Banished: Chapter 24

[zephyr_macabee]

The summer spun out in an endless series of bright, hot days. Working with Granny all week, brewing potions for sale on the weekends, Severus’ days were full. Once it was known that he needed driving practice, he was solicited to drive constantly. He had his necessary hours by mid-July and went in to Sedona with Jim Whitehorse to take the written and driving tests for his license. Nat, in his raven form, spied on the proceedings and flew back to the Institute with news of his success in time for an impromptu celebration to be arranged.

His animagus lessons with Sam Whitehorse culminated in a spirit walk in August. In their Tuesday night lessons, Sam had explained the various spirit animals and their meanings. He explained the spirit walk, an out-of-body excursion to allow the spirit animals to speak with Severus and perhaps show him his form. Finally, he taught Severus the words of the animagus spell. At the chosen time, Severus fasted for a full day, and then went to the sweat lodge on campus with Sam, Jim and Nat. After an hour in the steamy lodge, he took the hallucinogenic potion Sam had prepared for him and fell into a trance. His friends watched over his body as his spirit left for its adventure.

He found himself deep in the desert, far from civilization, in the dead of night. He wandered until he found himself at the edge of a cliff. Kneeling facing east, he waited. Just as the first light of dawn brightened the horizon, Coyote appeared. He sat at Severus’ left hand. They sat in silent communion as the sun rose and the day grew hot. Just before noon, Raven came and settled at his right hand. Together, they waited in silence until sundown.

Coyote spoke, “What do you seek, child of the East; child of storms?”

Raven spoke, “Seek you air or earth or water?”

Severus thought long before he answered. “I seek strength and freedom, redemption and a new beginning.”

Coyote and Raven spoke together, “Look you to the East.”

Severus looked. He saw a black wolf running through the desert towards him. As it reached the base of his cliff it leaped into the air and transformed into an eagle. The eagle flew up beyond the cliff top, then dived down, directly at him. In the moment of collision he awoke to find himself lying on a pallet outside the sweat lodge.

“Welcome back Severus”, said Sam. “How do you feel?”

“Thirsty”, he croaked, “How long was I gone?”

“Nearly twelve hours”, Sam told him as he gave him sips of cool water. Nat offered him a bowl of broth to break his fast. Severus told them of his vision. Sam was intrigued; it was unusual to see more than one potential form during a spirit walk. He told Severus, “It is possible that you have been offered a choice between two animagus forms, either wolf or eagle. It is also possible that you will be able to do both transformations, as you choose. That is a very rare gift.”

“How do I determine which it is?”

“Rest now and eat. Tomorrow morning you will try the animagus spell and we shall see.”

The next morning, Sam and Severus walked out one of the desert trails to a secluded spot. For the first time, Severus cast the animagus spell with intent. As the waves of magic swirled around him he felt pulled, first to the left, then to the right. He suddenly understood the vision. He allowed himself to fall to the left. His body folded in on itself and unfolded as the wolf. He danced around Sam in his wolf form, whining with excitement.

“Excellent Severus, now can you change back?”

Sam’s words echoed strangely in his lupine ears, but he understood, and concentrating, he folded himself back into human form. Sam’s laughter rewarded him, “Try again, Severus.”

This time he let himself fall to the right. Now he unfolded into the eagle. He spread his wings and leaped into the air, whirling and swooping over Sam’s head. Sam called him back and reluctantly he complied, landing at Sam’s feet. He returned to human form once again. His legs were too wobbly to hold him and he sat heavily on the ground, but he was smiling up at Sam. Sam knelt beside him.

“Congratulations Severus, now we know that you are an animagus with two forms; the first I have ever trained. You must practice and build up your strength and skills in both your new forms.”

Severus took Sam’s hands and pressed them to his lips. “Thank you, Uncle; I never imagined I could have this joy.” 

Sam kissed his brow and helped him to his feet. They slowly walked back to campus to tell Nat and Jim the good news. 

http://zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com/11951.html

 

Comments

[josanpq.livejournal.com]

Yes, very apt. He does have a dual nature. Like this a lot.

(And you did indeed manage to speed through the summer. LOL!)

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

Thank you, I like this chapter too. And the two forms will come in useful in the near future. :)

[lilyeyes.livejournal.com]

Excellent!! Well done, Severus!

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

We knew he had it in him; he just need the right sort of help.

[jiapa.livejournal.com]

This is a lovely story. I found it because josanpq recommended it, and I'm friending you so it'll show up in my lj every morning.

It's always fun to see Severus receiving a fresh start, and blooming. I look forward to the rest of your story.

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I knew Josan must have mentioned it when I logged on this afternoon to find 6 "replies to your post". :)

[undinae.livejournal.com]

Hi. I have just this evening read through the story so far and am finding it very enjoyable after being tipped the nod by Josan. I caught a bit of sun today on my hands and wish I could have some of Severus' salves! Looking forward to more of the story very much indeed.
Regards,
Sharon

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

Thank you and that is a gorgeous icon. I also got a bit too much sun today, but it was the first sunny weekend day for a while.

[kat-denton.livejournal.com]

I'm also finding my way over courtesy of Josan. I followed HER over from the XFiles side of the Force and I trust her judgement!

I'm loving the way that you are detailing the changes in Severus as the summer unfolds. Just being totally accepted in a place is working wonders.

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

I too found Josan via XFiles fanfiction. I lost track of her and was overjoyed when I discovered Harry Potter fanfiction and there she was. My squee of joy woke the neighborhood!