Chapter 29: Forge of the Self

Note : Sorry guys, I'm sick and couldn't write yesterday, I tried to complete this chapter today but you may not find it as smooth as the others…

it's the penultimate chapter of the first volume. For the second volume, I'll try writing at least one chapter a day but since I don't currently have a plan for the second volume it may be harder and besides there's also the fact that that my holidays are finished… Still I'll try to keep it to at least one chapter a day and we'll see.

If you're wondering why I'm not writing more chapters in the first volume it's because if I do that I'll end up like many fanfic making a few chapters about a single day and that I'll risk not finishing the fanfic, a fact I find quite annoying as a reader if you want my humble opinion but what can I do about it, our capacity of choice are what makes us free and fanfic are that : the free creation of free minds. As free minds, they have the right to stop writing their sometimes incredible fanfic. I'll try not to do that but who knows ?

I hope you enjoy the following chapter.

POV: Arcturus Black/Holly Potter

The dark corridors of Hogwarts were empty, save for the soft echo of Arcturus's footsteps. The castle's silence was a reprieve from the constant chatter of students and teachers, an ideal moment for Arcturus to explore the secrets he already knew but dared not openly acknowledge.

Tonight, his destination was the Room of Requirement, a place he knew from his previous life and now had to "discover" anew in case someone (likely Dumbledore) was keeping an eye on it .

As he paced the corridor three times, his mind filled with the image of a place to train and reflect in solitude.

The wall shimmered, and a door materialized. He hesitated, masking his growing excitement with an air of casual curiosity, in case unseen eyes were watching.

Stepping through the door, Arcturus let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The Room had answered his call.

The space was vast and dimly lit, with high ceilings that stretched into shadows. A mirror framed in ebony stood to one side, reflecting not just his image but the weight of his thoughts.

A dueling platform dominated the center, surrounded by faintly glowing runes.

On a side table, relics from the Black family's past rested—a testament to the Room's ability to manifest his deepest needs.

Arcturus ran his fingers over the ornate carvings of the table. The Black family crest stared back at him, a reminder of the legacy he carried. Tonight was for more than training; it was for understanding himself.

The image of Kreacher's solemn face surfaced unbidden. It had been a year ago, in the dimly lit kitchen of Grimmauld Place.

Kreacher's gnarled hands had trembled as he presented the locket, his voice breaking as he recounted Regulus's bravery.

"Master Arcturus," the house-elf had croaked, "Master Regulus wanted this destroyed. He trusted Kreacher, but Kreacher failed."

Arcturus's heart had clenched with a mixture of pride and sorrow. Regulus Black, his father, had been a hero, though the world would never know it. Kreacher's loyalty was unwavering, and for the first time, Arcturus felt the weight of what it meant to be Regulus's son.

"You didn't fail, Kreacher," Arcturus had said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "We'll finish what he started."

The memory was a touchstone, a reminder of the path he had chosen. The locket was now hidden, safe from prying eyes, but the responsibility it represented was ever-present.

Arcturus faced the mirror, his reflection meeting him with an intensity that felt almost alive. He sank to the floor, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. Memories began to flow, unbidden and relentless.

The moment he had first learned he was a Black still brought a smile to his face. After years of being an orphan in his previous life, discovering he had a family had filled a void he hadn't realized existed.

Yet, that joy was tempered by the absence of Regulus. What would his father think of him? Would he approve of his choices?

His great-grandmother, had been a force of nature. Her death had left a chasm in his life, one he had struggled to fill. He had vowed to make her proud, to honor the Black name not through blind adherence to tradition but by forging his own path.

Alya's laughter echoed in his mind. Her freedom had been a victory, a moment of pure joy that stood out amidst the darkness.

Holly's presence, too, was a source of warmth. Despite their differences, she had become a friend, a sister—a connection he had not expected but deeply valued.

Yet, jealousy lingered, an ugly shadow he couldn't entirely banish.

Holly was already the Potter heir and had now been named the Black, a position he had once fantasized about claiming for himself.

The realization shamed him, but he couldn't deny its existence.

The longing for belonging was a constant ache. In his past life, he had been alone, navigating a world that cared little for him. Here, he had found a family, friends, and a purpose. But the fear of losing it all gnawed at him, a specter he couldn't shake.

Arcturus rose, his resolve hardening. The dueling platform beckoned, and he stepped onto it. He began with basic spells, letting the familiar incantations flow through him. As the intensity increased, so did his frustration. Spells faltered, and his movements grew sloppy.

"Focus," he muttered, his voice harsh in the silence.

The Room responded, shifting to mirror his turmoil. The runes around the platform flared, casting eerie shadows. Arcturus pushed harder, his magic straining against his limits. His breath came in ragged gasps, and sweat dripped from his brow.

He paused, staring at his trembling hands. The mirror caught his eye, and he turned to face it once more.

What did he see?

Pride, ambition, intelligence—these were his strengths.

But his flaws were just as clear: pride that bordered on arrogance, a tendency to overthink, and a desperate need for validation.

"I'm not perfect," he whispered, the words a revelation. "But I'm enough."

The air in the Room shifted, becoming charged with energy. Arcturus closed his eyes, centering himself.

The memory of Regulus came to him, vivid and powerful. He imagined his father standing beside him, a silent encouragement.

Magic surged within him, a tidal wave that threatened to overwhelm. He embraced it, letting it flow freely.

The Room blazed with light, and Arcturus felt a barrier within him shatter. His spells came effortlessly now, each one precise and powerful.

The fifth level. He had reached it.

Arcturus sank to his knees, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He felt both exhilarated and humbled, a small piece of a much larger puzzle.

As he left the Room, the door vanished behind him. The corridors of Hogwarts were quiet, the castle seemingly unaware of the transformation that had just occurred. Arcturus's steps were lighter, his mind clearer.

He made his way toward the Gryffindor common room, eager to find Holly and Alya. They were his anchors, his friends, and tonight, he wanted to share his triumph with them.

Yet, as he walked, a faint unease lingered. The power he had unlocked felt like a beginning, not an end. Something deeper, more profound, awaited him.

He only hoped he would be ready when the time came.

The Gryffindor common room buzzed with its usual energy. Holly Potter sat near the fireplace, her Transfiguration textbook open but largely ignored. Her mind flitted between the day's lessons and her private training sessions.

Breaking through to the fourth level had been a hard-fought victory, one that brought her equal parts pride and frustration. Progress was progress, but knowing that Arcturus was still ahead gnawed at her.

The portrait hole creaked open, and Holly glanced up, expecting one of her housemates. Instead, Arcturus stepped in, his stride confident yet subtly weary.

His robes were slightly askew, and his hair was damp as if he'd been caught in a rainstorm. The moment their eyes met, Holly's annoyance at her own slow progress dissolved.

She bounded to her feet, closing the distance between them in a few strides. "Arcturus!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

His chuckle was warm as he hugged her back. "Miss me, Holly?"

"Obviously," she replied, pulling back just enough to look at him. "Where have you been? You look like you fought a troll and won."

Arcturus's lips curved into a faint smile. "Not quite a troll. But let's just say the past few days have been… enlightening."

Holly tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her emerald eyes. "What do you mean?"

Lowering his voice so only she could hear, Arcturus said, "I've just broken through to the fifth level."

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she said nothing. Then, her expression shifted to one of genuine awe. "Fifth level? Already? That's incredible, Arcturus!"

"It wasn't easy," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But it was worth it. I'll tell you everything later, but right now, I think we need to talk about your training."

Holly's initial excitement gave way to a flicker of insecurity. "I'm trying," she said, her voice quieter. "I just broke through to the fourth level, but it feels like I'm still so far behind."

Arcturus's gaze softened. "You're doing brilliantly, Holly. Remember, you've only been training seriously for a year. I've had a head start, and even then, I didn't take things seriously until I was nine." 'Since he only discovered that he was a Black when he was nine'

"But—"

"No buts," he interrupted gently. "You're growing faster than you realize. Give yourself credit."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. She wasn't entirely convinced, but his words held a certain comfort.

Over the next three months, the Room of Requirement became their sanctuary. Arcturus, Holly, Hermione, and Ronda spent hours each day honing their magic, pushing themselves to their limits and beyond.

The Room shifted to suit their needs. On some days, it transformed into a sprawling dueling arena, complete with animated targets and obstacles. On others, it became a serene library filled with ancient tomes and enchanted practice tools. Each session brought its own challenges and rewards.

Arcturus often led the sessions, his natural talent and experience making him the most adept. Yet, he never lorded his abilities over the others. Instead, he encouraged them, offering advice and demonstrating techniques with an ease that belied his age.

Holly's determination burned brighter with each passing day. She pushed herself relentlessly, her competitive spirit driving her to match Arcturus's pace.

Her spells grew sharper, her reflexes faster. By the second month, she could hold her own against Arcturus in a duel, though he still emerged victorious more often than not.

Hermione's progress was no less remarkable. Her analytical mind allowed her to grasp complex concepts quickly, and she approached each spell with a meticulous precision that impressed even Arcturus.

Ronda, on the other hand, brought a fiery energy to their sessions. Her raw talent and unyielding determination made her a formidable opponent, even if her techniques were occasionally unorthodox.

Their shared struggles forged a bond that went beyond friendship. Laughter echoed through the Room as they teased each other over minor mishaps. Concerns about schoolwork and the looming exams were shared and eased. In those three months, they became a team, each member pushing the others to be better.

Holly often found herself reflecting on her journey during their training sessions. Watching Arcturus cast spells with a grace that seemed almost effortless, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Yet, she also felt admiration and gratitude. Arcturus's presence pushed her to be better, to strive for heights she might not have dared to reach on her own.

She thought about her life before Hogwarts, the loneliness and uncertainty that had defined her early years. Magic had been an abstract concept then, something out of fairy tales.

Now, it was her reality, her identity. And in Arcturus, she had found not just a friend but a mentor and an equal.

Arcturus, too, spent time in quiet contemplation. Watching Holly, Hermione, and Ronda grow reminded him of his own journey.

He saw in them the same struggles and triumphs he had experienced. Yet, he also recognized his flaws: his tendency to take on too much, his reluctance to rely on others. Training with them was as much a lesson for him as it was for them.

By the end of the third month, all four of them had reached the fifth level. The milestone was met with a mixture of elation and exhaustion. Arcturus, though still slightly ahead, felt a deep sense of pride watching his friends achieve what had once seemed impossible.

Holly's breakthrough was particularly satisfying. The moment came during a sparring session with Arcturus. Her spells flowed with a newfound power and precision, her movements imbued with confidence. When she landed a disarming spell that sent Arcturus's wand flying, the Room erupted in cheers.

Hermione and Ronda's breakthroughs followed soon after. Hermione's came during a complex charm exercise, her intellectual approach finally harmonizing with her innate magic. Ronda's occurred in a fiery duel, her raw energy coalescing into controlled power.

With their training complete, the group turned their focus to the upcoming exams. Their study sessions were as intense as their training, each of them determined to excel. Arcturus's confidence, Holly's drive, Hermione's intellect, and Ronda's tenacity made for an unstoppable team.

Despite the pressure, they found moments to relax and enjoy each other's company. Late-night talks in the common room, impromptu games of Exploding Snap, and shared meals in the Great Hall reminded them that life at Hogwarts was about more than just magic and achievements. It was about friendship, growth, and the memories they created together.

As the exams approached, Holly felt a sense of calm she hadn't known before. She knew she still had much to learn, but with Arcturus, Hermione, and Ronda by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The bonds forged in the Room of Requirement were unbreakable. Together, they had faced their fears, tested their limits, and emerged stronger. And as they stood on the precipice of the next chapter in their lives, one thing was certain: whatever the future held, they would face it together.