Sorry if this chapter was a little bit rushed. I also may have crammed a lot of material into one chapter. I really want to get to main plot of the story. I hope everyone enjoys.


"Rise and shine, magic boy!" called a voice through the door. Then a series of loud knocks echoed into the room. "We got a Bullhead on its way to take us to Vale!"

Harry groaned at sat up, rubbing a hand through his messy black locks. "I'm up, I'm up. Knock it off."

"Get a quick shower and meet us for breakfast." Footsteps echoed away down the hall.

Getting up and stretching the kinks out of his back, Harry looked out the window and saw the slightest tint of purple on the horizon. Qrow told him last night they would be leaving early, but he was thinking around six in the morning, not before dawn.

And what did Qrow mean 'us for breakfast'?

Sighing, Harry gathered some clean clothes and went to the shower. When he was done, he walked downstairs into the kitchen. The smell of breakfast was wafting upstairs. Qrow didn't seem like one to fix anything that didn't have alcohol in it so Harry thought it might have been Taiyang. But to Harry's surprise, Taiyang, Ruby, and Yang were all in the kitchen. Yang was chopping some strawberries while Ruby was with her dad mixing something in a bowl. Each girl had a sleepy expression and were in their pajamas.

"Good morning, Harry" Yang smiled sleepily. "Ready for an adventure?"

"I guess so," Harry smiled back. "But you didn't have to make me breakfast."

"Tradition," Ruby yawned. She gave the bowl to her dad and gave Harry a warm hug. "Whenver mom, dad, or uncle Qrow went on a mission, we would wake up early to make breakfast. It's been a while since we done this."

"Qrow usually doesn't wait for us to make breakfast," Taiyang scowled. Whether it was aimed at Qrow or Harry hugging Ruby, nobody knew.

Breakfast was pancakes with fruit syrup and sausage patties. Everybody, Qrow included, enjoyed the atmosphere as Taiyang told stories of his first missions. Zwei sat at Harry's chair and happily took the scraps Harry fed him.

"Well, last chance to back out, kiddo," said Qrow. His plate was done.

"I'm going," Harry said sternly. "You're not scaring me away."

Shrugging, Qrow went outside to talk on his scroll. Taiyang went to the other room. A few moments later, he came back carrying a small box and handed it to Harry.

"A little gift from the three of us," said Taiyang.

"Really?" asked Harry.

"Yes, now open it."

Harry lifted top and looked inside. Nestled in a foam case was a Scroll. Except this one had black edges instead of white. Harry pulled on the top half, exposing the glass screen. It lit up, showing four contact names: Qrow, Taiyang, Yang and Ruby.

"Every Huntsman needs a Scroll," explained Taiyang. "To call for emergencies, call family and friends, or just play around. So, we're expecting you to call at least once a week."

"I will," promised Harry.

"You better," said Ruby. "I've already uploaded some of my favorite games onto it, so you won't be bored."

"And I've uploaded some of my favorite songs," added Yang.

"Thank you," said Harry, smiling. "Really. I appreciate it."

However, they were interrupted by a slow, droning noise that made Harry look around in confusion. Ruby and Yang sighed.

"Looks like your ride is here," Ruby said.

"My ride? Already?" Harry looked at Ruby and Yang as the girls got up. "Don't I need to pack?"

"Qrow said you'll pick up supplies in Vale before you two headed out," said Taiyang as he followed the girls to the front porch. "He's getting you the basics."

Harry followed him outside. "But I thought we were meeting them at the docks- "he stopped as his mouth dropped open.

Harry didn't know what a Bullhead was, but he was assuming it was some sort of flying airship similar to what he traveled to Vale in. But what was setting down in the large front yard was a small, but very powerful flying ship. Instead of a long body with mechanical flapping wings, it was compact with wings that had turbines. The turbines were angled towards the ground to help the airship float towards the ground. Qrow was nearby. He saw Harry and waved.

"Time to go, kid!" Qrow yelled over whine of the engines.

"This is it," said Taiyang. "I'm sorry I couldn't find you another teacher."

"It's okay," said Harry.

"Well, good luck, Harry." Taiyang reached out a hand and Harry shook it. "Listen to what Qrow says and remember what he teaches you. He may not be the greatest teacher, but he is one of the best Huntsman in Vale, if not all of Remnant. If you feel like it may be too much, call me. We'll bring you home and try to find you another teacher."

"Thank you, sir…and thank you for everything else."

Taiyang smiled. "Your welcome."

As Taiyang stepped back, Ruby stepped up. Well, she ran up and hugged Harry tightly around the waist. Harry hugged her back just as tightly. In the short time he knew this family, he felt bonded to Ruby the most. She had a view of the world that he couldn't help but admire. She was the one who convinced Harry to become a Huntsman and was the first person to truly believe he was from another world.

"It sucks that we couldn't train together this summer," said Ruby. "So we'll have to wait until Signal starts."

"True." Harry agreed.

"But you get to train with Uncle Qrow, which is pretty cool."

"If you say so."

"Hey, he trained me," Ruby said as she finally released him. "And I'm awesome."

Harry chuckled. "Well, lets see if he can do the same to me."

As Ruby stepped aside, Yang stepped in front of him. Standing a couple of inches taller than him, she was looking at him with a teasing smirk. One that was making Harry feel a little warm. And when she leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, his face became a fiery inferno.

"And I'll be looking forward to that second date when you get back," she teased.

Feeling very warm, Harry could only stutter as he tried to reply. Ruby was giggling at his embarrassment. Taiyang's face morphed into something only seen in nightmares as he started to growl. Seeing that was his cue to leave, Harry quickly ran to the Bullhead. Qrow had slide open a large door in the side of the airship and helped Harry inside. He took a seat on the opposite side of the ship while Qrow shut the door and sat in the seat across from Harry. Once the door slammed shut, Harry felt the airship begin to rise into the air.

"Not scared of heights, are you?" Qrow asked.

"Nope," Harry smirked.

"Oh, right. Your Quick-witch game.

"Quidditch."

"Whatever.


The Bullhead was a lot quicker than the other, large ship Harry had been on. They arrived in Vale in nearly less than half time in the other airship. The sun was half risen on the horizon and there was barely any traffic around the docks. And when Harry and Qrow walked down the streets, shop owners were beginning to open their stores. Any people that were up and about were oddly dressed adults with weapons attached to their hips or backs.

"Huntsmen and Huntresses. The days begin at dawn for us, so the few shops that are open are for Huntsman use. We got a few places to go before we head out."

"Where to first?" asked Harry.

The first stop was an outdoor center. The store had everything a traveler could need for going outside of the kingdom. Harry had a small bag filled with his new clothes he got the other day, so he didn't have to shop for anymore. But he also bought a large traveling backpack to carry them in along with a comfy sleeping bag, a thick jacket for cold weather, several packs of dried rations, a canteen, water tablets, cooking pots and utensils, a map of Sanus and Anima, and a fishing kit. He didn't need a first-aid kit. Qrow told him there were several towns and villages in the kingdoms, but there were going to be times he would have to camp. Even forage and hunt for food.

The next stop was a bookstore called Tukson's Book Trade. The helpful owner showed Harry some books he would need to study on how to become a Huntsman. He also got the History of Remnant, The Great War, The Faunus Wars, and The Grimm. Qrow told him to study these books at least one hour before sleeping every night if he wanted to catch up with Ruby and Yang.

The next store was a weapons store that had more weapons on the walls than the training room at Signal. One side of the wall weapons, the other side had shields and weapon holsters. The wall opposite of the door was a large selection of firearms. In the middle of the store were clothing racks with different sets of armor for both men and women. When the two walked in, a man with a green apron and glasses greeted them.

"Ah, Qrow. Nice to see you again. Are you here to have Harbinger tuned up? Or maybe add a new attachment?"

"Not today, Alfred. I'm here to get my new apprentice a few weapons," remarked Qrow.

"An apprentice?" the owner's eyebrows rose. "Never known you to take on apprentices. I thought you had enough trouble teaching in classes."

Qrow rubbed a hand through Harry's messy hair. "Yeah, well, this punk might have some potential." He laughed when Harry scowled and pushed his hand off his head. "We'll see anyway."

"Okay, then," The man stared at Harry like he was an interesting zoo animal. "Does the young Huntsman have a specific preference in weaponry?"

Qrow answered before Harry could. "Swords. He has some natural talent with swordplay."

"Ahh, very good then. If you will follow me." Harry and Qrow followed Alfred to the section of the store where the swords were against. Alfred stopped and waved a hand at the many different selections on the wall. "Will you need any assistance in selecting one?"

"We'll be fine." Alfred nodded and went back to the counter. Qrow turned to Harry. "So, see anything you like?"

Harry frowned. "Just like that?" He looked around at the different designs mounted on the walls. "We're not picking out a suit to wear to the opera."

Qrow snickered. "Maybe not. But after our spar yesterday, you now have an idea on what sword you want. Just pick one, give it a few practice swings, and if it feels right, take it."

"Feels right?"

"Balance, length, weight, and grip."

"Weight, huh?" Harry went to one of the biggest swords he saw: a large longsword that had to weigh over a hundred pounds. Grabbing the handle with both hands, Harry easily lifted off the wall mounts and hoisted it above his head. With his phoenix strength, it weighed no different than the sword he used yesterday. Harry smiled at Qrow's expression. "Well, weight isn't going to be an issue."

Qrow scoffed and pulled his flask from his pocket. "Showoff. Stuff like that could get you in trouble." He took a swig then focused back on Harry. "Fine, then. Just browse around. Only you can pick the right sword. There are a few blacksmith shops in the villages of Anima and Sanus. If you don't like your first pick, you can get another later."

Harry nodded and put the claymore back on the wall. He browsed the rest of swords hanging on the wall. He seen a few he recognized, mostly European styles he seen in history books or on television. There were also styles he seen in Dudley's comics, video games, or action figures; ones called scimitars or katanas. There was even one that was a perfect copy of Gordric Gryffindor's sword. He pulled it off the wall and gave it a few swings. It was light, too light. In his hands, he couldn't help but feel he was holding a fragile stick. Harry wondered just how lucky he was using that sword against Slytherin's basilisk. Sighing, he put it back on the wall.

Might as well stick with the home team, he thought as he went back to the European-style swords.

He browsed for a few moments before one caught his eye. It was grouped with two other swords that were the same style, but this one had a thicker blade. It was also slightly longer the others beside it, maybe 95 centimeters. There were a few celtic knot designs on the blade near the hilt. The handle was decorated with black leather with a round, steel pommel.

Harry lifted it off the wall, gripping it with his right hand. There were some slight grooves in the handle to help with the grip. The weight wasn't an issue, but the balance seemed to be perfect. He swung in a slow, figure eight arc around himself, then tried a quick slash. Finally, he smiled.

"Found it?" Qrow asked.

"I think so," said Harry. "At least for now."

The duo went to the counter were Alfred was waiting. He smiled when he saw Harry's choice. "Ah, an old classic. First ones were forged nearly 400 years ago. Used by raiders that ransacked coastal villages along Sanus."

Harry thought sounded very familiar. He then placed the sword on the counter.

"Now would you like a shield to go with it?" asked Alfred. "Or do you have something else in mind?"

"A gun," Harry said before Qrow could answer this time.

"Ah, well we have an excellent selection of those," Alfred said as he waved a hand to the opposite wall. Harry immediately went to the wall, Qrow following behind him.

"You know what you want?" he asked Harry.

"Ruby taught me what I need to know at Signal," Harry answered. "But I'm still not quite sure about different types of ammo that are needed for each gun."

Qrow nodded. "Most Huntsman and Huntresses actually make their own bullets, or they order them from dust shops with their weapon's specific cartridge. While basic weapons are available at most villages, they only have a small selection of ammo."

"Which ones?"

Qrow gave a list of the most popular cartridges for pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles that most towns and villages would sell. Harry then browsed the labels above the guns, hoping to find one he fired in the gun range yesterday. He didn't want to waste any time learning about a new gun while he was training.

That is until he saw one pistol that made him stop in his tracks.

It was bigger than anything he shot at Signal. Also, with a longer barrel. It was dark-plated, with wooden grips. Harry lifted it off the wall, not even noticing the security cable attached to it. He held it with one hand, aiming down the aisle. Even though his strength let him hold it easily, Harry could feel the solid weight of it.

"I don't care how strong you are, that will knock you on your ass if you tried to fire that," Qrow remarked.

"I don't care. I like it," said Harry.

Qrow rolled his eyes. "Fine. It has a common cartridge you were looking for. It will also pretty much kill any Grimm you come across if you aim it right. Bring it to the front desk. Well get you set up with a sheath and holsters along with some ammo."

Harry brought the pistol to the front desk, where Alfred's eyes and smile grew.

"Excellent. Very excellent. Your apprentice has good taste, Qrow."

"He'll be tasting blood when that thing flies out of his hand from the recoil and hits him in the mouth," Qrow muttered

Alfred chuckled. "Perhaps. Now, will that be everything?"

Harry nodded. Alfred got to work, bringing out a sheathe and belt to fit the sword. It was one that wrapped around his waist, but also had a shoulder strap to help support the weight evenly so it didn't sag. The sword went on Harry's waist on his left side. He tried practicing a draw, smoothly pulling the sword out as it made the ringing sound. Nodding, Harry sheathed the sword again.

A hard, plastic holster for the gun was attached to his right thigh, supported by the sword belt and wrapped around his leg. Harry practiced his draw, then sheathed the gun. Harry also bought 100 dust rounds and several magazines for them. He put two magazines in his belt and put the rest in his backpack. Alfred reminded Harry to keep track of his ammo since every magazine carried only 8 rounds.

Alfred rang up the items on an old- fashioned register and the total appeared on a digital screen. Harry blanched at the price but pulled out his wallet and placed several Lien cards down. Those weapons almost cost half of the Lien he had.

"Good luck, young Huntsman. Hope Qrow doesn't leave you to the crows."

Qrow laughed sarcastically. "Real clever, Alfie. Don't get robbed." Then he turned and walked to the door. "Let's go, kid."

Harry nodded and pulled on his backpack. He followed Qrow outside.

"Where to now?" asked Harry.

"I think we're ready to head out."

The two made their way back to the Bullhead landings on the docks. The city was beginning to wake up, with more people on the sidewalks and cars on the streets. On the docks, a cargo ship was unloading its shipments with cranes. The landing platforms only had one Bullhead: Qrow's.

And there was someone standing in front of it.

"Oh,crap," said Qrow.

"What is it?' asked Harry.

"Looks like old Oz figured out I was still in Vale."

"Oz?" Harry looked at the man standing in from of Qrow's Bullhead. He was the same height as Qrow. He wore a dark suit over a green vest with gold buttons. His skin was almost white, and his hair was silver. He wore glasses on the tip of nose, but they were shaded. The frames were also crooked, but they were intentionally crooked. In his hands was a very unusual cane.

"Ozpin. Headmaster of Beacon Academy."

"What's he doing here?" asked Harry.

"Well, I work for him," Qrow said simply. "I'm going on this mission because he asked me too. And…uhmm….I didn't quite tell him I was taking you along with me."

Harry scowled at Qrow. "That's the kind of thing you need to tell your boss, Qrow."

Qrow rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just stay here for a moment."

Harry waited as Qrow approached Ozpin. The two men chatted for a few moments, each talking softly so Harry couldn't hear. Qrow gestured a hand to Harry and Ozpin focused on him for a moment. Then turned back to Qrow. Qrow said something else and both men pulled out a Scroll. Ozpin had one of the larger ones like Taiyang's. Harry couldn't see what Ozpin was looking at, but after a few moments, he shrunk his Scroll back down. He put it in his pocket and nodded to Qrow. Qrow then waved a hand at Harry.

Harry walked towards the two men. He noticed Ozpin's eyes focusing on him and Harry was suddenly reminded of Professor Dumbledore. Ozpin's brown eyes had the same level of intensity as Dumbledore's blue ones.

"Hello, Harry Potter," Ozpin said in a soft voice. "I'm to understand you are Qrow's new apprentice."

"Yes, sir," Harry said respectfully.

"I see. And you are not related to him in anyway?"

"Uumm…No."

"I told you he wasn't," Qrow said. "That fact he looks like me is just a coincidence."

"I see," Ozpin muttered. "Qrow tells me you've just started training as Huntsman and that you show certain natural abilities in fighting. It shows in the video he just shared with me."

Harry tried not to frown. He didn't want those videos circulating through the networks, but apparently it was a popular thing to do in Remnant.

"He also told me you have some…interesting abilities not related to aura or semblances at your disposal."

Now Harry frowned and turned to Qrow. "You told him?!"

"Kid, if there's one person you in Remnant you can trust, it's Oz," Qrow explained. "He knows more about this world than anyone alive."

"I wouldn't say that, Qrow," Ozpin said. "I hardly know all the world's secrets."

"But this is your area of expertise. Show him kid."

Harry sighed and held his hand out in front of him. Focusing, he engulfed his hand in phoenix fire. Ozpin stared at it intently for a few moments. Then he ran a hand through the flames.

"Warm, but not hot. And you said it's especially effective against Grimm?"

"Very," said Harry. "They burn like oil-soaked kindling."

"Interesting," remarked Ozpin. Harry ceased his fire and nodded. Then a sharp pain erupted on his right forearm, making him grasp it. He felt warm blood flow through his fingers. He turned to Qrow, who was putting his sword onto his back.
"Qrow! What was that for?" yelled Ozpin.

"Show him your other trick kid," Qrow said, ignoring Ozpin's furious glare.

Harry growled and really wanted to tell Qrow where he can shove that sword. He didn't as tears were already beginning to fall and Harry didn't want to waste a single one. He tucked his arm to his chest and bent his head down so tears fell on the small, but deep cut. Quickly, the wound healed.

"See?" Qrow smirked at Harry. "Easy, right?"

Ozpin scowled and was about to tell Qrow something, but Harry punched Qrow as hard as he could in the stomach. Qrow's body actually bent into Harry's fist and he flew twenty feet away off the platform. When he landed, he rolled another twenty feet before crashing into several loading crates from a nearby cargo ship. Everyone on the docks watched the dust settle from the broken crates. When a groan of pain came from the rubble, everyone returned to what they were doing.

"It also seems you some exceptional strength," Ozpin remarked. He turned away from Qrow and focused on Harry again. "And you could do this before Qrow unlocked your aura?"

Harry nodded. "These abilities are…well…"

"Magic, am I right"

"Yes," Harry answered. "Do you believe in magic?"

Ozpin gave a small smile. "I do, Mr. Potter."

Harry was about to ask another question when Qrow came walking up, holding his stomach with one hand and his flask with the other.

"Ugghh….you wiped out nearly half my aura with one punch, you punk."

"I'm not some sideshow freak to show your friends," muttered Harry. "So, don't do it again."

"Got it," Qrow said and put his flask back in his pocket. "So, Oz, you think it's okay for the kid to come along on the trip? At least until Signal starts?"

"I think that will be okay," Ozpin agreed. "But Qrow, his life is in your hands. You must be able to protect him and continue your mission."

"Gotcha'." Qrow turned to Harry. "Ready to go?"

Harry picked up his backpack. "Ready."

Qrow walked into the Bullhead. The pilot inside began to flip so switches on his consul and Harry could hear the whine of the engines begin to start. Before Harry could walk into the cabin, Ozpin stopped him.

"Harry Potter," he said and reached out a hand. "I expect great things to come from you. Remember, listen to what Qrow says and learn from his teachings."

Harry shook Ozpin's hand. The man seemed a little strict, but likable as well. "I will."

Ozpin turned and walked away. Harry boarded the airship and took the seat across from Qrow. Once he sat down, the pilot shut all the doors and guided the airship up. They made a slight adjustment and began their trip to the east.

"Where are we going?" asked Harry.

"To the eastern shores of Sanus. My mission begins there."

"And what is your mission?"

Qrow took a drink from his flask before he answered. "Top Secret. All you need to know is a colleague of mine was attacked and something important was stolen from her. I've been given the mission to find the thieves and if possible, bring them back to Vale."

"I though Taiyang said you were going to Mistral?"

"The trail I picked up possibly lead to Mistral. But I want to search the surrounding areas for clues. And while, I'm searching, you're going to be training."

"So, where do we begin?" asked Harry.

"We're going to start with aura. We've got about four hours until we land in the village of Vagarna. Let's see if you can learn to engage your aura by then."


Four hours later, Harry and Qrow stepped out of the Bullhead and onto the grass near the outskirts of the village. As soon as they were a safe distance away, the Bullhead rose into the sky and disappeared over the horizon. Harry turned to the village. To the west were the mountains and surrounding the village was a forest. It looked to be the size of Hogsmeade but had a combination of authentic village buildings with a little bit of modern technology. The streets were made of stone ceramics with wood fences in front of every building. Many buildings were made of wood and stone bricks. The streets were filled with people walking and talking with each other.

"Nice, isn't it?" Qrow asked. The two were walking down the street towards town square.

"It is." Harry was slightly struggling to keep up. The aura training on the Bullhead had left him drained. He managed to produce his aura defensively, but only hold it for a few seconds,

"I bet you didn't know that on each corner of the village is was a hidden gatling gun to protect it."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really?"

"This village has been around for ten years. That's better than most villages anywhere in the world. Most new villages won't last for more than a year unless the people are smart."

"How does a village last?"

"Vagarna has the mountains to the north, the mounted guns, and every villager here as training in weapons. I wouldn't be surprised if every home had a gun and sword hanging near the coatrack. That's how a village survives."

"And it helps if a retired Huntsman is the mayor of the town," said a voice behind them.

Harry turned to see a large man with gray hair in a ponytail and an eyepatch covering his left eye. He was dressed a clean, but wrinkled, blue suit. There were also metal greaves on his shins, leather bracers on his arms, and leather armor covering his left shoulder to his elbow. He was looking at Qrow with a smile on his face.

"Qrow, you old buzzard, how have you been?" the man grinned.

"Forest, you near-sighted bastard, I'm surprised you're not dead," Qrow laughed.

The two men shook hands, chuckling. Then Forest caught sight of Harry.

"Who's this munchkin?" he asked.

"Harry, my new apprentice," Qrow said as he ruffled Harry's hair.

"Apprentice? Never knew you would take on a student. I thought you had enough of students at Signal."

"Well, Harry may actually have some talent. I'm going to see if can survive in your neck of the woods."

Forest laughed. "Well, we've got plenty of Grimm for him to slaughter if he wants to get some practice in. Can you use that toothpick and pop-gun?" he said, nodding to Harry's weapons.

"I don't know. Just bought them this morning," said Harry.

"Well, then you definitely need some practice." Forest turned to Qrow. "Tell you what, I've got the afternoon off. Why don't you two get a room at the inn, eat some lunch, and meet me on the north edge of town at one. We'll break those weapons in."

"Sounds good. See you then," Qrow said.


The master and apprentice went to the local inn and got a room and lunch. Qrow explained more about villages outside the cities and kingdoms. Most of the food used was either grown by village or traded with other villages. Most of the time they used Lein, but there were times items of value that could be used as currency.

"Why do people choose to live out here in the wilds instead of in the city?" asked Harry.

"Because you can make your own rules in the wild. You don't have to listen to what the city's council tell its citizens or follow the laws set by the council. You can form your own laws."

Later, joined by Forest, who used a spear, the trio started training. Qrow showed Harry proper sword forms using Harbinger. Using the forms and combining them with the second nature of wand weaving, Harry was able to pick up swordplay quickly. They could only practice forms and slow-speed sparring since Harry couldn't generate his aura defensively yet. He even sparred a little against Forest, whose spear techniques threw Harry off his edge. He knew he would have to train much harder to have any advantage over an opponent.

He then was able to finally get some target practice with his new pistol. Qrow was right; he almost smacked himself in the mouth with the recoil with the first shot. But using his strength and remembering everything Ruby taught him, he was able to finally gain control. It took an entire magazine before Harry was finally able to hit his target.

The afternoon was long, and Harry's training finally ended when the sun began to touch the horizon. Tired and sweaty, Harry and Qrow went back to the inn where Harry had a bath, then dinner. Harry went upstairs to the room while he left Qrow to flirt with the waitress. As he walked up the stairs to his room, he scratched his arms and his back. He had been itching all day. Qrow had said it could have been his body getting used to his aura. Or from mosquitos and other bugs from training. As he unlocked his room, his Scroll started ringing. He pulled it out of his pocket.

Call: Ruby Rose

Harry pressed 'answer' and put the scroll to his ear. "Hello?"

"Harry!" she chirped. "Survived your first day with Uncle Qrow! How was it?"

"Tough," Harry muttered as he sat on his bed. "We spent all afternoon sparring with a friend of his. I'm exhausted."

"Did you get some weapons picked out? What are they? Do they shift forms?" Ruby asked quickly.

Harry chuckled. "Just a standard Knight sword and a Desert Eagle 44. Magnum."

"What model?"

The gun was hanging on the bedpost. He pulled it off and studied the print on the barrel. "Mark 7."

"Did you hurt yourself on the recoil?"

Harry sighed at the question he been asked several times today. "I almost did."

"It just takes some time to get used to it. Firepower like that could kill an Ursa."

"Haven't met one of those yet," Harry remarked. "Everything okay in Patch?"

"Sadly, Zwei misses his favorite pillow," Ruby giggled. "Dad seems pretty happy you're out of the house."

Harry groaned loudly and Ruby giggled again. Then, "Hang on, Ruby."

Harry put down the Scroll and reached both hands behind his back to scratch his biggest itch yet. Right between his shoulder blades. He scratched for a few moments until the itch was gone and he gave a big sigh of relief.

"Okay, I'm back," he said as he picked up the Scroll.

"Everything okay?" Ruby asked.

"I"ve just been itching like mad all day long. I'm beginning to think my bed is infested with fleas."

"Ohhh," Ruby groaned. "That's not good."
"I'll telling housekeeping in the morning. Your uncle said he'll train in the morning, then he's got to continue on his mission."

"Did he tell you what it is?" Ruby asked eagerly.

"No, and even if he did, I couldn't tell you."

"Yeah, I guess that's true."

Then Harry heard footsteps along the hallway that stopped in front of his door. There was a click and Qrow walked in.

"Ruby's on the Scroll. Do you want tooooo…." Harry trailed off as he saw a bright, red handprint on Qrow's cheek.

"I'm not in the mood," he said.

"Bloody hell, what happened?" asked Harry.

"Asked a cute waitress for her number. This was her response."

"Ouch." He put the Scroll back to his ear. "Ruby, I'll call you tomorrow night."

"Okay. Bye!"

Harry put the Scroll on his bedside table and turned to Qrow. He must have a few too many drinks because Harry could smell them from the other side of the room. Qrow groaned as he laid down on the bed, not even taking off his boots.

"Don't ever get old, kid. It sucks."

"Isn't it better than the alternative?" asked Harry.

"I wonder sometimes. Get some sleep. We'll work more on aura defense training tomorrow morning. Then, you can see if you can use that special fire of yours for more than lighting the dark."

Harry nodded, and turned off the lamp on the dresser between their beds. Then he suddenly got an inch on his head. Growling slightly, he scratched the top of his head and was definitely going to tell the manager about fleas.


"Harry, get up," said a voice urgently.

The severity of the voice made Harry shoot up from his bed. Qrow sounded panicked and he used Harry's name instead of 'kid'.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"You tell me." Qrow was looking at Harry with no trace of the laziness Harry had gotten used to from Qrow. This Qrow was alarmed and staring intensively at Harry.

Wait, not at Harry. At his hair. Harry leapt of his bed and hurried to the mirror in the bathroom. When he looked in, he couldn't help but gasp.

About a dozen golden-red feathers were poking out from Harry's black locks. Each one was about two inches long and spread all over his cranium. And there was one long one that was gold and black. It was in the top, middle of his head and curved back for nearly ten inches. Harry reached and touched one. He could feel the sensations of the feather in his scalp. When he gently pulled it, he winced slightly at the pain. The feathers were definitely attached to his scalp.

"What the…." Harry started.

"It's not just your head," said Qrow. He pointed at Harry's arms. Harry looked and spotted more feathers on the outside of each forearm. These were more numerous and grouped closely together. He ran a finger along his left arm. They were smooth and warm. Harry was reminded of Hedwig's wings and how smooth they felt.

"My arms and head were itching yesterday," said Harry.

"And you just suddenly sprouted feather overnight?" Qrow asked.

Harry realized another place he was itching and pulled his shirt over his head. He turned his back to the mirror and spotted even more feathers on his back. But these were different. They covered both his shoulder blades. Then they grew down his back but thinned out before the reached his waistline. The way the pattern grew on his back, they almost looked like….

"Wings," said Qrow.

Harry reached behind him to touch the feathers. He could feel the smooth, warm texture similar to his arm, but no bones. He didn't grow wings; just more feathers in an unusual shape.

"Qrow, what's happening to me?" asked Harry.

"If I didn't know any better," Qrow began, his eyes focusing on Harry's back, "I say you just became a Faunus."


I wanted to have more interaction with Harry and Ozpin about magic. But that will come later. I hope everyone enjoyed the new chapter.