Hybrid Effect

"Darkness is the path to understanding of ones self and their own limitations"

Dr. Charles Whithall

Chapter 7

Champion of Hogwarts

Having a bit of time to spare before dinner Harry decided to go and check up on the Granger's again. Jane had looked a little pale when he was there with Hermione earlier that day. He knocked on the door and Mark answered, he smiled and let Harry in.

"What brings you back by here son?" Mark asked.

"Not much…I know you have adjusted well to your magic but when I was here earlier with your daughter, your wife seemed a little pale…is she feeling ill?" Harry asked his face blank but the concern was in his voice.

Mark sighed. "She keeps having nightmares of the attack at our surgery. I'm thankful that I can't remember it much but she remembers the whole thing vividly…she woke up last night and got ill…twice."

"Maybe I can help." Harry offered with a thoughtful frown. "Dreamless sleep potion would be a temporary fix but she would eventually become immune to its effects. The calming draught Mrs. Weasley gave her the day it happened helped some but as I stated…over use would render the potion useless in the future."

He waved his hand over Marks forehead, his eyes pulsing a soft blue color. "I have just placed a mild block on your memory from that time…because you were suffering the Cruciatus you didn't see much of what happened so your memory is fragmented…I sealed the fragments to prevent nightmares." Harry said.

"Can you do the same for Jane?" Mark asked hopefully.

"I can check her over and we can go from there…could you call her here?" Harry asked summoning his staff.

"Sure…she just went to the study to read a bit, I'll be right back." Mark said and left to fetch his wife.

Harry let out a soft sigh as he mused to himself. He was surprised at how easily these humans had gotten themselves under his skin. For so many years he had thought he would live a truly lonely life with no friends or anything that might resemble a family…something he secretly longed to have. But now he didn't think so, the Granger's and Weasley's treated him as their own and made him feel welcome. It was a strange emotion and a bit difficult to deal with but he was growing used to it.

He still chose to remain stoic most of the time but when in private with his friends he would let it slip and allow his emotions out a bit. If he was honest with himself he would admit that he was beginning to enjoy feeling. Ron was such a fun guy to be around it was hard not to smile; he was just like the brother Harry had always wished for. Hermione, Ginny, Padma and Parvati were always a good source of entertainment for him, they had taken it upon themselves to broaden his emotional range, explain them to him and help him cope with ones he didn't understand. It was weird but not unwelcome.

In both Vampiric and Lycanthrope society it is considered taboo to intermingle any more with humans than is absolutely necessary. Perhaps it was because for many, such relationships had always ended horribly, hurting both parties involved. It's also a well known fact that humans turned by one of the races more often than not grow to despise the ones that turned them...gave them the curse of all Lycan or Vampire existence.

It was for those reasons that, Harry, decided it would be best to remain alone for the whole of his accursed eternal existence. It would be easier if he was one or the other, as Vampire's and Lycan's tend to group together. But he was a Werepyre...he was both, yet neither. He was the first and the last of his kind. Even at birth he was to have a cursed existence due to the prophecy but now...he had a cursed eternity.

So then why? Why were these humans starting to mean something to him? What were the odd emotions they stirred within his once frozen heart? He had no answers...in truth no one did. Emotions, no matter what race, could not be completely explained with mere words. One had to experience them, learn from them and then act on them accordingly to find out what best suited them.

"Hello, Harry dear, Mark said you might be able to help with my nightmares?" Jane asked hopefully as she walked in, Mark in tow.

Harry broke out of his private musings and motioned for Jane to sit on the chair next to him.

"I need to check your mind so if you feel any strange tingling sensations do not worry…it is just me checking your memory of that incident. I will only seek that memory out so do not worry about any secrets you wish to keep." Harry said while making a complicated movement with his staff.

After a few moments Harry's frown became more pronounced and a light scowl crossed his features. Gently touching Jane's temple with the jewel on his staff he concentrated his psionic power into her mind and withdrew what he had found. As he pulled his staff away a long writhing black tendril of energy was attached to the prism diamond on the end of the staff.

"What is that!?" Mark exclaimed.

"That Mr. Granger is a Nightmare curse backed up by a dark spell known as the Black Dream. The nightmare curse is a simple one meant to give the victim nightmares but it usually fades after a single nightmare. But if it is combined with the Black Dream charm it makes the victim relive their worst experiences and fears night after night until they go mad or the curse is lifted." Harry explained and then bottled the dark tendril like one would do a memory for a pensive.

"The curse is just a few days old. I think a student placed it since it fits the time frame. Perhaps the child of a Death Eater. At any rate the curse is gone and blocks are in place so it won't happen again and no more nightmares will bother you." Harry said putting the vial in his pocket; intent on keeping it so it could be used on its caster.

"Thank you Harry." Jane said looking relieved. "The nightmares started the weekend all of you arrived."

Harry nodded. "Think nothing of it, your experience was not one any human should endure. Now if you'll both excuse me...I must go and safely dispose of this nasty little piece of spell work."

The two Granger's watched as the young Hybrid took a few steps and melted into the shadows like someone entering a rippling pool of water. It was both an interesting and frightening sight to behold. They had grown used to it in the short time they had known the young Werepyre, he could be a little strange at times but they could understand that due to his limited exposure to humans he wasn't aware that the things he does could be viewed as scary to others...even those in the wizarding world.

"Do you reckon he will ever discover how to feel his emotions properly, love?" Mark asked.

Jane let a small, kind smile grace her lips. "I believe he will...he has a lot of young ladies that have taken a fancy to him and unlike some others he wasn't cold hearted by choice but by necessity. Given the proper amount of time, the ice around his heart will completely melt and then...I think we will all see something truly amazing." She said softly.

Mark placed his hand on his wife's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I think you're right, love...Harry might not see it himself...but he truly is a special young man." Mark stated and Jane nodded, putting her hand over her husbands.

After having disposed of the vile nightmare and Black Dream curses, Harry began walking towards the Great Hall to get some dinner. Just as he was passing the entrance to the dungeons, Professor Severus Snape walked out of the arch way.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, how might you be this evening?" He asked in a tone much like the one Harry used only not as devoid of emotion as his was.

"Hn? I am fine, Professor, just heading to the Great Hall for dinner." Harry stated in monotone.

Snape nodded. "I would like to say...it is an honor to have you in my house. James, Sirius, Remus and Lilly were very dear friends of mine in my younger years. I am sorry for your loss, though I myself was hurt, it must have been nothing compared to your own pain. I do hope we can get to know each other better in the coming term." He said in a kinder tone.

Harry nodded. "Agreed...Scales."

Snape chuckled softly. "Ah...that is a name I have not heard in many years. I take it you know of the Marauders; our history in Hogwart's was legendary in its own right."

"Indeed, the five greatest pranksters to ever grace the halls of this castle and illegal Animagus to boot. Prongs the Stag, Padfoot the Dog, Moony the Lycanthrope, Scales the Cobra and Wormtail the Rat...otherwise known as James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape and Peter Pettigrew." Harry cited. "I read much about your exploits in the journals of my father, Remus and Sirius...my mother's diary also mentioned you lot a few times."

"Yes...those were good days, a time when all this prejudice over bloodlines wasn't nearly as bad. Though I suppose such a thing will always exist, it is a shame that it has been taken to such a deplorable level." Snape sighed.

Harry shrugged. "It is human nature or rather...the nature of all living things. Good and Evil are simply two sides of the same coin, one cannot exist without the other or the balance is destroyed and all will fall into chaos. Right now the balance is tipped to evil's side, just as one day it will once again tip to the side of good. It is a never ending circle, a vicious cycle destined to repeat itself until the very end of eternity. The trick is to find a proper balance."

Snape sweatdropped. "Quite philosophical aren't you...much like Lilly was."

"It's not so much philosophy as it is a plain truth. Though most humans take such truths and twist them to suit their own needs, I do not, I merely observe and call it as I see it." Harry answered.

Snape decided to change the subject...it was a bit too deep for his taste.

"I saw that you have entered your name into the Goblet of Fire, might I ask why you willingly chose to partake in such a dangerous event?" He asked curiously.

"To test the limits of my skills, I always seek out a new challenge. I hope that I am the one chosen to represent Hogwarts...it has been too long since I was last tested properly." The young Hybrid answered.

"Hmm...I believe you will get the test you desire. I know little of the events that will take place this time around but they are never simple ones and more often than not they offer more of a challenge than most can handle. Just be careful, Harry, I do not wish to lose the last link to my past friendships." Snape said softly.

Harry stopped for a moment and closed his eyes; it was still strange for him to have people so concerned about his well being. He was so used to just worrying about himself that he was still trying to wrap his head around the idea that he had other peoples feelings to consider...still...he wouldn't back down from a challenge when presented, that just went against his nature.

"You have my word, I will be careful...Uncle Scales..." Harry said in his usual soft monotone and walked off.

Snape watched the young man walk off; a small smile crossed his features. It seemed that the teen even knew of his parents wish that he, Sirius and Remus were to be his god-relatives...it was a shame that Sirius and Remus didn't live long enough to see this day...if they had...then perhaps Harry would have had a better life.

Snape sighed. "Only time will truly tell if you are ready for the challenges ahead, my boy, I can only pray that you are...no one else could face up to the destiny you were forced with. I swear upon my honor as the last Marauder that I will do my best to aid you through it...otherwise I would not be able to face them when my own time comes."

Dinner passed by without incident, Malfoy for once was keeping his smarmy trap shut. As the meal concluded Albus took the podium once again, standing just behind the Goblet of Fire. His aged eyes traveled over the youths gathered in the Great Hall and smiled.

"As you all know, it is now time to find out who will be representing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in this years Tri-Wizard Tournament. I will also be announcing the representatives of Durmstrang and Beaubaxton's as they were sent to me this afternoon, their own goblets having chosen worthy youths to partake in the Tournament." Dumbledore said and began waving his wand around the goblet.

Everyone watched in silence as the blue flames in the golden goblet began flaring brightly and swirling around. Finally a singed piece of slightly charred parchment shot out of the azure flames and began floating down into Dumbledore's waiting hand. The elderly mage looked over the paper, a slight smile hidden behind his beard and a twinkle in his eyes told the staff what they needed to know.

"Students and Staff, Ladies and Gentleman! The Champion of Hogwarts, chosen by the grand Goblet of Fire is...Harold James Potter!" Dumbledore exclaimed.

There was an eruption of applause from various students, a few scowls and sneers from Malfoy's supporters and worried looks from Harry's friends.

"Now...the Champion of Durmstrang is Viktor Krum and Beaubaxton's Champion is Ms Fleur Delacour. As I have mentioned before, they along with the sixth and seventh year students of their respective schools will be joining us in October. In the mean time the preparations for the Tournament will begin by the Ministry of Magic." Dumbledore announced.

"The Tri-Wizard Tournament has always been divided into four tests. The test of courage, the test of wisdom, the test of power and finally the test of virtue, which tests courage, wisdom and power at the same time as well as other virtues. These tests are very dangerous; some of the Champions might not live through the experience, though measures have been taken this time to help ensure more safety. The prize...is the honor of the Tri-Wizard Champion title, the Tri-Wizard Cup and 10,000 Galleons prize money offered by the Minister of Magic."

"Mr. Potter, as Headmaster of Hogwarts, I wish you the best of luck in the challenges you will face ahead of you. May Merlin aid you and you be safe." Albus then pulled out a plain white cloak. "Mr. Potter, please rise, leave your outer robes at your seat and come take this magical cloak, it marks your status as our Champion."

Harry removed his cloak and robes leaving him clad in only his boots, pants and a tank top. Silently he walked up to Dumbledore, he could feel a large amount of magic pouring off of the white cloak the elder mage held in his hand.

"Take this magical vestment, it will mold itself to suit you best and show us all what our Champion will look like." Dumbledore said handing Harry the cloak.

Harry gave a polite bow and took the cloak and put it on. As soon as he put it on he was engulfed in a bright light, blinding anyone trying to see what was going on. He could feel the cloaks magic and his own resonate with each other as it changed form.

As the light faded the figure of Harry came into view. The white cloak was gone, replaced by a black mantle over a long black sleeve-less trench coat, much like his hunters coat, a pair of studded black leather bracers covered his forearms along with a pair of fingerless black gloves with studded knuckles on each hand. In place of a hood was a large brimmed, steepled hat that covered most of his upper face while a long flowing crimson scarf coiled loosely around his neck covered his lower face, the two tails hanging behind him almost to the floor. On the back of the mantle was the Hogwarts crest.

Even his normal clothes that he had been wearing had transfigured. His tank top was gone, instead his lower torso was wrapped in crimson colored bandages leaving him shirtless if he were to remove the coat and mantle. His boots had altered slightly, a few studs now in place along with the usual chains. Criss-crossed over his chest was a pair of chains that ended loosely coiled around his waist with a small spike at the end of each. His black jeans were replaced with slightly baggy cargo pants. His usual belt was hidden under the chains and his swords hung from that. All in all...he made a rather imposing figure.

"Hmm...most intriguing." Albus muttered. "The special garments for the tournament sometimes do grant their master a weapon to aid them...to think that the weapon you would be granted is battle chains...very interesting indeed, Mr. Potter."

Harry fingered the chains slightly, a ghost of a smirk crossing his lips...this would be just like the old days in Japan when his former sensei taught him how to use specialized weapons...especially those of the ninja. Perhaps he would get into his stock of weapons and carry a few kunai and shuriken to help in the tournament.

"Indeed...chains were one of the few weapons other than swords I had a natural affinity with. These chains should prove most useful when the time comes." Harry answered. "This is an interesting piece of spell work, not only are these vestments protected by several powerful spells but they keep my body temp and a constant comfortable level and will clean themselves once taken off...hmm...can't be transfigured either...fire proof and stain proof...nice. These chains...they will be a useful pair of weapons since I can control them with Psi energy and magic." Harry thought to himself.

The other students just gawked at him, the girls drooled and some of the students there looked fearfully at him. It had always been obvious that he wasn't someone to be trifled with but with his new look it only served to drive the message home to some of the more dark natured students.

"You are able to use battle chains?" Albus asked curiously. "That is a most rare gift as far as I know."

Harry nodded and channeled his magic and Psi energy into the chains. The spiked end of the chains unwound from his waist and moved about behind him like a pair of metal vipers. Grabbing hold of one of them he gave it a quick twirl and shot it like a bullet towards a piece of meat spearing it like a harpoon before retracting it. As he did so he channeled fire magic into the chain and incinerated the meat on the end, the roast fell to the floor in ashes. He then silently commanded the chains to retake their place as he turned off the elemental magic flowing through them. They coiled back around him comfortably.

"I'm also good with projectile weapons...haven't missed a target in years." Harry monotoned and walked back to his seat leaving a rather bemused Dumbledore standing there.

Midnight - Hogwarts...

"Are yeh sure Greengrass is in Slytherin?" Gibson Goyle asked.

His partner sighed behind his mask; Timothy Crabbe glanced at his partner. Unlike their children they weren't nearly as brainless...though they weren't very smart either.

"Yeah, Vince and Greg told us over summer break remember. She sposed ta be one of the best brewers in her age group and the Master needs a good brewer." Tim said.

"I know dat, I just don't see why we have ta sneak into this ruddy school to nab the little whore." Gibson grumbled.

"Cause we was the only one who could right now...sides...we can have a little fun with the bitch before takin her back ta the Master." Tim replied grinning evilly behind his mask.

The two were now sneaking through the dungeons thanks to the portkey they were able to get made by Knott. It allowed them to get in without tripping the proximity wards in place on the outer grounds of the school. They were so sure of themselves and ignorantly smug that neither noticed the shadowed figure walking silently behind them...on the ceiling, the figures glowing crimson eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, breakin that blood traitor bitch in will be a bloody hoot, eh?" Gibson chuckled.

"Wonder if the little slut is still cherry...heh, that'll be even more fun." Tim agreed.

"Sadly...neither of you will ever find out if she is or not." Mocked a cold monotone voice behind them as a chill filled the air along with a sinister killing intent.

The two Death Eaters stopped dead in their tracks and shuddered at the tone and the sudden feeling in the air...even to their limited intelligence they could tell...it felt like if they so much as breathed they would be dead. Gibson being the dumber of the two slowly turned to find himself looking into a pair of baleful glowing crimson eyes with black slit pupils.

He froze in pure fear as the shadowed figure flipped down, its blood red eyes never leaving his own. Tim never got the chance to turn; the shadows hand shot out and grabbed the rotund man by the back of the head causing him to let out a frightened cry as he was effortlessly lifted up. He was silenced a moment later when his head was crushed in the shadows vice-like grip. Blood and brain fluid splattered all over Gibson and the walls as the now headless corpse of Tim shuddered and flailed about as his body went through its death spasms.

"So...the moronic lump had a brain after all...pity he never used it before his death." The shadow mused coldly.

Gibson was absolutely terrified. "P-please...sp-spare me...please don't kill me...mercy...mercy!" He begged in fear.

The shadow moved forward revealing the visage of a livid Harry Potter in full Vampire mode. His fangs glinting in the dim light of the weak lumos spell. Pitiless and cold feral crimson eyes glared at the other portly man in the black garb and silver skull mask...the man who was now shivering in abject terror.

"No mercy..." Harry replied coldly.

Gibson let out a sharp pain filled gasp as he looked down, blood leaking out of his mouth. Harry's arm was now protruding through his chest, his clawed hand clutching the Death Eater's still beating heart behind him. The last thing Gibson heard was the chilling squishing noise of his own heart being crushed in Harry's unforgiving hand. The last sight he saw was the cold, emotionless face of Harry Potter, whose eyes glinted with grim satisfaction and a hint of bloodlust.

The body slumped, still impaled on his arm as Harry dropped the crushed heart and jerked his arm out of the Death Eater, crimson droplets falling off his extended claw-like nails.

"Such will be the fate of any Death Eater foolish enough to come here or cross my path." Harry muttered and gestured with his hand.

In a flash of white-hot fire the two bodies were reduced to ash, only the masks remained. Harry cleaned up the blood from himself and the walls before cooling the masks...they would serve as trophies and proof of his victory. Picking them up he vanished back into the shadows leaving behind no trace of what had transpired moments ago.

Had the lecherous fools not been there to kidnap and rape an innocent girl he might have let them live...or at least one of them to deliver a message to a certain self-proclaimed Dark Lord. But they pissed him off and now they could ponder their sins in the pits of hell where they belong...they would not be alone for long...their comrades would soon join them.

Disclaimer : We do not own Harry Potter

Authors : DragonMaster and Doug4422 aka Epic Quest INC

A/N - DragonMaster here, as the primary writer for this story I would like to apologize for the long wait for the update. I went for nearly a year without a computer and once I managed to get one to continue my work I had hit a rut and lost much of my drive and creativity. To regain some of what I lost I went about doing some solo stories and talked with Doug4422 a few times. Now that I am getting stories out again I will do my best to have updates ready more often, with Doug's help of course. A fair warning though, I have several other story obligations and a rather chaotic real life to deal with so it may be a while before new chapters are posted. We do however promise that neither this story nor Mystic Saga will be abandoned...ever. Thank you from both of us for your continued support and patience.