Chamber of Secrets, Hogwarts - May 14, 1995

  Breathing deeply in preparation, Harry waited. He wasn’t sure what for, but he felt it approaching. There’s a correct time for everything and this wasn’t any different.

  He felt a guiding hand on his shoulder, nudging him to do certain things. To take a small step back and rotate around the ritual circle a certain amount. To manoeuvre both hearts just so, all so that he could stake his claim on both.

  Once he felt everything was prepared properly, he waited. Patience was the aim of the game, just like he did the day before. It required a great deal of patience and cunning to slay such a monster, even if in this instance Harry triumphed through sheer luck.

  Yet when the time to strike came? He unleashed a killing blow worthy of Hercules and other mythical heroes. There was nothing more satisfying than seeing the threat to your very life and existence lying dead at your feet.

  So when the time to begin the ritual came it was no surprise to others that it was, coincidentally, the same time that he struck the beast down yesterday.

  Piercing both hearts at once with Godric’s legendary sword, he began his proclamation, his plea to Mother Magic herself. Formal words declaring his Conqueror’s right were spoken. A fourteen year old man who was stuck in the body equivalent to that of an eleven year old child.

  Amelia Bones, standing in for his guardians, beseeched Mother Magic to bless the Hunter before her. One who has done the impossible and slain a beast beyond human ability. Done so in single combat, with nothing but a bared blade as his companion. His wand lost, his magic uncontrollable without it. Using nothing but sheer bravery and a courageous heart.

  Once she was finished she stepped forward and knelt on both knees. Her arms raised in supplication, sweat beading across her brow. They both stood in a frozen tableau, patiently suffering through the condensing of wild magic. Old magic.

  Magic older than the memory of man.

  The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife, even Madam Pomfrey was ruffled. Her usual unflappable appearance was nowhere to be seen. During the entire trip down and even during Harry’s recounting of events she simply became more and more horrified. Now she just clutched her healer's symbol, a small copy of the staff of asclepius and beseeched mother magic on Harry’s behalf. ‘He had just been through so much already…’

  The Goblins however were thrilled. As one of the rituals that worked despite race, they knew what all the signs in the ritual pointed towards. That this was a true claim, a feat worthy of acclaim. Bowing their heads with savage grins upon their face, they showed respect to one of the only wizards in living memory to be worthy of acknowledgement in the eyes of the Goblin Nation.

  The auror’s initially turned their back on the ritual out of respect for their nude boss. Though when the ritual was ‘paused’ for a good few minutes they couldn’t help but check on the progress. They turned and witnessed a tableau that took their breath away.

  A young man stood, knees bent with messy hair standing on end, as if he was stuck in a thunderstorm, his emerald eyes lit from within. Nothing but grim determination and commitment to a cause etched upon his face, while he stared straight ahead, arm extended with his sword in hand. A picture of indomitable will and courage.

  Their normally strict employer, on her knees in supplication to a higher power. A reverse of any normal interaction with her, that she would ‘debase’ herself on behalf of another was shocking for them. That she was doing it for a ‘right’ reason just raised the image of her in their eyes.

  They couldn’t help but notice the numerous scars that adorned her skin. The toned physique showing a magical warrior who would do all she can if confronted with a battle. Her usual hazel eyes concealed, but they could not help but imagine her fiery personality daring even Mother Magic herself to deny her plea.

  Magic built up in the ritual circle, so much that even an unskilled Wizard would be able to sense it. Its palpable presence began to manifest, condensing into the heart. Occasionally discharging into the floor around the symbolic representation of the slain beast. Terrifying all that were gathered.

  Fifteen long minutes passed and as time seemed to stretch and bend towards the sixteenth. The physical tension snapped like a rubber band, like Magic herself gave permission for his rightful claim. Not a flinch in sight, the young man stepped forward beginning to carve his prey’s heart into a handful sized chunks, consuming it piecemeal. A savage grin on his face, nodding to Amelia to do the same.

  No hesitation, no disgust. Just a primal need to conquer and consume a beast who once saw him as prey. Taking his rightful revenge against the nightmare inducing monster of his dreams.

  Madame Bones stood proud. Her main role in the ritual over, she hesitated to join him but with his clear invitation they feasted upon a meat so saturated in magic they would then go on to notice visible changes in themselves. Though these gifts would take time to manifest it was undoubtedly a gift from Magic herself.

  Amelia limited herself during their rampant feast to no more than a third of the first heart. Her magic informed her that to take more was to sin against magic and she heeded her instinct. She just hoped that what happened occurred for the right reasons, and that if she benefitted it was just so that she could assist the young man infront of her.

  His young frame was so slight, his bones in places were visibly curved after repeated beatings. It was a tragic sight that made even her hardened heart recoil in sorrow and rage. Children were seen as the ultimate gift of Mother Magic and she hoped that, if she was to earn anything from this ritual, it would be to regain the ability to bear children.

  Shaking herself free of her wandering thoughts, close to thirty minutes had passed since they began to feast. Harry was on the last part of his meal and he had just started to slow down. “Finish it Harry, no matter how sick you may feel. This is a gift from Magic, do not spurn her grace.”

  He nodded his head in acknowledgement, the primal urgings had waned and to be quite honest with himself he didn’t hate the taste of the meat. Just the clumps of congealed blood. Their texture was not to his liking, to put it lightly.

  The group patiently waited for the rite to be finished, once Harry stood up, they both exited the ritual circle. Breaking the call to magic. Wandlessly summoning her magical foci to her hand, she quickly began to clean herself up. Dressing slowly and carefully, her skin feeling too hot, too tight. As if she was tingling all over, overflowing with magic.

  Harry was likewise seen to by Madam Pomfrey. In her typical mothering fashion she went full mama bear, fussing and cajoling him to put on his clothes while she cast innumerous diagnostic spells. While she did so, the Goblins approached Amelia once she was dressed with an unusually solemn expression upon their face.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Madame Bones, a word?” said Master Ironfist, an arm directing her away from the group.

  “Of course, what’s the problem?” she replied, as they stepped away.

  “It’s not a problem per se, Madame. Since young Warrior Potter does not fully understand the ritual, we hoped to impress upon you the responsibilities that come with it.” He stated firmly. His diminutive frame was no impediment to his ability to express his battle born will.

  “By Goblin culture, you are now seen as an Elder, a Guide to the young. That is the role of one who takes part in such rituals. That Mother Magic expressed and allowed you such a large portion of the boon is a sign of a blessing.” He trailed off, lost in thought.

  “I would expect you to gain a benefit from this, however we wished to warn you. To always act in the best interest of the young Warrior. Magic is watching you.”

  Shocked, Amelia stood silenced by the pronouncement. “I never intended to do otherwise Master Goblins. I never intended to benefit from this ritual, this was truly just a way to help young Harry. There are few known rituals that can assist Wizards gain an injection of magic that would assist in a way that wasn’t detrimental to them. I did not wish for him to look for paths that would lead him down paths with the Blackest of magics.”

  “A noble sentiment Lady Bones. As an ally of House Potter and for your deeds this day, we choose to honour you personally, as we once did your ancestors. I name you, Hunters Guide Bones, the first of your line for over two centuries if I am not mistaken. You stand as an acknowledged and respected member of wizardkind, and we on behalf of the Goblin Nation acknowledge you thus with all the rights that entails. To find out more please contact and talk to your accounts manager.” Finishing his proclamation with the deepest of bows, as one subservient to the other.

  Returning a bow of equals was no less than her honour demanded, as written in her ancestors journals she responded with “I acknowledge your proclamation with the respect it is due. For as long as I am Regent of House Bones, my house will always act with honour and respect to the Goblin Nation. As long as I draw breath, I will always be an ally of the Goblin Nation, so I swear, as I say, so mote it be.” A golden flash lit the chamber, shocking the Goblins to the core. Their eyes lit up and a toothless grin softened their appearances.

  “It has been nigh on two centuries since the Goblin Nation can say they have a member of Wizardkind as a friend.” They said whilst bowing in unison. “Our thanks on behalf of our people.”

  A small commotion overtook the other half of the group. An auror had just caught Harry to lay him on the cold stone floor. Madame Pomfrey was diving through her bag, looking for her emergency stretcher. Amelia began to rush over however the Goblins off-hand comment helped her relax.

  “Elder Bones, you need not worry. This is a normal reaction to an influx of such potent magical energy. I promise you that he will be up and about in less than five minutes. Mother magic is simply helping him process this new infusion of power.”

  “Time to get to work Silverclaw,” Clapping his hands, the pair of goblins made their way over. Swiftly unpacking many of their enchanted storage containers. Amelia shifted her focus once again, moving towards the aurors.

  “Status update gents?” She said firmly. Careful to keep the concern from her voice.

  “Poppy’s seeing to him, he just collapsed mid conversation.”

  “Poppy, your analysis?” Amelia asked, keen to keep the conversation rolling.

  “For now all I can say is that his body is going into overdrive. His magic saturation reads as way beyond what he previously showed before.” Sitting back on her heels, you could clearly see she was at a loss, just determined to look out for the young man. “So far I think it’s a mix between physical and magical exhaustion. If I’m right he should regain consciousness shortly. Otherwise I’m doing more in depth scans of his body.”

  “What have you found so far?”

  “It's…astonishing really. His body is recovering in real time, occasionally you can even hear the cracks of his bones resetting. His organ function has shown remarkable improvement and many of his scars are disappearing…” She shook her head.

  “Though some aren’t. Some of the magical ones definitely aren’t. The more serious scarring like the brands from his…late family, haven’t disappeared even though they are purely mundane in nature.” She snorted at that. “Quite frankly I’m surprised at that. The only thing I can think of is that they are a…sign? Signal? Of a serious event of his life that Magic herself doesn’t wish him to forget. There are plenty of cases with similar wounds that have been documented. Ones that are so simple to heal yet, no one was able to do so.”

  “That’s good to know.” Exhaling sharply, she said “The goblins informed me that this was a normal occurrence with those undergoing the Hunter’s ritual. The truly extraordinary feats see this outcome in the majority of cases. The explanation they gave me was that it was Mother Magic allowing them time to absorb her gift.”

  Exhaling softly, Poppy muttered a quick “I hope so.”

  “We can bring him up to the Hospital wing once he’s woken up Poppy. Let me make arrangements for my team and the goblins, and we can go together. Hopefully Harry will wake up by that point, OK?” She said with a smile. Confident that her new friends, or allies, would not lie to her.

  “Sounds good Amelia.”

  Walking away she moved to her contracted workers. “Master Goblins, how long do you expect your work to take?”

  Turning to her Master Ironfist responded with “We might be done by the end of the day. Although I wouldn’t want to rush, perhaps tomorrow at the latest.”

  “Do you need anything? Sustenance? Sleeping arrangements?”

  “We have all we need. Though we would like to request you allow our Cursebreakers to come and help us explore the secrets of the chamber. Everything herein is under Warrior Potter’s Conquest rights.”

  “Of course, do you have a way of messaging your people? How should I coordinate with them?”

  “If you wouldn’t mind owling our offices, that would be enough. I have a message all ready for you to send.” Bowing his head in thanks and respect, “Now if you wouldn’t mind Elder, we have plenty of work ahead of us.”

  Apprentice Silverclaw handed her an envelope. “Everything that has transpired to now is held within. You will be treated a great deal differently next you visit Gringotts. Please, see your account manager at your earliest convenience. It is important for you to gain full benefit of the rights you should be accorded. Remember that it is within Goblin’s nature to challenge a respected person’s rights. It helps keep everyone strong.” He said, smiling toothily.

  “Of course, Silverclaw. I will see to it.” Bowing her head in farewell, she beckoned her aurors over to her.

  “Right gents, we won’t need you here but I will need you guarding Harry. Six hours on, six hours off. No one I do not give you approval of to see him. OK?” She paused for a moment. “If any students ask to see him, ask his opinion first alright?”

  “Copy that, ma’am.” They chorused in unison.

  “Alright then, fall in. Let’s get him settled and grab a late lunch. I’m starving for some reason.” Chuckling the battle hardened warriors moved together. Just in time for Poppy to notice Harry stirring.

  “Perfect timing, Harry. Up you get, let's get you a bed before you have a nap ey?” she joked, reaching a hand down towards him. Nodding her head towards his sword, “Grab that would you?”

  “Here kid, you dropped this.” Said the oddly dressed moroccan. Handing him the sword once he was back on his feet.

  “What happened?”

  “You just passed out on your feet, ya big girl.” The auror with the streaky hair proclaimed, grinning all the while. “That was intense though, I don’t blame ya!”

  A sheepish grin graced his face while he checked out their expressions. He saw no judgement, just genuine concern hidden behind jokes and humour. ‘Might not be a bad idea to become an Auror someday,’ Harry thought to himself.

  “So there was talk about a bed?” he said saucily, winking at Amelia while offering her and Poppy his arm.

  “Why you little scamp!” They both said, grabbing an arm each as they laughed. Starting the trip back to the Hospital wing.