ANNOUNCEMENT: My Mother recently passed away, so, once I've had time to get my life back together, this story and (hopefully) Tyrant Rising will be back onto a regular updating schedule.

ALSO: Since I will now be working on my stories more consistently, I am still looking for someone to help with beta-ing my stories. Ideally, I'm looking for someone to help proof-read chapters for errors, and someone to discuss the progression of the story with. My natural inclination is to rush through things, and to try and cram too many different ideas into a single story, I'm looking for someone who can help me see when I am exhibiting those faults and to help me avoid over-compensating for them. In addition, this story may eventually involve some lemons, and its sequels definitely will, so I would prefer someone who is comfortable with beta-reading those as well. If you are interested, please PM me.

Review Answers:

gbbz: Don't worry this story isn't going to turn into a crack-fic, the humourous tone is just how I naturally write. Apart from the omakes, which will not be a regular thing and will always be a bit sillier in tone than the story proper. They're optionally canonical, if you want to ignore them you can. Also, shout-out for being my 50th review.

Chrono Phoenix: I feel like Venom can Sword of Gryffindor Remus' Lycanthropy. Also is this a Harem or just a bunch of girlfriends or crushes before finding the one kinda of story? For the first part, I'm not really sure what you mean by 'Sword of Gryffindor', I'm assuming you're positing that Venom can absorb the beneficial elements of Lupin's lycanthropy. Regardless, no, Venom cannot influence or be influenced by Lupin's lycanthropy. Lycanthropy is a magical disease and Venom, as I have previously stated, is entirely mundane. As a result, he isn't able to cure someone of lycanthropy the way he can cure cancer, and he can't take on any of the abilities conferred by lycanthropy unless his host is infected. As for whether it's a bunch of girlfriends/crushes before finding the one or a harem, I guess you'll have to keep reading to find out.

Darkscythe Drake: Will Carnage appear? I may have some plans involving Carnage, but they won't be playing out for quite a while because I have someone very specific in mind to bond with him.

Author's Note: Hello my, hopefully, rabid readers! Not too much to say at the beginning of this chapter, apart from admitting that I had a few months of total writer's block that I had to force my way through. Regardless, I managed, and now you can enjoy the fruits of my labours. At least, I hope you enjoy them. Shout-out to jh831, and eragon13579 for reviewing every single chapter as they read them, I really appreciate it.

A quick clarification regarding the nature of the crossover: the Venom (2018) aspect is really only referring to the fleshing out of Riot's abilities and the means by which Venom enters into the story. Apart from that the references are mostly to the comics, and even those have only extended (and will only extend) to symbiote characters entering into the HP universe. In all honesty, I could just change the names and how I explain the powers to work slightly and label Venom and the other crossover characters as OCs. In regard to actual changes to the HP universe there are far fewer in this fic than in most AUs. If I ever decide to take Harry and Venom into the Marvel Universe (cinematic or otherwise) that story will most definitely be posted under the crossover section, because it won't really be a

HP story, it'll be a HP crossover story.

Also, I posted a new story! Tyrant Rising, it's a HP/Warhammer 40,000 crossover and quite a bit darker in tone than this, so check that out.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Venom. I do, however, own a can of whoop-ass that is ready to be collected by whoever decided disclaimers needed to be a thing.

Harry, of course, wanted to leave for Diagon Alley immediately. Lupin, however, was quick to remind his charge of his weakened state and begged a few days to recover from his affliction before they made their trip. It was almost painful to contemplate waiting even a few days for the ability to begin practicing magic in earnest, and to begin learning the spells in the book of combat magic they had bought on their last journey to Diagon Alley.

Regardless, Harry could see that his guardian was in no state to even stand, let alone go traipsing all over Diagon Alley collecting spellbooks, cauldrons, robes, and other sundry magical equipment, so he relented. Venom was slightly more difficult to assuage, but eventually he conceded that Lupin would never be able to make the trip in his current condition. So, the pair contented themselves with reading and re-reading the Hogwarts Letter until they had memorised every word, although, given their eidetic memory, that didn't take long.

Once that was done, they alternated between continuing to decipher the cover to the book- the Theban Lexicon, it was apparently called- reading Magical Combat and You, and talking with Remus about the man's time in Hogwarts. Despite his occasional bouts of melancholy, the man was full of stories of his adventures with his friends, ranging from the most audacious of pranks, to the most absurd of mishaps, and so it was that the pair found themselves whiling away the morning four days after Harry's return.

"James, of course, thought it was an excellent idea, and I hadn't the heart to tell either of them that I'd been joking, so they actually went ahead and tried it!" Lupin could barely speak through his chuckling.

"They really thought dressing up in girl's clothes would let them get past the enchantments on the girls' staircase?" Harry laughed incredulously.

"Yes!" Lupin leaned forward in his seat excitedly gesturing animatedly with his hands as he spoke, "They snuck into where the elves were doing the washing and stole the clothes from the washing baskets, not just the robes, either! No, they were wearing the panties and bras too!"

"Seriously?" Harry imagined that must have been uncomfortable.

"Seriously! And, of course, it didn't work, so the two of them went sliding down the stairs and ended up in a heap with their robes up over their heads and skirts flipped up for all the world to see!" Harry was torn between laughing and cringing at what that must have looked like.

"I'm amazed either of them were ever able to convince any girl to go out with them from the stories you tell." Harry sniggered at the thought.

That's my boy, Harry, always thinking about the ladies. Venom said proudly.

Shut up, Venom. Harry muttered back.

"At times, so was I." Lupin's voice was filled with mirth, lessening its hoarse quality slightly. For a moment, the elder man looked at Harry speculatively, seemingly considering something, before speaking again, "Harry, I believe I have recovered enough for us to take that trip to Diagon Alley in order to retrieve your school things now, when would you like to go?"

"Now!" Harry and Venom chorused, thankfully only the former aloud, almost before Lupin had finished the question.

Harry's obvious enthusiasm caused Moony to smile, "Then we'll set off immediately, just let me grab my coat."

We're finally going to get a wand! Venom thrilled within Harry, confusing his host somewhat.

Why're you so excited about this? All you've been doing since We learned about wands is complaining about how We can't use them!

That's because they're incompatible with our transformed state and would represent a significant handicap were there not a way around them. Venom informed his host matter-of-factly. That said, without a wand We can't really learn any of those delightful spells in Magical Combat and You, and, once We've learned them, We can begin learning to perform them wandlessly.

"Would you rather travel by Floo or apparition, Harry?" Lupin's voice came from the coat closet by the door.

"Floo." Harry answered very quickly, an image of his first trip with the magical powder flashing through his mind. Unfortunately, he and Venom hadn't seen the girl on their return trip from the Greengrasses, but there was always a chance, right?

And you say I'm a perv. Venom cackled in Harry's mind.

You are a perv, Venom. Harry pointed out in response.

Never said I wasn't, Harry. Venom said, completely unphased by his host's -accurate- assertion.

By this time, Lupin had returned dressed once more in his charcoal trench-coat, "Ready, Harry?"

"Definitely." Harry responded with a nod before following Lupin to the fireplace.

"After you, Harry." The older man indicated the fireplace with a courteous wave.

Taking a pinch of Floo powder from the box on the mantelpiece, Harry threw it into the fire before taking a deep breath, stepping in, and saying as clearly as possible: "Diagon Alley." In an instant, Harry and Venom were swept away in the -by now familiar- rush of warm air, fireplaces flashing by them in what would be, for any human, a nauseating whirl of colours and shapes. To the bonded pair, however, the views through the separate fireplaces of Wizarding Britain were easily distinguishable. Venom was quick to note that the fireplaces they passed this time differed from those they had seen going to-and-from the Greengrasses', although -barring the absence of gorgeous dark-skinned girls masturbating- the views were just as interesting as those they had seen traveling by Floo before.

Many of the fireplaces, as always, showed only empty rooms; but, through one, Harry and Venom were treated to the sight of a grandfatherly looking warlock wearing bright-pink robes crossing swords with an animated suit of armour while a young boy -presumably the man's grandson- sat clapping and laughing on the floor nearby. Another fireplace showed a young witch waving her wand as a dozen pots, pans, and plates floated around her, every one filled with a different and delectable delicacy she was apparently preparing simultaneously. Yet another revealed a pair of young girls hunched over a strange chess set, half the pieces of which had seemingly been smashed.

As Harry and Venom passed by, one of the girls, a lively looking girl with honey-blonde hair, was pointing like a commanding general toward one of her black-haired opponents' pieces. Then, after a few more empty rooms, Harry recognised the familiar interior of the Leaky Cauldron and realised it was time for him to exit the fireplace. As a result of this realisation, he was able to step smoothly from the fireplace and into the inn-proper without almost falling, as he had the first time he travelled by Floo. A moment later, the fire flared once more, and Lupin stepped from the emerald flames idly brushing a little soot from the shoulder of his coat.

"What would you like to get first, Harry?" He asked with an indulgent smile.

"My wand!" Harry responded without hesitation.

Why do humans ask questions they already know the answers to? Venom questioned idly.

Because it's rude to just assume you know what other people want, even if you are pretty sure you do? Harry wasn't entirely sure himself, but he gave Venom his best answer.

That seems needlessly overcomplicated.

"To Ollivanders it is then." Lupin interjected into the silent conversation before heading for the door that opened into the small courtyard with the archway into Diagon Alley. Moments later, they were watching the bricks shift and slide out of the way to build the archway and reveal the entrance to Diagon Alley. Despite having already seen it, Harry still enjoyed the visual treat of the archway to Diagon Alley opening, as, apparently, did Venom.

Say what you will about wizards, the Klyntar murmured approvingly, you cannot deny, they've got style.

Agreed. Harry replied as he followed Lupin through the archway and into the throng of wizards in robes of many colours that thronged the alley. As they wove their way through the press, hearing snatches of conversation about the price of newt tails, the latest gadgets for astronomy, and the current prospects for the quidditch, Harry was struck by a thought. "Moony?"

"Yes, Harry?" Lupin turned his head to look at Harry questioningly at hearing his nickname.

"Why don't we wear robes like all the other witches and wizards?" As Harry spoke, he inspected the magic-users surrounding them, most of them wore traditional robes, which did not seem particularly practical, but did succeed in conferring an air of mysticism. One man, however, a tall, capable-looking dark-skinned gentleman, wore an elegant Victorian-style waistcoat, dark trousers, and a long black greatcoat made of some strange leather. Behind him trailed a dark-grey cloak that billowed impressively, even in the crowded confines of the alley, Harry wondered idly if the man used magic to keep it that way.

Ah, the young and naive. Venom waxed wistfully, That isn't magic, Harry.

What is it then? Harry was confused as to how Venom could possibly know it wasn't magic, hadn't he only learned of magic's existence when he and Harry had learned the latter was a wizard?

Gravitas. Pure unwavering badarseitude. Venom answered, as if it were obvious.

Oh really? Harry was more than a touch skeptical.

You'll see, someday, and on that day, I hope you'll be man enough to apologise to me and admit I was right. Venom spoke as if to a young and foolish child. You are a young child, Harry.

Hey! I'm not a young child, I'm 10! Harry protested, And you know listening in on people's subconscious perceptions is rude. The latter was only a half-hearted protestation, after all, his mind was as much Venom's as his at this point. Anyway, how will I someday see that you're right?

We'll be that effortlessly badarse, obviously. Venom answered, seemingly surprised that Harry would even need to ask.

How do you know that? Harry was equally surprised by his bonded's surety. I mean, as Venom, obviously We will, but what about when We're just me? What if I end up as some scrawny git?

Well, if you'd not had me that may have been a possibility, but I've been manipulating your brain's chemical outputs since We bonded. Based on your knowledge of the normal range of human sizes you should end up a rather tall and imposing individual. Not to mention the fact that We'll be incredibly physically fit and powerful, as well as magically formidable. Venom made this startling revelation offhandedly, as if referring to something that had been previously discussed and was clearly understood by all involved.

YOU'VE WHAT? Harry was stunned.

Why the surprise? I thought you knew this already? Didn't you notice you grew about 8 inches the day We bonded? Venom's tone was filled with honest confusion.

I just thought that was you fixing the damage caused by never getting as much as I wanted to eat. Although the Dursleys had never starved him, Harry had never been allowed to eat as much as he would have liked, he'd always suspected that was part of the reason why he was so short.

Well, that was admittedly part of it, but I also hadn't quite realised how quickly humans matured, I thought you were an absolute runt compared to your uncle. Venom's voice had turned a tad sheepish now.

You were trying to make me the size of a full-grown adult!? Harry couldn't imagine how inconvenient that would've been.

I figured it out pretty quickly didn't I? Venom defended. Besides, it actually worked out perfectly. Now you should end up as a very tall human, but not abnormally tall.

How tall exactly? Harry couldn't resist asking.

About 6'4". Venom responded casually.

What!? Venom that's huge! Harry had met people that tall before, but that didn't stop it being massive.

Not compared to how tall you would've ended up had I not stopped the forced quick-growth when I did. Venom offered by way of appeasement.

And how tall would that have been?

About 8'.

Are you kidd-

"Here we are, Harry." Lupin's quiet voice interrupted Harry and Venom's internal conversation, causing them to look around and discover they had indeed arrived outside Ollivanders. Craning his head back, Harry was able to read the sign above the door Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C.

"Great! Let's go in then!" Harry swiftly pushed open the door and proceeded inside, followed closely by Lupin. The interior of the shop was very narrow, although that might have been merely a result of the many shelves that filled every inch of floor space. Each shelf was piled high with long thin boxes, each, presumably, containing a wand. Aside from the shelves, the store was practically empty, with only a small, bare counter and a single spindly chair that Lupin settled himself on to wait.

Dust motes flitted to-and-fro in the sunlight issuing through the shop-windows, which were one of the few sources of illumination in the otherwise ill-lit shop. The shop seemed unnaturally quiet, almost reverently so, the silence spoke of power and a deep solemnity born of the forging of lifelong bonds. After a moment of examining the interior of the shop, Harry noticed that Lupin was watching him with an unusual intensity.

Behind us! Venom warned, ever since Uncle Vernon had managed to surprise them and push them into the tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the symbiote had become extra careful about maintaining his awareness of their surroundings. Harry spun around, his arms flashing up into the basic defensive pose Venom had taught him from Lupin's muscle memories as his foot slid back in order to place him side on to the potential enemy and lower his profile toward them.

He could feel Venom coiling inside him, preparing to transform them in an instant and damn the consequences if this new threat warranted it. Harry's muscles tensed as he prepared to strike out at the… ethereally-frail-looking old man who stood behind him, mouth agape as if he had been in the middle of preparing to speak. Next to the old man, Harry could see Lupin standing with his jaw dropped, clearly stunned by Harry's sudden and unexpected reaction.

The old man himself, however, seemed far less surprised, "Ah, you are a perceptive one, young Mr. Potter." The man -presumably Ollivander- said, tapping his nose in a knowing-fashion. "I thought I'd be seeing you soon," leaning forward he peered intently into Harry's face, "You have your mother's eyes, you know?" Before Harry had a chance to respond to the question, however, the man resumed speaking, "It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her own wand: 10 and a-quarter inches, swishy, made of willow, an excellent wand for charm-work. Your father, on the other hand, was favoured by a mahogany wand, 11 inches, pliable, a touch more power, and best suited for transfiguration."

"Please, Mr. Ollivander," Harry asked politely, "what do you mean my father 'was favoured' by a mahogany wand?"

"Ah, well it is the wand that chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter." Ollivander's eyes were unsettlingly large and very misty, Harry noticed because they were staring very intently into his face. A single finger reached out to point at the lightning-scar on Harry's forehead, "And that's where…?" He trailed off questioningly.

"Yes, sir." Harry answered politely.

"I'm afraid to say I sold the wand that did it, 13 and a-half inches, Yew, a very powerful wand. If I had known what that wand was going out into the world to do…" He trailed off regretfully before noticing Lupin.

"Ah, Remus! Cypress and unicorn hair, 10 and a-quarter inches, pliable, how is it serving you?"

"Excellently, Mr. Ollivander." Lupin responded courteously, taking out his wand to show it to Ollivander.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Now, Mr. Potter, which is your wand arm?"

Harry had no idea which arm was his 'wand arm', but, "I'm right-handed?"

"Hold out your arm then." Ollivander instructed, a tape-measure appearing in his long, white-fingered hand, which then set to measuring every aspect of his arm, although Harry snatched it from the air when it started attempting to measure between his eyes. "That's enough!" Ollivander commanded, causing the tape-measure to stop struggling in Harry's grip and fall limp. "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance," Ollivander informed Harry as he moved around the many shelves cramming his small shop. "We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail-feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two wands are the same, just as no two dragons, unicorns, or phoenixes are the same, and, naturally, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."

Is that a euphemism? Venom interrupted with a mental eyebrow waggle that Harry could feel even if it wasn't detectable by any normal means.

Really, Venom? Must you make everything into a sex joke?

Yes. Yes, I must.

There are going to be a lot of 'wand' innuendos, aren't there? Harry asked with a resigned sigh.

I don't know what you mean, Harry. Venom protested innocently.

"Right then, try this one, Mr. Potter," Ollivander interrupted the pair, holding out a slender wand, "Beech and dragon heartstring, 9 and three-quarter inches, nice and flexible, just give it a wave." Harry accepted the wand and, as instructed, waved it, only to have Ollivander snatch it from his hand and replace it with another. "Maple and phoenix feather, 10 and a-half inches, quite whippy, try…" but Harry had barely lifted the wand before it was snatched from his grasp and he was given- "Ebony and unicorn hair, 12 and a-quarter inches, springy, go on, give it a wave." Harry tried it, but, whatever Ollivander was looking for, he clearly did not see it as he was swiftly presented with another wand, and another, and then another.

The pile of tried wands grew steadily larger as Ollivander flitted from shelf-to-shelf with ethereal grace, somehow managing to traverse the cramped interior of the shop with effortless ease. Despite the ever-growing number of failed wands, Ollivander seemed to grow ever more cheerful as the search proceeded, "Tricky customer, eh?" He cackled as a Blackthorn and dragon heartstring wand, 13 inches, and rather unyielding, sent out a blast of concussive force that would've pulverised the counter had Moony not countered it. "Hmm, almost, but not quite." Ollivander mused aloud, "A little too much violence in that pairing I think."

Who's he calling violent? Venom asked, affronted.

Are you seriously asking that? We're the most violent person We know! Harry couldn't believe Venom was even attempting to deny the fact. Abruptly, Ollivander turned to examine Harry closely, his misty eyes flashing with some unreadable emotion, inspiration perhaps.

"Hmm, I wonder…" The old man trailed off before turning and gliding into the deepest reaches of the shop where he pulled a dusty black box from the very top of one of the shelves. "Unusual combination." Harry heard him mutter thanks to Venom's enhanced hearing. "Here, Mr. Potter, try this one, Holly and phoenix feather, 11 inches, nice and supple." Harry accepted the wand gingerly, careful not to point the wand at Ollivander, Lupin, or the many shelves of wands all around. As soon as Harry had accepted the wand, he felt a warmth rush through him, it reminded him of the hug Venom had given him in the Catacombs, only filling every inch of his being. Harry could feel his magic rushing out to permeate his form, meeting and mingling with the warmth the wand had brought in a sublime explosion of pure power.

Bringing the wand up over his head he brought it scything down through the air so quickly it produced a high-pitched whine. A bright, looping surge of blinding blue-white lightning erupted from the wand with a deafening KRAKADOOM! The magic flew across the cramped interior of the shop and burned a smoking hole in the far wall before dissipating against the prodigious enchantments concealing Diagon Alley. Lupin looked in amazement from his wand, to Harry's, to the still-smoking hole in the wall, and Harry belatedly realised that the older man had attempted to counter the spell as he had the discharge from the Blackthorn wand.

Ollivander, surprisingly, did not seem upset by the damage that had been done to his shop, instead he appeared delighted, "Bravo! Bravo! A truly magnificent bonding! I daresay I've outdone myself." After several moments of jubilation, the man finally calmed down enough to return to normal, "However, I must say, how curious…" Portentous trailing off seemed to be something of a specialty for Ollivander, Harry had to admit the man was exceedingly good at it.

"What's curious, Mr. Ollivander?" Harry asked, somewhat tired of the man's dramatics. Idly, he wondered if he'd have been more impressed had he not bonded with Venom.

Of course you would have, it's just that I'm far better at being dramatic than he is, so it's not as impressive as it otherwise would be. Venom asserted smugly.

Venom, you haven't met a dramatic moment you can't ruin yet!

Name one!

How about when We buried the Scorpion God and instead of letting us walk away silently like a badarse, you had to start yelling at it that it was a little bitch?

How is that not dramatic? Venom questioned petulantly.

Calling someone a 'little bitch' is never dramatic, Venom. Harry explained matter-of-factly, and, given that Venom failed to respond, it would seem the symbiote had no counter for the assertion.

"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter," Ollivander began saving Venom from his struggle to find a comeback, "and it just so happens that the phoenix whose feather lies in your wand gave another feather. Just one other." Something about the way the elderly man was speaking put Harry on edge, "It is curious that you would be destined for this wand when its brother, why, its brother gave you that scar." The warmth that had been permeating Harry's body seemed to turn to ice in his veins, he gazed down at the length of wood in his hand. This wand was brothers with Voldemort's? For a moment, he considered handing it back and asking Ollivander to match him with another.

No, this wand can't help who it's related to, any more than you or I can. I have relatives I'm hardly fond of, and We both know how you feel about the Dursleys. Venom's voice was like a soothing balm in the confines of Harry's mind. Harry nodded, and was surprised to feel a comforting hand on his shoulder, looking up, he found Lupin smiling down at him gently.

"Don't worry, Harry, family doesn't determine who we are, Sirius was the first decent wizard in his family for hundreds of years!" Lupin's smile flickered for a moment, a shadow of something passing behind his amber eyes, but then it was gone.

He still doesn't like talking about this Sirius guy. Venom noted. What do you think happened to him?

He doesn't mention Peter either, and he said Sirius drifted away, maybe they lost touch and then he was killed by Voldemort? It could be he feels guilty about letting their friendship go? Harry offered.

"Indeed," Ollivander offered, "I feel safe to say we can expect great things from you, Mr. Potter."

You have no idea. Venom preened.

"After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things. Terrible, yes," Ollivander's eyes flashed in the gloom of the cramped store, "but great."

Harry was grateful to leave the cramped shop after Lupin had paid for his new wand, there was something about Ollivander's eldritch presence that made both him and Venom uneasy, and his predilection for ominous predictions didn't exactly help matters.

"What shall we get next, Harry?" Lupin asked cheerfully, Harry wondered if he was trying to shake off the aura of Ollivander's shop too.

"Well, I still need my books, cauldron, robes, crystal or glass phials, a telescope, a basic set of potions ingredients, brass scales, and I can have a cat, a rat, or an owl." Harry recited from memory effortlessly. Silently, he was contemplating his newly purchased wand, it seemed wrong to attempt to shrink something so personal, but he couldn't think of anywhere convenient to keep it either.

You do remember We're currently wearing me, right? Venom asked sardonically.

Oh! Right. Harry hadn't considered that, but now that it had been said it did seem rather obvious. So, can you make me a pocket somewhere then? Venom's response was an odd slithering sensation from the fabric on the underside of Harry's right arm, Harry simply shifted the wand upward in his hand until the handle reached the nearest edge of the gap Venom had opened. Then the wand was pulled gently from his grasp, and, with another slithering shift of faux-fabric, the wand was nowhere to be seen and Harry's sleeve had become slightly heavier.

"I must admit, I still find it impressive that you can do that." Lupin chuckled, startling Harry for a moment before he realised the man was only marvelling at his ward's incredible memory.

"It's a gift." Harry shrugged.

As in, it's something I give to you and you do absolutely no work for? Venom asked innocently.

Yeah, that's what a gift is. Harry thought back, grinning.

"How about we go get your robes, then you can pick up your books while I grab your potions ingredients and phials? I know you hate the apothecary; we can meet at Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment when we're done?" Harry was grateful for Lupin's suggestion, while there were many benefits to Venom's enhancement of his senses, the odorous confines of the apothecary were not a place to be enjoyed with a super-human sense of smell.

"That sounds great, Moony, thanks." With their plan of action decided, Harry and Lupin set off for Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where they quickly purchased the required robes for Hogwarts. Harry was also able to wheedle Lupin into letting him buy a cloak like he had seen the man in the Alley wearing earlier, but Venom had shut him down before he could try to ask for the rest of the outfit.

You're not ready to try and look that regal yet, Harry. You'd only look ridiculous. The symbiote informed his host sternly.

But, Venom! Harry whined, not willing to give up on his dream of prowling through the Hogwarts halls like a badarse with his coat and flowing cloak billowing out behind him.

When you are older, Harry, when you are ready. Venom said sagely, ending the discussion. With that settled and the robes bought, Harry and Venom bade goodbye to Lupin and set off for Flourish & Blotts, once the latter had handed them a handful of galleons to make the purchases with.

Can you give me the list of books We need to get, Venom? Harry asked as they stepped through the door into the shop, weaving around an aggrieved looking elderly woman with a large stuffed vulture adorning her hat and a young boy who must have been her grandson.

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), A History of Magic, Magical Theory, A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,and The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. Venom listed off quickly.

Wow, that's a lot! Harry mused, he hadn't realised there were quite that many.

Let's get the Transfiguration books first. Venom suggested, They are the deepest into the shop and furthest from the till.

Sounds good to me. Harry agreed, it made little difference to him. The pair quickly made their way to the Transfiguration section, tucked away deep into the reaches of the shop.

Well, well, what're the chances of that? Venom said, seemingly out of the blue.

Chances of what? Harry had no idea what the symbiote was talking about.

Bushy brown hair.

What? Now Harry was really lost. At least, until he looked around and noticed a girl about his age with bushy brown hair, warm chocolate-brown eyes, and large front teeth staring intently at a book. Is that…?

Yep. The Klyntar confirmed, popping the 'p'.

Should I say 'hi'? Or…?"

Up to you, you're the one who thinks she's cute. Harry barely restrained the sigh at the symbiote's 'oh so innocent' words.

You're incorrigible. Aloud, he cleared his throat and said, "Hello, I didn't think I'd be seeing you again." The girl's head had snapped up when he cleared his throat, but she looked around for a moment in confusion before turning to him. At first her eyes held the slightly panicked look of a person facing someone who clearly knows them, without having any clue as to who that someone was. Then her eyes lit up with recognition.

"I remember you!" The girl had a very commanding voice, "You're the boy from the airport! You're a wizard too! Is your family here? My parents are at Gringotts with Professor Sinistra exchanging some pounds into galleons, I'm the first witch in my family, you know? My parents were so surprised when I got my letter, although they were ever so pleased of course. They didn't really believe I was a witch until Professor Sinistra showed up and turned our kettle into a cat as a demonstration. Are you from a magical family? I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?" She said all of this exceedingly fast, and Harry had to admit he was impressed by her lung capacity.

"Well," Harry began with a slight grin, "In order: no, I didn't know." The girl flushed slightly at his answering her rhetorical question, but Harry pressed on before she could say anything. "I am from a magical family, but my parents died when I was very young, so I lived with my Aunt and Uncle until recently, I had no idea I was a wizard until a few weeks ago. And, lastly, I'm Harry, nice to meet you properly, Hermione."

He finished his answers with his best smile, hoping to rob his slight jab of any sting it may have carried. To his surprise, Hermione flushed again, just like Daphne and Astoria did when he smiled at them. What is with girls and flushing when I smile? He wondered exasperatedly. Do I have unsettling teeth or something? He didn't think so, he'd always had good teeth, and even if he hadn't, Venom would've fixed them when they bonded. Clearly, he was missing something, as whenever he asked Venom about it the symbiote just started snickering and refused to answer.

He was jolted from his thoughts by Hermione saying, "Nice to meet you too, Harry, what do you mean, 'until recently'? Did something happen?" She sounded concerned, but Harry couldn't help but laugh a little at the last time he had seen the Dursleys. The looks on their faces as he threw their car into a sand dune before bounding off into the desert was something he'd treasure for a very long time.

"We, uh, had a disagreement." He offered diplomatically, "I live with an old friend of my parents now." Hermione looked at him questioningly but accepted his explanation.

"What're you doing here?" She asked innocently.

"I wasn't aware I needed a reason to be in a public bookstore, Hermione." Harry couldn't resist teasing her a little, perhaps Venom was rubbing off on him more than he'd thought?

I think I'll leave the rubbing to Tonks… Venom chimed in suggestively.

God damnit, Venom! Can't even think in peace.

"No! That's not what I-" Hermione seemed instantly mortified at thinking she had offended her new friend.

"I'm kidding, Hermione, and in answer to your question: I'm here to buy my books for Hogwarts, just like you from the looks of things." He gestured to the copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, she was holding.

"Really?" Hermione seemed oddly pleased by the revelation, "What year are you in?" Her teeth began worrying her lower lip as she waited for her answer.

"This is going to be my first year at Hogwarts." Harry admitted, rubbing the back of his neck a little sheepishly. "How about you?" He noticed Hermione seemed oddly pleased to hear he was a first year.

"I'm going to be a first year too."

"That's great! Want to grab our books together then?" Harry offered, it would be nice to spend more time with a witch his age, especially one who'd been raised in the muggle-world like him.

"Yes!" Hermione agreed immediately, before flushing again.

"Great!" Harry reached out and plucked a copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration from the shelf. "What shall we get next?"

Hermione worried at her lower lip with her teeth for a moment before replying, "How about The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)? It should be in the Charms section, over there." She pointed at the small plaque hanging over an adjacent section of the shop.

"Sounds good to me, so you memorised the booklist too?" Harry was a little surprised, he had Venom to improve his memory, Hermione's must've been quite exceptional.

"Yeah." Hermione seemed pleased, but a little bashful, to hear that she wasn't the only one who'd done so.

"I have an eidetic memory, so I memorise everything I read." Harry said by way of explanation as they walked to the Charms section.

"Wow! I've read about those!" Hermione's eyes were afire with excitement, "I thought there had never been a confirmed case!"

"Well, it's a gift." Harry shrugged a little uncomfortably, repeating his earlier words to Remus. They had arrived at the Charms section now, so there was a brief lull in the conversation while they hunted for the book they needed. It was Hermione who eventually found the book, and the pair added it to their collections before heading for the Potions section. "So, what're you most excited about for Hogwarts, Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Transfiguration!" Hermione gushed immediately, "I can't wait to start learning how it works! How do you change one thing into another? It seems to completely violate the laws of nature and yet, somehow, it works!" The girl's eyes glowed brightly with passionate curiosity, it looked good on her, Harry thought.

"You're cute when you're worked up about stuff, you know that?" Harry's mouth said before his mind could catch up with it. Hermione instantly went so red he thought she'd used some kind of spell.

"I-uh, thanks." She sputtered awkwardly, making Harry regret his thoughtless words even more.

Damnit, she probably thinks I'm some kind of creep now!

"So, um," Harry began, hoping to change the subject quickly, "you mentioned Professor Sinistra? Is she a family friend or something?" Hermione looked confused by the question.

"No, why do you ask?"

"Well, you said she's with your parents?"

"Oh! Since no one in my family is magical, Professor Sinistra was sent to show us around Diagon Alley and help us pick up all my school things." Hermione explained, before frowning in sudden confusion. "I thought you said you didn't know you were a wizard until a few weeks ago? Why don't you have a teacher with you?"

"Oh, Remus -the friend of my parents that I'm living with now- he's a wizard, so I guess they decided I don't need a guide." Harry explained, even as he deftly plucked two copies of Magical Drafts and Potions off the shelves and handed one to Hermione. "Herbology next?"

Hermione nodded, before asking, "I told you what I'm most excited about for Hogwarts, how about you?"

"Defence Against the Dark Arts!" Harry answered immediately, his eyes practically glowing with enthusiasm. "I can't wait to start learning how to fight with magic!"

"I don't think that's really the purpose of Defence Against the Dark Arts, Harry." Hermione told him severely. "Besides, there are better ways to resolve things than fighting, you know."

Tell that to the Scorpion God. Venom muttered.

"Usually, there are better ways to resolve things than fighting." Harry corrected his new friend, frowning slightly, "But sometimes there are worse ideas than punching people to make them listen to you. Metaphorically at least. Besides, I'm thinking about becoming a duelist when I'm older, and there fighting is the best way to resolve things. It's the only way actually!"

You are? Since when? Venom seemed shocked at the sudden revelation.

Well, Violet made it sound really awesome, and it's a great excuse for wanting to learn more combat magic to use with people We don't want to give the whole 'I want to protect the people that no one else can' talk. Harry explained, unperturbed. You don't have a problem with it, do you?

Harry, it's an excuse to fight people, do you really think I'd ever have a problem with that?

No, not really.

"Wow, a duelist?" Hermione seemed deeply impressed, "I've read about them in Notable Magical Professions! It said only the most talented of wizards can become duelists! It requires both sublime magical control and incredible physical ability!" Hermione spoke as if she was reciting word-for-word from the book she had mentioned.

That's impressive, particularly for a normal human. Venom's voice was full of rare approval, Perhaps magicals have superior memory compared to muggles?

"I've only just started learning to use wandless magic with Dumbledore." Harry admitted, completely missing the look of stunned awe on Hermione's face as he was busy searching for a copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. "So, I'm not really sure how good I am with magic, although Dumbledore did say I'm making exceptional progress, but I know I'm good enough physically to be a duelist."

"You're learning magic with Albus Dumbledore!?" Hermione practically shrieked the question, causing Harry to turn to look at her in confusion.

"Yeah, why? I know he's the headmaster and everything, but it can't be that big a deal, can it?"

"Harry, Albus Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world! He defeated the Dark Lord Grindelwald! And discovered the nine uses of dragon's blood! And he's Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot and Chief Warlock of the International Confederation of Wizards! A lot of people would kill to get private lessons with him!"

Damn, so all those titles at the bottom of the Hogwarts Letter actually meant something, I suppose. Venom sounded suitably impressed.

"Well, when you put it like that, it does sound like a pretty big deal." Harry admitted. "But he didn't make it sound like a big deal when I asked him for them."

"You must be an exceptional wizard for Dumbledore himself to be willing to teach you one-on-one!" Hermione's eyes were practically sparkling with admiration.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged uncomfortably, as much as he enjoyed boasting with Venom, it felt different to have someone else complimenting him. Hermione might have sensed his discomfort, or it could've just been coincidence, but it was at that moment that she reached out to a nearby shelf and plucked out a copy of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection and handed it to him before taking one for herself. Harry noticed she was struggling slightly under the weight of the extremely thick books, so he offered, "Do you want me to carry those for you?"

"No, it's ok, I couldn't ask you to do that." Hermione seemed reluctant, but Harry's enhanced vision noted the increased strain in her arms as her body attempted to convince her to accept the reprieve.

"It's really no trouble," Harry grinned lopsidedly, "I'm actually pretty strong." He flexed his arm in a mock-showy sort of way, but he noticed Hermione's eyes watched the fabric straining around his bicep very intently.

She's probably curious as to why you're so fit. Venom suggested innocently. Despite the seeming banality of the symbiote's tone, Harry knew him well enough to suspect some form of ulterior motive to his bonded's words.

Regardless, it was a reasonable explanation, so, "Remus is a bounty hunter, so I'm training with him to help out on one of his missions." Hermione's eyes widened as Harry made his explanation.

"That sounds highly irresponsible! Aren't bounty hunting missions extremely dangerous?" Harry couldn't help bristling at the implication, he stopped walking in the middle of the Care of Magical Creatures section. After a few moments, Hermione stopped too.

"Remus only agreed to train me up after I was able to hold my own in a spar with him! He's a black belt in seven martial arts, and he's a fully trained wizard! He wouldn't have agreed to let me go with him if he wasn't completely certain I would be able to handle myself!" Hermione seemed to realise she had upset him, because she was quick to apologise.

"I'm sorry, Harry, it's just, I know I would never be able to do something like that, and I didn't want anything to happen to my friend." Her words went a long way to calming Harry, he certainly understood wanting to safeguard one's friends.

"It's ok, sorry for snapping at you. Anyway, let me take those books for you." Harry reached out and plucked the books from Hermione's slightly shaking arms, adding them effortlessly to the pile in his left hand. Hermione gawked a little at the sight of Harry effortlessly holding the combined piles of books in one hand. She reached out to squeeze his arm, as if trying to feel for some kind of trick that could be helping him support the weight of the books.

Harry merely raised an eyebrow at her, causing her to flush a deep crimson; she attempted to shake it off by busying herself looking for two copies of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Once she found them, she quickly placed both books on top of the already prodigious pile that Harry was carrying. She still refused to meet his eyes, however.

"Shall we get A History of Magic next?" Harry asked, hoping to break Hermione out of her embarrassment.

"Yes, that sounds great." Hermione latched onto the offered lifeline immediately.

"So, what do your parents do? You mentioned they're muggles?" Harry asked curiously.

"They're both dentists." Hermione answered with a smile, flashing her extremely white teeth. Despite her overly large front teeth, it was a nice smile, Harry noticed.

Wow, Harry, are you going to be like this with every girl We meet? Venom asked teasingly. First Luna, then the Greengrass girls, then Tonks, now Hermione?

Hey! It's not my fault! Harry protested. It's just that all the girls We meet happen to be really attractive! Looking around the store for a moment, he mentally indicated a thickset girl almost as tall as him whose face was covered in warts and angry pimples, See? I'm not thinking about her being cute!

That's an extreme case, Harry. Harry was broken from the conversation by Hermione placing two copies of A History of Magic atop his already teetering pile of books.

"Thanks, Hermione, just Magical Theory left now, right?"

"I think so." Hermione answered, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to recall the exact contents of the list. "Yes, definitely." She confirmed after a moment.

"Where do you think that will be, then?" Harry asked, Magical Theory sounded rather vague to him.

"It is in the Principles of Magic section, by the door." A warm voice informed them from behind. Turning, Harry saw a tall dark-skinned woman with long, shiny black hair, rich nut-brown eyes, curves that could be seen even through her shapeless robes, and a brilliant smile on her lips.

Ok, this time, no judgement. Venom muttered. The woman seemed to notice Harry's inspection of her, as she raised a delicate eyebrow when his eyes returned to her face, prompting him to blush slightly before Venom controlled it.

"Professor Sinistra!" Hermione said, by way of greeting.

Damn, that's Professor Sinistra? Venom asked approvingly, What class does she teach? Because We need to be in it!

Agreed. Harry couldn't help thinking back.

"And who is your new friend, Sweetie?" Asked the same tall, serious-looking dark-haired man Harry remembered from the airport.

"This is Harry." Hermione said, gesturing to him with a wave of her hand.

"And look!" Came another female voice, this one issuing from the woman with the bushy-brown hair who could only be Hermione's mother.

On second thought, Harry, it would seem you have a good eye. At least if Hermione grows up to look anything like her mother. Venom commented approvingly, and as much as he wanted to reprimand Venom for sexualising every encounter with a female, Harry had to admit the symbiote had a point. The woman was of average height, although that was the only thing about her that could ever have been called average. Her features were soft with an elegance that most women required hours of painstakingly applied makeup to match, her rich tawny eyes glimmered with an alluring spark of intelligence, and her bushy brown hair shone in the light from the shop-windows. Unlike Professor Sinistra, Hermione's mother had no robes to conceal her shapely form, her casual jeans hugged her beautifully curved hips like a gentle lover, and the swell of her simple button-up hinted seductively at the treasures beneath.

"He's even carrying all your books for you!" She continued, belatedly reminding Harry that she had been in the middle of speaking when he and Venom had begun checking her out. "What a perfect little gentleman."

"Mum!" Hermione flushed, shooting Harry a look that made it clear she wished he hadn't heard her mother.

"Yes, Hermione?" Hermione's mother used the exact same 'innocent' tone Venom did when he was winding Harry up. "Lovely to meet you by the way, dear, my name's Isabel."

"Harry, nice to meet you too, Mrs. Granger." Harry responded, nodding politely.

"Richard. Good to meet you, Harry, it's always nice to meet one of Hermione's friends." Hermione's dad said, stepping forward with a hand outstretched to shake.

"Pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Granger." Harry said, reaching out with his free hand to shake Richard's. Harry couldn't help but notice that both parents were examining him and Hermione closely, Richard with a casual eye, and Isabel with a far more intensely scrutinising gaze.

"We've got all our books now; shall we go and pay?" If Harry hadn't known better, he would've thought Hermione was intentionally attempting to distract her parents.

"Of course, Sweetie." Richard smiled down at his daughter.

"Harry, where're your parents? We'd love to meet the people responsible for raising such a fine young man." Isabel asked Harry kindly.

Oooh… Ouch. Harry could practically hear Venom wincing, She really walked into that one.

Seriously, how do I answer that and not make things insanely awkward? I can't just say 'I'm an orphan'!

Maybe say your 'Guardian' is buying your potions supplies? Venom suggested.

"My guardian is buying my potions supplies; I can't stand the smell, so he said he'd get them for me while I grabbed my books." Harry answered as delicately as he could, but he still saw Isabel's expression shift to one of momentary horror as she realised her misstep. Hoping to swiftly clear the air from that unfortunate incident, Harry pressed on, "We're planning to meet up at Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, if you'd like to come along?"

"That sounds wonderful, Harry." Richard stepped in, probably to give his wife more time to recover from her mortification.

"Well, let's go buy these books then, we wouldn't want to keep him waiting, would we?" Hermione more-or-less decided for the group as a whole.

"Yes, Ma'am." Harry said immediately, shooting Hermione another grin and watching in confusion as she flushed again. Maybe I should ask her parents why she keeps doing that?

Perhaps you should ask her if she's feeling ok? Venom's voice, again, sounded innocent. Too innocent.

I am going to figure out what you're finding so funny one of these days, Venom. Harry thought frustratedly.

Oh, I'm sure you will. Unfortunately, the symbiote only sounded gleeful at Harry's words.

"So, Harry," Isabel began, finally managing to overcome her embarrassment, "what year are you in at Hogwarts?"

"This year is Harry's first, like mine!" Hermione answered before Harry could.

"I wasn't aware you'd changed your name to Harry, dear." Richard teased gently.

"It's alright, Mr. Granger, I don't mind." Harry assured the older man quickly, even as Hermione blushed.

"I look forward to seeing you both in my class, then." Professor Sinistra broke into the conversation to say, smiling kindly at both children.

Fuck yes! Venom crowed, I guess We know which class will have the best view now!

Harry was briefly distracted from answering Professor Sinistra by the need to sort the pile of books he was carrying into his and Hermione's; but, once he had finished and handed over the requisite coins to purchase his books, he asked, "What class do you teach, Professor Sinistra?"

"I am the Astronomy Professor, Harry."

Wow, that'll be the easiest class ever. Venom scoffed.

Why? Harry couldn't fathom why Venom thought Astronomy in particular would be so simple.

Harry, you're bonded to an extraterrestrial being. I've spent the past 300 years in space, remember?

Good point. During their discussion, Hermione's parents had purchased her books for her, and Professor Sinistra had kindly shrunk the bag for them.

"Would you like me to shrink yours as well, Harry?" She asked, gesturing to his bag of books with her wand.

To be honest, it didn't make much of a difference to Harry, but he figured it would be impolite to refuse, "Yes, please, Professor Sinistra." Permission given, the witch reached out and tapped the bag with her wand, causing it to instantly shrink until it fit comfortably in the palm of Harry's hand.

We really need to learn how to do that. Venom noted.

"Shall we head to Wiseacre's now?" Harry asked the group, whilst mentally agreeing with his bonded.

"What was it like growing up in the magical world, Harry?" Isabel asked interestedly as the Grangers followed him out of Flourish & Blotts and out into the crush of wizards filling Diagon Alley.

"I didn't, actually." Harry answered honestly. "I was raised by my muggle relatives, and until a few weeks ago I didn't even know magic existed."

"Oh." Neither of the adult-Grangers seemed to know how to respond to that; but, fortunately, Hermione did not seem to notice the awkwardness.

"Harry told me he wants to be a duelist! Isn't that exciting?" She informed her parents animatedly, eyes shining.

"Really, Harry? A duelist?" Professor Sinistra asked, before either of the elder-Grangers could. "That's a very competitive profession you know?"

"I do, Professor, but, during our last lesson, Professor Dumbledore said my magical control was very good, and Moony told me my speed and reflexes are exceptional for someone of my age." The dark-skinned woman's eyes widened at the words 'Professor Dumbledore said' and Harry noticed her eyes darting up to where his forehead was concealed by his messy-black hair for a moment, almost as if she knew what lay hidden there.

Something tells me she just figured out who you are. Venom informed his host wryly; I suppose Remus was telling the truth when he told us you were famous.

Seems like it. Harry couldn't help but agree with the Klyntar's assessment.

"That's very impressive, Harry." Sinistra said, once she had mastered her surprise. Harry was grateful that she seemed to have restrained herself from revealing just who he was to the Grangers. After all, he still wanted to see the looks on everyone's faces when he was called to be sorted, and that wouldn't work if too many people already knew that he was back.

"Thanks." Harry answered, still a little uncomfortable with such praise. Fortunately, they had just arrived outside of Wiseacre's and a voice from behind them saved Harry from having to deal with any similar comments from the Grangers.

"Hello, Harry, you've made some more friends already I see." Lupin's voice bore the same amusement as it had when he had found Harry holding Tonks.

"What can I say? I'm personable." Harry shot back as he turned around, having grown used to the older man's gentle teasing over the past weeks.

"Well, I'm sure you won't mind introducing us then, will you?" Remus' words were challenging, but his smile was warm and friendly as he gestured to the Grangers and Professor Sinistra.

"This is Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Harry said, pointing to each in turn, "and this is my new friend, Hermione, and that's-" he was stopped from introducing Professor Sinistra by the woman herself.

"Remus? Remus Lupin, is that you?" Sinistra's voice was questioning at first, but swiftly grew surer as she looked from Remus to Harry and back again.

"I'm sorry," Remus genuinely looked it, "but I'm afraid I don't recall-"

"Aurora Sinistra," Professor Sinistra said quickly, by way of explanation, "I was a few years below you in Hogwarts." At first Lupin looked mystified, but then his expression abruptly cleared.

"Ah, yes! I remember you now! You were most excellent at Astronomy if I recall, I had more than one young Gryffindor asking if I knew when your study session was meeting while I was a prefect." Sinistra nodded her head slightly at the compliment, while the Grangers simply looked mystified by the interaction.

"Well that's certainly a coincidence!" Richard said cheerfully. "What're the chances of meeting an old school mate?"

"Quite good actually," Hermione answered, before either of the adult wizards could. "According to Magicals of the World, there are approximately 15,000 magicals in Britain, and almost all of them attend Hogwarts unless they are homeschooled."

She really has a knack for that, doesn't she? Venom noted wryly.

Encyclopedic knowledge or interrupting people? Harry thought back jokingly.

Both.

"Have you memorised all the books I sent you last week, Hermione?" Professor Sinistra asked, sounding half-amused, half-impressed. Hermione blushed, but nodded. "I suppose that means I need to find some more for you then, doesn't it?"

"Oh! Yes please, Professor Sinistra! That would be wonderful!" Hermione said quickly, she seemed barely able to contain her excitement. With the introductions concluded, the group headed inside the shop to purchase a telescope and set of brass scales each for the future students. In this, Professor Sinistra proved invaluable, swiftly guiding the group to the best, and most cost-effective, telescopes, and providing an in-depth explanation of the finer points of their use. Once the devices had been purchased, shrunk, and stored, the group trooped over to Potage's Cauldron Shop to buy two pewter cauldrons. Throughout the endeavor, Harry and Hermione had continued speaking animatedly about their plans and hopes for Hogwarts, and about their lives in the Muggle-World. Harry noticed that Hermione was very quiet about her friends at her current school, and knew enough to recognise that, like him, she probably did not have many.

You didn't used to have many. Venom corrected him. Now you have me, Daphne, Astoria, Hermione, Luna, and I'd say Tonks was rather friendly when We met her too.

Hermione, for her part, was now bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, "It's finally time to get our wands! Are you excited, Harry? I wonder how long it will take to find mine, what if they don't have one that suits me? Or what if I find one that I like, but it doesn't like me? It said in the chapter about wandmakers in Notable Magical Professions that the wand chooses the wizard as much as the wizard chooses the wand. Of course, I'm not sure how much that was true as the book also said that wandlore is a very obscure branch of magic and only poorly understood, even by the masters of the craft."

Hermione had managed to work herself into an unending stream of excited information, and Harry was struggling to find an opportunity to tell her that he had already found and purchased his wand. Eventually, he felt the same slithering sensation from his sleeve as he had when Venom had helped him store his wand, and the comforting warmth that came with holding the length of wood spreading up his arm. Silently thanking his bonded, he held up the wand in front of Hermione, instantly halting her explanation as her face fell slightly.

"Actually, I already got my wand, Hermione. It was the first thing Remus and I did when we got here earlier."

"Oh." The girl sounded more than a little put-out. Behind her, Harry noticed Lupin and the elder-Grangers were smiling at the interaction, and Isabel was in the process of tucking what looked to be a slip of paper into her purse.

"I'll see you again some-time though!" Harry was quick to reassure the girl. "And we'll see each other on the train and at Hogwarts if nowhere else."

"I suppose you're right." Hermione agreed, logical despite her disappointment.

"Now, Harry," Lupin said, politely stepping in now that the goodbyes had been completed. "I'm afraid we must return home; I am still somewhat worn-out I'm afraid." Looking over, Harry noticed that Lupin's face did seem to have lost some of the little colour it had regained in the days since Harry had returned from the Greengrasses.

"Ok, Moony." He agreed, "Bye, Hermione! I can't wait to see you again on the train!"

As he and Lupin walked back to the archway and the Floo which lay beyond it, Harry heard Isabel say "So, Hermione, it seems like all we had to do was go to the Wizarding-World for you to find your first-" but the sliding of bricks as the archway sealed itself behind them cut off the end of the sentence.

It was almost a week before Lupin was fully recovered from his illness, and Harry and Venom spent most of that time either continuing their attempts to translate the Theban Lexicon, or beginning to practice the wand movements and incantations for the spells in Magical Combat and You. Both proved frustrating in different ways, the Theban Lexicon still resisted all their attempts to open the blasted thing, despite having finished translating all of the hieroglyphs on what they had now definitively identified as the front cover. Their only clue was the hieroglyph for 'Open', written on the very edge of the cover, where one would grip in order to pull the book open. Magical Combat and You, on the other hand, was infuriating in an entirely different way, while they had no problems opening or reading the book, and now possessed the required tool to begin actively practicing the magic within, Lupin had informed them that the wands of all underage wizards were under a spell known as 'The Trace' that detected any underage magic the witch or wizard may attempt.

To have the means and opportunity to practice magic but be denied the chance due to a -at least what seemed to them- ridiculous age-restriction was beyond infuriating. Fortunately, there were some positives during the otherwise vexing week, Harry was quickly growing closer with Lupin, the pair doing all they could to make up for lost time. Harry felt a sense of kinship with the older-man's seriousness and the gentle earnest with which he approached life. Venom was still occasionally given to suspicion regarding the older man, but even he was warming up to Lupin.

The pair had also made a start on their workouts after asking Lupin for some weights, only for the man to simply transfigure the objects out of some pencils. Another highlight was when Harry had finally had the chance to ask Lupin if he could visit Luna, or vice-versa, to which Remus had very happily agreed, even lending Harry his owl, Peckins, to write to Luna and tell her as much. The response had been swift, and the pair had arranged to meet in the Leaky Cauldron on the 17th of July. Today, however, Lupin had announced that he was finally recovered enough to begin instructing Harry in martial arts. The pair were currently standing in a corner of the mostly empty Maelstrom Dojo, both dressed in light, flexible clothes perfect for the strenuous exercise they had planned.

"Now, Harry," Lupin began, his hoarse voice calm and measured, "the first thing we are going to do is teach you how to kick and punch without telegraphing your actions to your opponent. As fast and as strong as you are, if your opponent can determine what your attack will be even as you start to make it, you will never be able to defeat a trained fighter." So saying, the man demonstrated, throwing his fist out in a few lightning-fast jabs, a tight right-hook, and finally an uppercut that whistled through the air with enough force to rustle Harry's unruly hair. Harry nodded in understanding, and Lupin spent the next several minutes painstakingly demonstrating and explaining each component of how to throw a technically proficient punch, not knowing that Harry already knew exactly how to do so.

Having me steal all of this from Lupin's muscle memory was definitely a great choice.Venom commented to his host as the latter nodded along to Lupin's explanation.

You know, We wouldn't have to bother with all of this 'pretending to be learning' shit if you just let me tell him about us. Harry pointed out hopefully.

Not yet, the symbiote responded, for what felt to both of them like the hundredth time. He's still hiding something from us, until We know We can trust him implicitly, I don't want to reveal the truth about us to him.

So, you'll let me tell him when he tells us whatever it is he's hiding from us? Harry asked hopefully.

"Would you like to try now, Harry?" Lupin's voice interrupted the mental conversation.

"Ok, Remus!" Harry answered immediately, having grown adept at handling two conversations at once by now. Adopting a look of fierce determination, Harry instinctively dropped into the fighting stance Venom had taught him from Lupin's memories before throwing a perfect right-jab, followed by a left-hook, finishing up with a left-cross transitioning into a right-uppercut that moved so quickly his arm blurred from sight. "Is that ok, Remus?" Harry asked innocently after he had finished, enjoying the look of stunned amazement on the older-man's face.

Do you ever feel like it's cheating to use my abilities just to get out of years of painstaking practice? Venom asked contemplatively.

Nope. Harry thought back with a mental shrug.

Me neither.

"That's incredible, Harry!" Lupin seemed almost beside himself with excitement. "I can't believe you've managed to pick this up so quickly! It took me weeks before I was able to throw even a single punch as technically perfect as the four you just demonstrated!"

"Thanks, Moony." Harry said, finding it much easier to deal with praise he didn't really deserve. "Can you show me how to kick now?"

"Of course, Harry!" Lupin appeared to have been galvanised by his student's incredible aptitude for combat, as he set to demonstrating a front, switch, side, back, and roundhouse kick for Harry, who then copied each exactly, only further amazing his teacher. Seeking to challenge his student, Lupin then demonstrated an axe kick, followed by a hook kick, and finally a spinning heel kick that Harry could almost feel scything through the air.

Deciding to show off a little, Harry performed each kick in succession, transitioning from each into the next without pause so that all three kicks became a single continuous blur of motion. When he finished, he found Lupin clapping softly at his display, "Marvelous, Harry, absolutely exceptional!" He paused for a moment to check his watch before nodding to himself, "I believe we even have some time to teach you a few grapples and throws before we end our training for the day."

For the day? Venom asked, outraged. We've performed everything he's shown us perfectly! Surely that should demonstrate that We're ready to go on one of his bounty hunting missions! Privately, Harry agreed with his bonded, but he refrained from commenting and only nodded his assent to Lupin's suggestion.

"Alright, Harry, throw a few punches and kicks at me -not too fast if you please- and I'll show you how to transform your opponent's attacks into a successful grapple." Harry nodded, sinking into his fighting stance, one foot moving back as his arms came up, placing him side-on to Lupin in order to minimise his profile. Once the older-man had signalled he was ready, Harry immediately launched an axe-kick, slower than he could have made it, but still quick enough that any normal person would've struggled to block, or even evade, the strike. Lupin, however, merely shot a hand up, grasping Harry's ankle at the very apex of its arc before pulling up and toward himself, forcing Harry to hop forward awkwardly in order to keep his balance.

"From here," Lupin explained, "I could easily land a debilitating strike to your abdomen, torso, or groin, or use my grip to snap your leg in any number of places." He spoke pleasantly, which seemed at odds with the violence he was describing. "In order to prevent this sort of counter, you need to make sure your opponent is either too slow to do so, or that they are too off-balance to restrain your attack. Now, Harry how would you try to escape from this hold before I could use it to disable you?"

Harry thought for a moment, aided by Venom's trawling through the accumulated fighting knowledge they had taken from Lupin, "I think I'd try to transition to a spinning kick in order to pull my opponent off-balance and possibly cause them to fall over."

"An excellent suggestion, Harry." Lupin praised his student, "However, how would you stop me from simply releasing your leg and striking you in the back while you are reeling from the sudden loss of resistance?" Harry hadn't considered that, he was stumped.

"I don't know, Remus, what would you suggest?" Lupin seemed pleased that Harry had thought to ask for his advice, he then proceeded to walk Harry through a series of counters, escapes, grapples, and throws aimed at turning an opponent's moves against them, as well as escaping the grapples a fighter may find themselves caught in.

The exercise took far longer than either kicking or punching had, due in large part to the sheer variety of moves and their reactionary nature: some of the techniques Lupin demonstrated Harry struggled to think of a scenario where they could possibly be applied, whilst others seemed practically indispensable. Eventually, after almost two hours of demonstrations, practice attempts, counters, exercises, and short informative spars, Lupin declared that Harry had become as proficient at the art of grappling as Lupin himself could make him.

"So," Harry began, his voice filled with a cocky-self-assurance that made Lupin grin, "when are we going on that mission then?"

"Oh, you're nowhere near ready for that, Harry." Lupin dismissed the boy's question airily, seemingly enjoying the look of outrage his comment spurred.

WHAT!? That's bullshit! Venom roared, aghast at Lupin's apparent intractability.

"Really?" Harry asked, sharing his bonded's sentiments.

"Really." Lupin replied with a nod.

"But you said I've mastered all the kicks, punches, grapples, and throws you know!" Harry complained, a little-petulantly.

"Just because you've mastered the components that make up a proficient fighter, that does not mean you have mastered hand-to-hand combat, Harry." Lupin said sternly, giving Harry an almost disappointed look.

Harry felt somewhat chastened by Remus' words, but he wasn't quite ready to give up just yet, "Can we have another spar, Remus? A proper one, to see how ready I am?" Moony scrutinized Harry for a moment, before nodding.

"Very well, Harry." Lupin gestured Harry to the nearest fighting ring, before following the boy in. "We'll fight until one of us would be rendered unconscious or otherwise unable to continue the match, although we will obviously not attempt to deal any permanent damage, agreed?"

"Agreed." Harry nodded, settling into his fighting stance, eyes locked firmly on Lupin ready for any move he may attempt to make.

"Very well, begin!" As soon as the words had left Lupin's mouth, his right leg lashed out in a front kick aimed at Harry's chest. Harry reached out, prepared to grab the outstretched limb and use it to grapple his opponent, only for Lupin to abruptly twist, sending his heel scything toward Harry's head in a spinning-heel kick that Harry had to back-somersault away from in order to avoid. By the time he landed back on his feet Lupin's fist was already rocketing toward his face in a devastating left-hook that approached from where Harry's arm had been obscuring his vision during his evasive movement. Harry felt his arm yanked sideways in a blindingly fast parry as Venom used his disguise as Harry's clothes to exert some control over their body.

Thanks, Venom. Harry thought, even as he was forced to duck a jab that he could feel brush against his hair, only to be forced to dive away as Lupin's heel came crashing down like the blade of a guillotine in an axe-kick that would've had him seeing stars as Lupin sought to take advantage of the limited mobility his evasive crouch had left him with.

Harry attempted to throw a retaliatory snap-kick as he rolled to his feet, but Lupin simply leaned back out of Harry's reach before his hands flashed out to grab the outstretched foot. Harry immediately pulled his leg down, forcing Lupin to release his grip or risk being pulled into the haymaker Harry launched at his head in time with his pull.

Finally having bought himself time to breathe, Harry then leapt toward Lupin, foot outstretched but apparently several inches off target, that is until Harry swung his leg sideways, sending his heel scything toward Lupin's head in a vicious hook-kick. Lupin, however, again avoided the attack by stepping out of his reach, although the force of the movement ruffled the man's mousy-brown hair as it passed. Remus retaliated with a series of sharp jabs, forcing Harry to raise his arms to guard his face, before snapping out a quick front kick aimed at the boy's stomach which Harry raised a knee to deflect, momentarily putting the older-man off balance as his kick slid off to the side.

Lupin quickly used the momentum from his deflected kick to spin around, his outstretched foot whistling through the air in a roundhouse-kick aimed at Harry's lower thigh, which Harry blocked before being forced to leap backwards as Remus fired off a jab directly at his face while his arms were occupied with his block. Hoping to gain himself some time to think, Harry took two quick steps backward away from Lupin, only to find that he was now standing in the corner of the ring.

Oops, said Venom, that's not good. Lupin immediately began demonstrating just how 'not-good' it was as he launched a punishing series of punches and kicks that the hemmed-in Harry was only barely able to defend against.

We need- Harry thought as he only just managed to guide an uppercut away from his face, feeling it pass so close it tickled the tip of his nose. -To find- he kicked Lupin's shin in order to stop a low sweep that would have sent him toppling backward into the ropes before sending his foot rocketing up toward Lupin's chin in a crane-kick that Lupin stopped with his crossed arms before launching a retaliatory kick at Harry's standing leg. -A way- Harry jumped over the kick and used his momentum to bring his raised heel slamming down toward the top of Lupin's head in a fearsome axe-kick, only to shift his body and change it into a hook-kick directed at the nerve cluster in the side of the man's neck. Lupin did not fall for the feint, and ducked the attempted hook-kick, sending Harry off balance into the ropes on the side of the ring. -Out of this corner! Harry finally finished as he rebounded off the ropes and straight into a jab from Lupin that sunk deep into his solar plexus.

Venom was able to cushion the blow enough to stop it from driving the air from their lungs, but that didn't stop it from hurting. Harry fought through the pain and attempted to dive through Lupin's legs to escape the corner he had been maneuvered into, but instantly regretted his desperate escape attempt. Lupin spun around, even as Harry began his dive, putting his back to Harry; and, as soon as the boy's head and left arm had passed between Lupin's legs, they snapped shut around him. Lupin then twisted both of them, bringing Harry up into the air over Lupin as the older-man's back slammed into the padded floor of the ring, Harry's outstretched arm was grabbed and pulled taut, where Lupin could easily snap his elbow if he wished, and a slowly mounting pressure began on Harry's neck, quickly cutting off the blood-flow from his carotid artery.

Knowing he had to escape the triangle-choke now, or the fight would be over, Harry felt Venom augment his strength as he twisted himself and Lupin around before pulling himself up to his feet, lifting Lupin along with him so the older-man was hanging in the air, before rolling forward, slamming Lupin into the mat hard and breaking his grip. Harry gasped for air as he continued his roll and came up in the centre of the ring, quickly turning to face Lupin as the man kicked himself up into the air before landing on his feet and turning to face Harry.

"Very good, Harry. I thought I had you there, that was a very impressive feat of strength." Lupin complimented calmly, despite his heavy breathing.

"I still don't know how you managed to get me into that corner so quickly." Harry replied, offering his own praise. The pair began to circle each other, Harry wary of getting too close to the older man and finding himself caught in another chokehold, and Lupin still a little winded from Harry's extreme method of escape from the triangle-choke. Harry tried to lash out with a double side-kick, only for Lupin to easily lean back out of range. Lupin retaliated by dropping down into a sweep aimed at Harry's standing leg which Harry jumped over, only to realise it had been a setup as Lupin continued the motion into a rising roundhouse that knocked Harry half-way across the ring despite his managing to block the kick with a knee.

Harry landed awkwardly as a result of both the force of the kick and the position he had been forced into to block it. Before he could regain his poise, Lupin was on him once again, launching a series of punches at Harry's head supplemented by front and side kicks at Harry's torso and legs. Thanks to Venom's augmentations, Harry was able to ward off these blows, although the force of each impact stung his arms and legs until Venom healed the damage.

As much as I hate to admit it, Venom said reluctantly as they avoided an uppercut that would've knocked out a rhinoceros by millimeters, I don't think We're going to win this fight.

Yeah, I'm kind of getting that impression too. Harry agreed. What I don't understand is why!? We know all of his moves, he's even demonstrated how to use them, but We still can't beat him!

We could always forfeit and ask him why? Venom suggested, surprising his host so much he missed a counter and ended up taking a roundhouse to the shin that swept him off his feet and brought him down onto his side. Looking up, he saw Lupin's foot poised over his temple, Remus having stopped his axe-kick an instant before it would've rendered Harry unconscious.

I never thought I'd hear you suggest We forfeit anything. Harry admitted as Lupin helped him to his feet.

In this case, We had nothing to gain by continuing to fight. Besides, if he tells us why We couldn't win this time, We will be able to fix that shortcoming for next week and defeat him then, it will only result in one week's delay for our joining him on a mission.

I suppose that makes sense. Harry was a little surprised by the symbiote's pragmatism.

"That was excellent, Harry, really excellent." Lupin praised, and this time Harry couldn't help but feel he had at least partly earned the compliment.

"Thanks, Moony." Harry said, unable to keep a small amount of pride from his voice. "But why couldn't I beat you?" Frustration had leaked into his tone now, as well as confusion.

Lupin laughed at the question before replying, "My dear young Harry, I have been practicing this since you were a baby. Did you really think you'd be able to beat me after only a single day's instruction?"

Yes. Venom said bluntly, although thankfully Lupin couldn't hear him.

"Put simply, you lack the experience to work to your strengths and capitalize on your opponent's weaknesses." Lupin explained, although Harry didn't feel as if the explanation was very helpful. Something of his feelings must have shown on his face, as Lupin continued, "Take you and I, what are your strengths and my weaknesses in a fight between us?"

Harry thought back over the fight as the pair began to make their way toward the exit from the dojo, "You have a longer reach than me, you didn't need to get close enough for me to hit you in order for you to hit me." The older man had only rarely had to do more than lean -or at most step- away from Harry's strikes during the fight.

"Good," Remus praised, "and?"

"You were able to maneuver me into a corner and take advantage of my impaired mobility." That had been a serious problem during that fight.

"Good, but that wasn't so much an inherent advantage of mine physically as a result of your inexperience." Lupin informed his ward calmly, "You haven't yet learned to be aware of your surroundings during a fight: you focus too much on who you are fighting, and not enough on where and how." Harry nodded slowly as he considered Moony's words. "Now," Lupin said as he held the door to the dojo open and gestured Harry out into the summer sun, "what were your strengths in that fight?"

Harry thought for several moments but struggled to think of anything that had seemed to his advantage during the fight. If We'd been transformed, I would've been much faster, stronger, and tougher than Lupin; but, as it was, I don't think We really had anything over him in that fight. Harry commented to Venom.

That's not entirely true, Venom was quick to counter his host's assertion, remember when We slammed him into the floor? He was winded by that attack, but We took far more severe blows from him without as much harm.

"I was able to recover from getting hit a bit better than you, I suppose." Harry said, a little doubtfully despite Venom's words. "But, apart from that, I really can't think of anything I had an advantage over you in." To his surprise, Lupin laughed at his words.

"Harry, you are too modest, as much as it amazes me to say this: you are faster and stronger than me-"

"What!?" Harry couldn't help interrupting, he was too shocked by Lupin's words. While he was fully aware that he could crush Lupin to pulp as Venom, the past spars between them had convinced him that Lupin was still stronger when Venom was only passively augmenting Harry.

"It's true." Remus assured him, amber eyes shining with admiration. "I'm not sure how you manage it, perhaps it's some sort of magical gift, but you are."

Good thing he's such a pragmatic person. Venom sighed, sounding relieved.

What do you mean?

He noticed something about you that would be impossible for a normal human, most people would either become suspicious or freak out if they did that. Lupin, however, just rationalized an explanation that made sense and went with it.

It probably helps that he's familiar with magic, Harry pointed out, that must make it easier to accept the seemingly impossible.

Lupin, meanwhile, was continuing his analysis of their spar, "You should have tried to use that greater strength and speed to force me onto the defensive and press me at a distance where my greater reach was nullified. From there you could have worn me down until you found an opening to deliver a decisive blow, as it was, however, you allowed me to press the attack and keep you off-balance." When Lupin explained it, it made sense, but Harry was certain he wouldn't have been able to so clearly identify his tactical deficiencies even if he had been given several days to consider the matter. He forgot all about his self-recrimination, however, at Lupin's next question, "So, are you excited for your date with Luna?"

"It's not a date!"

Is this a date, Venom? Harry asked the symbiote as he waited nervously by the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace for Luna to arrive.

Of course it's not. Venom said, while privately thinking, It's totally a date.

Reassured by the symbiote's words, Harry relaxed slightly, It's not a date, it's just two friends hanging out together, nothing to stress about. He had almost managed to convince himself when the fireplace flared green and Luna stepped out, he tried to ignore the way his heart instantly started beating faster upon seeing her. "Luna!" He said, a little louder than he'd intended. When did I start smiling? He didn't remember, but he was grinning like a fool now, so he must've started at some point. She was wearing another sundress, this one buttercup yellow, it fluttered around her slender form in the gentle breeze caused by the Floo, outlining her graceful profile for a moment before settling.

Her dirty-blonde hair hung loose around her face, cascading down her back like a shower of sunlight, and her silver eyes shone with an innocent delight. Harry couldn't remember if they'd shined like that last time he'd seen her, he realised now they weren't entirely silver either, they started out a pearlescent grey near the pupil and shifted to silver at the edges of the iris. Abruptly, Harry realised she'd arched one of her elegant brows and her soft-looking pink lips had pulled back to show her perfect white teeth in a smile that seemed to light up the dingy inn like a summer afternoon.

Yeah, he's got it bad. Venom thought happily. If only I had someone else to make bets with about how long it'll take them to figure it out.

"You know it's rude to stare at people, Harry." Luna commented airily even as she stepped in and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug that Harry was more than happy to return. "Hello to you too, Venom." Luna whispered, her breath tickling Harry's ear in a way that felt oddly nice. It didn't feel like they'd been hugging very long when someone pointedly cleared their throat.

"So, are you two going to stand their hugging all day? Or are you going to introduce me to this young man, Plum-drop?" Breaking the embrace, albeit somewhat reluctantly, Harry turned to see a tall -and very eccentric looking- man with a mane of feathery hair the same dirty blonde as Luna's fanning out across his shoulders. It looked rather like he had stuck a prodigious amount of golden candy-floss to his head, his eyes were large and alight with a wry amusement, and his robes were an eye-catching orange. Harry wondered if perhaps he and Dumbledore used the same tailor.

"Daddy, this is Harry." Luna said, gesturing to Harry who nodded and smiled politely at the older man. For some reason, he desperately wanted to make a good impression. "And, Harry, this is my Dad."

"Xenophilius Lovegood, Mr. Potter." Xenophilius announced loudly, causing several heads to turn at the mention of 'Mr. Potter', and prompting a sinking sensation in Harry's stomach. Oddly, however, upon seeing who had spoken, the patrons of the inn simply shrugged and turned back to whatever had been occupying their attention before the interruption. "Please, call me Xeno, any friend of my dear Sugar-plum is a delight in my eyes." So saying, he held out his hand to shake, which Harry did, finding the man's grip solid, but oddly ethereal, as if he were only half paying attention to the exchange.

"It's lovely to meet you, Mr. Lovegood." Harry said, as politely as he could, "Luna's told me a lot about you." It wasn't strictly speaking true, but Xenophilius beamed and ruffled his daughter's hair happily, revealing that she was again wearing her radish-earrings.

"Wonderful! Now, Pumpkin, I want you back by 5, alright?" Xeno's tone didn't sound particularly stern, but Luna nodded regardless.

"Of course, Daddy, good luck writing today!" It took Harry a moment to realise that Xenophilius was actually prepared to allow Luna to spend the next 7 hours with him in Diagon Alley. It wasn't until the fire flashed green once more and Xenophilius disappeared that he fully accepted that he'd heard correctly.

"So, what would you like to do first, Luna?" Harry asked, feeling a little awkward now that he and Luna were alone together.

Luna considered the question for a moment, "Can we head to Gringotts first? I'd like to get some money out of my vault in case I see anything I want."

"Are you sure? I could always pay?" Even though it was decidedly not a date, Harry felt as if he should still be the one paying. Especially since he was minted.

"That's sweet of you, Harry, but it's ok." Luna beamed at the offer, despite turning it down.

Tell her We both think she looks beautiful. Venom instructed.

"Venom says to tell you We both think you look beautiful." Harry relayed automatically before his mind had fully comprehended the words. What the fuck, Venom!? Why would you make me say that?

Because it's true? Besides, friends are allowed to say friends are beautiful, right?

"Thanks, Harry." Luna flushed, but she seemed very happy with the compliment.

"Shall we get going then?" Harry asked, still a little embarrassed by his unintended admission.

"Of course." Together, the pair walked to the brick wall that concealed the entrance to Diagon Alley.

"Allow me, Milady." Harry offered jokingly, his wand appearing in his hand thanks to Venom.

"You got your wand!" Luna exclaimed excitedly, reaching out to grab Harry's arm so she could examine the length of wood more closely. "What is it?"

"Holly and phoenix feather." Harry answered proudly, even as Luna finished her inspection and released his arm, allowing him to reach out and tap the required brick to open the archway.

"Really? Daddy said phoenix feathers only choose the most extraordinary of individuals, and we think holly trees might be a part of the crumple horned snorkacks preferred nesting grounds!"

Ask her how she's been doing. Venom instructed as he, Harry, and Luna began threading their way through the crowds thronging Diagon Alley.

"How've you been doing?" Harry asked, "Venom and I are asking." He added after a mental prod from the symbiote.

"I'm very well Harry, unlike some other people I haven't been delving into ancient Egyptian tombs." Luna's airy voice carried a hint of teasing as she spoke.

"Hey! That wasn't on purpose!" Harry defended them vehemently, "We fell into the bloody tomb and then the enchantments wouldn't let us back out!" Luna giggled at his affront, it was a nice sound, Harry noticed.

"I'm only teasing you, Harry. I know Venom would never let you do anything so dangerous."

Thank you. Venom said smugly.

"He says 'thanks'." Harry relayed automatically.

You know, this would be a lot easier if I could just talk to her directly.

Yeah, but I think people might be a little freaked out if an alien suddenly manifested from me in the middle of Diagon Alley, Venom. Harry enjoyed being the snarky one for once in their partnership.

I wasn't suggesting that, smart-arse. Venom shot back, more than happy to fight fire with fire, at least metaphorically. If I make a partial bond with Luna, I'll be able to talk to her the same way I talk to you.

"Really? That's awesome!" Harry exclaimed, too excited to stay silent.

"What's awesome, Harry?" Luna asked, "Something Venom suggested?" Harry was about to ask how she'd known that, but then he remembered that she could somehow detect Venom even when he wasn't outwardly visible.

"He said there's a way he can talk to you directly instead of me having to relay everything for him."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Luna enthused. "How?"

"I'll ask." Harry assured her, How do We do this, Venom?

I just need to make contact with her so I can form a partial bond. The best way would probably be for you two to hold hands, that way I can extend a tendril to connect with her without it being too obvious. Venom's voice held the same infuriating innocence as it had so often recently, but Harry couldn't think of a better suggestion, so he relayed the instructions to Luna. Not that he particularly wanted to find an alternative solution, the idea of holding hands with Luna was quite appealing.

Maybe this is what it feels like to have a sister? Harry wondered. Almost immediately, he could've sworn he felt a mental signal from Venom, not directed at him, or even a message of any kind, it felt more like the mental equivalent of a gesture. Venom? What was that?

Venom, who had just performed the mental equivalent of a face-palm whilst cracking up at the mind-bending obliviousness of his host, managed to master himself long enough to say, I was just preparing to form the telepathic bond with Luna so she can hear me.

Oh, ok, that makes sense. Harry briefly considered that it was odd he hadn't noticed any such gesture from Venom before they stole Lupin's fighting knowledge, but shrugged it off, it was probably just because Venom hadn't been trying to communicate with Lupin. "Venom says the easiest way would be for us to hold hands, then he could bond with you without it being too obvious." Luna flushed, but held her hand out very quickly all the same.

Harry was quick to take the outstretched hand, marvelling at how soft Luna's hands were for a moment before he was distracted by the slithering sensation of Venom altering his form to extend a tendril and connect with Luna.

And done. Can you both hear me?

Harry wasn't sure if he and Luna would be able to hear each other's thoughts, so he answered aloud, "Yep, I hear you Venom."

"Likewise." Luna chimed in happily, "It's nice to hear your voice again Venom."

Always nice to be appreciated, Luna. Venom responded kindly; a tone Harry didn't hear from him very often. With the communication problem solved, the trio resumed their journey to Gringotts chatting about what they had been doing since they'd last seen each other. As they were squeezing between a large, broad-shouldered, dark-skinned man with a gold hoop in one of his ears and a tough, capable-looking wizard with very-short wiry grey hair, both dressed in crimson robes, Venom brought up something that had completely slipped Harry's mind upon seeing Luna. Luna, do you remember the book We told you about? The one We found in the Catacombs?

"Of course, Venom, have you two started on translating it yet?"

Harry jumped in to answer the question, "Well, yes and no. We've managed to translate almost everything on the front cover, but We can't figure out how to open the damn thing. The only clue We've managed to find is that it has the hieroglyph for open on it, but We can't seem to find the rest of the instructions."

"Have you considered that the 'open' isn't part of an instruction on how to open the book, but just how you open the book?" She asked the question in her usual airy manner, but the revelation was so startling that Harry actually stopped in the middle of the street, causing the harried looking witch who'd been walking behind them to stumble to a halt and spill her basket of newt tails onto the ground. Harry was about to start helping the witch collect the tails when she waved her wand sending the lot of them zooming back into the basket she had been carrying before pushing past them and hurrying on her way.

"There's no way it could be that easy, right?" Harry didn't want to believe that he and Venom had wasted the past few weeks trying to find instructions to open the Lexicon when it had literally been written on the front cover.

Only one way to find out. Venom sounded just as disgruntled as his host. Unfortunately, however, they were forced to wait on finding out because they had just arrived at Gringotts, and Harry didn't want to risk the goblins seeing the Lexicon. If anyone would know what it was just by looking at it, they would, and if they connected it with the recent intrusion into the Catacombs of the fallen gods… Thankfully, the goblins did not seem to require another check to ensure that Harry was not carrying a transfigured wizard on his person, so the trip down to Luna's vault proceeded smoothly.

Soon they were walking back out of the bank with Luna's pockets now jingling with galleons, sickles, and knuts. The trio decided to head for Flourish & Blotts first, as it was where trying to open the book would draw the least suspicion, after all, what was one more book among hundreds? Even if it was made of strange silver metal. Once inside, Luna used her hold on Harry's hand to drag him to a cramped corner between two shelves near the back of the shop, the books had a thin layer of dust covering them, as if even the staff couldn't be bothered to visit the section.

"This is the best place, no one ever comes back here." The space between the shelves was so narrow that Harry could feel Luna's breath against his skin, the sensation caused goosebumps to rise on his arms despite the pleasant temperature of the shop.

He attempted to shrug off the feeling -it was probably just a normal pseudo-brotherly sort of thing- by asking, "Why does this place even have a 'Cauldron Bottoms' section?" Harry couldn't imagine writing a single book on cauldron bottoms, let alone two whole shelves full!

"It's been a bone of contention in the Ministry for almost a century at this point," Luna explained, "some poor saps spend their whole careers writing reports about cauldron bottoms." Harry jumped when he felt something cold and metallic placed in his hands, looking down, he saw the Theban Lexicon with one of Venom's tendrils rapidly receding from where it had been gripping it. He quickly shifted the book to rest comfortably in his left hand, so his right was free for Venom to hand him his wand, which the symbiote quickly did. Taking a deep breath, Harry reached out and tapped the hieroglyph for 'open' with the tip of his wand, bracing himself for some sort of trap or magical discharge: nothing happened.

"Wands weren't invented until late in the Roman period, Harry." Luna informed him serenely when he shot her a pleading look. "Perhaps you should try channeling magic to your hand?"

Except We're really not very good at channeling magic without a wand yet. Venom pointed out.

"Worth a shot though." Harry murmured, trying to keep the volume down so no one would come to investigate and see the Lexicon. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on the sensation he had felt during his lesson with Dumbledore, keeping his hand pressed against the hieroglyph. Unfortunately, closing his eyes only made Harry more aware of how close he was to Luna, he could smell an enticing combination of lavender and earth along with an undefinable sweetness that somehow exemplified his quirky friend. He could feel the warmth of her breath on his face, hear the sound of her gentle breathing, he could practically sense her lips mere inches away from his own.

Abruptly, all of his senses cut off, he could no longer, smell, or feel anything. In a panic, he opened his eyes, but found it made no difference, he couldn't see anything, he was blind! He opened his mouth to call to Venom, only to hear the voice of his bonded within his mind.

It's alright, Harry, I cut off your senses so you could focus on trying to draw out your magic instead of wondering what Luna's lips taste like.

Venom! Harry managed to sputter even in his thoughts, Please tell me she didn't hear you say that.

She didn't hear me say that, don't worry. Venom assured his host, as fun as it would be to tease Harry, it was more important to see if they could open the damn book before someone stumbled upon them.

Freed from the distraction of Luna's very pleasant proximity, Harry focused every ounce of his will on the sensation of his magic, following the infuriating glimpses of his elusive power until, finally, he felt it. The power surged through him, filling him up to bursting, rushing through his veins into his every extremity, and into the hieroglyph under his fingers. Harry's senses returned in a jarring explosion of colour, scent, and sound, the book was still closed, and for a moment Harry feared it hadn't worked, but then a black tendril pushed against the corner of the front cover and the book fell open in his hands.

YES! Venom roared in both Harry and Luna's minds, causing the girl to jump, as she was less used to the symbiote's outbursts of exuberance. Sorry Luna, he apologized once he calmed down, We've been trying to get this fucking thing open for weeks.

"Language." Luna chided the symbiote primly, although she seemed happy that Venom was so pleased. "Now, you should probably put that away before someone comes to see what we're doing and sees it." Harry nodded in agreement, allowing Venom to take the book and store it once more. With that puzzle solved, Harry was more than happy to allow Luna to drag him back out into the joys of Diagon Alley.

A week later, and Harry still couldn't stop grinning whenever he thought of his day in Diagon Alley with Luna, even as he waited for Dumbledore to arrive for their next lesson.

"So, the snogging was really that good, huh?" Which naturally meant Lupin hadn't stopped needling him about it either.

Ask again in a few years. Venom replied, although only Harry could hear him.

"Ugh." Harry cast his eyes to the sky, silently asking whatever deities may exist why he had been cursed with two of them, wasn't Venom alone enough? "For the last time she's just a friend, Moony."

Lupin adopted a look of mock-shock, just as he had the last six times Harry had made this distinction, "Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed there must be some reason you haven't stopped smiling for the past week."

"Getting to spend all day with a friend I haven't seen in ages and who won't be going to Hogwarts with me in September isn't enough of a reason?" Harry responded, a little testily. As much as he had grown to like Lupin, he found the man combined with Venom to be a little much at times. Especially when it came to Luna.

"Of course it is." Lupin mollified, giving Harry a gentle smile and demonstrating the key difference between him and Venom. Lupin would actually stop when Harry started getting annoyed.

I know when to stop, Harry. Venom defended, utterly unconvincingly.

That is the biggest load of- Harry was prevented from finishing his thought by the flaring of the fireplace and the appearance of Albus Dumbledore.

"Hello, Harry, Remus." The aged sorcerer greeted the pair with a warm smile, "How was your trip to Diagon Alley?"

"It was great!" Harry enthused, before Lupin could answer, "I got my wand, see?" He was raising his arm even as he spoke, the act of Venom handing him his wand now so practiced it had become reflexive.

Dumbledore leaned forward, dutifully examining the raised wand, "Interesting, Holly and what core?"

"Phoenix feather." Harry answered proudly, absentmindedly stroking his wand with his thumb.

"Unusual combination, but exceedingly powerful." Dumbledore murmured, seemingly to himself.

Regardless, Lupin heard him anyway, "You don't know the half of it, Dumbledore! I've never seen a bonding like that! When Harry matched with his wand, he sent an enormous lightning bolt through the rear wall of Ollivander's shop! And that was after I'd tried to counter it."

"Really?" Dumbledore was instantly interested, turning to peer at Harry over his half-moon spectacles. "You're sure it was lightning?"

"Yes," Remus answered slowly, sensing that the Headmaster had something specific in mind. "The shop smelt strongly of ozone and Ollivander looked like he'd stuck his tongue in a plug, so I'm reasonably sure."

"Well then," Dumbledore said, his face morphing from a look of concentration into a proud smile, "it would seem young Harry here has an elemental affinity."

"An elemental whatsit?" Harry asked, confused.

Whatever it is, it sounds awesome! Venom offered enthusiastically.

"Elemental affinity, Harry," Dumbledore corrected gently, quickly settling into what Harry liked to think of as teacher-mode. "Hypothetically, everyone is best attuned to a certain element, such as fire, water, earth, air, or lightning-" here, he inclined his head towards Harry before continuing, "-to name a few. This attunement means that spells of that element can be cast with less difficulty, more power, and a smaller amount of magic than other spells."
I was right, Venom crowed, it is awesome!

"The benefits are increased by training the affinity, with those who are most accomplished earning the title 'Elemental', they become practically invulnerable to their element and able to command it practically at a thought."

"Would it be possible for someone to change their affinity and become an elemental for a different element, Professor?" Harry couldn't help but interrupt to ask, the prospect of becoming immune to fire was too tantalizing to pass up.

"Sadly, no." Dumbledore answered apologetically, "Training in an element other than the one you have an affinity for has no benefit other than that of becoming more proficient with those spells."

Worth a shot. Venom commiserated with his host.

"There are, however, drawbacks, as it becomes harder to cast spells with different elemental natures the more closely one becomes aligned with their own affinity. Lord Voldemort, for example, rarely used elemental spells other than fire despite his mastery over them, because his affinity for fire made its use far more efficient and effective."

Of course, Voldemort would have an affinity for fucking fire. Venom moaned, At least the bastard's supposed to be dead, or powerless.

And you always complain about me jinxing us. Harry mentally muttered back. Aloud, he asked, "What did you mean when you said 'hypothetically' everyone is best attuned to a certain element?"

"Although, in theory, everyone has an affinity for a certain element, very few magic users train in elemental magic enough for that affinity to become clear. And even fewer have a strong enough bond with their element for it to manifest without training, as yours did."

"How do I train my elemental affinity, Professor?" Harry couldn't wait to get started; he'd love to throw some lightning bolts about.

"I will be more than happy to teach you, Harry." Dumbledore said, causing Harry to give a small fist pump, "After we have finished your training on controlling and accessing your magic."

Harry and Venom both grumbled at that, much to Lupin and Dumbledore's amusement, but eventually the pair settled down for another hour of painstakingly attempting to access Harry's magic.

Once again, Harry found himself chasing after the slippery flow of power that threaded its way through the depths of his subconscious. Grabbing hold of it was no longer too difficult but holding it once he had done so remained practically impossible.

Again, the intoxicating power filled every iota of his being, filling him with thrumming energy that made him strong enough to crush a mountain into dust and, for a moment, he thought he had mastered it. The energy remained, empowering him for what felt like an eternity, but then the moment passed, and the power again faded away into the recesses of his mind.

"Very good, Harry." Dumbledore praised, seemingly delighted with his pupil's progress. "I believe that means you have reached the necessary level of skill when it comes to reaching your magic, now we can begin teaching you to control it."

"I thought that's what we were doing already?" Harry asked, confused. "And, are you sure? I still didn't let the magic go willingly, it just faded away."

"That is because you had nearly exhausted your magical power, my boy." Dumbledore explained calmly, "You did not release the magic because you were not skilled enough to hold onto it anymore, you released it because your body and mind had become too fatigued to maintain your hold, even if you haven't realised it yet. Had you not lost your hold on the magic when you did, I would've stopped you myself to prevent you draining yourself dry."

Even as Dumbledore spoke, Harry was becoming aware of the suddenly leaden nature of his limbs, and the sluggish manner in which his thoughts were moving. He struggled for a moment, trying to marshal his now scattered thoughts in order to formulate his next question.

"So, what are you going to be teaching me now if not how to reach my magic?"

How to control it, Harry, he just said that. Venom explained, as if to a very slow child. You are a-

Oh, shut up, Venom. Harry interrupted the symbiote before it could finish calling him a child, having to exert a considerable effort to not roll his eyes and risk offending Dumbledore.

Just saying.

"I will be teaching you how to manage the amount of magic you draw upon, instead of tapping into it and allowing the entirety of it to flow out of you as quickly as possible, as you have been doing. Just now, you held onto your magic for almost ten full minutes, which speaks volumes of your magical reserves."

It must have, because Lupin had practically choked on his own spit when Dumbledore revealed that little tidbit, "Ten minutes?" He breathed, sounding stunned, "I thought he'd only been holding it for thirty seconds at most, he hasn't even started using his magic yet, how could it possibly be so developed?"

That didn't feel like ten minutes. Venom noted, although his host was more concerned with other matters.

"Developed?" Harry interjected, even more confused than his guardian appeared to be.

"The more you use your magic, the more it grows. It not only becomes easier to use, but the amount of magic you have also increases." Lupin explained succinctly.

"An excellent explanation, Remus." Dumbledore commended, "In answer to your question, I believe we are merely seeing the true extent of Harry's rather formidable natural reserves."

Obviously, do you think I'd pick a weak host? Venom scoffed.

That is such bullshit, Venom. You didn't even know I was a wizard until after We bonded.

"Now, Professor Sinistra mentioned that you were thinking of becoming a duelist, Harry." Dumbledore said, interrupting the silent bickering.

"She did?" Harry asked, honestly surprised.

"Indeed, I was wondering how your interest in the career was first sparked." Dumbledore seemed genuinely curious.

He is, but he's also a little wary. Venom chimed in.

Wary? Do you think he suspects something? Harry was immediately concerned.

Venom paused for a moment before replying, I don't think so, my guess is he's just worried the Dursleys might have adversely affected your delicate little mind.

"Well I was talking to Violet-" Dumbledore looked confused, so Harry elaborated, "-Violet Greengrass- and she told me about how she used to be a duelist and it sounded amazing!" Harry couldn't keep the genuine enthusiasm from his voice.

"Ah, I see." Dumbledore's posture seemed to relax infinitesimally, if Harry hadn't known the elderly man had been wary, he doubted he would've noticed anything. "Well, you know Violet was mentored by one of our very own Professors, Filius Flitwick. Perhaps you should talk to him about your interests, it's been too long since Hogwarts had a duelling club after all." With that, Dumbledore rose from his seat. "I'm afraid I must return to my duties at Hogwarts, we must be ready for the start of term after all."

So saying, the Headmaster walked over to the fireplace and vanished in a flash of green flame, leaving Lupin, Harry, and Venom alone in the flat.

A week later, it was Harry reaching into the pot of Floo powder, preparing to make his monthly trip to the Greengrasses while conversing with his Bonded.

I'm sure he hasn't forgotten. Venom soothed, It's probably just because he's about to have his next bout of illness, I'm sure he's planned something for your birthday after his episode.

I guess. Harry muttered; It'd just be nice to actually get something for my birthday on my birthday for once.

Well, We might get to see that girl fingering herself again? Venom offered by way of conciliation.

Harry refused to dignify that with a response, preferring to simply throw the Floo powder into the fire and call out, "The Greenhouse." After a few moments of spinning, unfortunately devoid of attractive naked girls, they arrived. In pitch black darkness.

This isn't right. Venom's guard was up in an instant, Harry could feel the Klyntar coiling within him, preparing himself for sudden explosive action.

Could We have come out the wrong fireplace by mistake? Harry wondered, although he had already fallen into his fighting stance.

Venom was prevented from answering by a sudden flare of light.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!"

End AN: That's the chapter peeps! We covered all of July this time, in case you didn't notice that, which is a good deal more time than we've covered in any previous chapter. Originally, and I know this isn't the first time I've said this, I was hoping to take us all the way up to the night before Harry leaves on the Hogwarts Express this chapter, but in the end there were just too many things that needed to happen for me to fit it all in without cutting out a lot of vital character development and other things that will be critical for the rest of this story and its (hopefully forthcoming) sequels.

To those of you who are getting frustrated with the pace of this story (and I'm sure there are more than a few of you) in terms of what's happening in the story development, Harry is basically at Halloween. I say that because up until Halloween the book is concerned with world-building and establishing the characters and their relationships, that's what I've been doing, except I'm establishing more characters and I don't have J.K.'s talent for managing to create a fully fleshed out character in a single page. Once Harry actually gets to Hogwarts things will begin moving much faster because I won't be needing to stop on lots of little things in order to establish who a character is and what Harry's relationship is to them. So there'll be a lot more of the "Over the next few weeks…" things we began to see in this chapter.

Now, on another matter: reviews. Please give me more of them. I hunger, I thirst, I have an unquenchable appetite voracious enough to consume worlds! If you like something, write in and tell me! If you dislike something, write in and tell me! If you have a question about something in the story, or, fuck it, something about me, write in and ask me! If you have some praise you'd like to give me, write in! If you have some constructive criticism you'd like to give me, write in! Hell, I'll even take cryptic remarks about Harry's geographical location! Just please review. Pretty please, I'll be your best friend? (That last bit is a reference to something awesome) Seriously though, they're not just nice, it helps improve the story if I have an idea of what people like and dislike about the story.

If anyone was wondering, 'minted' is slang for extremely rich, not sure how widespread that is.

Story Recommendation:

Freak of Nature by michaelsuave

This story has a refreshing and interesting take on animagi and actually does something with what I feel is a criminally underused area of magic. Although there are plenty of stories where Harry has an animagus transformation, there aren't many where it is really an integral, or even significant, part of the story. It's generally just something that gets trotted out once or twice to spice up an action sequence, not anything that really influences the story. Freak of Nature presents a brand-new take on the magic behind animagi, and takes Harry far beyond the pastoral fields of fair England we know, not to mention it's quite a bit of fun and has a few laughs. Also, Luna is delightful and that's always a plus. The story does start off with some pretty serious Dursley abuse, both of them and by them, so if that's something you absolutely cannot abide, maybe give the story a miss. It is also, very unfortunately, incomplete, and has been on hiatus since 2013. Despite this, I think it's worth reading for the premise alone, so do consider checking it out.