instead wanting to focus on the beast.
"That's right Seamus, ten points for Gryffindor." Hagrid announced "The Graphorn is a very tough beast and has gained a pretty rough reputation, though it's all hogwash. You wouldn't be too friendly if you had to deal with Mountain Trolls every day." Hagrid and at the word Troll the Graphorn suddenly shook its head with a snort.
"These magnificent beasts almost died out close to a century ago, if it wasn't for Newt Scamander they would've." Hagrid said before urging the students to get their books out and notes.
"Now what we have here is a healthy male…" Hagrid then went on to describe in his usual excitable manner whenever he talked about any creature. Harry couldn't help but grin throughout the entire lesson, Hagrid's energy was rather infectious whenever he got going about a creature.
"So, while they might be Omnivorous, they do prefer a meaty meal as opposed to veggies." Hagrid finished his lecture and while Harry didn't take notes like everyone, he found that remembering Hagrid's lectures was never hard. Hagrid then quickly walked over to a metal bucket he had stashed away and the Graphorn took notice as it pawed the ground excitably.
"Speaking of this guy is looking mighty hungry, who wants to help feed him." Hagrid asked holding up a fleshy and sizable steak in his hand and most of the girls cringed at the idea. No one raised their hands as Hagrid pouted.
"Come now he won't bite your bits as long as you toss the steak high enough." Hagrid said demonstrating as he took the steak and chucked it over the fence as the Graphorn reared up to catch the meat. When it came back down the force sent a slight tremor to the ground. Hagrid's warning and the reminder of just how powerful this beast was didn't help his case.
"' Arry? How 'bout you?" Hagrid asked as Harry looked towards Susan who hid her nose in her book.
"Wow, thanks for the aid." He said and she sent him a small smile. Shaking his head, he stood up and approached the fence and could hear the powerful breaths the beast took. Through his bond with Demona, he felt the curiosity pulse through her, but he reassured her and kept her calm.
"Here ya go 'Arry." Hagrid said handing Harry a piece of steak which Harry took feeling the fleshy strip weigh down his hand. "Now I've got him to learn a little trick, real impressive stuff what I want ya to do…" Hagrid began explaining before leaning forward and whispering the rest into his ear so the rest of the class couldn't hear.
"Got it?" Hagrid asked and Harry grinned with a nod. "Right when you're ready." Hagrid said stepping back a bit.
Harry turned to the Graphorn who examined him curiously. He then held up the steak for the beast to see as it then focused on the meat. He then held up his other hand drawing the Graphorn's attention to him again. He then stretched his arm straight up with his hand bent at the wrist, so it was parallel with the ground.
He then made a sort of rock and roll sign with his hand and flicked it up.
"Horn's up!" He called out as the Graphorn took a moment before pawing the ground for a moment before it began rearing up towards the sky on its hind legs. Before it was maybe twelve feet on its legs seeing as Hagrid was about eight feet himself.
Now though, with the beast on its hind legs, it towered over even some of the small trees around them. With the sun glinting on its plated scales and horns. Most of the students got to their feet and scurried back a bit while Susan just looked on wide-eyed seeing Harry facing the now even more enormous beast.
Seeing how the warm glow of the sun seemed to envelop them as Harry held up his strange hand sign that the beast followed his order. In her eyes Harry looked, legendary for lack of a better word. She was sure there was a better word to describe him but, at that moment, they eluded her. She felt her heart flutter a bit watching Harry command such a powerful creature. At that moment the wind decided to pick up ever so slightly ruffling his cloak and hair just adding to the image she was gazing upon.
Harry held his hand up for a moment longer before he lowered his hand and the Graphorn came crashing back down, since it was much higher than when Hagrid threw the first steak, the resounding tremor and boom that came with the return to earth made Harry and the rest of the class physically jump. As the tremor shook every tree in the area and Harry wouldn't be surprised if they could feel it at the castle. Without wasting any time Harry threw the meat to the Graphorn who easily caught it.
"Well done 'Arry!" Hagrid said with a clap which slowly was joined by the rest of the class. Harry couldn't help the smile that seemed plastered on his face as he accepted the rag offered by Hagrid to clean off his hand. Returning to the group Hagrid offered the opportunity to the rest of the class though none seemed to be brave enough. After finishing feeding the Graphorn he dismissed the class.
As they left, he caught Ron looking towards him with a mixed look of jealousy and longing. Harry involuntarily shivered, he did not like Ron looking at him that way and instead just focused on Susan.
"Doesn't anything scare you?" She asked as they walked, and Harry just shrugged.
"I don't think Hagrid would ever put us in any real danger. So, I didn't really feel all that worried. But hey if you were so worried you should have just traded places with me, I'm sure he wouldn't have minded." Her eyes widened at his grin when he said this as she shook her head violently.
"I could never! That thing was enormous." She said as Harry laughed. The pair made their way to a crossroad in the hallway where they met up with Hermione and Daphne who had just gotten out of ancient runes.
"Trade?" Hermione asked playfully as Harry looked offended
"I'm not an object you know." He said indigently as Hermione and Susan giggled while Daphne smirked.
"If you were, I don't think you'd have much trade-in value, maybe I could put you on a shelf, at least you look pretty." Daphne said, Susan and Hermione's eyes widened at Daphne's brazenness and Harry blushed before he mocked scowled.
"W-well one of us has to be!" He said with a huff as he went towards potions one of his last classes for the day. Daphne just looked towards Susan and Hermione with a smile and an expression that screamed 'Yeah I know what I just said.'
"See you later Susan." Hermione said as she followed Harry and Daphne just winked. Susan mentally prayed that Daphne doesn't go back on their plan to wait for this weekend and just drag Harry into a broom closet.
They didn't have anything to go over in potions as Snape usually did the explanation and an example at the beginning of the week and then used the remainder of the week to watch over the classes brewing. This week was the shrinking solution and Harry had just about got it, Daphne had easily gotten it down on the second day, so she just was helping Hermione and Harry with their brew.
After that Harry left the two as he didn't attend the last few classes of the day, they were Herbology and Astronomy for him. He didn't dislike the classes but found he could get by without actually attending, not that he needed to with this tournament going on.
Making his way towards his usual training classroom he dropped his stuff and bag at the desk leaving the Egg there not wanting to deal with it right now. Instead, he pulled out the Black Grimoire and flipped to the second to last spell on the page and began reading.
Protego Diabolica
Harry chuckled at the irony seeing as he was just taught Protego Duo by Moody earlier today.
This spell is quite possibly one of the most powerful spells you will learn from me, This spell requires all the techniques you have learned from your previous spells and training. The flowing magic from within you to a conjured thing, the connection you had made for the summoning of the Hell Hound, the gathering of residual magical energies within your vicinity. And above all control, without control, this spell will consume not only everything around you but even yourself if you are not prepared.
That being said it is important to understand that when you cast this spell you are going to be commanding a power, unlike anything you may ever feel in your life even within this book. Even Fiendfyre will feel like child's play when you've mastered this spell. That is why I say it is one of the most powerful spells I shall impart onto you.
This spells summons living flames, a force of near unholy fire that is as unyielding and voracious as a rabid dog. When mastered these flames can protect not only yourself but anyone you view as an ally while reducing your enemies to ash and cinders. However that is not to say that this spell only exists in a protective fashion, it can also be used as a terribly destructive weapon.
These flames are not created but called upon. In a way, it is very much like conjuring a magical creature hence the need for mastery over the magical creature summoning techniques. But unlike Serpenmaiora or Corvis, it is more accurate to say it is more resembling the spell Canis Infernus. When these flames are called upon, they are wild you will need to use the technique of Canis Infernus in order to tame the flames to your will.
Once the connection is made it is permanent however the flames will not exist in this world as your hound does. These flames also have form but the magic required to call upon the true form of the flames is massive, hence why you needed to master the wild magic technique that you use to enhance your elemental magic. You may reach a point one day where this technique is no longer necessary to summon the true form of the flames, but I would not risk it.
The flames are ever hungry and ravenous, if you try to power the spell through your own magic without being ready it will consume you without remorse and without hesitation. Heed this warning well and ensure that you have mastered the previous spell techniques. This spell is crucial to the ritual you will have to perform in order to unlock this Grimoire and truly inherit my legacy.
As Harry read, he found himself becoming short of breath as the implications of just how dangerous this spell was. He's never heard of it and this was probably why. The most dangerous spell he's cast so far was the one he used to summon Demona but even that was crafted with a safety net, so he didn't get eaten if he was unsuccessful. This spell didn't have that, and it felt quite literally like he was jumping into the deep end now. Quickly flipping the page, he saw it was blank, which made him breathe out relief.
It would seem that there was no surprise warning this time, though that in itself made him nervous since that meant this spell was so serious not even the author of the book couldn't make light of the consequences. The way the book spoke about the spell wasn't filling him with confidence either, the other spells and techniques he had learned and practiced had all been rather straightforward forward even lighthearted at times.
Harry examined the diagrams and the wand motions methodically, should he risk it? Going back over the entry Harry eventually shook his head and closed his book. He pulled on all the power and training he had when he fought the Horntail. That effort had left him paralyzed from both physical and magical exhaustion. If it wasn't for Pomfrey he was sure he wouldn't have been able to move for hours maybe even the rest of the day.
No Harry would only attempt this spell if he was one hundred percent sure he was ready and right now he wasn't. Looking back over to the bag that held his Egg he scowled.
"That doesn't mean I'm going to deal with you." Harry said angrily towards the bag.
"Oh, dear it looks like he is going mad."
"Such a shame, 'e was so young."
"Vat is worse is vat we could've saved him."
Harry turned to see the door of his classroom opened and the three other champions standing in the entryway.
"What are you guys doing here? How did you even find me?"
"I asked Susan where you were, and she said you'd be here trying to figure out your Egg or training." Cedric said taking in the room "Looks like you already did a number on this place." Seeing the scorch marks and such. Harry couldn't help but look a little sheepish.
"Okay, but what are you guys doing here?" He asked still wanting that question answered.
"Ve thought that perhaps ve could try to put our heads together for this riddle." Krum said holding up his own bag which held his Egg. Fleur and Cedric were quick to follow.
"You know this is supposed to be a competition right?" Harry asked and Krum shrugged.
"In quidditch, ve are given strategies and plays of the other teams to study. I see no reason this is any different. Da?" He explained and Fleur nodded.
"I agree, not about the quidditch absurdité. But about working together, in 'istory the champions in the tournament 'ave always become lifelong friends."
"Besides it's not like they can disqualify all of us." Cedric said shutting the door behind him "So, I'm guessing that there you haven't had any luck on your part?" Cedric asked and Harry just groaned in frustration.
"Not a bit." He said walking over to his own bag and retrieving the Egg from within.
"Yes, it vould seem vat these possess a riddle vithout an answer" Krum said holding up his Egg.
Harry listened to the group as they discussed their Eggs and found himself slightly outmatched in some areas. The other champions were all in their seventh years of magical education and it showed with some of the ideas they had thought up to try to solve the Egg. Fleur was listing off enchantments she had tried but Harry couldn't honestly make heads or tails of what she was talking about. Thankfully it seemed this was an area he wasn't alone in as Krum and Cedric both held the same confusion when it came to the Veela's talk about enchantments.
"What if it has nothing to do with magic?" Harry suddenly suggested which caused the group to pause.
"What do you mean 'Arry?" Fleur asked and Harry held up his Egg inspecting it.
"Well, everything I've tried hasn't worked, plus you guys have been attempting things I can barely wrap my head around and you still haven't made any progress. So, what if flinging spells at the Egg isn't the answer." He suggested as the other three looked thoughtful.
"Maybe…" Cedric said holding up his Egg curiously.
"I see that you have taken the message of comradery into great respect." An aged voice said as the four champions whipped around to see Albus Dumbledore in the doorway, a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips.
"Professor!" Harry said getting up along with the others "We were… uh…" He attempted to think on his feet but there was no way he could spin a tale around this.
"Whatever is the matter, Harry? I came to find you and I did, working alone to try and solve your Egg." He said emphasizing the word alone as the champions visibly relaxed.
"So, you needed me, professor?" He asked and received a nod.
"I did indeed. Perhaps we should take this conversation to my office." He asked and Harry nodded.
"See you guy later." Harry said to the older students as he quickly re-bagged his Egg and gathered his things. With that, Harry followed the aged headmaster to his office and with a quick muttering of the password, the Gargoyle jumped aside to allow them through. Walking in Harry was ushered into the familiar office as he always seemed to be called into here at some point or another during his time at Hogwarts.
"Lemmon drops?" The professor asked but Harry shook his head Dumbledore nodded but still popped a few in his mouth. "Now Harry I've wanted to discuss your performance in the first task." He said taking a seat in his chair as Harry took his in front of the desk. Harry had expected this, Dumbledore had always wanted to be clued into Harry's life whenever something big happened. In fact, he was a bit surprised that it took this long.
"I have to say I'm concerned." Harry hadn't been expecting that, surprised sure, concerned? He didn't understand that.
"What do you mean professor?"
"What you used in the arena was very powerful magic, stronger than someone your age should be able to accomplish with the magical core you have." Dumbledore explained and Harry knew he was right, if it wasn't for the techniques he had learned from the Grimoire he wouldn't have been able to produce even half the power he did.
"And you also used highly troubling skills in full public view." Harry couldn't help but have his brow furrow slightly at that.
"You mean my Parseltongue ability?" Dumbledore nodded stroking his beard.
"Harry you must understand that ability has a very dark history that was rightfully earned. To use it so brazenly in public; well, you've already seen the results of that haven't you?" Dumbledore explained and Harry had to concede the point there though it wasn't any worse than what he was used to.
"Sir, with all due respect, it is my ability. I don't care how other people see me for using it."
"What about your friends? Ronald surely seems perturbed by this." Dumbledore asked and Harry's eyes fully narrowed now.
"We are not speaking anymore professor, honestly we're not friends anymore. I'm pretty sure I've made that clear." There was no way Dumbledore just forgot about the argument that he and Ron had a little over a week ago.
"Harry, he was a very dear friend to you, do not let a petty squabble break you apart now. Ron is foolish but he is young, perhaps if you gave him another chance, he—" Harry cut him off.
"He's had plenty of chances professor, and to be honest I don't think we were ever truly friends. But that's beside the point." Harry said wanting to get the topic of Ronald and Dumbledore sighed.
"Very well Harry, though I do hope you can find forgiveness for him. Back to the matter of your use of dark magic."
"Again, I don't see the Parseltongue as all that dark." Harry said and Dumbledore waved his hand.
"Not that, the beasts you conjured. Especially that wolf, those were not light creatures by any measure. I do not know how you've managed to summon magical creatures but perhaps you should restrain that skill."
"Why would I do that? If it wasn't for De- the wolf, I would've died in that task." Harry said suddenly feeling quite insulted at the thought of being forced to stop calling upon Demona. Though that might've been her feelings leaking through their bond.
"I can see that, however, to use such magic, it can leave a mark on your soul Harry. It can easily make you do things you previously thought… unsavory."
"Professor that's not going to happen. The spells, they don't force me to feel different of forcing my emotions to become twisted like the Unforgivables." Harry said remembering the lesson Moody gave them before the tournament even started. He remembered how the DADA professor explained how the curses relied very little on actual power on more on the horrid intent of the caster.
"You may feel that way now but dark magic, sometimes the effects cannot be seen until long after."
"Stop calling them dark, how do you know they are dark in the first place?" Harry challenged.
"How do you know they are not?" Dumbledore asked coolly and Harry couldn't help but remember the note that came with the Grimoire.
"Magic is magic." Harry said echoing the message he had learned from whoever wrote the Grimoire. "It depends on the person that uses it."
"An optimistically hopeful stance young Harry, however, I must impress the importance of leaving that kind of magic behind." Harry saw that twinkle again which drew his gaze to Dumbledore's eyes. Suddenly he felt woozy, a wave of lightheadedness suddenly filled his mind. The room around him seemed to dim like it was suddenly submerged into water and all he saw was that twinkle.
'Maybe he's right…' Harry thought for a moment, no that wasn't right. But he read the Daily Prophet he knew how people were looking at him now with the magic he was using. Perhaps…
Before he could continue this odd line of thinking a deep guttural howl ripped through his mind and suddenly it was like he was jerked awake as his eyes widened. As the room came back into focus and Harry saw a shocked look on Dumbledore's face. Harry didn't know what happened, but he suddenly felt violated for some reason.
"I… I have to go sir." He said and practically jumped from his seat. For the first time since being in Hogwarts Harry no longer felt safe in Dumbledore's Office.
_SCENE_
Whelp Here is Number six, like I said a little bit of a slow chapter getting Harry back into the flow of things after the craziness of the first task and everything leading up to it. Also, if you have any guesses as to the Author of the Grimoire, I ask you keep them out of the reviews to avoid possible spoilers. Also, Dumbledore is up to his machinations, I've tried to hint at it through the chapters so I hope this doesn't feel like it's coming out of left field. I would like y'all's opinions on the Graphorn scene, I quite like writing about creatures and I tried to mix the book description and the movie version. Until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday Fallen Angel.