Ghostcraft19
Versed in the lewd.
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Good chapter
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Mudsnake (Harry Potter Muggleborn!Slytherin!SI)
- Thread starter Fulcon
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Fulcon
Working on a new project.
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Cybork
Cybernettik Orkanizm
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So far it's pretty good. I'm not sold on the whole keeping the fact he's muggleborn secret thing. He can't be the first one to get into Slytherin. Plus it would get out eventually. Having to deal with the hate and succeed regardless would make for a more interesting story that having to juggle increasingly complex lies.
The butterflies are flapping, which is always good. Will Dumbledore notice the stone is gone? Will the MC pilfer it from Harry's trunk? The trio might be able to convince the twins to assist in levitating Quirrel's turban in the middle of the Great Hall. Eventually they're going to tell Dumbledore about the letter, wonder what he'll make of it. Hopefully there aren't any forensics charms he can use to figure out who wrote it.
The butterflies are flapping, which is always good. Will Dumbledore notice the stone is gone? Will the MC pilfer it from Harry's trunk? The trio might be able to convince the twins to assist in levitating Quirrel's turban in the middle of the Great Hall. Eventually they're going to tell Dumbledore about the letter, wonder what he'll make of it. Hopefully there aren't any forensics charms he can use to figure out who wrote it.
Reimigueru
Know what you're doing yet?
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The wing was broken because Quirell had used it first, and broken it by being a brute. The going forwards potion had 1 dose because Quirell had already drank the other dose. So 2 plot holes right there.
Also, did Pettigrew see the letter? Because if so, he can steal the Philosopher's Stone and give to Voldemort, ressurecting him early.
Also, did Pettigrew see the letter? Because if so, he can steal the Philosopher's Stone and give to Voldemort, ressurecting him early.
Fulcon
Working on a new project.
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First one in a while, maybe. Since Voldemort's arrival, at least.
I could see that.
Great questions! I confess I don't have answers regarding the forensics charms, I was going with the canon worldbuilding detail of 'wizards suck at logic' so I could have a plot and cover my butt. Because when you go too into depth, you actually lose the ability to write anything at all, and I'd rather you guys have an admittedly imperfect story to read over nothing at all.
What are you talking about, I removed that issue when I revised the chapter...and the letter!
*goes back over notes*
Oh, that's dumb. Missed a spot. Okay, I'll fix it.
EDIT: Fixed in the master and in QQ.
Actually, I re-read Sorcerer's Stone, and didn't see any mention of the bottle being almost empty. It had one dose because the bottle is really small.
One plot hole, thank you very much. Don't be rude.
No, because Hermione's holding it.
Last edited:
Chapter 7: The Refusals
New
Fulcon
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The following is a fan-based work of fiction. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling. Please support the official release.
---
"I knew you had it in you."
"Shut up."
"Throwing compliments in the giver's face is poor form."
"Yeah, well, complimenting someone on a thing they're mad at themselves for is also poor form."
"Ah, but you have no right to be mad!" Merlin said with a sly smile while stroking that stupid beard of his. "Why, you're almost proficient in Occlumency. Another year or two and you'll be a master!"
"That's what you were talking about?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
"No, you had it right the first time. I was congratulating you on taking the first steps to accomplishing your idealized ambition," Merlin answered with a cheeky grin. "Becoming a hero by doing the right thing even when it costs you something!"
"But this way, no one will know I'm the one who helped," I pointed out, my eyes widening in the agony of thwarted dreams. "Stupid conscience!"
"That's just proof you've grown as a person," Merlin replied. "And you've still got more growth in you."
"Oh yeah?" I asked, glaring and frowning at him like he just pissed on my dinner. "How's that?"
"It still wounds your pride to dodge recognition and validation," Merlin answered. "You know, by being safe while you're doing the right thing. Only thing for it is to keep doing exactly that."
I blinked. "Wait...by being safe. I could just go out and do this openly."
"You couldn't have gotten the stone," Merlin rebutted.
"I could've worked with Harry and the trio," I said, standing up, annoyed with myself. "I could've just done that directly!"
"And what would've happened if you had done that?" Merlin asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Uh...well, Sirius Black would be let out and Pettigrew would take his place," I said, continuing on. "Because they could use Legilimency to confirm everything I know is legitimate." More ideas. "They'd go down and kill the Basilisk! They'd hunt down the Horcruxes and destroy them, defeating Voldemort. Hagrid would have his expulsion revoked, meaning he could own and use a wand again."
I was practically giddy. "I'd be a sensation. The Boy Who Knew!"
Merlin's head tilted, while he grinned the devil's grin. "With this Ministry?"
That stopped me cold in my tracks.
"Maybe you could get Hagrid's expulsion revoked," Merlin allowed, nodding as if he were lightly stamping documents with approval. "But to allow Sirius and Pettigrew to switch places would be to admit there was no trial and that they had made a horrendous mistake. To admit that Voldemort even has Horcruxes is to admit that he's still a problem. And if what I've seen of the books in your mind is correct, old wizarding families, such as the Malfoys, are Cornelius Fudge's greatest donors."
I was blinking. "Okay, secrecy really is the optimal play here."
"Secrecy and learning your blades in the dark," Merlin replied. "But at the same time, being optimal does not produce heroes, we both know that." He looked down at me, boring into my skull with an intensity that made my hairs stand up on end. "So tell me. When it comes to the heart of a hero, what do you lack?"
I blinked, frowning, cupping my chin. "I could be a harder worker. I get too distracted by Quidditch."
Merlin looked so unimpressed, it crossed over into disappointment. "Quidditch is training spatial awareness in a three-dimensional environment, physical conditioning, teamwork and coordination, sharper reflexes and high-stress flying. It could only be more pertinent to your goals if it somehow included dueling. Try again."
Oh. Well. Uh…
"I could be smarter," I offered. "I'm not as confident about the exams as I would like to be."
"Boy, you're spending most of your free time learning Occlumency and Legilimency, and are approaching proficiency in as little as a school year," Merlin replied. "This after never having practiced magic before in your life. You have thought about, in detail, ways to actually accomplish what you saw in the Mirror of Erised while others can only waste away, yearning for a future they cannot have."
I shrugged. "I'm not selfless. I didn't warn anyone not to go to the dungeons when the troll was there."
"Oh, come off it," Merlin snapped at me. "You knew they'd be fine," he continued folding his arms in front of him. "Out of all the ways to chase glory, wealth and power, you chose the path of saving and preserving life. An elegant marriage of ambition and compassion, I'd say."
"Then tell me," I said, angry. "I don't like getting wrong answers."
"You lack courage."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Instead of going for the Stone yourself, you instead mobilized the people who you knew could do it," Merlin replied.
"Well, yeah!" I said. "Because I want to use the stone, and I couldn't get it out of the mirror!"
"And why not?"
"Because I want to use it!"
"I know you want to use it! Why?"
"Because!"
"Because?"
Finally, I truly snapped. "Because I don't want to die again!"
Merlin hummed, tapping his chin and smirking. "And so we're getting somewhere. How did you die the first time?"
"I was on a cruise ship," I explained. "It was late, I was tired, and I fell overboard and drowned." Then, I glared at the old coot. "So, it would've been counterproductive for me to stand before the mirror, because the mirror wouldn't have given the stone to me, because the only thing I would be able to think about is how I could use it, because I never want to die again!"
Once that tirade was over, I was panting and gritting my teeth. "Do you really need me to spell it out for you?"
"No," said he. "You've done an adequate job."
"So I wouldn't call that cowardice," I said.
He shook his head, grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire Cat. "I didn't say you were a coward. I said you lacked courage." He leaned closer within his portrait. "If you had courage, you would not fear death, and thus not need the elixir of life and you would've been able to get it for yourself."
...well...no...that's not…
"And, well," Merlin continued. "The kind of hero you wish to be doesn't fear death. Respect, certainly, but never fear."
Through glaring eyes, I asked, "yeah? Well, what's the difference?"
"Respect does not stop one from acting."
---
The return to the Slytherin common room was marked by my heavy footfalls. Deliberately heavy, as if I was hoping to shake the castle walls just by walking, with the vain belief that the rumble would, at least, make me feel better.
Merlin's just dumb. He's just a painting, and I don't know why I held his word in such high regard. He's only there to teach me Occlumency and Legilimency, I won't be seeing him again once I've mastered the pair.
Anyway. I spoke the password and out came Lysander Voss, seventh year, Hogwarts Head Boy. Pale skin, shaven head and bright emerald eyes that shone like gems. When he saw me, he glared and hissed through gritted teeth. "Out of my way, Sullivan."
Of course, I stepped aside. As Head Boy, he is the one person inside the Slytherin house who is aware of my status as muggle-born. While he's been forbidden by Professor Dumbledore and Snape from saying anything, he makes absolutely sure that I know what he thinks of me. I figure as long as the rest of the house doesn't treat me like that, my secret is safe.
Inside, I saw Draco, glaring down the entrance with an odd fury glinting behind those eyes. "He's kind of a prick, isn't he?"
"He's got his reasons, I'm sure," I replied.
Then, he looked at me with a measure of disdain. "You're too bloody nice, Sullivan."
"It's a curse."
"I'll say," Draco replied. "Now, remember, if you don't pass your exams, all our Quidditch practice will be for nothing because you'll be disqualified from attending the second year."
"Yeah. I'm feeling pretty competent in regards to potions," I said, grinning slightly. "Professor Snape said I've got the best Sleeping Draught in the class."
"That doesn't matter," Draco rebutted, waving it off. "Professor Snape's always generous to us during exams."
He needs to stop that. That kind of cheating is like winning the battle but losing the war.
"What you need is to make sure your transfiguration is up to snuff," Draco continued, ignorant of my internal snark. "The old bat, McGonagall, does not mess around. You can turn a spider into a die cube, right?"
I nodded.
Daphne came up behind him and said, "and I saw him do the levitation charm earlier."
He jumped and whirled on her, angry at the surprise. "So?" Draco asked. "That's one of the first things we learned. Flitwick's not going to be impressed."
"Wandlessly."
That froze Draco on the spot, and he turned toward me like an empty suit of armor being slotted back into place. "What."
I shrugged, and did a few hand signs to lift a candle-bearing skull up off the nearby table.
Draco looked disappointed. "Oh. Uagadou magic. My father's told me about it. Professor Flitwick's not going to pass you on a party trick."
Come on, that took me weeks to learn how to do that!
"Well, I thought it was neat," Daphne said, folding her arms and glaring at him.
"And you were wrong."
It was time to cut in. "Stop, that's enough. Draco, I'm still going to show him, just for the extra credit."
Slowly, he started nodding. "Good idea," he said. "Need every point you can get."
Then, I turned to Daphne. "And thank you for the compliment. It took me weeks to pull it off."
She grinned, hopping onto the table and kicking her legs while looking at me. "And that was time well spent." She leaned forward. "What else can you do?"
"Just that," was my answer. "Eventually, though, I'm going to be able to cast all my spells that way."
"That's amazing," Daphne breathed.
Draco sharply frowned. "Seems like a lot of work. We use wands for a reason."
Up the stairs came Vincent and Greg.
"Oh, there you are," I said, raising a wave as they walked up to their customary positions as Draco's bodyguards. "How's it going?"
"Studying for exams," Vincent said.
"You think we can put some pressure on Quirrell?" Greg asked, looking between Draco and I. "He's such a mouse, we could persuade him to be generous with his grades."
Draco just shook his head. "No. We've no leverage on him."
"What if we knew what was under the turban?" Vincent suggested.
Suddenly, my blood ran cold. I've got zero interest, whatsoever, in...in...wait.
I mean…
Nope, terrible idea. Not doing it.
"There is no way there's blackmail material under a turban," Daphne stated, as a knee-jerk reaction. Come to think of it, I don't feel like there's anything under there."
Come on, say it. I need to say it.
"You mean he's bald?" Vincent asked, his nose scrunching up. "That's not leverage."
Draco shook his head to agree.
Daphne tilted her head, squinting. "No, it's...more like blank. I feel like there is literally nothing under there."
SAY IT!
"Sounds like –" I stopped dead in my tracks, manufacturing a coughing fit.
The group was looking at me.
"Well?" Vincent asked, folding his arms.
"Well, what?" I asked, pretending to recover.
"You were about to say something," Daphne said, arching an eyebrow. "And it's very pertinent to the turban."
"Come on, spit it out, mate," Draco demanded.
I don't wanna.
"Marcus." Greg placed a hand on my shoulder, either to steady me, or to intimidate me. A little of both. "We'd really like to hear what you have to say."
Ah, crap.
Well...okay. Here goes nothing.
"Daphne, are you skilled at divination?" I asked.
Her expression went flat. "Don't change the subject," she said. "I mean, my parents certainly think so, but don't change the subject."
"The reason you think there's a flat void under the turban is because of counter-charms," I said.
"Oh." Her eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh…"
Vincent got an odd twinkle in his eye. "So, there is something."
"And if there really is something underneath, it's an 'expose him to the school and get rewarded' sort of thing. Dark magic, probably," I said, in a desperate bid to make sure we did whatever we were going to do in the presence of Dumbledore. "Besides, trying to blackmail a teacher is a horrifically bad idea."
"Oh yeah?" Vincent said. "Why is that?"
"Because it's our word against his," I pointed out. "We've got no leverage or anything that incentivizes people to believe us."
"Right," Draco said. "But still, now I'm extra curious. How much you want to bet we can get the Gryffindors to try something?"
My voice was a little bit too high when I responded. "And let them get the points?"
"Ew, never mind," Draco said. "Still, I wonder what we'd have to do to get it?"
"There's a potion I saw for sale in that potion store in Knockturn Alley," Daphne suggested. At my confused expression, she elaborated. "You've never been there, but it's just a short step away from Diagon Alley. Lots of magical items for sale that are actually useful." She turned to everyone else.
Never been to Diagon, either, actually...
"And what does the potion do?" Greg asked, his face screwed up in confusion.
"Dispels charms and enchantments," Daphne replied. "It's a cursebreaker's potion. You just pour it on the object and then all its protections or curses disappear."
Vincent got this triumphant expression. "Nice!"
"Doesn't always work," Daphne qualified. "Especially if it's really big or powerful. But a turban?"
"I could ask for the potion to be picked up," Draco said, the smile on his face widening. "Have it here before Wednesday!"
...you're kidding.
I was thinking they wouldn't be able to come up with something they could actually do as first years, but it turns out they've got access to the most powerful magic of all; money.
"Uh…" I rose a finger into the sky. "Let the record show that this is a terrible idea and I do not approve."
"Well, that's too bad, isn't it Sullivan?" Draco said, grinning from ear to ear. "Because you're going to be taking the turban off after we soak it."
"Wha–?"
"Well, we want plausible deniability," Daphne said, turning her head in what seemed like embarrassment. "In case it's really bad and gets us in trouble."
"And you're the lowest on the totem pole," Vincent continued, in the lowest voice I've ever heard from him. "So you get to do it."
"No!" I said, standing up and glaring at all of them. "I am putting my foot down, here. Absolutely not! I will have nothing to do with this whatsoever!"
Vincent glared, and stood up, only for Draco to sigh. "Fine. Be difficult, then."
"Such a killjoy," Daphne said, folding her arms and pouting.
I just stood up to the most important kid in my year and made him back down.
…
Take that, Merlin.
---
Author's Note: Hey, you guys have really been blowing the thread up with comments! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it, truly!
We're reaching the end of everything I've got prepared so far; 11 chapters. This is chapter 7, so...once that's over with, uploads will pause while I work through Chamber of Secrets.
As a note: If you are an artist, AI Aficionado, or are otherwise good with visual media, you have open permissions to adapt my writing to your work. I am flat broke and cannot pay you, so please only do this if it strikes your fancy. Just be sure to give me credit and send it my way!
Until the next time!
~Fulcon
---
"I knew you had it in you."
"Shut up."
"Throwing compliments in the giver's face is poor form."
"Yeah, well, complimenting someone on a thing they're mad at themselves for is also poor form."
"Ah, but you have no right to be mad!" Merlin said with a sly smile while stroking that stupid beard of his. "Why, you're almost proficient in Occlumency. Another year or two and you'll be a master!"
"That's what you were talking about?" I asked, arching an eyebrow.
"No, you had it right the first time. I was congratulating you on taking the first steps to accomplishing your idealized ambition," Merlin answered with a cheeky grin. "Becoming a hero by doing the right thing even when it costs you something!"
"But this way, no one will know I'm the one who helped," I pointed out, my eyes widening in the agony of thwarted dreams. "Stupid conscience!"
"That's just proof you've grown as a person," Merlin replied. "And you've still got more growth in you."
"Oh yeah?" I asked, glaring and frowning at him like he just pissed on my dinner. "How's that?"
"It still wounds your pride to dodge recognition and validation," Merlin answered. "You know, by being safe while you're doing the right thing. Only thing for it is to keep doing exactly that."
I blinked. "Wait...by being safe. I could just go out and do this openly."
"You couldn't have gotten the stone," Merlin rebutted.
"I could've worked with Harry and the trio," I said, standing up, annoyed with myself. "I could've just done that directly!"
"And what would've happened if you had done that?" Merlin asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Uh...well, Sirius Black would be let out and Pettigrew would take his place," I said, continuing on. "Because they could use Legilimency to confirm everything I know is legitimate." More ideas. "They'd go down and kill the Basilisk! They'd hunt down the Horcruxes and destroy them, defeating Voldemort. Hagrid would have his expulsion revoked, meaning he could own and use a wand again."
I was practically giddy. "I'd be a sensation. The Boy Who Knew!"
Merlin's head tilted, while he grinned the devil's grin. "With this Ministry?"
That stopped me cold in my tracks.
"Maybe you could get Hagrid's expulsion revoked," Merlin allowed, nodding as if he were lightly stamping documents with approval. "But to allow Sirius and Pettigrew to switch places would be to admit there was no trial and that they had made a horrendous mistake. To admit that Voldemort even has Horcruxes is to admit that he's still a problem. And if what I've seen of the books in your mind is correct, old wizarding families, such as the Malfoys, are Cornelius Fudge's greatest donors."
I was blinking. "Okay, secrecy really is the optimal play here."
"Secrecy and learning your blades in the dark," Merlin replied. "But at the same time, being optimal does not produce heroes, we both know that." He looked down at me, boring into my skull with an intensity that made my hairs stand up on end. "So tell me. When it comes to the heart of a hero, what do you lack?"
I blinked, frowning, cupping my chin. "I could be a harder worker. I get too distracted by Quidditch."
Merlin looked so unimpressed, it crossed over into disappointment. "Quidditch is training spatial awareness in a three-dimensional environment, physical conditioning, teamwork and coordination, sharper reflexes and high-stress flying. It could only be more pertinent to your goals if it somehow included dueling. Try again."
Oh. Well. Uh…
"I could be smarter," I offered. "I'm not as confident about the exams as I would like to be."
"Boy, you're spending most of your free time learning Occlumency and Legilimency, and are approaching proficiency in as little as a school year," Merlin replied. "This after never having practiced magic before in your life. You have thought about, in detail, ways to actually accomplish what you saw in the Mirror of Erised while others can only waste away, yearning for a future they cannot have."
I shrugged. "I'm not selfless. I didn't warn anyone not to go to the dungeons when the troll was there."
"Oh, come off it," Merlin snapped at me. "You knew they'd be fine," he continued folding his arms in front of him. "Out of all the ways to chase glory, wealth and power, you chose the path of saving and preserving life. An elegant marriage of ambition and compassion, I'd say."
"Then tell me," I said, angry. "I don't like getting wrong answers."
"You lack courage."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Instead of going for the Stone yourself, you instead mobilized the people who you knew could do it," Merlin replied.
"Well, yeah!" I said. "Because I want to use the stone, and I couldn't get it out of the mirror!"
"And why not?"
"Because I want to use it!"
"I know you want to use it! Why?"
"Because!"
"Because?"
Finally, I truly snapped. "Because I don't want to die again!"
Merlin hummed, tapping his chin and smirking. "And so we're getting somewhere. How did you die the first time?"
"I was on a cruise ship," I explained. "It was late, I was tired, and I fell overboard and drowned." Then, I glared at the old coot. "So, it would've been counterproductive for me to stand before the mirror, because the mirror wouldn't have given the stone to me, because the only thing I would be able to think about is how I could use it, because I never want to die again!"
Once that tirade was over, I was panting and gritting my teeth. "Do you really need me to spell it out for you?"
"No," said he. "You've done an adequate job."
"So I wouldn't call that cowardice," I said.
He shook his head, grinning from ear to ear like the Cheshire Cat. "I didn't say you were a coward. I said you lacked courage." He leaned closer within his portrait. "If you had courage, you would not fear death, and thus not need the elixir of life and you would've been able to get it for yourself."
...well...no...that's not…
"And, well," Merlin continued. "The kind of hero you wish to be doesn't fear death. Respect, certainly, but never fear."
Through glaring eyes, I asked, "yeah? Well, what's the difference?"
"Respect does not stop one from acting."
---
The return to the Slytherin common room was marked by my heavy footfalls. Deliberately heavy, as if I was hoping to shake the castle walls just by walking, with the vain belief that the rumble would, at least, make me feel better.
Merlin's just dumb. He's just a painting, and I don't know why I held his word in such high regard. He's only there to teach me Occlumency and Legilimency, I won't be seeing him again once I've mastered the pair.
Anyway. I spoke the password and out came Lysander Voss, seventh year, Hogwarts Head Boy. Pale skin, shaven head and bright emerald eyes that shone like gems. When he saw me, he glared and hissed through gritted teeth. "Out of my way, Sullivan."
Of course, I stepped aside. As Head Boy, he is the one person inside the Slytherin house who is aware of my status as muggle-born. While he's been forbidden by Professor Dumbledore and Snape from saying anything, he makes absolutely sure that I know what he thinks of me. I figure as long as the rest of the house doesn't treat me like that, my secret is safe.
Inside, I saw Draco, glaring down the entrance with an odd fury glinting behind those eyes. "He's kind of a prick, isn't he?"
"He's got his reasons, I'm sure," I replied.
Then, he looked at me with a measure of disdain. "You're too bloody nice, Sullivan."
"It's a curse."
"I'll say," Draco replied. "Now, remember, if you don't pass your exams, all our Quidditch practice will be for nothing because you'll be disqualified from attending the second year."
"Yeah. I'm feeling pretty competent in regards to potions," I said, grinning slightly. "Professor Snape said I've got the best Sleeping Draught in the class."
"That doesn't matter," Draco rebutted, waving it off. "Professor Snape's always generous to us during exams."
He needs to stop that. That kind of cheating is like winning the battle but losing the war.
"What you need is to make sure your transfiguration is up to snuff," Draco continued, ignorant of my internal snark. "The old bat, McGonagall, does not mess around. You can turn a spider into a die cube, right?"
I nodded.
Daphne came up behind him and said, "and I saw him do the levitation charm earlier."
He jumped and whirled on her, angry at the surprise. "So?" Draco asked. "That's one of the first things we learned. Flitwick's not going to be impressed."
"Wandlessly."
That froze Draco on the spot, and he turned toward me like an empty suit of armor being slotted back into place. "What."
I shrugged, and did a few hand signs to lift a candle-bearing skull up off the nearby table.
Draco looked disappointed. "Oh. Uagadou magic. My father's told me about it. Professor Flitwick's not going to pass you on a party trick."
Come on, that took me weeks to learn how to do that!
"Well, I thought it was neat," Daphne said, folding her arms and glaring at him.
"And you were wrong."
It was time to cut in. "Stop, that's enough. Draco, I'm still going to show him, just for the extra credit."
Slowly, he started nodding. "Good idea," he said. "Need every point you can get."
Then, I turned to Daphne. "And thank you for the compliment. It took me weeks to pull it off."
She grinned, hopping onto the table and kicking her legs while looking at me. "And that was time well spent." She leaned forward. "What else can you do?"
"Just that," was my answer. "Eventually, though, I'm going to be able to cast all my spells that way."
"That's amazing," Daphne breathed.
Draco sharply frowned. "Seems like a lot of work. We use wands for a reason."
Up the stairs came Vincent and Greg.
"Oh, there you are," I said, raising a wave as they walked up to their customary positions as Draco's bodyguards. "How's it going?"
"Studying for exams," Vincent said.
"You think we can put some pressure on Quirrell?" Greg asked, looking between Draco and I. "He's such a mouse, we could persuade him to be generous with his grades."
Draco just shook his head. "No. We've no leverage on him."
"What if we knew what was under the turban?" Vincent suggested.
Suddenly, my blood ran cold. I've got zero interest, whatsoever, in...in...wait.
I mean…
Nope, terrible idea. Not doing it.
"There is no way there's blackmail material under a turban," Daphne stated, as a knee-jerk reaction. Come to think of it, I don't feel like there's anything under there."
Come on, say it. I need to say it.
"You mean he's bald?" Vincent asked, his nose scrunching up. "That's not leverage."
Draco shook his head to agree.
Daphne tilted her head, squinting. "No, it's...more like blank. I feel like there is literally nothing under there."
SAY IT!
"Sounds like –" I stopped dead in my tracks, manufacturing a coughing fit.
The group was looking at me.
"Well?" Vincent asked, folding his arms.
"Well, what?" I asked, pretending to recover.
"You were about to say something," Daphne said, arching an eyebrow. "And it's very pertinent to the turban."
"Come on, spit it out, mate," Draco demanded.
I don't wanna.
"Marcus." Greg placed a hand on my shoulder, either to steady me, or to intimidate me. A little of both. "We'd really like to hear what you have to say."
Ah, crap.
Well...okay. Here goes nothing.
"Daphne, are you skilled at divination?" I asked.
Her expression went flat. "Don't change the subject," she said. "I mean, my parents certainly think so, but don't change the subject."
"The reason you think there's a flat void under the turban is because of counter-charms," I said.
"Oh." Her eyes went wide. "Oh! Oh…"
Vincent got an odd twinkle in his eye. "So, there is something."
"And if there really is something underneath, it's an 'expose him to the school and get rewarded' sort of thing. Dark magic, probably," I said, in a desperate bid to make sure we did whatever we were going to do in the presence of Dumbledore. "Besides, trying to blackmail a teacher is a horrifically bad idea."
"Oh yeah?" Vincent said. "Why is that?"
"Because it's our word against his," I pointed out. "We've got no leverage or anything that incentivizes people to believe us."
"Right," Draco said. "But still, now I'm extra curious. How much you want to bet we can get the Gryffindors to try something?"
My voice was a little bit too high when I responded. "And let them get the points?"
"Ew, never mind," Draco said. "Still, I wonder what we'd have to do to get it?"
"There's a potion I saw for sale in that potion store in Knockturn Alley," Daphne suggested. At my confused expression, she elaborated. "You've never been there, but it's just a short step away from Diagon Alley. Lots of magical items for sale that are actually useful." She turned to everyone else.
Never been to Diagon, either, actually...
"And what does the potion do?" Greg asked, his face screwed up in confusion.
"Dispels charms and enchantments," Daphne replied. "It's a cursebreaker's potion. You just pour it on the object and then all its protections or curses disappear."
Vincent got this triumphant expression. "Nice!"
"Doesn't always work," Daphne qualified. "Especially if it's really big or powerful. But a turban?"
"I could ask for the potion to be picked up," Draco said, the smile on his face widening. "Have it here before Wednesday!"
...you're kidding.
I was thinking they wouldn't be able to come up with something they could actually do as first years, but it turns out they've got access to the most powerful magic of all; money.
"Uh…" I rose a finger into the sky. "Let the record show that this is a terrible idea and I do not approve."
"Well, that's too bad, isn't it Sullivan?" Draco said, grinning from ear to ear. "Because you're going to be taking the turban off after we soak it."
"Wha–?"
"Well, we want plausible deniability," Daphne said, turning her head in what seemed like embarrassment. "In case it's really bad and gets us in trouble."
"And you're the lowest on the totem pole," Vincent continued, in the lowest voice I've ever heard from him. "So you get to do it."
"No!" I said, standing up and glaring at all of them. "I am putting my foot down, here. Absolutely not! I will have nothing to do with this whatsoever!"
Vincent glared, and stood up, only for Draco to sigh. "Fine. Be difficult, then."
"Such a killjoy," Daphne said, folding her arms and pouting.
I just stood up to the most important kid in my year and made him back down.
…
Take that, Merlin.
---
Author's Note: Hey, you guys have really been blowing the thread up with comments! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it, truly!
We're reaching the end of everything I've got prepared so far; 11 chapters. This is chapter 7, so...once that's over with, uploads will pause while I work through Chamber of Secrets.
As a note: If you are an artist, AI Aficionado, or are otherwise good with visual media, you have open permissions to adapt my writing to your work. I am flat broke and cannot pay you, so please only do this if it strikes your fancy. Just be sure to give me credit and send it my way!
Until the next time!
~Fulcon
Fulcon
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Yeah, I'd say so. It's pretty bad.
Pax Humana
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LOL
And Merlin is wrong about courage. Courage is the ability to proceed despite your fear. The more afraid you are, the more courage you have if you keep going. Even if the fear is misplaced, that still takes courage. Someone deathly afraid of drowning going for a swim might call for huge courage.
Someone walking across a rope bridge, intellectually aware that the ropes have been recently checked and that others have gone across it, might still be scared of going across. Doing so anyway requires courage.
This is why I think Ron was often fearless, not courageous. And why Hermione was courageous.
And Merlin is wrong about courage. Courage is the ability to proceed despite your fear. The more afraid you are, the more courage you have if you keep going. Even if the fear is misplaced, that still takes courage. Someone deathly afraid of drowning going for a swim might call for huge courage.
Someone walking across a rope bridge, intellectually aware that the ropes have been recently checked and that others have gone across it, might still be scared of going across. Doing so anyway requires courage.
This is why I think Ron was often fearless, not courageous. And why Hermione was courageous.
Fulcon's Perspective on Courage
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Fulcon
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Have a cookie.
Now, I'm going to use your post as an excuse to talk about my perspective on courage, fear, respect, whatever. Because Merlin's perspective is my perspective.
When someone is afraid of death, what do we characterize that as? Running, hiding, fighting tooth and nail to avoid death. Obviously, this is a perfectly healthy drive, I'm not arguing that.
One definition of Courage, as you have said, is the ability to proceed in spite of your fight, flight, freeze and fawn response. That, however, is not the definition Merlin or I am using.
Consider an alligator tamer. Is he afraid of alligators? No. Is he aware that they could bite and snap his arm off in the literal blink of an eye? Yes. Does that stop him from being an alligator tamer? No. Does he completely ignore all best practice to avoid getting his arm snapped off in the blink of an eye just because he's not afraid? No.
Because he respects the alligator.
Now replace the alligator with death. Are most people afraid of death? Yes. Are they aware it could happen at any moment? Yes. Does that stop them from going into the world and doing what needs to be done? No. But, if they were not afraid, would they abandon all best practice to avoid death? No.
Because someone who stopped being afraid of death still respects it.
Now, realistically, very few people get to this point. This is my opinion on where the classical view of courage comes from.
In my opinion, Harry got to this point. In my opinion, it is part of how he defeated Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. A huge part. He accepted death, and as a result was able to master the Elder Wand.
And, in my opinion, this is what separates heroes from normal people like you and I.