The next few days were filled with more practice, as Harry and the others were trained by Nicholas Flamel. His exercises were making their magic flow around them in a way that made Harry feel amazing, his friends' expressions indicating similar happiness as they worked.
"Now, we've finished the necessary work to open your magics up to yourselves. From here out, if you continue to do the exercises then that's your prerogative; you are not required to." Flamel said, his hands held calmly behind his back. "Today, we will begin the actual bulk of your training; with only a week left before you all return to your homes, I will be sure to teach you what I can about magic."
The comment made the entire group excitedly look at each other, Hermione seeming to be the most excited; the girl was bouncing in her seat. Flamel turned, flicking his wrist as Harry could see his magic flow and cause a nearby table to shift into a blackboard.
Ron gave a whisper, "Wicked" as Draco grinned like a madman. Neville leaned over to Harry, excitedly saying, "That's wandless magic, Harry! That's extremely hard to do, you know."
Harry grinned, nudging Neville. "I bet you could do it, Nev."
Harry's comment made Neville's eyes widen, as he was about to respond when Flamel spoke up. "First, do you all know the difference between Light, Grey, Dark, and Black Magics?"
Flamel's gaze moved across the children's, as he could see them all nod. Hermione looked over to Draco, who gave her an arrogant smirk back, the bushy-haired girl having a happy look at her face. Harry noted that she looked quite happy to know what Flamel was talking about.
"Excellent, then that can save us a few minutes of time. Light, Grey, and Dark magic come from the same source, what magicals call the Heart of Magic. Black Magic is magic that by its very existence goes against the Heart, and thus is vilified and outlawed for good reason. For instance, children, did you know that Necromancy is a Dark Magic, not a Black Magic? In Atlantis, Necromancy was common, as it was used as a way to commune with the dead. Many modern wizards use such rituals during dates like Hallow's Eve, also known as Samhain."
Hermione's hand raised, as Flamel nodded to the girl. "Don't you mean Halloween, Sir Flamel?" Hermione asked curiously, as Harry could see Draco's eye twitched in annoyance as a flicker of anger broke through Draco's stoicism.
"No, Miss Granger, and calling Hallow's Eve Halloween is quite an insult to some members of the magical world. You see, Halloween is the muggle holiday that Hallow's Eve was turned into; Hallow's Eve is a ritualistic night of the dead where the veil of death is at its weakest. Using certain rituals, it is even possible to communicate with the deceased."
"And that's why it's considered Dark Magic." Hermione blurted out, nodding sagely. Flamel's eyebrow rose at her comment, and shook his head. "I will not go into this discussion here, Miss Granger, but all you need to know is that Dark Magic is still a form of magic gifted to us from the Heart. Magic itself gave us our abilities, and what matters more is what we do with said powers. That is all I will say."
Harry could see Hermione was still apprehensive about Dark Magic, but seemed to shrug it off and instead kicking her heels excitedly as Flamel turned back to the blackboard. Writing upon it, the man drew a large circle with the word "Heart" inside, then arrows pointing to circles with the words "Dark", "Grey" and "Light"
"Each type of magic has its own strengths and weaknesses. Light magic is also sometimes considered Pure magic, as it can cleanse and remove harmful impurities. It is powerful, but also has a connection to the inner body and strengthening oneself." Flamel tapped on the circle with the word Light.
"Grey magic is the most versatile, able to protect and attack both. It is the simple charm, or the powerful hex, or even basic rituals. Grey Magic has ties with Elemental magic, of fire, earth, air and water; and even is said to have connection to the ancient magics of nature itself." Flamel flicked his hand, as four orbs of energy formed above it, one each of fire, water, earth and air rotating around each other.
"Finally, Dark Magic is the shadow of magic; the offensive and oftentimes reality-changing magic. Willpower and a strong spirit is required for this type of magic, and while many believe Dark Magic has no place in modern wizarding society," He looked at Hermione, "there is a reason why it exists. light cannot exist without a shadow, and Light Magic would not be able to exist without Dark Magic. In the old tongue, Dark Magic is called Umbral Magic; and even in Atlantis it was used to further wizards in the world."
Hermione frowned from her seat, as Harry could see her annoyance. She still seemed to dislike Dark Magic.
"Now, I shall begin with helping you focus on your inner magic. Each wizard has a talent that their magic naturally attunes to. For instance, the Malfoy family has long been attuned to Dark magic," Flamel gestured to Draco, "The Weasley family has a bias towards Light magic," Flamel gestured to Ron, "And the Longbottom family have always been attuned to Grey magic and nature," Flamel gestured finally at Neville. When you focus your magic, you will find it take the shape of an object, a symbol, or both. I will explain what they mean in turn."
Crabbe and Goyle both seemed enraptured as Flamel moved over to Crabbe first. "Vincent Crabbe, I will test your magic first, if you would be so kind. As I taught you before, focus your magic and release it; then try to move it to your hand. Will it to show itself, and we will find where your talent lies."
Crabbe took a deep breath and nodded. Harry could see his magic flowing around him, a gentle wind that seemed to come at the boy's call. Crabbe's eyes closed as he raised a hand, the practice the group had done making the action much easier than when they had first tried.
"Very good. Keep focusing and form the magic at your call. Don't force it, will it. Your magic is a part of you, not something to be forcibly bound."
Harry could feel the magic in the room start to sing, as Crabbe's fingers twitched. The magical energy slid around them, before focusing and forming into a glowing orb that began to shift.
"There you are. Now, relax your focus, and allow your magic to take whatever shape it desires." Flamel spoke softly, to not interfere with Crabbe's concentration.
Crabbe's magic flowed and danced on his palm, as Harry could see the boy's furrowed brows relaxing. As Crabbe relaxed, the magic seemed to shift and reform, before turning into a glowing shield made of light.
"Excellent, excellent Mister Crabbe. You have an affinity for Light Magic; specifically enhancement magics. You will more than likely be an excellent warrior when you are older, as enhancement magics are often used to protect yourself in battle."
Crabbe grinned, looking at Goyle who gave him a thumbs up. Crabbe's magic dissipated after a moment, as Flamel stepped up to Goyle next.
"And now you, Gregory Goyle." Flamel smiled gently, as he motioned for him to repeat the process.
Harry saw Goyle's magic begin to build; not quite as quickly as Crabbe's but with a much denser structure. It was fascinating to Harry; when Crabbe concentrated his magic resembled mist, but when Goyle concentrated it was more thick and viscous like molasses. Flamel's eyebrow cocked as he nodded. "Your magic is slow to react, but seems to be much thicker. You will need to focus a bit more, Mister Goyle."
Goyle nodded and closed his eyes, focusing himself as Harry could see his magic dance. It took a while to get going, but soon it was flowing like a torrent. Much like the comparison Harry had made earlier, the magic was slow to get moving but moved quickly when it was roused; just like black treacle.
After a few moments more, the magic focused itself into Goyle's palm, shifting and forming into an orb. Without needing to be told, Goyle let out a soft breath and allowed himself to relax, the magic starting to shift and take shape. The magic turned a soft Grey color, glimmering like liquid silver. It shifted into the shape of a gemstone, the molten silver giving it a beautiful sheen.
"Wonderful, wonderful! You are attuned to Grey Magic, Mister Goyle. Specifically, Earth magic. You would make an excellent herbalist or magical excavator." Goyle looked proud, his magic flickering away as he grinned at Crabbe.
Flamel moved over towards Hermione next, as the girl was about ready to leap from her seat. Flamel didn't even open his mouth before Hermione closed her eyes, her own magic flickering around her in a sudden tempest. Where Crabbe's was like mist and Goyle's like molasses, Hermione's magic was like the wind itself, flickering around her as she held up her palm. Coalescing her magic into an orb, she released the tension and relaxed, causing it to shine.
The magic shifted gently, as Harry could see it turn a mottled Grey color, shape turning into a small tornado in her hand and backed with a faded triangle symbol. "Excellent, excellent, Miss Granger. You are attuned to Grey Magic, air element. The symbol means Evocation, also known as spellweaving." Hermione looked a bit disappointed, looking up at Flamel. "I was hoping I was attuned to Light Magic. Like Professor Dumbledore."
Flamel smiled. "Ah, but Albus isn't attuned to Light, Miss Granger. He is actually a Grey Wizard. But just because your magic prefers one type doesn't mean you cannot be skilled with others. Hard work and study will guide you well, things I believe that you are quite gifted with."
Hermione beamed, looking quite prideful as Flamel stepped up to Ron. "Mister Weasley. Your family has long been connected to Light magic. However, it is still good practice to focus your magic, so let us begin."
Ron looked a bit dejected at Flamel's mention of his family, as Harry could see how Ron wanted to be his own person. The boy sat up, focusing his magic, as Harry noticed Ron's magic seemed to have shifted over the past couple weeks. Almost like it was made of pure shadow, Ron's magic began to slide around him effortlessly. In half the time it took the others to make their orb, Ron's magic formed around his palm into an inky-black shadow, taking the shape of a wand of black wood backed by the same glimmering triangle symbol as Hermione, but shining like a small black star. The wand seemed to glisten like it was made of onyx gemstone, shining with a black light. Unlike the ones before, this wand looked almost real; even the minute details of the wand's wood could be seen. Harry marvelled at the beauty of the wand in Ron's hand.
"My, Mister Weasley, I am quite impressed. Of all of the Weasleys I have known, you are the first to be attuned to Dark Magic. Not only that, but you are attuned to— "
For a split second, Harry saw a happiness in Ron's eyes that was quickly squashed out as his look turned harsh. "Dark Magic? That's evil! I'm not evil like a dirty snake! Make it different or something!"
Flamel shook his head. "That is impossible, Mister Weasley. But look here. Your magic is so strong that it is almost willing the wand into reality itself." Flamel gestured at the rotating wand and symbol in Ron's hand. "You should be proud; this sort of talent only comes once every hundred years."
Ron shuddered, as he forced the wand to quickly dissipate. "I don't WANT to be some sort of Dark Lord! You're just like the Sorting Hat, telling me that I would be better as something I'm not! You're a liar! I can't be attuned to Dark Magic, I just can't! All of my family are Light magic attuned!" Ron shouted, anger evident in his voice, but Harry could also detect a bit of fear.
Flamel sighed gently, "Mister Weasley, I want to express that you are not, and will never be a Dark Lord. Dark Lords are those who harm the world around them to get what they want; the title is something that the Ministry decides on and it is completely separate from your magical affinity. I cannot change your magic any more than you could defeat Merlin in a duel. Your magic is yours, and it's nothing to be disgusted about. Even if you decide not to use your talents, which would be a waste mind you, you can still use that talent for other things. You have a gift, Mister Weasley. And while you do not seem to want it, you can instead channel it into other things. Become the best you can be through your own terms. You decide what you become."
Ron's body shuddered, as he looked up to Flamel. Harry saw Ron's eyes, filled with fear, doubt, and even self-loathing. He wanted to do something to help his friend. "You really think I don't have to use Dark Magic?" Ron wiped his eyes, Harry spotting the wet smear of tears on the boy's sleeve.
"Of course, Mister Weasley. You saw the wand, correct? It means that beyond Dark Magic, you are a rare talent of spellweaving. Any wizard can wave their wand and repeat a spell they have learned. Only a true talent can evoke magic itself to come to their call." Flamel stepped over to Ron, and in a surprising gesture, gently hugged the boy until he calmed down. "You have nothing to be afraid of. You have talent, talent that no one else has. Don't you ever let anyone tell you otherwise."
It took a few minutes for Ron to calm down, nodding his head and drying his tears as he sat back down. Neville seemed nervous as Flamel turned to him, looking at his hands. "Now it's your turn, Mister Longbottom."
Nodding lightly, Harry could feel Neville focus his rich, powerful magic around him. As the others before, Neville's magic had shifted in the past week. It was similar to a glittering light, but Harry could also see a whisper of flowers. As Neville held up his hand, a magnificent ethereal oak tree appeared within it, made of white light.
"That is quite a rare talent, Mister Longbottom. You are an herbalist through and through, but you have a strong affinity to Light Magic. Like a sturdy oak, you are a protector, which is something I would imagine for a Grey Magic user due to their skill with magic commonly used for defense, but your Light shines through." Flamel smiled, leaving Neville to look over the glimmering tree in his hands as he turned to Draco.
"Now, Mister Malfoy. I am quite interested to see your magic. Your family has always been attuned with Dark. Are you ready?"
Draco nodded quickly, grinning as he raised his hands. Harry could see the magnificent energy whirl around Draco, sparkling and rushing to his command. Draco raised his palm, as the energy began to shift, taking the shape of a Grey pentagram, shimmering and shifting as Flamel watched.
"Ahhhh, fascinating. You are Grey Magic attuned, Mister Malfoy, and this symbol here means you are skilled with Conjuration. I expect Professor McGonagall will be interested in your skills as you get older."
Harry saw Draco was a little disappointed in not having Dark Magic, but it was minor. The boy instead seemed excited as he saw the symbol, hearing what it was. "Does that mean I'll be able to do transfiguration easily?"
Flamel smiled for a second, "While Transmutation and Transfiguration are similar to Conjuration, they are not the same. Conjuration is the creation of something from nothing; magic itself supplying the item. Transfiguration is a school on its own."
Draco frowned. "I see. I remember something about that in the first-year Transfiguration textbook." The boy seemed lost in thought, watching the symbol in his hand.
Flamel then turned to Harry, who sat up in his seat. "Mister Potter, I believe it is your turn. Yours should be quite interesting, I believe. I remember what my talent was, long ago. It helped me find direction in life."
Harry gulped gently, before raising his hand. His magic was eager to come to his call, almost like the floodgates of a dam being opened. The lights in the room were snuffed out as his magic came crashing out like a tidal wave, whipping around him in a fervor that made Hermione gasp.
The magic began to flow and shift, eagerly coming to Harry's call as it rushed to his palm. More and more of it flowed as Harry found it easy to control; not like the year before when it seemed to almost control him.
With a sudden snapping sound, the magic rushed in on itself and shifted, before releasing a bright flash of light. Harry felt the Philosopher's Stone warm on his neck, as he opened his eyes. He never realized he had closed them to begin with.
There, in his hand was a shimmering crystal rune. It glimmered with a vibrant light, and every so often wisps of colored magic slid off it. It was like it had been made from a gemstone, sparkling and giving off a beauty that Harry had never seen before.
"Beautiful. Just beautiful." Flamel smiled softly, shaking his head. "This is an attunement for Runic Magic, but just as Mister Weasley showed, Mister Potter's is that of a prodigy. You have a grand future ahead of you, Mister Potter."
Hermione spoke up, hopping out of her seat and running over. "Mister Flamel, what type of magic is Harry attuned to? It seems to be giving off many types of light."
Flamel smiled. "Mister Potter is a rare Universalist; a type of wizard that can use any magic without worry. In the wizarding world, such people are often able to perform great feats. I myself am a Universalist."
Hermione seemed to be in awe, looking at the glittering rune. Harry felt bad that he had to put it away eventually; it almost looked like Hermione would stare at it forever.
Flamel clapped his hands suddenly, catching everyone's attention. "Excellent work, all of you. Now, I shall begin with teaching each of you basic spells that fit your attunement. After that, we will pair up with duels, and I will teach you how to use your magic without needing rigid spells."
Harry grinned happily as Hermione rushed over to sit back in her seat. This was going to be fun.
-Author's Notes-
Hope you enjoyed! And to answer the reviewer who thinks that Fudge being Minister early is too wild, I want to mention that there is a reason Fudge ran early, and his name rhymes with "Fumbleroar". This will be mentioned in passing in Book 3, but I wanted to assure people that there's a reason for it.
Beta'd by Kaminton and overlordfan666
Interested in helping? Send me a message!
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me.
