Harry Potter and the Fury of the Elements

Chapter 2: Daelin Stormfury

Harry stood in the front hall of number twelve, Grimmauld Place, soaked to the bone from the pounding rain. The flight from Privet Drive was carried out in silence, and now he was here. Back in Sirius' old house. Sirius. Harry remembered their first terrifying meeting in the Shrieking Shack, Sirius' midnight escape on Buckbeak, the look of surprise and horror on his face as Lestrange's curse hit him... Harry wiped away a tear, trying to hide his emotions from the others.

The Order members ushered him in, casting Heating Charms to dry their clothes. Harry noticed their faces, tense with shock and anger, holding their wands, as they were expecting to be attacked in the house. The relatively cheerful mood present the last time Harry was here had disappeared, replaced with an air of grim expectancy.

'What happened? Why is everyone so tense?' Harry thought, unlocking his trunk from his Firebolt. "Are you guys okay?" he asked.

Lupin shook his head. "When you hear the news, you'll understand. Tonks, you and Moody take Harry's things up to his room. Harry, come with me," he said, gesturing over towards the kitchen. "Dumbledore will explain everything to you."

Harry and Lupin moved out of the hall, and into the living room. As they did, Lupin gestured around. "I hope you like it, Harry. Since Sirius died, we've been cleaning out all of the old junk, and making the house more liveable."

Harry gasped. The severed house-elf heads mounted on the wall were gone, replaced with banners from various Quidditch teams. The room had been renovated, and the grimy couches had been cleaned, re-stuffed, and decorated with red and gold, the colours of Gryffindor House. The Black family portraits had been moved. All the dust, dirt and Doxies had been cleared out, and right on the ceiling, a massive Gryffindor banner hung. All in all, Number 12 more resembled the Gryffindor common room than the pit of Pureblood supremacy that it had been.

With two exceptions. The Black family tapestry remained, as did the portrait of Mrs. Black, behind the curtains. Fortunately, she was sleeping, so Harry and Lupin were able to sneak past her without getting a major rant about Muggle-lovers and half-bloods.

Lupin laughed, seeing Harry's dumbfounded expression. "Sorry that we couldn't get rid of her. The old bat's been keeping the house up lately; it's a miracle that we sneaked past her. Before he left, Kreacher tried to take her, but the Permanent Sticking Charm on the back works both ways."

"Kreacher! He escaped?!"

"Unfortunately, yes," Lupin responded. "He cleared out before we could catch him, the slippery rat. Fortunately, he didn't know much of the Order's workings, and with Dumbledore as the Secret Keeper and the wards preventing him from finding the place again, he can't lead the Death Eaters to us."

Harry's hands clenched. "I should have killed the bastard when I had the chance," he snapped.

Lupin put his hand on Harry's shoulder in an attempt to calm him. "Well, Harry, he's gone now. He was a stinking traitor, but if he finds Voldemort, good riddance to him."

Harry took several deep breaths. "Are the Weasleys here? And Hermione?"

"Afraid not, Harry. They returned back to their homes once we made sure they were protected. Besides, if I'm correct, Dumbledore doesn't intend for you to be here for long."

"What! Where is he?"

Lupin did not respond, instead, he led Harry to the kitchen where Dumbledore sat. The aged wizard was reading through a large tome as he came in.

"Ah, Harry. Welcome back to Grimmauld Place. I see that the Order got you here without any mishaps," Dumbledore said, pushing his glasses farther up the bridge of his nose. "We have much to discuss. Remus, would you excuse us for the moment?"

As Lupin left, Dumbledore turned back to Harry. "Harry, I would like to express my condolences about Sirius' death. He was a great man, and died a warrior. Remember him as such."

Harry nodded. "However, if the prophecy is true, then things have to change." He pounded the table once, for emphasis. "If I'm to kill Voldemort, then I can't be kept in the dark anymore! I need to know what's going on, not be hidden away until the time is right."

Harry became angrier as he went on. "I know you won't let me join the Order, but you could at least tell me what Voldemort is doing, what his plans are, where he has attacked! I can't live like this, Professor. For example, what's the big crisis? The Order broke through a window to escort me, and they acted like something major has happened."

Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed, Harry. That is why I have sent for you. As you know, after Voldemort attacked the Department of Mysteries, the Ministry acted quickly. They began to enact various security laws, which allowed wizarding homes to be searched without warrant, and wizards and witches to be arbitrarily arrested without a warrant or any evidence. Auror presence has been stepped up in major areas, and key buildings like the Ministry of Magic offices and Gringotts have been upgraded with additional defences."

He paused for a moment, staring at Harry. "However, Minister Fudge has pointedly ignored our requests to remove the Dementors, and to send envoys to the giants and other groups of magical creatures in order to sway them to our side. This policy has now backfired on him. Harry, Azkaban was attacked by the Death Eaters."

Harry swore. This was big. Major. "What happened?" he asked, his mind going into overdrive. The fall of Azkaban would allow a large number of Death Eaters to escape, including Lucius Malfoy and the other Death Eaters captured at the Department of Mysteries.

"Although Fudge did not remove the Dementors, he stationed a large contingent of Aurors at the prison to reinforce it. The Death Eaters stormed the prison through the hidden tunnels honeycombing the island, most likely shown to them by former inmates of the prison like Bellatrix Lestrange, and caught the Aurors from behind."

Dumbledore's eyes showed a distinct look of sorrow as he continued the tale. "While the Aurors were fighting, the Dementors turned on them, giving the Kiss to many. In total, forty-three Aurors and Ministry officials were killed, compared to only twelve Death Eaters."

Harry gnashed his teeth in anger. All those lives lost. "Any members of the Order?" he asked, fearing the worst.

"Fortunately, none. However, one person you might know was killed. Amos Diggory. He was on an inspection when the raid took place. Hit by a Killing curse."

Harry closed his eyes, trying to stop the tears from flowing. He had never liked Amos Diggory, but felt his pain when his son, Cedric, died. At least he died fast. Damn Voldemort for this!

Dumbledore looked at Harry. "That's not the worst of it. Besides freeing the Death Eaters already on the island, many of the prisoners decided to join Voldemort. If my guess is correct, he will have an additional two hundred Death Eaters at his side, adding to his already considerable numbers. Now, Harry, I must ask you something. Have you had any strange dreams or visions lately?"

"No, Professor," Harry replied.

"Have you been practising your Occlumency techniques?" Dumbledore questioned Harry, his face etched with concern.

Harry nodded his head. "Yes, Professor, and I think I'm getting better at it. Either I have been successful in blocking him out of my mind, or..."

"...He has been blocking the link himself, in order to prevent us from getting any advance warning of his plans," Dumbledore finished. "He did not want to risk it, an attack of this magnitude."

Harry began to despair. "Two hundred more, Professor. How can we fight against them all?"

"With faith and courage, Harry. Voldemort's armies are growing, that is true. Yet, all is not lost," Dumbledore replied. "We have found something that may give us some comfort in the days ahead."

"What is it?" Harry asked, nervous with anticipation.

"We both know about the prophecy given to us by Professor Trelawney. However, some allies of ours recently discovered another prophecy, also relating to you," Dumbledore said, much to Harry's shock.

"May I hear it, Professor?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Are you sure you want to hear it, boy?"

This statement came not from Dumbledore, but a new voice. Harry turned around, and in the hall, saw a tall figure standing in the shadows, hooded and cloaked. What lay underneath the hood Harry could not see, but he had no doubt that this person was very powerful.

"Are you prepared for what you might hear? How do you know that the information will not drive you mad or crush your hopes to rubble? Is the price for such knowledge more than you can pay? What makes you think you are prepared, boy?"

The probing voice of the stranger egged Harry on. "Whoever you are, know this. I'm ready to hear whatever you have to say. My godfather is dead, an insane Dark wizard is out to kill my friends and myself, and I'm supposed to kill him. I'm ready to handle anything you can show me."

"Are you prepared to pay the cost, though? Acceptance of what you are about to hear?" came the reply from the shadows.

Harry glared at the figure. "Yes. I am."

He chuckled, "Well, Dumbledore, at least he has fire. Very well, Harry Potter. I will show you your fate."

The figure stepped into the light, and lowered his hood. "Now, Harry Potter. You can see me. And know that I have not brought schemes or tricks, but knowledge, knowledge that could save us all."

He was like no wizard Harry had seen before. His robes and cloak were a royal blue, decorated with gold runes and sigils from no language Harry had seen before. His dark-coloured skin was covered various cuts and scars, probably from knives. He grasped a wooden staff in his right hand, carved with intricate spirals and geometric shapes, and a curved sword, decorated with similar runes. His left hand held onto a brilliant glass sphere that sent multi-faceted light around the room. Blue eyes peered out from the gloom.

But what really caught Harry's attention was the powerful aura that permeated the air around him. Harry felt his hair stand on end for a moment has the newcomer entered the room.

"Harry, this is Daelin Stormfury of the Shadow Hunters," Dumbledore said, pointing towards the newcomer. "He is a new addition to the Order and the liaison between us and his organization."

"Well met, Mr Potter. My brethren and I have heard much of your exploits against the Darkness," Stormfury said, placing the sphere upon the table.

"Uh, thanks, I guess. Wait, you're a what?"

"A Shadow Hunter. We are the guardians of nature, and we fight against the Darkness, wherever it lurks. Think of us as a unique kind of Auror," Stormfury replied, smiling. His face grew grim again as he placed a hand on the sphere.

"Here is your prophecy, Mr. Potter. Listen well."

With a slight push of his hand, the sphere smashed onto the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces. As it did, smoke rose from the remains, and coalesced into the form of a woman, wearing robes similar to Stormfury's. Her voice sounded clear as crystal as she unveiled this new prophesy:

"In the second conflict against the Dark Lord, four champions will arise from the castle of the white-beard. Pupils of the white-beard, blood and birthright of founders within their veins. Three are mighty. The flighted one, marked by the trickster, soul forged in the fires of sorrow. The cunning one, marked by the wyrm, soul forged in the fires of ambition. The forsaken one, marked by the tunneller, soul forged in the fires of treachery. One is mightiest, the Daemonslayer, marked by the enemy, soul forged in the fires of battle. The Daemonslayer possesses the power to stop the Dark Lord, and on the eve of the Long Night, they shall battle for the fate of all."

With that, the image melted into thin air, leaving Harry stunned in disbelief. He jumped up, facing the others. "What is that supposed to mean!" he demanded, confused and shaken.

"It means, Mr. Potter, that you are the Champion of Gryffindor," Stormfury replied.

Harry's mind whirled for a moment as he tried to comprehend that statement. How is that possible? "How do you know? What if you're wrong?" he retorted.

Dumbledore peered at Harry. "Simple logic, Harry. First, the prophecy says that the four champions are 'Pupils of the white beard.' That must mean that they are all students of me, the white-beard, and the castle is Hogwarts." At this point, he tugged on his beard for effect.

"Secondly, these champions have 'blood and birthright of the founders.' If we have determined that the castle is Hogwarts, then the founders of which they refer to are the Four Founders of Hogwarts. The champions must be the direct descendents of the Founders, one to each house. Such the three other houses are already mentioned, Gryffindor is the only one left."

He paused for a moment to let it sink in, and continued. "As we know from the first prophecy, you must be the one to kill Voldemort. This new prophecy also speaks of that, and refers to you as the Daemonslayer. 'Marked by the enemy', it says. Voldemort marked you with the scar that you carry. Therefore, I can see no other conclusion."

"Also, it would stand to reason that you are the Champion of Gryffindor due to the events of your second year. You pulled Gryffindor's sword from the Sorting Hat, correct?"

"Yes."

"I only understand the full impact of that event now. I merely thought that it was a random incident, but perhaps it was more. Wouldn't it make sense that Gryffindor's descendant, and not some ordinary student, be able to wield his sacred blade?"

Harry's eyes widened as he began to understand. "But, that's just impossible! If I am his descendant, and have his powers, how come my parents didn't show any signs of it?"

There was a distinct pause, and then Stormfury answered. "That, we do not know."

Harry sat down again, his heart heavy. "Why do all these things happen to me?" he cried, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You will be going back to Hogwarts for extra training tomorrow, Harry. You go get some sleep," Stormfury said, observing Harry's tired expression. Harry turned and left.

I never wanted this to happen, Harry thought as he slowly made his way up the stairs to his room. I never wanted to be the Boy-who-Lived, the Daemonslayer, the Champion of Gryffindor or any of these meaningless titles. He made his way to bed, where he tried- and failed to- drown out the voice of the ghostly woman, ringing in his thoughts.

************************************************************************

Chapter 3: Warrior Code

He stood upon a barren landscape, red skies floating overhead. The air had a distinct metallic taste to it. Water ran foul underfoot, contaminated by something evil. Grasses and plants shrivelled and died. The ghostly moon hung over the land, like a great malevolent eye, hunting for prey. Lightning flashed, illuminating the desolate plain, destroying everything it touched. But he paid little heed to these strange images, for, all around him, were the sights and sounds...of war.

Cries, screams and bellows mixed with the clash of metal and the howl of spells being fired. Creatures long forgotten, and creatures that should never have been, tore, slashed and hacked at one another, crazed with the lust of battle, and fighting desperately for survival on the blood-drenched field. Fireballs streaked across the sky, detonating amongst enemy regiments. Monstrous creatures charged, crushing anything in their path, dragons and winged nightmares battled for control of the skies, fire blenching from reptilian throats, and twisted legions poured forth, intent on the slaughter.

In all the chaos, confusion, and mayhem, he could see four figures, battling against impossible odds, features obscured by the dust and the flash of magic. One was dead, life draining out, blood mingling with the soil. Two were fighting, holding off a mass of foes, giving no quarter.

Finally, the final one stood his ground, battling against a titanic being with a mighty sword. The two combatants hacked and slashed, blasted each other with powerful magic, neither able to best the other.

As he came near the lone warrior with the sword, battling against the titan, he stopped and saw the warrior's face. The face that would haunt him for all eternity.

It was his own.

Harry shot up in bed, his body covered in cold sweat. The sound of his panicked breathing filled the room, as he put his head in his hands, and tried to calm himself down. The dream had been so vivid, realistic. Could Voldemort be trying to take control of my mind again? Harry thought, as he wiped sweat from his brow. No, it can't be. Unless there's a war going on outside. Besides, I would have felt his presence. Nevertheless, Harry looked outside his window, just to be sure. 'No. No massive battle.

He had been the sword-wielding warrior. He had been fighting the titan. But who were the others he saw? What was he fighting in the first place? The questions raced through Harry's mind, as he struggled to comprehend what he had seen. I'll have to tell Dumbledore about it. Maybe he knows.

Harry got dressed, and walked downstairs, where Lupin and Moody were waiting for him. The two looked worn out, lack of sleep clouding their eyes.

Lupin motioned to Harry. "How are you, Harry?" he asked. "Got your trunk packed?"

"Yes," Harry replied. "Where's everybody else?"

"Either at their jobs or on patrol. Tonks and Stormfury have gone on a mission for Dumbledore. He's gone back to Hogwarts, to prepare."

Harry was confused for a moment. "Prepare what?"

"The wards around the school are being reinforced. They were already strong before, but now nothing will be able to get through without the permission of the Headmaster," Lupin said, grinning. "The wards cover the grounds and the castle itself, so as long as you stay there, you'll be safe."

Mad-eye looked at Harry, his magical eye glowing with eerie light. "The Knight Bus will be coming soon to take us to King's Cross. We'll get your stuff, Potter."

Several minutes later, the Knight Bus arrived, and they were on their way. Harry loaded his trunk into a compartment, and sat back, thinking about the prophecy.

The Daemonslayer, Harry thought. The second prophecy stated that he would have to kill Voldemort, like in the first, but referred to him by that strange title. So it's definite that I have to fight him. Great.

Then there was the question of the Champions. If he was the Champion of Gryffindor, then who were the others? And what were their special powers? He hadn't read anything about the Founders before, and he heard no mention of any special powers, either.

Frustration boiled within him. They're not telling me anything! As for these Shadow Hunters, where did they come from? A terrifying thought crept over Harry. What if they're working for Voldemort? If this Stormfury is a Death Eater agent, the entire Order could be in danger!

"Lupin," Harry asked, concern evident on his expression, "does Dumbledore know what he is doing? Stormfury is a member of the Order, and we know next to nothing about him, his loyalties, his goals, anything!" he raged. Fortunately, they were the only passengers on the bus, and they were far back enough that Stan Shunpike couldn't hear them.

"Harry, calm down!" Lupin snapped. "Dumbledore trusts him, but I understand your concern. Don't worry, he's with us. He'll be training you at Hogwarts."

"Why not you?"

"Unfortunately, Dumbledore wants us to stay at Grimmauld Place. We will be running the Order's operations from there, while Dumbledore runs the school."

Harry tried to calm down. "Alright, then. What's this mission that Stormfury and Tonks went on?"

Lupin frowned. "Last night, Dumbledore went over the contents of the prophecy again. He believes that he has found the identity of the Champion of Ravenclaw, so he sent those two to check it out."

Harry became excited. "Who is it?" he asked, anxious for Lupin's response.

Lupin chuckled. "You'll see, Harry. Just relax. You won't be doing much of that at Hogwarts."

With a loud bang, the Knight Bus jerked to a stop in front of King Cross Station. Harry, Lupin and Mad-eye got off, carrying Harry's trunk between them as they made their way towards the pillars between Platform Nine and Ten. Harry observed the Muggles walking by, chatting, eating fast food, reading London's daily newspapers, and waiting for their trains, totally oblivious to the world that waited just beyond their sight.

Harry envied them in some ways. They did not have to face the pain of their entire lives being written before them, of being tormented by destinies they couldn't control, of being hunted and hounded by an insane Dark wizard out for revenge... They had normal lives, normal families... The thought brought a tear to Harry's eyes. Now that Sirius was dead, Harry had no relatives, no family. I'll beat him for you, Sirius.

Reaching Platforms Nine and Ten, Lupin pushed the trolley towards him. "Have a nice time training, Harry. We'll see you soon." He gave Harry a hug before stepping back.

Moody gestured to Harry. "Constant vigilance, Potter. Constant vigilance. Good luck."

"Thanks, guys," Harry replied. With that, he gripped the handlebar of the trolley tightly and crossed over the barrier between the Muggle and magical worlds onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

Opening his eyes, Harry saw the Hogwarts Express, steam hissing and venting around the red painted metal. Unlike the other occasions when Harry had been here, the platform was silent and deserted. The sounds of hooting owls, gossiping students, and running feet were gone.

Harry got on the train, and found himself a compartment. Looking around, he saw no one, and heard only the clank of gears, and the hiss of steam, as the Hogwarts Express began its journey to Hogwarts. By far, this was the most depressing ride to Hogwarts he had ever been on.

"Harry?"

He froze upon hearing that sweet voice. It can't be... Turning around, he saw her. Cho.

His heart skipped a beat at the sight before him. His eyes drank in her beauty, her raven-black hair reached down to the small of her back, shiny and luxurious, her perfectly curved form and long legs, accented by her clothing, her chocolate-brown eyes, shining with life and happiness, her soft pink lips, calling to Harry like a siren song.

"Cho?" he said, amazed by her presence. "What are you doing here?"

She laughed, a soft, musical sound, as she stepped into the compartment. "The same reason you are, Harry. Training. I'm the Champion of Ravenclaw."

He did a quick-double take. "You know about the prophecy too?"

"Only recently," Cho said. "It certainly was a shock to my parents, two strange wizards showing up at the door, four o'clock in the morning. They were afraid that they were Death Eaters, come to kill us."

She smiled, showing her perfect teeth. "They told my parents that I had been selected for an extra-credit course. I learned about the prophecy after we left for the station. According to it, I'm the flighted one. Marked by the trickster. What about you?"

Harry took a deep breath before answering. "The Daemonslayer."

Cho gasped. "You're the one who has to fight him. Oh, Harry!" Tears began to form in her eyes. With a sigh, she turned away from him. "I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry..." she repeated like a mantra.

Wiping away her tears, she faced Harry again. "How long have you known?"

"There have been two prophecies foretelling of this. The first, I learned at the end of last year. I only heard this one last night," Harry replied. "Look, Cho, I'm sorry about last year. I was being an idiot, and a total git, and-"

He was cut off, as Cho put a hand to his lips. "No, Harry. I'm the one who needs to apologize. Please, just hear me out," Cho pleaded, head hung in shame.

"Last year, I was totally broken up about Cedric. I could only concentrate on his death, and as a result, my marks went down, my Quidditch performance suffered, I drove my friends away, and I was horrible to you. I was just so insensitive." She sobbed for a moment, tears of regret spilling out. Not knowing what else to do, Harry put his arms around her, trying to calm her down.

Cho composed herself, took several deep breaths, and continued her story. "I once heard someone say, 'We should never care for the dead more than the living.' That was what I was doing, moping and weeping over him, forgetting that life existed beyond my grief. I am not going to let that happen again. Cedric would have wanted me to get on with my life, not waste away."

At this point, Harry saw in her eyes a strength he had not seen in her. "I'm with you, Harry. I won't be the damsel in distress I was before. Whatever happens, I will be fighting alongside you until the end. So, just friends, Harry?"

Harry shook his head. "No, more then friends, Cho. Friends and allies."

She beamed at this statement. "Thank you. So, we're descendents of the Founders. Any idea what that means?"

Harry shook his head. "Some extra powers, but what they are, I don't know. Stormfury has been keeping a tight lid on it."

"Daelin Stormfury, the Shadow Hunter? Yeah, he told me next to nothing also."

"You know about the Shadow Hunters?" Harry questioned.

"No, not much. He seems be very mysterious, all cloak-and-dagger."

"Hopefully, he will tell us something," Harry grumbled. "This air of mystery thing is really starting to piss me off."

Chuckling burst out from the passageway, as Stormfury himself appeared. "Well, Mr Potter, you're certainly curious enough." He entered the compartment, clad in his usual Shadow Hunter attire. "So, what's your first question?"

"Firstly, what's a Shadow Hunter, and how can we trust you?" Harry asked, in an effort to discern Stormfury's motives.

He grinned, almost a feral grin. "To understand the Shadow Hunters, you must understand the nature of our magic."

As they sat down, Stormfury began his tale. "In the late 1700's, an ancient form of magic was revealed in Britain, known by its practitioners as Elementalism. Essentially, this form of magic revolves around the magical energy given off by natural sources, or mana. There is mana everywhere, in the water, the trees, the wind," he said, passing his hand through the air, "and, with the proper training, this mana can be tapped, providing an incredible power source for spells, making it very potent and powerful."

"Wicked!" Harry said, enthralled by the story.

"Indeed," Stormfury replied. "Although few realized it, Elementalism had been around for centuries, practised by various magical groups since the Dark Ages. Immediately after the Ministry of Magic learned of this power, they began to pressure the practising groups, mainly the Druids of Ireland, into its use. For a moment, it looked as if the standard method of casting spells using wands would disappear, and a new era of magic would begin."

Cho frowned at this prospect. "Why though?"

"Elementalism is wandless magic, and contains power from the earth. The standard way of using magic has the wizard using the energy within himself. However, there was a major problem with Elementalism, or rather, the wizards new to it."

Stormfury licked his lips before continuing. "The new Elementalists were reckless, impulsive, and rash with their new-found power. While the original Elementalists were taught their powers over time and with supervision, the new practitioners delved into it with reckless abandon. They did not have the mental discipline to use it properly. They grew more powerful, but the power was more than they could bear. It slowly drove them mad, and in the end, consumed them."

Harry and Cho sat in horror, enraptured by the fate of the reckless wizards. Stormfury's face turned grim as he related what happened next. "The Ministry banned Elementalism from that day forth. They tried to stop it from being used or taught again, but they didn't realize that, to the original practising tribes, it was more than just a way of casting spells. It was their heritage, their culture, to be in harmony with the forces of nature and use its power to aid them! So, as the first Muggle colonists went to the New World, the Elementalists hid amongst them. Upon their landing in what is now Canada, the Elementalists created an independent magical government, the Council of Gaea. This system is in effect today, and our civilization has reached new heights of splendour."

He paused for a moment. "The Shadow Hunters were created to defend our new nation against outside threats. We, like much of our civilization, are Elementalists, and we fight against the Darkness, in all of its forms. And as for your second question, you'll just have to trust me."

Cho interrupted him for a moment. "But why haven't we heard about it before? Elementalism? You would think that there would some record of it remaining."

Stormfury laughed. "I can see why you are the Champion of Ravenclaw, Ms Chang," Cho blushed at the comment, as he continued. "Because the Ministry had banned the practice and training of Elementalism, the knowledge of it disappeared from Britain after a few generations. Combined with a Ministry edict banning Elementalism from being mentioned in any written context, people soon forgot."

"Is everyone an Elementalists in magical Canada?" Cho asked.

"Everyone receives some basic training in Elementalism, but the majority use wand magic. Elementalism is mainly used by the Shadow Hunters and several other key groups in the government."

"Are there any Elementalists left in Britain?" Harry queried.

"Other than me, only one, Professor Dumbledore. He has special permission from the Ministry to use it, but I'm technically a criminal in their eyes. If they found out about me, they would probably cart me off to the Ministry for interrogation and detention."

"Then how are you able to train us at Hogwarts, with the Ministry breathing down your neck?"

"Dumbledore has convinced the Ministry to not interfere with the workings of the school or its staff. Luckily for me, the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is open, so I'll be teaching you throughout the year, as well as this summer."

"Great!" Cho shouted.

"I don't know though. Teaching a bunch of snot-nosed rugrats isn't my exactly my cup of tea."

The two Champions smiled. "Don't worry, Professor," Cho sarcastically retorted. "Us snot-nosed rugrats aren't all that bad, once you get to know us."

"Well, if that's all, I'll take my leave---What is it, Mr Potter?"

Harry stopped him for a moment. "One last question," he asked.

Stormfury frowned in discontent. "Very well then. Let's have it."

"The prophecy says that we are descendants of the Founders, and as such, we have some increased powers. What are they?" Harry asked, greedy for an answer.

Stormfury shook his head. "That, we do not know. Dumbledore has been reading over some old texts within the school library, in hopes of finding an answer. Sorry, Mr. Potter." With that, he left, cloak swirling out behind him.

**********************************************************************

Several hours later, Harry, Cho and Stormfury sat in the school carriage, at it made its way to Hogwarts. Stormfury spoke to the young witch and wizard as they went past the lake, the tentacles of the giant squid waving above the waters. "Upon our arrival, make your way to the Defence Against the Dark Arts hallway, and go into the second classroom on the left. Your luggage will be brought up to your respective dormitories."

"What about you?" Harry asked, dressed in his Hogwarts uniform, Cho likewise.

"I have some business to attend to with the Headmaster. Don't worry, I won't be long."

The carriage stopped at the main gates of Hogwarts, and the three exited the carriage, Stormfury heading up to the Headmaster's office, Harry and Cho moving to the classroom. Walking through the halls, Cho pointed towards the suits of armour positioned on either side of every doorway. "It's like they're guarding the school," Cho said.

"They probably are," Harry pointed out, "as part of the new defences. They're most likely enchanted to attack any intruders. So, how are you and Michael doing?" he asked, dreading the answer.

"Pretty good," Cho replied. Harry's felt his heart turn heavy with disappointment at this statement. Well, Harry. She's with another guy now. Just move on.

"Second class on the left, here we are!" Harry exclaimed, motioning towards the classroom. As they stood in front of the door, they noticed two swords, lying crossed on the ground, blocking the doorframe.

"What do you think these mean?" Cho wondered aloud, examining the elliptical patterns carved into the blades. "Maybe we'll be training with them, you guess?" she asked.

"Probably," Harry replied, as a shiver run down his body. Something didn't feel right. "We should take them with us."

The two Champions grabbed the swords, and they were immediately shocked. The blades were about four feet long, but they were light as daggers. Harry touched the flat of the blade, and felt his fingers go numb for a moment as they made contact. The bright metal shone with an unnatural gleam.

"Weird. I've never seen a weapon like this before," Cho commented, as she pointed towards the door. "Shall we?"

Harry grinned. "Yes. Let's."

With a single push of the knob, the door opened, Harry and Cho rushed through, swords at the ready, into the Forbidden Forest.

The Forbidden Forest? How the hell did we get here? Harry thought, seeing the gnarled tree trunks and shadowy ferns of the Forest around them, and feeling the rocky dirt beneath his feet. Mist began to form within the groves of trees.

"Harry," Cho voice cut through the fog like a knife. "We're in the Forbidden Forest, aren't we?"

"Yes, we are. How did we get here? Portkey, maybe?" Harry said, readying his blade.

Cho shook her head, as panic crept into her voice. "No. We would have felt it, as we were teleporting. Let's try to get back to the castle, and sort this mess out. Lumos!" she cried, raising her wand. Turning around, to their horror, the door was gone.

Wands out, the pair quietly made their way through the Forest, staying on the overgrown and dusty path. The light from Cho's wand seemed pitiful compared the blackness that lay around, threatening to swallow them in impenetrable darkness. The Forest was quiet, the silence broken only by the odd twigs snapping underfoot, and the eerie moan of the wind whispering through the branches that hung overhead.

Suddenly, Harry heard a noise in the distance. He motioned for Cho to stop, as he readied his wand and sword, and tried to pick up the sound. Then, he heard it again, a skittering sound, like the sound of rain falling on a wooden roof, or the running of many feet...

"Oh, damn," Harry stated, almost deadpan.

"What!" Cho shrieked, caught in the tension of the moment.

"Run. RUN!"

Harry and Cho ran, climbing over massive roots, skirting rocks and hills. From behind them, branches snapped, foliage was ripped down, and a ghastly screech pierced the haunting tranquility of the woods.

The two reached a hill with a dead tree on top, and with no way around it, began to climb. Harry grabbed Cho's hand, helping her up the slope, as the pursuer smashed through the trees, and caught up with its prey. Cho screamed in horror as eight black, soulless eyes stared up at her, eight massive hairy legs skittered in rage, and a pair of mandibles with the power to crush a Mini clacked in greedy anticipation of the feast to come.

"Aragog," Harry whispered in terror.

Aragog howled, charging up the slope. "Fresh meat for my children!" the bloated monstrosity cried, scrabbling towards them.

Harry pushed Cho out of its path, and dodged away himself. "Stupefy!" Harry shouted, sending the Stunning Curse into Aragog's thorax. The curse hit, but Aragog shrugged it aside. Harry could hear Cho firing as well, and he redoubled his efforts to stop the giant spider.

"Stupefy!"

"Impedimenda!"

Aragog held his ground for a moment, confused by the curses flying from two different directions. He looked around as if deciding which of the students to attack first, when one of his eyes focused on Harry.

"YOU!" The beast bellowed in rage, and ignoring Cho entirely, stormed towards Harry, ripping up the soil in his haste to kill the young wizard. Harry froze for a moment, seeing the giant arachnid charging with its powerful jaws ready to break him in half.

"Harry! MOVE!" Cho ordered, readying her sword.

Her voice snapped Harry out off his trance, and he ran towards the great tree on the hill, jumping into a massive borehole in its trunk. Aragog followed, smashing into the tree, maddened with rage, trying to tear Harry out with his jaws, but Harry was too far in and the eight-legged behemoth couldn't reach him. He moved back for a moment and raised one of his legs, preparing to skewer Harry and drag his body out from the tree. Harry raised his wand.

"Acroneutrala!"

A jet of liquid, milky white in colour, hit Aragog in the eyes, burning and steaming. Aragog screamed in agony, trying to wipe the smile from his eyes, while several of his legs stabbed into the tough wood of the tree with the power of great pistons in an attempt to kill Harry. Bark shattered as the spider's powerful limbs ripped up the tree.

Suddenly, with a mighty battle cry, Cho was on top of Aragog, slashing and hacking wildly with her blade, her silky black hair flying wildly. The spider howled in pain and frustration, whirling around, trying to dislodge the beautiful Ravenclaw from its back. Stubbornly, Cho grasped a patch of spiky hair and held on for dear life.

"CHO!" Harry screamed, charging towards the spider. And that's when Harry felt it. A presence within him, a deep, sluggish power, like a great beast that was awaking from a long sleep. It was strange, yet comforting at the same time. For a moment, he was entranced by it, like a child in his mother's embrace, feeling a slight rush of energy running through him.

The moment passed. Cho raised her blade, and with a howl, thrust it into Aragog's skull. The giant spider spasmed wildly for an instant as the fine-crafted steel pierced its brain, and fell still, crashing to the ground.

Cho sat there, breathing heavily, wiping spider gunk off her sword. "Well, that was unusual. Are you alright, Harry?" she asked, moving to comfort him.

Harry blushed as she put her arms around him. "Yeah, I'm okay. Now let's get back to Hogwarts."

"Go back, Harry? You're already here."

With a single muttered command, the Forbidden Forest, the grass, and the carcass of Aragog dematerialized, leaving only the stone walls and floor of the classroom.

Stormfury was at the doorway, smiling. "Congratulations, Mr. Potter, Ms. Chang. You've passed the first test."