CHAPTER SEVEN
A DEATH FORETOLD
The headmaster's office was buzzing with activity. The entire staff was gathered in the room presenting their own views on Harry's unexpected conditions.
"If everyone will please take a seat and calm down, I believe my guest will be arriving any moment now." The silver-haired and aged gentleman behind the large desk announced.
As if on cue, the flames in the fireplace roared in green brilliance as none other than Diagon Alley's resident wand connoisseur stepped nimbly from the flames. He looked at the circle of confused faces and smiled, making eye contact with each attendee in turn from above the rims of his spectacles and finally settling his gaze on Harry.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, have you been keeping your wand in good repair?" He asked with a kindly smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
Harry couldn't help but smile at the eccentric shopkeeper, "Yes, sir. I've made sure to keep it polished since your inspection at the Tri-Wizard tournament."
"Ahh, very good indeed!" Mr. Ollivander said with appreciation. "All good wands enjoy being rubbed with oil and wax from time to time. It keeps their sheen and keeps the wood from wearing down."
"I don't mean to be rude, Albus," interjected a tartan-robed McGonagall, "But what has Mr. Ollivander have to do with our young Mr. Potter?"
Dumbledore smiled gently at his transfiguration professor, "Ah, Minerva, this gentleman may just have the answers to defeat our questions." He turned to his guest. "Have you discovered any information about that shattered wand of Lucius'?" He inquired.
"I have indeed." The wand-crafter beamed. "Fourteen inches, Oak, and would have been quite pliable had it not been shattered." He shook his head in disappointment. "It isn't one of my wands; I can assure you of that. The remains of the wand's core didn't come from any reliable sources here in Europe. My guess is that your friendly Mr. Malfoy had this wand custom crafted in America, Oklahoma or one of the Dakotas if I'm not entirely mistaken."
Everyone looked at each other with confused expressions on their faces except for the headmaster and Harry who were listening to every word that was being relayed to them.
"I have only just arrived here from the residence of one Mr. Running Deer, a Native American shaman in Colorado." Mr. Ollivander continued. "It seems that the core to this wand was from a rare and ancient totem animal of their faith and folklore, the Spirit Owl."
Every pair of eyes fell on the storyteller, all mouths agape at this shocking news.
"If you would be so kind as to remove the light from the room, I'd like to attempt a minor experiment." Mr. Ollivander requested. Albus waved his hand and the room fell into darkness. "Harry, could you please stand and turn your back to me?"
Harry obediently did as he was told and got to his feet, turning as he did so that his back was in the general location of Mr. Ollivander.
"Now there are a few things I'd like to try. Firstly, what color is the book above Professor Snape's head? The one just to the right, I believe its title is Artifacts of the Gaelic Past, if I'm not mistaken."
Harry turned his head and clearly saw the mahogany spine of the book in question. He could easily discern the cracks and creases of the aged leather and the gold leaf embossed letters. "Its mahogany leather with gold leaf embossed letters." He answered.
"Good, good, just as I expected. Now, if you would kindly remove your shirt so that I can have a good look at you."
Again, Harry obliged and removed his shirt to a series of gasps from those in attendance. "What is it?" He asked worriedly.
"Oh, nothing to be worried about, Harry, nothing at all." Mr. Ollivander cleared his throat. "As you all can plainly see, his spine is emitting a sort of misty, blue-grey light, the kind you might find reflecting off of snow on a clear, star-filled sky?" There were murmurs of agreement around the room.
"You may return the room to its previous brightness, Albus." The headmaster's friend said happily. "Harry, go ahead and put your shirt back on, we're finished with the preliminary examinations."
Harry frowned as he did as he was told; he hated being the center of attention let alone being a guinea pig in any type of test or experiment. All he wanted was to find out what was wrong with him not be paraded around like a freak at a carnival.
"What does this mean, Professor?" Harry finally asked after taking his seat again. "I feel perfectly fine but if I'm mistaken does that mean there's something really wrong with me?"
Dumbledore looked at him with a mildly amused look on his wrinkled features. "We'll know soon enough, Harry, please be patient for just a while longer. Minerva, could you perform the charm we discussed earlier upon our young charge? I do believe that will shed even more light on our predicament."
"Certainly." The elderly witch nodded and retrieved her wand from a hidden pocket in her dressing gown. She tapped her wand three times on the top of Harry's head, circled his face in a gentle flicking motion and said, "COMPERIUS BESTIA VENEFICCIO!" Her words seemed to echo in Harry's ears when he suddenly felt his body collapse in on itself! He started panicking as he felt a sudden rush of dizziness and disorientation. What's happening to me?! He wanted to scream but couldn't, his mouth didn't want to work and he could only gape in horror as the room kept getting bigger and bigger.
A few moments later an owl landed on the back of Harry's chair and started chattering and chirping in an attempt to draw everyone's attention to it.
A very shocked and concerned transfigurations professor looked up at the owl in disbelief. "Why, Mr. Potter, I-I think we've discovered what's been happening since your accident." She said with a hint of girlish glee on her shaking voice. She immediately walked over and helped the agitated bird off of his chair.
WHAT IS IT?! He tried to scream. WHY CAN'T I TALK?! WHERE'S THAT STUPID OWL? I CAN'T SEE IT! He could feel his face flush with rage and terror.
Dumbledore looked down at Harry and smiled his congratulations. "Harry, let me be the first to welcome you to the world of the Animagi, it seems you've acquired the form of one very handsome owl."
Professor McGonagall beamed at him as he stretched tentatively and gazed in awe as each feather gave off a particularly eerie blue-grey light that made his wings look somewhat transparent and ghostly. "Mr. Potter, I think I understand why you were such an excellent seeker!" She laughed, her eyes twinkling. Harry hadn't heard his head of house laugh before, it rather unsettled him.
He was set back in his chair then returned to normal. "I'm an Animagus?" He asked with a more than surprised whisper.
"It seems to be the case. You see, when the time is right, and the conditions perfect, an animal or magical beast may feel the need to pass its powers and gifts on to a witch or wizard it finds worthy." His wizened mentor explained. "On that day, the spirit of that being seeks a way to join with its chosen soul mate."
"Soul mate? You mean, like in romance novels?" Harry asked as his brow knit itself into a deepening state of confused thought.
Albus chuckled slightly. "No, not that particular version of the phrase. You see, this type of soul mate is the binding of two beings into a stronger whole. During the metamorphosis period, the recipient of the animagus gift is healed of all ailments, which explains your speedy recovery and the return of your perfect vision. In addition, the form of the animal is bestowed upon the one it has chosen, allowing him or her to straddle the border between the world of beasts and of men.
"It was a surprise, at first, that such a rare species as the Spirit Owl had chosen you, but then, how could it not? You have shown wisdom beyond your years, you have a heart full of compassion and courage despite your upbringing," the aged wizard smiled at this observation and continued, "You also have a keen sense of vision which explains your aptitude for your Quidditch position and your love of flying. And, if I might add," he put in with a mischievous grin, "You have an unerring ability to figure out the most highly guarded secrets. Yes, I believe this is the form that suits you best."
Harry's face reddened slightly as he looked at his hands then touched his chest where the puncture wound had been. "But ... But why didn't you see the feather when you pulled the wand splinter from my chest?" He asked.
Dumbledore pursed his lips and rested his steepled fingers upon them as he carefully chose the wording of his reply. "My theory, Harry, is that when the curse caused the wand to explode the feather found its intended recipient and merged with you upon contact. Now, usually it would have found its way to its resting place along your spine in a matter of minutes, but the cursed wood of the wand had hindered its progress. If I am guessing correctly, the potions that Poppy gave you healed your body enough to allow for the wand's core to settle in its proper place."
Harry nodded at the sound reasoning and looked at the others in the room.
"Well, it seems I'm going to have to set up special training sessions for you." McGonagall put in with a huff. "We need to get you in control of your transformations and register you with the Ministry of Magic. You'll be in for some rough nights, Mr. Potter, the first few weeks are not the most pleasant but your body will adjust in time."
Harry cringed at the thought but nodded sleepily.
"Thank you all for your prompt attention to this matter." The headmaster looked around the room with an appreciative smile. "I think it is well past time we all got some sleep for the busy day tomorrow. Take it easy with the physical activity for the next few days, Harry; you'll need to conserve your strength."
Harry smiled then stood up to leave after he had thanked Mr. Ollivander for his help by shaking his hand. He bid everyone goodnight and walked back to Gryffindor tower, each step bolstering his confidence and excitement.
I can't wait to tell the others! This is bloody fabulous! He thought excitedly when he stopped dead in his tracks at the end of the last hall that would take him to the portrait that guarded the entrance to his common room. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end as he glanced about in the darkness. There's someone watching me! "Ugh ... What in the nine hells do you want, Malfoy?"
The slender, blonde-haired boy stepped from the shadows where Harry had just spotted him. He had a sneer on his face that screamed he was going to enjoy every minute of this. "Hello there, Scar head! And why are you out roaming the halls after hours?" If it was even possible, his sneer became more pronounced as he glared at him.
"It's none of your business. Sod off, Malfoy!" Harry retorted a bit more hotly than he intended but he didn't care really.
"Tut, tut, what would your poverty-stricken girlfriend say if she saw how easily your temper got away from you?" He said with a mocking laugh. "Is it true what they say about red-heads?" He egged, "Are they really better to shag?" He laughed at his own wit before he felt the explosion across his chin and felt the floor reach up and smack the other side of his face.
Harry smiled in satisfaction as he rubbed his knuckles, which to his pleasure began healing immediately due to his continued transformation. "Don't you EVER speak that way about any of my friends!" He growled as he stepped lightly over Malfoy's prone form. "I thought you were smart enough to have learned that by now. I guess the stupidity runs in the family, like father, like son!"
It was Harry's turn to fly to the ground as Malfoy shot to his feet and delivered a nasty uppercut to his rival. "My father is more than twice the man you or your father will ever be! He proved that once sixteen years ago and he'll prove it again sooner than you think, Potter!" He spat out seething in hatred. "You mark my words, you had better not get used to this place! Before you know it, you'll be pushing up daisies like your mudblood mother and coward of a father!"
It was Harry's turn to shoot to his feet as he slammed Draco into the wall with his hand firmly wrapped around the throat of the now terrified Slytherin. "You know nothing of my parents, ferret-boy! They were more than anything your family will ever amount to!" His rage was nearing its breaking point ready to fly out and devour the boy before him. "You watch it or the next time I won't be so kind as to stop with one punch." The finality of his tone had Draco's eyes wide with fear, the sheer anger that was displayed on his face was terrible to behold.
"Mister Potter!" A well remembered voice that was thick with contempt came from the stairwell. "Why is it I must constantly pull you off of my prefect?"
Harry shot a look at the potions master that took the older man by surprise for a moment. His sneer returned and slowly slipped into a nasty grin. "Fifty points from Gryffindor for fighting in the halls, a week of detention for the disrespect you've shown a member of my house and another two weeks for that look you just gave me. I expect to see you in one week, Mr. Potter, first thing after dinner."
Harry gave him a look of disbelief and disgust.
"AND DON'T BE LATE!" Snape bellowed with such authority that it set both Harry and Draco back on their heels.
Draco looked at Harry and smiled sweetly. "Catch you later, Potter." And he turned to leave.
"Mr. Malfoy." Snape chimed in, a look of disappointment on his face. "I'll be taking 10 points from Slytherin for your actions as well, and you'll be serving detention with me tomorrow after dinner." A look of outrage filled the young man's handsome features as the sudden realization of what was happening started to sink in. Harry stood there dumbfounded as he watched Snape and Malfoy walk away. He caught a last bit of conversation while in a state of shock as he turned back towards his own house. "That was clumsy, Malfoy, McGonagall heard every word you said. How many times do I have to tell you that you shouldn't get caught?"
Harry was smiling from ear to ear as he finally made it back to the common room. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were all nodding off in the overstuffed and infinitely comfortable chairs. They heard his giddy laughter and started awake.
"Oh, you won't believe what just happened!" He said with the widest, toothiest smile they had ever seen on their friend's face. He sat down next to Ginny and relayed the entire encounter with Malfoy to the gasps and shock of his friends. The whole of Gryffindor had emptied into the common room that night to the loud cheers and excited whoops that Ron had let loose in his excitement. Soon the entire house was laughing as the story passed from one to another into the night.
"THREE weeks of detention and FIFTY POINTS? On the FIRST DAY?!" They had all gasped in mock horror.
"It's well worth it I say!" Neville bellowed to everyone's amazement as he smiled sheepishly, surprised at the volume of his own voice. Everyone agreed with his declaration and the laughter began anew.
Harry whispered to the others as everyone began their retreat to the soft beds and blankets that had awaited them in their dormitories, "I have other news as well, I'll clue you in on it in the morning, I'm too tired to talk about it now."
They all said their goodnights and again, Harry fell asleep with the widest smile on his face that he had ever experienced.
They felt their night of revelry the next morning as each and every member of Gryffindor stumbled down to the great hall for breakfast.
"I don't know about you, but the laughter did me good." Seamus said as he stifled a tremendous yawn.
"I'm going to feel this later today." Dean agreed when he stretched then laid his head on the table and instantly began to drift back to sleep.
Hermione walked down one side of the table and Ron traversed the other. They were handing out the new term's schedules to all their housemates.
"It isn't that bad this year." Harry said between yawns. "We've got divination then double transfiguration, then triple defense against the dark arts this afternoon."
Hermione gave out a sigh of relief. "I don't have anything until transfiguration! I can get some sleep before lunch!" Ron gave her a disgusted look. "What? I was smart enough to drop divination when I had the chance." She teased.
"Oh ho! I see now, I'm not smart is that it?" Ron got off sarcastically.
"Actually, Ron, I have wondered about that very subject a couple of times here and there." Harry was too slow to dodge his friends punch and rubbed his shoulder as everyone laughed.
"Ok, ok, I didn't know it was 'Trample on the slow git day' today." Ron said with a scowl as he filled his plate with sausages and eggs.
"Oh, Ron, no need to get all sensitive about it!" Hermione shot back at him playfully.
He looked up and winked at her as he shoved his third piece of toast in his mouth.
Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Honestly! I don't think I'll ever get used to the way you eat." She said with a disgusted look, a twinkle playing in her eyes.
Harry could tell that she enjoyed the banter and didn't really mind how his red-headed friend devoured every edible object in sight. He smiled to himself as he watched his two friends. He felt an arm drape over his shoulders as Ginny sat down beside him.
"I feel terrible." She whined as she gave him a peck on the cheek.
"You seem to have not gotten a lot of sleep, Miss Weasley." He said cheekily as he returned the kiss with one of his own on the crown of her head.
She smiled sleepily. "Well, you know what happens when you stay awake at all hours of the night worrying about your friend then spend another couple of hours laughing ..." She said playfully as she filled a bowl with cereal and milk followed by a rather large helping of sugar.
Harry laughed and then remembered his promise from the night before. "I almost forgot! I have something else to tell you!" The four of them huddled together as Harry recounted the meeting in the headmaster's office.
"Whoa!" Ron said in awe. "That's so brilliant! It normally takes months of searching just to find the animal you're meant to merge with." He said impressed.
Hermione pouted "It's not fair. Why do things seem to find you so easily, Harry?" She looked up and couldn't hold the false look of disappointment any longer and broke into a huge smile. "I'm just kidding! That's great! Though I do wish I could become an animagus as well. I'd like to be able to do everything there is to do in the wizarding world ..."
"We know, Hermione." Harry and Ron said in perfect harmony eliciting an elbow in the ribs from their friend.
"Ron, we need to get to the north tower. Class starts in twenty minutes. May as well see if we can't sneak a quick nap before I find out how I'll die this year." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yeah that's going to be a treat." Ron retorted sarcastically. "Maybe Trelawney will predict her own death for once!" The two best friends chuckled.
They both got to their feet, kissed their respective girlfriends good day and grabbed their bags as they left the great hall.
They made their way through the familiar halls and said hello to Sir Cadogan who chased after them from portrait to portrait challenging them to duels as he did every time they walked down his hall. Ron was first up the stairs and onto the ladder with Harry close behind as they pushed open the trapdoor and ascended into the warm, incense filled room.
Harry sat down in his favorite chair next to the window with Ron taking the chair on the opposite side of the small table. "Looks like we're starting with crystal balls again, Harry." Ron said as he looked into the clear, crystal sphere. Harry chuckled as Ron's distorted head filtered through the glass, showing his friend's pinched face and enormous nose.
A whimper drifted out of one of the deeper shadows in the back of the room and caught the attention of the two friends.
"Hello?" Harry asked looking around the room in the general direction of the sound. Lavender Brown had just poked her head through the hole in the floor when Harry shot to his feet and rushed to the back of the room like a bullet.
"LAVENDER, GET SOME HELP QUICK!" Harry yelled at her. "PROFESSOR TRELAWNEY'S BEEN ATTACKED!"