Here we go. The next chapter. It's going to be a little bit shorter than the others. But the moment a lot of people have been asking for will happen in this chapter. Enjoy.


After waking with the sun during his travels, Harry's eyes flickered open as dawn's light shone the windows of the ballroom. He slowly sat up, stretching his arms to the ceiling. A few pops jerked in his spine and he groaned with relief. The sleeping bag was comfortable, but it wasn't a great replacement for a soft bed.

Harry looked around the ballroom. A few other students were just waking up, while a few others were already rolling up the sleeping bags. But many students were still asleep. All of Harry's friends were still dreaming. He stood up and began rolling up his sleeping bag. When he finished tying it, he placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder and slightly shook her.

"Ruby. It's time to get up," Harry gently said.

She groaned and rolled over. "Five more minutes, dad."

Harry chuckled. "I'm not your dad, Ruby."

Ruby rolled onto her back and pushed her Grimm sleeping mask up to stare. "Harry, it's the crack of dawn," she whined.

"We all said it last night. Whoever wakes up first, wakes the others so we all could get a warm shower before breakfast."

Ruby groaned again, then pulled the pillow from under her head and smashed it to her face. She mumbled something that Harry couldn't quite hear, but he just shrugged went to wake Yang.

"Yang, wake up," he said gently.

Yang reached up and slapped his hand away.

"No," she snapped quietly.

Not wanting to get slapped again, Harry prodded her leg with his foot. "Yang, we need to get ready."

"I will pluck your feathers," Yang threatened sleepily.

"Well then, at least you'll get up." Harry poked her one more time and went to Pyrrha. But before he could shake her shoulder, Pyrrha's eyes opened.

"Time to get up?" she asked, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"Yes."

Pyrrha yawned and sat up, stretching one arm over her head. Then she turned to the others. "Not exactly morning people, are they?"

"Their dad once told me he had missions easier than waking his girls for school," Harry answered. He then took a few steps to Jaune and shook his shoulder.

"No, mommy, I don't want to go to school. The other kids make fun of me," Jaune whined in his sleep.

Harry frowned, but Pyrrha giggled. He then slightly kicked Jaune's leg. "Wake up," he muttered.

"Huh?" Jaune jerked awake. He looked up at Harry. "Oh, is it time for breakfast?"

"Get a shower and we'll all go eat."

After that, Harry's group began getting up. Harry took his rolled-up sleeping bag and placed near the door next to the others. He then went to the locker room and grabbed his Hunter's outfit. He dressed and went to the cafeteria next door. Already there was a small line of students picking their meals. But before Harry could join, he was slammed hard into the doorframe.

"Out of the way, peacock," a large boy snarled. Another voice snickered.

Harry turned and saw the tall, redhead in gray armor who was scowling at him yesterday. Behind him was a smaller boy, dressed like a bandit with spikes on one shoulder. His hair was in a green mohawk.

"I don't think they serve birdseed," the mohawk kid said.

"Probably lives on breadcrumbs," sneered the armor kid.

Harry didn't say anything. As much as he wanted to teach these kids a lesson in manners, he didn't want to cause any trouble on his first day. He waited for them to get their trays before he got in line. Harry got a meal of oatmeal, fruit and juice. He didn't want to overeat and get sick during initiation. Then he found an empty table to wait for his friends.

A few minutes later, Pyrrha was the first. But she was surrounded by a few people who were obviously fans. They were encouraging her to join them. Harry caught her eyes and she gave him an apologetic look. Harry just nodded and waved. Pyrrha now had to play the nice girl. Even though she was hesitant, spending time with friends would boost her image. Maybe she would even make more friends.

Yang and Ruby were the next ones to arrive and they made a beeline to Harry. Yang's was filled with scrambled eggs and bacon while Ruby's was filled with everything sweet.

"Where is Pyrrha?" asked Ruby as she loaded her pancakes with strawberry syrup.

"Spending time with her adoring public," answered Harry.

"Who?"

"Her fans."

"Oh."

"It must be rough being in the spotlight," said Yang. She looked at Harry. "Was it like that for you?"

"I signed a few autographs and took a few pictures. But I never had my face put on cereal boxes or t-shirts." Harry paused a moment. "At least not without my knowledge."

"Would that happen?" asked Ruby.

Harry thought of Gildory Lockhart and Victor Krum. Two individual who have been in the spotlight and had merchandise of themselves. Harry didn't think a small, moving doll of himself would ever hit the shelves like Krum's

"Who knows," Harry shrugged.

Jaune joined them several minutes later, with juice, milk, and small box of Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes. A little chibi version of the mascot and Pyrrha was on the front. Harry looked at Ruby and Yang. Both noticed and they smiled. It still didn't look like Jaune recognized Pyrrha.

When they were finished, everyone went to the locker rooms to prepare for the trials. Ruby and Yang broke off to find their lockers while Jaune pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and started counting the numbers. Harry shook his head and found his locker.

Harry got his gear ready. He quickly checked Ember Rose and made sure it was in working order. Then he strapped his gauntlet on his left wrist, his wand and fresh Dust inside. Finally, he placed three full magazines on his belt, briefly touching the pouch that contained a second Burnt Dust crystal for his sword's pommel. Harry's Phoenix Fire helped boost damage to Grimm, but the after effect used a lot of Dust. After each use, the crystal would shrink.

Harry propped his foot on the bench to re-lace his boots. When he finished, Pyrrha finally arrived at her locker.

"Sign any T-shirts?" asked a smirking Harry.

"And a custom-made lunch box," Pyrrha smirked back. "I didn't know they made those."

Harry laughed and walked towards here as she placed her sword and shield on her back. "Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll every be," Pyrrha answered. She kept talking as she adjusted her gauntlets and greaves. "Have you been hearing the rumor about how teams are selected?"

"I've heard about 3 different stories so far. The best one is where we selected by according to our astrological signs."

Pyrrha laughed. "I heard that one too." Pyrrha suddenly looked a little embarrassed. "Harry, would you like to be teammates?"

"I would very much like to be teammates. You, Ruby or Yang would be great to have on a team."

"Really?"

"Sure. Just as long it's not-"

"Hello, Snow Angel," said a voice behind them.

Harry and Pyrrha turned around to see Jaune holding a rose to Weiss Schnee. Jaune was trying to look striking, but it was not working. Weiss had a look of fury on her face and was close to pulling her sword on Jaune.

"Ever since I laid eyes on you this morning, I heard the call of destiny," he said romantically. "The two of us are obviously a match made in heaven. The beautiful princess and her brave knight. Shall we be partners?"

Weiss crossed her arms and scowled. "If I want a knight who reeks of vomit, I'll let you know."

Harry winced as he heard glass break around Jaune's confidence. Both him and rose wilted at Weiss' cruel words, furthering her reputation as an 'Ice Queen'.

Weiss then noticed Harry and Pyrrha. She pushed Jaune away, then stepped in front of Pyrrha. She gave another delicate curtsy and smiled.

"Hello, Pyrrha. It's nice to see you again."

Whether Weiss forgot yesterday's events or was ignoring them, Harry thought it was still bold to approach near Pyrrha and Harry.

"You too, Miss Schnee," answered Pyrrha. Harry couldn't help but notice Pyrrha's low tone. She obviously remembered Weiss yesterday and was going for a polite tone. Not a friendly one, though.

"I've been hearing the whispers of teams echoing through Beacon," said Weiss. "And I would consider it a great honor if you were to be on that team."

Pyrrha nodded. "Indeed. But we are just going to see where the dice fall."

Weiss nodded. Then she turned to Harry. There was slight look of dislike on her face, but it was soon replaced with a stiff smile. To his surprise, she gave a small curtsy to him too.

"And I don't believe I know your name, despite meeting yesterday."

"Harry. Harry Potter," he answered carefully.

"I see. Well, any friend of Pyrrha is a friend of mine."

Oh, so that was her game

Weiss was trying to sweet talk Harry to get into Pyrrha's good graces. She failed yesterday to befriend Pyrrha and was trying another approach. One that would eliminate Weiss' comments about Harry's faunus heritage.

But before anybody could say anything else, the speakers in the locker room crackled on.

"Would all first-year students please report to the Beacon cliffs?" Goodwitch's voice echoed throughout the room. "The initiation is about to begin."

Weiss turned to Harry and Pyrrha. "Well, I'll see you two at the cliffs." She then walked away. Head up and shoulders back, just like royalty.

"Well, that was-"Harry started.

"Odd," Pyrrha finished.

"What was her deal?" asked Ruby. She and Yang each had a hand on Jaune's shoulders in comfort. He was sitting on the bench, his head in his hands.

"Sounded like she was kissing butt," said Yang.

Harry snorted. "She was," he chuckled.

"You okay, Jaune?" asked Pyrrha, seeing the demoralized boy.

"I don't understand. My dad said all girls look for is confidence. What did I do wrong?" Jaune asked.

"I do not think Weiss Schnee was the best girl to approach."

Ruby grabbed Jaune's arm and pulled him off the bench. "Come on, Jaune. We better get to the cliffs.


When they arrived, they were several students waiting side-by-side at the edge of the cliffs. Headmaster Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch were both standing there as well. The kids were slightly winded as they arrived at the top. Below them, what seemed like an endless, green forest spread out as far as the horizon.

As Harry approached the edge, those odd feelings emerged once again. The urge to jump off the cliffs and soar into the blue sky. To feel the freedom of flight and the wind in his feathers.

"Mr. Potter?"

Harry snapped out of his stupor. He sudden realized he spread his arms out to feel the wind. He could here a few of the students snickering at him, too.

Ozpin was smiling at him. "I know the view is beautiful, but we need to get started."

Blushing, he walked back to others. Each student was standing of a metal, square with Beacon's symbol on it. He took the only free one left, next to the kid with the green mohawk.

When everybody had settled, Ozpin spoke. "Today, you will be tested on your abilities as Huntsmen and Huntresses. One by one, you will enter the Emerald Forest. When you land, you will proceed north the temple ruins and retrieve a relic we have placed there. Then you will return back to the cliffs to be evaluated."

"But be cautious. This forest is home to a variety of deadly Grimm. You must use all the skills you have learned if you want to survive. If you are not prepared, you will die. Your progress will be monitored by our cameras. But we will not intervene. It is your job to survive."

Harry someone down the line swallow loudly.

Ms. Goodwitch then stepped up. "Now I am sure you've been hearing rumors about teams. Allow us to answer your questions. You will be formed into teams of 4...today."

"Oh," Ruby quietly moaned.

"One more note," said Ozpin. "When you land in the forest, the first individual you make I contact with will be your partner for the next four years."

"What?" Ruby squawked.

"So it is in your best interest to pair up with someone you can work with. Now, are there any questions?" asked Ozpin.

"Um…yeah, I've got one," said Jaune.

"Good. We're ready then," said Ozpin. "Prepare yourselves."

For what? Thought Harry.

At his words, the student farthest on Harry's left was suddenly launched into the air. Harry's jaw dropped as the student fell to the forest.

'He's launching us off the cliff with a catapult!' thought Harry.

Harry's shock quickly faded, but not by his choice. Deep within him, anticipation welled up like a raging tsunami. A maniacal grin formed on his lips as he braced his legs beneath him.

"Um, sir. You said something about landing?" asked Jaune.

"Yes, I did," answered Ozpin.

"Right. I was just going to ask…how?"

Again and again, students were launched into the forest. When the mohawk boy was launched into air, Harry braced his feet. With a sharp click, Harry suddenly felt the wind in his face as he was launched into the sky. Any feelings he had about passing the trials or fighting was suddenly sandblasted away as he flew. The only feeling that mattered now was the sound of the wind in his ears and the air between his feathers.

He could hear the yelping of some guy and the sharp cry of a girl behind him. Then, he heard several different gunshots echoing around him. But he was still focusing on the wind. Even when he began descending to the ground, he still felt calm and free. There was a small voice in his mind telling him to do something before they crashed and died. But then a soft, calming voice echoed in his mind.

Trust me

So the piece of Harry's mind that recognized the danger, quieted down. Down Harry descended, the ground coming quicker than ever. But then, Harry clenched the muscles in his back and squeezed his shoulder blades together. Harry slowed down immensely, almost floating back up. Another clench and Harry floated softly to the ground. When his feet touched the grass, the euphoric feelings he had suddenly vanished and he was back to being Harry, Huntsmen-in-training.

"What the…," Harry gasped, holding his hand to his rapidly, beating heart.

When a gold ember floated past him, he quickly turned around. He saw dozens of embers slowly floating in air around him. They were flickering out swiftly. Harry held out a hand and one ember floated onto his hand.

Before it burnt to ash, he saw the ember was golden red feather.

Harry quickly looked around. All the feathers burned up. He then reached behind his shirt and felt the warmth of his feathers. They were cooling rapidly.

"Did I just…" Harry couldn't finish. It didn't seem possible.


Ozpin held the large scroll that was showing a confused boy looking around the forest. Young Potter's little show was going to be the highlight of the night when the school sees the video. Before the teams are announced, the 2nd years and up will watch the talents of Beacon's newest recruits.

"I was not expecting that," said Glynda as she watched the same video.

"I don't think many people were," said Ozpin.

"Really? I think you of all people wouldn't not have been surprised."

Ozpin gave a soft chuckle. "My dear Glynda, there are still things in this world that will surprise me. A boy with magic is one of them."


Harry was snapped out of his stupor when he heard growling behind him. From the shadows of the trees glowed several red eyes. The height suggested they were regular Beowolves.

"Dammit," Harry cursed. He pulled Ember Rose from his back and immediately switched it to rifle mode. He fired a quick shot, catching the first one who lunged from the shadows. He caught the second, and then the third. Quickly, more Grimm charged forward. Harry switched to sword mode and put the sheath on his back. He leapt back, then charged forward slicing one in half and decapitating another. Harry then dodged the jaws of one wolf but couldn't dodge the claws after. His aura stopped the damage, but the pain was intense enough to make him wince.

He switched his sword to his left hand and pulled out his wand with right hand. He quickly tapped the Burn dust and focused his aura into wand. The tip burned with intensity as a small fireball gathered on the end. He pointed it at the remaining five Beowolves.

"Ignis!" shouted Harry.

The large fireball shot from his wand and impacted the closest Grimm. The force of the explosion blew the Beowolves away, catching them on fire, too. The beasts howled with fury and pain as the fire consumed them. Soon, they dissolved into smoke.

Harry took a breath and sheathed his sword. He then pulled out his scroll to check his aura levels: 80%.

The damage he took earlier and the Burn dust he used caused the depletion. If he disengaged his defensive aura, he could recover 1% each minute he didn't use it. But he had to use it once more.

Where are the temple ruins?

The compass in Harry's mind swung to north, just like Ozpin instructed. He started making his way to the temple ruins. Harry didn't make 20 meters before heard a distant gunshot echo around him. He turned towards the direction he heard it. It could have been his imagination, but it sounded like Crescent Rose.

"Stay safe, Ruby," Harry said softly.

Harry turned back to his path only to find a pair of big eyes staring at him.

"Oh! Hello. You sure snuck up on me," Harry said.

The figure didn't say anything, move, or even blink.

"My name is Harry. We met each other, so I guess we are partners." It wasn't who he wanted, but beggars couldn't be choosers.

Still, the figure didn't move.

"Umm…are you okay?"

The person slowly approached Harry, taking each step with care. Then, very slowly, the person raised a hand towards Harry's face. Harry froze with confusion. And then the person…

…poked Harry on the nose.

"Boop," the blue-eyed, orange hair girl smiled.


What do you think? Was it who you were expecting? This is only part one of the initiation. Part two will be uploaded as soon as I can. Please review.