Renouncing Magic's Child

At half past eleven ... common room.

The teachers didn't look like they knew whether to berate Harry for breaking curfew or not.

Quite a few people ... POTTER STINKS.

Draco almost smirked but managed to hold it in.

Harry crept past them ... through the castle.

Minerva sighed. At least he had good reason for being out after curfew. If anything she should be cross with Hagrid for telling him to meet him so late. Hagrid was supposed to be a teacher. That said, she was grateful that someone was taking the time to make sure Harry wasn't completely caught off guard by a dragon.

The grounds were very dark... "Got summat ter show yeh," said Hagrid.

Pomona glared at Hagrid. She couldn't believe he was about to help Potter cheat. While she had to admit, the boy was at a clear disadvantage, she was a hufflepuff and believed in fair play. She didn't think she'd ever be able to excuse cheating.

There was an air of enormous excitement about Hagrid.

Sirius sighed. That wasn't good. That could mean only one thing. Dangerous creatures were about.

He was wearing a flower ... broken teeth tangled in it.

Hagrid groaned at the description.

"What're you showing me?" ... "We won' take Fang, he won' like it. . . "

"That can't be good," Remus muttered.

"Listen, Hagrid, ... it is time?"

Everyone gaped at him. Why was he taking Harry on what appeared to be a date?

"Bong-sewer," ... she wasn't exactly hard to miss...

Mrs Weasley tutted and Harry was tempted to remind her that there was a big difference between the things you thought and the things you said.

But it seemed that Madame Maxime ... Yeh're not s'posed ter know."

Minerva sighed. So, two of the champions would know about the dragons. This really wasn't right. She could understand telling Harry. He was only fourteen after all. But Fleur shouldn't have an advantage over the others. For Harry, knowing what he was up against, wouldn't be an advantage, it would just level the playing field and that could almost be excused. But Fleur... She was older. Had years of magical education, equal to the other champions.

"Of course not," ... earsplitting roar...

"Dragons?" Sirius let out in a harsh whisper. "The first task is dragons?"

He looked about ready to faint. Severus watched the man closely, a calming draught at hand in case it was needed.

Hagrid led Madame Maxime .... which was nearest to them.

The girls in the chamber screamed in fear as the boys sat forward excitably, wanting to hear more about the dragons.

At least thirty wizards, ... a yowling, screeching scream...

"They weren't happy," Charlie said. "Nesting mothers aren't usually moved like this. Really its quite unethical."

He looked rather put out by the whole thing.

"Why do it then?" Hermione asked.

"Our funding from the ICW was dependent upon it," Charlie replied bitterly.

"Keep back there, Hagrid!" ... I've seen this Horntail do forty!"

"Bloody hell," both Sirius and Ron said together.

"Is'n' it beautiful?" said Hagrid softly.

"Not sure that's the word I'd use," Minerva said softly.

"It's no good!" ... the trees behind him quake.

"That's so cruel," young Luna said.

The dragon keepers ... who it was: Charlie Weasley.

"Didn't know you were there," Charlie said with a smirk.

"All right, Hagrid?" ... not happy at all -"

"Can't really blame them," Charlie huffed. "None of us were happy about it either."

"What breeds you got ... tell her student, isn't she?"

Hagrid blushed.

"Jus' thought ... shaking his head.

Several of the girls giggled.

"Four..." ... nesting mothers, I don't know why....

"They're insanely protective of their nest," Charlie said. "I don't know who came up with the idea for the first task, but they were clearly deranged."

but I tell you this, ... Hagrid let out a moan of longing.

Several people looked at Hagrid in disbelief. Hadn't he learned his lesson?

"I've got them counted, ... let him enter that tournament,

"I didn't enter myself!" Harry said crossly.

"I know that," Molly said gently.

"Well, you clearly didn't think it then."

"I... well, no. No. I didn't."

Harry huffed. No one ever believed him.

he's much too young! ... Oh bless him, I never knew!'"

"That was all lies!" Harry said, glaring between Mrs Weasley and Rita Skeeter.

Harry had had enough... back to the castle.

"I thought it was supposed to be safer," Arcturus said. "Dragons are XXXXX creatures. That is not safe. Nowhere even close."

He didn't know ... front of the whole school...

"I wouldn't blame you," Draco muttered.

but maybe he would anyway... With everyone watching. How?

"Good question," Sirius said. "They're resistant to most spells, because of their strong, thick hides."

"Their weakest spot is their eyes," Charlie said thoughtfully, "not that I'd encourage anyone to hurt a dragon."

Harry sped up, ... he ran into something very solid.

Sirius sighed. He could just imagine how much trouble he'd be in for being out after curfew.

Harry fell backward, ... it was Karkaroff.

Sirius sat bolt up right. He didn't like the idea of his son being so close to that man. Especially alone.

Sprout muttered something about poor sportsmanship. It would appear everyone except her own student had cheated. In fairness to Potter, he hadn't known what he was going to find out when he went down to Hagrid's hut. But still, it was the principle of the matter. Now only Cedric would be caught surprised by the dragon.

"Who's there?" ... darkness back toward Hogwarts.

Sirius sighed in relief.

He had no doubt whatsoever ... in store for the champions.

Sprout huffed. This wasn't fair.

"Did they tell you?" she asked Fleur and Krum.

"Not exactly," Fleur said. "The next morning, Madame Maxime insisted that we have a care of magical creatures lesson about XXXXX beasts and she spent practically the entire lesson talking about dragons. She wasn't exactly discrete."

"And you, Mr Krum?" Sprout asked.

"Yes, he told me," Krum admitted. "But I mostly ignored him. I was already researching dragons and other XXXXX beasts. I always knew that the first task was likely to be a dangerous creature. It always is."

By the looks of it ... was Cedric.

"And that really isn't right!" Amos huffed angrily.

Sprout nodded in agreement. It certainly wasn't fair.

Harry reached the castle, ... he and Sirius got privacy.

"I really can't imagine Hermione letting off dung bombs," George said with a smirk.

Harry pulled off the Invisibility Cloak ... POTTER REALLY STINKS.

Draco sniggered at that. That was definitely an improvement. His father gave him a look and he rolled his eyes. Wasn't he even allowed to tease his new cousin? It wasn't necessarily meant meanly. 

Harry looked back ... scared him out of his wits.

All the wixen-raised kids wondered how it must feel for Harry to know next to nothing about the world he belonged to.

Instead, his face ... worn for days,

Sirius smiled at his son, grateful that his older self had given him some comfort.

he scrambled ... how're you doing?"

"What you doing worrying about me?" Sirius asked. "You should be telling my older self about the blasted dragons!"

Sirius looked different ... taken at the Potters' wedding.

Sirius nodded at that. At least, he'd gotten a few square meals.

"Never mind me, ... Ron's jealousy...

Ron grimaced. He'd not realised just how much Harry had to worry about - that dragons wasn't the first thing he mentioned. How was it that their argument had rated higher in Harry's priorities than that he'd have to face a dragon in the first task?

"... and now Hagrid's just ... "Dragons we can deal with, Harry,

Sirius almost laughed. He did not feel the same way. Clearly his older self was more affected by Azkaban than he had been. Then again, two more years in that place would turn anyone insane. And he was a Black. He was well and truly already on the way there.

but we'll get to that ... worse than dragons coming?

Sirius sighed. He could easily imagine what his older self was worried about. 

"Karkaroff," ... Azkaban in the first place."

Moody nodded. He was grateful someone was giving the boy some information. He clearly needed it. Although, he thought he'd have prioritised the dragons.

"Karkaroff got released?" ... "Why did they release him?"

The death eaters in the chamber all looked pretty angry. "Because he betrayed his brothers in arms," Rookwood said eventually.

"He did a deal with the Ministry ... he named names...

The death eaters glared at the book. They hadn't forgiven the man. And while most of them knew that their actions were wrong, they still resented him.

he put a load ... I can tell you.

"Not that many," Harry muttered. "He just named a couple that weren't already apprehended. But they were big names."

And since he got out, ... school of his.

Krum looked conflicted. Yes, they learned dark magic. At least according to British standards. But that wasn't because of Karkaroff. It was because the rest of the world had a different view on magic. Each country did in fairness. Some leaned more light. Others dark. Some were exclusively grey. Durmstrang had always taught the darker arts but there were strict rules about their use. And somethings were still not allowed. Such as the unforgivables. And their government didn't categorise something as dark just because it was dangerous.

"That's not exactly true," Krum said eventually. "We're taught the magic that fits best to our core. There are three houses. One for each core type." He wouldn't usually say so much, he had vowed not to upon his entrance to the institute. However, as the unspeakables had found, Mother Magic seemed to be allowing them all more freedom with their vows here in the chamber. "You are encouraged to focus on magics that your core will excel in. These subjects are your core subjects and then you can elect to study other subjects, right from your first year at the school. Of course, there are some subjects that everyone must take. These tend to be the ones that use both dark and light magic, such as Complex Charms, Blood Magic, Potions, Herbology and Healing. As well as a history course and magical theory."

"You study blood magic?" Ron asked.

"Of course," Krum answered. "It is mostly theoretical, especially in the first few years, but we all learn it."

"What are complex charms?" youngHermione asked.

"Charms that use both light and dark magic in tandem," Professor Flitwick said. "Such as the summoning charm or the blasting curse."

"Those with light cores take Light Charms, Elemental Magic, and Light Martial Magic," Krum continued, "while those with dark cores take Dark Charms, Illusionary Magic, Abjuration, and Dark Martial Magic."

"You study Abjuration from first year?" Minerva asked. That was quite impressive.

"Yes, mam," Krum said with a nod. "Those with neutral cores take Transfiguration, Arithmancy, the Mind Arts and Neutral Martial Magic."

"That's quite incredible," Albus murmured.

Krum grinned. "Yes. It works well. We have a busy schedule with between ten and eleven core classes each year," Krum said with a grin. "Each year, you can take an elective from one of the other core types but you may only continue with it after your first year taking it, if you show an aptitude for it. It is interesting because you sometimes find that a fifth year will be studying with a class of mostly first years. It greatly changes the dynamic of the classroom environment. Over the first five years you can add up to five electives from the other cores. Often this is done by replacing an elective one doesn't enjoy with another, but more often than not, students chose to add another class to their already busy schedule. Durmstrang students are proud to learn."

Harry found this really interesting. He'd really not known anything about what the other schools were like. But he kind of liked the idea of picking and choosing what he would study in the way the Durmstrang students seemed to.

"We do not take our OWLs at the same time as other schools," Krum said. "We take them when we are ready to achieve our OWLs and not before. With the busy schedule, it can take longer but sometimes, the students take them a year or two earlier than the other schools."

The Hogwarts students all stared at Krum in awe.

"Then once we have completed our core OWLs, whenever that may be, we are allowed to add still more subjects," Krum said, enjoying just how shocked everyone seemed to be. "Of course, we also start our NEWT training for our core subjects at that time too so we are very busy. Light cored students can study The Ancient Art of Alchemy, Conjuration and Wild Magic."

"You study white magic?" Harry asked. They'd heard all about white and black magic in their lectures on magical theory.

"Yes. Those with a light core do," Krum said with a nod. "Others can too. But later. Those with dark cores are given the option of studying soul magic - although in a very limited capacity. Our teachers are very particular about ensuring that we know what is okay to do and what is not. Mostly, the Soul Magic course is a history lesson to ensure those with dark cores are not ensnared by it. Although we are taught soul healing and soul marrying."

"Soul healing?" young Hermione asked as her older self asked, "Soul marrying?"

"Soul healing is all about recognising the damage we do to our souls daily and how to prevent it where possible as well as how to fix minor damage." Krum then turned towards the older girl and added, "and soul marrying refers to soul bonds, soul mates and such things."

"We harm our souls?" Neville asked.

"Acts of cruelty," Krum said. "The purity of the soul is tainted by our thoughts and deeds. Those with dark cores are also allowed to study Shadow Magic and Evocation. But with all White and Black magic, it is mostly theoretical, only delving into the magic in its most basic sense. Except with perhaps Alchemy and Conjuration."

Everyone was staring at the young man in disbelief. How could they possibly study so much in only seven years?

"Those with neutral cores are encouraged to study necromancy - although again, mostly theoretically, dendora, amrita and divination. The magics of the other deities. By the end of our seventh year, most achieve their NEWTs in their core classes and are at least working towards their OWLs or NEWTs in any electives they have chosen to continue. We are then encouraged to pick a subject of interest to continue to mastery, as we continue with our education until we have completed all our OWLs and NEWTs. It is not uncommon for a Durmstrang student to remain at the institute until they reach their twentieth year, usually achieving between thirteen and twenty OWLs and often just as many NEWTs."

Even Fleur seemed amazed. While Beauxbaton taught more subjects than Hogwarts, their style of education was nothing like Durmstrang's.

"What did you study?" Harry asked.

"I have a neutral core," Krum said, "so I had eleven core subjects. Magical History, Magical Theory, Complex Charms, Blood Magic, Potions, Herbology, The Healing Arts, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, The Mind Arts, and Neutral Martial Magic. In first year, I tried Elemental Magic but was not very gifted, so in second year, I swapped it out and took Abjuration and Light Charms. I quite liked those and so stuck with them in third year, adding Dark Charms. Then in fourth year, I took four of my core OWLs, Magical History, Magical Theory, Complex Charms and Neutral Martial Magic, and started my NEWT lessons in those subjects. I also added the Light Martial Magic elective. My mother thought I was mad, I was studying so much. She couldn't understand how I possibly made time for Quidditch. In my fifth year, I took the remainder of my core OWLs but did not do so well in the Mind Arts and so had to resit that exam at Yule the next year. Then I began studying Dendora and Amrita. Necromancy and Divination did not especially interest me. It took me much longer to get the OWLs in my elective classes and I decided not to continue them to NEWT level, especially as by that time I was in training for the World Cup. But I kept up my studies for my NEWT courses. I took half of my core NEWT exams the yule after the tournament and the rest the following summer. I did also choose to take Conjuration and Soul Magic as electives, although I did not intend to do the exams in either subject, but my instructors insisted so I got OWLs in those too eventually."

"Did you decide on a mastery?" Hermione asked.

"Yes. I decided to get a mastery in Magical History," Krum said with a blush. "I have always liked history. And my instructor gave me good recommendations. And also directed me towards a master that was willing to work around my Quidditch schedule. Durmstrang might have a bad reputation and Karkaroff did not help that, but it is a good school and its students excel."

So watch out ... champion as well."

Krum snorted.

"Okay," ... stop me from competing."

Moody grimaced. No. It wasn't Karkaroff. It was whoever was pretending to be him.

"We know he's a good actor," ... "but I don't think so, somehow.

Moody sat forward. Might Sirius be about to suggest what he suspected had happened?

I think someone tried to stop him from getting to Hogwarts.

Moody sighed. Nope. That wasn't what happened.

I think someone ... kill me? But - why?"

"No. Karkaroff wouldn't gain enough," Moody growled. "He wouldn't even want to consider the idea of You-Know-Who returning. He's a coward."

Sirius hesitated... coming up, wouldn't she?"

Yes, Amelia sighed. Bertha had provided You-Know-Who with information it seemed. Very valuable information.

"Yeah, but... lure into a trap."

Moody grimaced. It wasn't impossible. Although, this was all far too convoluted. The answer would be much much simpler. It always was.

"So. . . so Voldemort ... powerful enough to protect him.

"You've got that right," the death eaters muttered.

But whoever put your name ... like an accident."

Moody wasn't sure that was it... but he couldn't work out what else his impostor could be hoping to achieve, well, except the return of his master... A ritual. They were planning to kidnap Potter. Not just kill him.

"Looks like a really good plan ... "Yeah, I know, I just saw," said Harry.

Harry grimaced. He still can't believed that going up against a dragon had been a school sanctioned activity.

"But you can do it ... "Go! There's someone coming!"

Everyone sat forward, feeling panicked.

Harry scrambled to his feet, ... "Who were you talking to?" he said.

"What's it to you?" Theo asked quietly, glaring at Ron. The way he saw it, Harry deserved better friends.

"What's that got to do ... I'm going back to bed."

Hermione sighed. This had been frustrating enough the first time around.

"Just thought you'd come ... your next interview in peace."

"Ron," Mr Weasley said with a sigh.

Harry seized one ... scar now, if yon're lucky...

No one said anything. They could see how much re-living this particular argument was bothering Harry. He looked almost ready to run from the room.

That's what you want, isn't it?"

"No, it's not," Ron said softly.

He strode across the room ... didn't hear him come up to bed.

Mrs Weasley sighed heavily. "One more chapter and then it's time for lessons."

There were several sighs from the younger occupants of the chamber but Harry smiled. Just one more chapter and he could have a break. He wondered again, if he could convince them to take a few days off reading. He'd really like to do some flying.