Corvus was beginning to feel more comfortable in his basilisk form, though it had not yet reached the instinctive ease of his raven or tiger shapes, the serpentine body no longer felt alien to him. He was learning to move with the weight of scales, to coil with deliberate power, and to control the deadly instincts flowing through that body. Still, there was progress to be made. He returned to his chambers after the night's practice was finished.
When the time for their journey for Egypt came, the portkeys, given by Durmstrang activated, and Corvus and Professor Veyra found themselves standing in the Ministry of Magic at Cairo. The building held true to Egypt's ancient roots. Towering columns painted in rich lapis and gold, hieroglyphs etched into sandstone walls, and floors of polished alabaster that caught the flicker of enchanted braziers. Everywhere, the motif of falcons, jackals, and ibis birds lingered, as though the gods themselves watched the ministry's daily workings. The clerks wore robes in desert tones, embroidered with threads of bronze and turquoise, as if they had stepped straight from the age of pharaohs. Time here seemed paused, suspended in antiquity. After registering their wands and stating their purpose, a young official pressed two small wooden ibis into Corvus' palm. It was carved delicately, the symbol of Thoth, and served as their next portkey. A kind gesture of courtesy as Thoth was god of scribes and learning, depicted with an ibis head.
If the ministry at Cairo honored Egypt's heritage, Magical Luxor was its living embodiment. The streets gleamed with sandstone architecture, obelisks etched with runes loomed over the avenues, and sphinx statues guarded courtyards filled with merchants and spellcrafters. The guild of the Charmwrights was no exception. Its great hall was built like a temple, with columns carved into papyrus stalks and ceilings painted with constellations of protective wards.
Inside, Corvus and Professor Veyra were led directly to the chamber where his spells and mastery would be judged. Professor Veyra seemed almost more excited than he was, her eyes shining as though she herself were awaiting examination. When the appointed hour arrived, she moved to the side benches, leaving Corvus standing alone before the three judges seated high at their table.
He bowed slightly and introduced himself with steady voice. A mastery student of Professor Amelia Veyra of Durmstrang Institute. The eldest of the three judges, a stern man with skin like burnished bronze and a shaven head, leaned forward. "Welcome, youngest Potions Master," he said, his deep voice carrying in the hall. "Our expectations are high." He gestured for Corvus to begin.
Corvus started with Sanguis Frigeo. He carefully explained the calculations behind its arithmancy, the wandwork, and the intended effect. His words were met with unreadable expressions. At their signal, a handler brought forth a jackal. The animal snarling to anyone who approaches. Corvus raised his wand and spoke the incantation with measured clarity. A sheet of frost raced across the creature's body, silencing its growls. The ice seemed peaceful at first, but when it began to melt and evaporate, the truth was revealed. The jackal still stood, but lifeless, its body a charred husk. With a flick, Corvus split the remains neatly with a Diffindo. The halves toppled to the floor, innards blackened and ruined. The judges' faces stayed stern, unimpressed by cruelty dressed as innovation. Corvus inclined his head slightly. "This is Sanguis Frigeo. A combined charm of Ice and Fire, I hope it will never be used outside of demonstration."
He continued with Veruscut. He explained its layered design, its purpose, and the variations he had constructed. After fifteen minutes, he requested a live demonstration. One of the judges murmured to a handler, but before the order was given, Amelia Veyra rose from her bench. "If I may," she said firmly, "I volunteer."
The eldest judge, Master Anenre, arched his brow. "Are you certain, Master Veyra?"
"Yes, Master Anenre," she replied without hesitation. "I have seen the shield myself. I trust my pupil."
"Very well. Proceed," the elder said gravely, leaning back.
Professor Veyra crossed to the opposite side of the chamber, standing tall, her chin lifted with quiet confidence. Corvus met her gaze and allowed a faint smile. "You can trust me, Professor." Then, with at least half the force of his core, he cast the strongest Veruscut Sigillum he could muster. The shield shimmered into being, dark grey from within and blue tinted from out, nearly translucent yet solid as steel.
He stepped back ten paces and turned to the judges, waiting for their signal to begin the trial.
--
Master Anenre inclined his head, a subtle signal to begin. Corvus raised his wand and unleashed the first volley against the shimmering Veruscut Sigillum. Simple spells at first, Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Impedimenta. Each crashed harmlessly against the layered shield, dispersing in harmless sparks. His pace quickened. jinxes and harsher hexes followed. Confringo, Reducto, blood boiling and bone crusing curses slamming into the barrier with such speed and force that even the seasoned judges leaned forward in awe. The air sang with the cadence of spellfire, each spell rolling seamlessly into the next.
Then came the moment that drew every breath from the chamber. Corvus lifted his wand, tone calm and deliberate. "Imperio."
At once, all three judges leapt to their feet, wands raised and aimed at him, their instincts sharpened by decades of caution. But the curse never reached its target. It struck the shield and fizzled into nothing, dissolved into the layers of light. The judges exchanged glances, lowering their stances with disbelief still etched on their faces. Reading an expected effect was not as same as seeing it in action.
Corvus did not pause. "Crucio," he intoned. A harsh ripple cut through the room. Defensive wards from the spells were ready on the tips of their wands reflexively, but again the spell met only the unyielding shimmer of Veruscut before vanishing.
Finally, he turned back toward the panel, his wand still pointed at Professor Veyra. "The last spell to test," he said, voice steady, though the warning in his tone was unmistakable. "When the shield breaks, it shatters outward. I urge you to prepare your own defenses."
He pivoted back to Amelia Veyra, who stood calm and resolute across from him. With a measured breath he spoke the words: "Avada Kedavra."
A flash of blinding green roared across the hall. It slammed into the Veruscut Sigillum, which fractured with a crack. All the absorbed energy burst outward towards him in a wave of destruction. Corvus was ready. With a swift flourish he cast Veruscut Maxima, enveloping himself in a vast dome. The explosion washed over it, contained, until at last the air grew still.
Corvus dispelled his shield and bowed to Professor Veyra, who inclined her head in acknowledgment, her expression equal parts gratitude and exhilaration. Only then did he turn to the judges. Their own hastily raised Protegos flickered away, leaving them visibly shaken.
Master Anenre stepped forward, parchment in hand, scanning the runes and calculations once more before speaking. "Extraordinary," he said at last, a smile spreading across his weathered face. "This will save lives." He turned toward Amelia. "Tell me, Master Veyra, what does it feel like, to stand with the Killing Curse aimed directly at you? Any excitement?"
Amelia's lips curved into a wider smile. "It was exhilarating, Master Anenre."
Corvus' brow lifted at her reply, a flicker of surprise breaking his composed demeanor. He had assumed her choice to volunteer was born of trust, not thrill. He shook his head faintly and refocused on the judges.
The panel resumed their seats, quills scratching as they prepared questions. Corvus answered each with calm precision. His intent, his calculations, the purpose behind the shield. Finally, as expected, he was asked to take a vow that the spells were of his own creation, not stolen, not plagiarized. He swore it with the same ease as before.
The three conferred privately for nearly ten minutes before returning. Master Anenre spoke for them all. "First," he said, his tone firm, "I urge you to focus your brilliance on works like your shield. Not cruelties such as the first spell." The other two nodded, and even Amelia inclined her head in agreement. "Second, your spell Sanguis Frigeo is hereby declared forbidden within the borders of Magical Egypt, to be treated with the same gravity as an Unforgivable. A notice will be sent to all ICW members with our recommendation to do the same."
He paused, and his gaze softened. "Third, I implore you to share Veruscut with the world. Though it is registered under your name, and bound by our oaths never to share another's work, I beg you to consider it. The lives it could save are too many to count."
"And finally," Master Anenre said, stepping down from the dais, "congratulations, Master Black." He extended the rolled parchment. The proof of mastery toward Corvus. "We hereby declare you a Charms Master."
Corvus accepted it with a polite bow, shaking hands with each judge. All greeted him warmly, save the sternest, whose reserve softened only slightly in the face of his undeniable talent. Last came Amelia, who smiled with open pride. "Master Black," she said, inclining her head. "From now on, please call me Master Veyra."
Corvus returned her smile faintly, parchment in hand. Another title earned. Another step taken.
--
Their return to Durmstrang was nothing short of a sensation. Karkaroff was practically glowing, strutting about the fortress as though he had personally brewed the Aetherveil Serum or crafted the Veruscut charm himself. In truth, he was reveling in the reflected glory. At last, the world would not remember him as a trembling ex Death Eater who had betrayed his former accomplices but as the headmaster of the most successful magical institute in Europe. Durmstrang's name and thus his own, would be spoken in awe from Paris to Moscow. Even the nifflers, he thought smugly, would know how valuabe his institutions is soon enough.
While Karkaroff indulged in daydreams of prestige, Corvus moved among the faculty with a calm composure, offering nods and polite words as congratulations flowed his way. Professors Greengrass and Veyra received their share of accolades too, their pride evident as they stood beside their pupil turned peer. Corvus, however, was already thinking beyond applause and headlines. Two masteries were only the beginning. He wanted to be more than a prodigy, he wanted to be an accomplished academic, with mastery over several branches of magic.
His eyes turned toward one of the sternest of Durmstrang's professors, Yelena Morozova. A master of Transfiguration, she was infamous for her uncompromising standards and her gaze as icy as the gulags of her homeland. Approaching her with the respect she commanded, Corvus inclined his head.
"Professor," he greeted smoothly.
"Master Black," Morozova replied curtly.
"I was hoping to enroll for the mastery class under your guidance," he continued.
Her eyebrow arched. "Academically, nothing stands in your way. But," she said sharply, "you have raised the bar, Master Black. After demonstrating potions and charms that earned you official masteries, I will expect no less than brilliance from you here as well. Do not waste my time." She emphasized the words Master Black with deliberate weight, reminding him that he now stood among equals and would be judged accordingly.
After this exchange, and as the greetings dwindled, Corvus made his way to the Student Affairs office. The same witch who had overseen his admission to first set of the exams months ago looked up from her desk, her face brightening with recognition. She rose and extended her hand, which Corvus shook firmly.
"Master Black," she said warmly. "How may I assist you today?"
"I wish to formally register for Transfiguration mastery," Corvus explained. "And I would also like to sit the qualifying exams for Alchemy, fifth through seventh year."
The witch nodded briskly. Alchemy, one of the most demanding electives, required perfect marks in Transfiguration, Herbology, Potions, and Charms just to be considered. Few students ever attempted the examinations. She consulted her parchments and, after a moment, looked up with a smile.
"The earliest date is in three days' time."
"Excellent," Corvus replied with a polite incline of his head. He thanked her and departed.
By the time he returned to his chambers, his plans for the coming days were already settled. Tomorrow would dawn on a new chapter, and once again, the wizarding world would hear his name echo across its halls.