Potter Lands, Lost Woods, Area of Pembrokeshire - Wales
Harry and Erebos were standing before a forest. It looked not welcoming and both of them could feel the magic border of the wards in place. The only Elve who had stayed with them was Lordey, the others had taken Harry's belongings and moved them into his rooms or so he was told. Harry stretched his senses and could feel the wards welcoming after they felt him up. It was like they were happy that he was buck but yet they felt kind of mischievous as if they wanted to play.
"Welcome home young master. We are at the eastern ward line. The Potters of old had used an island on the coast they found to settle. Officially it belongs to the earldom of Pembrokeshire. After the Mundane tried to invade it in the early 14th century. The Lord of the House, with the help of his sons, defended against the invaders. He forced the Earl to submit and there are treaties signed that declare the Potters as the reigning Earl of Pembrokeshire. The crown should have a copy of that but after the Statute of Secrecy was introduced sometime later, the Potters arranged another family to reign in the mundane world in their stead with the knowledge and acceptance of the crown." the head elf explained while they followed a very narrow path through the forest.
"Many Generations of Potters have added to the defenses of the island. The high cliffs nearly enclosing the island were a welcoming start. Once raised by a porter by permanently changing the landscape they now are a solid layer of defense. In those cliffs and mountains are some of the wardstones that keep the outer layer of wards running. This forest and a small port in the south are the only landing areas for mundane people to do so. Even then the current and some riffs planted by your ancestors made that very difficult. Are more detailed map of the wards and fences you will be able to find in the wardroom master."
Harry tried to absorb the new knowledge and tried to memorize the path. To his right, the forest got darker and the light seemed to vanish. Lordey was able to also read his thoughts, the elf was providing the answers to his unasked questions about the area they were in.
"Currently, we travel through something Hardwin Potter labeled the Lost Woods. He did so after placing a ward that would draw forward the nightmares of the people not being allowed onto the lands. If the illusions would not be for one to lose their way another disorientation ward that would fumble one's sense of direction would also help to distract a possible attacker. If all of that fails, a tracking charm is also placed on everyone in the woods. As long as you were allowed that would deter all predators from coming close. If someone was not allowed on the grounds it would do the exact opposite, it would draw them to the invader. Something the carnivorous inhabitants like the small Acromatnula colony or plants would deal with at night. The colony lives in the north of the forest and is controlled by a separate ward that limits its size by extracting a number of them each year. For more details, another elve will help you later young master." Lordey explained. It was a mighty Infodump for the young wizard but even with his self-thought knowledge of wards that sounded difficult.
Harry gulped and Erebos let out a small roar to deter possible enemies only for the elf to chuckle.
"Don't worry young dragon. Nobody will bother us. As I said the wards draw the predators of the forest to possible enemies. It keeps them off from the allowed visitors and shortens the duration we need to get through if we intend to do so"
Harry had not much time to absorb the words and meanings as the line of trees broke and he looked at a wide area of grass, in the distance his improved eyes could make out a walled manor. No a fortress. The mountains behind and around the island looked high and steep. He could hear the noises of different animals that somehow had not penetrated the forest. All looked peaceful.
"In the northern Area are the farms and livestock. We are currently upgrading to provide for Master Erebos and your growing needs. After the poachers on the mainland had tried to kill many animals, magical and mundane. The potters saved some of them by relocating them to this island. They tried to imitate their habitat if needed. Again I must refer to the Farm where they keep a register of the current inhabitants. I know that in the south there are some graph horns and a herd of unicorns usually switches between the southern forest and the plane."
Harry could not believe what was happening. The day before he was a sophisticated member of the Glowing Depths and now the owner of an island and could see some of the magical creatures he had read about in his books in the flesh.
"As I said in the south we have the Port and Graphorns and right before us over the bridge, the young master should be able to see Potter Castle. Once you bonded with the major ward stone you can use apparition master. Only the Lord was allowed to do so or allow others to do so." That would make things easier Harry thought listening to the elf while still trying to hold onto every detail his senses picked up. The magic was rich and the wards tickled his skin.
"The island sits on a crossing of two ley lines. Not as strong as Hogwarts but enough to provide for us elves and the other inhabitants with enough magic for plants to grow and magic to live on. In the Northwest is the entry point to the mines. We had some rare minerals but the potters had not seen reason to go into the mountainside too much." Lordey continued his lecture while they tracked toward the castle.
As they made their way to the castle they exchanged more information. Like how Lordey was able to know everything only to let the two know that he was the 6th Generation of the elves with the name Lordey. What started as a joke of the first Potterer Linfred of Stinchcombe for his personal Elf quickly rose to the name of the potter head elf after they moved to the Island. His family was known for their eccentric and mischievous behavior. Well to those who knew them. He also understood why his parents had moved to Godrics Hollow after he had been shown to the Portrait Room. The family motto was "defendat vindictam" in Latin, which could be translated to protect, endure, and revenge. As the Potters had built up this safe space for the magical creatures, races, and such they not only registered it as a sanctuary with the authorities of their time but also swore to hold dangers away even if they had to endure hardships. That was the final straw for Harry's emotional threshold. He retired to his quarters after he had calmed himself down, while Erebos took to the sky to search for a place to make his nest.
Some days later, Potter Island, Westside Mountains
Harry was sitting before a new cave. With the help of the Elves, Erebos carved himself his abode on the west side of the mountain. It was one or two minutes if you could fly away from the castle. Far enough away to get his silence if he wanted.
On his lap, he had the full-size version of his staff. Bordering six feet five the cherry with now some additions of snakewood and carved runes of the first alphabet he ever learned, the dragon ones, was shining as he used a wood polish some of the elves he still tried to remember the names of provided him.
Erebos currently slept in after getting his first growth spurt. Now matching Harry in size he had to sleep a bit to get his energy levels back to normal. The highly magical creatures would increase their size in many growth spurts. Some dragon species would grow continuously while some would have only spurts or just reach their adult form through some other means. Harry collected each scale or thing Erebos had shed. Sometimes he had to help his partner to shed them with a bit of force or oil the scales. Everything he did was only increasing the bond between the two of them. He used it for the emulsion for the Staff polish or other things he already learned from the books like some tinctures.
The snakewood-cherry staff had absorbed the polish like a thirsty man the fresh water. One of the changes Harry observed that happened had been that the surface of the wood now lost some of the wooden tendencies and got a much more leathery feel and scaly carvings. Also, it was now much more durable. Not even when the significantly heavier dragon accidentally stumbled over it after a training drill and stepped on it did the staff show any signs of damage.
This way of care was something Harry had gotten from a lecture from the Dragon Onyxia herself. The young raven-haired wizard remembered her fondly when he repeated the process so the effects would stay on the wood.
In a book about the introduction to the wizarding world, he had found yesterday. It was mentioned that one had always to care for his or her wand. It was the simplest type of bonding ritual you could think of. Not unlike his rejuvenation ritual where he had to use his blood to draw runes and symbols, cleanse himself, or be naked. No, he just has to polish the wand or in his case staff.
His Finger trailed above the runes for expansion and reduction. His staff could easily be shrunk and placed in any pocket or expanded to be used as a walking stick.
After some time Erebos came out of the cave and both exchanged some words.
" Slept well?" Harry asked the dragon in parseltongue. Since his Rejuvenation ritual, it sounded much better according to both of his draconish friends.
"Better than in Mother's cave to be honest. I will go for a fly around the Island and explore some places" Erebos growled with his deep rumbling voice that translated even into the magical language.
"Yeah, unfortunately, I haven't found a working broom yet to fly with you. Must be something to experience the sky like that. And you are not big enough to take me with you" Harry said, sounding a bit sad.
The young Dragon rumbled as he used the dragon's way of chuckling. He flapped his wings and seemed to concentrate for a moment.
" I think, I found something but I want to consult Mother about it before making promises."
Harry put his staff away and stood up looking interested.
" Well Go for it, take my best wishes and some elves to get you off the Island and back"
"Tinky, Blinky. Would you be free for a moment and take Erebos back to his Mother? He has to ask some questions" The House Elves appeared with a silent pop and nodded and a loud crack later left with the Dragon. Harry made his way back to the castle and into the Portrait room. He wanted to ask his ancestors some questions
He apparated back to the family floor and got up into the portrait room greeting some of them fondly only to bow before the last one. In them was a couple one of them a potter. The raven-black-haired man wore something resembling a uniform with an order of valor on it. Beside him was a beautiful lady with high cheekbones. The same could be found in Harry's face if you looked closely. "Hello again Lady Dorea, Lord Charlus," Harry said and bowed a bit.
The Couple smiled at him and Dorea was the first to speak.
"Ahh young Harry, welcome back. But how often do we have to tell it's just Charlus and Dorea or Grandmother and Grandfather? We blood adopted your father at his birth. After it was clear I won't be able to conceive. Something, my brother asked of me just to give him a second option to pass the headship to."
Harry blushed a bit. He still tried to work through that he had some ways to talk to his relatives through the portraits. The concept of a blood adoption ritual he learned just yesterday about. His adopted Grandmother was a member of House Black, one of the oldest magical Families. Her Brother Arcturus was the last Lord of the house. Through his adopted grandmother Harry was connected to the main branch. Something he would have to look into. Maybe he had living relatives and nobody knew about them. It was a new hope for the orphan. Living human relatives?
"Sorry about that, you told me that you have some important lessons you have to tell me about the modern wizarding world."
Harry's response got him two smiles as Charlus picked up the conversation.
"That's true. It is related to your stay here and the secrecy about it. As long as you haven't passed an Ordinary Wizarding Level and reached your 17th birthday you require a magical guardian. You are not even allowed to do wand-based magic. One safe bet would be someone with ties to your blood who is not part of a supremacy movement. Be it Pureblood or Pro Muggle. I implore you to contact Goldaxe at Gringotts Bank at your earliest convenience. He can help you with the process of finding someone and get you access to your inheritance. Tell him that you have reasonable reservations about your current guardian because of the neglect you experienced."
Harry had taken out his notebook and a pencil and took notes. He wanted to contact Gringotts either way he would just pen down a letter with both of his requests and let Lordey take it to Gringotts. After the information about magical guardians and some laws he needed to adhere to, the Blacks and Potters followed.
While the Blacks were known for ruthlessness and political cloud the potters of old were craftsmen. Potions, Wards, Builders of brooms, and other things. All that knowledge also made the Potters very good in the ways of battle. Their craft was often just a cover to make a living and to distract from their family tradition. Always they had trained to protect those they were unable to do themselves.
Something Harry thought about was a noble profession. The reason why his House could still be called Most Ancient and Noble, even if the Supremacists had kicked them out of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Because the Potters could not care less which blood status their spouses had. They were regarded as traitors to the magical blood. Something the Potters could only laugh about when they looked over the plaines of their island. Looking at magical animals thought extinct. They protected magical blood. All of it, because before the eyes of Magic, they all were the same. Why differentiate between races, ethnicities, or blood? They were living beings with magic and those without and that was the only distinction that counted in the eyes of the Potters.
Some hours later, the Office of Goldaxe
A young Goblin knocked, bowed, and placed a sealed letter on his desk while the older Goblin worked on his papers. After his door closed he looked at the seal and recognized it in seconds. He blinked and opened the letter. It was penned in cursive but strong feather.
May your enemies tremble before your might Account Manager,
my name is Hadrian James Potter. I am currently in need of your services because my magical Guardian has neglected his duties to me and his position. I enact my right to search for a next of kin to fill in for the guardian at the moment appointed to me. Based on the treaty the Goblins have with my kind, the nation stated that it will provide mediation and decision if a magical person with a wand wants to use their services.
Further, I need to contact the Vampire Coven of France, and a certain Dragon by the name of Onyxia told me your services would be discreet and available for such things too.
The Portrait of Lord Charlus told me to add, that on my honor, I never received any mail from your institution. We think there is a post ward in place so request, that you send your reply by elf. Lordey and Tinkey are available to you in that matter and for further communication.
Sincerely,
Hadrian James Potter
Lord Apparent, MAaN House of Potter
Heir Presumptive, MAaN House of Black
The Goblin read the letter twice. The Seal was the right one. He even knew that the House of Potter was a most Ancient House. Something that would not be recognized by the ministry. Stupid humans and their ways.
Because some families believe that you would have to belong to the 28 families to be most ancient. They even managed to convince the biased administration of that fact. For a a family to get recognized in certain ways the family's magic needed to mature. They would have to stay true to their beliefs and rites. But, most humans had lost those traditions or forsaken them, without understanding why magic was now punishing them.
That the old magic of the wizard council would still recognize the Potters and only did not because they had not claimed the right to invoke their birthright was another topic. The halls of the wizengamot would forever change if one of those families that still had a claim to their true title and station would come forth. The Goblins just waited for that to happen.
Against the common belief that Goblins treated Dragons worse than scum and hold them prisoner for their benefit, that was only half of the truth. The Dragons were structured and organized. They even had their society if you knew where you would have to look. Humans, as they thought of themselves often at the pinnacle of evolution, were ignorant of that fact. The Dragons, Gringotts used had lost their privileges after endangering their race and the race reacted accordingly. The Goblin Nation just was a beneficiary of their workings and used the sentenced Dragons for hard labor and intimidation against thieves.
Onyxia was one of the Governors of pure magical sanctuaries. No human knew of them and the special magic of the dragons would let them forget if they ever met them. Like Atlantis, Avalon, and other lost civilizations. They were never lost, just to the humans. Atlantis was the capital of the magical merfolk currently governed by the Mermen. That this young wizard had contact with one of these Governors had given his request more credibility than the seal. Goldaxe would arrange some things. He knew of someone who could help him, I mean she was once a Black so would qualify as a next of kin. He had things to do. With a snap of his fingers, the parchment had incinerated itself.
Potter Farm, Northern Potter Lands, Area of Pembrokeshire - Wales
Harry was talking with the Head Elf of the Farm as he was petting a black Kneazle.
"Hello Banksy, thank you for your services till this day. Lordey told me you could give me a summary of what roams, err, my lands you know?"
The House Elve named Banksy, wore leather gloves and had a pinny out of the same material. He looked a bit like a Smith. After Harry found out, that on the Island the main Population was the elves. Each of them is around the height of a teen. So it nearly looked like a colony of children. Everyone wore clothes matching the profession. Even Lordey wore a suit most of the time or a military uniform after Charlus's design. Tinkey had to be outfitted shortly after she joined the Clan of Potter Elves.
"Sure young master. We cultivate mundane Livestock like sheep, cows, chickens, and pigs. On the magical side, it is a bit more difficult. In the Lost Woods, you would find Bowtruckle, Acromantula, Mooncalfs, and Unicorns. Sometimes Griffins, Hippogriffs, and Thestrals. But it is like with everything they are wild animals, Sir. They come and go as they please. At the Moment in the Mountains in the North, you will find a couple of Griffins looking after their newborns. I think they will stay this time. Around summer we get sometimes a visiting Thunderbird. It helps with the crops and gives us some rain. Around the plane, you will find Niffler and Kneazle. In the South, there are the Graphorns, sometimes Diriclaws. In the Waters and around are Shrakes and other Merfolk. I hope that suffices my Lord?"
Harry nodded slowly. That was something. But not so many serpents he would have to look if he could save some of the rare ones. As a Parselmouth he was uniquely qualified to do so. But first, he got some more impressions and dinner for his buddy Erebos. A crack later appeared before his cave. He had returned an hour ago and was hungry.
" Hey Erebos, I got a fresh pig for you"
He hissed into the cave only for the Dragon to come out and pounce on the prepared meat.
Banksy had it enchanted in stasis so Harry had no trouble delivering. They both sat down on the small place in front of the cave and ate their meals in silence. Till his Dragon friend let out a small flame to clean his mouth.
" I asked Mother, as I told you. Well, you have two Options. First is the Animagus transformation. Wizards can transform into their spirit animals of sorts. Sounds like a possibility but you would have to be lucky to draw an avian animal. And with all pure human-invented magic it is overly complex and you could end up as a curiosity when you do something wrong."
"Yeah, I know Xia's Opinion about foolish wand weavers and all of that. So what is Option Two?" Harry chuckled and looked at Erebos.
" The Figura Animas is something the Druids have come up with. You would bond with a magical being and be able to transform into it. How much you would able to transform is something completely dependent on how much you and your bondmate are in synch."
Harry looked at his Dragon friend. That sounded like something nearly the same but completely different. " Well, what are the risks, benefits, and such? I mean I would have to find someone to bond with first."
Erebos flapped his wings producing a gust of wind.
" Risks are not to be able to differentiate between the forms. But as long you and you're bonded can communicate that would be reversible. Benefits. Well If hypothetically speaking we would bond. You would be able to fly with me and I would be able to do some wizard things. Like shrink or expand."
" You would want to bond with me the little scrawny human, just barely ten years old?"
Harry asked the shock clearly to hear in his Voice.
The Dragon nodded and poked him with his snout at the shoulders making him take a more firm stand.
" I would. I could even go with you to this Hogwarts thing. I mean their school motto is intriguing. Maybe we find another Dragon. Maybe even an older one than Mother, An Elder."
He may have the accumulated knowledge of his ancestors but sometimes his youth was shining through. The young Dragon sounded excited, adventurous, and fired up at the last points of the sentence.
After Harry's Confirmation that he would do it, they got a first roadblock. For the Bonding and everything else they needed a new moon. Harry organized a calendar and looked at the date.
The next new moon would be in ten days on the 20th of August. Well, preparations had to be made. and Dragon and Human started with the ingredients and location.
18th of August, Gringotts Bank London, Conference Room
Andromeda Tonks wore a muggle dress. It was modest but still, the natural beauty all three of the Back Sisters had was in play so she turned one or two heads on the way to her target. Those looks she had gotten were forgotten now as she sat in the conference room of Gringotts. It was like the time she was interviewed for her internship at the solicitor firm she made her mastery in magical law. Now she waited for a meeting with a potential client. Gringotts was not very forthcoming with the identity of the client as was the norm but this time they even used more smokescreen than usual. They just said that she was uniquely qualified for this specific person. She was five minutes early and had to wait. At 10 am sharp the door opened. One Goblin with a golden battle axe and one which looked like a preteen. A preteen in a wide robe with a hood over his face and a long dark wooden staff that he used as a walking stick. As he took his hood off and Andromeda scanned the face she paled.
Two hours earlier, Portkey Arrival Point Gringotts Bank London.
Harry had followed the instruction for the Portkey to the last point and stood in a wide area. A Goblin was motioning him to move forward. Guards in chainmail and menacing-looking weapons stepped forward with the one with a golden axe who had signaled him to come to him. Harry was measuring his steps and never lost eye contact with the Guards.
"Greeting, may the treasures of your enemies fill your vaults. Manager Goldaxe I assume." Harry spoke with a clear voice after giving the Goblin a respectful nod with the head. Shocking the two Guards with his respectful greeting. He did not smile but did not daddle. Just the right amount of honey, like he had been instructed to.
The Goblin responded with a respectful nod of his own. "Lord Potter then, you will understand that we have to prove your claim to this identity. Not a full inheritance test, that would be illegal before you get your Hogwarts letter but a short test to prove your identity." One Guard made a step forward pointing to his Staff speaking something in their native tongue shortly after both guards rushed at Harry. The young wizard didn't care what their problem was his staff expanded at his will. He twirled with inhuman strength and was able to parry both, the sword and the axe with some effort but stayed calm. He changed to parseltongue and filled his voice with magic while he hissed the next words. " Rise, children of the earth and bind my foes "
In the blink of an eye serpents made of stone coiled around the legs of the attacking guards. Goldaxe was not an idle Goblin his axe had beheaded the first of the guards and shortly after the second. Harry twirled his staff and looked at Goldaxe with a raised brow but remembering his lessons with the Governess he said nothing, waiting for an explanation. The older Goblin looked at both Guards and saw a symbol glowing on their necks. Shortly after both Goblin Guard bodies caught fire and were ashes a second after.
"I apologize, Lord Potter. It looked like some of our supremacists were not amused that I brought a wizard into our halls. It should not have happened. Are you alright?"
Harry got out of his battle stance and shrunk his staff but not before he had written a rune into the air. Using only one finger that left a flaming script behind to write the rune that was one of those runic invocation he had picked up in his years in the depths, his skin looked like it was made of stone for a moment. After that short light show the skin looked a bit more scaly to the trained eye. "Well that was exciting, but let's move on shall we" Harry tried to stay calm. Projecting the straight and brave face of a warrior, but he was just a child and was not prepared for this kind of situation.
Something the Goblin picked up. But he did not sneer. The boy was not even of the age he would get his wand, but he still was able to defend himself spoke of a training regimen, that most lazy wizardkind would not impose on their young. The Goblin was impressed, to say the least. "Have no worries, young Lord, you stood your ground marvelously. On my honor, nothing will happen to you from this point onward. You may want to hide your staff though. The treaty states that no wizard shall raise a wand on the ground of the nation. I can understand your action and your efficient and defensive way was according to the law but we don't want a repeat of the situation do we?"
The Goblin showed him his teeth and Harry had used the time to calm down a little.
"Make no mistake Account Manager Goldaxe, I will be ready for a second round if needed." His voice was a bit more solid now. His hardening rune would defend him against most weapons, but if that applied to enchanted Goblinsteel was something he did not want to test again. His Parseltongue spell, based on the Incantation and his visualization had already vanished and left behind some rubble. The Goblin laughed good-naturedly and approved of Harry's Instincts and took him to his office. This time without another fight. His Identity was proven and both exchanged some sensible information. That Gringotts had found a possible next of kin that even had the nice coincidence to be a solicitor in both worlds. Goldaxe had prepared a file Harry had read through. After that, he told him about the reason that he had a matter of personal health that the Coven might be able to help him with. The Goblin recommended not going alone maybe taking a guard and if everything would go to plan his solicitor with him. Harry got an audit report on all Potter assets. Regarding his claim to the Blacks, Goldaxe would have to till he got a full inheritance test. Some last words and they were off to the conference room.
Moments later , Gringotts Bank London, Conference Room
"Well we should all take a seat shall we." Goldaxe began and opened the folder he had brought with him. "Mrs. Tonks, as you were informed nothing said here will leave this room or the usual penalties apply." Waiting for Andromeda's confirmation he got in the form of a quick nod he continued. "As you can see our Client, Lord Potter, wants a Change of Guardianship magical and mundane, and at the same time requires a solicitor for different topics. As a former Black, you are of kin and your choice of a husband showed Gringotts, that you are unlikely a follower of the former Dark Lord calling himself Voldemort right?"
Again Andromeda could only nod while Harry took some notes with a pen in his mundane notebook. The whole situation was not what she had expected. But she would try to help Harry. She knew Lilly, was a good friend to her and even was one of the bridesmaids at their nuptials. So she listened to the investigation of the Goblin and answered all questions. Elaborated on her Situation. With Nymphadora at Hogwarts and Ted working as a traveling doctor she was alone for most of the year working on cases. Her Husband had a good heart and as the ICW had made known that they needed qualified doctors around the globe he was one of the first to apply. With him being a first-generation Wizard, his chances for good paid work were slim in their home country but they wanted to get their daughter the best education and chances possible. So they decided that he would answer the call of the ICW. Taking time off at the same time Dora would be home for holidays.
She was lonely at first but found an escape in her work. Quickly rising in the firm and working herself up till she quit and opened her own office. Providing services to magical, squips, and everything in between and as a Liason for the Goblins. She was able to hire some muggle-born assistants a year later. The Goblins paid her well for the services she provided as she could do things on the muggle side of things and was sharp. After reading through the retainer offer that laid before her, all looked like they would be able to afford the needed tutoring and pre-courses to join the Auror Academy for Dora.
After some time and the end of all clarification questions that had been gone between Andy and the Goblin, Harry spoke up.
"I really would like to get to know you and your family better Mrs. Tonks. If I understood my adoptive grandparents and account manager you are close family. While I like the ones I can speak to at the moment I think I would like to get to know more.. yeah, people." He said slowly.
While Andromeda was taken aback for a moment she quickly agreed on that and would meet him again soon. She had to draw up the wording for the vow of secrecy if she and her family wanted to meet with Harry they would need safeguards to ensure the safety of the place. After what happened to Harry's parents what some would think off too much was just enough to satisfy the healthy paranoia they both had.
20th of August, Prepared Ritual Grounds, at the center of the Potter Lands
Harry checked everything again and again. The location of the Ritualside. Just in the center of the land he owned. The elves had to build a floating platform as they would need to stay dry. Symbolizing the center of his very being. Blood of his soon-to-be familiar, freely given, used to draw the runes on himself. Thanks to the steady hands of Tinky. The mixture of the dragon and in his case, parselscript took some time to work out. But with ten days, nothing to do, and his friend with tons of knowledge everything could be possible. The same runes had been repeated on Erebos, with the Blood of Harry. They had to carefully mix the use of Blood replenishers and water intake to not damage his body while doing so. His strengthened physique helped a lot. The runes were a marvel they wanted to be very safe and the connection to help Harry change back if things went wrong was given, so the runes had to be in a language they both understood. Good thing Harry was fluent in the written form of parselscript thanks to Onyxia's instructions and Tinky's acquired books.
He looked at his friend. " Everything looks in order." While Harry was most confident in his skills this ritual was a bit more risky than the one from last year.
" Yeah, let's do this." was the short answer of the Dragon as he lay in his ritual circle. Harry stood in his and looked up to the new moon. A short calming breath and he began to use the Tongue of the Snakes filled with magic to call up the ancient magics connected to the ritual.
" Bind together, two beings in friendship and trust. Let them share the traits of the other to be able to defend the other. Let two different things come together."
Harry repeated the incantation two times after that. Erebos joined for another three and finished it three times on his own. It did not take long after that for both to see something happening. The runes on Harry started to glow and the young wizard screamed for a moment. It felt like his skin burned and his heart broke open. Shortly after Erebos could feel a pull, also in the region of his heart. The dragon could feel like something was connecting him to Harry as the young boy slowly changed his appearance.
First, the skin of his upper body developed scales of the same black that his scales had. Followed by two leather dragon wings coming out of his shoulders. Two horns and his fingers got some kind of claw-like appearance. His open and now yellow eyes were wide open looking and him as two horns got out of his head. Harry looked like the cross of a Dragon with a human, it just had the perfect balance of things. Were they so much in Synch? His mother had surmised at first he would get some scales. Not the full transformation.
Harry moved to the surface of the river and looked at his reflection, flexing his wings instinctively.
" Damn. I look like a real badass." His Voice had changed too. From the normal Parseltongue, his hisses changed the deeper version of the dragons.
" Yeah, and you don't sound like a posh snake anymore." Erebos chuckled only for Harry to roar a challenge and charge at his dragon friend. His instincts were good enough to flex the wings and jump up. But not good enough to glide, flap, and fly. Harry face-planted into the earth on half of the way to Erebos, who had fallen over laughing. Harry rolled over and spit out some soil. A second later he joined in on the laughs.
They really would have to work on that before they could fly together.