The next day saw copies the Daily Prophet come en-masse into the Great Hall, stirring up the students as they took them and started to read. Grabbing one, Harry winced as he saw the title with his picture with Draco prominently on the cover.
"First Magical Animagi since Merlin! The Boy Who Lived and the Pureblood Prince show their power!"
Carefully looking at the copy he had taken, Harry could see the picture with him, Draco, and the Minister on the front page. Harry started to read the article beneath the picture, his gaze moving over the words quickly.
"The magical world was astounded during the Ministry Easter Ball as the Minister himself gave an announcement during the celebration. The Minister spent time introducing young Harry Potter, Heir and Lord Apparent to the Potter fortune and the Ancient and Noble title along with Draco Malfoy, Heir to the Malfoy line and son of one of the Minister's most trusted advisors."
"Once he was finished with his introduction, the Minister proceeded to issue a revelation amongst the magical community that shook the very foundations of our society. Both of the Heirs had become animagi at the age of 11 years old! However, unlike the normal animals that the animagus forms are known for, the two proceeded to show the gathered members of the Wizengamot, Ministry employees, and other guests their forms."
"Indeed, readers, imagine my shock when The Boy Who Lived transformed into a multi-tailed fox, and the young Malfoy Heir turned into a draconic gryphon!"
"The two have shown they have not normal animals, but instead are full on magical creatures in their animagus forms. Has the pureblood line run true in the two heirs? Perhaps the muggle blood in the Boy Who Lived's veins has been overpowered by the magic of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter? Regardless of how it happened, this shows the two have a bright future, and the strength of their magic when they grow older."
"This reporter can't help but ask. Why those forms? Is Harry Potter related to the Japanese Kitsune? Sources indicate that the boy's form is a rare and obscure magical fox named a Cadmean Fox that used to roam the mainland of Europe, but is now extinct. How could the Potter Heir achieve the form, when none exist in the world currently? There are many questions, dear readers; questions this reporter will discover the answers to!"
"More pictures on page 4."
Harry sighed as he handed the paper to Draco, who started reading it himself. "What hogwash. Rita Skeeter's work, no doubt. She certainly loves to pry into things."
Harry looked at his friend, an idea popping into his head. "Do you think what happened yesterday will make it into the Prophet as well?" The question made Draco shake his head in response, "I doubt it. Having a professor die is really bad, unless it was an accident. Dumbledore normally prefers Hogwarts not look bad. My father's always mentioned that there's been accidents in Hogwarts he's covered up… the old man probably called the Ministry on Halloween just to cover his bases. After all, in that one no one actually died."
Harry nodded. It was quite surprising, at least, but he could understand the thought process behind it. Finishing up his breakfast, he moved to stand. "I'm going to go squeeze in some exam prep. The exams are today, remember." Harry pointed out.
"Yeah, I remember, Potter. And remember, I bet that I could beat you in the final exam. I won't lose to you!" Draco smirked, and Harry grinned right back. "Oh, we'll see about that. I'll trounce you like Slytherin trounced the other Houses in Quidditch."
Draco snorted. "Just because we won the Cup this year doesn't mean much, Potter. Slytherin's won the past seven years straight." The comment made Harry stick his tongue out at Draco playfully, before heading out of the Great Hall.
"And with the exams finished, I would like to announce the top students in each year." Dumbledore spoke up, the Great Hall abuzz with excitement. The Leaving Feast had arrived, with the Hogwarts Express bringing them back home next week. Exams were over, and everyone was on the edge of their seat as the school rankings were being announced.
"Remember our wager, Potter?" Draco grinned from his seat next to Harry. Harry grinned right back, nodding. "I bet I did better than you, Malfoy." Draco snorted, "Yeah right. I'll show everyone the name of Malfoy is better than that of Potter." Draco smirked, as he leaned forward.
Dumbledore was going from the oldest years first, before finally getting to the first years. "And in the first year, the top exams are a three-way tie! Between Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. This is the first time we've had a three-way tie in quite a long time. Congratulations!"
Harry could see Hermione get complimented by the other Ravenclaws as Draco snorted. "Figures. I bet the three of us got perfect scores and that's why we tied. Well then, seems the bet's off, Potter."
Harry laughed. "Well, we'll just have to see next year. This year was pretty exciting, but it was kind of simple." Draco rolled his eyes, crossing his arms with a huff. "You mean boring. I hope we can learn real magic next year. Like what you did with those runes." Draco groaned. "I'm going to see if my father can help teach me some this summer."
"That reminds me, is your Father still alright with me coming over for a few weeks this summer?" Harry asked. Dumbledore was going over the house point totals, giving time for Harry to speak to Draco. Draco shook his head, "I haven't heard anything about that, Potter, but I'll ask him myself and send you a letter."
Harry considered. "Could we invite Neville, Hermione, and Ron over to the Manor too? It could be fun." Draco winced at the mention of Weasley, but held his tongue. "I suppose, Potter. I'll ask about that too."
Satisfied, Harry turned to look at the gigantic hourglasses full of House points. The massive artifacts shone with a gentle magic, as Harry heard Dumbledore's announcement. "And now, we shall announce the House Cup! Coming in fourth, we have the humble and dutiful Hufflepuffs at five hundred and fifty one points!" There were some polite claps and cheers, Harry being one of them as the Hufflepuffs looked slightly embarassed. Harry smiled to Neville, who seemed to be a bit more calm at the sight.
"Next is the heroic Gryffindors at third place, with six hundred and ninety six points!" the cheers of the Gryffindors could be heard, as Harry politely clapped for them as well.
"In second place, the skillful Ravenclaw have managed to gather a total of seven hundred and forty seven points!" The Ravenclaw table cheered, as Harry clapped for them as well. The Slytherin table was almost as excited, knowing what came next.
"And finally, at first place for the seventh year in a row, Slytherin House has earned a massive eight hundred and twelve points!"
The Slytherin table cheered, but Dumbledore raised a hand. "Unfortunately, recent events have prompted me to have to make some last minute… adjustments."
There was a sudden murmur in the Great Hall as Dumbledore spoke. Harry winced, slinking down in his chair in an effort to not be seen.
"First of all, for showing extreme cowardice in the face of danger and leaving a friend in a dangerous situation, I am forced to remove two hundred points from Slytherin House due to Harry Potter."
Slytherin table exploded with indignant anger, as Dumbledore raised a hand. "Silence! I am not finished." The other Slytherins were quiet, but Harry suddenly felt many eyes turning on him. "For abject cowardly actions and not doing their part in assisting in a dangerous situation, I am forced to remove another two hundred points from Slytherin House due to Draco Malfoy."
"Just you wait, old man! My father will hear about this! You can't just remove that many points from Slytherin!" Draco shouted, his face turning red as he slammed his fist on the table. Dumbledore gave a gentle grandfatherly gaze, shaking his head. "You will find that these points are the minimum of what should be done in such a situation, Mister Malfoy. Now sit down and be silent, or I will be forced to subtract further points."
Draco snarled and slammed himself down in his seat, as Harry could see a few glances from Ron, Neville, and Hermione. Hermione herself looked extremely guilty, as Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Next, due to the actions of one Hermione Granger, I am required to subtract another two hundred points from Ravenclaw."
The chaos resumed, this time from the Ravenclaw table. Several people shouted, but Harry felt a growl coming out of his throat. The old man was right to take the points from him and Draco, but what gave him the right to take it from Hermione? It wasn't fair!
"And finally, due to outstanding bravery even when your friends are going the wrong path, I award two hundred points to Gryffindor, thanks to the heroic efforts of Ronald Weasley."
Utter bedlam broke out, as the Gryffindors cheered and the other three houses shouted. The Great Hall was in utter chaos, as Dumbledore rapped his wand on the lectern. "SIIIIIIILEEEEENCE!"
The Great Hall suddenly shook as the old man's magic was released, as Harry felt an odd sensation of order and control slide around him. Harry could feel something deep inside of him protest at the feeling; Dumbledore's magic was so ordered that it felt like the magic itself was chained to his will, something that made the wild magic within Harry burn with fury and fear.
"With the new total of eight hundred and ninety-six points, Gryffindor wins the House Cup, with Ravenclaw in second, Slytherin in third, and Hufflepuff in fourth! I do believe this means the Great Hall's banners need a change." Dumbledore waved his wands as the green and silver banners switched to gold and red, the Gryffindor table cheering. Harry shook his head, feeling a bit guilty for not being more brave during the incident with Hermione. If he had, Slytherin could have won the cup.
A sour taste slid into Harry mouth as he looked over the Great Hall, where his eyes fell on Ron. The red-headed boy looked utterly stunned for a moment in the middle of the cheering Gryffindors before an angry look appeared on his face. Harry could see him take a deep breath, standing up.
"Headmaster." The Gryffindor table's cheering went silent as Ron stood, the Great Hall going deathly quiet.
"Yes, Ronald?" Dumbledore looked towards Ron with that same grandfatherly gaze.
"I can't do anything to change the points since you awarded them, but I want everyone to know. I didn't want this, I don't want this, and it feels like Gryffindor won the house cup through cheating. In my time this year in Hogwarts, I have made friends all over the castle. From the my own house, among the badgers, the ravens, and to even the 'slimy snakes'. But they always treated me nicely, no matter what I did. Headmaster, these points were given in such a biased way that it feels bad. I am just a kid, Headmaster, but despite being a kid I still wanted to say that I am sorry to the other Houses."
Ron gave a polite bow, as the entire Great Hall was silent. Not even the Professors at the staff table moved an inch, looking around at each other. Harry could see Snape with both a shocked look on his face and an angry one, flickering back and forth. Even McGonagall looked satisfied, as Harry stood up, and started to clap.
The clapping was joined by Draco, then Crabbe and Goyle, followed by Hermione and Neville. Then the Twins stood up, starting to clap, as the rest of the students began to applaud. It wasn't long before even the Professors cheered, as Dumbledore looked quite surprised. McGonagall leaned forward over the table with a smile as she spoke, "Good show, Mister Weasley! That's showing the Gryffindor spirit!"
The applause echoed through the Great Hall as Dumbledore clapped his hands to end the speech. The Feast appeared on the table as the wizened old man took his seat at the staff table as the cheering died down. Harry could see Ron was blushing red from the attention, but the smile he was giving Harry was entirely genuine; and Harry was happy to return it as they began to eat.
Harry spent some time thinking about everything that happened that year. He was excited, having gotten acceptance for taking Runes a year early. Not only that, but his own secret project, Uncle Vernon's drill, was in his trunk and waiting to be shown to him when he returned to Privet Drive.
He had Amber as well; he wasn't sure how Aunt Petunia would react, but the snake was now almost fifteen feet long and the width of a football. He hoped Aunt Petunia would be alright with her; he didn't think that he could hide her very well with her new size.
Shaking his head, Harry ate slowly as his mind was awash with thoughts. His Wild Magic, his new fox form, and then his fear of dying before Christmas. The troll, the Philosopher's Stone, the Forbidden Forest. So much had happened this year.
Harry continued to eat, not noticing the doors of the Great Hall open until they hit the wall with a resounding, echoing thud. "Dumbledore!" A powerful voice echoed into the Great Hall, as Harry felt a twitch in his magic that caught his attention.
Standing at the threshold of the room, Harry could see a surprisingly young man. A widow's peak parted his black hair, but at the sides of his head were streaks of silver. His eyes were a glimmering, translucent green, much paler than Harry's own but similar in shade. His body was toned, bearing the telltale signs of someone who had carefully cultivated himself.
But the thing that caught Harry the most? His magic was unlike anything Harry had seen before. Writhing and whirling about him with the wild grace of a beast, coiled and ready to strike. The power and wildness of it brought a word to Harry's mind. A word he had only heard from Ollivander when his magic had been commented on.
Wild Magic.
"Nicholas Flamel! What a wonderful surprise, my old mentor." Dumbledore said, moving down from the lectern where he had been standing. Moving up to the man, Flamel peered at Dumbledore, his voice booming as he shouted, "You told me that you would be setting up the traps for the thief in a safe location, Dumbledore! What's this about it being here in Hogwarts?" Flamel shouted.
Dumbledore seemed surprised, but steepled his hands as his eyes danced around the room, losing their characteristic twinkle. "My dear mentor, wouldn't it be better to speak privately?" Flamel seemed livid about the suggestion, stamping his foot. "No, we will speak right here, right now. If you can risk students being caught up in the mess, then they deserve a right to hear what you were doing. Protecting the Philosopher's Stone was important, but in Hogwarts, Albus?" Flamel's fury was evident in his voice.
As he spoke, several of the higher-year students gasped, and suddenly word was spread around the table. Excited murmurs were around the room, as Dumbledore looked a bit pained as he spoke, "There is no safer place than Hogwarts, Nicholas. And the Third-Floor Corridor was made safe, so no one could be harmed."
"The fact that you had the thief in the school grounds showed me that you have some very questionable ideas of safety, Albus. Ever since you defeated Grindelwald, your methods have been questionable. It's like I don't even know you anymore!"
Harry could see a flicker of annoyance on Dumbledore's face before it returned to the grandfatherly smile. "Nicholas, don't worry. The thief was dispatched. Unfortunately, we could not question them. Remember, you were the one to come to me asking for my assistance in protecting the stone, my dear mentor. Assistance that was obviously not required, considering you sent me a decoy stone."
Harry saw shock on Flamel's face for a split second, before it quickly was wiped away as he gazed around the room. His vision went from table to table, student to student before it fell directly on him. Piercing green eyes much like his own seemed to glimmer at Harry as if they were looking directly into his soul. Harry felt a tremble up his spine as he felt the stone around his neck pulse lightly. For a moment, Harry thought the man would speak up, would say something to Dumbledore, reveal Harry's larceny— before he turned back to Dumbledore.
"Yes. A decoy. I sent you a decoy and placed it in Gringotts myself. And I expected you to keep it there and work with the Goblins. But no, you moved it to Hogwarts! Please tell me that you didn't do anything dangerous."
Dumbledore actually seemed to look insulted at that, his hands clasping together as he replied, "The defenses of the stone were specifically meant to incapacitate. I am loathe to say what the defenses were, but rest assured they were safe."
Harry heard a snort from his side, as Draco mutter, "Yeah, traps that could be defeated by first-years." Flamel seemed to relax for a second before speaking up again. "Fine. I'll let the matter drop, Albus. On one condition."
"Of course, of course Nicholas. Anything within my power." Dumbledore said, a smile spreading across his grandfatherly features. Harry noticed that Dumbledore's tension seemed to wash away at Flamel's comment of letting the matter go.
Harry didn't have much time to look at Dumbledore when Flamel whipped around, pointing a finger directly at him. "You! Boy! What's your name?" All of the nervous tension in Harry's body sprang to alertness all at once, as he instinctively popped into his fox form with a "YIP!"
Everyone in the Great Hall gasped, before it turned into a laugh. Some even choked on their own spit as Harry landed on the Slytherin Table, his tails fluffed out in surprise.
Nott grinned across the table, muttering under his breath. "Proving my point, Potter."
"I see. You're Harry Potter, judging by that form. A Cadmean Fox. Most impressive," Flamel said, as Dumbledore sputtered. "What do you need with Harry Potter, Nicholas?"
Flamel looked back at Dumbledore with an arrogant smirk that reminded Harry of Draco. "I want him to become my apprentice."
Harry popped back into his human form, as he, Draco, Hermione, Snape, and Dumbledore all shouted, "WHAT?" in a sudden burst of noise. Immediately, the entire Great Hall fell into chaos, with students and teachers talking in a furor.
Over the explosion of noise, Flamel shouted, "You heard me! In exchange for overlooking all of this, I wish to train the boy in magic. I assume you know his guardians? I have contacts in the Ministry, of course. They mentioned his guardians were at the Ball. Impressed quite a few Purebloods, as well. I will contact them, and request a training schedule."
Dumbledore seemed ready to have a fit, his normally stoic face seeming to have a bit of red. It was the first time that Harry had ever seen the Headmaster in such a state. "Nicholas! why would the boy need extra training? He's just a child, and children need to enjoy being children. He would make a fine apprentice when he is older, but he is much too young at the moment. He deserves time to be a child."
Harry saw a glimmer in Flamel's eyes. "Poppycock. He still needs to learn magic, does he not? It'll be some simple lessons. They can be anywhere the lad would like." Seeing an opportunity and before Dumbledore could speak again, Harry jumped up. "I accept, sir!"
Dumbledore seemed concerned, giving a sad shake of his head. "Harry, my boy. You spend so much time reading and learning already. You should relax, enjoy life a bit more. Spend time with your friends—"
Draco immediately stepped up. "Well then, if he should spend time with us, can we join Potter with his lessons?" Flamel seemed surprised, as Hermione looked ready to burst with excitement from the Ravenclaw table at Draco's idea. Flamel turned to Harry, seeing the boy's face light up with the mere suggestion of having his friends join him.
"Hm. I don't see why not. My main lessons will be for Potter alone, but I believe I could see myself teaching a small class for his friends this summer. Potter, if that is the case may I have your permission to send a missive to your guardians?"
"Of course, sir!" Harry said quickly, as he saw Dumbledore open his mouth to protest. The old man looked sadly at Harry, shaking his head once more before speaking. "Harry my boy, I will not confront you on this, since I know this is an offer that can change your life for the better. I just wish you would take time to be just a boy. A life of simply learning is a life harsh and merciless."
With that, Dumbledore gave a polite nod to Flamel before returning to the Head Table, allowing the alchemist to walk over to the Slytherin table to speak more with Harry.
"Ah, Slytherin. I was one when I was in Hogwarts." Flamel smiled. "Of course, that was more than four hundred years ago. Now, Harry Potter. Boy Who Lived. Who will I be teaching this summer?"
Harry looked at Draco, and grinned. "Well, you've already met my friend Draco Malfoy. But over there is Hermione Granger." Harry gestured to the brown-haired girl, who almost tripped over herself to rush over. "Neville Longbottom." Neville was given a thumbs-up by Cedric as he got up, hurrying over. "Ronald Weasley." The Gryffindor table was suddenly abuzz as one of their own was called, Ron blinking owlishly several times before Seamus Finnegan elbowed him and got him to hurriedly rush over. "And last but not least, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle."
Crabbe and Goyle remained seated, before Blaise poked their sides. Whispering to them, the two's eyes widened as they got up, stepping forward… right into each other with a soft smack. There was muffled laughter from all around the Hall as the two hurried forward, confused and looking at Harry with surprise on their faces.
Flamel, however, seemed a bit surprised. "You have quite a few friends, lad. That's quite a blessing. I am a man of my word, of course. I didn't expect this many, but I can make do. We'll need an older magical home, of course. A manor, situated on sites of magic. Longbottom Manor or Malfoy Manor will do; I understand Malfoy Manor was once a Black mansion so it will have the magic needed for the lessons. I will be sending messages to all of your parents and guardians and getting permission, of course."
The Great Hall was abuzz with furious chattering. Flamel stepped forward, and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, leaning down so his mouth was close to Harry's ear. So quietly that even Harry had to listen close, Flamel whispered, "And we'll speak about my Stone around your neck as well."
Flamel stepped back with a gracious smile. Harry was startled by the comment, giving a quick nod in response to the man. The man's voice wasn't angry, nor was it judging. It simply sounded like he was both resigned and hopeful.
"Now, with that, I will head to the Ministry. I believe I will be here in Britain for the entire summer now; I will have to make preparations for such. I bid you all adieu." Flamel flourished at the students and staff, giving a deep bow before heading out the door.
"What— just happened?" Nerville gasped out, staring at the door of the Great Hall where Flamel had just left.
"I believe we're going to be tutored by the oldest and most accomplised sorcerer in the world!" Hermione breathed, eyes sparkling. "I have so many questions for him! I can't wait for this summer now!" Hermione's voice was shrill and high, excitement completely overtaking it. She was bouncing in her seat with utter excitement.
Harry laughed at his friend's eagerness. "Well we can't speed the summer's arrival, so we'd best finish eating. Let's talk about it more after lunch."
Ron groaned. "I don't know why I stick with you, Harry. The more I'm around you, the more work I have to do. And now even my summer will have lessons." The comment made the rest of the group laugh, even Crabbe and Goyle giving a chuckle.
Harry was once more in his fox form, pushing into the serpentine tunnels. It would be his last night to explore Hogwarts, and he wanted to have a fun final night. Moving along the tunnel alongside him, Amber hissed gently.
§§Speaker, where are we going today?§§ Amber's tongue lashing in front of her as she questioned her human.
§§We will not be able to explore these passages until next year, so I wanted to check them one final time.§§ Harry responded, his tails flicking behind him gently. He saw the forbidden tunnel to the side as Amber hissed at him reproachfully, making him turn away.
§§That does not mean I will allow you to go down the forbidden passage, Speaker.§§ Amber's voice was firm, but not angry.
§§I know, Amber, I know. But it's time to finally check the last tunnel, isn't it?§§ Harry responded, his three tails happily wagging behind him. Amber nodded, as Harry yipped with excitement. He and Amber had carefully been marking and exploring every tunnel, other than the one that Amber had declared off-limits. Each night they had gone a new route and found new directions to go.
However, as the year had passed they had explored almost every tunnel, and two weeks prior only one tunnel remained. It was Amber's idea to save it for the end of the year; a last hurrah to the tunnels until the following year.
Harry trotted up to the tunnel, looking up at it. It was like all the rest, turning and twisting out of sight.
§§Alright, here we go! The final tunnel!§§ Harry yipped as he walked inside.
The last tunnel was old, and surprisingly wasn't kept as well as the others. Harry snorted, some dust coating his nose and causing him to sneeze, his tails fluffing out.
§§How very strange.§§ Amber hissed behind him. §§This portion of the tunnels looks like they haven't been repaired as well as the others. Perhaps whoever attended the other tunnels does not come down this one?§§
§§That means they've been told not to, or they're too afraid to.§§ Harry hissed in responses, batting away another dust bunny with his paw.
The tunnel continued onward, the passage winding side to side in a relatively single direction. It felt like they were going downwards, deeper into the earth. Unlike the other tunnels, this tunnel didn't split and always seemed to head towards a single, lone destination.
§§This tunnel is long. I wonder what it leads to. We must be way under the castle by now.§§ Harry hissed, Amber agreeing with his statement.
Soon enough, the decrepit tunnel opened up into utter darkness. No light was here, but Harry could see intense magic all around him and dancing before his vision.
Making sure the chamber was large enough to revert in, Harry turned back into his human form and raised his wand. "Lumos!"
The light from his wand shone, quickly illuminating the area and revealing an enormous boulder. Harry was reminded of the plinths in Stonehenge, and once the light shone on it glittering magical runes appeared, coating it from top to bottom. Pulsing with incredible, ancient magic, Harry could see the sheer power of this massive lodestone. Around it were four statues, two men and two women, each holding a single item. The first woman was holding a cup, the second a crown, the first man a sword, and the second a staff.
"This is the Hogwarts wardstone…!" Harry whispered as he walked up to it, arm outstretched. Amber hissed out a warning, as Harry quickly retracted his hand, Amber thankfully warning not to touch the ancient relic. Still, he walked around it, reading the runes. He could see runes that were familiar, oddly so, before he froze in place, realization dawning.
§§These are Atlantean!§§ Harry hissed to Amber with excitement, the sound carrying around the room. He looked over the runes carefully, before grabbing his quill and parchment and starting to draw them, kneeling down and using the floor to write upon.
As he did, he noticed a small marking on a tile at the base of the lodestone. It wasn't magical, but it was carved with tiny lettering that Harry would Have never noticed if he hadn't been on his hands and knees.
"Messrs Moony, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail performed mischief here Feb 12, 1975"
Harry's breath hitched as his fingers traced over the carving. These names… Harry remembered the tales Mister Dark mentioned. This was his father and his friends! They were here?
Harry felt a warmth through his chest as he smiled, fingers tracing over the words cut into the stone. It felt like was walking in the footsteps of his father.
As he removed his hand, he turned to Amber. §§This is amazing. I never expected this last tunnel to lead to the foundation. Maybe we could come and relax in here. I know I'd love being around the wardstone. It feels so warm.§§ Harry hissed, the wardstone pulsing gently as if it was agreeing with him.
Harry's magic flickered within him as he walked around the wardstone once again. He'd have to come back here next year. But for now, he looked down at the parchments in his hands. He had plenty of research to do on these runes. It seemed like he had some work to do over the summer!
Grinning like a small madman, Harry popped into his fox form and hopped around the wardstone a final time in a foxy dance before moving into the tunnel. Amber slithered to follow, the two disappearing from sight.
Neither of them saw a pair of shimmering eyes watching from the top of the statues.
The steam from the engine of the Hogwarts Express billowed above the station. Harry sighed, holding his trunk as Amber peeked from inside of it. It was the end of the year, and now he was heading home.
"Father says he'll come over sometime in a few weeks. We'll let you know when, Potter." Draco said, as he moved to get on the train.
Giving a wave to Hagrid, Harry looked around one final time. The year had been incredible, but he felt like it was barely the start. Magic, Nobility, Atlantis and more. There were so many secrets of the world that he had never known.
But one day? One day he would learn them all. With a grin, he moved to the car where his friends were waiting. The whistle of the train echoed around the station as the train embarked back to the mundane world.
-Author's Notes-
And that's Book 1 complete! I hope you've had fun with this AU, I certainly have. I definitely am excited to keep the story going, don't you worry!
A special thanks to Angie and Kaminton, both of which I wouldn't be able to do this without. I genuinely would love to have more people to bounce ideas and share the story with, so if you're interested then send me a friend request on Discord (Username is DragonofDesire)! Note that due to spam I might miss it, so feel free to send it multiple times; bots don't send the same request twice.
The fic will be on hiatus for exactly one month, and regular posts will begin again on March 3rd 2025. However, keep your alerts on; I may do some small mini-chapters (that won't be beta'd, so expect them to be rough) based on Harry's textbooks! I will release them on each Monday this month, but note if I don't release on Monday then there won't be one for that week.
And finally, I want to give a special shoutout to each of you, who have taken time to read the first book of this saga. I genuinely appreciate you taking your time; we've hit 50,000 views which is absolutely staggering to me. I hope everyone enjoys the story that will unfold.
A notice for all readers on Fanfiction: Unfortunately, the poll was a wash, and there were exactly 2 votes for each option. Instead, I'll go ahead and make the choice; the fic will be kept as all one fic here on Fanfiction. While this means you will miss out on the book titles, those can be read over on AO3 if you are so inclined.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me.