Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23965 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor to I make any money from this story. These characters are JKR's, I just play with them.

Chapter List
- 30
- 31
- 32
Disclaimer: I don't, and never will, own Harry Potter. All plots and characters belong to J.K. Rowling and company.

::Parseltongue::

:/:Telapathic Parseltongue:/:

/mind-to-mind with Huginn/

'thoughts'

"Normal Speech"

A/N: Hello, Lovelies! Thank you very much for all the love on the last chapters, I was worried about them, but you loved them! I am so happy that you liked my chappie from Dumbles POV. I knew I needed to do it and had it planned for a while. I was happy how it turned out but worried it was too broken up.

I do apologize for the delay in posting year 2, but here you are! Starts with a bit on Corvus, then to the story. This is summer before 2nd year. Hope you like!

A/N2: I've had nothing but issues posting this on FF.net, so my lovelies here on AFF get first showing :)

(31) Protection

Corvus Cygnus Lestrange was an odd sort of boy, even for a wizard. He was going to turn twelve in a couple of months, yet his class load could be compared to a sixteen year old.

Some may worry that this young boy was taking on too much. That all he did was study and not have fun. But for Corvus, studying and learning was his fun.

While people his age may be looking for the newest broom on the market, Corvus was looking for the next rare tome that he could translate.

That was another oddity. The young Lestrange could speak multiple languages, one of which was known for being dark: parseltongue, the language of the snakes. This ability was a secret from all but his closest family. Though it was well known he had a snake as a familiar, Véurr, none knew that he could understand the hisses that escaped her mouth.

Back to his studious nature. Corvus was a fully enrolled student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a school of magical tuition in the UK. However, unlike other students, Corvus was also enrolled at two other schools: Durmstrang Academy, said to be somewhere in Bulgaria, and Scuola di Stregonaria in Italy.

Due to his full time status at Hogwarts, Corvus was unable to travel to take the exams for his correspondence courses in person. He instead took the written portions of his final exams at that school with a Professor watching over him, while any practical, magical portion of his finals were taken on site at the other institutions. He had already completed exams in this manner over the winter holidays, but now it was summer, and time to take them again.

()

Just as he had over winter break, Corvus took his practicals at his correspondence schools during his summer holidays. He even took up a summer course in Familiar Magics and, after reviewing the syllabus, convinced his Blood Magic Professor to delay his final practical until the newer course was complete. The reason for the delay was so he could combine his Blood Magic and Familiar Magic practicals.

Both professors agreed, and Corvus spent all of his spare time researching and writing up his ritual.

Véurr, his basilisk familiar, was more precious to him every day and she was gaining in size as the time passed. By the end of summer she was a good 2 feet in length. This ritual would keep him from having to carry her ever increasing size with him through the school.

“Familiars have different levels of bonds” he read in his textbook. “Some may be able to complete all bonds at once, while others, most likely hatchlings, will need to grow into the abilities. These abilities can be sped up if neither wizard or familiar are adverse to Blood Magics or having a closer bond. However, it must be noted how dangerous this sort of magic can be.”

()

It was the last day of July when Corvus was to take his combined practical. He entered Durmstrang Academy, inwardly smirking as the Blood Magic Professor looked warily at the large snake that wrapped around him.

“Is this the reason you wanted to delay?” Professor Volkov asked his student.

Corvus smiled and nodded. “It is. When I signed up for the summer course in Familiar Magic, I read through the book and curriculum quickly. When I read about the bonds we could have through the addition of Blood Magic, I knew just what to do for my practical.” A knock on the door brought their attention to a new comer.

“You must be Mr. Lestrange,” said a witch entering the room. Her slightly slanted dark eyes were nearly black and her black hair was formed into many small braids. Her skin was a deep bronze that reflected gold in the candlelight of the room. “I am Professor Cecchini. Familiar Magics Professor at Scuola di Stregonaria. It has been a pleasure to read your essays and have you as a student.”

Corvus bowed at his waist and kissed her outreached hand. “Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you officially, Professor. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to assist with this ritual, and that you agreed to count it as my practical.”

“It is not a problem, Mr. Lestrange. What sort of bond are you looking for?”

“I was just about to present my ritual write up to Professor Volkov. I am looking to have the Ultimate Bond with Véurr,” Corvus explained while caressing the snake in question.

“But... I mean... That is the hardest to complete. Near Master level magic,” stuttered Volkov. “There are even some Masters that do not complete this sort of magic!”

“Familiars are not all that common though,” Cecchini spoke up. “But I do agree with you Professor Volkov. It is an extremely difficult ritual and one that is particular to each pairing.”

Corvus was amused by the Blood Magic Professor’s unease, but nodded his understanding to what both were saying. “I understand all of this and have researched far and beyond. The Ultimate bond ties my familiar, in this case Véurr, to me more significantly than before. Where before she could understand my speaking English and be a protector, now we will be more connected. She will have access to my magic and I hers. She will be able to use my magic to keep her a manageable size as she grows. She will also have the ability to merge with me and contact me telepathically. Actually that is my main desire. To have her with me at all times. The first term at Hogwarts was difficult, to put it lightly. I found myself and my familiars in danger and did not like that I could not contact Véurr more quickly.

“The negatives mainly have to do with the ritual going wrong. I can end up merged with her unable to return to my form, we can be splinched, overwhelmed with magic, cursed, and any other number of things. It is very particular and every step must be done in perfect order. I have written up a ritual for our use.”

“Not only is the ritual dangerous, but the bond as well!” Said Volkov, still clearly upset.

“I’ve heard tales of wizards being fooled into bonding with one they thought was their familiar and instead being taken over. Mostly in the case of serpents. However, I can guarantee that I am no fool and Véurr IS my familiar. I trust her with my life.”

“That is important. Without that trust, the ritual WILL fail. So you are both in agreement?” Professor Cecchini asked him. Corvus nodded. The Professor studied him for a moment before continuing. “If you do this and succeed, you will test out of the Familiar Magic courses. There are three levels. You have completed level one this past summer. Levels two and three would be completed by the end of next year.”

“The same goes for your Blood Magic course. I will give you the book list for the next two years and you will still be able to contact me with any questions you may have,” Professor Volkov added.

Corvus nodded “Thank you, but I’d rather not test out of the courses completely. Could I test out of the Practical finals? Unless there is another thing that you could come up with in that time? I just don’t want to miss any important information because I jumped into an advanced ritual.” After getting disbelieving looks followed by nods from both professors, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded parchment. “Now this is what I’ve come up with...”

()

The three went over the ritual slowly and carefully. Since it was technically an exam, neither professor could make corrections, but certain points were asked for clarification or a more in depth description. This gave the student the chance to correct anything he saw fit to. If the ritual wasn’t perfect by the end of the reviewing process, the Professors retained the right to refuse to let the student perform the magic and he would be graded on the parts of the ritual that were correct.

Corvus had worked for months on this ritual and had all calculations and wording as he felt it should be. A couple of times the Professors would ask for clarification on a part, thinking he was in the wrong, but they soon realized that it worked for his ritual.

By the time the two hour discussion was up, they were ready to begin.

()

Corvus cast scourgify on the floor before using chalk to draw a circle on the floor. He left an inch of one circle incomplete for the time being.

He placed Véurr in the circle and removed his robes and shirt so he was bare chested. His familiar had trained with him all through his research for this moment. She knew what to expect. She had even take to practicing the runes with her tail using a vial of his red ink.

Corvus used a blade to quickly make a cut in her side and collected a few drops of her blood into a glass vial before giving her the go ahead to begin her writing.

Using her tail, Véurr traced runes in the four corners with her own blood: ‘protector’, ‘parsel’, ‘serpent’, and ‘familiar’. Corvus cut his own finger and added his blood to the drops to the vial. He copied his familiar’s movements, writing his own runes: ‘protected’, ‘parsel’, ‘wizard’, and ‘master’.

Finally the two settled in the center and Corvus used the vial of combined blood to trace the final runes: ‘bond’, ‘family’, ‘magic’, and ‘marking’.

Corvus closed his eyes as he felt the magic begin to flow in the circle. He knew the ritual would be intense, but he also knew he would have to perform this ritual before the start of term. He SAW the need to have Véurr connected to him in such a way.

***********FLASHBACK***********

Corvus woke from his deep sleep drenched in a cold sweat, stomach churning. He immediately pulled out his ‘Dream Journal’. Sometimes they were just dreams, but he had to be sure. For the third time that week, he had dreamt of Vé’s death.

It was disconcerting and he had no idea what could happen to cause the death of his beautiful familiar.

He closed his eyes and shivered at the feelings again.

Disbelief, anger, cold, fear. A feeling of helplessness.

Feeling of cold stone under his hands

Cat hanging from a wall... frozen: petrified? dead? connection to Vé?

Véurr chopped with Minister standing by: what reason would she have for attacking??

He vowed at that moment to figure a way to better protect his familiar. He would keep an eye on her this coming year.

***********END FLASHBACK***********

()

Professor Volkov stood on the side of the classroom, holding his breath as he watched the barely 12 year old boy perform the advanced magics. Why he agreed to this he would never know. All he knew was if something went wrong, he would have the Lestrange, Malfoy, and Snape wizards after his blood.

He watched on warily as the boy placed the snake on his shoulders before closing the circle with his chalk.

Soon as the lines connected, the young wizard collapsed to his knees into a trance. Looking over the serpent, it seemed the same was happening to her.

He saw Professor Cecchini keeping a close eye on the snake, and was grateful for it, knowing she would be more in tune with the snake’s reactions than he would be.

Suddenly the cuts on the boy and snake glowed for a moment before healing. Then all the runes began glowing and dimming, pulsing with light. The pace of the lights increased until they seemed to be constant, until they suddenly stopped.

Before anyone could let out a breath, the runes flashed brighter than before. With the flash came a wave of magic that echoed through the room like the sound of a gong. Wind seemed to be blowing strongly within the circle if the boy’s hair was anything to go by, but the Professors were safe. The power was kept inside the chalk line and when it hit the edge of the circle, it was like hitting a wall.

While Volkov watched the lights mesmerized, Cecchini watched as the snake clamped around the boy’s wrist just before the blast of magic and light.

When the light faded, both professors blinked slowly to find the boy on his knees in the center of the circle alone. Volkov panicked for a moment, looking around the room for the now loose snake, until he heard Cecchini’s soft voice. “It worked.”

Volkov ran out to get the boy’s Uncle.

()

Corvus watched as the lights flashed faster and faster. He felt Véurr becoming uneasy as he felt the magic increase, almost suffocating in intensity.

Suddenly he felt Véurr’s jaws latch onto his wrist as the magic flashed outward and bright. A loud sound was heard as the magic reverberated off of the barrier.

As the light’s faded, Corvus fell to his knees in exhaustion.

()

Corvus was brought aware of his surroundings from a hissing in his mind. :/:Well... that was unpleasant:/:

/Can you not speak telepathically in English?/ He asked her, curiously.

:/:No. But since you understand me, Huginn should be able to as well:/:

/She is correct, Young Master. I can understand because you can./

/Very well. But, yes, Véurr. That was highly unpleasant but necessary all the same./

:/:I think your human teachers are worried:/: She replied, amused.

Corvus opened his eyes to see Professor Volkov pacing in front of him and muttering under his breath, while Professor Cecchini stood to the side with a wide smile on her face. In the corner of the room he was surprised to see his uncle waiting, a small smile on his lips.

The younger wizard leaned forward from his kneeling position and wiped his finger on the line of chalk, opening the circle.

A wind blew through the dungeon, getting the Professor’s attention. He blew out a relieved breath. “You... you are going to get me killed, Corvus Lestrange!”

Corvus chuckled, exhausted. “Well, I guess it’s good I probably just tested out of the practical for your class now, isn’t it?”

The Professor let out a nervous laugh. “I need to see the results to determine that. I’ve already retrieved your uncle.”

Corvus nodded and stepped forward, but didn’t get far before he felt himself falling. He looked up at his Uncle who caught him by the elbow before he could fall. “Thanks, Uncle Rab.”

Once Corvus was settled in a chair, a pepper up potion for good measure, he explained the ritual he performed again, mostly for his Uncle’s benefit. Once that was done, he stood and turned slowly in a circle.

Wrapped around Corvus’ wand arm was a snake matching the beautiful Véurr. It spiraled from wrist to shoulder with the tip of the tail tucked on the inside of his wrist and the snake’s head resting just over his shoulder.

They all watched on amazed as Corvus closed his eyes in concentration. Gasps echoed in the room as the ‘tattoo’ began to move. Slowly it lifted from the skin and a live snake, more specifically Véurr, wrapped around the boy’s neck.

Corvus opened his eyes slowly and pet his familiar’s cool scales lightly before looking up at the three adults in the room. He nearly fell to the floor laughing at the expressions on their faces. Even Véurr’s hisses could not be mistaken for anything but laughter.

Rabastan could not find the words, but when he noticed his nephew’s pale face, he moved forward to grab his elbow again. “Alright?” he asked, worried.

“Tired” Corvus replied through half closed lids.

“Well... after that display I’d be worried if you weren’t!” Professor Cecchini said. “You will need at least a day of rest after that.” Corvus nodded his agreement.

“Yes, well...” Professor Volkov said, clearing his throat. “Can you bring her back to tattoo form once more?” Corvus complied easily, Véurr now looking like a tattoo wrapped around his neck and back. The dark wizard nodded. “I believe congratulations are in order, Mr. Lestrange.”

“Thank you, Professors,” he said shyly.

Suddenly Volkov sat up, worriedly. “You attend Hogwarts, correct?” he directed at his student.

Confused Corvus nodded his head. “I do, why?”

“And Dumbledore is still Headmaster?” Another nod. “Laĭna!”⁽¹⁾

“What is the problem?” Rabastan asked, looking at the concerned face of the Professor and the now worried face of his nephew.

Professor Volkov stood and began pacing. “Do you know about line magics?” Corvus nodded. “Do you know about magical auras?”

“I’ve read a little bit on the subject, but I don’t understand-”

“There are different levels of magical people. There are wizards, sorcerers, mages, and elemental mages. With each level comes a higher understanding of magic and unique abilities. An example of this would be the ability of elemental mages to control earth, air, fire, or water. There have even been those who have controlled all four. Albus Dumbledore is not as strong as that, but he is a Sorcerer.”

A look of understanding began to come to Professor Cecchini. “Oh my,” she said softly. “Do you think he would? Isn’t it illegal?”

Volkov nodded, but Corvus was getting annoyed. He had enough problems with the old coot the year before and from what they were saying, he would probably have more problems this year. “Could someone please explain to me what the hell is going on here? I had enough problems with that man last year! Is there a reason for worrying me?”

“One of the abilities of a sorcerer is to read magical auras. Along with the power of individuals, the magical aura will show line magics.” He took out a parchment and quill and drew an oval with multiple layers. He then drew ragged lines through it. Taking another piece he drew the same, but staggered the levels.

He returned to the first sheet to explain. “According to the Bulgarian Sorcerer Osnik, each level represents a different line magic. These spikes represent abuse or hardship in an individual’s life.”

Corvus paled and leaned back in his seat. If this was true- if the old man saw that much-

He was interrupted as Volkov pulled out his second sheet, “This shows the same, but the staggering levels show an individual that was disowned and then blood adopted.” Volkov again pulled his quill and drew a thick dark line on the outer edge of the auras. “This shows use of Dark magic, including Blood Magic.”

“Shit!”

“That’s what I said.”

Corvus leaned forward with his head between his knees, breathing carefully. He was feeling sick to his stomach. “There’s too much there. The man will make too many connections at once. He is probably already suspecting,” he mumbled, mostly to himself.

“I am concerned about him trying to learn more about a young, powerful wizard, and him learning of your use of the Dark Arts and how advanced you have become in Blood Magic.”

“There’s so much more to this than you think, Professor Volkov.” Corvus said as he ran a hand down his face. How did this become so difficult? “I need an oath that anything I say from here on in this room will not be communicated in any shape or form to another individual without my permission.” At his Professors’ unbelievable looks. “It concerns what you have spoken about here, Professor and I would like for you to know just why this news makes me so ill.”

The two agreed and took the oath easily. Corvus picked up the staggered aura sketch and drew ragged lines through it. “This is me,” he said. “When I was just over a year, my parents began favoring my twin over me. I was abused and neglected, raised by the family house elf. When I was 6 years old, my family disowned me because they learned I could speak parseltongue. I was taken to a muggle orphanage by Albus Dumbledore where I lived for a year.” Corvus’ eyes glazed over in memory. “I lasted a year before I ran away. Somehow I ended up in Diagon Alley where I was found by my mum, Bellatrix Lestrange.

“She took me in, fed, bathed, and clothed me. Once she learned of my history, she offered me a place to stay. Then she offered to adopt me. We did a blood adoption ritual using the blood of my mum and Rodolphus Lestrange.

“Do you see how much he knows if he in fact looked at my aura? He will know about the adoption. He will know about the abuse. He will know about the magics I have. H will be able to put it all together!”

Professor Volkov spoke up, “He won’t know what magics you possess as the colors change each generation and between families. However he will know how much power you have and how many line magics you have.”

Corvus let out a breath, “Well that’s something then.”

“But you were right about him knowing, or at least suspecting, a blood adoption, and the abuse. I really don’t doubt him having a peak at student auras.”

Corvus’ head returned to between his knees, “Now I know why the man gave me so many problems last year.”

“Can we block him from seeing anything?” Rabastan asked, worriedly.

“Wait one moment,” Volkov said, leaving the classroom. He returned five minutes later with and old book in his hands. The black leather was cracked and the title had worn off. The yellowing pages crinkled softly as the Professor turned them.

“Here!” he finally exclaimed after a few minutes, causing the others to jump. “Its a combination blood magic and wizard’s magic ritual. It will take a lot of magic for this, so you will have to return, Lestrange. Two day’s time. You need a full day of rest after today’s ritual. We will find a pendant you can use.”

Corvus lifted his three pendants up off his neck. “I have enough pendants. Though I will do whatever I can to keep from that fool, can I use something else?”

Volkov scratched his chin and nodded. “We will find something. You will meet me in the Italian wizarding district. I know a craftsman there who will be able to help us...”

All present shook hands and Rabastan dragged Corvus home where he was put to bed.

Bellatrix would rip into him the next day about overtaxing his magic, but for now he was happy.

That night Corvus woke from his dreams. The feelings of cold and fear remained, but no visions of Véurr dying. He smiled as he fell back to sleep.

()

Corvus slept for 16 hours when he returned. He woke up in time for lunch, during which he and Rabastan explained all that had happened.

“So you’re saying, Dumbledore has been using this power illegally on students to check them over?”

The two wizards nodded and Corvus spoke up, “We don’t have any proof, and would be hard pressed to find any, but it is what Volkov suspects. It makes sense if you think about all the trouble he was causing me last year. Volkov brought it up because was worried about the part of my aura representing Dark Magics.”

“I am glad you got an oath from them. They also now understand the severity of the situation. I will be coming with you for this latest ritual.”

The next morning, the three Lestrange’s portkeyed out to the Italian wizarding district.

()

Corvus, Rabastan and Bellatrix met up with professor Volkov at 9 in the morning. They followed him into a small building and had them wait while he found the owner.

Corvus looked around and saw different pieces of jewelry as well as armor, arm braces, and loose gemstones. He felt pulled to a corner, but before he could head over to it, he was called over.

“Rebros, this is the Lestrange family. Lady Bellatrix, Rabastan, and young Corvus. Corvus is my student and the one in need of your expert craftsmanship today.”

The tall man nodded at them all and eyed the youngest Lestrange. While the man looked him over, Corvus did the same.

Rebros was a tall man, probably around 6 feet tall. It was obvious the man worked hard for his craft by the thickness of his arms and sheen of sweat on his face. He had long blonde hair pulled into a low tail at the nape of his neck. He wore a heavy apron over a cotton short-sleeve button down shirt and a pair of blue jeans. In the pockets of his apron, Corvus could see a pair of heavy gloves.

“Vat sort of item are you lookin’ vor?” Rebros asked with a thick accent.

“We need something that can be used in a blood magic ritual. Something long lasting. He needs to be able to wear it all the time. He prefers it not to be a pendant, but will wear it if it is the best choice.”

Rebros nodded and looked over their heads in thought, “Pendant vould not have strength enough. Arm cuff vould be discomfort vor all da day.” He scratched at his chin, “Ring, bracelet, wrist cuff, anklet, earring are best option.”

“Earrings can be pulled out.” Corvus said, voicing his opinions. Rebros nodded for him to continue. “As I said, Earrings can be removed, quite painfully. An anklet would be uncomfortable under my boots. Not sure about a ring.”

“I vould suggest a wrist cuff,” the man said, walking over to the corner Corvus was pulled to earlier.

The young Lestrange rolled his eyes. At his mother’s questioning look, he mouthed ‘Ravenclaw’. She nodded and they all went to the corner.

Corvus pulled out a 2 inch wide brown cuff. It was plain with no embossing or branded designs. It was held together with 4 silver chains which ran entirely through the cuff. Looking closely, Corvus could see silver veins through the leather.

“Leather vith silver, simple piece. But if it pulled you, then it is vat you need.”

Corvus nodded and held the piece out to Volkov, who nodded in return.

Before leaving, he took notice of the chain link bracelets. He picked three up and paid for them. He asked Rebros about crafted charms and the man agreed to create some for Corvus. He gave the boy his owl address and they parted ways.

()

They were all back at Durmstrang, including Professor Cecchini who had taken an interest in the young Lestrange. They all sat in the classroom from two days prior and decided on how to approach what needed doing.

“So we will essentially be hiding his aura?” asked Bellatrix. “Will it block any of his magic?”

“No, think of it as a glamour of sorts. It is only covering what is already there. It will not block any of his power.” Professor Volkov stated. He returned to the paper they were writing notes on, brow furrowed. “I think adding in a type of ‘notice-me-not’ would be important. Should the old man decide to check again, it’s best if he forgets about it. It will also make sure that Véurr’s aura is not seen either.”

“I think that is best,” Corvus said. “I’m not around my twin often, but when I am it’s best if he doesn’t think of comparing us. Should he decide to and he sees my aura hidden, he may become suspicious.” The group nodded in agreement.

The ritual was simple in action, but complex in nature. It was entirely dependent on whether magic found Corvus’ intentions worthy or not. While he was strong for a twelve year old, the magic required in such a ritual were beyond his years, perhaps even bordering on Mage levels.

Corvus sat in a circle as he had done for his familiar bond. Surrounding him at different points in the star were Professors Volkov and Cecchini, Bellatrix, and Rabastan. He sat at the top point of the star with his cuff in his lap. He looked around at the group and waited for their nods. When he had then, he pierced his finger and placed a drop of blood onto the cuff.

Corvus closed his eyes and took a cleansing breath before speaking, “Peto auxilio magicae cum hoc ritu.” ⁽³⁾(I ask for the help of magic with this ritual.)

Soon as the last syllable left Corvus’ mouth, a breeze blew through his circle. It was hot to the point of burning and ran through his body, testing him and his magic. It was a moment of extreme tension and they all knew the importance of this moment.

Corvus was tested for his worthiness of being a vessel of Magic itself, while the others were tested on their intent- whether they wanted to use Magic for their own gain, or if they were there to truly help the boy.

He felt the magic pause for a moment, seemingly evaluating a piece of his core, then it returned to the search.

Suddenly the heat stilled and cooled, but Corvus could still feel a warmth spreading through his body. He looked around, relieved to see everyone was okay. He felt something akin to a nod within himself and began: “Per sanguinem meum, cum auxilio magicae, hoc scutum formans.” (By (means of) my blood, with the help of magic, I form this shield.)

With the drop of blood came a pull from his core and the magic swirling within him. He quickly realized that his magic had to cover at least half the power needed for the spell. The other half was pulled from the group in the circle with him and Magic itself. He truly hoped he had enough in him.

A pulse of light on the cuff noted his success in the first protection. He let another drop hit the cuff and incanted, “Hoc scutum occultat magiae meae.” (This shield conceals my magic.)

He squeezed his finger, willing the cut not to close yet and adding another drop of blood, “Hoc scutum occultat aura meae.” (This shield conceals my aura.)

Corvus felt significantly drained and closed his eyes. He was more than half way through. Three more to go.

He let another drop fall, “Oculos aura de veneficus me non videntes.” (Aura eyes of the Sorcerer do not see me.) He felt his body trembling with exhaustion. He could feel magic wanting to complete the ritual. He could feel the tension in the air as it waited for the completion.

“Per sanguinem meum, alligo hoc scutum.” (By (means of) my blood, I bind this shield.)

A bright flash of light and the strongest pull yet. He could almost see the magic emanating from the cuff, seemingly leaning in his direction, already wanting to protect and shield it’s enchanter.

When the magic stopped pulling, Corvus slumped forward, barely awake. He took a deep, gasping breath and finished, “Ago gratias pro auxilio magicae. Ego donum sanguinem in gratias” (I am thankful for the help of magic. I gift blood in thanks.)

A final drop and he felt the heat of magic swirling within him again. It encompassed many feelings: pride, accomplishment, thanks. He felt the slightest bit of magic drawn from him, before he passed out with a smile.

()

Bellatrix watched in trepidation as her son sat at the top of the star. She could almost see the magic swirling within it’s confines and gasped as she felt Magic testing her intentions.

When she was deemed truthful, she opened her eyes to see Corvus nodding his head before beginning to speak.

She watched as the boy continued the spells, dropping his blood and allowing his magic to be fed to the created protections. Although she felt a pull, she knew it was nothing compared to what her son would need to ‘pay’. She watched in trepidation as he paled significantly with each drop given. She could see sweat building on his brow and a tremble form in his hands.

When he slumped forward, she tried to rush to his side, only to find herself unable to move. She knew there was nothing she could do, but the boy, her son, looked like death and it scared her more than anything ever had. She watched his lips mumble the last line, magic swirling around again.

Professors Volkov and Cecchini were even more amazed by the boy’s powers than the day before. They knew this would be difficult, even with Magic’s help. However with what the boy told them of his past, they decided to help in any way they could. It was wrong to ask magic to give half the power needed for a ritual, so the group decided to sit within the circle and add their own power to Corvus’.

Once the boy had slumped over unconscious, a wave of magic washed through the circle. Each adult felt as if they had just taken a Pepper-Up potion, though they were still left slightly drained.

The most amazing sight, however, was the light that covered the boy. It pulsed a couple of times before being absorbed. There seemed to be a battle for a moment before a final flash pressed into Corvus. At the same moment, a cloud of black seemed to be pushed out of the boy. It hovered momentarily before bursting into a cloud of dust.

Corvus’ breathing evened out and the color returned to his face. No one knew what that black cloud had been, but it was something they would need to look into. And soon. It seemed Magic found him more than worthy.

()

Corvus woke in his own bed. He cast a tempus and realized it was near dinner time. He called Mopsy and found out he had actually been unconscious for two days.

He had a lot of apologizing to do to his mother. For now, she was just happy he was awake.

Soon as he was fed and watered, Corvus was put back to bed. He didn’t mind much as he was still exhausted.

He took to time to look over his new cuff. The leather was still brown and the chains still silver, but the veins had turned red, much like the spine of his journal had. The underside of the cuff was lined with a multitude of runes that were focused on shielding aura. There was also one set to keep the cuff and his skin clean so he wouldn’t have to worry about removing it each time he bathed. He didn’t remember putting those there, but he was still happy for them. He didn’t intend on ever taking it off again.

After all, no one could make him remove it. The best part of the cuff was that no one could see it unless he wanted them to.

(1) According to google translate, 'Laĭna!' is Bulgarian for 'shit'

(2) The name Osnik came from the Bulgarian translation of sorcerer, mag'osnik

(3) Google translate was used for the Latin translations. I took Latin in HS and tried my best along with the translator. Instead of having readers scroll to the notes at the bottom of the story I figured I would just put the translations in parenthesis.

A/N: Sorry for the delay, but I ended up adding about 2000 words to this chappie. Hope you all like it and appreciate the massive word count (for me this is massive! lol) I hope I don't make this year too predictable and it is enjoyable for all.

As always, Please R&R.
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Corvus