Yggdrasil_Loki
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HP: Harry From The Ancient House Of Black [ Chapter 21 ]
🕑 Added 2024-10-20 16:23:36 +0000 UTCAries came back to look at von Reich, who was leaning forward, looking at him with an expression of curiosity before leaning back, and placing his hands in his lap.
He waited for his master to speak as he was not sure if this would be a social conversation or if he was about to be reprimanded.
"What did you think of today's lesson Aries?" The question caught him off guard, but he quickly recovered.
"Dementors are a rather interesting discussion, something I didn't think was covered until seventh year."
The creatures did intrigue them, as did many dark creatures, and had read up on them from an early age.
Their loyalty to dark wizards was a potential asset he had been researching since his arrival at Durmstrang.
"They also have a tendency to show up in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, something I thought you all would be interested in, particularly you."
"I've noticed," Aries drawled. "The Patronus Charm is on my agenda to learn after the First Task."
"And do you have a plan?"
"Yes." Aries was unsure of how much to tell the old man but decided that being open could be rewarding. "Dragons are definitely an interesting challenge."
"Ah, so Kakaroff told you, did he?" He enjoyed the look of disgust on Professor von Reich's face. Their mutual dislike of the Headmaster was a common topic during their lessons.
"That man is a coward. Afraid of losing anything, including this tournament. I'm still not sure why Cassiopeia allowed him to be the Headmaster of Durmstrang."
"I had hoped to enjoy the challenge of not knowing the task but-"
"But you did not wish to look a gift horse in the mouth?" Von Reich finished for him.
"A wise decision. No doubt you do not wish to burn that bridge. Kakaroff, despite him being a coward, could potentially push many valuable students your way."
Aries nodded at that. Kakaroff was important to his future plans, unless he could be replaced with someone better.
"Your affinity for fire will be useful for this first challenge then."
Aries gave an amused snort at that. "Dragon fire is very different than magical fire."
"Ah, but elemental fire is much closer in nature. Your ability to bend and control the elements will prove useful in this tournament." Aries could not help the troubled look on his face and Von Reich glanced back at his notes for a moment.
"Tell me what you think of your competition."
"Diggory is indeed my strongest competitor. Fast, nimble, and has a wide arsenal of spells, though admittedly light. He is far more powerful than he lets on. The Delacour girl, a veela, is a close second. If her allure affected me I'd consider her above Diggory.”
“Still, she also has an affinity for fire, as do most veela, and the Goblet chose her for a reason. I've been trying to get close to her, but Madame Maxine seems against the idea of her 'fraternizing with the enemy.'" His professor nodded along while Aries took a moment to reflect on his last opponent.
"Potter is the least concerning. Though that is if one is considering which of three deadly snakes one wants to avoid the least. No doubt he has had some training, but his inexperience gives me an advantage."
"As expected, your assessment is correct." Again, that curious look crossed his mentor's face.
"Tell me Aries, why did you decide to be a champion?" This was the second time the professor had caught him off guard, but he silently collected his thoughts before answering.
"The dueling tournament was a fantastic way to introduce myself to the people of England. But this tournament, it can be the beginning of the return of the House of Black."
"Then why are you going to hold yourself back? I can see your reluctance to use your more refined abilities. If you mean to introduce yourself why not show them all of what you can do?"
"The reward is not worth the risk," Aries almost gritted out.
He did not want to have this conversation, but his master did not agree. He did not answer right away, but he eventually spoke again.
"Eight years ago, Cassiopeia Black came to me, telling me of a boy that needed a tutor. She told me that this boy was exceptional and incredibly powerful. I expected someone in their teens, but I found myself tutoring a seven-year-old boy."
Aries remembered well the day that Professor von Reich came to teach him, mere days after receiving his wand.
"I was not disappointed however. For two hours, five days a week, I taught you under the watchful eyes of your aunt. Immediately I knew you had power, and the determination to succeed.”
“Every great wizard, and many of the finest duelists, long to find an apprentice, to pass on their knowledge and see it perfected. I had given up hope of finding someone worthy to pass on my knowledge to, and then I found you.”
“That first day I taught you I asked your aunt for permission to apprentice you, and she denied me. I'm ashamed to say I begged, and still she refused, but I was determined.”
“For four years I taught you Battle Magics, Transfiguration, Charms, Runes, and Potions, watching as you surpassed my expectations day after day.”
“Every day I asked to make you my apprentice, still your aunt denied me. Yet I could tell it was only the tip of the iceberg, and that you both were hiding something.”
"It was the day I was offered the Battle Magics post at Durmstrang that your aunt came to me. That only confirmed my assumption that I had been offered it because of your aunt.”
“It was then that I learned of your immense power, far beyond even what I had guessed, and it was also the day I learned of your mother. That day she finally approved my request, and you became my apprentice with an eagerness I yearned for.”
