Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of A Nundu for A Pet.
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Chapter 34 (Crystal's Song of Ice), Chapter 35 (Song of Ice and Water), Chapter 36 (The Wardstone's Song), Chapter 37 (The Boy Who Saved), Chapter 38 (A Ball and A Veela), Chapter 39 (Teacups and Homecomings), Chapter 40 (Golden Eyes in the Darkness), Chapter 41 (The Twelfth Summer), Chapter 42 (A Warning from An Elf), Chapter 43 (Potter Talismans, Severed Ties, and an Idiot), Chapter 44 (Luna Lovegood and A Nundu), and Chapter 45 (Another Greengrass) are already available for Patrons.
After the translator had used the bubble spell on him, Harry was free to explore again with the Princess.
Harry followed Crystal-Harmony through what she called the Artisans' Current, a spiraling series of open spaces where RSH creators worked their craft. Each area flowed naturally into the next, connected by streams of bioluminescent markers that pulsed with gentle rhythms.
The first workshop belonged to Master Reef-Singer, an elderly RSH with elaborately patterned fins who manipulated living coral with precise gestures. His water magic created micro-currents that guided coral growth in real-time, forming intricate patterns.
"Watch this," Crystal-Harmony whispered, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "He's using a technique that combines traditional growth-shaping with something he learned from studying surface architecture."
Harry observed as Reef-Singer's fins rippled in a complex pattern. The coral before him began sprouting delicate spires that twisted into impossible spirals, each branch catching and refracting light differently.
"The trick," Reef-Singer explained, noticing their interest, "is understanding that coral dreams of dancing. We simply help it remember the steps." He demonstrated by creating a gentle vortex around a forming structure, the water itself seeming to sing as it shaped the living material.
In another chamber, they encountered a group of glass-shapers working with volcanic materials from deep-sea vents. Their leader, Swift-Glass, manipulated superheated water around raw materials, creating pressure differentials that formed the glass into stunning shapes.
"Surface glassblowers use air and heat," Crystal-Harmony explained to Harry. "We use water pressure and volcanic warmth. But the principles are surprisingly similar."
They watched as Swift-Glass and her apprentices created a sculpture that seemed to capture and amplify the natural bioluminescence around them. The glass contained tiny chambers that resonated with the surrounding water, creating haunting harmonics.
"Would you like to try?" Swift-Glass offered Harry a small piece of raw material. "Your surface magic might create interesting effects."
Harry's attempt, guided by both Swift-Glass and Crystal-Harmony, produced a peculiar spiral that seemed to glow from within. The RSH artists were fascinated by how his different magical approach affected the material.
The most striking demonstration came from the musicians. A group of RSH performers had created what they called a "Current Symphony" – an intricate combination of bioluminescent patterns, water vibrations, and coral resonance.
"Close your eyes," Crystal-Harmony suggested. "Feel how the vibrations carry the melody."
Harry experienced music unlike anything he'd known. The water itself became an instrument, carrying complex harmonies that he felt in his bones. When he opened his eyes, the patterns of light perfectly complemented the aquatic symphony.
"I've been experimenting," Crystal-Harmony admitted, guiding Harry to a smaller practice chamber. "Watch this." She combined a surface melody she'd learned with traditional RSH pattern-light, creating a hybrid performance that drew appreciative attention from passing artists.
"Some of the traditionalists," Crystal-Harmony confided as they moved between exhibits, "say we shouldn't incorporate surface influences. But look at this."
She led Harry to a corner where young RSH artists were experimenting with new forms. One had created a coral structure that mimicked surface world architecture while incorporating natural sea life. Another was working with a hybrid form of pattern-light that drew inspiration from surface world theater.
"This is what happens when we don't fear difference," she said, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Every new perspective adds something valuable."
The visit concluded with an impromptu gathering of artists eager to learn about surface world creativity. Harry found himself describing everything from oil paintings to symphony orchestras, while the RSH artists proposed fascinating underwater adaptations of each art form.
"Perhaps," Crystal-Harmony suggested as they prepared to leave, "we could organize an actual cultural exchange someday. Surface artists learning our techniques, our artists learning yours..."
Her voice trailed off as she noticed her father's guards approaching, but Harry had seen the sparkle in her eyes at the possibility.
Before they left, Reef-Singer presented them with a small coral sculpture he'd created during their visit. It somehow incorporated aspects of both surface and underwater artistic traditions, forming a piece that seemed to bridge both worlds.
As they swam away, Harry noticed Crystal-Harmony holding the sculpture carefully, her expression thoughtful. "Sometimes," she said quietly, "being caught between two worlds means you get to help build the bridges that connect them."
Harry noticed how she unconsciously shifted between RSH and human movements—sometimes gliding with pure sea horse grace, other times gesturing with her hands in surface fashion. "It's like you're a bridge between worlds."
Her patterns showed surprise, then thoughtful consideration. "I've never thought of it quite that way." She studied her own hands, then her tail. "Everyone always focuses on what I can't do—can't manage complex water magic, can't communicate in pure pattern-speech, can't be fully RSH or fully surface. But maybe..."
"Maybe being both is its own kind of magic," Harry suggested.
Her patterns brightened. "You know, for a surface dweller, you're surprisingly wise." She grinned to show she was teasing. "Come on, I want to show you something special."
She led him through a series of quieter currents to a secluded garden he hadn't seen on the formal tour. Living crystal formations created natural alcoves, each one containing different species of luminescent plants. The water here felt different—warmer, somehow more alive.
"This is my favorite place," Crystal-Harmony said softly. "I come here to practice sometimes, where no one can see me fail at proper RSH magic." She held out her hands, concentrating hard. Slowly, painfully slowly, the water began to solidify into a rough sphere shape.
Harry watched in fascination. The sphere wobbled, threatened to dissolve, then stabilized slightly. Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed intense focus as she tried to maintain it.
"Most RSH can do this easily," she explained, voice strained. "My father can create entire walkways of solid water, or form it into any shape he wants. The guards use it for defense. But I..." The sphere collapsed, and she sighed. "I can barely manage the basics."
"I still think it's brilliant," Harry said honestly. "How does it work?"
Crystal-Harmony's patterns flickered with concentration as she tried once again to form a perfect sphere of water. "It's like... imagine if you could talk to a raindrop and ask it about all the clouds it's been part of," she explained, her frustration momentarily forgotten in her enthusiasm to share the concept.
Harry watched, fascinated by how the water responded to her movements—not quite achieving the shape she wanted, but creating beautiful rippling patterns nonetheless. "That's amazing. We don't think about water having memory where I come from. Though..." he paused thoughtfully, "I suppose our weatherworkers must understand something similar when they guide rain."
"Weatherworkers?" Crystal-Harmony's patterns shifted to show curiosity, the bioluminescent dots along her sides forming what Harry had learned was a question mark pattern. "You can control the weather above?"
"Well, not really, but there are people who can read the weather and are able to tell if a storm is coming, or if a winter storm. The farms rely a lot on the weather to grow their food."
Her patterns flickered rapidly—the RSH equivalent of wide-eyed amazement. "Farms? Oh, I've read about those in surface texts, but... you really grow food in dry air?" She shuddered slightly. "How do the plants not shrivel up?"
Harry couldn't help but smile at her reaction. "Actually, most surface plants would drown down here. They need soil and air to grow. We have these things called trees that can grow taller than some buildings in your city."
"Taller than—" Crystal-Harmony's water sphere collapsed as she lost concentration. "But how do they stay up without water support? The pressure would crush them down here!"
"There's much less pressure up there," Harry explained. "The air is lighter than water. We have these enormous forests where thousands of trees grow together, reaching up toward the sun."
"The sun..." Crystal-Harmony's patterns turned dreamy. "We only see it as filtered light down here. What's it like, seeing it directly?"
"Well..." Harry thought carefully about how to describe it. "Imagine your brightest pattern-lights, but so bright you can't look directly at it. It warms your skin and makes everything glow with color. In the evening, when it sets, it turns the whole sky red and orange."
"Sky colors," Crystal-Harmony murmured. "We have so many words for different water currents, but you have words for different kinds of light." She attempted another water sphere, this time trying to capture the colors Harry described. "What's your favorite surface thing that we don't have here?"
Harry considered this. "I like many things, but Flying," he said finally. "On a broomstick, high above everything. The wind in your face, the ground far below... it's complete freedom." Harry wasn't sure about Quidditch yet, but he did like flying; he could still remember the first time he flew with Susan Bones in the first year using his school robes.
Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed confusion. "But... you can swim in any direction here. Isn't that the same?"
"Not quite," Harry said. "In the air, there's this moment when you dive..." He used his hands to demonstrate, accidentally creating a small current that disrupted Crystal-Harmony's latest attempt at a water sphere.
They both laughed as the water splashed between them. "Show me again how you were moving your hands," Crystal-Harmony said suddenly. "That current you just made..."
Harry repeated the gesture, and Crystal-Harmony's patterns lit up with excitement. "That's it! It's like the diving motion you described, but with water! Watch—" She moved her hands in a similar way, but it still didn't work for her.
"I'm really sorry, Crystal."
"It's okay, Harry. I have accepted for a long time now that I might never be able to use Water Magic." she said with a defeated tone.
"Maybe I can help somehow." Harry was quick to add.
"I appreciate it, Harry, but you are not from there. I don't think you can help me." the Princess said, not looking at him before telling him to follow her. "I would appreciate it if you could tell me more about the world out there." she added after a long moment of silence.
Harry wished to help her, but she was right. He did not know how to help her. She was from a completely different place, and he knew he wouldn't be here for much longer. But he still wanted to help her, but how? Harry didn't know, but he would find a way to help her.
"Sure. I will tell you as much as you want, Harmony." he added with a little smile, and the princess's human face smiled back at him.
They spent the next hour trading descriptions of their worlds—Harry describing things like snow and rainbows, while Crystal-Harmony explained the infinite varieties of deep-sea currents and the songs of whale pods. With each exchange, they tried to incorporate what they learned into their practice.
A distant chiming sound rippled through the water—some kind of time-keeping system, Harry guessed.
"Oh bother," Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed resignation. "That's the midday signal. I should get you back before Madam Lefebvre finishes with the scholars and realizes we've been wandering around without a translator."
As they made their way back through the currents, Harry found himself hoping they'd have more chances to explore the city together. There was something refreshing about Crystal-Harmony's company—no diplomatic pretense, no careful political maneuvering, just two young people learning about each other's worlds.
"Thank you for this morning," he said as they neared the diplomatic quarters. "It was brilliant seeing how RSH really live."
Her patterns showed genuine pleasure. "Thank you for seeing me as me, not just as the strange hybrid princess." She hesitated, then added, "Maybe we could do this again? There's so much more to show you, and it's nice having someone to practice with who doesn't mind when I mess up the water magic."
"I'd like that," Harry said honestly. "Though maybe next time you can explain why that group of RSH in the market kept whispering about 'moon-tide patterns' whenever they saw you?"
Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed embarrassment. "Oh Depths, you caught that? It's this whole thing about my appearance changing slightly with the lunar cycle. Just another mystery about me that nobody seems to understand." She shrugged.
"Mysteries can be good," Harry offered. "Life would be boring if we understood everything."
She laughed, but Harry noticed that it looked a little forced. "Spoken like someone with plenty of mysteries himself." Her patterns turned playful. "Race you back through the current?"
They arrived at the diplomatic quarters slightly out of breath and trying not to look like they'd been racing through formal transport currents like children. A group of guards led by Swift-Current gave them disapproving looks, but Crystal-Harmony's status as princess prevented any direct criticism.
"Same time tomorrow?" she asked hopefully. "I could show you how our artisans create living sculptures, or maybe the deep gardens where we grow our medicine plants..."
Harry nodded, already looking forward to it. He realized that despite all the political tension and mysterious happenings in the city, he'd found something unexpected in these depths—a friend who truly understood what it meant to be different.
"There you are!" Madam Lefebvre's voice carried clearly through her bubble-head charm as she approached the diplomatic quarters. Her silver hair drifted like storm clouds around her head, and her expression suggested she wasn't entirely pleased to find Harry and Crystal-Harmony returning without her. "I trust your morning was... educational?"
Crystal-Harmony's patterns shifted seamlessly into formal diplomacy. "Indeed. I was just explaining to Harry the importance of understanding RSH daily life for proper cultural exchange." She somehow managed to make their unauthorized tour sound like a planned diplomatic activity.
"Of course, Your Highness." Madam Lefebvre's tone made it clear she wasn't fooled. "However, protocol requires a translator be present for all official interactions."
"Then you're just in time," Crystal-Harmony said brightly. "I was about to show Harry how our families live. The Shell-Weaver family has invited us to observe their naming ceremony preparations—a rare honor for surface dwellers."
Madam Lefebvre's expression softened slightly at this. Naming ceremonies were indeed significant cultural events. "Very well. Though perhaps we should check on your cat first, Mr. Potter? She's been quite... insistent about seeing you."
Harry had almost forgotten about Itisa. The disguised Nundu had been staying in Newt's quarters while they explored the city, but she could be rather demanding when she wanted attention.
They found her pacing in Harry's chamber, her false cat form somehow managing to look both regal and annoyed despite the bubble-head charm. As soon as they entered, she fixed Crystal-Harmony with an intense stare.
"Oh!" Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed delighted curiosity. "Is this your cat? I've never seen one before. What exactly is a cat?"
Itisa gave her such a magnificently disdainful look that Harry had to stifle a laugh. Trust a Nundu to be offended at needing to explain what a cat was.
"They're surface creatures," Harry explained. "Sort of like... well, I suppose there isn't really an underwater equivalent. They're independent, clever, and very good at pretending they don't care about anything while secretly caring quite a lot."
Itisa's tail twitched in what Harry recognized as amused approval of his description.
"Fascinating!" Crystal-Harmony moved closer, studying Itisa with genuine interest. "The water moves strangely around her though. Almost like it's responding to something... bigger?" She tilted her head, her patterns showing puzzlement. "And she seems much more aware than a regular animal."
"Mischief is... special," Harry said carefully. "Very clever, even for a cat."
Itisa gave him a look that clearly said, Really? That's the best you can do? before deliberately turning her attention to grooming her paw, the very picture of feline indifference.
"Well, shall we proceed to the Shell-Weaver residence?" Madam Lefebvre suggested, clearly wanting to get back to proper diplomatic activities. "Naming ceremonies are precisely timed with the tidal cycles."
The Shell-Weaver family lived in what Crystal-Harmony called the Growing District, where the coral structures were actively cultivated into homes. As they swam through the quieter residential currents, Harry noticed how different it felt from the busy city center. The bioluminescent patterns here were softer, more intimate, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
"Our homes grow with our families," Crystal-Harmony explained through Madam Lefebvre's translation. "Each generation adds new chambers, and the coral remembers the family's history in its patterns."
They approached a particularly beautiful coral structure that seemed to spiral upward through the water. Its surface was etched with complex pattern-histories that glowed softly in the filtered light.
"The vertical patterns show the family lineage," Crystal-Harmony pointed out. "See how they branch? Each new name adds its own light to the story."
A young RSH—probably a teenager, Harry guessed—emerged from the home to greet them. His patterns showed excitement barely contained by formal politeness.
"Welcome, Your Highness, honored surface guests." Madam Lefebvre translated his patterns. "I am Current-Dancer. My family is honored by your presence at my sister's naming ceremony preparations."
Inside, the coral home was a marvel of organic architecture. Chambers flowed into each other like natural caves, but their surfaces were alive with bioluminescent patterns that responded to the inhabitants' movements. The main living area opened into several smaller chambers, each one uniquely shaped for its purpose.
"The patterns help the family stay connected," Crystal-Harmony explained as they watched light ripple through the coral walls. "Parents can always sense where their children are within the home, and the whole family shares in important moments through the coral's memory."
The Shell-Weaver family emerged from various chambers to greet them. The parents' patterns showed proper formal respect, but Harry noticed their subtle glances at Crystal-Harmony's unique form. She handled it with practiced grace, focusing attention on the upcoming ceremony.
"May we see the naming chamber?" she asked. "I was telling Harry about how the coral responds to new names."
They were led to a small, dome-shaped chamber where a tiny RSH infant drifted in a specially regulated current. Her patterns were still developing, just brief flickers of light that her parents watched with obvious pride.
"The naming current will help her find her true pattern-name," the mother explained through Madam Lefebvre. "When the tide peaks, her own light will show us who she is."
Harry noticed how Crystal-Harmony's patterns dimmed slightly at this. He remembered her mentioning that her own pattern-speech had developed differently from normal RSH children.
"It's beautiful," she said sincerely, though Harry caught an undertone of old pain in her patterns. "The way the family's light welcomes a new pattern."
Current-Dancer, the teenage brother, was practically vibrating with excitement. "Would you like to see the preparation chamber? We've been practicing the traditional water-shaping all week!"
His mother's patterns showed mild embarrassment at his enthusiasm, but Crystal-Harmony quickly agreed. They followed him to another chamber where several young RSH were practicing elaborate water magic formations.
"The family creates a water-crown for the new name," Current-Dancer explained proudly. He demonstrated, shaping the water into a delicate circlet of solid crystal-like forms. "See? When we all do it together during the ceremony, it becomes permanent—the baby's first gift from her family."
Harry noticed Crystal-Harmony hanging back slightly. When Current-Dancer eagerly asked if she'd like to try, her patterns showed momentary panic before she composed herself.
"Perhaps you could show us more of the traditional forms?" she suggested diplomatically. "It's important for our surface friends to understand the ceremony's significance."
The young RSH were happy to demonstrate, their water magic creating increasingly complex shapes while their proud parents explained the symbolism through Madam Lefebvre. Harry found himself fascinated by how naturally they manipulated the water, but he also kept noticing Crystal-Harmony's careful distance from the demonstrations.
Later, as they prepared to leave, Current-Dancer's younger sister tugged at Crystal-Harmony's arm—a breach of protocol that made her parents' patterns flash with embarrassment.
"Is it true what they say?" the young RSH asked before she could be stopped. "That you change with the moon-tides? Like the surface world changes our deep currents?"
"Pearl-Singer!" her mother's patterns radiated mortification. "One does not ask such personal questions of the princess!"
But Crystal-Harmony handled it with gentle grace. "The moon affects many things," she said kindly. "The tides, the currents, the patterns of light and dark. Perhaps it's not so strange that it might affect me too." She created a tiny, wobbly sphere of solid water—the most basic form of RSH magic. "See? We're all connected to the water's memory, even if we show it differently."
The little girl's patterns brightened with delight at this simple magic, making Harry wonder if Crystal-Harmony's limitation with water magic might sometimes be a gift in disguise—helping her connect with young RSH who struggled with their own abilities.
As they left the Growing District, Crystal-Harmony was quieter than usual. Harry sensed she was thinking about the naming ceremony and all it represented in RSH culture.
"You handled that very well," he said quietly when Madam Lefebvre was distracted by a passing group of scholar-diplomats.
"Practice," she replied, her patterns showing a complex mix of emotions. "I've had lots of practice being the different one." She brightened slightly. "But speaking of practice—would you like to attend something special this evening? The water symphony is performing, and it's quite different from anything you'd see on the surface."
Before Harry could respond, they were interrupted by a familiar presence. Itisa had apparently decided to follow them, her false cat form gliding through the water with suspicious grace.
"Oh!" Crystal-Harmony's patterns showed delight. "Your cat found us! But how did she...?" She studied Itisa with renewed curiosity. "The water moves so strangely around her. Almost like it's trying to move away, but can't quite remember why it should..."
Itisa gave her a look that somehow managed to combine aristocratic disdain with grudging respect.
"Mischief is very good at getting where she wants to be," Harry said diplomatically, while silently willing Itisa not to do anything too obviously un-catlike.
Crystal-Harmony knelt to study Itisa more closely, her movements catching the light in a way that reminded Harry of moonlight on water. "Hello, not-quite-a-cat," she said softly. "I think perhaps we both know something about being more than we appear?"
Itisa's tail twitched with what Harry recognized as surprised approval.
"The water symphony will begin soon," Madam Lefebvre reminded them, either missing or choosing to ignore the strange interaction between princess and "cat."
The symphony hall was unlike anything Harry had seen before. The chamber was enormous, its coral walls shaped into perfect acoustic curves. Different temperature currents created natural layers in the water, and bioluminescent creatures drifted in carefully maintained patterns that somehow enhanced the acoustics.
"RSH music is felt as much as heard," Crystal-Harmony explained as they found their places. "The musicians use water magic to create vibrations that interact with the bioluminescent patterns. It's quite..." she paused, searching for the right word, "immersive."
The performance began with a single RSH musician creating a complex series of water shapes that caught and reflected light in mesmerizing ways. Gradually, others joined in, their water magic weaving together to create patterns of sound and light that seemed to dance through the currents.
Harry found himself entranced. The music wasn't quite sound as he knew it—more like feeling the ocean itself sing through patterns of pressure and light and motion. He glanced at Crystal-Harmony and saw her patterns showing deep appreciation tinged with something like longing.
During the intermission, several young RSH performers approached their group. Their patterns showed excited recognition of the princess.
"Your Highness! Will you honor us with a harmony pattern? Like you did at the last tide-festival?"
Crystal-Harmony's patterns flickered with momentary panic before smoothing into diplomatic calm. "I think perhaps we should let our surface guests experience traditional RSH music tonight. Another time, maybe."
But the young performers were earnestly insistent, their patterns showing genuine admiration. "Please? Your different patterns are so unique—they create harmonies we can't achieve with regular water magic!"
Harry noticed how Crystal-Harmony's patterns shifted at the word "different"—a subtle tension entering her form. But then something seemed to settle in her expression.
"Very well," she said, rising from her seat. "Though perhaps something simple..."
She moved to join the musicians, and Harry watched in fascination as she began to create patterns—not through traditional RSH water magic, but through a combination of movement and light that seemed to bridge both worlds. Her hybrid nature, usually a source of limitation, here became something unique and beautiful.
The young performers joined in, their traditional water magic weaving around Crystal-Harmony's patterns to create something entirely new. For a moment, the entire chamber seemed to hold its breath.
But then something shifted. Crystal-Harmony attempted to add water magic to her performance, trying to match the other musicians' techniques. The water resisted, wobbling uncertainly, and her patterns showed a flash of frustration that disrupted her rhythm.
The moment passed quickly—she smoothly transitioned back to her unique style and finished the impromptu performance gracefully. The audience's patterns showed appreciation, but Harry noticed how some older RSH exchanged significant looks.
When Crystal-Harmony returned to her seat, her patterns were carefully controlled, but Harry could sense her disappointment.
"That was beautiful," he said quietly.
"The first part, maybe," she replied, her patterns showing a mix of emotions. "Before I tried to be something I'm not." She watched the traditional musicians resume their performance. "Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to just... pick a world. Be fully RSH or fully surface. But I don't think I know how to be either, really."
Harry thought about his own experiences straddling different worlds—magical and Muggle, famous and ordinary, carrying secrets that set him apart. "Maybe being both isn't a weakness," he suggested. "What you did, combining different kinds of magic—it was something new. Something unique."
Her patterns showed surprise, then thoughtful consideration. Before she could respond, a disturbance rippled through the water. Harry felt it before he saw it—a subtle wrongness that made his ears pop despite the bubble-head charm.
Itisa, who had been lounging regally near their feet, suddenly went rigid. Her false cat form couldn't quite hide her reaction to whatever was causing the disturbance.
Crystal-Harmony's patterns shifted to alarm. "Something's wrong with the deep currents," she said quietly. "The water's memory is... troubled."
As if in response to her words, the bioluminescent creatures that helped create the symphony's effects began to drift erratically, their lights flickering with anxiety. The musicians faltered, their water magic disrupted by whatever was affecting the currents.
If you want to Read 12 More Chapters Right Now. Search 'Drinor Patreon' in Google and Click the First Link