Unexpected Ambush
"Welcome back, third years, to the Repository of Magic!" Merlin declared happily as the students settled down and gave warm replies.
"Now, since this is the first class after the Christmas holidays, we're going to take things easy. Let's start with Charms! Now, we're going to study about the Cheering Charm. The spell was invented by Felix Summerbee in 1480. Felix Summerbee was obsessed with creating joys for the people, a good man, if a bit over it, and so he had a hand in the creation of the many sweets used by Honeydukes, such as Cauldron Cakes from his part-time job at Qizilbash Quality Confectionary, Jelly Slugs, and Liquorice Wand."
Merlin allowed himself a smirk. He didn't know the man, but admired him for his work. "His most proudest invention was the Cheering Charm, however, and he earned his spot among the Famous Witches and Wizards Cards for his contribution towards the wizarding community's capability to enjoy life! The incantation is Alacritas! Wave your wand in the shape of a smile to give the intended emotion form, and cast the spell!"
It was with amusement and pleasure that Merlin watched as the students quickly gained goofy smiles on their face. He had never used it on himself, actually, but on others. One of the many lessons Merlin had learned was that joy and happiness must be earned with effort, rather than magically felt. He was fine with using it for others when they needed it, but he rarely did that anyway.
"Next would be the Banishing Charm! It's more powerful than the Knockback Jinx and can send anything, regardless of size and depending on your power, both living and material, back quite violently through the air. The incantation is Depulso! Make a loose "U" shape in the air to create the kinetic force required to blast your targets back!"
Merlin proceeded to conjure 5 objects per student and a post to banish them into, with each student who could banish all 5 in the time limit earning 35 House Points, as each object amounted to 7 Points.
After the remarkable successes of most of the students, with more than just Harry, Ron, Hermione, or Draco achieving proper results, Merlin shifted to Transfiguration. He taught them the Lapifors and Snufflifors Spells to defend themselves against regular beasts and flying books by transfiguring them into rabbits or mices, also demonstrating how the transfigured target could be controlled.
"Professor Emrys, may I ask the difference between Werewolves and Animagi?" Merlin paused at that question, and so did Harry.
She knows, didn't she? Of course she would. Only she could have figured it out with just those subtle clues from Severus.
"Ah, yes, I assume most of you would be interested in the magic of Animagus as Minerva is an Animagi. First, I would describe the ritual process needed to become an Animagi. An Animagi must be proficient in not only Transfiguration, but also Potions, and they must be exceedingly dedicated. It's also recommended to have a grasp of Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, and Study of Ancient Runes. The first step would be that they must hold a Mandrake leaf in their mouth for a full month from full moon to full moon."
Merlin smiled kindly at the uncomfortable looks of the students, who were clearly not enthusiastic at the idea of holding a leaf in their mouth for so long. "If the leaf was removed or swallowed, the wizard or witch in question would have to start over again. There are runes that could hold the Mandrake leaf securedly in the mouth without feeling the taste or struggling like one normally would have, but that would require an advanced degree of skill in Runic Magic. Few runic masters existed, which was partially why there are not much Animagi around."
"During the next full moon, the mandrake leaf must then be spat into a phial within range of the moon's pure rays. This is where mastery of Arithmancy is useful. The wizard or witch must be able to calculate if the magical energies of the full moon is sufficient, and the reason why the moon is required is because in magical sense, it represents an eternity of power. It empowers the Animagus to be able to retain their transformation power for life."
After a few moments of deep silence, Merlin continued. "Next would be the Animagus potion. This is where mastery over Potions is most required. The potion is one of the most difficult. To the moon-struck phial, the wizard or witch must add one of their own hairs to empower it with the ability to affect only them, a silver teaspoon of dew that had not seen sunlight or been touched by human feet for seven days so as not to remove the natural qualities of the plant leaves they were taken from, and the chrysalis of a Death's-head Hawk Moth to tether the wizard or witch to their humanity. The resulting mixture then had to be put in a quiet, dark place, and could not be disturbed in any way."
Merlin chuckled at the clear disappointed looks of most students over how difficult it was to become an Animagus. When he taught Transfiguration, most students would look like that when he told them about how difficult the process was.
"Afterwards, until an electrical storm happens, one must, at sunrise and sundown, without fail, chant the incantation Amato Animo Animato Animagus with the tip of their wand placed over the heart. When the lightning storm occurs, you must move to a place close enough to draw upon the storm's qualities of magical unpredictability, recite the incantation one last time, and then drink the Animagus Potion. If you succeed, you will permanently be able to transform into the creature you wished. However, failure would transform one into a permanent mutation between animal and human. Do note that even the smallest bit of failure can be fatal."
Merlin then took on a more serious and solemn demeanor as he addressed Hermione's question. "Werewolves cannot control their transformation as they were cursed by the Curse of Lycanthropic Doom. It was created back in the ancient times where the Old Religion was still around. The reason why it has yet to be curable is because with how little known Ancient Magic is, there is very few with the knowledge required about the origin of Lycanthropy to create a true cure for it. The Wolfsbane Potion was actually made by the joint-effort of my knowledge of Ancient Magic and Damocles Belby's mastery of Potions. As of now, it is my hope that in the far-reaching future, I would be able to create a true cure for Werewolves."
As everyone there clapped, clearly impressed to hear his contribution, Merlin raised a firm hand to stop them. "I must insist that Werewolves not be discriminated amongst you all. They have no control. Their curse was inflicted by our own ancestors. What right do we have to criticize our fellow wizarding brethren who were unfortunate over what we ourselves have made? You are right to be wary, but never discriminate them."
And so the class moved on. Merlin taught the class how to brew the Girding Potion, a rather useful one for increasing endurance and stamina and one of his own inventions, although with the side-effect of causing an inability to sleep if overdone, for Potions, instructed the class on the properties of Valerian and a spell to accelerate the growth of plants for Herbology, and taught the students how to deal with Charmed Skeletons for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Now! Since you all have improved enough in speed, agility and precision, for the rest of the term, I will now introduce you increasingly challenging maneuvers designed to improve your techniques."
He proceeded to teach them the Roll technique, in which a complete rotation was made while maintaining direction during flight. Harry had effortlessly aced it through, as Merlin did take him out on flying lessons still despite focusing more on his dueling and magical growth, and Draco didn't struggle much with it either. Ron did fairly well too, and even Hermione eventually managed to get it done. He was pleased to see she was making genuine effort in developing flying skills, despite not having too great of a natural talent in it.
Afterwards, Merlin concluded the class, stating he would not hold the Dueling Club yet as they had just came back from Christmas. The homework was to describe how the skills learned in the class had helped them in their everyday life, with a particular emphasis on their situation during the holidays.
"Hermione knows, doesn't she, Father?" Merlin nodded simply at Harry's grim questioning.
"Should we confront her about it?" Merlin shook his head.
"There is no need for that just yet. She knows better than to reveal to anyone about it. Besides, she already has enough stress coping with the various subjects in her way."
Merlin gave a small smile at Harry's grimace. While Harry and Ron had dropped the lessons as soon as Merlin introduced the Repository of Useful Skills, Hermione did not.
Apparently, she had blew up on Sybil and quit Divination in what Harry described as a truly astonishing manner. It still didn't stop her from having plenty of work to do, and she couldn't count on him all the time either.
"Well, see you around, Father."
Merlin smiled and nodded as he and Harry left for the common room in peaceful silence.
There was some trouble with Neville, as the poor boy had forgotten the password and Sir Cadogan had refused to allow him to enter.
Merlin sighed as he stepped forward, causing Cadogan to be agape.
"Sir Cadogan, do remember to be mindful of students who just wish to rest. You can act eccentric as you wish towards students in need of guidance, but not students who do not. Harry, the password."
"Oddsbodikins."
And so Harry and Neville entered, but not before Neville timidly thanked him.
He sighed as he left to return to his office in order to handle the fourth years next.
Neville Longbottom. Merlin knew of him and his parents. It was truly a tragic tale.
He wondered if he could help...
Alas, while Harry had recovered from the dark mood he had found himself in after learning about Sirius Black, a problem arose amongst Hermione and Ron.
It was when Merlin had agreed to enter the Gryffindor Common Room along with Harry. He had been asked by Harry to listen to their complaints about Sir Cadogan in the hopes he could do something about him, as the Gryffindors had pestered him about it due to his closeness to Merlin.
Needless to say, Merlin had allowed the students to tell him their opinions. None of them were positive. Cadogan was a skillful knight, made no mistake, but the tales of him being around in Arthur's time were far from being true. He was actually one of the descendants of the Knights of the Round Table, thus able to claim the mantle with a degree of righteousness, and had slew the Wyvern of Wye. He was also friends with Merlin when he was "Merlin Ambrosius", and his personality caused all his wives to leave him even as he kept marrying them, much to Merlin's exasperation as Cadogan repeatedly tried to use him in an effort to maintain his marriage.
He was brave enough, alright, and a Gryffindor thorough and thorough, but he was too eccentric to be liked despite his noble personality. He was placed beside the portrait of "Merlin", actually created by Merlin himself and given the form and persona of an overly wise wizard like most believed him to be.
Just as he had finished accepting their reviews, a strangled yell echoed down the boys' staircase, causing the whole common room to fall silent, staring, petrified, at the entrance, but Merlin was already there, moving fast in the face of danger as he always did.
When he came into the boys room, it was to find Ron holding a blood-stained sheet moments before he roared and hurried downstairs.
Merlin, however, felt something was very wrong indeed, and proceeded to touch the few remaining drops of blood before invoking the power of scrying.
He saw the rat bit himself before running off, clearly in an attempt to fake his death. At that moment, Merlin realized that the rat was an Animagi.
Could it be-!?
But then Ron and Hermione had started to argue, so Merlin went downstairs to find them dangerously close to drawing their wands at one another.
"Enough! Both of you!" Merlin shouted as he clapped his hand, sending out a boom of magical energy into the whole common room, shaking it but not actually harming anyone.
"Professor Emrys! That monster cat of Hermione ate Scabbers, my pet rat!" Ron shouted as he turned at Merlin to defend him.
"The ginger hairs might have been there ever since Christmas! You had no actual proof-"
"So you're still going to defend that cat of yours!? How about we have a duel, eh? Professor Emrys, permission to duel it out!?"
"Denied." Merlin said immediately as he waved his hand in a peace motion. "Harry, keep an eye on those two. I need to go back on "it"."
Harry nodded grimly as he placed himself between Ron and Hermione.
Meanwhile, Merlin rushed towards his classroom as he placed the drops of blood into a divining pentagram that would allow him to reveal the truth, but only at the full moon. It was one of the devices he had unearthed with help from Kilgharrah in his search for more of the Old Religion.
He gave a shake of his head as the blood was mute enough that it would take 2 full moons before the truth could be revealed.
Nevertheless, this was a vital clue that might help him solve the matters at hand.
"You alright, Hermione?" Harry asked gently as they studied in the library.
He had isolated himself for two weeks, and yet he had already seen the signs of Ron and Hermione's deteriorating friendship long ago. How could he not have seen this coming? How could he not have tried to repair the relationship between his dearest friends? He had not replied to the letters of Ron and Hermione, and it was only upon reuniting with them that he realized too late just how far things had gone. Things had been exacerbated due to their concern of him, as well.
His godfather was right. He really had almost lost it due to vengeance. The realization of how much damage had happened to the two was quite painful to him.
He was now unable to enjoy the company of both of his dearest friends simultaneously, as they were far too angry with one another, and he had no one else to blame except for himself for the damage in their friendship.
Nevertheless, Harry continued to do his best. After a week of failing again and again to get them in the same room and reconcile, Harry had eventually decided to give them space, under Professor Emrys's solemn advice.
I've seen this many times, Harry. Best friends can sometimes argue, and it's usually because of how close they are to one another that the damage caused by the cracks are more deep. You cannot expect this to heal easily, nor can you force them. You have to be patient.
"I'm fine." Hermione responded shortly as they completed their homework together.
"Do you want to learn some of the spells Professor Emrys has been teaching me alone?" Harry asked softly.
That did the trick, as Hermione's eyes lit up. "Really? You can teach me!?"
"I'll do my best. I could ask Professor Emrys to provide me a space where you can learn some skills."
Hermione finally showed excitement. "Oh, this is wonderful! I could learn personally from Professor Emrys too! Thanks, Harry!"
"Well done, Harry. It was quite clever of you to come up with the idea of offering to show Hermione new knowledge and skills." His godfather had said with a grin as Harry reported to him about it.
"I suppose she could come with us. Of course, you won't be sparring with her. The gap between you two has grown too great after all the training I put you through. You wiped the floor with Draco within 5 minutes when you last dueled him, while Draco could still draw with her numerous times."
Harry beamed as he nodded. "Thanks, Father."
His godfather had simply smirked. "By the way, if you're going to invite Hermione, then you should invite Ron to."
Harry had frowned. "You mean separately, right? I don't think they're ready to be around one another yet. It's taking me all I have just to stop them from dueling one another, and when they did actually duel in the Dueling Club, I've never seen anyone fight so ferociously. I wouldn't want to have them duel again. Ron is angry enough to draw with her 2 times already, and Hermione is torn between anger and hesitation enough. If this keeps happening, I-"
Harry didn't want to think of it.
"It won't, Harry. I promise you. It won't."
"Thanks for letting me take that shot with a Firebolt, Harry! Never imagined it would feel that good!" Ron said excitedly as he and Harry walked towards Professor Emrys's office.
"Don't mention it. I'm sorry about Scabbers, Ron, and that I wasn't there before it escalated to this. I was a bit lost in my feelings and thoughts, and I-"
"You're not the one at fault, Harry. Hermione is. She still cares for that Crookshanks, and even stopped me when I found it wondering around!" Harry gave a deep breath at that. On one side, Hermione was beginning to come around, but Ron was much harder to convince. After all, it was his rat that was dead, while Hermione's cat was still around.
Personally, Harry wasn't sure if Crookshanks was at fault. He didn't even know if Scabbers was actually dead or not. Professor Emrys had only given him vague responses, but Harry had caught sight of the blood pentagram inside the sphere. Did that mean Scabbers had a connection to all this?
When they entered, it was to find Professor Emrys communicating with his owl, which he had named Gaius.
"Yes, Gaius. I understand. Please don't mind it too much and focus more on that matter."
Gaius hooted as he flew away. Harry eyed Professor Emrys carefully.
He had seen his godfather talk with the Owl as though he could understand it's language, and he had also seen him sent out the Owl for various purposes, but he wondered if this matter was about Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew.
However, he didn't have time to think about it as Professor Emrys turned towards them.
"Good evening, boys. Here for another personal class? Well, Ron, now that you've learned the art of charging up spells, it's time to teach you on more advanced dueling techniques."
Even when Gryffindor had won against Ravenclaw, thus ensuring Gryffindor remained at the top of the Quidditch Cup, things weren't getting much better between Ron and Hermione.
Ron had softened up a bit, but he was still angry Hermione wouldn't apologize to him, and Hermione still insisted that there was no real evidence that Crookshanks had ate Scabbers.
It was during the celebrations, with Gryffindor winning 200-50, that Ron shouted out how Scabbers would have loved to eat the food there, causing Hermione to burst into tears while Ron didn't regret it, saying outright until she apologized to him, he would keep reminding her of Scabbers all over again.
While Harry was happy he had won the match, along with managing to easily punch out Malfoy, Crabbe, and Flint when they posed as Dementors, causing Professor Emrys to deduct 100 House Points from Slytherin and give them Detentions for the rest of the term under Professor McGonagall, the sting of seeeing his two dearest friends estranged could not be denied.
However, he had far worse things to worry about.
It was the senses he had acquired from Professor Emrys's training that alerted him to Sirius Black entering the Common Room even as he slept.
As soon as he could, he kicked Sirius Black in the arm, disarming him of the knife.
Despite everything, Harry could not help but feel somewhat torn at the sight of Sirius Black. A mass of filthy, matted hair hung to his elbows. If eyes hadn't been shining out of the deep, dark sockets, he might have been a corpse. The waxy skin was stretched so tightly over the bones of his face, it looked like a skull.
"Harry..." Black said hoarsely, actually making Harry hesitate. That voice wasn't spiteful, but tired.
"Harry? Wha- SIRIUS BLACK!?"
At Ron's scream, Harry woke up as he immediately applied all his martial arts training as he pushed Black back with various kicks and punches, but Black was no amateur, clearly, as he deftly blocked all the attacks Harry threw at him. For some reason, however, he didn't try to push the offense.
As soon as Harry summoned his wand, he fired a few spells at Black, careful not to hit any of his bedmates who were only starting to wake up. Black easily countered all of them, but did not use deflection skills, for some reasons.
"Get Professor Emrys here! GO!" Harry shouted at Ron and the others as they ran in haste.
"Where is that rat? Did he run away again?" Sirius Black asked and Harry watched with wide eyes as he seemed to have no interest at all in fighting him and wanted to find a certain rat.
"You won't be killing anyone today. Not me, not my friends, nor any rat!" Harry said with gritted teeth. Regardless of what Sirius Black wanted, he could have endangered his friends, and that, Harry would not allow.
All thoughts of vengeance seemed to have evaporated as he continued to duel Black, focusing solely on protecting his loved ones.
However, it could not be denied that Sirius Black was not nearly as fierce as he should be. He seemed to focus more on defending, only firing a few spells here and there, as he searched for what was clearly not there.
Harry focused, still, as he had to be careful. From what Hagrid could tell him, Black was one of the most skilled duelists he knew of, and he had far greater experience. Harry needed to fight with all that he had, throwing in various spells with as much unpredictability as he could and defending whenever Black took the offense.
After a while, just as Harry seemed to be slowly pushing him back, a particularly charged-up spell forcing Black back even despite him blocking it, Black seemed to have lost all interest.
Before jumping off the window, Black stared at him deeply. "Such dueling skills for your age... You truly are your parents son."
With those soft words, Black jumped as Harry's eyes widened. He made to look at the window, but there was no sign of Black at all.
After a moment, Harry felt the distinct feeling of space distortion and knew it was his godfather.
He rushed downwards to find Professor Emrys there, unusually still wearing the constantly same outfit as he used to even while sleeping, his face grim and serious.
"You alright, Harry?" His godfather asked calmly.
"Yes, but Sirius Black- He jumped. I couldn't find him. He seemed to vanish into thin air. I fought him for a minute or two, but afterwards he just left." Harry replied shortly just as Professor McGonagall came charging in.
"What happened!?"
Professor Emrys turned towards Professor McGonagall. "Black. He entered the Common Room. Harry managed to fight him off. He escaped through the window. There's no finding him now. He would have gone back into hiding."
"But how did he enter without the password!?"
"Sir Cadogan said that he had a piece of paper detailing all the passwords. I'll get the Fat Lady back in track and set up a protective barrier that prevents anyone but the Gryffindors of this year and the Professors from entering. Every single one of you, go back to bed!"
With that, all the Gryffindors returned to their respective quarters. None of Harry's bedmates slept, though.
Harry couldn't, either. He was meditating, trying to contemplate the duel he had experienced.
Sirius Black had clearly been holding back, although to be honest, while he wouldn't assume he could definitively beat Black, he hadn't been using all that he could either. He didn't want to damage the whole bedroom, and the duel had still left a few that Harry had fixed up easily using what Professor Emrys had taught him.
However, now Harry couldn't deny that something was seriously wrong. Sirius Black, indeed, didn't look anything like the cruel killer and callous traitor Harry had imagined him.
What, then, was the truth behind his parents death? He would have to convene with his godfather after this.