Harry Potter and the Crystalline Darkness

Katling

Story Summary:
Continues on from Guild of the Night. Harry's sixth year is over, the Battle has been won and he's off for a summer with Sirius and Remus and then the Weasleys before starting his seventh and final year at Hogwarts. Life seems to be pretty good right now - or is it? What has happened to his old enemies? And what is happening with the looming, crystalline darkness?

Chapter 32 - 32

Chapter Summary:
Nhean and the Guild start searching for the source of Harry's problem and they find an answer but not one that will make Harry happy. Ginny encounters an old enemy and makes a startling discovery.
Posted:
02/19/2006
Hits:
4,964


Chapter 32

Nhean stared down at the book in front of him and frowned. He was tucked in a carrel at the very back of the Academy library and he was surrounded on all sides by books, piled on the desk, the floor and a couple of chairs he'd appropriated. His search had been long and frustrating and largely unsuccessful but finally he'd managed to find the reference he'd been looking for. Nearly five hundred years ago a Dark wizard and his followers made an attempt to wipe out the Guild entirely. They had come perilously close to succeeding and it had only been due to the actions of some of the Trainers that the attempt had failed.

He leaned back in his chair and sighed. Unfortunately there wasn't much in the way of details as to just what this Dark wizard had done that enabled him to kill so many highly trained and skilled Warriors. Nor was there much in the way of detail about why the Trainers had succeeded where the Warriors failed.

"Have you had any luck in your search?"

Nhean looked up to see Ichiro Takao, the Head of the Council, standing beside him.

"Some," he said, his frustration plain to see even for a Night Warrior. "I have found the reference I remembered but unfortunately there is little detail."

"Which reference?" Ichiro said as he took the pile of books off one of the chairs and sat down.

"It dates back to just over five hundred years ago," Nhean explained. "The Dark Wizard, Nicolai Toventsky."

"Ah, the one that almost managed to destroy us," Ichiro said with understanding. "I remember. He managed to kill every Warrior that was sent against him but was eventually killed by the Trainers. Am I correct?"

"Absolutely correct," Nhean replied. "And therein lies the problem. No Warriors survived to tell anyone what happened to make them so vulnerable to Toventsky and what ever it was clearly did not affect the Trainers."

"Intriguing," Ichiro said thoughtfully. "So it must be something that affects the blind."

Nhean glanced down at the book and tapped his finger against one section. "Maybe," he said. "But I am not sure. There is a single mention of an Apprentice escaping from Toventsky."

"Did they not question the Apprentice?" Ichiro asked.

"Yes but there was little he could tell them," Nhean replied. "He was very new to the Guild. He and the Warrior that found him had been ambushed on their way to the Academy so that he could begin his training. He had gone through the ritual of acceptance but had not yet received his sword or learnt the Oversight spell. He told them that Toventsky mocked the Warrior and called him a 'blind fool' and even asked if he enjoyed stumbling around like the mole he was. The lad couldn't understand this since his parents had told him that the Warrior was quite graceful in his movements."

Ichiro froze and gripped Nhean's arm with one hand. "Nhean, could the Oversight spell have been affected? Other than skill, the only difference between the Apprentice and the Warrior was the use of the Oversight spell. It would explain the stumbling comment."

"But the spell was designed to be impervious to outside tampering," Nhean objected. "We've spent centuries experimenting to make sure that part of it is absolute."

Ichiro let go of Nhean's arm and slumped down. "Ah, true."

"But you are right," Nhean continued. "It is an explanation and certainly gives an excellent reason as to why Harry is unable to use his Oversight."

"How is he coping with that?" Ichiro asked, his concern obvious in his voice. "He is very young and I know Warriors with three times his experience who would not react well." He paused. "For that matter, I'm not sure I would react that well."

"He is...coping," Nhean said grimly. "But I would not say more than that. He grasped the concept of the Oversight spell very quickly ad as such did not actually spend that much time truly blind. He is finding that sensation to be...intimidating and distressing."

"Is there anything the Guild can do to help?" Ichiro asked plainly.

Nhean sighed. "Not really. Tien and Jun'ko are doing all they can as are Harry's friends. Perhaps the only way the Guild can help is to try and discover what is happening."

"That we can do," Ichiro said. "I shall put some of our best people on it." He paused and smiled. "You do realise I'm not just doing this for Harry's sake?"

"Of course," Nhean said with a small laugh. "If someone else can repeat what has happened to Harry and perhaps to the Night Warriors of five hundred years ago then they could attack us all."

Ichiro clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. I knew you'd understand. Look, you've found that there is an answer to what's going on...at least a possible answer. Let us get on with the actual research and you go back to Hogwarts and keep training Harry. If this is being done by Voldemort then Harry will need all the preparation time he can get."

"True," Nhean said with a reluctant nod. "Very well. You'll contact me the moment you find anything?"

"Of course," Ichiro replied.

Nhean nodded again and started to separate the books into those relevant and those that could be returned to the shelves. While he did this, Ichiro left to speak to some of those he wanted to do this research and they returned to claim the books. Once that was done, Nhean returned to Hogwarts.

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The next few weeks passed with no change in Harry's ability to use Oversight and little progress being made by the researchers at the Guild. Ichiro's words about Voldemort kept coming back to Nhean and he stepped up the training of both Harry and his Battle Guard and the adults. After three weeks of this training, Harry was at least marginally comfortable with his current blindness. He was by no means happy and everyone could see he was becoming prone to the bouts of moodiness and fits of anger that he once used to indulge in.

He was also falling back into his old bad habit of trying to avoid everyone else but this time his friends would not let him do that, even if that meant putting up with his bad moods and yelling. After Ginny tore strips off him a few times, the bouts of yelling dropped but he still remained withdrawn and depressed and the number of people worrying about him started to rapidly increase.

Harry was sitting in his Transfiguration class, surrounded by Ron, Hermione and Neville and barely listening to Professor McGonagall when there was a knock on the door. Professor McGonagall broke off in mid-sentence and walked over to answer it.

"Ah, Minerva," came Nhean's voice, sounding oddly triumphant. "I was wondering if I might borrow Mr Potter for a while."

"Certainly," Minerva said, her curiousity rising at Nhean expression of suppressed jubilation.

Harry had risen at Master Nhean's words and Ron had quickly shoved his things into his bag for him. Harry murmured a word of thanks as he took the bag and picked up his cane, quickly tapping his way to the door of the classroom.

"Come, Harry, we've had something of a breakthrough," Nhean said, the jubilation and triumph becoming more apparent in his voice as he led Harry down the corridor.

"What kind of breakthrough?" Harry asked, steadfastly refusing to allow himself to hope.

"Let's wait so that Ichiro can explain to properly," Nhean said.

Harry nodded and they were both silent as they walked along the corridors of the school. Harry firmly kept his emotions under check but he couldn't help the tiny thread of hope that wove through him as Nhean seemed to be almost radiating good cheer. Finally they reached the training room and Nhean opened the door and ushered Harry in. The first people to greet Harry were Tien and Jun'ko and then came a voice that Harry vaguely recognised.

"Ah, Harry, I'm not sure if you remember me," the voice said. "I'm Ichiro Takao."

Harry blinked then the name came to him. "You're the Head of the Council."

"Yes, indeed," Ichiro said cheerfully. "I presume Nhean told you we were going all out to try and discover why your Oversight is not working." Harry nodded and Ichiro continued. "It was a matter of some importance to us, as you can imagine, since if it happened to you..."

"It could happen to someone else," Harry finished for him. "Yes, that had occurred to me."

"We think we know what's happened," Ichiro said bluntly. "Nhean managed to find the book he'd remembered and our researchers were then able to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Did Nhean tell you what he'd found?"

Harry nodded. "There was a Dark wizard who attacked the Guild."

"Exactly!" Ichiro said as he took Harry's elbow and led him over to a seat. The group sat down and Ichiro continued.

"Once we had the reference we were able to start asking questions and searching for more written records," Ichiro said, his voice sounding tense and excited. "We eventually found what we were looking for in a couple of obscure Dark Arts tomes we dug up in some unsavoury bookstores in Russia. Nicolai Toventsky, the Dark wizard in question, discovered a method of...blanking out the Oversight spell."

"I thought other people's magic couldn't affect the Oversight spell," Harry objected, his hands wrapped tightly around his cane.

"It can't," Ichiro said firmly. " And Toventsky knew that. Somehow he either found out or managed to work out how the Oversight spell works and his spell doesn't even touch the Oversight spell. Tell me, Harry, how does the Oversight spell work?"

Harry frowned as he thought back to some of the very first lessons he'd had with Master Nhean.

"It...acts similar to a dye, doesn't it?" he said slowly. "It...highlights the magical energy in the Warrior's field of vision."

"Absolutely correct," Ichiro replied. "Toventsky's spell is rather diabolical in its simplicity. The spell makes magical energy invisible to Oversight."

Silence fell throughout the room as Harry thought that one through.

"So...my Oversight is working, I just can't see it," Harry ventured. "But...how? If Voldemort is casting the spell then how is it affecting me? Is he casting the spell down the link between us?"

"That is the million galleon question," Ichiro said, sounding a bit deflated. "The spell can't be cast on an individual. It has to be cast on something inanimate. Toventsky apparently had cast it on a large basalt pillar which he and his people ended up lugging around on a large ox-drawn cart, would you believe? From what we could determine, the spell requires an enormous amount of power and numerous repetitions in order to create a wide field of effect. As to why it's affecting you...well, our scholars can only speculate it does indeed have something to do with your link to Voldemort. Some kind of backwashing effect or side effect thought that doesn't explain why it's constant..." His voice trailed off.

"Why didn't we think of that?" Nhean said with a hint of self-recrimination. "Harry, you've been disabling the Oversight when it doesn't work, haven't you?"

"Yes, the spell does draw on my magic even though it is a very low level," Harry said with a frown.

"Activate it and leave it active," Ichiro demanded. "If it is some kind of backwash effect then theoretically there should be some times when you'll be able to see."

"Voldemort must be taking the lead in casting the spell for the kind of continuous effects Harry's been experiencing," Tien observed then he paused. "Assuming it is a backwash effect of some description."

"Yes, leave it active," Nhean said thoughtfully. "Because when it comes back for good, we'll know that Voldemort has completed the spell-casting and is ready to make an active move against you."

There was another pregnant silence at that and Harry swiftly established his Oversight.

"Is there any way of stopping this...backlash effect?" he asked once he'd done that.

"Occlumency, isn't working?" Nhean asked.

Harry shook his head. "No and I do keep my shields up all the time now. Professor Snape would have my head if I didn't."

"Hmm, maybe it has something to do with the...change in circumstances for Voldemort," Nhean mused. "Is Orinda able to do anything about it?"

Harry looked startled. "I...actually hadn't thought about asking him. I'll do it tonight."

"Do so," Nhean said decisively. "He was certainly quite helpful to Severus on a few occasions."

"This is going to sound a little callous," Tien said slowly, "but hear me out. Do we really want to stop the backlash effect?"

"Yes!" Harry said indignantly.

"What do you mean, Tien?" Nhean asked calmly.

"You said it yourself, Nhean," Tien said intently. "When the backlash effect stops then we'll know that Voldemort is ready to make his move. I think that is something that will be important for us to know."

"But that leaves me blind for who knows how long," Harry said, starting to sound upset and angry.

"So?" Tien said bluntly. "Harry, I spent nearly five years blind before I accepted what I was and what I could become. You don't think you could spend maybe a few weeks blind?"

Harry opened his mouth to object then shut it with a snap. His eyes flickered sightlessly between the directions Tien's and Nhean's voices had been coming from then dropped down towards the floor.

"I don't want to," he whispered.

"But will you?" Tien asked, his voice gentling.

Harry bit his lip as he stared sightlessly at the floor then he finally nodded once.

"Are you sure?" Nhean said. "Despite what Tien says I do think we could manage without you being forced to remain totally blind."

Harry hesitated for a long moment. "I...He's right, I guess. I don't like it very much but we need to be prepared." He paused again. "Besides if you're right about it being this spell then I guess any preparation I have at being unable to use the Oversight spell would be useful."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Nhean pressed.

Harry took a deep breath then nodded more confidently. "Yes."

None of the adults looked terribly happy at Harry's decision, not even Tien.

"I shall get our researchers to work on the effects of the spell," Ichiro said into the slightly uncomfortable silence. "Try and find out the specifics of how the spell Toventsky developed worked and try and come up with some estimates as to how long Voldemort might keep them working on this." He paused. "We'll also keep working on ways to stop the backlash effect, just in case."

Harry heard the sound of Ichiro Takao standing and taking a quiet leave of the others in the room. He then heard Tien and Jun'ko stand and leave.

"Harry, I am pleased you have had the courage to do this," Nhean said quietly once they were the only ones in the room. "But please remember that if at any time it becomes too much for you, let me know and we can see what Ichiro's researchers have come up with in terms of blocking the backlash."

Harry nodded. "I will," he said quietly.

"I must go and inform the Headmaster and various others about what we have found out," Nhean said, sounding worried and concerned. "Will you be alright?"

Harry nodded again. Nhean watched him worriedly for a long moment then walked out of the room. Harry sat where he was for a long moment then he gently rested his cane against the side of the chair. He shifted into Blaze and padded quietly out of the room.

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Ginny padded quietly down the corridors of the school, following Blaze's trail. Once she'd managed the animagus transformation she'd found that the cat's sense of smell was just as good as a dog's and the trail left by Harry's Dire Wolf form was quite plain to her. As she tracked him she once again contemplated her current form. She was quite pleased with it although she had rolled her eyes more than once at the fact she was a marmalade cat rather than one of a different colour. When she'd asked Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration Mistress said that animagus forms often tended to reflect important characteristics of the individual. She pointed out that in her cat form she had markings around her eyes that resembled her glasses and she said this was because by now they were so much part of her that she always saw herself mentally with them. Then Ginny remembered the markings on Rita Skeeter's beetle form that mimicked her glasses. Obviously she associated her mental self-image so much with her hair colour that her cat form had taken the closest possible choice. And so had Ron's now that she thought about it.

She shook her head to dismiss those errant thoughts and concentrated on following Blaze's trail. Master Nhean had asked to speak to her after he'd returned to the training room to find Harry's cane leaning against one of the chairs. He'd told her what had transpired and his suspicion that Harry had slipped off to brood somewhere. He hadn't even had to ask her to find Harry. She understood Harry's need to be alone on occasion but she was firmly convinced this wasn't one of those occasions.

She looked around the deserted corridor and wondered exactly where she was in the school. She had certainly never been in this area before though she would freely admit she'd never done the kind of wandering around that Harry and even Ron had done. Suddenly up ahead she saw some movement and she gave an internal sigh of relief as she started padding forward a little quicker. She was halfway to where the movement had come from when she saw it again and realised that whoever was moving was nowhere near as large as Blaze. In fact the movement was coming from a much smaller creature.

She almost instinctively froze and crouched down in the shadows as she stared intently down the corridor. She was almost convinced that it was Mrs Norris when the movement suddenly stopped and a man appeared in the middle of the corridor. She crouched down even further and was forced to stifle a low growl when she recognised the man. It was Peter Pettigrew.

She twitched a little when Pettigrew jerked and shivered where he was standing then she screwed up her courage and crept closer, being careful to stay in the shadows. As she approached she realised that Pettigrew was muttering to himself.

"Must find...must find...Potter...no...no...James...my friend...my friend..." He broke off at this point and wrapped his arms around his chest, whimpering and moaning. Once he got himself under control he continued, "Killed him...didn't mean to...scared...scared...killed all my friends...kill Harry...find Harry."

Once again Pettigrew's rambling speech broke off into moans and whimpers and he slowly crouched down and began to rock back and forth. From what she could see, Ginny was fairly sure he was crying. After several minutes, he seemed to calm down a little and he raised his head and stared at the stone wall.

"Owe Harry," he muttered. "Owe him...saved my life...life debt...must obey...must obey...can't obey...must obey."

Pettigrew uttered a low wailing sound and scrambled to his feet, huddling against the wall as he rocked back and forth again.

Ginny watched this, frozen in shock and horror and tried to work out what she should do. If she left to try and find a teacher, she might not be able to find her way back and even if she did, Pettigrew would likely have moved on. But she wasn't sure she wanted to take him on either. Everything Sirius and Remus said indicated that Pettigrew wasn't much of a wizard but from what she could see, he was definitely insane right now and her father had mentioned several times in the past that insanity provided its own kind of power.

Before she could make any kind of decision Pettigrew shifted back into his rat form and to all appearances disappeared. Ginny made an odd mewling sound in surprise then leapt forward to where the animagus had been standing. There was no one there but she did find a small hole in the wall where one of the stones had partially crumbled. She nosed around the hole but apart from the smell of rat lingering around, she could neither see nor hear Wormtail.

She backed away from the hole then turned and sprinted down the corridor, following her own trail back to an area she recognised. Once there she shifted back and ran to the Headmaster's office. She came to a halt in front of the gargoyle and groaned.

"Um, cockroach clusters?" she said urgently. "Tooth-flossing stringmints, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Ice Mice."

"Lemon drops," came Snape's voice from behind her.

Ginny whipped around as the gargoyle leapt aside.

"Sometimes it is the obvious, Miss Weasley," Snape said dryly as he eyed her narrowly. "Were you planning on going up?"

"Oh! Yes!" Ginny gasped. "Er, thank you, sir."

With that Ginny ran up the stairs and knocked frantically on the office door.

"Ah, Miss Weasley," the Headmaster said when he opened the door. "Is there a problem with Harry?"

Dumbledore stood aside and ushered her in.

"Um, no...I don't think so," Ginny stammered. "Uh, that's not why I'm here, sir. Professor...I saw Pettigrew in the castle."

"Where?"

Ginny whipped around with a gasp to see that Snape had followed her into the office.

"I'm...not exactly sure," she said rather helplessly. "I was following Blaze's trail and I wasn't really paying attention to where I was."

"Could you find it again?" Dumbledore asked gently.

"Oh, yes," Ginny said with a quick nod. "I'd just have to follow my own trail." She paused. "Professor, Pettigrew didn't seem...very sane."

"Tell me everything," Dumbledore said calmly, gesturing for Ginny to sit down.

Ginny perched on the edge of one of the chairs as Dumbledore sat opposite her and Snape stood near the fireplace. She quickly told them everything that had happened finishing with Wormtail disappearing into the walls of the castle.

"Where is Mr Potter?" Snape asked after she'd finished.

"I'm...not sure," Ginny replied. "I was following his trail when I saw Pettigrew."

Snape frowned. "What is he hiding for this time?"

Ginny bit her lip. "I don't know. I didn't ask. But it was something to do with the Guild."

"I am aware of what is going on," Dumbledore said calmly. "Harry had ample reason to seek some solitude. But I think it might be best if we found both him and Mr Pettigrew. Miss Weasley, could you lead us to where you saw Pettigrew?"

Ginny leapt to her feet and shifted back into her cat form. She ran over to the door then stopped and looked back at the two men. Dumbledore chuckled and they followed her out of the room.


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