Choices
He was at a crossroads.
Literally.
He found himself standing in the center of an intersection. A road, clear as day, was behind him and Henry stood at the end of it. Beside him were a pair of familiar, dark eyes. He couldn't say who they belonged to, though. The road in front of him was shrouded in darkness. Down the left road was a man with silver hair and blue eyes, but he couldn't make out who that was either. Down the right road, red eyes stood out from the darkness.
He looked from his left to his right and back again. He looked behind him, but found that road no longer existed, so he walked forward.
He walked and he ran and he walked some more, but the darkness didn't let up. The dark eyes stayed with him, though. Eventually, he stopped and placed his hands on his knees in an attempt to slow down his racing heart. All he could make out were the eyes, his feet, and the road underneath.
A hand touched his shoulder. He yelled as he spun around –
Suddenly, he was at the bottom of a tall mountain. He stood in front of a set of steps that had been carved out of the stone. One side rolled downward while the other moved upward to a thick cloud of mist. It swirled around the mountain until it revealed an enormous castle built out of it.
Down the steps walked a beautiful woman with braids that went straight back. She had flawless, dark skin and wore vibrant, yellow robes.
She stopped in front of him.
"Congratulations," she said in Arabic. "We hope you join us, but we wish you luck in your endeavors regardless."
She grabbed his hand to place something in it. With the other she touched his forehead.
Harry woke up with a gasp. He looked around to find he was in his bedroom. The walls were emerald green with a golden mural of the Forest of Dean. The ceiling was a golden image of the Milky Way.
He stretched and found he had stone in his left hand. With his right, he located his glasses then looked down to find he, indeed, had an inscribed, stone slab in his hand.
He'd been invited to Uagadou.
He placed the slab on the nightstand then moved to put on some clothes. At Alexandria, his day began with meditation. Henry encouraged him to continue the practice, so he did. After that, he went for a swim. He'd probably pick up running again when he went to school as he doubted any of them had a pool and he would not jump into whatever body of water surrounded Durmstrang.
About an hour and a half later, he was freshly showered and clothed as he exited the house once more. Now he was headed outside where he found a stack of mail beside his place at the table. Alexandra Thanos was also there eating fruit and drinking tea.
She and Charlus were…doing something. Harry couldn't begin to tell anyone anything about their relationship other than the fact Grindelwald knew despite whatever efforts they'd made.
"There's eleven," she said as Harry placed the stone slab on the table. "Congrats."
Harry sat down. "Thanks."
He looked at the stack. It was a shame he didn't intend to look through them all and make a decision. He placed his hand on the top of the stack to remove a deep purple envelope. On the back of it was a golden, phoenix seal.
He raised his eyebrows. Dumbledore didn't send him letters. They'd spoken once since the World Cup in Mexico and that was last summer at the World Cup in Japan. He opened it. The words, in long, loopy letters in deep purple ink, read:
Congratulations. You are as impressive as you've believed yourself to be.
I write to you this morning to ensure you understand Hogwarts nor Durmstrang need be your destination. You may go to Beauxbatons, Uagadou, or whichever school is your choice.
If you choose Hogwarts, until September. If, for whatever reason, you go to Durmstrang, I'll see you in October.
Good luck wherever you go.
APWBD
Harry rolled his eyes then shoved the letter into his pocket. Whatever. He picked up another envelope. This one was medium purple and had CoM as the golden seal. He ripped it in half then snatched out the parchment inside.
After staring at his scores for a long moment, he placed the parchment on the table. When he exhaled, he felt relieved. He'd lived up to what had been expected of him.
"May I see that, please?"
Harry turned to Alexandra and blinked at her. "Huh?"
"Your scores. May I see them, please?"
He shrugged. "Alright."
She stared at him then rolled her eyes when it was clear Harry wasn't going to pass them to her. So she summoned the parchment. Harry watched her eyes go up and down it.
While Alexandra was focused on his scores, Harry had enough awareness to turn back to his mail. He rifled through them until he found a deep red package with a silver, double-headed eagle in the center. He tugged it out from amongst the stack then opened it.
The hard-cover book inside was a reversal of the envelope. The cover was silver and In the center was a deep red outline of a shield with a deep red, double-headed eagle in its center. Overhead, in blood red lettering, was DURMSTRANG. Underneath was VINCERE EST TOTUM.
He opened the book. The first page was a portrait of a long, four story castle built on a rock and surrounded by water. The second page had words in dark red ink:
Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you you've been invited to attend Durmstrang Institute this fall. To accept, please sign your name on the dotted line at the bottom of this page.
In the event you accept, please keep this book as it will make everyone's life easier.
We hope you join us and wish you luck on your educational journey.
Deputy Headmaster,
Maxim Morozov
Harry glanced at Alexandra, who looked at him as he summoned a quill.
"What are you doing?"
He didn't answer. He just signed his name on the dotted line. Now it was done. No one could talk him out of it.
"What school is that?" she asked.
The ink glowed then the book shivered. The invitation slid out and the words on it changed.
Welcome to Durmstrang Institute, Mr. Potter.
This is your portkey, which will be active on the 18th of August. Simply hold it between your fingers and state your full name. We ask that you arrive no later than 18:45. During the Welcoming Feast, the Sacred Tree will choose your adviser, who will guide you for the duration of your time at Durmstrang.
Examine the index to find your supply list. Your schedule will be added no later than the 1st of August. You ought to check this book when it glows for you will have received a message from myself, your adviser, or, on occasion, the Headmaster.
Durmstrang prides itself on being a meritocracy. Each student under an advisor is much like a team. You will work individually and as a unit for each tournament. All students under the advisor of the student or team who wins a tournament receive perks and rewards. The top five students of each year earn other rewards and perks. The better the number, the better the reward.
Good luck and, again, welcome.
Deputy Headmaster,
Maxim Morozov
Harry flipped to his supply list.
First Year Supply List:
Uniform
Five plain, blood red work robes with name tags. Students are advised to request heating charms, purchase wool, or have an additional wool set
2-3 winter cloaks. Plain, blood red cloaks with matching fastenings.
Protective gloves
Reading Material
Basic Charms by Jane Schmidt
A Study in Transformation by Gerwulf Neuer
The Old Gods Vols. 1 and 2 by Bathilda Bagshot
Legends in the Sky by Carina Aurvandill
Astronomy for Beginners by Rigel Taurinus
What Dwells in the Dark by Erick Jorgensen
Common Herbs and Fungi by Agatha Jakobsen
The Art of Dueling by Gunnar Ironside
Monsters of the Dark by Yami Daku
Introduction to Brewing for the Young Potioneer by Ulla Virtanen
Students may purchase their books through their local bookstores.
Tools
1 Wand
1 Cauldron (Standard Size 3)
2 sets of crystal or glass vials
1 set of scales
2 rolls of parchment
Ink and quills
Students may bring 1common pet
Harry gaped at the reading material. There were two books for almost every class and he'd bet the ones for Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions were huge.
"Harry!"
He jumped. "What?"
"What school is that?"
He huffed. "Durmstrang."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
Charlus made his way over as Alexandra said, "I thought you wanted Beauxbatons or Castelobruxo."
As it wasn't a question, he didn't answer. He just started preparing a labneh sandwich on pita.
"That's impressive," Charlus said when he reached the table. He looked around then held out his hands. "Where are they?"
Harry pointed to Alexandra.
"He just chose Durmstrang," she said.
Charlus turned to him. "Why would you do that?"
"Why wouldn't I do that?" Harry tapped the book. "Can we go to Diagon Alley, please? I think I've earned my wand."
Charlus glanced at Alexandra then, while facing Harry, asked, "Did Grindelwald tell you to pick Durmstrang?"
"No."
"Then why did you choose it?"
Harry shrugged. "Because I want to be the best duelist in the world." He tapped the book again. "Can I get my wand, please."
"I wish you would've waited to speak about this," Charlus said. "He won't let you back out now."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Why would I back out?"
"Do you know what's going to happen at Durmstrang?"
Harry nodded. "I'm going to find myself surrounded by the children of Acolytes and maybe the children and grandchildren of people who hate you, Fleamont, Taurus, and James. Ooh, and Sterling even. I'll have to fight my way out of it or die."
As preferable as the latter would be, he kept that thought to himself.
"You're being flippant and this is a serious matter," Charlus said.
Harry took a deep breath. "It's done. I don't want to take it back. I would like to have my wand, though. Can you take me to go get it, please?"
Charlus, again, looked to Alexandra and Harry wanted to rip his hair out.
"I…I can write a letter to Gus and feel him out."
Harry's irritation subsided a little to make room for curiosity. "And who is Gus?"
"August Winter. He's the Head of the Transfiguration Department and an Acolyte," Alexandra answered.
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Were his parents being cheeky?"
"No. Apparently they didn't realize until someone pointed it out."
Harry nodded then turned back to Charlus. "Diagon Alley, please."
At last, Charlus rubbed his forehead. "Alright, but finish your breakfast first."
Harry pumped his fist. "Yes."
"Eat properly."
"Yes, sir."
As he finished making his sandwich, Charlus sat down. He eyed Harry with confusion and concern plastered in his eyes and on his face.
"I can't let you go to Durmstrang…we're going to have to do some things this summer," Charlus said. "Regardless of what Alex' friends say, I'd be a terrible person if I didn't teach you a few ways to protect and defend yourself."
Harry waved his hand. "I was going to do that." He rolled his eyes. "I have to do better in combat magic anyway."
Alexandra cleared her throat. "You just don't know Dark magic that's all. You'll learn that well enough at…Durmstrang."
Harry tilted his head.
"Offensive magic," she corrected. "You know the theory of defense and protection and some creatures. Crouch saw to that and he's likely the reason you scored so high on the exam. No one you know – apparently even Grindelwald – felt comfortable teaching you the ins and outs of jinxes, hexes, and curses beyond things like the Impediment Jinx and the Attacking Spell."
Harry's mouth formed an 'o.'
"Top three of your year in Combat Magic is an excellent score. Just about everyone else would be happy with a score like this. It just pales significantly in comparison to 'new record' and 'top three all-time.'"
Charlus looked between them. "New record in what?"
"Oh. Right." Alexandra looked for the scores then passed them to him. "They're amazing."
Charlus looked over the scores. "Charms, Transfiguration, History, and Astronomy are your best scores." He nodded. "Sounds about right. Potions and Herbology are something else, too. And I see why you're lamenting about Combat, but this is nothing to cry over. At Durmstrang – Merlin, help me – you'll make up the difference." He exhaled and it sounded like a gasp. "You outdid Grindelwald in Charms."
And, for the first time that morning, Harry smiled.
An hour later, Harry and Charlus stepped onto the cobblestone of Diagon Alley. The street was full of witches and wizards with their children dressed in robes of all colors and styles.
"You're lucky I like you," Charlus said.
Harry ignored the comment. "Can I have a pet?"
"An owl?"
Harry frowned. "What for? Everyone I know can read and count."
"Because that was a sensible answer to a question about an owl."
"Wasn't it? If everyone can count, they can dial a number. If everyone can read, they can tap accept."
Charlus exhaled. "You win this round, you insufferable brat."
"I want a cat, I think," Harry said.
Charlus made a face. "Egypt did a number on you, son."
Harry grinned. "I want an Egyptian mau."
"No, not to take up to Scandinavia, you can't. I think I know a good cat for you to get, but it can wait. I need some money and you need some robes. Twilfitt and Tattings is right there just down the street on the left. I'll take you to start your fitting then I'll go to Gringotts while you get your clothes."
Harry nodded. "Alright.'
Twilfitt and Tattings was a posh clothing store, decorated in black and white with touches of silver. They were directed to the waiting area. Harry went over to sit in a white chair while Charlus hurried out the store.
Eventually, Harry got up to shop. He found a dark, emerald green trunk he liked. He collected two new pairs of boots – one made of gleaming dragon hide – and a couple of cloaks. He also collected other outerwear to go along with his many navy blue, dark green, and black cloaks.
When his tailoring was finished, he walked to the front to find Charlus staring at the pile of apparel and the trunk.
Charlus stepped to him and towered over him when he arrived. "You will not have latest broomstick, the most fashionable and latest items of clothes, thousands of new books, gold plated telescopes and potions utensils, an engraved trunk ,and be unequal to paying for it all."
Harry tapped his chin. "Do you think Malfoy got this lecture? Or do you think he was asked 'is there anything else you want?'"
Charlus' eyes went wide and he spluttered. "Malfoy."
Harry had the hardest time keeping his face straight.
Charlus gnashed his teeth then stuck his finger in Harry's face. "Well played, you spoiled brat. One day, though, I'll be adult enough not to rise to that bait."
Obviously furious, he paid for Harry's things.
They then headed to other shops. In Flourish and Blotts, he found a set of books in Transfiguration that caught his attention.
"It's in English," Charlus said.
"We can have a set delivered in just about any language he likes," an associate said on her way past them.
Charlus stared at the back of her head with hate.
At the supply store, Harry didn't find a golden telescope, but he picked out an aluminum one with a mahogany tripod. Charlus made certain to grab all his potions supplies while Harry was distracted by the ingredients along the walls.
Harry snickered, but said nothing when Charlus looked at him in triumph.
When they went to Ollivander's, most of Harry's necessities had been purchased. He still needed his wand and he'd have to wait about a week to get his books delivered to him, but he was mostly set. What remained was things he might want, like color changing ink or an extra book.
As they intended to go to lunch somewhere in London, Charlus had called Sport to retrieve Harry's school supplies and his cat, which was a Russian blue kitten with glowing green eyes.
"This is the famous Ollivander's?" Harry mused.
It was a narrow, shabby place on the far end of the alley. Not too far from something called Knockturn Alley. The shop itself had peeling, gold letters above the door that read 'Ollivander's: Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.' Adjacent to the door was a dusty, display window where one wand lay on a faded, purple pillow.
Charlus turned to him. "You are so…"
"Yes?"
"Euphemia's child."
Harry nodded. "Thank you."
Charlus wagged his finger. "You are judgmental, critical, and snooty."
"Those aren't compliments," Harry announced.
"I thought I could combat it, but obviously I failed."
Harry nodded. "Of course. How can anyone who chooses friends over the type of alcohol they drink and how much it costs combat snootiness?"
"That is not how I choose friends."
Harry shrugged. "I don't think that's true. Let's discuss."
When he raised his hand to count off, Charlus pushed the door open. "In."
Harry grinned at him.
"You are so bloody annoying," Charlus said.
The inside of Ollivander's was dusty and virtually empty. All that was inside, as far as Harry's eye could see, was a rickety, old chair in the corner opposite the door and shelves in the back stacked with long, thin boxes. Wands.
There were also a handful of people inside, too. A little girl with red pigtails stood at the front, opposite an old man with frizzy, white hair. A man – younger than Charlus, but much older than James – was off to the side. The man looked at them and glared at Charlus, who, seemingly, did not notice him.
Behind them was a family of three. They spoke a language Harry was unfamiliar with.
Harry tugged on Charlus' sleeve.
"It's Tagalog," Charlus told him.
Harry blinked. "What is?"
"The language. What are you after?"
Harry pointed with his chin. "Bones?"
"Yes. Daniel, I think his name is."
"He looks like the other one."
Charlus nodded, but said, "You look like the other one."
Harry laughed softly as he stepped closer to place his chin on Charlus' abdomen. With his eyes upward, he asked, "What kind of wand do you have?"
"Elm and dragon heartstring."
Harry frowned and nodded. "Grandad must've been happy."
"Yes, which is odd for him." At Harry's curious look, he said, "They don't matter in the grand scheme of things. A good enough wizard can make any wand do any thing."
Harry tilted his head. "Was he happy with the wand as a thing or was he happy at the potential the wand suggested?"
Charlus stared at him.
"What?" Harry said.
"'Was he happy with the wand as an entity or at the potential it suggested?' Don't pose philosophical questions at me."
Harry mouthed 'entity.'
"What kind of wand are you after?" When Harry didn't answer, he hummed. "Walnut."
Harry sniffed.
"Maple," Charlus continued. "And probably yew and elm. You think highly of yourself, after all." After a beat, he said, "You also want nothing to do with a unicorn hair and your smart enough not to want an elder, though."
Harry nodded. "It would cause problems when I'm in the house with Grandad."
Charlus cleared his throat.
"Oh, right. Uncle Fred and Uncle Ned, too."
Charlus narrowed his eyes. "You aren't more impressive than me."
Harry grinned. "You're tall and muscled, but I don't know what that has to do with an elder wand."
Charlus bared his teeth and made a squeezing motion with his hand.
The redhead squealed, bringing everyone's attention to her. The wand in her hand was emitting puffs of yellow smoke.
The boy in the family of three bounded forward once Miss Bones' wand was paid for. Mr. Bones glared hard at them, but Charlus gave him no attention.
They then watched in silence as the South Asian boy was fitted for his wand. It didn't take too long for Mr. Ollivander to find him one either.
When it was just the three of them in the shop, Mr. Ollivander perked up. "Charlus Potter. Elm and dragon heartstring, thirteen and a half inches, bendy. Excellent for all things, but perfect for elegant transfiguration."
Charlus inclined his head. "That it has been."
"Pleased to hear it has served you well and faithfully." He then looked down. "Harry Potter, at last," Mr. Ollivander said.
Harry nodded. "Finally."
"Step forward then, Master Potter. Wand arm up."
Harry stepped forward then raised his right arm. A tape measure sprang open to take Harry's height.
"Every Ollivander wand has a core with a powerful magical substance: unicorn hair, phoenix feather, or dragon heartstring."
"Only those three? Why?" Harry asked. "Is that the same for every other wandmaker?"
"Yes, because I studied wandlore throughout my youth. I found that only those three cores provided a great amount of power and roughlyequal amounts ofstability. No, not everyone chooses to follow my findings."
The tape measure was now measuring the length of the distance between Harry's heel and the tip of his middle finger.
"How many woods do you use?" Harry asked.
"Forty in total, but some more than others. Some trees are generally rarer than others and some woods are pickier than others. The wand chooses the wizard, after all," Mr. Ollivander said.
Harry tilted his head. "What do you mean 'rarer' than others?"
"Just as only a proportion of humans have magic, only a proportion of trees have magic."
Mr. Ollivander eyed him while Harry's mouth moved silently. At last, he said, "Brooms are enchanted, so they can come from any tree. Wands have to be magical because…are they alive?"
"The term is quasi-sentient. The wand chooses the wizard and they can sometimes do as they please, so they are seemingly alive or almost alive, but not quite." Mr. Ollivander wagged his finger. "Give me one moment."
Harry looked at Charlus, who smiled. When he leaned forward, he asked, "Do see your future?"
Harry's eyes widened and Charlus laughed.
As Mr. Ollivander walked away, he said, "I pride myself on my ability to match a child with their wand within as few tries as possible. Some are, obviously, more challenging than others, especially since I don't know most children and some are understandably shy. I know about you, Harry Potter."
Harry looked at Charlus. "Reputation precedes me."
Charlus touched his forehead.
When Mr. Ollivander returned, he had three wands in his hand. "Pick one."
Harry slipped a bone-colored wand out of Mr. Ollivander's hand.
"Drop it."
He let the wand fall out of his hands. He then slipped a brown wand out of Mr. Ollivander's hand.
The effect was immediate upon connection. The tips of his fingers warmed then grew hot as that warmth spread throughout his body. Blue and gold sparks shot out of the wand tip as he exhaled.
He then looked up at Mr. Ollivander, who looked pleased with himself. "Blackthorn and phoenix feather, eleven and a half inches, supple."
Harry held up the wand and frowned at it. "What are the other two?"
"Aspen and dragon heartstring is on the floor. Laurel and phoenix feather is still in my hand."
Harry took a deep breath. "What?"
"Reputation does precede you," Charlus answered.
Harry didn't appreciate the laughter in his voice.
"Your scores proved you were intelligent, not that we didn't know so before, but that isn't what you are known for as of today, is it?"
Harry frowned at him.
"You have a cabinet full of awards and trophies won as an athlete. Yes, you have a number of academic awards from Alexandria, but what do you believe is talked about more: obscure records broken at Alexandria or wreaths won at the Youth Games?"
Harry looked at him in horror. "People think I'm an athlete?"
Charlus snorted. "You are an athlete. Harry, you aren't an aged scholar just because we've forced you to read a lot."
"Do you know the reputation athletes have?"
"Harry, you are too short and too thin to ever be truly compared to Hercules and Achilles," Charlus said. He laughed as Harry glared at him. He turned to an equally amused Ollivander. "How much?"
Harry was still frowning at the wand as they left the shop. At last, Charlus pulled him to the side.
"What did you propose was the source of Henry's pleasure when I got my wand?"
"I don't like the potential. It suggests I'll be fighting for and all my life," Harry said.
Charlus nodded. "It suggests you'll be pretty nasty about it, too. Alright then, what did I say?"
"Any good wizard can make any wand do anything. Fine, but…" Harry huffed. "I don't like the athletes in the stories."
"You aren't a Greek or Roman hero." After a beat, Charlus said, "You're an English one."
Harry wrinkled his nose. "Even worse. No one sings or writes poems about them."
Charlus laughed. "Must you have an answer for everything?" He sighed. "Academic success isn't the only way to achieve everlasting life, Harry. In fact, the woman you love so dearly and wish to emulate isn't known for anything academic."
Harry's eyes widened.
"Egberta was a warrior who chose to prove herself that way, right?"
Harry's mouth formed an 'o.'
"You need not limit yourself to the wand either. You may be a skilled fighter and a successful academic. Most of the latter also qualify as the former." Charlus raised his eyebrows. "Feel a little better?"
Harry exhaled. "Yeah."
Charlus ruffled his hair. "Come on, my little warrior."
Harry huffed. "Don't do that."
Charlus laughed. "Come. I'm hungry."
Thanks for reading!