A Nundu for A Pet

Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of A Nundu for A Pet.

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Chapter 22 (The Bridge Between Worlds), Chapter 23 (A Nundu's Gift), Chapter 24 (A Grand Prank), Chapter 25 (First Year Ends), Chapter 26 (Magic & Politics), Chapter 27 (Letters, Contracts, and Other Complications), Chapter 28 (When Loves Makes Home), Chapter 29 (A Nundu in France), Chapter 30 (The Minister's Request), Chapter 31 (Abyssantica), Chapter 32 (The Half-Human Princess), and Chapter 33 (Echoes from the Deep) are already available for Patrons.

Three Weeks Later

Newt entered Dumbledore's office, his worn leather case swinging gently at his side. He barely had time to close the door before Alastor Moody's magical eye swiveled toward him.

"Scamander," Moody growled, "what exactly is Potter's 'cat'?"

"Alastor, my old friend," Newt smiled serenely, "you really should try chamomile tea. All this tension can't be good for your remaining natural parts."

Moody's scarred face twitched, though whether in annoyance or amusement was hard to tell.

Amelia Bones, sitting straight-backed in her chair, spoke up. "Mr. Scamander, my niece Susan is in the same year as Mr. Potter. I need to know – is that creature dangerous?"

"Ah, Amelia," Dumbledore interjected cheerfully, "perhaps we should all sit and have some refreshments first? I have a delightful new drink from the Mediterranean – essence of moonflowers mixed with honey water."

Newt settled into a comfortable armchair, accepting the offered glass. "Thank you, Albus. Now, regarding young Harry's companion..." He pulled out his notebook, flipping through pages of detailed observations. "Quite remarkable, really. I've conducted extensive tests over the past weeks. Her blood composition is extraordinary – shows remarkable adaptive properties I've never seen before. Her intelligence levels are off the charts; she solved complex magical puzzles that would challenge most adult wizards."

"That's not what we're asking, Scamander," Moody interrupted, both eyes fixed on Newt. "What is she?"

"She's a Shadow Cat," Newt replied, taking a sip of his drink.

Amelia and Moody exchanged confused looks.

"A what?" Amelia asked.

"Shadow Cat. Fascinating species, discovered about seven years ago in the mountain regions between Tibet and Nepal." Newt's eyes lit up with scholarly enthusiasm. "They're quite rare – only a handful have ever been documented. They possess remarkable abilities to blend with shadows, hence the name, and their magical resistance is truly extraordinary."

"Magical resistance?" Moody leaned forward.

"Oh yes," Newt continued, warming to his subject. "Their entire biological structure seems designed to repel magical effects. It's what made them so hard to discover – most detection spells simply slide right off them. That's likely how young Potter's companion was able to help him during the... unfortunate incident with Professor Quirrell. Shadow Cats are particularly resistant to dark magic."

"And you expect us to believe that Potter just happened to find one of these rare creatures?" Moody's magical eye spun suspiciously.

"Actually, that's exactly what makes it so fascinating," Newt replied, pulling out more notes. "Shadow Cats are known to choose their companions. There are documented cases of them appearing to magical children in various parts of Asia. Though this is the first recorded instance in Europe, which makes it particularly interesting from a research perspective."

Amelia turned to Dumbledore. "Albus, regardless of what species it is, how could you allow a first-year student to keep such a powerful magical creature in a school full of children?"

"My dear Amelia," Dumbledore smiled benignly, "I have personally observed Itisa's behavior since September."

"Besides," Newt added, "Shadow Cats are naturally peaceful creatures. They only become aggressive when protecting their chosen companion from direct threats. The incident with Professor Quirrell is actually a perfect example of their typical behavior pattern."

Moody's magical eye whirred. "And you've documented all this?"

"Of course!" Newt rifled through his case, producing several thick folders. "I have detailed observations, magical readings, behavioral analyses – everything properly documented and verified. I'd be happy to share copies with the Ministry."

"That won't be necessary," Dumbledore interjected smoothly. "I believe we can trust Newt's expertise in this matter. After all, he is our foremost authority on magical creatures."

"And you're certain she's safe?" Amelia pressed.

"As safe as any highly intelligent magical creature can be," Newt replied diplomatically. "Which is to say, she deserves respect and proper handling, but poses no threat to the student body. In fact, my research suggests she's quite protective of Harry's friends as well."

"Including Susan?" Amelia asked.

"Oh yes. I've observed her keeping watch during study sessions in the library. Quite motherly, actually." Newt smiled.

"What about her size-changing ability?" Moody demanded. "That's not normal for any cat."

"Ah, but that's one of the Shadow Cat's most fascinating features!" Newt exclaimed. "They can alter their size to better protect their chosen companion. It's actually quite similar to how some magical creatures in the Amazon adjust their form to match their environment. I have a fascinating theory about the magical evolution that led to this adaptation..."

"Perhaps we can save the theoretical discussion for another time," Dumbledore suggested gently, seeing Moody's patience wearing thin.

"Yes, quite right," Newt agreed. "The point is, everything about Itisa's behavior is consistent with documented Shadow Cat characteristics. She's actually providing an unprecedented opportunity for research into this rare species."

"That's enough, Newt," Dumbledore interrupted kindly. "I believe we've established the essential points. Itisa is a known, documented species, poses no threat to the students, and is, in fact, a valuable protection for young Harry."

Amelia sighed. "Very well. But I want regular updates on her behavior, especially around the students."

"I'd be delighted to provide them," Newt beamed. "I'm already maintaining detailed records for my research. Though I should mention I'll be taking Harry and Itisa on a research expedition this summer – with your approval, of course, Albus."

"Absolutely not," Moody started, but Dumbledore held up a hand.

"I've already approved this expedition," Dumbledore said firmly. "It will be an excellent educational opportunity for Harry, and having Newt's supervision will ensure both his and Itisa's safety."

"And where exactly are you planning to take them?" Amelia asked.

"Oh, just a brief tour of European magical creature habitats," Newt said casually. "Starting with France. There's a fascinating species of magical sea creature I've been wanting to study..."

"The boy attracts enough trouble here," Moody growled. "You want to drag him across Europe?"

"Come now, Alastor," Newt smiled. "Surely you of all people appreciate the value of practical experience? Besides, with a Shadow Cat's protection and my expertise, he'll be perfectly safe."

"That's what worries me," Moody muttered. "Your definition of 'safe' usually involves dragons."

"Only occasionally," Newt protested mildly.

"That's not as reassuring as you think it is, Scamander."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "I believe we can trust Newt to keep Harry safe. After all, he's managed to survive studying far more dangerous creatures than a Shadow Cat."

"Indeed," Newt agreed, then quickly added, "Not that Shadow Cats are particularly dangerous, of course. Just... appropriately protective."

Amelia stood up. "Very well. But I expect regular reports, both about Itisa's behavior here at Hogwarts and during this summer expedition."

"Of course," Newt nodded. "I'll be happy to share all my research findings. The scientific community will be fascinated by this opportunity to study a Shadow Cat in various environments."

"Before we conclude," Amelia said, settling back in her chair, "I'd like to know more about why you're so keen on taking Potter to Europe, Newt. It seems rather unusual to take a first-year student on such an expedition."

Newt's eyes lit up with unmistakable pride. "Harry Potter has a gift, Amelia. The way he interacts with magical creatures... it's extraordinary. In all my years, I've never seen anything quite like it. He doesn't just observe them; he understands them. The boy might very well become an even better Magizoologist than I am."

Moody's magical eye stopped spinning for a moment – the closest he ever came to showing surprise – while Amelia's eyebrows shot up.

"Better than you?" Amelia asked incredulously. "Newt, you're considered the greatest Magizoologist in history."

"Precisely," Newt nodded enthusiastically. "And that's why I can recognize true talent when I see it. The way he communicates with magical creatures, his intuitive understanding of their needs and behaviors – it's remarkable."

"Susan has mentioned in her letters that Potter seems to have a way with creatures," Amelia admitted. "She says even the owls in the owlery come to him for treats, and apparently the giant squid waves its tentacles when he passes by the lake."

"Yes, well," Newt beamed, "that's exactly why this summer expedition would be so valuable for his education. The practical experience-"

"Speaking of education," Amelia interrupted, her expression turning serious, "I need to remind you, Albus, that Hogwarts rules specifically state that students are only permitted to bring safe, non-dangerous creatures as pets. Cats, toads, owls-"

Newt shifted slightly in his seat, thinking about Hedwig and her rather unique Storm Bird heritage, but wisely kept that observation to himself.

"A Shadow Cat, regardless of its peaceful nature, doesn't fall into that category," Amelia continued. "The Ministry might take issue with this... exception to the rules."

"I am well aware of the Ministry's position on magical creatures," Dumbledore replied calmly. "I will speak with Cornelius about this matter personally."

Moody let out a derisive snort. "Fudge will lose what little brain he has left if he hears Potter's got a Shadow Cat prowling around Hogwarts. Man nearly fainted when he saw a Bowtruckle in his garden last month."

"Yes, well," Newt interjected, "perhaps we could emphasize the research potential? The diplomatic implications of having discovered a new magical species on British soil? The Ministry could take credit for supporting groundbreaking magical creature research..."

"Trying to appeal to Fudge's vanity, Scamander?" Moody's magical eye swiveled towards him.

"I prefer to think of it as diplomatic problem-solving," Newt replied innocently. "Something I learned after that small incident with the Germany Iron Belly during the war..."

"Small incident?" Moody barked out a laugh. "You call stealing a dragon from Grindelwald's forces a 'small incident'?"

"Well, compared to the breeding pair of Griffins the following month..." Newt started, but Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Perhaps we should focus on the present situation," Dumbledore suggested. "I believe we can all agree that Itisa has proven herself to be a valuable addition to Hogwarts' protective measures, particularly given recent events."

"That's another thing," Amelia leaned forward. "The incident with Quirrell. You're certain the... Shadow Cat was instrumental in protecting Potter?"

"Absolutely," Newt confirmed. "Their magical resistance makes them particularly effective against dark magic. Without Itisa's intervention, the situation could have been much worse."

"And you're sure taking both Potter and this creature across Europe is wise?" Amelia pressed.

"My dear Amelia," Newt smiled, "I assure you, Harry will be safer with me and Itisa than he would be anywhere else. Besides, think of the educational value! The magical creatures we'll study, the practical experience he'll gain..."

"The international incidents you'll cause?" Moody suggested dryly.

"I have not caused an international incident in at least..." Newt paused, counting on his fingers, "...well, the point is, I've become much more diplomatic in my methods."

"That's not saying much, Scamander," Moody growled, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I'll take full responsibility for Harry's safety," Newt assured them. "And I'll send regular reports about both his progress and Itisa's behavior. Who knows? We might even make some groundbreaking discoveries about Shadow Cats along the way."

"Very well," Amelia sighed, standing up. "But Albus, do handle Fudge carefully on this matter. The last thing we need is the Ministry demanding an investigation into magical creatures at Hogwarts."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed, his eyes twinkling. "I believe I can present the situation in a way that will appeal to Cornelius's... particular sensibilities."

As Amelia and Moody prepared to leave, Newt couldn't resist adding, "And if anyone from the Ministry would like to observe my research firsthand, they're welcome to join us in France. Though I should mention, the Hippocampus Royale can be a bit... enthusiastic with new people."

"Don't push your luck, Scamander," Moody warned, but there was definitely a hint of a smile beneath his scars as he clumped toward the door.

As Amelia and Moody left the office, with Moody's magical eye still fixed suspiciously on Newt until the door closed, Dumbledore turned to his old friend with an amused expression.

"Shadow Cats, Newt?"

"Well," Newt replied, his eyes twinkling, "it's not technically a lie. I'm sure somewhere in those mountains, there must be some kind of magical cat that lives in shadows. And if there isn't... well, I suppose I'll have to discover one. Can't have my research notes be inaccurate, can we?"

"Indeed not," Dumbledore agreed, offering him another glass of moonflower honey water. "Though I suspect Alastor isn't entirely convinced."

"Alastor isn't entirely convinced that his own shadow isn't plotting against him," Newt pointed out. "Besides, it's better than having him know the truth. Can you imagine his reaction if he knew what Itisa really is?"

"I believe the phrase 'military intervention' would be involved," Dumbledore mused.

"Precisely," Newt nodded. "And nobody wants that. Especially since Itisa is providing such wonderful research opportunities. Did you know she can actually regulate the magical frequency of her resistance? I've never seen anything like it. Well, except for that one time in Peru, but that was more of an accident involving a magical resonance crystal and a very surprised llama..."

"Perhaps we should save that story for another time," Dumbledore suggested, though his eyes were twinkling more than ever. "Will you be joining us for dinner?"

"Oh, yes, thank you. Harry promised to show me how Itisa responds to various magical frequencies. Did you know she can actually detect the magical signature of different spells? The implications for magical theory are extraordinary!"

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Harry sat at the Slytherin table, absentmindedly stroking Itisa who was curled in his lap. The Great Hall's atmosphere had changed subtly since the Quirrell incident. Several older Slytherins who had previously ignored him now gave him respectful nods, though Draco Malfoy's glare from further down the table remained as poisonous as ever.

A harsh cough drew his attention to Anna Hallow. Her brother Sebastian's forehead was creased with worry as she tried to muffle another cough with her sleeve.

"Are you feeling alright, Anna?" Harry asked, noting her complexion was even paler than usual, almost translucent in the morning light streaming through the high windows.

"I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice was slightly raspy. "Mr. Scamander said he knows some people who might be able to help me." She attempted a brave smile. "He thinks there might be some connection to ancient magical creatures that could help."

Sebastian placed a protective hand on his twin's shoulder. "You should be resting more."

"I'm not made of glass, Sebastian," Anna rolled her eyes, though the effect was somewhat undermined by another small cough.

Harry turned to Daphne, who was precisely cutting her breakfast sausages into equal pieces. "Should we try that thing after breakfast?"

Several heads turned their way immediately. Tracey Davis leaned forward eagerly. "What thing? Are you two planning something interesting?"

"Mind your own business," Daphne snapped, her ice-queen persona firmly in place. She fixed Harry with a cold stare that would have been intimidating if he hadn't learned to read the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth that meant she was amused. "After dinner would be better. I have some studying to do during lunch."

Blaise Zabini raised an eyebrow. "Should we be concerned about whatever you two are plotting?"

"The only thing you should be concerned about is your abysmal Potions grade, Zabini," Daphne replied smoothly.

"That was one failed assignment!" Blaise protested.

"One too many for a Slytherin," Theo Nott commented without looking up from his book.

The conversation was interrupted by the morning owl post. Harry noticed Hedwig swooping in with unusual grace, her white feathers seeming to shimmer slightly in the morning light. He quickly grabbed the letter she carried before anyone could notice the faint static charge crackling around her wing tips – a sign of her Storm Bird heritage that Newt had pointed out to him.

Later, in Charms class, Professor Flitwick was enthusiastically demonstrating the proper wand movement for year-long charms.

"The key is persistence in the final flick!" the diminutive professor squeaked, demonstrating with a flourish. "These charms require precision and patience. They're particularly useful for preserving magical effects that would normally wear off after a few hours or days."

Harry tried to focus on the lesson, but his mind kept wandering to his conversation with Newt. France! He could hardly believe it. Newt had told him about the magical creatures they might encounter – Hippocampi in the Mediterranean, unique subspecies of dragons in the Pyrenees, and even rumors of a colony of ancient magical beings in the forests near Beauxbatons, and even the Hippocampus Royale, or Royal Sea Horse.

"Mr. Potter?" Flitwick's voice brought him back to the present. "Perhaps you'd like to demonstrate the wand movement we just discussed?"

"Oh, um..." Harry started, but Daphne subtly moved her wand under the desk, showing him the correct motion.

"Like this, Professor?" Harry quickly copied the movement.

"Excellent! Five points to Slytherin," Flitwick beamed. "Though next time, Miss Greengrass might want to be less obvious in her assistance."

Daphne's cheeks colored slightly, but she maintained her dignified expression.

"Daydreaming about our after-dinner plans?" she whispered when Flitwick turned back to the blackboard.

"Actually, I was thinking about this summer," Harry whispered back. "Newt's taking me to France to study magical creatures."

Daphne's mask of indifference slipped for a moment, showing genuine interest. "Newt Scamander is personally taking you on an expedition?"

"Yeah, he says-"

"Mr. Potter, Miss Greengrass, while I appreciate your enthusiasm for discussion, perhaps we could focus on the lesson?" Flitwick interrupted with gentle amusement.

"Sorry, Professor," they chorused.

Pansy Parkinson leaned forward from behind them. "What's so special about France?" she whispered.

"Nothing that concerns you, Parkinson," Daphne replied icily.

"Everything concerns me," Pansy smirked. "Especially when it involves our celebrity classmate."

Harry felt Itisa shift slightly in his bag, and Pansy quickly leaned back, her smirk fading. The 'cat' had developed a reputation for appearing suddenly whenever someone bothered Harry or his friends.

"I heard Scamander's been running tests on your cat," Theo commented quietly from Harry's other side. "Father says the Ministry's quite interested in the results."

"Your father seems interested in a lot of things lately," Daphne observed with just a hint of edge in her voice.

Theo's expression remained carefully neutral. "Information is valuable."

"So is knowing when to mind one's own business," Daphne retorted.

"Children," Flitwick called out, "while I'm delighted to see such active discussion among houses, perhaps we could direct that energy toward mastering these charms? Now, watch carefully as I demonstrate the difference between a six-month and twelve-month duration..."

Harry tried to focus on the lesson, but his mind kept drifting to the summer ahead. Newt had mentioned something about a particular species of magical sea creature that might help with Anna's condition. He glanced at the pale girl, who was diligently taking notes despite her obvious fatigue.

"Stop worrying about my sister," Sebastian whispered, catching Harry's concerned look. "Focus on your own mysteries."

"Speaking of mysteries," Tracey whispered from behind them, "when are you going to tell us what you and Daphne are planning?"

"When hippogriffs dance ballet," Daphne replied without turning around.

"That could be arranged," Harry mused thoughtfully, thinking of some of Newt's stories.

Daphne shot him a warning look. "Don't even think about it, Potter."

"But imagine the possibilities-"

"No."

"Just a small demonstration-"

"Absolutely not."

"Mr. Potter, Miss Greengrass," Flitwick interrupted again, though his eyes were twinkling, "perhaps you'd both like to demonstrate the charm for the class?"

As they moved to the front of the room, Harry caught Draco muttering something that sounded suspiciously like "show-offs" to Crabbe and Goyle.

"Remember," Flitwick instructed, "precision in the final flick is crucial. Miss Greengrass, you first."

Daphne performed the charm perfectly, of course. When Harry's turn came, he managed a respectable attempt, though the magical shimmer wasn't quite as stable as Daphne's.

"Well done, both of you!" Flitwick praised. "Though Mr. Potter, do try to keep your mind on the present rather than what I assume are exciting summer plans?"

Harry blushed slightly. "Yes, Professor."

As they returned to their seats, Daphne whispered, "You really need to work on your poker face, Potter. The whole school will know about France by dinner at this rate."

"Would that be so bad?"

"It would if you want any peace for the rest of the term. Besides," she added with a slight smirk, "it might interfere with our... other plans."

"What other plans?" Tracey stage-whispered from behind them.

"None of your business, Davis," Daphne replied automatically.

"Everything is my business," Tracey protested.

"That's what I said," Pansy chimed in.

"Quiet, all of you," Sebastian hissed as Flitwick looked their way again.

Harry smiled to himself as he finally managed to focus on the lesson. Between mysterious plans with Daphne, summer adventures with Newt, and the constant intrigue of Slytherin house politics, life was certainly never boring. Itisa purred softly in his bag, as if agreeing with his thoughts.

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Harry and Daphne slipped into an empty classroom on the third floor, far from the usual student traffic. Itisa padded in silently behind them, taking her usual position as guard near the door.

"Did anyone follow us?" Daphne asked, her ice-blue eyes scanning the corridor before Harry closed the door.

"No one except Tracey trying to hide behind that suit of armor," Harry smirked. "But Itisa gave her a look, and she suddenly remembered she had homework."

"Your cat is surprisingly useful at deterring nosy people," Daphne remarked, giving Itisa an appraising look.

"She has her moments," Harry said innocently, exchanging a knowing look with his disguised Nundu companion.

Daphne pulled out an ancient-looking leather-bound book from her bag. The cover was worn but still showed intricate runic patterns that seemed to shift slightly in the torchlight. Gold lettering spelled out "The Secrets of Rune Arcs: Magic made Physical."

Harry's eyes widened. "That's... where did you get that? Those books are incredibly rare. Even the Hogwarts library doesn't have a copy."

"Only a stupid Slytherin tells their secrets, Potter," Daphne replied with a slight smirk. "Honestly, you should act more like a proper Slytherin sometimes."

"Oh right, silly me. Let me practice my sneer in the mirror for an hour like Malfoy does," Harry rolled his eyes. "Should I also start saying 'My father will hear about this' every five minutes?"

"Don't be obtuse," Daphne said, though her lips twitched slightly. "Being a Slytherin isn't about bullying people or throwing around your family name like certain blond prats we know."

"Could've fooled me, with all the shoving in the corridors and hex-throwing I've seen."

"That's just Draco being Draco," Daphne scoffed. "Haven't you noticed that even in Slytherin, most people barely tolerate him? They only put up with his antics because his father has deep pockets and deeper connections. The smart ones just play him like a fiddle."

"Like when Theo convinced him that ancient pure-bloods used to dye their hair platinum blonde as a sign of nobility?" Harry grinned.

"Exactly. Or when Blaise got him to believe that wearing his robes inside out on the third Wednesday of every month would enhance his magical core." Daphne allowed herself a small smile. "Being a Slytherin is about being clever, about knowing when to show your hand and when to keep your cards close."

"Like keeping mysterious books about Rune Arcs close?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Precisely." Daphne placed the book on a desk and carefully opened it. "Now, do you want to learn something interesting, or would you prefer to continue making sassy comments?"

"Can't I do both? I'm quite talented at multitasking."

"Potter..."

"Fine, fine. Show me what's so special about this book that we had to sneak around like we're planning to steal Dumbledore's sock collection."

Daphne gave him an exasperated look. "First of all, never mention the Headmaster's socks again. Second..." She turned to a specific page, revealing intricate diagrams of circular patterns. "Look at this. The fundamental principle of Rune Arcs isn't just about drawing power from runes – it's about making magic take physical form."

"With the right combinations, we could create solid constructs of pure magic. Shields, weapons, even temporary bridges or platforms."

"This one looks like it could create some sort of barrier."

"It does more than that," Daphne explained, her excitement returning. "It creates a field that can actually redirect spells. Imagine being able to send someone's hex right back at them without even using your wand. Similar to your talisman, but this one can fire back even stronger hexes, and not just simple ones."

"Now that would be useful for when Draco tries his midnight ambushes," Harry nodded. "Though Itisa usually handles those quite well."

The disguised Nundu made a sound that might have been a purr or might have been a laugh.

"Speaking of your cat," Daphne glanced at Itisa, "I've noticed something odd about her. She seems to understand everything we say."

"Most cats are pretty smart," Harry said quickly – perhaps too quickly.

Daphne gave him a calculating look. "Most cats don't make Draco Malfoy run away screaming just by looking at him."

"To be fair, Draco runs away screaming from a lot of things. Remember the incident with Neville's toad?"

"Don't change the subject, Potter. There's something special about your cat, isn't there?"

Harry met her gaze steadily. "There's something special about a lot of things in Hogwarts. Like mysterious books about Rune Arcs that suddenly appear in students' possession."

They stared at each other for a long moment before Daphne nodded slightly. "Touché. Your secrets are your own, as mine are mine."

"Look at us, being proper Slytherins," Harry grinned.

"You still have a lot to learn," Daphne replied, but her tone was lighter. "Now, about these Rune Arcs."

Harry stared intently at a diagram in the ancient book, his finger tracing a perfectly circular pattern filled with intricate symbols. "So a Rune Arc isn't just drawing runes in a circle – it's actually forcing magic to take physical form?"

"Exactly," Daphne explained, pointing to various parts of the diagram. "Look here – a normal runic circle channels or stores magic, but a Rune Arc transforms it. It's like... imagine taking raw magical energy and crystallizing it into something solid you can touch and see."

"But the precision required is insane," Harry said, examining the measurements listed beside the diagram. "This says the Foundation Circle needs sixteen points, each exactly twenty-two-point-five degrees apart. Why such specific numbers?"

Daphne turned to an earlier page filled with dense text. "Because magic follows mathematical laws, even if most wizards ignore them. When you're forcing magic to become physical, every fraction of a degree matters. Look at this warning – a mistake of just point-one degrees can cause the entire Arc to collapse."

"And that's what killed Morgana Le Fay?" Harry asked, his voice hushed.

"Yes. Her Arc collapsed while she was channeling power through it. The book says the magical backlash was so severe it... well, they never found enough to bury."

Harry sat back, running his hands through his hair. "And the power requirements – it's not like normal spells, is it? This pulls directly from our magical core?"

"That's what makes it so dangerous," Daphne nodded. "Normal spells use a small amount of our magic, channeled through our wands. But Rune Arcs tap directly into our magical core. It's like... imagine a water tap versus breaking open a dam. One wrong move and..."

"The power could burn us out completely," Harry finished. "Or worse. But these fusion points – explain those again? Where the runes merge?"

Daphne turned to a complex illustration showing several runes flowing together into new symbols. "This is the most advanced part. When drawn perfectly, multiple runes can fuse into completely new symbols with unique properties. Like this one – it combines Norse protection runes with Celtic binding runes to create something entirely new. But the fusion has to be perfect."

"And if it's not?"

"Magical backlash at best. At worst..." Daphne pointed to a grimly detailed passage. "Temporal displacement, permanent magical damage, death. Alexandru Dracul disappeared completely when his temporal Arc failed. They found his boots, still smoking, two hundred miles away."

Harry leaned forward, studying the materials list. "Phoenix ash ink, dragon blood, moonstone dust... and they all have to be pure and perfectly mixed. One contaminated ingredient and the whole thing fails?"

"Catastrophically," Daphne confirmed. "The materials channel the power. Impure ingredients would be like using cracked pipes to handle a flood – it explodes under pressure."

"And we need different materials for different effects," Harry noted, scanning the list. "Dragon blood for protection Arcs, phoenix ash for power channeling, moonstone for stability..."

"And that's just for basic Arcs," Daphne added. "More complex ones require even rarer materials. Some ingredients don't even exist anymore."

Harry traced one of the simpler patterns with his finger. "So even for a basic shield Arc, we'd need a perfect sixteen-point Foundation Circle, eight power channels drawn counter-clockwise at exact forty-five-degree angles, four fusion points activated in specific sequences..."

"All while maintaining perfectly controlled magical output," Daphne finished. "Too much power, it overloads. Too little, it collapses. And we'd have to hold that balance the entire time the Arc is active."

"No wonder only three people in history managed it," Harry said quietly. "This isn't just advanced magic – it's magic operating on completely different principles than what we're taught."

"It's magic in its purest form," Daphne agreed. "No wands, no prepared spells. Just raw magical energy being forced to obey mathematical and geometric laws."

Harry pulled out a blank parchment. "We need to start with the basics. Perfect circles, exact angles, understanding how the runes interact..."

"And studying magical energy flow patterns," Daphne added. "We need to understand exactly how magic moves through these channels before we even think about attempting anything practical."

They shared a serious look, both fully aware of the dangerous path they were considering. This wasn't like learning a new spell or practicing charms. This was an art that had claimed the lives of some of history's most powerful wizards.

In the corner, Itisa watched silently as the two students began their careful study of an almost forgotten branch of magic, one that promised great power – if it didn't kill them first.

Harry's eyes widened as he read the passage, his finger stopping abruptly on the yellowed page. "Daphne... look at this. Alexandru Dracul – he's the one who created the Fly Rune."

Daphne leaned closer, her eyes scanning the text. "What do you mean?"

"All broomsticks... every single flying broomstick ever made uses his Rune Arc. It's here, look – 'After three years of study and seventeen failed attempts that nearly killed him, Alexandru Dracul successfully created the first stable Fly Rune. The Rune Arc, when properly replicated, allows objects to defy gravity permanently and uses a very small part of our magical core to fly, this explains why giving a flying broomstick to a muggle wouldn't work because they don't have magical cores for the Fly Rune Arc to work.'"

"Let me see that," Daphne said, pulling the book closer. "'The breakthrough came when Dracul realized that the runic fusion needed to occur in three dimensions rather than two. By creating a helical pattern of Norse levitation runes combined with Egyptian solar symbols, he managed to create a self-sustaining magical field...'" She paused, tracing the intricate diagram. "The runes aren't just drawn on the surface – they're carved in a spiral pattern through the entire length of the broomstick."

Harry nodded eagerly. "And look at this part – 'Once successfully created, the Fly Rune could be replicated by skilled craftsmen without the dangers of the original Rune Arc creation. The pattern, when precisely copied, maintains its stability even without understanding the underlying magical principles.'"

"That's why no one's made any improvements," Daphne realized. "They can copy Dracul's work, but actually understanding how to modify or improve a Rune Arc..." She shivered slightly. "The book says he spent three years just working out the mathematical principles."

"And the failures..." Harry read further. "'Attempt number twelve resulted in the complete disintegration of both the broomstick and the workshop's ceiling. Attempt number fifteen caused a localized reversal of gravity that took three days to dispel. Attempt number sixteen...'" He winced. "Well, that explains why he needed a new workshop."

As the two read more about the Rune Arcs, Harry found something that confused him.

Harry frowned at the complex diagram before him, his fingers tracing the unusual pattern of intersecting lines. This Rune Arc was different from the others – instead of channeling or transforming magic, it seemed to... fold in on itself.

"This doesn't make sense," he muttered, drawing Daphne's attention.

"What doesn't?"

"This one – the Space Rune Arc. Look at these patterns. The runes aren't forming channels or fusion points like the others. They're..." Harry paused, struggling to find the words. "It's like they're creating gaps between themselves."

Daphne leaned over to study the diagram. "You're right. The power flow isn't linear or even circular. It's... inverting?"

Harry's heart began to beat faster as he read further, his mind making connections that sent a chill down his spine. "'The Space Rune Arc, when properly constructed, creates a pocket of existence separate from normal space-time,'" he read aloud. "'This space exists parallel to our reality but remains completely independent, accessible only through the Arc itself.'"

His hands trembled slightly as he turned the page, memories of his dreams flooding back – a vast, strange place, simultaneously nowhere and everywhere, and her...Loretta...Merlin's sister who existed in that strange place... He pushed the thought away, focusing on the text.

"'The created space follows its own rules of physics and magic,'" he continued reading. "'Time within may flow differently than in our reality. The space can be as vast or as confined as the Arc's creator designs, limited only by their power and precision in crafting the runic structure.'"

"That's incredible," Daphne said, studying the measurements. "But the precision required... these angles aren't just exact, they're... negative? How can you draw a negative angle?"

Harry barely heard her, his mind racing. This explained so much – the strange quality of that place in his dreams, the way it seemed to exist outside of normal space and time. Someone, somewhere, had created a Space Rune Arc, and he was somehow connecting to one of these pocket dimensions in his sleep.

"Harry? Are you alright? You look pale."

He shook himself, forcing his voice to remain steady. "Just trying to understand the concept. It's not creating something from nothing – it's creating nothing itself, and then defining that nothing into a stable space."

"And the book doesn't say who managed this?" Daphne asked, flipping through the pages.

"No," Harry replied, grateful for the change of subject. "Just the theoretical framework and the runic patterns. Look at how these Sanskrit space-defining runes interact with Egyptian void symbols..."

They continued studying the diagrams, but Harry's mind kept drifting. Every detail matched what he experienced in those dreams – the strange quality of the space, the different flow of time, the sense of being both somewhere and nowhere.

"The power requirements must be enormous," Daphne was saying, pointing to a particularly complex calculation. "To maintain a stable pocket dimension..."

"Yeah," Harry agreed absently, his mind already working on a new problem. If he could understand this Arc, really understand it, maybe he could figure out how to help her. But the warnings on the page were clear – one mistake in creating a Space Rune Arc could cause very big problems.

The door creaked open, causing both Harry and Daphne to look up from their work. Newt stood in the doorway, his usual kind expression mixed with barely contained excitement.

"Harry, I was wondering if—" Newt stopped mid-sentence as he noticed Daphne. "Oh, I apologize. I didn't realize you were busy."

Daphne's warm study expression smoothly transformed into her usual cold mask. She gathered her materials with practiced efficiency. "It's fine, Mister Scamander. We were just finishing."

"Are you sure? I can come back later," Newt offered, shifting slightly.

"No need." Daphne turned to Harry, her voice carrying its public formality. "Don't be late next time, Potter." With smooth grace, she slipped her books into her bag and walked past Newt, her posture perfect, not a hint of the engaged student who had been enthusiastically studying moments before.

"What is that you want to show me, Mister Newt?" Harry asked teasingly after Daphne closed the door.

"Why spoil the surprise, Harry?" Newt said with a big smile, leading Harry outside.

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