It was finally time; the culmination of the Animagus ritual was finally nearing its end. For the past month, I had been following the ritual to the letter, as I really did not want to have to do it more than once, and after careful preparation, it was time to finish the last step. For one to become an Animagus, they had to do several things.
1. The witch or wizard must carry a single mandrake leaf in their mouth for an entire lunar month, starting from a full moon. If the leaf is swallowed or removed, the process must restart.
2. After the month, the saliva-filled mandrake leaf is placed in a crystal phial that has been charged by pure moonlight. One of the individual's hairs and a teaspoon of dew collected from a spot untouched by sunlight or human feet for seven days are also added.
3. The chrysalis of a Death's-Head Hawk Moth is added to the mixture. A rare ingredient for most.
4. The wait. This phial then had to be left undisturbed in a quiet, dark place until the next electrical storm, a period that requires great patience and discipline. Luckily for me, Britain was quite a rainy and stormy place, and summer was when most of them occurred.
5. Every day during the waiting period, the individual must place their wand tip over their heart at sunrise and sunset, reciting the incantation, "Amato Animo Animato Animagus."
6. After the storm, the concoction would then turn red, an indication that everything so far was done correctly. This red potion could then be drunk. The first transformation was always accompanied by a dual heartbeat and pain as the user would finally see their inner animal. Mental state was also imperative, and one could not fall to fear during this transformation, otherwise it would fail.
Honestly, it made me wonder if it was worth the effort at times when I could shapeshift using other methods. For one, if I ever hit up the DC universe, I could just copy Beast Boy's ability to transform or Mystique's ability to shapeshift. There was also druid magic in D&D. But nevertheless, I plowed on. I had plenty of free time after all, with nothing to do but train and study until the start of term.
And finally, the time had come. I didn't have to wait long after storing the concoction before the first lightning storm arrived. Standing in the cupola of a tower built into the castle/manse, I retrieved the potion and, while looking into the gloomy sky abounding with lightning, tipped up the potion and drank it.
For the first few moments, it seemed nothing would happen to me before I felt it. THUMP. … THUMP. … THUMP. The pain began to slowly affect my body as a burning sensation spread across it, gradual at first but growing in intensity with the thumps of my heart. Steeling my resolve, I calmed myself and slowly began to focus, implementing the Occlumency techniques I had mastered over the course of the last month.
Slowly, the image grew clearer; slowly, I began to see snippets of the animal within. I was able to make out the picture of thick greyish-brown fur; another flash accompanied by long hooked claws. Slowly, I wondered to myself, what creature is this? A wolf perhaps? Slowly but surely, I saw a black nose, and then, all at once, the image manifested as I could feel myself transforming, body shrinking as the transformation was finally complete. I HAD BECOME A!? Wait... the fuck? Looking into the mirror across from me, I saw my form. I had transformed into a fucking sloth...
A month of preparation! For this bullshit?! "Oh—hell—NO." no! Da fuck?!?! Waking up at the ass crack of dawn every day chanting "Amato Animo Animato Animagus," wand pointed at my heart, repeating it at the end of the day. Having to keep a gross-ass leaf in my mouth for a month, all for this shit!?
Calm down, Ethan. Let's just take a second and calm down. If you're being honest with yourself, this sort of makes sense; you even foreshadowed this earlier. Fucking jinxed myself apparently. Looking back at my life, I always had been a little lazy, if I'm being honest, and sloths were known as the laziest animals in existence too... Okay, all isn't lost. I wanted a cool form like a Fenrir Wolf or a Nemean Lion or some shit to impress the students and everyone, but I can salvage this... cough.
I'm just gonna have to make a quick pitstop first... What followed was me pausing time and returning to reality. Quickly walking through the house where I had left, the girls greeted me. "Hey dear! Why do you look so annoyed?" Brushing it off, I laughed. "Nothing's wrong; it's just that one of the sports teams I like happened to lose a game, cough, yup, that's it!" Zooming past them and going to my car, I drove off and went to the local library. Going to the young adult section, I found a book series that I remembered reading as a kid.
Picking up the book Animorphs, I looked for the page with the dying Andalite and the Escafil Device, or blue box as it is called in the story. Quickly skimming to the scene where the dying Andalite activated the device, I reached in and pulled out a glowing cube. Letting the morphic energy rush over me, I could feel a tingly feeling as I gained the ability to morph.
(Escafil Device Explained - The Escafil Device was a small, cube-shaped piece of Andalite tech, glowing blue. It contains "morphic energy" programming from the Andalites, an alien species, which can rewrite the biological code of a being. Without it, no species in that verse can naturally acquire morphing—it's strictly a bestowed gift. To activate, the device must be "turned on" by someone who already has morphing powers (usually an Andalite). The person receiving the power must touch the cube while it's active, which is why Ethan only pulled the device out after the Andalite activated it in the story. Lastly, the cube "imprints" the morphing technology into the person's DNA and nervous system. It essentially rewrites them at the genetic level to allow DNA acquisition and transformation. Once given, it's permanent—the person is now a "morph-capable" being.)
There were some downsides to this ability to morph, but they were taken care of by my essence abilities. Normally, the transformations given with this device had a two-hour time limit, after which you were stuck in whatever form you transformed into. Also, you gained all the instincts and urges of the animal you turned into, which could be considered both a boon as well as a negative. Though if your will was strong enough, you could ignore these instincts and urges.
Quickly going to several more books, I reached in and plucked the DNA from several other creatures that interested me. Reaching into the Percy Jackson books, I took out the DNA of the Nemean Lion. I then opened the Magnus Chase books and took a couple hairs of the Fenrir. Opening the Eragon series, I snagged a scale from Shruikan, the dragon of Galbatorix. I also grabbed the DNA of Little Marten from Wu Dong Qian Kun, as he could become small for convenience or large. Also, if I ever wanted to travel to that world at some point, I could feign being his relative.
Driving back home, I went back to my room and transported myself back to the Harry Potter world I had left. Cough, well, I'm just going to forget this entire experience. Yes, that's what I'll do. "Biddy!" I called.
"Yes, Master Ethan, Biddy is here to help."
"Get some dinner ready for me, Biddy, and pack my suitcases. Tomorrow, I go to Hogwarts."
Next Day
I had arrived at the castle gate and rang the bell to be let in. I could have used my abilities to teleport in, but that would draw attention and suspicion. Better if nobody knew about my ability to do that just yet. Shortly after ringing the bell, Argus Filch hobbled up and, after giving me a look that could curdle milk, opened the gate and flagged me to follow him.
"This way, Mr. Cross. Dumbledore will be wantin' to meet ya in the dining area where he and the rest of the teachers are having the start of term meeting," he said tersely.
I just nodded my head and followed along, as I really didn't care about the man's attitude. I just figured he must be angry at the world, being a squib and all. After walking into the castle and navigating some of the castle's stairs, I arrived at The Great Hall. Pushing open the door, I could hear Dumbledore stop speaking as all of the teachers stopped what they were doing and turned to look at me.
"Well, Mr. Cross, we are so very pleased to welcome you to the staff this year!" Dumbledore called out with his signature look and jovial attitude. "Please come and sit and introduce yourself to the other staff. Being a graduate of Ilvermorny, I imagine most, if not all of them, will be unfamiliar to you."
Briskly walking across the hall, I introduced myself. "A pleasure to meet you all. I am Ethan Cross, the new hire for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. This will be my first year teaching, so I hope to learn from you all as we work together to shape the minds of the students for the better."
As I sat down in a seat next to Professor McGonagall, the staff all greeted me, only Snape giving me the evil eye, likely mad about me "stealing" the job he had always wanted. The guy had better stop looking at me like that, otherwise I'm gonna resurrect his love interest and dance the tango on his office desk, if you know what I mean. Shrugging it off, I refocused as Dumbledore began to speak again.
"Yes, thank you all for your warm welcome of Mr. Cross, and now that we are all here, I can begin to explain the plans for this year. You see, this year is rather unique, as we will be host to the Triwizard Tournament."
Hushed noises broke out as the staff looked surprised.
Continuing on, however, Dumbledore steamrolled right on through. "In addition to Hogwarts, there will be students from both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons Academy at school this year, though only grades 5-7 from their schools will be here for the course of the school year. Students 17 and up will be able to enter themselves as candidates for the tournament. The rules are the same, however, as years prior, and for those who might be unfamiliar, the book is right here for reading," he said, looking toward me as he laid a slim book on the table next to him. "As for this meeting, that is all. Severus, if you would be so kind as to show Mr. Cross to his classroom/office and the room we have prepared for him."
Begrudgingly, Snape accepted and said, "This way, Mr. Cross. Try not to get lost..." As I followed him, he didn't really say much, and that was fine by me. The man was unbearable to be around and walked as if he had a broom handle shoved up his backside. After quickly showing me the room I would be staying in and a brief viewing of the classroom, he walked off, leaving me alone, my luggage already brought to my room by what I assumed were the house-elves.
The next several days passed quickly as I associated with the other professors and adapted to life at the castle, and it wasn't long until the day of the start of term. Most of the day was spent just waiting around for the Hogwarts Express to arrive, which took most of the day, and only when it was close to dusk did the whistle sound off as students clambered off the train. Second years and above went toward the carriages; I had volunteered to help manage them, while the first years were led away by Hagrid toward the boats.
While helping organize students onto carriages and slapping Thestral rumps to get them each to start trotting off, the Golden Trio finally arrived, followed by several more students of the same year. "Hello, Mr. Cross," Hermione shyly waved to me as Harry greeted me, Ron just giving a noncommittal grunt.
I smiled toward her as I greeted them back. "Nice to see you all once again under better circumstances. Seems this is set to be an interesting year all around," I said cryptically, knowing they would soon hear about the Triwizard Tournament. Leading them to their own carriage, I listened to the girls around Hermione speaking to her in hushed tones. "How do you know that beautiful man? He looks like I could grate cheese off of his abs." Another spoke, "It's like if an even better-looking and younger Gilderoy Lockhart appeared after months of hitting the gym."
Interrupting the hushed tones, I spoke. "Well, I imagine we will have a chance to talk tomorrow. I'll see you all at the sorting later tonight. Goodnight, ladies." Nodding at Harry and Ron, "Gentlemen," I dismissed them as I led them to a carriage, getting them settled as I slapped the rump of a Thestral, the carriage trotting off into the dim lighting.
After getting all of the students on carriages and dealing with a lot of giggles and glares from the male students, it was finally time to head back to the school and officially witness the arrival of the other schools and the sorting.
Having arrived at the castle, the teachers already had all the students except for the first years in front of the castle near the lake. Most of them stood around with confused expressions on their faces, wondering what was going on. After several minutes of standing around, Dumbledore cast a voice-amplifying charm and spoke up.
"It warms my heart to see all of you here once again, ready to begin a new school year, and it is to my delight to inform you all of a most special occasion. This year, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Triwizard Tournament, which has not been held for close to two centuries!" Dumbledore said as the students all began to murmur loudly, excitement clear on their faces. "In but a short time, both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons schools of magic will be arriving here, and we shall greet them as a school," Dumbledore finished as he turned toward the lake, looking off into the distance.
The students' excitement murmurs continued but started to wane as they all began to slowly wonder from where these schools would arrive. But soon, their questions were answered.
The night sky above Hogwarts had already taken on the dark hues of dusk when the air itself began to hum with anticipation. Teachers and students alike spilled into the courtyard, murmuring and pointing as the announcement of the foreign schools' arrival echoed in their ears. I stood with the other professors just outside the castle steps, my eyes narrowed, waiting.
The first sign came as a shadow moved against the clouds. At first, it looked like a storm bank drifting in too fast—but no. Wings. Massive, thundering wings, each beat vibrating the stones beneath our feet. A gasp rolled through the students as the form resolved into a sky-carriage, impossibly large, gilded in pale silver, pulled by a dozen giant winged horses, each the size of a small elephant. Their coats were snowy white, their manes glimmering like frost as they tore through the air.
The carriage itself gleamed like an opal, impossibly ornate, and it descended with surprising grace, touching down on the Hogwarts lawn in a spray of displaced leaves. The door swung open, and out stepped Madame Olympe Maxime—a mountain of elegance, and very tall, her black satin robes flowing like a queen's mantle. She carried herself with the kind of grace only power could afford, her sharp eyes already scanning the castle with judgment. She looked significantly better than the movies depicted her, and if I really thought about it, she sort of looked like Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil.
Behind her, the Beauxbatons students filed out, their uniforms a pale blue that shimmered faintly in the torchlight. Graceful, composed, almost ethereal in their movements, they gave the impression of dancers rather than duelists. A ripple passed through the Hogwarts boys—Ron's jaw practically hit the ground—as the French delegation swept forward, every step purposeful, every gesture designed to enchant.
The muttering hadn't died down before the second arrival announced itself.
The surface of the Black Lake began to churn, ripples spreading outward until waves slapped against the stone embankment. Bubbles erupted in clusters, glowing faintly with green phosphorescence. Then the water heaved upward, and the prow of a ship broke the surface like some leviathan rising from the depths.
The Durmstrang ship was a war vessel in miniature—dark, barnacle-encrusted wood, lanterns burning with a blood-orange glow. Water streamed down its sides in sheets as it forced itself higher and higher, until the whole craft loomed above us, sails half-furled, the mast crowned with a tattered flag marked by a rune I didn't recognize. With a creak and groan of timbers, it settled against the bank, as if the lake itself had bent to let it rest.
A long plank slammed into the earth, and Igor Karkaroff strode down first, sweeping his robes back with theatrical flair. His hair was slicked silver, his beard pointed and precise, his smile more like a knife than a greeting. He as well looked better than in the movies, more like a fit military commander with clicked-back hair instead of an old crackhead. Behind him came his students, Durmstrang boys mostly hard-eyed and broad-shouldered, though there were a good number of female students as well, and they looked to be in good shape, like Eastern European gymnasts or pole vaulters, if they were dressed in furs and leather, that is. Where Beauxbatons was grace, Durmstrang was force. Their boots struck the ground like drumbeats.
And then came the murmur that grew into a roar of recognition: Viktor Krum. The Bulgarian Seeker himself, scarred, sullen, unmistakable. Students nearly trampled one another to get closer, whispers racing like wildfire. He didn't look at them. His eyes were on the ground, on the path forward, his posture all weight and weariness. Fame, even here, was its own prison.
I folded my arms as the delegations lined up—graceful Beauxbatons to one side, imposing Durmstrang to the other—each a reflection of their headmaster. Dumbledore's voice carried warm and welcoming across the grounds, though I could already sense the weight behind this moment. This wasn't just pomp. It was politics, heritage, pride—and for me, an opening move on a much larger board.
After the headmasters greeted one another, the entire assembly was led into the Great Hall to begin the sorting and feast; the Triwizard Tournament had begun.
(I know in the books the tournament didn't start until the Halloween feast, but in this fiction, I am going to have the arrival of the other schools and the announcement of the start of the tournament coincide, as I want to get the ball rolling, and I don't really have an interest in writing about a month of classes until the tournament shenanigans start.)