New light
The next morning, Tracey gave him a book on cycle days as promised. Harry could only find time to read before going to bed, juggling between classes and tuition lessons.
Cycle days, eight days where magic is at its peak, where wizards are at their most powerful. These nights are mainly used to perform rituals which are mostly dark magic, hence the close connection to them and the reason why they slowly faded away from our minds.
Four, respectively named Beltaine, Solstice, Equinox and Yule take place near the junction of each season. Those nights were the most popular across the world since magic is stronger than the remaining cycle days. It is the main reason muggles were introduced by Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, to diverge their attention towards other festivities while wizards could perform magic without fearing to get caught. The only one not overlapped with a holiday was Solstice since it is mainly reserved for light magic which was not celebrated a lot. The preventive measures eventually backfired since wizards started to celebrate the muggles holydays and soon forgot about the cycle days.
The other four, Odonate, Ave, Samhain and Talpa are celebrated between the main cycle days. They are much less popular than the other four but are as important, ever since wizards started to irradiate dark magic from our mind. The first one, Odonate, is mainly used for a wizard who fully declares for the dark one once they have completed every ritual since it represents the metamorphosis between two stages of life. It used to be the most popular but became overlooked since less and less wizards commit to the dark.
As for Ave, it symbolizes a transmission of messages, it is also a symbol freedom and…
“You know what Harry? We should investigate.” Interrupted Draco.
“Don’t you see I’m busy? Must be your narcissism coming back and making you blind.” Snarled Harry.
“Woah! You don’t need to attack me, you’re cranky today.”
“Sorry, what do you want.” Sighed Harry before putting his book down.
“Do you remember last night when you were basically crying in my arms because you friends did not trust you anymore? Well, you also told me that they were talking about something called the DA that you had no idea about.”
“Yes and?” Harry rolled his eyes.
“You and I should decipher what it is all about.”
“Decipher? What does that even mean?”
“I thought you were smarter but looks like I was wrong.” Draco rolled his eyes. “You know; discover what it is.”
“No, I won’t get in their business. Besides, they’ll come to me eventually.”
“You really believe that Harry? That they’ll tell you? Because it did not seem like it. Come on! It’ll be fun; besides we’ll spend more time together and I can teach you the art of spying.”
“Because spying is an art?” Harry was sceptic.
“When it involves Dark magic, yes.” Smirked Draco.
Harry’s eyes widened. “When do we start?”
“You seem eager for someone who wanted nothing to do with it.” Interrupted Blaise.
“You were listening to our conversation this whole time?” Scowled Harry. “I thought you were reading.”
“I’m a master when it comes to spying, more precisely, listening to conversations.” Blaise shrugged.
“Can you help me spy on Umbridge and Dumbledore as well?”
Draco grinned. “You changed your mind pretty fast. Actually, it might be more difficult for them. The students are easy to spy on, you just have to hide in all spots and listen. The teachers can be trickier. They usually talk about important stuff in Dumbledore’s office, a place we don’t have access to.”
“Although, I did hear that McGonagall had a favorite student. Some first year Hufflepuff or something. Shocking right? She isn’t so fair finally.” Said Blaise.
“I read that there were artefacts for spying. They are known as to be undetectable which is why wizards couldn’t retrieve them all from the muggles when they were not needed anymore.”
“Actually, they only retrieved less than a dozen. They are really rare, Harry, and unfortunately, none of us possess some. Even if we did, our parents wouldn’t want us to use them.” Draco spoke, crushing Harry’s hope.
“I think that the last family known to have one is the Slytherin one. They have one of the biggest Dark collections of all time.”
Harry was confused. The report showed that the family did not have a single artefact in its possession. The boy wondered if he should tell the boys. He would have to reveal his legacy. Although, they did know more about this kind of stuff and they seemed trustworthy. Yet again, Ron and Hermione were trustworthy as well. Harry feared that they’d just run and tell their families about it, then steal his possessions. After some consideration, Harry made his decision. What did he have to lose anyway? He would certainly not miss something he did not even know about. Well, they could get stronger and beat him easily. Meh, he would just have to find a new way to fight, besides without them, Harry seemed to have no real ‘allies’. Yeah, Harry really did not have the protective instinct everyone else seemed to have.
The raven cleared his throat. “I learned that I was the Slytherin heir this summer. It was something related to being the one to kill him, so I inherited his legacy. I asked to get an inventory of the vault, but nothing showed.”
The two boys gaped at him. “You’re.” Started Draco.
“The Slytherin.” Continued Blaise.
“Heir? Ok, this is a lot to take in Harry. Let us have an existential crisis before continuing this conversation.”
“You’re exaggerating.” Harry rolled his eyes.
“Not at all!” Intervened Blaise. “Harry, that is huge! You have access to so much! A collection of hundreds of artefacts and probably the biggest library about Dark magic.”
Harry scoffed. “Like I told you, the inventory showed nothing.”
“You asked it from who?”
“Gringotts.”
His friends laughed, earning a glare from the raven. “Oh, Harry. You’re so naïve.” Tried to say Draco. “We are talking about illegal stuff. Do you really think they would have been stored in a bank?”
“Where are they then?”
“No idea. But you should ask them about your properties. There is surely something in there.”
“I actually know. I got them with the inventory.”
“Great! That’s a start. Now, you just have to find a way to check on them.”
“Wait, so the inventory you wanted to ask back then was for the Slytherin vault and not the Potter’s? Is that why you did not want to show it to us?” Asked Draco.
“You’re smart Draco, did you know that?” Harry smirked.
-------
“Have you read about cycle days?” murmured Travis the next morning in the Great Hall.
“Yes, you were talking about Samhain, right? It’s the same day as Halloween. There’s something I did not understand though. Samhain isn’t one of the four main cycle days, so why was it overlapped with Halloween?”
“Well, I think it was more of a coincidence than anything.”
“What will we do?”
“For us, nothing in particular. We let the Dark magic run through our veins, and some may do a ritual.”
“A ritual like speaking to the death or cursing someone?”
Daphne made a small smile. “No, more like asking for protection or good luck. You really are ignorant for someone who pretends to have read about it all summer.”
“As for you.” Continued Theo. “I think you should properly welcome the dark inside of you. It would make every spell easier to cast. I can teach you.”
“I’m not as ignorant as you think.” Defended Harry. “I know about the ritual Theo just mentioned and I think it might be a good idea.”
They finished their meal and to Harry’s dismay, their first class was DADA. At least, the professor had let him alone once he was quiet during the class and actually had good grades. The lesson was done overly soon.
That night, Harry and Draco had taken a break from homework and were walking in the hallways. The boys did not talk but it was not awkward, more like comfortable. They both enjoyed the silence and as much as they liked the company of the other Slytherin, it was nice to get away from them sometimes.
They were about to head back when they heard footsteps near them. Draco dragged his friend in an alcove and leaned towards Harry’s ear before murmuring.
“Spying lesson number one. Following a target. Shush and copy everything I do.”
He then peaked a tad bit from the alcove and waited for the students to walk across them. They waited until they were about around three feet farther before quietly following them. Harry was so careful not to make any sound and would stop now and then to make sure they were not discovered while, on the other hand Draco seemed totally unbothered. He sure was experienced at this.
That lasted for about fifteen minutes before Draco finally stopped. He waited till the teenagers were farther and spoke to Harry.
“So, what have you learnt?”
“Hum, that we have to follow quietly and three feet farther from the other.” Replied Harry.
“I’m not talking about that! What did you learn from the ones we were following?”
Harry stayed silent. He knew nothing.
Draco sighed. “The girl was a third year or so Ravenclaw while the guy was what seemed like a fourth year Hufflepuff. They are definitely a couple or will be soon. At one point, the girl was complaining about the amount of homework she had, and the guy was like ‘Wait till next year.’ Oh! And they were called Archie and Ava.”
“How do you know all that? Furthermore, they did not even have the school uniforms! How do you know their houses?”
“I have a sense of observation, something we’ll have to work on, and I developed my hearing. I can hear from a long distance.”
“Did you developed it the way I think?”
Draco grinned. “Yes, Harry. I used a special magic.”
Harry’s eyes widened. That was so exciting! He wanted the same hearing as Draco.
“Let’s try it again!” He commanded excitedly.
“No, it’s enough for today. Well take it slow and steady. It makes it easier to sink it all in.”
Harry pouted, which caused Draco to laugh and ruffle his hair.
“Come on grumpy, we still have homework to do.” He playfully said.
-------
“Are you ready Harry?” Asked Blaise.
It was already Halloween. The group was currently heading outside for their special night. Harry was nervous at first since he did not want to get caught. That thought had surprised him. Wasn’t he always the first one to jump into trouble? The Slytherins were starting to rub on him. That and Harry really did not want to risk getting expelled a second time. This time, he may not be as lucky.
Harry was frozen in the dorm when Draco had come up, sick of waiting downstairs for Harry to come. The raven had told him his worries and Draco had reassured him.
“Don’t worry, we had a Prefects meeting about it last week. It’s an old rule. Students are always allowed outside past the curfew on cycle days. It was established by the founders. I’m always surprised that they kept it but I’m not gonna complain.”
That relieve Harry a lot. He dressed up and joined the others. Together, they were making their way outside.
“I’m sooooo nervous. I’m not sure I want to do it anymore.” The boy replied.
“Of course, you do. Why wouldn’t you?” Said Theo.
“What if I mess up and something bad happens?”
“Worst case possible is that you die.” Shrugged Draco while Harry had a look of horror.
“Stop it. You’re terrifying him, poor thing.” Rescued Daphne. “Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong and if you do mess up, then you’ll just have to re-do it next time.
That did not help one bit. He did not want to wait for the next cycle day. A wizard can only perform one ritual per cycle day and Harry had already planned to improve his hearing, just like Draco.
The group made their way to the same spot as when Harry revealed his interest about the Dark arts. They passed by a few groups of students along the way. The boy was glad to spot some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs along the way. He was also informed that every group always use the same spot every time. Some sort of the many ‘traditions’ the Slytherins had, this time including two other houses.
“We always have to be in order of the oldest to become a dark wizard to the youngest one to be introduced to it.” Informed Daphne. “So, first is Draco, then Tracey, Blaise, Pansy, Theo, me and lastly, you.”
“I did not know the order of your declaration.” He replied while taking his designed place next the Draco and Daphne.”
“You don’t have to call for the dark today if you are not enough comfortable with it. Since you are new and haven’t welcomed the dark yet, it won’t matter. Oh! And the order of the rituals goes the same way. Oldest to youngest.” Instructed Draco.
Harry’s first reaction was a big yes. Of course, he wanted to participate! However, after some thoughts, he decided against it. He was already nervous enough as it was, he did not want to mess up he cycle and abstaining the others from what they wanted to do tonight.
“Well, let’s begin!”
Draco took out his wand and pointed it towards his sky.
“As the oldest wizard to have declared to the dark, I declare the cycle open.”
The group followed his lead, dragging their wands up before slowly beginning to walk around the cycle while chanting the incantation Vocamus tenebras manifestare inter nos. Since they were seven, they had to repeat it seven times as well. At the end, Harry was in the same spot he had started with.
A rush was felt, making Harry’s spine chill. The dark was now present in the circle and ready to be used.
“Now, one at a time, we’ll step inside the circle and perform our rite. If you don’t wish to make one, just pass.” Draco stated. “I’m the first.”
The boy stood inside the circle.
“I’ll be making a rite of perceptiveness. To help with the quests we’ve put upon ourselves, to be more attentive and know what to take and what to leave. Animadvertere et intelligere quae multi non animadverto.”
A shade of deep purple circled Draco, barely noticeable in the dark, but its only presence taking a lot of place. Then, the blonde stepped back, retaking his original place, letting Tracey have her turn.
“Today, I’ll be doing a rite to toughen my Occlumency. Ab omni incursu defendad cogitations meas.” She chanted; her wand high.
Just like Draco, the same deep purple enveloped the girl before dispersing into thin air.
Blaise and Pansy both passed their turn, much to Harry’s surprise. The boy believed that dark wizards would use every opportunity to enforce themselves, seemed like he was wrong. Then, came Theo. He took a deep breath before stating his mind.
“At the beginning of the year, I wanted to make a ritual to improve my precision in order to make my aim better for DADA but seeing as it won’t be very useful with our remarkable professor, I’ve changed my mind.”
That made the group laugh. Harry was happy to see that some humour could be included in such a serious moment, showing that the group was still young and enjoyed some fun.
“Instead, I will make one of patience, Goldich knows I’ll be needing it for the next couple of months. Facere no obstante vel sine querelis vel dolere.”
As usual, the light made its way around the wizard, making Harry impressed yet again. Theo went back to his place. There was only one person before Harry. The poor boy was becoming nervous. He really did not want to mess it up.
“I won’t do a ritual today.” Stated Daphne.
Harry gulped; it was his turn now. The raven wiped his hands on his robe, he was sweating from head to toe. He was so nervous that he even considered dropping it but hey! That would be counterproductive. After some deep breath to calm himself down, without much success, Harry made his way in the middle.
“I, Harry James Potter, accept that the Dark magic flows into me, I open a home for it to be stay and in exchange, it will give me its power when needed to. Cor meum ad te aperio, da potentiam tuam, dum attingo manum tuam.”
The poor boy had to repeat the incantation seven times. He did not know why he needed to recite the same number they were in the circle but that’s what it required. Harry was careful to pronounce each word correctly. At some point, he was sure to have messed it up, but he was proven wrong when the shade of purple embraced him.
It was a strange feeling. Harry felt that the dark had accepted him and kept murmuring Welcome to him. At some point, the light became brighter and Harry felt himself lift up from the ground before putting him back on his feet.
When it left him, Harry could still sense the magic, more than usual. Further proof that it had worked. A little dizzy from the light, the raven unsteadily went back to its original place and drew his wand yet another time. He was more confident after successfully accomplishing his first rite, so he intended to close the circle with his friends.
For the second time, the slowly marched in synch, one behind another while pronouncing the incantation seven times. “Hunc circulum claudimus sed nostrum vinculum con tenebris”
A gale of wind rushed over the group. The circle was officially close, yet Harry could still feel the magic. For a moment, he could even see a little light coming off of him and the six surrounding him. Deep down, it was like he always belonged here. All his worries seemed to have disappear and Harry felt at peace for the first time in months.
“Harry!!” Screamed Pansy excitedly, cutting off his serenity. “You did it!!”
Harry chuckled. “Yes!! I did it!!”
“I was so worried you had changed your mind.” She added while crushing him into a hug.
“How do you feel?” Asked Draco.
“Amazing! I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like a piece of me finally came into place, making me whole.”
“It does that. Imagine if you actually became a dark wizard. The feeling would multiple by ten.” Added Theo. “Don’t you want to?”
“Why do I have the feeling you really want me to become one.” Harry asked.
“Because I do Harry. Don’t you realise it? You becoming a dark wizard, while being the-boy-who-lived, could open a new era. One where the dark is allowed and not viewed badly anymore.”
That statement made Harry’s bubble pop. Did they want him as a symbol or something? Did they expect Harry to lead all wizards into acceptance of the dark? Harry wasn’t so fund of the idea. When would people understand that he had never asked for this fame and idolatry, well past idolatry and now hatred? Harry only wanted to be a normal teenager, complaining about school or homework.
“Let the poor boy be.” Rescued Draco. “It’s not time for this. Let’s head back, one of our famous parties must be already started. The remaining Slytherins must be waiting for us in the common room.”
That night, many Slytherins came to him. Congratulating him all asking the same questions. “How do you feel?”, “Will you become a dark wizard?”, “Do you think that the wizarding world would accept you?”, “What do you intend to do after all of this?” and some comments like; The symbol of the light have turned his back to his friends, you better not change your mind about this Potter, I would die to see the look of Dumbledore’s face if he learns about this and much more.
Fortunately, Draco always stuck around and hushed them before making sure Harry was still feeling alright.