Harry pushed Zux back using some goblin magic while he made a dive for his sword. The two had started some serious sparring after Hermione had returned to the trunk, and so far Harry's record was not good at all. Zux spun to the side to avoid Harry's magic and quickly ran behind Harry before he had a chance to reach his sword. Zux's sword was at Harry's throat before Harry could get away.
"Better," Zux said a little smugly. "You're still slow with your goblin magic. But don't fret; using goblin magic on a skilled goblin warrior doesn't always work. Using it against a wizard is a different story though."
Harry grunted in return and Zux lowered his sword. He went over and picked up his own sword and sheathed it irritably. "I'm still losing. I haven't come close to beating you once."
Zux snorted and glanced at the clock. "It's almost 12, you may stop now early for lunch. You can relieve Hermione of duty and have lunch together."
Harry bowed in thanks and put his sword back on the wall. With a smile on his face, he ran to Hermione's room.
Hermione had been back for almost a week, and she was getting stronger. She still tired easily and was bedridden most of the day, much to her irritation, but she was out of the danger zone completely.
Harry smiled and rubbed his hands over his eyes, his smile widening when he felt the absence of the glasses that he had worn his whole life. During Hermione's absence, Winky had gone to get Ngek and the skilled goblin made it so that Harry would never need to wear glasses again.
When he made it to Hermione's room and knocked loudly. He had learned the hard way to knock before entering a lady's room.
"Come on!" came the reply.
Harry opened the door and walked in the room. "How are they today? They aren't draining you are they?"
Hermione gave Harry a look of mock annoyance. She was sitting propped up in her bed with her Occlumency book opened on her lap. Since she couldn't train with Harry for another week at best, she had decided to train her mind.
"Ivy is an angel," Hermione said happily. "Your familiar is the one who is completely exhausting me."
Harry laughed and walked up to the bed. He smiled down at the small little ball of brown fur that sat in Hermione's lap trying to read along. He stroked it roughly and it quickly turned around and let out a little bark of annoyance.
"Ivy hates being stroked like that," Hermione said indignantly while she picked up the little fox kit.
Ivy was a fennec fox. Her fur was darker than a normal fennec fox, but it matched Hermione's hair perfectly. Ivy had ears that were half the size of her head and she had a small, but lean build. Hermione had told Harry that when Ivy grew up she would be smaller than Crookshanks was, but she would be much faster.
"Sorry Ivy," Harry laughed. He flinched slightly under Ivy's black glare. She got her glare from Hermione. "So where's Kex?"
Hermione tore her eyes away from Ivy and dug her hands underneath her blanket. There was a faint squeak and Hermione pulled out a small struggling ball of dark fur that fit in her palm. Harry immediately took the hyperactive creature away from Hermione and tried to calm it down.
"Come on Kex," Harry said exasperatedly. "I know you don't like being cooped up in here, but it's just until you've grown a little more."
Kex stopped struggling and glared at Harry with blazing emerald eyes. Harry's familiar was none other than a pine marten. He decided to give the little pine marten a goblin name, and Zux had recommended Kex, saying that it was a powerful name in his race. Kex was smaller than Ivy, but they would be about the same size when they reached adulthood. Kex's fur was a mix of black and brown and his claws were hooked and already very sharp.
Kex squealed irritably and tried to scratch Harry's hand.
"I already told you, you're too small to be in the training area when I'm training with Master Zux," Harry snapped back. "When you were an egg you couldn't be broken, but now you can. Plus it doesn't help that you try to run under my feet all the time. I promise, when you're bigger. Besides at the rate you're growing you'll be out there in no time."
Kex squealed again under his breath and struggled to climb onto Harry's shoulder.
"You're impossible," Harry moaned while he gave in and put Kex on his shoulder. Kex squealed happily and dug his claws into Harry's shoulder to hang on.
"So how's training?" Hermione asked while she and Ivy started reading again.
Harry sat on the end of her bed and shrugged. "Master Zux beat me again. He's so fast; he beats me before I can even make a move."
Hermione shrugged and closed the book. She put the book to the side and pushed herself further up. She winced when her stomach stretched too much and grabbed her side.
"You okay?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded and scratched Ivy behind the ears. "I'm getting there. But I'm going crazy being stuck in bed all day. I tried walking earlier, but I could barely make it to the bathroom."
Harry frowned. "You shouldn't push yourself Mione', you were stabbed and tortured, and you can't expect to recover overnight."
"I know that!" Hermione snapped, causing Ivy to look up in alarm and squeak something. "I know Ivy," Hermione sighed. "Look at you, you're barely a week old and you can already read and I can understand everything that you say."
Ivy gave Hermione a fox grin and nuzzled Hermione's stomach with her head.
Harry and Hermione played with their familiars until Winky walked in carrying a tray full of sandwiches, potions and an assortment of fruit and meat.
"Thanks Winky," Harry and Hermione said in unison.
Winky smiled and left the room.
While Harry fed Kex and Ivy, Hermione quickly drank the rancid potions that she had to take for another week. Once the familiars were fed and the potions gone, Harry and Hermione enjoyed their own lunch.
Hermione was still depressed about what had happened to herself and her parents, but between Harry and Ivy she was slowly getting that spark back in her chocolate-brown eyes.
They enjoyed each other's company until it was almost time for Harry to resume training. He gently pried Kex's claws out of his shirt and put him on the bed. Kex began to cry and Harry had to stop himself from picking the small pine marten back up.
"I'm sorry mate," he said. "I've got to change and meet Master Zux. Be good for Hermione, stop scratching her."
Kex rolled his eyes and scrambled over so he could curl up next to Hermione. He glared at Harry and snuggled up as close to her as he could.
"Will you be okay with him?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione nodded and opened her book again. "He's fine after lunch, he falls right asleep. Now go, if I'm going to teach you Occlumency, I've got to know it myself."
Harry nodded and headed out the door. "Hopefully Kex will have calmed down a little by the time we leave the trunk, I hardly think that Hedwig will have the patience for him."
"He's still a baby Harry," Hermione scolded him while Kex squealed in agreement.
Harry held his hands up in surrender and left to change. Once he was wearing a new training outfit, he ran to the training room and sat cross-legged on the floor while he waited for Zux to return.
They had a brutal weapon session. Zux had Harry practice with his samurai sword for most of the time and on daggers for the remainder. Harry was also skilled with daggers because they needed a wielder who was fast and agile, both of which Harry were.
Harry was dodging spells that were being shot at him by the training dummy that he was practicing with. While he dodged each spell, he made his way closer to the dummy with the goblin daggers in his hands. He was about to stab the dagger where the heart would be when a loud screech came from down the hall followed by angry barking.
While Harry was distracted the dummy hit him with a goblin version of the Averte Statura spell. He was flung ten feet back and barely had time to spin in the air before he hit the ground and landed on his hands.
"What the hell was that?" Zux asked bluntly from the sidelines.
Harry sighed and put the daggers in their sheaths. "It sounded like Kex and Ivy fighting. Master would it be okay if I went to check on them and make sure that Hermione is okay?"
Zux scowled and shook his head. "I'm sorry Newbie, but we've only got a couple months left together and I still have much to teach you. You'll have to let Dobby or Winky help out Hermione."
Harry looked like he was about to argue, but was silenced by a glare from Zux. "Okay," he mumbled irritably.
For the rest of the day Harry was forbidden from going to check on Hermione and the familiars. He could barely focus during his language and magic lesson. By the time they were done for the day, Harry was out of his chair before the clock even finished chiming.
He ran to Hermione's room and knocked loudly. When there was no answer he frowned and knocked again. Again, no answer.
"Hermione?" he called anxiously.
When there was no reply Harry tentatively opened the door. He immediately almost choked on a feather that flew in front of his face.
The room was a war zone. One of Hermione's pillows was in shreds, like something had pounded on it before they demolished it. The linens on Hermione's bed were thrown on the floor, and Harry did not like how the bed was completely empty.
"Bloody hell Kex," Harry muttered.
The door opened behind him and Dobby walked in. "Oh there is Master Harry. Winky sent Dobby to tell Master Harry that dinner is ready." Dobby looked around the room and cleaned up the mess with a snap of his fingers.
"Dobby, where's Hermione?" Harry asked. "And what the heck happened?"
Dobby chuckled and snapped his fingers again so Hermione's bed made itself. "Dobby thinks that Kex irritated Ivy and Miss Grangey had to throw a pillow at them to stop them from fighting. Miss Grangey is in the dining room if Master Harry wants the whole story."
Harry thanked Dobby and ran to the dining room. He let out a breath of annoyance when he saw Hermione sitting at the table looking pale and trying to catch her breath. Ivy was sitting on a large pillow on the chair next to Hermione, taking part in a cold staring contest with Kex who was sitting next to her.
"Come on Hermione," Harry said exasperatedly. "Why can't you stay in bed and get better? Why do you insist on pushing yourself?"
Hermione glared at Harry. "I'm sick of sitting in bed all day. And it's not like I collapsed on the way here."
Harry sighed and went over to pick up Kex before Ivy tried to bite him. "So what happened earlier? Master Zux wouldn't let me come find out."
Before Hermione could respond, Kex leapt out of Harry's arms and ran back towards Ivy. The fennec fox yelped in surprise and jumped out of the chair just before Kex came crashing into it. Ivy began barking angrily and tried to bite Kex's tail, but Harry once again grabbed the energetic pine marten out of the way.
"What is the matter with you Kex? You shouldn't attack Ivy like that!"
Kex squealed angrily and tried to get out of Harry's grasp again. Even though Kex wasn't any bigger than Harry's hand, Harry could barely hold onto him. After a minute Kex calmed down and began squealing sheepishly and began gnawing on Harry's fingers gently.
"I've been thinking about why they're growing so fast, and I think it explains why Kex has been acting out," Hermione said while Ivy tried to climb into her lap.
Harry put Kex on his shoulder and helped Ivy in Hermione's lap. "Yeah? Why do you think it is?"
Hermione gently stroked Ivy's fur while she explained it to Harry. "Well first off, because they were born from familiar eggs they naturally have a close connection to us. While they are in their eggs, their bodies aren't developing so much as their magic. Their magic forms first and the bodies come after. But, this is the thing: familiar eggs have a life connection to their wizard or witch. When we die, they will die. And because neither of us are exactly babies, their magic is accelerating their development so that they match us."
Harry thought about this for a moment before he sighed. "I guess that explains how Kex went through such a growth spurt in a matter of days. So you think that their magic is making their bodies catch up?"
Hermione held her finger in front of Ivy who began to chew on it gently. "I do, which is why I think that Kex is acting out. He's going through all these changes and you aren't there to help him with them. Look, right now, see how he's trying to gnaw on your fingers? His teeth are developing and they're hurting him. The same things happening to Ivy, but she calms down when I let her chew my fingers. I've tried to get Kex to chew something, be it me or my bedpost, but he only wants you."
Harry frowned when he looked at Kex. Kex looked sadder than Harry had ever seen him. With a sad smile, Harry held his hand in front of Kex who began to bite it. The young pine marten was growing bigger by the day, but he had never thought about whether or not it hurt him. "So why does he keep trying to attack Ivy?"
"He's jealous," Hermione said simply. "I'm with Ivy all day and I comfort her, but I can't offer Kex the same comfort. But don't worry, if my calculations are correct, they'll have caught up to us in another week."
Kex growled sadly and started to bite Harry's hand more forcefully, drawing little droplets of blood. "I can't wait for you to catch up either pal," Harry told the little bundle of fluff sympathetically. "I've got tomorrow off from training; we'll spend the whole day together."
Kex squealed happily and began to nip at Harry's ears gently.
Harry laughed and sat down next to Hermione. While they were talking about Harry's training, Winky summoned all of the food that she had prepared and sat down next to Dobby. Zux didn't come in until a little while later saying that he had something to take care of, but wouldn't clarify what it was.
They all enjoyed dinner and all had a good laugh when Kex leapt into the bowl of pudding that he had taken a liking to. When they were all done, Winky cleaned the room with a snap of her fingers and everyone dispersed for the night. Harry helped Hermione to her room, but was forbidden from coming inside.
"Harry James Potter, I'm going to change and I do not want your help with that," Hermione teased when Harry started to object.
"If you're sure," Harry said uncertainly.
Hermione smiled and gripped Harry's hand in her own. There was a slight spark when their skin touched, causing both of them to blush. "I'm sure, but there is something that you could do for me."
"Name it," Harry said at once while Kex sniggered from his spot on Harry's shoulder.
"Would you bring me whatever books on Occlumency that you have in the library?" Hermione begged. "I want to check every reference before I start sorting through my mind."
Harry smirked. "You've been studying Occlumency for a week and you're already better than me. Of course I'll bring you the books, and don't worry about putting them back right away. Keep them out as long as you need."
Hermione beamed and opened her door. Ivy immediately ran inside while Hermione paused in the doorway looking at Harry. Ever since she had come back and noticed that Harry didn't need glasses anymore, she had been captivated by his emerald eyes.
"Thank you Harry," she said sincerely. "For everything. I literally wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."
Harry fidgeted uncomfortably and mumbled a barely audible 'you're welcome' while he blushed slightly. As soon as Hermione closed her door, Harry sprinted to the library with Kex barely holding on. At that moment the only thing on his mind was seeing that brilliant smile again, and being the one who caused it.
Hermione started some light physical training a week later. At first she started out just by walking around the training room with Ivy keeping pace with her while Harry ran laps around her with Kex barely holding on.
Her calculations were correct and the two familiars had caught up with them about a week later. Ivy was smaller than Crookshanks had been, and fit in Hermione's lap perfectly. She could also fit on Hermione's shoulder, but Ivy preferred to be on the ground. Kex was slightly smaller than Ivy and could still rest on Harry's shoulder, his favorite spot. The pine marten didn't pick fights with Ivy anymore and had mellowed out after he stopped growing; now he was just as loyal and caring as Harry was, with Harry's temper to boot.
Ivy was exactly like Hermione. She loved to read and would open a book when she got bored, got irritated when someone was slacking off and was susceptible by her emotions.
Hermione and Ivy were taking their time doing their laps while Harry finished his three mile run.
"I can't wait until I get my full strength back," Hermione told Ivy.
"You're getting stronger every day," Ivy said in return. "A week ago you couldn't even make it to the library without help."
Hermione sighed and nodded. She truly valued her conversations with Ivy, mainly because she was the only one who could understand her. It worked the same way with Harry and Kex.
"Are we going to try out the pool today?" Ivy asked eagerly, she had been dying to try out the pool.
Hermione's shoulders slumped slightly. "I do want to go swimming, but the only swim suits that I own are bikinis and…"
"You don't want anyone to see the scars," Ivy finished for her.
"The little scars are long gone, but Ngek said that the scar from the knife will never go away," Hermione said tearfully. "And the scar from when I got cursed at the Department of Mysteries is even longer and uglier."
Ivy flicked Hermione's leg with her tail sympathetically. "Why don't you glamour it when you're wearing your suit? If you cast it with your ash wand then it should be powerful enough to last a while."
Hermione wiped some sweat from her forehead. "You're right; my ash wand would be perfect. It's so nice to be able to have these intelligent conversations with you, I love talking with Harry, but I can't talk to him as well as I can with you."
"I am your familiar after all," Ivy laughed. "I'm a part of you, and if you can't talk to me then there's something wrong with you."
Hermione laughed with the fennec fox and finished the lap. As soon as they were finished, Hermione collapsed in a chair and tried to catch her breath. Her workout clothes were sweaty and stuck to her petite body.
"You okay Hermione?" Harry called while he continued to run.
"I'm fine," Hermione panted. "I did one lap more than I did yesterday."
Harry smiled at that. "That's great! You'll be completely better in no time!"
Hermione smiled at Harry's enthusiasm. "I think I might even head to the pool today. I've always loved swimming and it's a great form of exercise."
Harry's smile wavered for a second, but it was back before Hermione noticed. "That sounds like fun. Do you want to go tonight?"
Kex gently nipped Harry's ear. "I think she wants to go alone. She probably doesn't want to be babysat."
"But she could drown or something," Harry whispered anxiously.
"If something happens Ivy can get us," Kex assured him. "If Ivy comes to us near death, then you can panic."
Harry sighed irritably. "So I guess you're the voice of reason between the two of us huh?"
Kex laughed and nuzzled against Harry's neck. "Did you ever doubt it?"
The two laughed together with Hermione and Ivy watching fondly. "Kex talked Harry out of babysitting you," Ivy translated. Because they were both familiars, Ivy and Kex could understand each other. "Can we go swimming now? We can swim till lunch."
Hermione smiled eagerly. "Okay, let's do it." Hermione stiffly walked over to Harry who was now doing pushups with Zux looking on. "Ivy and I are going to try swimming for a little while."
Harry still looked uneasy, but Zux nodded in agreement. "Swimming is the best way for you to gain your strength back without putting too much strain on your body," he said. "I will not be here long enough to train you, so I will push hard to finish Harry's training so that he can train you. You need to focus on regaining your strength, and when that happens I can start your training and Harry can finish it."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "We'll join you for lunch." Ivy started barking excitedly and ran towards their room, Hermione slowly followed.
"Be careful," Harry couldn't help crying out.
Hermione stopped and turned back to give Harry a small glare. "I will," she said through gritted teeth.
Without another word, Hermione left the training area. Harry stared at her guiltily and couldn't even register Kex's scolding for a few moments.
"I made her mad," Harry stated.
"You did," Kex agreed. "She'll calm down."
"I suppose," Harry muttered.
Harry finished physical training with one eye fixed on the hallway to keep an eye out for Ivy. Eventually Kex got irritated and decided to join them at the pool, to go for a swim and put Harry's mind at rest knowing that someone other than Ivy was with Hermione.
Harry was finishing his latest exercise when the clock chimed signaling that it was lunch time. With a promise to Zux that he would be right back for lunch, he jogged down the hall towards the pool. When he opened the door to the pool room he felt his heart skip a beat.
Right on the water's edge was Hermione watching Ivy and Kex chase each other in the shallow water. Hermione had her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail and was dripping wet. But, it wasn't her hair that Harry was staring at. Hermione was wearing a light blue bikini that showed off her curves quite nicely.
"It's time for lunch," Harry croaked out after a moment.
Hermione looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Is it really? We lost track of time."
She called out to the familiars and walked over to the tree stump where she had a towel, a pair of shorts and a tank top waiting. She grabbed the towel and quickly dried herself off before she put on her clothes. Before Hermione put on her shirt Harry noticed with surprise that there weren't any scars on her body.
Did she glamour them? Harry asked himself. I wonder if she's ashamed of them.
As soon as she was dressed, Hermione gave Ivy and Kex a quick rub down with her towel. Once Ivy was dry, Hermione picked her up and held her like she used to hold Crookshanks. Kex ran up to Harry and instantly climbed up onto Harry's shoulder and sighed contently.
"She only did a few swimming laps," Kex informed Harry. "Swimming was much easier for her than walking around the training room was. I think she and Ivy are planning to come here every day to get back in shape."
"I guess if it's easier for her," Harry said reluctantly.
Hermione led the way to the dining room where they had started to have lunch, only stopping to put the towel in her dirty clothes bin. They made their way to the dining room and enjoyed a light lunch that Winky had made them. Zux finished his lunch quickly and excused himself, leaving Harry and Hermione alone with their familiars. They were almost done with lunch when Harry finally asked the question that had been plaguing his thoughts ever since Hermione had been attacked.
"Why can't we trust Madam Pomfrey?"
Hermione looked surprised at the abrupt change of topic. "Why are you asking this now?"
Harry looked a little uncomfortable. "I've wanted to ask for a while now, but I didn't want to upset you."
Hermione smiled sadly and began scratching Ivy behind her ears. "I found something out during my time in the hospital wing at the end of the term. When I had to take all of those terrible potions, I noticed that I was feeling weaker each day instead of stronger like Madam Pomfrey said I would. So, the next time I had to take my potions I had took the time to carefully examine them and I noticed that one of the potions that I had to take was an herbicide potion."
Harry's eyes narrowed dangerously. "She made you take a potion that is meant to kill plants? That could've killed you!"
Hermione shook her head. "It is meant for plants, but it isn't fatal to humans. It just makes the drinker sick and weak. When I realized what it was, I started vanishing it instead of drinking it. That was when I started getting better. That was also when Madam Pomfrey started watching me to make sure that I drank the potion."
"How did you convince her that you stopped drinking the potions?" Harry asked.
Hermione suddenly looked disgusted and rubbed her stomach. "Madam Pomfrey only watched me take the herbicide potion, after I drank that she would put the rest on my nightstand and leave. As soon as she was gone I would make myself throw it back up in the trashcan that was next to my bed and vanished it."
Harry and Kex both looked appalled and Ivy nuzzled Hermione sympathetically. "You had to make yourself sick in order to get better? How could they do that to you? And how did Ron not notice, he was right next to you!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue scornfully at the mere mention of Ron. "I had to take the potions early in the morning. Ron never woke up until long after I took them and he never heard me make myself sick. I felt so disgusted with myself and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to keep anything else down."
"Is that why it took you so long to recover from Dolohov's curse?" Harry whispered.
"I probably would have been fine within a week if Madam Pomfrey hadn't made me take that rancid potion," Hermione spat venomously.
Harry held Hermione's hand comfortingly. "Do you know why she would do that to you?" he asked gently.
Hermione looked unsure for a moment before she squeezed Harry's hand tightly in return. "I think they wanted to keep me away from you."
Whatever answer Harry had been expecting that hadn't been it. His eyes widened in shock and guilt and he looked like he couldn't even form a sentence. He finally opened his mouth to apologize when Hermione put a delicate finger on Harry's lips.
"It was not your fault," she said slowly and sternly. "I think that Dumbledore told Madam Pomfrey to give me that potion. Who knows, he might have even used the Imperius curse on her. With Ron and me out of the way, who do you think Dumbledore expected you to run and cry to?"
"Himself," Harry muttered. "I didn't cry so much as destroy some of his possessions."
Hermione chuckled and moved her finger, somewhat reluctantly, from Harry's lips. "Dumbledore has much to gain from you. You're the Lord of two houses, and if you remain under his thumb then it's like he is Lord and not you. Harry, you really have the power to do some good, but you need to know everything there is to know about being a Lord and I can't teach you that. Only someone from an Ancient House themselves can teach you."
"Do you know anyone?" Harry asked.
"I do," Hermione said with a smile. "A certain Neville Longbottom."
chapter 8
Hermione drew her new goblin-made bow with little effort. She didn't even need to look at the target, she knew in her gut where she had to shoot. With a satisfied grin, she released the bow and laughed when she heard the arrow fly through the air and hit its target. The sound of an arrow flying through the air had become her favorite ever since she began training with the bow.
She wiped the sweat that was gathering on her forehead with her hand before she put the bow in the holster that she was wearing on her back.
"I still can't believe that you can hit the center with your eyes closed," a voice said behind her.
Hermione turned around and smiled when she saw that Harry was wearing the traditional goblin warrior attire of a tunic and breeches that Zux had given him the night before. Harry looked so different than he had looked at the end of their fifth year and Hermione still couldn't get over it.
His muscles, though not bulging, were incredibly well toned and Hermione knew that underneath his clothes was an ample amount of muscle. He had an air of confidence about him that Hermione liked. His body was still agile, but after seven months of training and a good diet courtesy of Winky, Harry was incredibly powerful. But, what Hermione loved the most about this change in him was that he hadn't let anything that happen go to his head, and he was still the same kind, loyal and compassionate Harry who Hermione had befriended all those years ago.
"Are you ready for today?" Hermione asked anxiously.
Harry shifted anxiously on his feet. "Today is my goblin warrior ceremony; of course I'm not ready. In order to become recognized as a goblin warrior, I have to beat my master, who just so happens to be one of the most powerful warriors in the entire goblin race. I wish right now that there were other goblins here with us. Zux said that I had to fight a goblin and put up a decent fight, and that normally the master wouldn't be the opponent, but under these circumstances he has to be my opponent. I have to defeat Ragnok's finest warrior!"
Hermione giggled and pulled Harry into a comforting hug. "You'll be great. You've been working for seven months, you're ready."
Harry seemed a little comforted and he returned the hug. "I just hope that Master Zux won't be disappointed with me."
"He could never be disappointed with you," Hermione said. "Zux is so proud of you."
"He's proud of you too," Harry put in. "You've only been training with him for two months and you're already a master with that bow."
Hermione beamed at the praise. She had completely recovered her strength and had gotten in decent shape thanks to her swimming laps by Harry's fifth month with Zux. Her muscles were leaner than they had been before she started training and she was starting to get faster than Harry. She didn't have any talent for goblin magic, but she was a natural at elf apparition which Winky had started teaching her.
"This means that you'll have to do well today so that you can finish my training," Hermione told him with mock sternness. When Harry gulped again in nervousness, Hermione laughed and took off her archer's glove.
Harry began doing some routine stretches and exercises to warm up while Hermione put away the archery equipment. When Harry was stretched and ready to go, he walked to the center of the training room and knelt down on the floor with his hand on his sword's hilt.
While Harry waited for the test to start, Hermione went to sit in the armchair on the edge of the training room. Once she was comfortable she turned towards the hall and rolled her eyes impatiently.
"You two can come out now," she said irritably. "I'm done shooting. And it's not like I would hit you anyway."
Two heads poked nervously into the training room. Ivy and Kex preferred to wait in the hall when Hermione was practicing with her bow. The thought of a bow-wielder practicing with her eyes closed did not appeal to the two of them.
"We wouldn't hide if you would shoot with your eyes open," Ivy muttered while Kex nodded in agreement.
Hermione giggled and held out her arms. Ivy immediately dashed across the room, and leapt into them and snuggled against Hermione's chest. Kex trotted over more slowly and climbed onto the armrest. He stood on shaky hind legs and squealed something to Harry. Harry looked over and smiled at the encouragement.
Once the three observers were comfortable, Hermione took out her ash wand and drew out some runes in the air. The runes glowed yellow for a moment before they faded and a thick barrier surrounded the spectators.
"The barrier is in place," Hermione called to Harry.
Harry looked somewhat relieved that the barrier had worked. The only way that Harry had agreed to let Hermione and the familiars watch his test was if they were protected so that they wouldn't get hit by a stray spell.
They all waited anxiously for another ten minutes. As soon as the bell started chiming, signaling 12 o'clock, Harry got to his feet and bowed low. Zux came out of the hall with an unreadable expression on his face holding a bundled sword in his hands. He walked into the center of the training room and held the sword in front of him.
"Are you, Lord Potter-Black, ready to take the test of the goblins that will prove you worthy of bearing the title of 'goblin warrior' should you pass?" Zux asked with a serious tone.
Harry kept his eyes on the floor and nodded. "I, Lord Potter-Black, do hereby agree to take the test to prove myself worthy of the title of 'goblin warrior'."
Zux nodded approvingly and strapped the bundled sword to his side. "In order to pass this test, you must take away this sword from me. Should you accomplish this, the blade will be yours and you will gain the title of 'goblin warrior'. Be warned though, you will need to aim to kill if you wish to have a chance at passing."
Harry nodded again with his hand still on the sword hilt. There was a moment of silence while Harry and Zux stared at each other, measuring up each other's strength.
"Begin!" Zux shouted.
Instantly, Harry drew his sword and ran at Zux. This duel was strictly goblin magic and weapons only, no wizarding spells allowed. Zux drew his sword as well and used it to effortlessly block Harry's attack. Without so much as a grunt of effort, Zux pushed Harry back and began striking out at Harry. Harry quickly parried each blow, but they were coming so fast that Harry couldn't retaliate.
Zux began to back Harry against the wall, making Harry curse under his breath. Before Zux could corner him, Harry pushed Zux back with some goblin magic once the goblin got close. Zux was pushed back ten feet, but he never lost his balance. Before Harry could attack, he sprinted forward and the two swords met in a bind. A bind was a true test of strength where the swords were locked, and this bind wasn't going anywhere.
While Harry had the advantage of size, Zux had the advantage of strength and experience. The goblin pushed his weight into the blade and forced the two locked swords to the side. Harry tried to push the blades back, but he had lost his advantage of superior size. Deciding that he was going to lose this test of strength, he stopped fighting and let his blade fly out of his hands. Zux's eyes widened in surprise and jumped back before Harry could grab the clothed sword.
Harry groaned in annoyance when his hand grazed the cloth before Zux got out of the way. Zux sprinted forward while Harry was still unarmed and Harry hastily drew the two daggers that he kept strapped on each side. He blocked Zux's blade with one blade and took a swing at Zux with the other. With a flick of his finger, Zux sent the dagger in Harry's hand flying.
With only one short dagger available, Zux easily pushed Harry to his knees. Zux pointed out his hand at Harry's and Harry knew that Zux was preparing to send a goblin stunner at him which would cost Harry the duel. Before Zux could attack, Harry held out his free hand and summoned the dagger back to his hand and swiped it at Zux. The goblin pulled his hand back, but not before the dagger grazed his hand. Cursing, the goblin leapt back and shook his hand, splattering the floor with blood.
Without waiting, Harry darted forward, keeping low and making sure that his weight was balanced in the back. Zux quickly held his hand up to push Harry back, but Harry used the same trick that Zux had used on him months ago. He leapt to the side and sprinted behind the goblin and began to bring the daggers down.
Zux spun around and blocked one dagger and caught the other in his wounded hand. Harry's hands widened in surprise and quickly felt the dagger that Zux had a hold of, fly out of his hand again. Cursing under his breath, Harry drew back and summoned his sword and dagger back with a flick of his hand.
Then, Harry suddenly realized something and he berated himself for being so stupid. He leapt away from Zux and sheathed all of his weapons. The goblin raised his eyebrow at first before he smiled slightly. Before Zux could charge at Harry, Harry raised his hand and effortlessly summoned the bundled sword off of Zux's belt.
While the sword flew towards him, the cloth fell off and Harry ended up catching a beautiful metal sheath with the sword hilt sticking out. With trembling fingers, Harry drew the sword and instantly felt a connection with it that he had only before felt with a wand. It was the same design as a samurai sword, but this one was thicker and more reinforced while still retaining the light and fast design that his first samurai sword had. The sword was spotless and looked sharp enough to cut through a hair just by placing the hair on the blade. There were runes molded into the bottom of the sword towards the hilt and Harry recognized the rune for 'protection'. Next to the runes was also a small design. It was a sword and bow crossing over a shield.
"It's beautiful," Harry breathed.
"And it's yours."
Zux walked up to Harry looking extremely pleased. "Congratulations Newbie, you've passed."
Harry suddenly felt irritated with the goblin. "All I had to do was summon the sword from the beginning? I could have passed in five seconds?"
Zux laughed and picked up the cloth that had covered the sword. "This test is meant to make you think on your feet. Summoning was only one way, but it was the only way that you would have passed."
Harry scowled. "You're saying that I would've failed if I hadn't realized?"
"Yes," Zux said bluntly. "You're good Newbie, but no one who faced me for their test has ever passed without summoning."
"Newbie? I thought that you said you would stop calling me that if I passed!" Harry whined.
Zux laughed and shrugged. "Sorry, but you'll always be 'Newbie' to me."
Harry suppressed the urge to groan, and bowed low to Zux. "Thank you so much for everything Master. I would have never been able to do it without you."
Zux smiled and sheathed his sword. "That sword has my insignia on is. Now anyone that you defeat with that blade will know that Zux Greatkiller took you on as an apprentice and found you worthy of being a goblin warrior."
"Thank you Master," Harry said sincerely.
Zux looked incredibly proud as he stepped back. "From now on your goblin warrior name shall be Harry Lightscar, for even though you are scarred, you remain a warrior of the Light and a friend to the goblins."
Harry stood up and smiled. "Thank you Master," Harry repeated. "I hope to make you proud."
"You already have," Zux replied.
The next thing Harry saw was a wave of hair and fur as Hermione practically tackled Harry when she hugged him. Kex climbed agilely up Harry's clothes and was squealing in excitement while Ivy ran in between his legs excitedly.
Harry felt like his smile would tear his face when Hermione told him over and over how proud she was. In fact, it felt better than it had when Zux said the same thing.
He pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "thank you."
They both blushed and pulled away. Hermione picked up Ivy before someone stepped on her and hugged the fennec fox close. "This was all you Harry. I had nothing to do with it."
Harry shook his head. "You're wrong Hermione; you did have something to do with it. You gave me something worth fighting for."
Hermione blushed like mad and she struggled to say something.
Zux cleared his throat, snapping the two out of their daze. He held the cloth up to Harry who looked confused. "This cloth is just as valuable as your sword. I asked Dobby to get it when I sent him with your sword descriptions to Ragnok. This cloth will protect anything that it covers and so long as a piece of it covers something, muggles will not be able to see it. I thought that this cloth would be very useful for your familiars."
Hermione suddenly looked excited. "That's great! Then we won't have to hide them when we go to King's Cross. I bet that Winky could do something great with that."
Zux nodded in agreement and handed the cloth to Hermione. Then he turned to Harry and suddenly looked very sad. "I'm sorry to say Newbie that this concludes our time together. I have received a summons from Ragnok and I must leave immediately." He dug his hand in his tunic and pulled out a small piece of parchment. He gave it to Harry and smiled. "That is the goblin part of the prophecy just like I promised. Now it is time for me to leave."
Harry looked confused at first, like he couldn't understand not seeing Zux every day. Then he dropped to the floor and pulled Zux into a hug. The goblin looked surprised at first before he hugged Harry back.
They stayed like that for a moment before Zux pulled away and straightened his tunic a little uncomfortably. "My belongings have already been sent back to Gringotts. If you ever need to talk to me, simply contact Ragnok and I will get the message." He turned to Hermione and gave her an apologetic look. "As you already know, you cannot receive the title of goblin warrior because you are a female. But, Harry will be able to finish teaching you. I hope that you are not upset at this."
Hermione smiled somewhat bitterly and hugged Zux as well. "Even if I'm not technically a warrior, I'll still have the skills and that's what matters. Thank you for your teachings and for the bow."
Zux looked embarrassed and he pulled away. He was not one for goodbyes and this one was getting too emotional for him. He looked at Harry and Hermione, gave them a true smile and apparated away. His work there was done, and now it was up to Harry to continue on from there.
Harry sat on the edge of the lake in the pool room with the rolled up prophecy in his hands. As soon as Zux had left, everything that had happened felt real to Harry, and he didn't know if he was ready for all of the responsibility that was now on his shoulders. Harry felt so overwhelmed that he couldn't even celebrate that he had passed his test; instead he announced that he needed some time alone and headed to the pool.
He clutched the prophecy tightly in his hand. Even though Ragnok had assured him that Trelawney's prophecy was false, he had a bad feeling about the one in his hand.
Finally with trembling hands, Harry opened the missing part of the prophecy that had been hidden from him for so long.
The Spiritual Heirs shall unite the magical world
Each Heir from a different species
Gryffindor shall represent the goblins
Ravenclaw the fairies
Hufflepuff the centaurs
And Slytherin the elves
They shall be trained by the species' magic
And they will bring the other races together
The bridges between the shall be restored
And so shall the bridge that was burned so long ago between the lion and the snake
Only when these bridges restore
Shall peace fill the land
Harry read through the piece of parchment multiple times, each time filling him with a greater sense of dread.
"So the Gryffindor Heir will be trained by the goblins," Harry whispered to himself. "Am I the Spiritual Heir to Gryffindor? How can I be released from one prophecy only to be caught by another?"
He sat by the pool, stewing in his thoughts when he heard the door open slowly. Without even turning around he knew who was checking up on him.
"I'm okay Hermione," he said. "I just realized everything that I have to do all at once. It was a bit alarming."
Harry heard Hermione chuckle slightly as she walked up to him. She sat down next to him and pulled her knees to her chest. They didn't say anything for a few moments; they just sat there enjoying each other's company.
"I think I'm the Spiritual Heir of Gryffindor," Harry blurted out after he couldn't hold it in any longer.
Hermione looked a little surprised at this, but didn't scold him for being stupid. "Because of what Zux gave you?"
Harry nodded and handed the prophecy over to Hermione. She read through it quickly before she sighed and handed it back to Harry.
"You think that because you were trained by Zux you're an heir," Hermione said simply. "But Harry, it is possible that it isn't you. Prophecies like these are set in motion through tragedy, and it's true that losing Sirius was a tragedy, but you haven't received Gryffindor's magic."
Harry looked at Hermione strangely. "The prophecy mentioned the Founder's magic, but nothing about Gryffindor's magic."
Hermione rolled her eyes and turned to face Harry. "Honestly, I hope that you pay more attention in History of Magic this year. The Founder's magic is made up of the four individual magic's of each founder. When they say that the 'Founder's magic shall return' they mean that the four Spiritual Heirs shall combine their magic to create it."
Harry started to understand. "So what is Gryffindor's magic?"
"I have no clue," Hermione admitted. "Godric Gryffindor was known for powerful magic that he used to lead others into battle. I don't know exactly what Gryffindor's magic is, but I'd imagine that we'd know if you had it."
Harry felt somewhat comforted. "So you're saying that it might not be me?"
"Exactly," Hermione said with a smile. Suddenly, Hermione stood up and offered Harry a hand. "Now come on, Winky worked hard to make you a great meal to celebrate and you aren't wasting it in here."
Harry smiled and took the offered hand and stood up. As soon as their hands connected he felt another spark. Looking at Hermione he realized that she felt it too because she was beginning to blush.
Hermione suddenly yanked her hand out of Harry's and quickly left the room. She paused by the door and looked at Harry with wide, confused eyes before she left, leaving a very confused Harry behind.
The day after Harry had passed his test; he deactivated the time compression rune and made a quick appearance to the Dursleys. They hadn't been exactly pleased when they saw Harry again, but he remained civil. By Hermione's suggestion, he made an appearance outside of the Dursley's so that any Order member could see that he was fine, if not paler and in more physical shape than they remembered. It was the first time that Harry been outside in months and he hadn't realized just how much he missed it.
After Harry made his appearance, he went back into the trunk to meet up with Hermione who was getting ready for their outing.
Hermione was in the training room stuffing some muggle writing notebooks and pens in her satchel with the two familiars when Harry came in. As soon as she saw him, she blushed slightly. Their little spark yesterday had left them both feeling slightly awkward around each other.
"Are you ready to go?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded and picked up Ivy while Kex climbed up Harry. "I am I just hope that they will be able to talk to us, we didn't exactly give them a heads up."
Harry shrugged and made a move to grab Hermione's hand. Hermione inched back slightly before she began blushing again furiously and gave Harry her hand. Without saying a word to each other, Hermione apparated them out of the trunk.
They landed on a hilltop underneath a large tree somewhere along the coast of England. In front of them was a large field, but there were no buildings or any form of life in sight. In fact the closest town was almost thirty minutes away.
Harry frowned slightly and he looked all around for some sign of life. "Are you sure that this is the right place Mione'?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and took out her old wand. "I'm sure that this is the place, but it seems that we're on the outside of some powerful protection charms. I wouldn't be surprised if their house was under the Fidelius charm."
Harry suddenly got very irritable. "How are we supposed to talk to them when we can't see their house?"
"Calm down Harry," Hermione snapped. "I have an idea."
Harry immediately calmed down and took Ivy in his arms when Hermione handed her to him. Once her arms were free, Hermione held her old wand up and closed her eyes in thought for a moment.
Suddenly, Hermione opened her eyes and said, "Expecto Patronum!"
Her brilliant silver otter burst from her wand and floated in front of her. The otter wound itself around Hermione affectionately, making Hermione giggle and Ivy growl. Hermione looked at Ivy for a second before turning back to her patronus who was waiting patiently.
"Neville, we need to talk to you its important. We're on the hill underneath the tree that you told me about."
As soon as Hermione finished talking, the otter flew away and disappeared right in front of them. Hermione took back Ivy and laughed at Harry and Kex's confused expressions.
"Patronus' are very useful for sending messages," Hermione said. "They can't be compromised and they can't be mimicked. But they do take quite a bit of energy and concentration."
Harry looked intrigued by the idea. "You'll have to show me how to do that later. So you knew where to go because Neville told you about this tree?"
Hermione nodded. "He told me that this is his favorite place to think. He even showed me a picture. Thanks to Winky's apparition training I was able to take us here with just the picture in my mind."
They waited for a while and Harry was beginning to wonder if Hermione's patronus had gotten to Neville. Before Harry could ask Hermione to send another one there was a faint 'pop' and Harry sensed a pair of wands being pointed at him.
Harry and Hermione turned around and raised their hands. They both smiled when they saw Neville and his grandmother pointing their wands at them.
Neville quickly looked between the two. "How did we get to London on the night when we broke into the ministry?"
"We rode on thestrals," Harry answered immediately. "You, I and Luna were the only ones who could see them and we had to help Hermione, Ron and Ginny get on."
Neville instantly lowered his wand and smiled wide. "Sorry about that, can't be too careful."
Harry waved off Neville's apology and returned the smile. "I completely understand." Turning to Neville's grandmother he smiled and bowed his head politely. "Hello Mrs. Longbottom, how are you this fine day?"
Mrs. Longbottom looked at Harry with a critical eye before she gave him a knowing smirk. "So you wished to speak to my grandson Lord Potter-Black?"
Neville instantly gaped at Harry. "You're a Lord of two houses?"
Harry looked around nervously, afraid that someone might have heard. "I am, and that's why I wanted to talk to you guys. I have no clue how some things work and I was hoping that you would help me."
Mrs. Longbottom looked intrigued. "It is important to form friendships between the Ancient houses. Very well, I will grant you passage into my home and we will further discuss this."
She quickly told Harry and Hermione the address and out of nowhere a large mansion materialized right on the edge of the cliff.
The mansion looked to be about three stories tall. There was a gate that stood thirty feet in front of the mansion that was connected to a stone wall that stood ten feet tall and went around the entire property. On the side of the house Harry noticed that there were three greenhouses and Harry was confident to say that they were all used pretty frequently.
Mrs. Longbottom led the way into the house. She didn't even pause in the house to let Harry and Hermione get a good look around. She was all business. She led the way into a decent sized study and took a seat in a comfortable-looking armchair behind her desk. Following her example, Harry and Hermione sat down as well in front of her. Mrs. Longbottom looked at Neville expectantly, but Neville was occupied with staring at Kex and Ivy who were examining their new surroundings.
"Will you join us Neville?" Mrs. Longbottom asked a little forcefully.
Neville blinked and looked at his grandmother. "I'll be right back Gran, I need to get something."
"Then tell Tippy to bring us some refreshments while you're out," she snapped.
Neville flinched a little at her tone and scurried out of the room quickly.
When the door closed behind him, Augusta Longbottom looked affectionately where her grandson had disappeared to before turning to Harry and Hermione. "I want to thank you Lord Potter-Black and you too Ms. Granger. The two of you have helped my grandson a sense of confidence and purpose that he had never had before. I know that the two of you have helped him with this, and that is why I will help you in any way that I can."
Harry fidgeted uncomfortably. "Neville only needed the opportunity, that's all I gave him. The rest was completely him."
Augusta looked proud and sat taller. "He is his father's son. So tell me Lord Potter-Black, why do you not wear your rings?"
Harry grinned sheepishly and pulled the rings out of his shirt. "I, Lord Potter-Black, do hereby give permission for Augusta Longbottom to see the rings of the Ancient Houses of Potter and Black."
Augusta immediately saw the rings and smirked. "A goblin concealing chain huh? Very handy. But that does not answer my question of why you do not wear your rings."
"I do not want them to be seen just yet," Harry told her. "Not until I am confident with my responsibilities and how the Wizengamot works. I also don't want to put up with the comments just yet. Don't worry Mrs. Longbottom, I'm not ashamed of them and I plan on making a formal announcement."
Augusta nodded approvingly. "So you wish for me to teach you. Are you aware that I do not know the specifics of the Black and Potter houses?"
Harry nodded and looked over to Hermione who had her notebook out and looked ready to start taking notes. "I know that you can't help me with my houses, but I believe that you can help me with a lot more."
There was a light knock on the door before Augusta could respond. Augusta called out 'enter' and the door opened to reveal a tiny elf carrying a tray that looked bigger than she did. The timid-looking elf put the tray on the table and left with a deep bow. Harry looked at Hermione out of the corner of his eye and saw that her eyes were narrowed disapprovingly at the house elf's appearance. Compared to how Dobby and Winky looked, this house elf looked so small and frail and frightened.
"Would Mistress Longbottom like anything else?" the small house-elf asked in a high pitched voice.
Augusta looked at Tippy and shook her head. "That is all Tippy."
Tippy bowed low and quickly exited the room. Before the door could shut, Neville poked his head in, looking very excited.
"Oh Harry, I forgot to thank you," he said cheerfully.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Thank me for what?"
Neville laughed and opened the door all the way. In his arms was a small, light-brown pup. The pup was the size of a small pillow with paws that looked out of proportion with the rest of him. It had more of a short and stocky build, but it was hard to tell if it would follow the pup to adulthood. The pup saw Ivy and Kex and instantly began wagging his tail excitedly.
"Neville," Hermione gasped.
"Is that?" Harry continued.
Neville beamed and held the pup up a little higher. "Yup, this is my familiar, Sage the wolf."