Chapter 182: Chapter 182: "Holidays and New Strengths"
With a soft crack, Harry appeared in the entrance hall of Black Castle. The familiar sight of the grand staircase and the portraits of his Black ancestors lining the walls greeted him.
"Master Harry," Mira said, her large eyes shining with pride, "Master Arcturus and Master Sirius are waiting for you in the study."
Harry nodded and made his way. As he approached the study, muffled voices engaged in intense discussion reached his ears. It seemed Sirius was recounting the events of the previous night to Arcturus.
Knocking softly, Harry entered to find Arcturus seated behind his massive oak desk, with Sirius pacing back and forth. Both men looked up as he entered, their faces a mixture of concern and relief.
"Harry!" Arcturus exclaimed, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Sirius has been filling me in on the events at Hogwarts. It seems you've had quite an adventure."
Harry settled into one of the plush armchairs, feeling the weight of the past few days settle on his shoulders. "That's one way to put it," he said with a wry smile.
Arcturus leaned forward, his eyes sharp despite his advanced age. "So, Voldemort's real name was Tom Riddle. I had heard about him. A charming and smart young lad during his years at Hogwarts who suddenly went missing. I had assumed he had left the wizarding world for better opportunities since he was a muggle-born. Now it looks like he was a squib born from the line of Gaunts. To think all the blood supremacists have been following a half-blood to cause chaos and death in the wizarding world. Many old families have been destroyed and some to near extinction by the actions of that crazy dark lord."
Sirius, who had stopped pacing, chimed in, "It looks like Dumbledore knew his real identity for a long time. Why didn't he expose him? That would have made a dent in Voldemort's followers."
Arcturus shook his head, his expression clouded. "No idea. No one knows what goes on in his mind. Over the years, he has done things that make no sense. Let's forget it. So, one more Horcrux down. I didn't think he would leave one with the Malfoy brat. The boy will be in so much trouble when Voldemort comes back and learns what happened to it. Two Horcruxes down and who knows how many more to go."
Harry, seeing an opportunity to broach the subject of Horcruxes, spoke up, "Actually, it's three down. I stumbled upon another one at Hogwarts when looking for its secrets. It was in a room known to Hogwarts elves as the Come and Go Room."
Sirius's eyes widened in surprise. "Good job, Harry. Come and Go Room? I thought I had explored all the secret places in the school. It looks like we missed some."
Encouraged by their interest, Harry continued, "I also have another idea where another one could be."
Arcturus leaned forward, intrigued. "Go on."
"With Bellatrix," Harry explained. "Since Malfoy had one, I'm sure Bellatrix, whom Voldemort trusted a lot, would have one too. I just have no idea where she could have hidden it."
Harry had been wrestling with how to access the Hufflepuff cup Horcrux in the Lestrange vault. Having failed to come up with a solution, he couldn't help but seek Arcturus's advice.
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "Good guess. However, unless we can read the mind of Bellatrix, we have no way of finding the hiding place."
Harry pressed on, "I have narrowed down the search to some places, but the most likely place I think would be Gringotts. The most secure bank in Wizarding Britain should have one of them. Just don't know how to confirm or go about searching for the Horcrux in Gringotts. Have any ideas, Grandfather?"
Arcturus stroked his beard, considering the question. "Goblins don't trust wizards, and vice versa, so I have no way of getting into Bellatrix's or the Lestrange's vault. We will have to wait for her to come out of Azkaban to think of some way, or else wait for the natural death of the Lestranges and her, and then do some tricks to buy the Horcrux from her unsuspecting inheritor."
Harry sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and disappointment. "So nothing can be done. It looks like we might have to think of some other ways to kill Voldemort seeing that destroying all the Horcruxes is not possible. Maybe we could trap him and imprison him until he dies a natural death. I will have to refer to the Black Library. Grandfather, I might need your help."
The old man, despite his age, was still very much able to help Harry. With the help of a proper diet and treatment from Cordelia and Emma, the old man could function normally just like Dumbledore despite his age.
After some more chit-chat, Sirius left for his home. With Sirius away, Arcturus turned towards Harry, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What did you do with the basilisk, Harry? There's no way you left that hissing trove of treasure for Dumbledore to deal with."
Harry grinned, impressed by his grandfather's perceptiveness. "You're right, Grandfather. After Sirius left Hogwarts, I went to the chamber again to deal with the basilisk. It was a tough fight, but I won in the end. I have the basilisk harvested and stored in a trunk. Can you help me deal with the less important materials?"
Arcturus nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Since you killed the snake, you have full rights on how to deal with it by law. However, we will have to handle things discreetly. We're talking about rare magical materials that cost a lot of galleons. The amount of galleons will make even wizards like Dumbledore jealous."
Harry considered this for a moment. "I leave it to you, Grandfather. You have the contacts. I just want the basilisk skin for some robes and a few things for the animagus ritual. I don't need much money, so maybe sell the meat and the fangs and store the rest."
Arcturus smiled approvingly. "Good thinking. Also, using materials from a thousand-year-old basilisk, you will have a very good chance of awakening a magical animagus. I want to see this in person."
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sure. I will need your help to prepare for the ritual. I can't wait to gain a magical animagus form."
They decided to hide these things from Sirius for now. The missing basilisk might create some suspicions and mayhem, and Sirius not knowing what happened to it would ensure he didn't accidentally show some clues. Sirius could be told later after things cooled down.
Later, Harry went outside to the castle grounds. He was eager to test out his gains from the previous night. After that refreshing nap on the train, he was wide awake and excited to experiment with his new abilities as a knight.
Harry started with a simple test of strength. He approached a large boulder that he'd previously struggled to budge. With a deep breath, he placed his hands on the cool surface and pushed. To his astonishment, the boulder moved with surprising ease. He estimated that his strength had increased at least fivefold as written in Gryffindor's notes.
Next, he tested his speed. Harry sprinted across the grounds, covering distances in times that would make Olympic athletes envious. His reflexes were put to the test when he asked Mira to throw various objects at him. Harry found he could catch or dodge them with an ease that bordered on precognition.
To gauge his improved stamina, Harry embarked on a grueling workout routine that would have exhausted him within minutes before. Now, he found he could maintain intense physical activity for extended periods without tiring.
His eyesight had also dramatically improved. Harry could now discern details at distances that were previously impossible, and his night vision had become almost cat-like in its acuity.
Curious about how his knighthood affected his magic, Harry began casting spells. He immediately noticed that magic flowed more smoothly through his body, and casting even complex spells felt more natural and quicker. His magical reserves seemed to have expanded as well, allowing him to cast more powerful spells without fatigue.
Despite these impressive gains, Harry found he couldn't access his seed of life that he had just awoken or manipulate life energy directly. It seemed that advancing to the rank of Great Knight would be necessary before he could harness those abilities in combat.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the castle grounds, Harry resolved to continue his training. He was not satisfied with merely becoming a knight; even reaching the level of Sky Knight didn't seem enough. Harry was determined to push the boundaries of what was possible in this life, his ambition driving him to seek heights of power and ability that few had ever achieved.
With the basilisk defeated, his knighthood achieved, and the animagus ritual on the horizon, Harry felt less anxious about the future war. He knew he was on the path to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the wizarding world. The challenges ahead no longer seemed insurmountable, but rather obstacles to be overcome. With renewed determination, Harry made his way back to the castle, ready to face whatever challenges the future might hold, confident in his growing abilities and the support of his family.
Chapter 183: Chapter 183: "The Animagus Ritual"
As the holidays progressed, Harry and Arcturus devoted themselves to preparing for the animagus ritual with unwavering dedication. The study at Black Castle had transformed into a magical workshop, brimming with rare ingredients and ancient tomes. Many of the crucial components came from the basilisk Harry had slain, their potent magic holding the promise of extraordinary results.
The process was grueling, requiring Harry to follow specialized diets to attune his body to the magic, spend hours in deep meditation to prepare his mind, and practice complex magical exercises to refine his control. As the day of the ritual drew near, Harry found himself caught between excitement and nervousness. The possibility of becoming a magical animagus, something previously thought impossible, was tantalizing beyond measure.
Arcturus, ever observant, noticed Harry's anticipation. "Remember, Harry," he cautioned, his voice gentle but firm, "even with the basilisk parts, success isn't guaranteed. But if anyone can achieve a magical animagus form, it's you."
Harry nodded, his determination evident in the set of his jaw. "I understand, Grandfather. I'm prepared for whatever outcome, but I can't help hoping for something extraordinary."
Their meticulous preparations were interrupted one afternoon by the arrival of Sirius, his face etched with concern. As he entered the study, both Harry and Arcturus looked up, instantly sensing the gravity of his news.
"Dumbledore couldn't take on the basilisk," Sirius announced without preamble, his voice tight with frustration. "He went with Charles to the chamber and the statue where Harry said the basilisk nest was, but Dumbledore found that there was a secret phrase to open that place."
Harry's heart raced, but he kept his expression carefully neutral. "What happened then?" he asked, striving to keep his voice level.
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "Dumbledore and Charles tried many variations of phrases in Parseltongue, but they all failed. They're at a loss."
"Why didn't they just destroy the entrance?" Harry asked, feigning innocence while his mind raced.
Sirius shook his head, his expression grim. "Dumbledore said the place was connected to the Hogwarts wards. If he wanted to destroy the entrance, he'd have to destroy the Hogwarts wards too, which isn't a viable option."
"So what now?" Arcturus inquired, his tone measured, revealing nothing of their secret knowledge.
"They're in a dilemma," Sirius replied, pacing the room. "Dumbledore asked for my help, and... well, I thought I'd ask you, Harry. Any ideas?"
Harry shrugged, maintaining his facade of ignorance. "I have no idea. I guess you could ask Evelyn Rosier to see if she remembers something. But my best bet should be to leave it alone. Without the secret phrase, the basilisk should be mostly locked away and school is going to be safe. We just have to beware of Voldemort coming back."
Sirius's face fell at the suggestion. "There's no hope from Miss Rosier's side. While treating her for dark possession, the healers had to obliviate some of her memories. Now she remembers almost nothing of what happened in the past year. However, the good news is that she's feeling fine now and there are no long-term side effects of dark possession."
Seeing that Harry could provide no further help, Sirius left the castle to relay the news to Dumbledore. The Aurors and Hogwarts Professors were now working towards making the school safe for reopening. If the basilisk couldn't be taken care of, their best idea was to put more protections around the nest to ensure no one could reach that place, and even if someone luckily did, they would know and react properly.
After Sirius's departure, a heavy silence fell over the study. Harry and Arcturus exchanged meaningful looks, both aware of the delicate situation they were navigating.
"Well," Arcturus finally said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "it seems your secret is safe for now, Harry."
Harry nodded, relief washing over him. "As long as Dumbledore can't reach the basilisk's nest, my actions should remain hidden. We just need to ensure the basilisk parts are sold discreetly."
Arcturus's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Leave that to me, my boy. Now, shall we return to our preparations? This animagus ritual won't perform itself."
---
As the night of the full moon arrived, the anticipation in Black Castle was palpable. In a secluded clearing within the grounds, Harry and Arcturus had meticulously prepared the ritual circle. Intricate runes glowed faintly in the moonlight, their power humming in the air.
At the center of the circle, Harry had placed the most potent parts of the basilisk: its eyes, still gleaming with an otherworldly light even in death; the venom sac, swollen with its lethal contents; and several massive fangs, their wicked points glinting ominously in the pale light.
As the moon reached its zenith, Harry stepped into the circle, his heart pounding. Arcturus nodded encouragingly from the edge, his face a mixture of anticipation and concern. Harry took a deep breath, centering himself, and began the incantation they had practiced tirelessly for days.
The ancient words flowed from Harry's lips, each syllable resonating with power. As he spoke, the basilisk parts began to glow, their magic awakening. The runes flared to life, pulsing with energy that seemed to resonate with Harry's very being.
Suddenly, the world around Harry began to fade. The clearing, Arcturus, even his own body seemed to dissolve into mist. Harry felt a sensation of falling, then of soaring, and then...
He was flying.
Harry found himself suspended in the midst of a raging thunderstorm. Dark clouds roiled around him, lit intermittently by brilliant flashes of lightning. Rain lashed at him, but he felt no discomfort. Instead, he felt... exhilarated.
He knew, instinctively, that he was a bird - a large one - but he couldn't determine what kind. His movements weren't his own; the bird's instincts guided him through the tempest with ease. Lightning struck nearby, but instead of fear, Harry felt a thrill of excitement.
The bird banked and soared, riding the violent updrafts with grace and power. Harry marveled at the sensation, unlike anything he had experienced on a broom. This was true flight, unencumbered and free.
As he flew over a vast lake, a particularly bright flash of lightning illuminated the water's surface. In that split second, Harry caught a glimpse of his reflection: the majestic form of a Thunderbird.
Excitement surged through him. A Thunderbird! One of the most powerful magical creatures, with the ability to sense danger and create storms at will. The implications were staggering.
The vision continued, the Thunderbird-Harry soaring through the storm, reveling in its power. Harry lost all sense of time, caught up in the exhilaration of flight and the raw energy of the storm.
When Harry finally awoke, he found himself lying in the ritual circle, the basilisk parts now nothing more than ash. Arcturus was kneeling beside him, relief evident on his face.
"Welcome back, my boy," Arcturus said softly. "You were out for quite some time. Did you see your form?"
Harry nodded, still processing the experience. "A Thunderbird, Grandfather. I'm a Thunderbird."
Harry was elated with his animagus form. He had hoped for a flying creature, and he had gained that and so much more. While the large size of a Thunderbird might limit its use for stealth, the power and abilities he would likely gain were beyond his wildest dreams. However, he knew he had no way of knowing exactly what kind of powers he would develop.
Arcturus's eyes widened in amazement. "Extraordinary," he breathed. "Truly extraordinary. A magical animagus form... and a Thunderbird, no less. You continue to surpass all expectations, Harry."
As the initial excitement of the revelation settled, Harry knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his magical journey. He had unlocked his magical animagus form, but the path to actually transforming into a Thunderbird would be long and challenging.
In the days that followed, Harry threw himself into research with renewed vigor. He pored over every book he could find about Thunderbirds, studying their habits, their powers, and their place in magical lore. He spent hours in meditation, reaching out to his inner animagus, trying to forge a deeper connection with the majestic creature he had glimpsed in his vision.
Harry knew the path ahead would be difficult. Transforming into such a powerful magical creature would require not just knowledge and practice, but a deep understanding of the Thunderbird's nature and magic.
As he closed another tome on magical creatures, Harry smiled to himself. Unlike his ordinary life in the past, this life was going to be legendary, and he was going to make sure of it. The challenges ahead - mastering his Thunderbird form, dealing with the lingering threat of Voldemort, navigating the complex political landscape of the wizarding world - all seemed like stepping stones on his path to greatness.
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