WhiteTigerWolf's Jekyll & Hyde Challenge
Plot: At a young age, Iris Potter is abandoned by her relatives the Dursleys on the north american continent. Lost and alone, she joins up with a group of professional dragon hunters as a servant. However, when an encounter with a powerful dragon goes awry, Iris is left with only questions as to how she alone remains alive amidst the bodies of her fallen comrades…
Rules:
Harry must develop a split personality.
Harry's split personality must be darker/ more evil then he normally is.
A physical change must happen when the other personality takes over
The alternate personality must be Sane(in other words, nothing like Bruce Banner and Hulk) even if it has little morals.
Harry must be able to communicate with his split personality no matter who is in control.
While he must disprove of his split personality's actions, he must still get along with them.
Recommended:
Harry has three personalities, not just two (Denied)
Harry changes gender with the other personality (Accepted)
FemHarry(Accepted)
Crossover with DC or Marvel (Denied)
Harry's alternate form is physically stronger whilst his main form is magically stronger (Accepted)
AN: That should be everything. Please note that this is the first story that i write in forever most likely, and so my writing may be off a bit. I appreciate any and all criticism given, as I hope to share this idea that's been in my head for a while now as best as I can. Lastly, while there is no direct crossover planned, I do have lots of things I like and will most likely include elements of that in this story.
Chapter One: The missing Potter
_]I[_
Within the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, currently stood one Albus Dumbledore. Other than himself, the four heads of houses, members of his faculty, stood watching him with varying expressions. One thing was certain in their minds though, and that was that none of them had ever seen the old wizard this upset before. At least, they thought, not so visibly.
Looking at his staff in dismay, the old wizard sighed, and said. "I have grave news to announce to you all," he started, watching all of them intently. "Iris Potter is missing,"
Suddenly, the office that had been rather quiet and somber mere seconds prior, now bore the shouting of three adults. Initially there was the exclaimed shock, but that quickly delved into three of the four heads talking loudly and over each other in an effort to have the Headmaster explain himself.
The Headmaster made to calm them, trying to explain himself, but found his efforts to be rather fruitless. Raising his Wand, he amplified his voice and yelled out, "QUIET!"
Immediately, silence returned to his office, though it was only for a moment. The oldest of his staff spoke up first. "What is the meaning of this Albus? How could you, of all people, lose the child?" Minerva McGonagall said with a huff, her outrage still present.
"Indeed, I for one would have thought you to keep a better grip on the situation," the Charms professor, one Filius Flitwick stated, his annoyance clear.
Albus looked around with shame. "I know, and it is my great regret that the young Potter is missing," he stated, his eyes showing his sorrow.
"Well regret isn't doing us any good Headmaster, do you have anything to show for your mistake?" Professor Pomona Sprout asked, her eyes squinted as she watched the Headmaster impatiently.
"Well yes," Albus began quickly, "I have already had the location of the young Potter's last sighting confirmed," he stated.
"And how did you manage that? I had thought the child was left with her relatives?" the fourth Head spoke up, making the rest of the room focus on him. Professor Severus Snape sneered at them all, annoyed at the attention. "Did you at least have someone talk to the vile muggles you left her with?" he continued on, ignoring the looks from his colleagues.
Albus nodded. "Yes, in fact, it was I who went to speak with them," he replied.
"As you should have," Minerva snarked, still irritated at the whole mess in front of her.
"And? What did they say? Where are you expecting us to begin searching," Severus inquired.
At this question, Albus began sweating a little. "Well, it seems the Dursleys left the young miss Potter… in the Americas," he finished after a pause, most probably for dramatic effect.
"WHAT!" This time the four professors shouted in unison, their disbelief palpable.
"Surely you jest!?" Filius was the first to say, still unbelieving of the information before them.
"I agree, there is no way anyone would purposefully lose a child in another continent!" Pomona added.
Albus sighed once more. "Unfortunately, that is the truth." he stated simply, watching all of them once more.
Severus and Minerva gave each other a look, then Minerva spoke. "What is your plan exactly then? The young Potter could be anywhere at this point!" she all shouted.
"Agreed, when are we supposed to have time to look for her? We are already busy getting ready for the coming school year," Severus added unimpressed.
"I am aware, my friends, and truly, I do not wish to add more to your plate," Albus began. "But I will need your assistance in the coming years. The young miss Potter is not yet of age to receive her Hogwarts letter yet, and so the book of addresses is no use at the present time,"
Looking at them all, he continued, "However, I am using my influence as the Head of the confederation to have people discreetly track the young girl, and hopefully, bring her home," he finished.
At this point, Filius spoke up, "And then what is it you require of us? If you are already looking into the matter, what hope do you expect us to have in terms of results?"
"I was hoping that you, Filius, could possibly inquire with the Goblins if they would have any information on the matter. As for the rest of you, well, I am aware that your brother lives in Canada, Minerva, and that you have an uncle in the Americas, Pomona.," Albus replied. "If you could correspond with them, and perhaps see if they can help in any shape or form, I would be most grateful,"
Severus snorted. "Of course you would, they would be fixing your mistake after all." he snarked. "Tell me Albus, have you even thought of writing a charmed letter to the girl to find her location?" he half asked.
Albus grew slightly annoyed. "Of course I have! What do you take me for? The reason I am asking you all for assistance is that my first attempts at finding her have already failed! If the letter didn't work, that means she is now under wards of some kind, and that implies magical help/care, witch narrows our search considerably." he finished slightly angry.
Severus nodded, then added, "Well, if you have already done that much, then I shall inquire within the Potions guild if anyone might have the knowledge you're seeking," he stated. "Now if that is all, I'll take my leave. Good Evening to you all," Severus then proceeded to stalk out of the office, his robes bellowing behind him.
The three other professors soon followed suit, and left the Headmaster to his own devices. Leaning back into his armchair, Albus sighed. Fawkes, his phoenix companion, trilled softly, and flew over to his human. Albus chuckled and reached out his hand to stroke the plumage of his feathery friend. "How could it all go so wrong, Fawkes?" he asked tiredly.
A simple trill, sounding quite sad, was all the response he received.
_]I[_
What should have taken a few weeks, at most a few months, ended up taking 5 years. Albus searched and had others search, yet nothing of substance ever seemed to result from it. He always had whispers, as a young girl with a lightning bolt scar was still newsworthy in some circles. However, whenever he showed up to these places that only whispered of her location, he found himself unable to find her.
Severus had come through in the beginning, telling him only weeks in that the American potions association had seen a child similar to her in some of their establishments. She apparently was always in the presence of a well armored group of travelers, who seemed to never stay in one place too long. The only comfort he had was that she was reported as being well treated it seemed. A small comfort at least.
However, the name of the group was not well known, and they had a tendency to drop off the 'radar' so to speak at random intervals. Sometimes, they weren't seen for months, other times, it was weeks. This went on for two years, until finally all word on the group completely ceased. And with it, his updates on the young Potter.
Thankfully, shortly after the fact, Minerva's brother came through with a piece of information that Albus had been craving. The name of the group. They were called the Black Lancers. Unfortunately, they also were a Dragon hunting group. This of course had worried Albus immensely on his discovery of their nature, as he had not heard any news on their part and could only speculate the worst.
He would later discover that they had gone on to take a job hunting a Forest Dragon. The news would cause him great panic, and push the old wizard to search for the young Potter even harder. However, it was all futile. Due to the hunting party having a tendency to vanish from the civilized world at a moment's notice, nobody in the circles they frequented thought to monitor them. As such, it was also of no concern to them when the party remained missing for more than three months.
And so, for another two years he searched for the young Potter, occasionally sending out letters in the hopes that she would end up traceable. The only solace he had during this period of time was that one of the devices he had created to monitor her health, continued to show her as alive and healthy.
Which brings us to the present day, when he was finally given her location due to the outgoing acceptance letters. The magic of the book of admittance piercing the shroud that hid the young Potter from the traditional mailing magic that had kept away his own personal letters. Looking down at the floating Quill of Acceptance, he waited eagerly for it to right out the young Potter's location.
Mrs. I Potter,
Cavern Beyond the Waterfall
Elder Forest
Vancouver Canada
Reading the address, Albus became astonished at the location, as well as how vague it stilled remained. Nevertheless, he attached two powerful tracking charms to the letter, and sent it off. By the same time tomorrow, he would hopefully be able to finally find the young Potter.
_]I[_
Amidst a rather fantastical forest in the western side of Canada, was a quiet clearing. The location was rather peaceful, with only the occasional birds chirping and owls hooting to break the silence. That was, however, until three consecutive pops occurred. The first brought and quietest pop signaled the arrival of Albus. The second, and louder pop declared the arrival of Minerva. The last, and loudest pop, announced the arrival of Severus.
The three magicals looked around themselves, keen on finding something they would call a dwelling, in the hopes of finding the young Potter. However, they found nought but a small path that looked barely different from the rest of the surrounding foliage and grass.
Minerva sighed, "Albus, where have you brought us now?" she questioned.
"To the spot where the tracking charm failed," he replied, pulling out his own wand as he did so, casting a simple Point Me spell. The spell caused his wand to turn in his hand three times before it settled on a direction, then remained still.
"The spell indicates we are near, however I am not quite sure how near," he stated, beginning to walk in the direction supplied by his spell. Minerva and Severus quickly followed, not eager to remain behind in this unknown place.
They walked onwards for a few minutes before they were made to enter a forest that covered a large mountain. Upon entering, they suddenly felt something was off, as if they were being watched.
The forest became eerily still, the birds going silent. Severus looked around concerned, and noticed that he could even see certain birds and owls on occasion, all of which watched the group intently. He swallowed, sweat starting to pour down his brow. They had entered a place far more dangerous than they had initially guessed at.
As they walked, a slow fog began to form at their feet, slowly hiding the land until only the taller foliage barely creeped out of the fog's grasp. Minerva began looking back and forth, expecting danger.
"Wands out," Albus commanded, his eyes steeled and alert. "We seem to have stumbled upon quite the sinister forest,"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the light seemed to fade quickly, the forest became harder to see in. In front of them, a Labyrinth sprouted forth, made entirely of plant life that had no place in the forest they were in.
"This is getting ridiculous, let's just use simple fire and wind spells and disperse the obstacles in our path," Severus ground out, his ire showing more than his deeply hidden fear.
Though, before either Albus or Minerva could say more, the Labyrinth vanished, and instead formed a direct path. It looked almost welcoming.
Albus narrowed his eyes as he observed the hedges that had priorly been an obstacle. They were too welcoming. He thought to himself.
"Don't drop your guards for a second," he ordered, pressing forth although much more cautiously than before.
"Hmpf! As if we hadn't thought to do so," Severus grumbled, annoyed at the obvious being stated.
However, his slight annoyance would have been his end as suddenly a very large and pointy spike shot out from their left amidst all the fog and nearly impaled him through his skull. This of course did not happen as Severus had been pulled back from the spike's trajectory a second prior by Albus' hand, leaving the spike to sail on past and imbed itself in one of the many trees that surrounded them.
A simple glare from Albus was enough of scolding to ensure that Severus did bring his guard up and remained alert from then on.
Looking back to the path ahead of them, the three magicals could have sworn the forest gave off a feeling of mocking laughter, as if the near death it had inflicted was a laughing matter for it.
The three cast full body shields, and once more resumed their journey. Thankfully enough, the forest only attempted to impale them one more time, though quickly gave up upon noticing the next spike exploded into shrapnel upon the shields the magicals had cast around themselves. Giving off an annoyed feeling, the forest's presence retreated from the mind of the magicals, and a little more light returned. The fog however, remained for the remainder of the trip.
It took an hour of walking for the three magicals to finally reach their destination, though they could begin hearing the signs of their arrival roughly ten minutes prior as the sounds of a waterfall slowly rose in volume.
"Alright, we're here. Now what?" Severus asked, his patient short thanks to what they had previously endured.
Albus smiled, amused at his colleagues ire. "We go behind the waterfall, if you'll remember my prior explanation of course," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Severus mumbled some rather rude remarks before being told off by Minerva. They then proceeded to follow Albus' lead as he walked along a small path that led behind the waterfall.
What they found was there though surprised them, as the entrance to the cave was immense, and seemingly crafted by intelligent design.
"I have a bad feeling about this Albus," Minerva nearly whispered, though she might as well have talked normally for all the echoing her voice did.
"Perfectly fine my dear, just keep your wands at hand and Lumos' ready," he replied.
Downwards they began to walk, until suddenly Minerva gasped, "Albus look!" she said urgently. "Bones!"
And sure enough, there were bones. Lots OF bones. Some belonged to animals of varying sizes. Whilst others… well… they clearly belonged to humans, that was certain. There were many skulls, as well as half melted suits of armor. There was even some slightly intact dragon leather clothing, implying that whomever they had belonged to was of the wizarding kind.
Severus narrowed his eyes, as did Albus. "Whatever lies here, it is definitely dangerous," he stated unhelpfully. His companions could only nod in agreement.
But, be that as it may, they still had a job to do. And so, they continued on deeper and deeper into the growing cavern. Soon, their light spells began to reflect off of shiny substances that lay scattered about, most of which looked suspiciously like gold and gold coins.
This went on for another few minutes until they crossed upon the threshold into what appeared to be an antechamber.
This time, all three school professors gasped out loud, unbelieving of what their eyes saw before them. Gold, literal mountains of gold, lay piled half haphazardly everywhere they looked. And it wasn't just gold. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires and many other gemstones, as well as lots of silver was mixed into the various piles of gold.
To top it off, there were pieces of armor, jewel encrusted goblets and even various fantastical looking swords and weapons.
It was simply the largest treasure trove they had ever laid eyes upon. And of course, that made them worry, for no ordinary creature hoarded treasure like this. No, in fact, only one type of creature in the world was known to create such fantastical hordes. Dragons.
Severus began sweating hard, as did Minerva. "Albus!" he whispered angrily. "I'm pretty sure you've led us into an Evil Dragons lair!" he continued in irate hushed words.
Albus could only nod, "I think you might be-" he began to say before being suddenly cut off by the sound of belly deep laughter.
"HA HA HA HA AH," The voice echoed from all around them, frightening the three professors immensely. It was then they noticed the pile of gold in front of them began moving, with multiple pieces sliding down to all sides as a snout began to appear. It was quickly followed by the emergence of a rather large Green Dragon, with its two eyes gazing intently upon them.
"Well, well, well… it has been an age since I last had… visitors," the Dragon spoke sinisterly. The three professors could only stand still as they gaped at the massive beast.
"Tell me, wizards, what brings you to my humble abode," it asked, now sounding more intrigued than sinister.
Albus gulped, but took this as the queue it was. He was finding it rather difficult to speak. However, he new his companions would not be fairing any better, and so pushed forth.
"My name is Albus Dumbledore," he began, proud that he hadn't faltered like a simple first year. "My companions, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape, are here in search of a child that went missing," he explained.
The dragon leaned in, so that its rather large head that currently dwarfed Albus, remained mere inches from him. "A child you say…" it intoned, its eyes glinting in amusement. If he hadn't been feeling so endangered, Albus would have believed the dragon was almost laughing at them, as if a joke had been shared he wasn't privy to.
"Yes, a child. Her name is Iris Potter," he began, steeling his nerves after swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat at the proximity to the Dragon. At the dragon's beckoning look, seemingly insisting that he go on, he continued. "We have been looking for her ever since her disappearance, yet none of our tracking methods seemed to work. Our last hope was a letter that gave us your location, inviting her to join our prestigious school to learn magic,"
The Dragon seemed to pause, and turned from them. It almost looked like it was having a mental conversation. Snapping back to reality, the Dragon looked back down upon the three wizards.
"Why are you looking for the child?" The Dragon asked, eyes narrowing. "Children, while precious, are not often given this level of value in human society,"
Albus looked down, slightly ashamed. "Because I was the one to lose her," he answered. "My mistakes on her placement after her parents death led to our current circumstance,"
Oddly, the Dragon seemed to grow irate at this remark. "You're responsible for her mistreatment?" it growled.
It was at this point that Severus felt brave enough to interject. "And what concern is that of yours!" he demanded suddenly, forgetting his place for the moment.
The Dragon's head veered to face him, and gazed down upon him intently, causing him to unconsciously take a step back. Giving a slightly toothy grin, the Dragon chuckled lowly in amusement. "What a brave fool you are, making demands of me," it stated, eyes now glowing with an emerald hue.
"Worry not though, little mouse," The Dragon said as it moved in on Severus, "I won't kill you just yet," it finished with a sinister smirk.
Turning back to face Albus, the Dragon decided to answer the question that had been demanded of him regardless.
"Your companion, while out of place, posed an interesting question," Pausing to chuckle, a sound that sounded like large tree trucks rumbling downhill, the dragon then continued. "I know of your lost lamb. In fact… you could say I am even quite fond of her,"
"Fond of her? So you know where she is!" Minerva suddenly chimed in, eager to see to the safety of the girl.
This time, the Dragon veered to face the only witch present. She however, did not back away like Severus, choosing instead to stand her ground.
"I do… For she is rather near," was the amused reply Minerva received.
"May we speak to her?" she asked, deciding there was nothing to lose at this point. The Dragon blinked. Then it seemed to revert to its earlier action of having a mental conversation. This would go on for another few minutes, causing the three magicals to begin to get anxious at the lack of reply.
"Perhaps. There is but one condition though," The Dragon said abruptly.
"Of course, if it is reasonable," Albus answered, his hopes beginning to rise at the prospect of seeing the young Potter intact and healthy.
The dragon huffed at his answer though, slightly annoyed by his statement. "Even if it were less than reasonable, you would do as I ask," it threatened.
Another pause followed, and then the Dragon sighed. "Fine," It said mostly to itself. Looking down at the professors, it stated. "You wish to see the lamb. I however, doubt your sincerity as to your visit and as to your capabilities to keep her safe,"
Albus flinched at the words, knowing the Dragon was right in being cautious. "Whatever you need so that I may prove the girl will be safe," he said seriously, his posture showing the strength of his resolve.
He felt the Dragon observe him for a minute or so, seemingly judging him. It looked up and breathed out a small plume of fire. "Good. You will get to see her now, but I will return to take you up on your promise shortly," it intoned.
It then immediately took off, leaving the three professors stunned at the speed at which the dragon moved further into the cavern. They waited with baited breath as they heard the Dragon slowly fade away.
Another 5 minutes in silence would pass before the group would perk up at the sound of footsteps slowly approaching them. Looking around eagerly, there eyes finally fell upon a rather beautiful looking young girl.
Her hair was a curly mess that went down to her shoulders. She had a rather fair and almost snow-like complexion, suggesting she did not see the sun often. As for her form, she was wearing a pair of jean pants with a simple green shirt that was covered by a beautiful cloak embezzled with impressive green scales. Lastly, were her eyes, a vivid, almost ethereal emerald green that just seemed to glow.
Standing at 4 feet 9 inches, the girl stood before them, before giving a simple bow as courtesy.
"Hello Professors," she said, her expression neutral. "You wished to speak to me?"
Albus, Minerva and Severus all nodded, though Albus took charge. "Yes my dear girl," he replied. "But first, how have you been? Are you well?"
Iris tilted her head, seemingly surprised, though her expression only showed her eyes widening a little. "I don't follow, professor, why wouldn't I be?" she asked innocently.
Albus shuffled, caught off guard. "Oh, er, well you see, it is because of my past mistakes that you've ended up here," he answered, scratching his beard.
Iris observed him, but didn't comment. "Is that wrong?" she instead asked.
Albus could not answer, and he did not want to answer, lest he raise the ire of the beast that had been present moments prior. "Not if you are fine with the outcome," he decided to say. "But, other than that I have come in search of you for a reason my dear girl," he said.
At this, Iris' eyes lit up, "Oh yes, the letter right? About how I have been invited into some silly school of magic," she replied with mirth.
This gave the three teachers pause, and Minerva was the first to recover. "Silly school of magic!?" she exclaimed. "My dear, Hogwarts is one of the premier schools of magic in the world!"
Iris just smiled. It was as if she was humoring a child. "Of course," she said simply.
Minerva could tell that the girl didn't believe her. Albus saw fit at that point to interject. "Perhaps a small demonstration is in order?" he inquired.
Iris raised a single brow as she looked at him. "A demonstration of what you're capable of, professor? Or of what your school claims I will learn?" she asked, curious now.
Albus smiled, this would certainly be easier now. "Why limit ourselves? I can show you both options easily," he boasted.
Iris clapped her hands together, seemingly becoming eager, "Well then, lets see it," she said, jumping up and down on the balls of her feet as she watched him.
Lifting his wand, Albus cast the first thing that came to mind. "Expecto Patronum," and out came a beautiful spirit like phoenix, which flew around the cave before it came down and circled the young Potter. Iris followed the projection of peace eagerly, watching as it did a few tricks before it came down to her level and hovered around her. Then, quickly as it came, the phoenix vanished upon Albus' dismissive wave.
"Interesting," she murmured. "And is this something only you are capable of, Headmaster? Or is this a part of your school's curriculum?"
"It is an advanced spell to be sure, however it is taught to those that wish to learn it," he replied easily.
Nodding to herself, Iris seemed to be agreeing with someone over the demonstration. Perking up, she said, "Could you cast it again? I want to see if I can replicate it,"
At this question, Severus chose to once more speak up. "Don't be ridiculous Potter, this spell is far beyond anyone that doesn't even possess a wand," he drawled.
An annoyed look came over Iris' features. "A wand? Why would I allow such a silly limitation," she huffed. Turning back to Albus, she implored, "Please professor, the spells felt nice, and I'd appreciate another example," she asked, bowing to him this time. Albus blinked at how formal the girl was being, especially given the secluded nature of her current dwelling. Nevertheless, he was a teacher at heart and couldn't deny the simple request, even if he didn't believe anything would come of it.
"Certainly my dear girl," and so once more, he intoned softly, "Expecto Patronum,". The phoenix once more sprang forth from the tip of his wand, and began to do its usual tricks before it once more faded away.
Iris began to concentrate, murmuring barely audible words which Albus only caught hints of. None of them made any sense though, as what he did hear was things like "Little mice, Interesting opportunity, and potential,"
It was then that all three teachers once more were left in surprise as the young girl before them said intently, "Expecto Patronum!"
From her palm, a swirling mass of ethereal light similar to a Patronus began to form. It was rather slow, and nowhere near as seamless as Albus' own spell had been. However, it still remained impressive as the magic of the spell began to form.
"My word!" McGonagall stated in shock.
"That's impossible!" Severus said next to her.
Albus though, merely smiled in glee at what the girl was accomplishing before their very eyes.
Unfortunately, the moment had to end, and the spell collapsed and faded after it had formed a sphere, leaving Iris slightly tired and panting from the strain of attempting the rather advanced spell.
Albus though, began clapping, "Wonderful! Simply wonderful!" he said with great enthusiasm. "I must admit, my dear girl, that I sincerely doubted your ability to accomplish so much as a spark, what with you being without a wand and all," he paused, then continued once he was sure she was listening. "Never did I expect you to go so far! Simply marvelous work!" he finished jovially.
Iris turned shy, unsure of how to act now that she was receiving praise. It took her a moment to collect herself, but soon enough steel returned to her spine and she resumed the conversation.
"Thank you Headmaster," she said, bowing once more. "Are you willing to show me any other magics?"
Albus smiled, "I can do better," waving his wand, he transfigured an immaculate miniature version of Hogwarts before the young girls very eyes. "If you should agree to the offer we've presented you, and come study at our school, you'll find we can teach you many kinds of magics rather than just show you,"
An amused look came across her features once more. "The little mice know how to barter," she stated with a grin.
"Little mice?" Severus asked, slightly insulted.
Iris quickly seemed to regret her choice of words for a moment, before sighing. "Yep, it's something my friend likes to call humans," she said, trying to dismiss the matter.
Severus narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but didn't say more. Even McGonagall was paying more attention to the girl and her choice of words.
Seeing they weren't too convinced, Iris changed tactics and pushed forth. "So Headmaster," she began, ignoring the looks of the two other professors. "If I were to decide to attend your… most premier school of magic," she finished, after finding the proper words. "Where would you house me? And what are your policies on Dragons?"
Albus was about to answer, but stopped upon her last question. "Dragons? Well, we usually don't keep them on the grounds that they are intelligent creatures," he replied.
Shaking her head, Iris explained, "No, that is not what I meant. I wish to know what you would do if I brought a Dragon onto your grounds?"
At this, Albus could piece together where the young girl was going with her questions, however not before a McGonagall shouted, "Absolutely not! I will not have such dangerous beasts near the students!"
It was as if this statement broke the metaphorical floodgates on the cavern. As quite suddenly, immense pressure began bearing down on the three magicals. "Watch your tone Witch!" echoed from all around. "You will find the lamb is MINE!"
After the last statement, both Severus and McGonagall were grabbed by long and sentient vines, taken to the outside of the cave. Only Albus was left alone, though that might be because of his own aura of power answering the pressure the Dragon seemed to bear down on them despite his lack of appearance.
Looking around frantically for the source of the Dragon, and hoping to protect the long lost Potter, Albus came across the biggest shock of the day.
For right before him, Iris Potter was steaming, and he meant that quite literally. Slowly, her form began to grow and took on a reptilian appearance, before it seemed to become completely enveloped in fog. When the transformation was done, he was presented with the sight of a Draconic looking… man, for lack of a better term.
"Surprised?" the being before him asked, amused at his expression. Albus could only gape, his total lack of preparedness for the situation before him leaving him rooted in place.
The green Dragon in man's form seemed to grow tired of waiting. "Don't worry little mouse, little Iris is safe and sound," he stated with a grin. "And as you have seen, we are quite… attached," he finished with a sinister chuckle.
Albus could not take it anymore. "What have you done with her!" he demanded. His aura began pulsating around him in his fury, stones beginning to alleviate around him as the ground trembled.
The Dragon licked his lips, admiring the power. "Me? I've merely taken over for now. This body is just as much mine as it is hers," he stated smugly.
"Then I shall return it to her," he said coldly. "You will not take from her any more beast!" he roared.
Before the Dragon could react, two large spikes sailed into him, sending him flying backwards into the large pile of gold. The resulting impact sent gold and jewels showering all around the two adversaries, though it did nothing to slow Albus' approach.
Summoning forth two large golems made of granite and crystal, he had them act as bodyguards while prepared more powerful spells. The Dragon however, was not intent on giving him the time to prepare, and out from the pile of gold he had been sent into immensely fast. Crashing his scaled fist into the first golem, he grinned manically when the impressive construct crumbled beneath his power.
However, this impressive feat of strength left it open to the second, which punched the Dragon straight into the ground. Albus made sure to have the remaining Golem press its assault so as to give himself more time.
A loud roar came from the ground, and the Dragon got back up in spite of the attack. Dodging the latest blow, he jumped onto the Golems arm and ran up it, planting his fist right into the construct's head, shattering it. The Construct flew back from the impact, but its core remained active. Not letting his opportunity go to waste, the Dragon changed his target from the Construct to Albus.
Flying forth with the aid of two mighty wings that had sprouted from his back, he aimed to punch the powerful wizard right in the face. Unfortunately, he was too late, and mere inches from his opponents body the Dragon was suddenly halted in place and made to feel immense pain as lighting struck him.
"ARGHH!" The Dragon bellowed, rooted in place by the binding magic that Albus had prepared during the Dragons' distraction. Now with room to breath, Albus began adding on more binding magics, locking the Dragon further and further into containment.
"You will release your hold on Iris Potter Dragon!" Albus bellowed, the elder wand swirling in his hand. "Even if I have to expel you from her!"
All the Dragon could do was rage as pain kept being inflicted on its body. The binds on it though, began fading, and Albus had to think fast if he wished to still save the young Potter. Summoning forth a crucifix made of Diamond, he panted as he reapplied the binding spells and runes.
"I yield!" the Dragon shouted, bringing Albus to pause, the magic he would have kept casting humming at the tip of his wand. Looking at the Dragon, he noticed that its breathing was labored, and that it seemed to be glaring at him.
"But I won't relinquish her, not unless you wish to see her die," he declared hotly.
Albus glared right back at the beast. "And why is that? Why would you threaten the girl even when you've been bested!" he demanded angrily.
The Dragon grinned. "Tis no threat, Wizard. Merely a statement of fact," he replied without answering.
Again, Albus glared, his annoyance with the evil dragon before him beginning to escape his control. "Then what do you want!" he shouted.
"To test you," Was the simple reply.
Before Albus could inquire as to the nature of the response, steam once more began covering the dragon's form. Albus remained alert as he watched the crucifix that bound the Dragon mere moments prior began to shrink before revealing it now had Iris Potter bound instead.
"Bloody Dragon, using a child as a shield," Albus muttered as he approached the steaming girl.
Coughing could be heard as he got closer, until he noticed that Iris had blood running down her lip. Now running up to her, he was witness to a rather large glob of blood that was coughed out from the young girl before she slumped over tiredly.
"Nice fight Headmaster," she said with a pained chuckle. "You really had me impressed,"
"What happened to you!" he exclaimed, beginning to cast healing magics to stabilize her from the damage he suspected he had inflicted upon her.
Giggling, Iris looked the Headmaster in the eye. "You did silly," blood soon flew from her mouth onto Albus' robes. "Sorry," she added innocently.
Albus though, was now completely stressed, intent on saving the girl. "Why did he do this to you? Why are you stuck with such a being?" he asked sadly, still attempting to stabilize Iris' condition.
She smiled. "I'm surprised you haven't caught on yet, Headmaster. The Dragon is me," she answered weakly.
"We're like two souls in one body, two personalities you might say," she continued, pausing every now and then to catch her breath.
Albus sighed. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't know," Hanging his head low, he added, "I thought you were trapped.
Iris shook her head. "Once upon a time, I was. Not now." she replied. The two remained still and silent for a while, with Iris slowly regaining her breath. "Headmaster?" she asked.
"Yes my dear?"
"I accept your invitation,"
Albus chuckled. "That's quite nice to hear,"
"It is for you, isn't it?"
Any further commentary was soon lost to the shouts that came from behind them. "Albus!" Both Minerva and Severus yelled, rushing back into the cavern. "What happened here?" they demanded.
"Shhhh," Albus answered, his finger over his lips. "You're disrupting the moment," he scolded them.
Both professors looked around at the carnage that had destroyed the originally well placed wealth, and the rather odd looking diamond crucifix that Iris was lying in front of.
"What happened to the Dragon?" Minerva asked with concern..
At this, Albus looked down at the softly breathing Iris, raising an eyebrow in question. She saw his look, and shook her head.
"It is defeated, for now," he stated simply.
Minerva sighed in relief. "Good," then, composing herself into her more usual demeanor, she added, "I would suggest we leave this place, and find a more suitable location to help the young miss Potter,"
Albus only nodded his agreement, but before he could get up Iris grabbed his robes tightly, and pulled him towards her.
"Here is my warning to you, Headmaster," the deep voice came out softly from Iris' lips, her eyes glowing. "So long as you remain stronger, you have nothing to fear from me." and with that, her hand went limp, and Iris fell into a restless sleep.
Albus blinked once, then twice. "Well, at least I'll finally have a reason to exercise my own power," he thought to himself.
Getting up, he cast a simple levitation charm on Iris before he proceeded to lead her out of the cave, Severus and Minerva trailing quietly behind him.
"Honestly Albus, the next students better not be in the care of bloody great Dragons!" Minerva said, annoyed.
Albus could only laugh at her statement. "My dear Minerva, It would be all too soon if we lay eyes upon another dragon in our lifetime," he replied mirthfully.
Stopping at the entrance to the cave, Albus had Minerva create a portkey for them while he began casting enchantments to hide and protect the cavern they had entered. Severus, on the other hand, was taking care of having Iris ingest a few potions to help with her recovery after the ordeal he could see she experienced.
Once all their respective tasks were done, they all grabbed hold of the Portkey, with Albus merely saying, "Hogwarts," before they all vanished with a pop.
_ _]I[_ _
And there you have it, the pilot chapter for my first story! Hope you all enjoyed it and will take the time to review my work! If you find this at all disagreeable, I will remind you that it takes less effort not to flame then it does to flame. Thank you all! A pleasant Holiday season to you all.