Powers Growing

Harry gave him a surprised look. T'Challa removed his glasses. "I don't actually need these," he said. "They are designed to do several things. For one, they function as… I believe a British television show called them 'brainy specs'. I am taken more seriously when I wear them. They also give me a full view of the electromagnetic spectrum – including your powers. Your… aura, one might say, is already well above average for a wizard of your age, and it is growing at an exponential rate."

"So… I'm becoming more powerful?"

"Yes, though I doubt it will truly have much effect other than allowing you to perform more spells for longer until your full inheritance comes through," T'Challa said. Harry stared. "European gods are not the only ones to fall in love with mortals and gods do not only fall in love with white people. They just tend to make the biggest fuss about it," T'Challa said dryly. "You are most definitely not the first demi-god I have come across."

"They? European Gods or White People?"

"Both. Particularly Americans," T'Challa said. "This country has many great virtues. Subtlety is not one of them."

Carol huffed as Harry nodded sagely. "He's right," he said. "Sorry, Carol, but he kind of is." He glanced up at T'Challa. "Can you tell me anything else?"

T'Challa saw the pleading look in his eyes, the desire of a boy who had no idea what was happening to him to understand, to have a base to work from because he was all at sea. And doubtless he was too proud to admit to either father or uncle. He chuckled inwardly. He had been much the same when he had first taken up the Panther mantle, thinking he had to master these senses and abilities without help from others.

Then his father had taken him aside and firmly explained that while there was no crime in ignorance, there was a crime in prideful stupidity. "Ask the questions you wish to ask. Learn what you need to learn. Some you will discover for yourself, yes, but much must be taught. Listen, my son, to those who are far further down the path you have now begun, because they can teach you the best routes."

Of course, this was a slightly different matter. "Each demi god," T'Challa said slowly, "Is a different story. Some develop no powers at all – this is not the case with you. The power that is already building up will slowly change your body. Your appearance will remain the same, but your abilities and the mechanisms that power them, will develop. What they will be, however, none can say. While it is not uncommon for a demi god to inherit some ability similar to their godly parents', it is equally not uncommon to develop a power set that is completely different."

—-Chapter 20, Party On