Despite the day's events, it didn't take Harry long to fall asleep, instantly appearing within the Riddle manor. In a rare turn, he appeared before Tom, but only by a bit.
"Good job on that duelling tournament." Tom congratulated, lazily taking his seat. "I got to attend it as the press, hopefully you'll be able to read my report tomorrow."
"Thank you… but I saw Ginny Weasley after it finished. I found out why she's magicless." Harry replied solemnly, instantly drying up Tom's cheer.
"Ah. What did you find?"
"Don't play dumb," Harry snapped, "she can't use magic, because you are stealing it all! The link between you two was never severed, meaning even now you're stealing her magic."
"That is true, but if you'll let me, I'll try to explain why. You see, after I regained my body, I still needed to draw from Ginny's magic. My own magic was still too weak, then by the time I felt I could've drawn enough of my own, I had changed.
"As I'm sure you know, one's magic is intrinsically linked to personality, and I had taken both Ginny's memories and magic. As I settled, I had both my memories of being an orphan, alongside memories of growing within a loving family.
"Combine that with the magic I'd later get from you… and I had the misfortune of growing compassion. But this compassion required Ginny's constant magic. Without it, I'd be consumed by Voldemort."
"Why? Why would you be consumed? Surely your own magic would start replicating the effect over time."
"Because I am a horcrux and a horcrux was never meant to be able to exist alone. My magic would normally try to return my soul to my greater self, but the corruption of Ginny's magic blocks this.
"If you want, you can give Ginny her magic back, but that will kill me. All of my memories will become available to Voldemort, possibly including this connection. The choice is technically yours, but I know I want to live, and that I can work to undo Voldemort's damage."
"So, give a girl back the gift of magic, and kill you. Or let you live, knowingly withholding magic? How can you possibly ask me to make that choice?"
"Just think about what I can offer, compared to some girl without any training. I have a vast knowledge of spells, both untaught at Hogwarts and self-made. I know how Voldemort will think, along with a direct, unknown, link into his mind. Can giving a 13 year old girl magic compare to that?" Tom asked, a hint of nerves penetrating his voice.
Despite that, Harry knew exactly what giving someone their magic back looked like, clearly seen with Mr. Filch, who was still starstruck with his magic. Just before the Yule Ball, Filch had gleefully shown Harry how he'd learned to clean every statue in the hallways, all in a single move.
With his growth in magic, the man had grown fervently loyal to Harry, showing him several new secret passages. Some of them hadn't even been on the Marauders Map, including one that led directly into the library. The man's mood had drastically grown, just from his ability to finally learn magic.
But, Harry knew Tom was incredibly valuable, even outside their tentative friendship. Tom had helped with suggesting spells against the dragon, pointing Harry towards useful books.
"Dumbledore wouldn't want you to end a life, even indirectly." Tom tried.
"I'm not Dumbledore… I'll wait, I can't act until the Triwizard Tournament ends, anyway." Harry finally decided, before turning away and forcefully leaving the dreamscape.
To Harry's great surprise, Nicholas was waiting for him within his workshop the following morning, a small drawstring pouch sitting beside him. The alchemist was benignly stroking the crude frost-bitten feathers of the albatross, which had been stored within his workshop until it was needed.
With the Soul Gem removed, the bird had lost most of its intelligence, becoming more like an automaton statue.
"Good morning, Harry. I was just sitting here when I was once again struck by just how fantastical your mithril is. Just think, it would be impossible to have a transfigured animal last under the conditions of this albatross. Even a transmuted animal would've died, yet months later your mithril is still fully functional.
"That Soul Gem of yours is more dangerous to magic than we expected, even when it's not powered. I had to create several new Alchemical stones, specifically to control the gem, but even now it's on a hair trigger. But, with that said, here you go."
Reaching into the pouch, Nicholas withdrew the Gauntlet. Immediately, Harry noticed it had changed. It was covered in a thick layer of frost, with several beige alchemical stones sticking out.
Carefully cradling the Gauntlet within his hands, Harry could feel the angry flow of magic surging beneath the metal. Without his direct influence, the fiery Philosopher's Stone had restarted its war against the frozen Soul Gem.
It was only the alchemical stones, desperately taking the Soul Gem's magic into themselves, that allowed an impasse between the two stones. Each alchemical stone was using the stolen magic to both repair themselves and transmute it into thermal energy.
To Harry, the entire thing was a nightmare, not only was his most prized possession literally trying to tear itself apart, it also looked horrible. The alchemical stones had been put in places where they'd be most effective, with no thought of the aesthetics.
Despite that travesty, the Gauntlet was back within Harry's grasp, something he was extremely relieved about. It was a familiar weight that he hadn't realised he'd been missing.
With an unusual amount of force, Harry was able to return it to its ring form, with all the stones magically scaling to fit. Once it was back on his finger, he was able to impose his own will onto the Soul Gem, breaking the stalemate.
Half heartedly, he tried to remove the Gem, but as he expected he found it deeply embedded into the mithril. Just like the Philosopher's Stone before it, the Gem would remain a permanent addition.
"Now, while I was working, I remembered that sword idea of yours. I believe that mithril will be an extremely poor material to use as a sword blade, given its weakness to dark magic and physical distortion. Even that gauntlet can't stop you from getting hurt.
"But, obviously we still want it to be a magical metal, capable of channelling effects similar to your mithril. With that in mind, I think it's time I teach you the final major skill of Alchemy, metalomancy. This is the art of creating magical metals from mundane origins."
"I assume these metals are similar to Enchanted Electrum?
"Enchanted Electrum is simply one of the many magical alloys available through metalomancy. Of course, the metal we'll be making will be a fair bit more complex than simple electrum.
First, I'll teach you the method, then guide you to picking the correct materials. I will however provide the first material, something I found while working at home."
Reaching back into his pouch, Nicholas set down a crude pure black knife blade, which looked like it had been smuggled out of a museum.
"Way back when, in celebration of my 2nd century, I went and found the Gipuria village, who were kind enough to take me in for just over 2 decades. I spent a lovely time learning their culture, and most particularly their magic. Indeed their rituals were 2nd to none, although their practices were later heavily frowned upon by the ministry.
"Eventually my master considered me competent enough to go through their maturity ceremony. The first step in this was to climb the nearby volcano alone and naked, and retrieve a piece of obsidian.
"I would be marked by how well the fragment fit me, both physically and magically. It was just my luck that I only found such a piece near a still spewing stream near the top.
"Now, before I was able to get close to my piece, I first had to spend several days recovering the materials I needed for a heat cancellation ritual, but eventually I was ready.
"Even with the ritual in effect, I had to be careful as I crossed the lava, if I punctured the outer layer my feet would not be happy. But nevertheless I got across unscathed and was able to retrieve my shard of obsidian.
"Returning to the village, I was then told to turn it into a proper blade, then take it with me into the jungle and find a handle. By the time I returned, I was covered in so many venomous stingers it's a wonder the poison dilution ritual was able to keep up, but I had my handle.
"Merging the two together was simple enough when compared to what I had previously gone through, but then I had to enchant it and draw my runes."
Holding up the blade, Nicholas pointed out some of the runes that were still visible so many years later.
"I'm proud to say my, this, knife, newly named the Pernell, was finished just in time for my 222nd birthday. Enchanted and shaped to have the sharpest blade imaginable. With it, I was able to slice a single layer of a tree, wood so thin it was practically invisible.
"Well, in time I took my knife and my knowledge back home, highly satisfied with my time away. They were a lovely people, willing to share all they had simply for the pleasure of sharing, expecting nothing in return.
"If it weren't for my family back home, I'd have spent many lifetimes with them, their simple lifestyle giving them the room for highly complex magical thought.
"During my time there I was able to teach a considerable number the art of alchemy, eventually showing many of them how to brew gold. They didn't appreciate gold for its economical value, but solely for its magical complexity. By the time I left, gold could be seen all over, proving the capabilities of their alchemists.
"But then the ministry decided to step in a few years later, slaughtering the entire village for their use of 'dark magic', helping themselves to the gold the entire time…
"This blade is all that's left of them, but I'm sure they'd be proud for it to be used to further magical knowledge. Certainly better than it being lost in some chest in my house.
"Now, I'm leaving you with some homework. Much like other arcane rituals, we are taking the element of this knife and imbuing it into the alloy. For our next session, I want you to come up with other potential materials, clearly identifying which property you'd like to steal.
"We will also need somewhere to do the ritual, preferably somewhere without any magical interference, close to leylines and with a stone base. I know a lovely spot in France, but it's dangerous to transport any magical alloy before it sets, which can take weeks." Nicholas finished, sliding his expanded pouch into a robe pocket.
"Actually, I think I know just the place."
Making his way down to Hogsmeade, he spared a moment to look down at Daphne fondly. The storm he and Krum had formed the day before had come back with a vengeance, doing its best to drown the valley.
Without the magical carriages, it would've been completely impossible to get down to the village, what with the giant mudslide in the way. Not that Harry had an issue with the rain, not when it provided such excellent cover.
A simple exertion of will kept a wide cone of air around them, pushing the rain far away, while Daphne's impervious charm kept their feet and hem of her robes clean.
While everyone else was desperately running between buildings, cloaks held over their heads, Harry and Daphne were almost leisurely. That did unfortunately mean the Three Broomsticks was absolutely packed, with a noise level that was almost deafening.
Harry was tempted to turn around and leave, but Daphne kept a firm hold on his arm. Even with the newfound prestige he had earned from the duelling, it was almost impossible to move around, at least without Harry's enhanced strength.
Eventually, they were able to make their orders and find a seat, Justin and his date Hannah Abbot being willing to give up some of their booth. A simple privacy charm kept a semblance of privacy between the two couples, which also helped drown out the mindless chatter.
"I want to move on with the animagus process." Daphne announced suddenly, staring at him intently even as she took a sip from her straw.
"Move on how? I wasn't aware you'd started yet."
"I haven't, but I'm reading to have you to start documenting my mind. You said you'd need to know every part? You said you want to be able to see any changes, well I want to start the process as soon as possible, so I guess that means getting used to you being in my head."
"Okay, if you're okay with that. But, don't feel like you need to go through with this, I'll help you regardless. It's just, I really feel like I'll be able to figure out how to replicate the ability if I can see how it forms. If you want, we can get started next week."
Anything else they might've said was blocked by Rita Skeeter, who pushed her way into the privacy charm. "Harry, fancy meeting you here! Do you mind if I get a quick word, ask you what you're feeling after that exciting tournament?"
Sighing, he shared a look with Daphne. "You know what, sure. I can give a quick interview."
"Excellent." Rita crooned, sliding into the booth next to them and pushing Daphne over. This had the effect of sending her into Harry's lap, something Rita took a clear interest in.
"So, tell me Harry, how did it feel to be invited to that tournament? How did it feel to face opponents older than yourself, only to come out on top? How did it feel to win, to prove to the entire country your strength."
"Well, I was thrilled to be invited, it proved that Professor Moody had noted my abilities and trusted I was worthy. To me, that was a great feeling, as magic means the world to me, so I spent as much time as I could practising. Seeing that work yield tangible results is amazing.
"This also meant I was only excited about meeting other students in a duel. I knew I would either win or lose, but either way I'd be able to find out where I am in relation to others. I was also looking forward to learning any new magic, which I'm pleased to say I did.
"As for winning, while I am thrilled to have won, I'm not sure it's as big as people seem to think. For a start, I was able to enter that final duel at full strength, while Fleur Delacour was weak from channelling an incredibly powerful spell.
"I know some might say conservation of magic is part of the duel, but if our slots had been reversed I may not have had the strength to beat her. I'm sure the same is true for many of my competitors, so while I did win, I know I've still got far to go."
"Wonderful. Now, final question, any suggestions to our readers who aspire to be strong like yourself?"
"Practice. You'll never be good at something until you try it, then you have to keep trying it, until you can look back and realise how far you've come. Even doing the same spell a few times every day will eventually lead to you getting better at it."
After Rita's visit, Daphne was more willing to leave the bustling pub, going back out into the nearly deserted street. After some searching, Harry was eventually able to spot Remus talking to someone within Zonko's, with a black shaggy dog laying miserably outside under the shop's overhang.
Closing in, the dog raised its head at the sound of Daphne's footsteps, only for him to lock onto Harry and rush over to him. Recognising the rose red magic, Harry grinned happily as he let Sirius' animagus form crash into him, barely moving under the weight.
Unlike Fang, Sirius seemed far too light, even with his letters saying he was getting healthier. With some alarm, Remus rushed out of the store, only to smile at the sight before him.
With some purpose, Sirius led them out of Hogsmeade and up to the rocky foot of the nearest mountain. Confusion evident on her face, Daphne loyally kept her spot by his side, even though he wasn't yet able to explain what was happening.
It was only as they started climbing the mountain, with Daphne slowly getting out of breath, that she asked for an explanation. Letting the other two go on ahead, he slowed down to make it easier for her.
Spreading his magic out to check for magical bugs and any other bugs, Harry slowly filled her in on what she'd missed with Sirius, only leaving out his animagus capabilities.
Squeezing into a narrow fissure, leading to a regular wooden door, which had been left wide open. The inside was a fairly cramped wooden apartment, blanketed in wards thick enough to affect the air.
There was a stack of newspapers on the floor next to a disgruntled sofa, which was covered in black dog hairs. The topmost newspapers all had some connection to Barty Crouch, until Remus added a fresh paper to the pile.
His own stern face was clear to see, hand outstretched as a large lightning bolt raced down over his arm. The light was strong enough to distort the photo, until it looped back to the start.
While the title; 'Harry Potter, Triwizard duelling champion. By Henry T Gauntus.' seemed okay, a quick glance revealed the article wasn't positive. 'Henry' took the view that the magic Harry showed was quite dangerous and not taught at Hogwarts, making him wonder where Harry had learned it.
It seemed in line with the few pro-ministry articles Harry had seen from Tom's alias, even as it did accurately sum up the previous day. The paper below that, a 'Mystery illness of Bartemius Crouch, by Lucy Cattermole.' was almost the opposite, accusing the ministry of covering it up.
"Started a new collection hobby?" Harry asked, turning back to his godfather only to be stunned by his appearance.
Back in human form, Sirius looked leagues better than he had at the end of the last school year. For a start, his hair was neatly cut, framing his face in wavy curls.
On top of that, his facial hair had clearly been fought into a shaggy goatee, which matched the hair around his dog form's snout. Then you had his clothes.
Gone was the tattered robe he had been using, replaced instead with a bright red and green coat of rich silk, with bright yellow highlights and golden buttons. Now that he looked, Remus was dressed in a similar coat, although this one was a far more subdued blue.
With a barking laugh, Sirius hugged Harry before collapsing into the sofa, knocking over the pile of papers on the way down, showing what seemed to be a forced levity.
"Might be, but let me tell you, those papers have been highly illuminating. Not a lot I can do other than read anyway, stuck in this cave. Mind you, it's not so bad here after Remus convinced me to transfigure it, what with his wards hiding me away.
"Now, Harry, tell me about that duel! I saw it from the stands, but that's not as good as hearing it from you."
I'm starting to feel like I'm suffering from writer's block again, which I'm fearing is starting to make itself obvious in both writing quality and length. As such, I'm planning on finishing year 4, going all the way up to the start of summer, then I'm taking another break.
I'm thinking of using that break to finally finish Time Heist and work some more on my 3rd story. But, I stand by my statement that I will finish this story, even if it's fuelled just by spite. Especially when I've started filling out my notes and ideas for the sequel.
Now, in other news, does anyone have/know any Harry Potter fanfics with a badass Percy Weasley in it? As I was looking him up for the last chapter, I found myself surprised by how powerful he should be, but seemingly gets left forgotten.
Things I think need explaining:
- Metalomancy: Inspired by 'Harry Potter and the Artificer Legacy by Kairomaru', which is well worth the read.