Holey Complications

"So we're finally looking at that stone of yours... What about your other projects though? I thought you were still trying to uncover the effects of those Holy Artifacts?" Kali questions as she steps into the room, the Philosopher's Stone sitting on a highly warded plinth in the centre.

Harry shrugs, "I already have a vague idea on what they do, now I'm just waiting to see if any of the test subject's head's explode from exposure or something. I remember what you said concerning that 'Blinding Blindfold'."

"Oh? Illuminate it for me then. Does the crown make you the second coming of Christ on earth? I hope you haven't imbibed of the Grail yet, having you permanently be eleven years old is more than I think I can take... Having a Little Master forever would certainly be a tough pill to swallow."

He shakes his head and quirks a smile, "No, I'll grow a bit before I chance stunting my growth, looking up at people all the time is already annoying, let alone doing it forever... Anyway, the Crown appears to massively enhance the wearer's mental fortitude, to the extent that a full powered Crucio would only cause damage to the body and soul, the mind however is completely unaffected."

"Interesting, does it deaden emotions too or is it only mental fortitude? If not, you could use it in concert with the resentment of the dead stored in your mindscape for maximum effect."

He nods, "My thoughts exactly, it also seems to return any spell shot at the wearer, though, both the target and the caster will be affected anyway."

"Like a shoddy mirror shield?"

"Kind of, I think it was originally designed to reflect spells, but since it allowed the caster to be hit anyway they had to find a way to counter it, thus the mental fortitude." he explains his theory.

She shakes her head, "Attributing intent to the creation of it is folly due to its status as a Holy Artifact, to be honest, I believe its effects to be far more symbolic than anything else. Regardless, it's not like its history matters, as long as it functions correctly. How about the jewel-spangled cup?"

"Er-I'm not quite sure yet." Harry mutters, "I've figured out that you need to fill it with blood to work, but mundane blood doesn't seem to work... I, may have used my own..." he trails off as she immediately frowns.

"So despite all the protective procedures, defensive ward formations, and test subjects, you decided to risk yourself once again... Are you stupid, Master? Because it seems to me that you value yourself less than some easily recoverable answers."

He sighs, "I'm not stupid, I was just ninety-nine percent sure that it wouldn't have any ill effects. I wasn't the first person to fill it, and the test subjects all seemed fine days after... But if bothers you I'll be more careful."

"Do so, Master. I'd rather not return to my realm so soon."

"I'd rather that too..." he admits before pushing forwards to the subject at hand, "Even when filled with my blood it doesn't seem to do anything. I know I'm missing something obvious but I can't finger on it."

...

"Have you considered the type of test subject?" she queries.

He nods, "Different races, mundane, magical, male, female, young, old, basically anything. I gathered a wide range of people."

She smiles lightly, "Ah, but you seem to have forgotten what you are working on. Would not the religious affiliation matter when investigating Holy Artifacts from Catholicism?"

Her grin only gets wider as his eyes widen. He palms his face and kicks at the floor, muttering curses under his breath.

"Stupid, stupid!... How could I forget about that!?"

Kali walks over and hugs him, squeezing his face between her breasts, "Don't worry Master, you are still young yet." she pecks him on the forehead as he looks up from her bosom, "For what it's worth, you are the smartest child I have had the fortune to meet. Your failings are others' successes."

"I know that..." he grumbles into her chest, "I just hate missing obvious things... I should be better."

"You are better. You just need time to grow into yourself. Now, weren't we going to discuss the Philosopher's Stone?"

He blinks, "Oh, right..." he wraps his arms around her waist and gives her a firm squeeze before escaping her grip, "So, legends are it can create the Elixir of Life and unlimited gold... Think any of it's true?"

"I'm not sure. Why would Nicholas Flamel give away such a valuable artifact to a scheming wretch like Dumbledore? I am aware the man was his student, but then he should know of his true personality."

Harry hums in thought, "Quirrel said that it was stolen from him, maybe Quirrel is Nicholas Flamel in disguise? It would make sense for the stone to be stolen, especially if the Headmaster is as powerful as people say."

"But how would the Headmaster not realise this? Surely he could see past such disguises? It isn't magical for certain, as I would have seen so during your Sorting. No, Quirrel is not Flamel..." she shakes her head, "Theories aside, have you tried anything on the stone?"

"Some small diagnostic charms, since it's basically a magical bomb I'd rather not use anything that would make it... Detonate."

"It was made via alchemy, correct? Then I would suggest venturing more into the subject before we touch this. We stole enough from the Vatican for a proper foundation, did we not?"

"We did... I just don't want to leave the stone sitting around when we could be making use of it. But you're right," he sighs, "Could you pick up some Catholic test subjects while I study? I get the feeling I'm going to be busy for a while..."

"Of course, Master. Try not to go through them too quickly however, if we start taking too many people will start asking questions."