Weapon

Posted 01/01/2011 - Happy New Year

Hi there Everyone,

I forgot to say last time that I was going on vacation for a while. I had a great time. I was just visiting USA for my vacation but now I'm back in Aussie land. USA-land was great but COLD! How do you guys survive?

Extra special thank-you's got to teamedward240 for beta-ing this chapter and putting up with my periodic disappearances.

Jade.

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Weapon (Possession Chapter XCVII)
Chapter XLVI - Learning to Fly

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:Master,: the shadows interrupted his climb. He'd been climbing and swooping, using the exercise to build up his wing muscles and hone his control. But he was a bit tired and he aborted the climb, alighting on the inside of the lowest goal ring. His servants, while always with him, never used that tone unless they were serious. The quiet commentary he'd gotten used to, their almost constant dialogue of observations and comments was all jovial. This tone was something else. This was the tone they used when asking permission to eat. This was the tone they used when they promised him everything. This was the tone they used when nothing and no one would stand in their way.

:Yes?: he replied silently, folding his wings around his body as the slight breeze both tugged at him and cooled him.

:We need you to cast a spell, Master. Now. At your full power.:

They placed no particular emphasis on the word but Harry knew they meant in his full tenshi form.

:On whom?: he asked.

:On Remus Lupin,: they replied before noticing his stab of uncertainty. :It is the negation spell,: the shadows choral voice added dryly.

Harry nodded his understanding. :Show me the spell,: he said as he gathered himself. He would transform, cast it and transform back as quickly as he could. While Fawkes couldn't sense him properly in his animagus form, the phoenix or Dumbledore, or almost any other of the faculty might be able to sense the power spike. And he didn't want them to investigate that closely. The shadows formed themselves into the words, hanging in the air for him to read while another couple flicked through the appropriate gestures. He wouldn't need his wand when fully transformed, in fact trying to use his wand when transformed would most likely incinerate it with power overload but the gestures would make the flow of magic slightly easier for him and gave him something to focus on when he released the spell. He should have been expecting them to ask for this... Sirius as their... his representative could cast it, but it would be better coming from him. And Remus would want it soon, would need it soon to demonstrate to the werewolves that he was as good as his word and his word had the power to give the promises the shadows had made. And since there was no way for him to cast this spell on Remus with his permission as the Shadow Lord, as the werewolf would probably make several connections Harry didn't want anyone making just yet, so it had to be done surreptitiously now, while he could access his full power.

:Yes,: the shadows seemed to nod. :Remus will seek out Sirius before the moon, seeking a gesture of good faith to demonstrate to the other werewolves that we can do what we promised. And then he will take our proofs to them and our power will speak for itself.:

:Once they accept, how am I going to cast the spell on all of them without them seeing me?: Harry asked curiously.

:With difficulty,: the shadows admitted, but they dismissed the concern for now. :Worry about that when they agree.:

:I thought you were sure.:

:We are but we do not like to count on things before they are absolute,: the shadows said reasonably before they braced themselves, preparing to both hide from the light of Harry's full animagus form as well as preparing to gorge themselves on as much light as they could consume.

:Stay,: Harry commanded with a hint of steel in his voice.

:Master?:

:You have to learn to bear my light one day, now is a good time for this will be brief,: he explained.

:Yes, Master,: the shadows replied, flowing back around him. There was the tiniest quaver in their tone but they accepted his order.

Harry intoned the words of the charm he had to cast on Remus a few times, practicing the accompanying gesture with his hand before he seemed to bunch up, gathering himself in the moments before his transformation. :Ready?:

:Yes, Master.:

Harry nodded, closed his eyes and raised his face to the sun as he drew the mental image and willed his body to move into it. Unlike the transformation into his current form, this transformation into his full form was not about change but about loss. He could feel his corporeal form falling away from him, dissolving as his essence became purely magic. It was almost as if he had been covered in oil that gravity was pushing down his body and away from him. As the imaginary oil flowed away from him, he emerged as pure magic, confined only by his will into the shape of a tenshi.

He was a beacon of light and the shadows skittered happily for a moment but as the energy continued to flow through him, as the energy continued to become him their skittering grew pained and he could feel them gasping as they tried to consume his light and failed. :Stop,: he cautioned them. :Just bear it. Just accept my light without consuming it. Just let it flow with you, to compliment your darkness, don't fight it my servants for this light is your companion.: For some reason the words felt right and the shadows seemed comforted as they stopped fighting his light and tried to move with it.

Harry smiled as they did that before he raised one hand and whispered the words of the spell, picturing Remus in his mind's eye as the target. The magic flowed around him, and through him, amplified many times because he was magic before it spun out invisibly, forming what appeared to be a band that would encircle the werewolves head to reinforce his human mind. Other tendrils flowed behind the band like ribbons and Harry knew those would reach down, wrapping around Remus' body to help reduce the pain of the transformation.

He watched, though the magic of Hogwarts as the spell settled on to the werewolf, who didn't notice a thing. This was not an invasive spell so for it did not trigger most protections and the wards on Hogwarts Castle itself had not even hindered it, though they had recognized the presence of magic crossing their boundary. Harry couldn't help but look at the wards as well, noticing their very strong glow and their anchor points. He didn't think he'd have to break them in the future, but one could never be sure and while he had the leisure to just look he felt he should.

The distress of his servants reminded him this was meant to be a brief transformation and while it had only been a minute or so, he needed to transform back before someone or something in the castle sensed his presence. The shadows had begun to flow with his light but they were still being hurt and they'd need practice doing that before they could smoothly flow with it. Their instinct was to consume light but in this case while they could consume it, they needed to learn to work with it. Almost like swimming. One could drink water but one could not hope to drink all the water in the lake so one went swimming in it. The shadows were used to amounts of light they could consume, not amounts that they had to interact with in some other way. Harry sighed as he reverted to what he was coming to call his Halfling form. While the shadows had assured him he could hold his true animagus form almost indefinitely he hadn't had much chance to practice and he still wasn't used to the sensation of weakness.

While the transformation into his full animagus form felt like he was emerging or lifting free of his corporeal form - and it was very like that - the transformation back felt like he was putting on a limiter. He was putting back on his flesh and while he couldn't deny the sense of comfort he felt when he had a physical form, he disliked intensely the feel of his flesh limiting the power flows. There was a wild freedom in his animagus form; he was unconstrained and uncontainable, free to be whatever he wanted.

:You are free in whatever form you chose, Master,: the shadows reminded him gently.

:Not yet I'm not,: he disagreed.

They giggled. :Soon though.:

:Yes,: Harry agreed. :Soon I will be free.:

He frowned slightly, preparing to take to the air again when a fragment of memory hit him. :Before my birthday,: he began, struggling to remember exactly what they had said, :You told me that there was only one way to destroy a phoenix.: He did remember rather distinctly that they had said you couldn't kill a phoenix, you had to destroy them.

:We did,: they confirmed.

:And you said that there was only two ways to corrupt a phoenix,: Harry added as more of the conversation returned to him, including the brief flash of rage he'd felt when they had told him they could not remove the phoenix tattoo. But the kernel of a new idea was forming... another way to bring a phoenix down.

:Yes, Master. A phoenix either corrupts themselves... something which despite Fawkes' manipulative nature is highly unlikely, or you ask a dark tenshi to corrupt him for you,: the shadows summarized.

:Why can't I do it?: Harry asked in a hurry.

The shadows paused at his question and Harry felt decidedly mixed sentiments from them; confusion that he would be asking this, chagrin at themselves that they hadn't anticipated it and cold, and calculating consideration of the idea. He remembered what they said, he needed a dark tenshi and that if he summoned one he'd probably kill it but that was because he'd have been trying to force it to his will... though he rather doubted any wizard could force a full blood tenshi to obey them. But while they had said it would require a dark tenshi, they hadn't said why. Corruption of light was not infection, it was something else. Similar to what the shadows did when seducing someone but not quite since there was no consumption of light either. It was possible that a dark tenshi would be required because a light one would not be willing to corrupt the light of another being of light but... he was more than willing. His servants seemed to give off a soft buzz as they discussed his question though finally their echoing voice seemed to coalesce into one voice that he thought he recognized as Kali's.

: Firstly Master, you are correct. The summoning of a tenshi is not so much a summoning but is more a request to listen, with a plea not to be destroyed if the listening does not go well. The only thing that can compel a tenshi is another tenshi. In fact the only successful summonings that we've heard of or seen is when the summoner offers gifts to the tenshi for their attention and gives further gifts if any services are rendered. And in most cases the wizards haven't known exactly what they have discoursed with.:

Harry smiled. While his servants insisted on the absolute meaning of language, it appeared that sometimes even they were not immune to the urge to be somewhat vague and imprecise.

:Secondly,: the shadows continued, :we do not believe you can corrupt Fawkes. You are a light tenshi, and while you are correct in your surmise that any other light tenshi would not be inclined to corrupt Fawkes, we believe you to be a special case for the following reasons. Fawkes does not yet fully trust you.:

:With reason,: Harry interrupted.

:Oh yes, with reason and with memory of the past,: his servants added the tantalizing hint.

:The past?:

:Not yet Master. We are sorry but not yet,: the shadows full voice returned, tinged with regret and Harry knew they weren't quite ready to tell him of that history that they had previously hinted at. They would in time, he knew but not yet and while he could force them he felt no need to drag the details out of them. Then their voice changed as they took up the explanation again.

:Because Fawkes does not trust you, he will be on guard against you and any attempt you make to corrupt him may be enough for him to discover some of those things we'd rather weren't noticed yet. Additionally while the corruption of light is not infection, it does require you to possess a small bit of dark. You Master, do not. While we admit your understanding of light and dark is surpassed by none, this is a case where understanding is not enough. The being corrupting the light, or even in the reverse, the corruption of dark can only be done by those who possess both and your darkness Master, is us and is therefore external to you.:

:Is there anything else?: Harry asked, closing his eyes as he stretched his wings.

:No. We believe it would be possible for us together to corrupt Fawkes but for the first reason. He will be on guard against us. So we are sorry Master, a dark tenshi must be found or summoned and persuaded to corrupt Fawkes. On the bright side though,: they giggled at their pun, :because you are a tenshi, persuasion is likely to be easy and we will help the Serpent Lord when he talks to them if another opportunity does not arise.:

Harry nodded as he stepped off the goal ring, flapping his wings powerfully to gain altitude. He still had several hours in which he was cleared to practice flying and he intended to use them all. Fawkes would understand, especially when he related the joy he felt in this form, joy that the phoenix would take as pleasure in flying, which he did feel but he felt more pleasure in being unobserved and able to be himself. His servants had clarified the situation but still, nothing they had said went against his idea. He may yet be able to destroy the phoenix himself but for the moment he tucked the still developing idea deep into his mind. He would think about it and develop it slowly, making sure he'd thought of every angle before he asked their opinion. They would help him with the idea, even now but every now and then, it was better to stand alone.

He smiled as he reached the peak of his climb and folded his wings in diving towards the ground with just the leading edges extended to allow him to guide his motion slightly.

There was so much freedom here and it was a sensation he savored, not knowing how long it would be before he could experience it again. The shadows flickered on the ground and trailed along behind him, ribbons of power and protection that seemed insubstantial but were almost absolute. They especially loved clinging to his corporeal wings that appeared to be an inky black, covered as they were with his servants. He shook them briefly, dislodging the shadows slightly so that his wings soft luminescence shone through, before the shadows covered it again, greedily sucking up the soft light they generated. His full light was too harsh for them at the moment but they would grow fat on the light from his wings long before they had consumed enough. He'd told the wizards his wings were white because he was a Halfling but the shadows had maintained that in time he'd learn to change the color of his wings. It didn't really bother Harry, though he was tactician enough to see the disadvantages of snowy wings at night.

At length as he back wings into land, he gave his servants a small morsel of soft light. They snuggled into him, :Thank you Master.:

:You are welcome,: Harry replied smiling as he sent them a burst of affection as he sat down.

They appreciated the gesture but he could feel their curiosity.

"There's no one around," he said, ignoring their curiosity for the moment.

:No, Fawkes has been as good as his word on this.:

"Then while flying is a great deal of fun, I should also attend to some other matters while his eyes are averted," Harry explained to them as he sent them another burst of energy to consume before he reached out with his mental presence, brushing his mind against his beloved's occlumency shields. He could have just showed his presence the in Dark Lord's mind but Harry realized that while they were still feeling the indulgence brought about by finding each other, they should set some rules and just appearing fully in the mind and thoughts of the other, no matter how pleasurable at times could be dangerous. The mental equivalent of knocking was essential. At least this year. They could review in the future.

As expected though, Voldemort's mind opened to him with a rush of soft emotion as soon as Harry was recognized. The reasoning behind his caution also translated and Harry could almost feel the shaking of the older wizards head. :Harry, Harry, Harry,: the serpentine voice flowed to him. :You are far too considerate for me,: came the chiding but the tone carried acceptance and pride that Harry had been so logical. Hard on the acceptance though came the exclusions. :When we lie together we are one and after this year, when the phoenix is gone, you are mine!: The Dark Lord's thought was quiet but his tone was possessive and Harry shivered at the raw desire he could feel from his lover. It was echoed in him and for a long moment the two of them indulged in a mental hug, one that caressed the other fully with their presence.

:So what brings you to me today, little one?: Voldemort asked finally, drawing back slightly to avoid complete intoxication. That was something they could not yet indulge in.

:And you say I'm too considerate,: Harry said with a smile.

:You are. I should be the one broaching caution, yet I find myself over extended and willing to risk more to have this thing done with.:

:I too find myself wanting but the Muggles have a saying, patience is a virtue and we will be patient. As for why I'm here, they are letting me practice my animagus form and Fawkes can't communicate with me when I'm in it.: Harry said the last with a smirk.

There was another mental caress from Voldemort as he considered that information, his mind forming and discarding several theories. :Do they suspect?: He asked finally. A being of light such as Harry's animagus form should have no difficulty in speaking with another being of light like a phoenix.

:No,: Harry replied. :Fawkes thinks it's just energy overload and as I get more practiced at controlling this form then there will be less wasted energy and thus less overload to interfere with his voice.

Voldemort chuckled at that. :And at that point, I think my voice should interfere.:

Harry giggled, imagining the phoenix's response to that before a sharp pain flashed through him.

Xaos screamed, manifesting around him fully, writhing in agony. The basilisk's eyes were open wide and Xaos' mouth gapped as the serpent thrashed uncontrollably. Harry shook off the pain and jumped towards Xaos, capturing his basilisk's head in his arms and holding him close, his hands moving almost frantically in stroking soothing motions as he crooned deep in his throat at the distraught serpent.

"Xaos!" Harry called.

:It was Xir,: Voldemort's came to him, and Harry sensed that the Dark Lord was bringing himself under control. His mental tone though was frigid, not towards Harry but towards someone or something unspecified.

:Xir?: Harry asked as Xaos began to calm. The basilisk though was twined around Harry closely, almost as if seeking comfort from his presence.

:Someone killed Xir,: Voldemort explained, his voice overlaid with Xatarass'. :All basilisks in our family are joined,: he continued, :and when one dies before their time, we all feel it. We just felt Xir's violent death. Even if it was Xir's time though, we'd have felt it, just far more gently.:

Harry's eyes narrowed as Xaos stilled and gently stroked his nose into Harry's face.

:Xir has been absent for a while,: Xatarass continued. :That's not unusual,: the serpents voice was clinical and he was obviously suppressing his pain. :But as no one had been able to contact him the search was on. Too late it appears,: Xatarass concluded.

Xaos looked around. :Xir was with Xuld, Xal and Xentor,: the young basilisk said. :Have they been found?: he asked, using Harry's voice, though his tone was carefully controlled and betrayed no hope.

:Not yet,: the elder serpent said.

Harry looked into Xaos' green eyes before he turned away, staring at one of the ever present shadows. "Find them," he instructed firmly.

:Master?:

"Find them," he repeated.

:We don't know where,: the shadows said rather petulantly.

"Then you'd better start looking," Harry said without shame, ignoring their grumbling. He'd learnt that his servants sometimes complained or objected to his orders, just to make sure that he truly wanted what he ordered. It would continue for a while he figured, or at least until they were comfortable with having a master again and they worked together as one. He didn't resent it. They truly wanted to work with him and as such they were both learning about the other.

:Thank you,: Voldemort said and Harry sensed he was reluctant to speak further and he withdrew after giving his beloved a final mental caress.

Xatarass and the Serpent Lord would need to be alone for a little bit. Of course that wasn't what was really best but it was all he could do at the moment since he couldn't exactly apparate to his beloved and show him the joys of life and love to combat the grief. No matter how much he wanted.

"When you find them bring them to me," Harry added the instruction.

:You assume they are in trouble.:

"I know they are," Harry replied.

:A reasonable assumption,: the shadows conceded. :We will bring them if possible,: they said. :Otherwise that will be up to you or the Serpent Lord to arrange.:

Harry nodded before he ruffled his wings, closing them briefly over Xaos to comfort his serpent. He had intended to spent a bit more time speaking to his beloved but the opportunity was lost and that was something whoever killed Xir would live long enough to regret.

Harry flexed his claws and flapped his wings as Xaos faded back into him, the little basilisk's mental presence clinging to him for comfort. He took to the air again, considerably more comfortable with flying than he had been earlier. He swept his wings down before calling his power to him, imagining Xir's killer in front of him before he released the energy. He spun mid-air and fired off another curse as he practiced. If he couldn't spend time with Lord Voldemort, then he would at least do what he was meant to be doing.

After all the more proficient he was with his animagus form, the more power he'd be able to channel as human and perhaps he would be able to get rid of the weakness he felt in that form. And of course, more power meant he'd be placed in combat sooner and then perhaps he'd feel like he was doing something.

At least he hoped he'd be allowed to do something. There was little point to his training otherwise but sometimes Dumbledore got strange ideas.

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Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year

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