AN: In no way am I connected to Harry Potter or RWBY
What are souls?
For many years, they are thought to be what separated humans from other animals. Now it is thought that some animals have souls too. Is there a way to tell? How does one measure a soul?
Completely amoral people are thought to have no soul by some. Others believe that they do, though that it is evil. Would that mean that some are born evil or that certain events made them that way? Does that mean that people are all born with a pure soul?
Do bodies have souls or do souls have bodies?
The day had started out ordinary. Nothing strange about waking up; nothing odd about breakfast; nothing interesting happened during Professor Port's Grimm Studies class. Blake and Melody's head to head ended in Blake's favour during Combat Class. That lost Ruby five lien, but it was to Mercury so it wasn't a problem as he tended to spend it on them on days out anyway. Doctor Oobleck still talked at the speed of a bullet, which made taking notes a little difficult, but that wasn't new.
That night though was different.
It even started differently, with Ruby deciding to get her homework out of the way the day she got it, despite being due in a week's time. Usually, she waited a few days, although she had learnt at Signal not to leave it until the night before. It was like a universal rule that something happened, such as the printer breaking, if she left it the night before.
She still snickered on how the other three of her team had learnt that lesson from Dad. Doubly amusing for Emerald and Mercury as they hadn't even had any homework to do.
Mercury was on their bed reading a comic book while Yang had managed to convince Emerald into one of their fighting games. The little aura kitten was curled up on Emerald's lap (which Yang had dubbed 'Merkitty'). The sisters normally won, unless they were playing each other, but the few times Emerald did, they wondered if she was cheating. They never called her out on it as they couldn't figure out exactly how they were being distracted.
It was obvious what distracted both of them in their third game though. There was an eerie purple glow in the courtyard.
Naturally, they went to check it out.
It looked like a little purple flame with a red tip and a blue base was just floating a few feet off the ground in front of the statue. It was about a metre tall and burnt like normal fire. Ruby had never seen anything like it.
"Okay, I'll bite. What is that?" Apparently, Mercury hadn't either.
"It is pretty," Yang answered, reaching out to poke it.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Emerald commented, stepping back in case Yang did touch it and it exploded.
"I agree," Blake said from Ruby's other side. None of them jumped; they were used to Blake silently sneaking up on them by now. Her team weren't as stealthy, although Ren did come close. However, as he normally had Nora with him, she counted for far more than three people.
Said girl was circling the bizarre flame when a huge grin broke out. "Let's smash it."
"Let's not," Ren responded simply. Nora cracked her fingers, but didn't smash it with her hammer.
Zephyr looked at the flame, then looked at his friends. "I take it ignoring it isn't going to happen."
Seven voices answered, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. "No."
"Then what do you want to do with it? Put in a jar?"
"I wonder what marshmallows would taste like it we used that to heat them," Ruby mused. Zephyr's idea did have merit.
"I draw the line at campfire songs." Mercury liked that thought as well.
"Tough. You're going to hear them." Ruby was going to get to him to sing along somehow. She just had no idea how.
As the group had been talking, the red from the tip had been spreading down while the blue from the base had been spreading up. It took a few minutes, but they met halfway, resulting in a black line across.
For the humans, everything went white.
"Okay who did something?"
"Don't look at me."
Unknown to them, they weren't the only ones.
Harry wandered rather aimlessly around the empty corridors. It was past curfew, but he wasn't tired and wanted to stretch his legs. He preferred the castle when it was empty of students. Four years on and he still wasn't used to their pointing and staring. He had thought they would have given up by now.
If it wasn't for his invisibility cloak, he would have snapped quite a while ago.
Potions had been dreadful as usual and McGonagall had been in a bad mood since someone had decided to charm the first year matchsticks to sing some Scottish folk song. He guessed he slept through History of Magic as he remembered practically blinking and the lesson had ended.
Why did he even bother going to that class?
He found himself in the Entrance Hall. Pushing the doors to the Great Hall open, he stared down at the Goblet. It hadn't looked like much before, but now it majestic. There was no sound to its flame. A silent judge for the Tri-Wizard Champions.
That couldn't be Harry. He was pretty relieved about that.
Seeing as he was close, he decided to go visit Hagrid. It was past curfew and Hagrid was a professor, but if Harry had the cloak then it wasn't a problem. Neither really had the time to visit much in the day anyway unless they were in Care of Magical Creatures and Hagrid was always up for visitors.
He didn't get that far. He got about halfway. Something colourful caught his attention. Then his vision went white for a few seconds.
Harry rubbed his eyes. Once he was sure he was seeing properly, he looked around. There was only one thing different. To be fair, it was a very serious difference.
There were people on the grounds that hadn't been there before.
Hermione always said it was impossible to Apparate to and from Hogwarts. Normally, she was right. He hadn't heard anything though, so maybe it wasn't Apparation and it was something that was possible. Maybe that colourful thing had something to do with it, like some sort of teleporter. Professor Dumbledore would probably know. In fact, he should be told there were people on the grounds, if he wasn't aware of it already.
Curious, Harry approached cautiously. Provided he was careful, they shouldn't know he was there.
"Is everyone alright?" A male and mature voice.
"No problems here." More high pitched and definitely female. She was also younger.
"No one's hurt." Another male, but also younger than the first one.
Harry was close enough to see details now. There were quite a few of them. A mental headcount gave him 8 younger ones, about Fred and George's age, and 3 adults. He wasn't going to try and guess their ages.
"Anyone know where we are?" Another girl's voice. Harry really needed names.
"Well, we're not at Beacon, that's for sure."
Beacon?
"A castle like that is going to stick out though. That's a busy tourist attraction right there."
Hermione had also said muggles can't see Hogwarts, but these guys could. Did that mean they were magical? They certainly didn't dress like it, but they also didn't dress like any muggles Harry had seen either. Well, some of them did and some of them didn't. They certainly would have stuck out in magical Britain.
"Professor Ozpin?" That was the higher pitched voice again. "Do you know where we are?"
"I don't Ruby. What I do know is that there is no castle like that in any of the Kingdoms."
Somehow, I don't think he's talking about the United Kingdom.
The oldest among them was Professor Ozpin. Maybe he was a teacher. The smallest one was called Ruby. Given the ages, maybe this was a class outing…that had somehow managed to wander into Hogwarts. That was stupid.
They were still barely beyond silhouettes. Harry altered his course onto the gravel so he could use the light from Hagrid's Hut.
"What about outside the Kingdoms?" Back to strange voices.
"Any castle like that would be a great defence for a strong empire. It would not be far outside the Kingdom it belonged to. I do not believe it belonged to any Kingdom." That was one of the adult women.
"So what? We're not even in Remnant anymore?"
One of the males suddenly looked straight at him. Harry froze, keeping his breathing quiet. After a few moments, his eyes flickered a little, but his gaze stayed in Harry's general area. He must have heard him move.
"Mercury? Something wrong?" Ruby again.
"I thought I heard something." Mercury hadn't spoken yet, but he was one of the ones dressed fairly normally if it wasn't for arm guards.
"Probably just a mouse." Harry didn't know that voice.
"Maybe. So why do I feel like I'm being watched?"
Harry knew that feeling. It had served him well. Most people thought that they were imagining things, but obviously this Mercury didn't think so. As long as Harry stayed under the cloak, they couldn't see him. Still, if Mercury heard him when he was moving while the others were talking, he would definitely hear him step off the gravel.
"I don't see anything." Harry didn't know that voice either, but wanted the others to listen to it.
Ruby didn't. She moved four steps towards him and stopped. "Where Mercury?"
"There's nothing to see Ruby." That was another girl, one with a bow in her hair. "But now I think about it, I heard something as well. Footsteps. There's someone there we can't see."
How had they come to that conclusion? Most people thought if they couldn't see it, it couldn't exist and that they were imagining things. Why did these guys not think the same?
One girl began to draw a weapon from a holster on her back. The bow girl reached up behind her for something.
Harry's wand was in his hand. His cloak made him invisible. It didn't make him invincible.
"Weapons away. If they haven't attacked by now, they're not going to. 11 against 1 are not good odds." Professor Ozpin might have just saved Harry's life then.
"How do we know there's only one?" Mercury asked. His weapon wasn't obvious if he had one. "It could be technology, not a Semblance."
'Technology' was a word Harry was familiar with. 'Semblance' was not. At least, not in the way he used it.
Now Harry had a bit of a problem. He couldn't really move without them noticing. On the other hand, someone needed to know there were strangers around the castle. The only other thing he could try other than sneak away would be to introduce himself.
Gryffindors charge ahead.
If he was wrong, he wouldn't live to regret it. Hopefully Mad Eye wouldn't hear about this. Harry pulled off the cloak.
"It's technology, Mercury," answered the girl with the bow. Her hand dropped back to her side. "I can see him now. He looks about Ruby's age."
The bow girl could see in the dark; Harry would love to have eyes like that.
"Lumos." The wand lit up.
Harry could see some objects that he had no idea how they worked. The weapons he could understand looked like something a muggle would use, but then one of the women had what looked like a wand or a whip. He couldn't tell at this angle.
He wasn't bothered by their curiosity like he normally would be. These guys were looking at someone who had been invisible a second ago and had seemed to think was a threat. He understood that. He would probably be the same.
What Harry also noticed is that not one of them looked at his scar.
"Who are you?" Harry asked. He didn't understand most of their conversation, but that wasn't really new since he had entered the wizarding world. Best to ask a question that normally had a simple answer.
"We are professors and students of Combat Schools." Professor Ozpin seemed to have acknowledged they weren't where they should be. "And what is your name?"
"Harry Potter." No reaction. Finally. "Combat Schools? What are they for? Are they like police?" Harry knew he probably should have said Aurors, but he wasn't convinced they were magical. Besides, it was easier for him to relate to muggle things. He still wasn't sure the difference between Hit Wizards and Aurors.
"No. Huntsman and Huntresses are different from the police force. They are trained to be warriors, mostly commonly against Grimm." Professor Ozpin must have seen Harry's confusion. "These are creatures of chaos that are drawn to negativity. They kill any human they can catch."
Sounded like their world was full of dementor like creatures. That did explain their weapons at least.
"What's Remnant?" They knew he had been listening in.
"Remnant is what we call our world. What do you call yours?"
That wasn't easy. "Depends what you mean. The planet we live on we call Earth. It's, well, it's sort of separated into the magical and muggle worlds. The two don't tend to interact." That's what he thought anyway. He wasn't sure, but Mr Weasley was supposed to be an expert on muggle stuff and he didn't even recognise their money.
"Magical world?" That was Ruby. "You mean actual magic?"
"Sure." Harry gestured to his wand. "That's what this is. People from the magical world can use magic, muggles can't."
"So you can use magic to do anything?"
"Well, there are rules. This is a light charm." An idea came to him. "I can show you something else if you want. It's not harmful." It was also a good example for muggles.
"Please."
Harry could tell that, despite not disagreeing with Ruby, some of the others were on edge, so he pointed his wand back to the castle. He did not want to get shot. "Expecto Patronum."
Prongs jumped out of his wand. His hooves made no sound of the gravel as he trotted around.
"A Patronus can be difficult even for someone magically powerful." According to Professor Lupin anyway. "They are fuelled by happy memories. There are creatures in our world that feed on happiness and a Patronus is the only defence."
Prongs trotted up to Ruby. She giggled and reached forward, but her hand went straight through. While corporeal, Prongs was not solid to anything other than a dementor. After Ruby's attempt, two others tried it.
"The shape a Patronus takes is unique to the person casting it."
"And if you lose focus on the memory, would the Patronus disappear?"
Harry wouldn't mind Professor Ozpin being his teacher. He liked not being spoken to like a child. "Yeah. That's why it's so difficult to do when you need to. These creatures make it nearly impossible to focus on joy."
"That's awesome! Could we do this?" That was the orange haired girl.
"I don't know. Are you magical?"
There was a brief silence. Professor Ozpin studied Prongs with interest. His eyes then went to each of his students in turn, ending with Mercury.
"I do not believe so by your understanding. However, I do not believe we are what you call muggles either. We have personal aura and aura is not magic."
"What's a Semblance?" May as well try and understand all of their conversation. Their world sounded interesting.
"We have personal aura. That aura can act as a shield or can be focused into a Semblance. A Semblance is an ability that is unique to the individual, with at least one exception where it is hereditary." Professor Ozpin then turned to the others. "Any volunteers for a demonstration?"
Ruby literally vanished from her spot. A tap on the shoulder made him look around, but there was nothing there. When he turned back, Ruby waved at him from her starting spot. Had she just Apparated? There were two of the bow girl standing there until one of them vanished.
"Cool." No wonder Prongs hadn't scared them. No wonder they believed magic existed. If that was the sort of thing someone could do, their world wasn't just interesting. It was awesome.
This wasn't their world.
"How did you get here? If this isn't your world, why did you come here?"
"Umm…We don't know. There was an odd flame in the courtyard and next minute, we're here?"
"What kind of flame, Ruby?" The woman with what was definitely a whip. Harry decided she wasn't a woman to be crossed.
"A strange one."
"It was red on the top, purple in the middle and blue on the bottom." That was one of the voices who spoke at the beginning, but the speaker hadn't been named.
"You guys seem to be a magnet for trouble," the ninja smiled.
"Hey, it's not my fault!" Ruby didn't seem too happy with that accusation.
"He's got a point," the darker skinned girl responded. She had been one of the ones to go for her weapons earlier.
"I thought you were on my side, Emerald."
"I am. It's an honest observation."
Harry knew that feeling. He always seemed to get into trouble due to some really terrible luck. Then it was usually Filch or Snape that caught him. He really didn't want to get caught now. Snape would probably accuse him of bringing these people here on purpose.
"Look, I should probably take you to Professor Dumbledore. He's the Headmaster here."
Professor Ozpin smiled. "By all means."
They began to walk.
"Your school is a castle?" the bow girl asked.
"Yeah. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If you want the history of the place, you should ask my friend Hermione. All I know is that it goes pretty far back to the Middle Ages and it was founded by four people. The Houses are named after them."
"Houses?" Harry really needed names. That was the blonde girl.
"In your first year, you're separated into four Houses: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Gryffindor."
"Like teams?"
"Sort of. Teachers award points on good behaviour and there's a House Cup at the end of it. There's also our sport, Quidditch, which is separated into House teams."
"How many students are there?" That was Professor Ozpin again. He seemed to be in charge.
Harry actually thought about that as he pushed the front doors open again. "I don't know. There are other schools here as we're hosting a competition, but Hogwarts…" There were five boys in his year in Gryffindor, about that many girls… "Maybe a few hundred."
"And you love it here?"
"Sure. Hogwarts is my home."
Harry listened to the chatter behind him as he led the group on. All eight were good friends. They seemed to be enjoying the castle, especially the staircases. He got a few names as well. The orange haired girl was Nora, the ninja was Ren, the blonde was Yang, the bow girl was Blake and another boy was named Zephyr. He thought he heard Professor Goodwitch and guessed that was the woman with the whip. The other woman stayed pretty quiet.
Harry has also resigned himself to the fact that someone was going to catch him.
Fortunately, the first person to do so wasn't too bad. "Nearly Headless Nick."
The sight of a ghost certainly made the others go quiet. Maybe this wasn't an occurrence in their world.
"Ah, Mr Potter. You shouldn't be wandering around the corridors at this time of night, especially with Mr Filch and Professor Snape in a bad mood."
Harry had honestly never seen Mr Filch in a good mood, save maybe the end of his second year. Snape: never. "I'll head back as soon as I see Professor Dumbledore."
"I can see why and please, I do not mean to ignore you. However you have arrived at a bad time. The password is Acid Pops, Mr Potter."
"Thanks, Sir Nicolas."
Nearly Headless Nick drifted into a wall.
"Was that a ghost?" Zephyr asked. They definitely weren't a common occurrence in their world.
"Yep. There are a few of them around Hogwarts. The only one you need to watch out for is Peeves. He's an annoying jokester."
"And how do you deal with him?"
"No one really knows. The only person he answers to is the Headmaster and sometimes Fred and George. They're pranksters themselves."
Harry wasn't as lucky with the next person to see him.
"Potter!"
If he managed to get away with only a detention, he would be very lucky. Snape in a tolerable mood was deadly. Snape in a bad mood was suicidal to those who crossed his path.
"What have you done now, Potter? Scuttling around the halls like you own the place again, are you? Perhaps we have our culprit from the performance in the Great Hall?"
Both Harry and Snape knew Malfoy was behind that. "I was in the library all afternoon Professor. Feel free to ask Madam Pince." And for Harry to thank Hermione for dragging him in there in the first place.
"Don't lie to me Potter. We both know you're too much of a dunderhead to be in a library. I doubt you even know where it is. Now, shall we see the Headmaster about your expulsion?"
"If I might interrupt." Professor Ozpin.
The look on Snape's face was comical. How he had missed 11 people, even if most of them had been around the corner, was something Harry would never understand. He was the Head of Slytherin as well.
"And who might you be?" Snape didn't even try to be civil.
"A stranger who found themselves, along with some others, somewhere he did not know. Mr Potter saw us and did not want us wandering the property. He decided it was best to take us to the Headmaster, in case he was not aware of the situation."
In reality, it was a yes to the second part and a no to the first. Why couldn't Professor Ozpin have been his teacher?
"So Potter, you admit to being outside after curfew."
There were 11 strangers in Hogwarts from who knows where (a different world) and Snape was still insistent in getting him into trouble. "I saw them from the Gryffindor Common Room, Professor."
"Liar."
"It was very dark outside. It was impossible to see where he came from and we have no evidence to prove his word is a lie." Harry didn't know Professor Ozpin, but he could tell he was getting annoyed. "He saw a situation and dealt with it."
"That is what Professors are for, although Potter seems to believe-"
"If you are one of his Professors, I can fully understand and even agree with his reasoning as to why you were not approached."
Take that Snape.
It was really hard to keep the grin off his face.
Then it was easy when Snape raised his wand and shot a spell. Harry didn't even hear the words. He instinctively moved out of the way.
Professor Ozpin's cane hit the floor and a force field absorbed the spell. He opened his mouth, but someone dashed passed him. After the second spell left Snape's wand, Mercury rolled underneath it before tripping Snape and stomping on his hand. Snape roared, but Mercury kicked the wand away and kept his boot firmly on Snape's back.
Never mind grinning. Harry felt like cheering.
"Mercury. Let him go, but take his weapon. We will discuss this later."
With a smirk, Mercury walked over and flicked the wand into his hand. He then began to bend it a bit, making Harry wonder if he was going to snap it. It would serve the git right.
Snape was beyond furious.
"I assume as a school, especially with magic, there is an infirmary. Mr Potter was taking us to see the Headmaster. I imagine our discussion will take some time. Lead on, Mr Potter."
Recognising that he didn't want to be anywhere near Snape, Harry swiftly headed down the final corridor and was outside the gargoyle.
"He is one of your teachers?" Ruby asked. She sounded disgusted.
Harry shrugged. "We're kind of stuck with him. He's normally not that bad. Acid Pops." The gargoyle hopped aside. "That's the Headmaster's Office. I'm going to head back to the tower." Preferably before Snape leaves the Hospital Wing.
"Might want to be invisible again," Emerald suggested.
"Yeah. Good idea."
Bizarre.
Amber wasn't sure she liked the room. The office was by no means small, but she did notice it actually enlarged itself to fit them all comfortably. Rows and rows of books lined the shelves and an old hat sat on the top of one. A sword was encased on the wall and there was a beautiful bird resting on a perch nearby.
She spotted Ruby head over to it.
"Hello."
She got a soft trill back. Ruby was smiling.
This school made Amber uneasy. It wasn't the ghosts or the lack of students, which wasn't unusual for this time at night. It wasn't until they met the teacher that she began to puzzle it out. The school just didn't feel welcoming. There was no other way to describe it.
Yang and Nora were over by the sword. Blake and Zephyr were by the books and Ren was around the devices behind the desk. Emerald and Mercury had joined Ruby over by the bird.
The teacher's weapon was lying on the desk.
Some of the children may think Mercury's reaction was extreme. She agreed, but she had also been standing directly behind him. That first light of magic would have hit Emerald had Professor Ozpin's shield not held and Mercury had reacted to that.
For a moment, Amber saw the boy that had attacked her on that road.
Then she saw the Huntsman that Qrow and Ruby had put so much effort into creating.
Maybe I would be more concerned if that 'teacher' didn't have it coming. I certainly wouldn't have read into any of the others attacking him.
Why had the teacher attacked Mr Potter anyway? There was certainly an unusual amount of hatred between the two of them. How much hatred was there is this castle?
"I must admit, I was not expecting visitors."
Interestingly, Amber was reminded of the old man in the Maiden fairy tale. He made Professor Ozpin look young. However, Amber did not doubt that there was quite a bit of life in him yet. The air he gave off was one of patience and friendliness. Why would a man like that hire a man like that teacher?
"We were not expecting to be here either. However, we are and we are unsure how to return home; a world like and unlike this one. One of your students discovered us on the grounds and led us here."
"If I could, I would aid in returning you home. However, I am unsure how much use I can be. We have never had travellers appear on Hogwarts grounds before. You may stay at the school if you wish, provided you are not a danger to my students."
"How about a danger to your teachers?" Mercury asked cheerfully. Ruby nudged him with a scowl. He gave her a smile.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Headmaster, it is late. I have no problems continuing this discussion but is there a place I can send my students to sleep? There is the small chance they will be by the time we are done."
"Of course. There are rooms behind the portraits in this castle. Fawkes can guide you to one. If you give the words 'Devil's Snare', it will open. If you wish to change the password, you will need to repeat those words, say 'forget' and give the new password."
"Many thanks."
Fawkes was the bird that was currently on Ruby's arm.
"Alright students." Professor Goodwitch took responsibility for them. "It is time to leave."
There was no arguing. There wasn't really much talking either. Soon, it was only herself along with Professors Ozpin and Dumbledore in the room.
"If I may ask, what did the young lad mean about being a danger to teachers?"
"Your teacher did not seem pleased to find a student leading us to your office. In fact, I am doubtful he even saw us until I spoke. Instead, he was very insulting and derogative to that student and, based on no evidence, intended to have him expelled."
Headmaster Dumbledore let out a long sigh. "I will discuss that with him. Do you know his or the student's name?"
As it happened, said teacher waltzed into the room with a perfectly functional hand. He snatched up the stick on the desk and spun to snarl at them.
"Where is that monster?"
"Continuing from where I left off, said teacher then attacked the student. Naturally, the student moved out of the way. I protected mine and one of them decided to eliminate the threat. Fortunately for the teacher, he is very good with his aim and control."
"That is a rabid animal that should be put down."
"While his actions may be extreme, they were caused by a very valid threat." Professor Ozpin's tone was flatter while Amber narrowed her eyes. She knew very little about him, but a rapid animal Mercury was not. "I do not fault him for them and would even praise his restraint. What I will discuss with him was that they were unnecessary as the situation was being handled."
"You would reward that behaviour?"
"I never said that. I would merely say that he is well disciplined. It was very easy for a fatal accident to occur."
"So you agree that he is a danger?"
"He is no more of a danger than my other students if you target someone close to them."
Amber thought that was a little inaccurate, but he wasn't wrong. None of them would stand by and allow the behaviour this 'teacher' was showing.
"Severus, enough." It would seem their Headmaster didn't like this attitude either. The man narrowed his eyes, but closed his mouth. "You say 'your students'?"
"In our world, we are part of a Combat School named Beacon. While the police exist in both mine and your world, we deal with more dangerous threats. There are monsters in our world just like there are monsters in yours. If one chooses to become what we call a Huntsman or Huntress, they are often trained at Combat Schools."
"So yours is a school for training warriors that operate outside of the law?"
"While we train warriors, we certainly work within the law. As Huntsmen and Huntresses are able to kill a civilian very easily by accident, we are held to a higher standard. Our goal is the protection of our world, from known and unknown threats."
Headmaster Dumbledore placed his elbows on his desk and rested his head on his fingers, clearly deep in thought. Snape's eyes went between the two; his features blank.
After a few moments, Headmaster Dumbledore spoke again. "I'm sure it would take a great amount of time to determine the differences between our world and yours. However, my students' safety in paramount and I need to be sure your students are not a threat."
Professor Ozpin leaned his cane against the desk. "I would like to say no. However, teenagers are teenagers. One key difference between our world and yours is that certain individuals, including all Huntsmen and Huntresses have aura. Our civilians and your world do not."
"Ridiculous," Snape scoffed.
Headmaster Dumbledore ignored him. "Am I to understand that your definition of 'aura' is different to ours?"
"Our aura acts as a shield or gives us unique abilities. The main concern is that it is very easy for accidents to occur. For example one punch from a Huntress, with meaning or not, will either break that individual's leg or disfigure it completely. If he chose to, one kick from Mercury could have killed your professor."
"What?" Snape went understandably pale.
"They understand the need for restraint, but this is a school and they are teenagers. On top of that, your students don't have aura. One misunderstanding and there will be a death. A mere annoyance to Mercury would kill your students."
Headmaster Dumbledore sat back in his seat. "Although you used Mercury as an example, I assume he is not a danger?"
"Ironically, he is the least dangerous. He doesn't get riled up and has had the most training in restraining his power. The others are used to interacting with those on an equal footing as them."
Snape chose to speak next. "It may be best for the students if you were to leave."
"Perhaps," Headmaster Dumbledore agreed. "However, our magic can be just as dangerous. One tripping jinx on the stairs for example. Teenagers will be teenagers. Our students are between 11 and 17. If I may ask, what age are yours?"
"With the exception of Ruby, who is 15, the others are at least 17." Professor Ozpin waited for a few moments. "While I understand and agree with your standing, I do think there is a reason we found ourselves here. If you would aid us in that, we may find a way back home. It is very important we find a way back."
There was a huge worry. If they were here, Cinder was still on Remnant and would suddenly have found a lot of major players missing. There might not be a Remnant to return to.
"That is understandable." There was a dragged out silence there. "Our school is currently hosting a tournament called the Tri-Wizard Tournament and is home to parties from two other schools. You can see Hogwarts, so I can grant you shelter for a time. If you are still here at the end of the year, it would be wise to discuss further options then."
"Agreed. If I may ask, how does your government work? Is there one for the whole magical world or just for your continent? Mr Potter said the magical and muggle world were separate."
"He is correct. We are divided by country and have a Ministry for Magic based in London."
London? It would seem the geography was very different from what they were used to. That was to be expected; Mr Potter had never heard of Remnant.
Professor Ozpin chuckled. "I believe my students will be kept busy for quite a number of months merely learning the basics of this world, both muggle and magical." Keeping them busy would aid in keeping the number of fights down.
"We have a magnificent library for them to learn from. You are free to make use of it."
"My thanks." There was a sigh. "There is still a very high chance of our students interacting. If the magical world is separated from the muggle, how do the two sides view each other?"
"Badly," Snape responded. "Most muggles do not know we exist and some magicals look down muggles. A fight between your students and ours is inevitable."
"That is something that needs to be avoided. Perhaps a demonstration would help."
"Fear would not help."
"Fear is not my aim, but if that is how they choose to take it, then that is their choice. You have already given an example of how your magic can be dangerous. Like your school, ours was hosting an event. Students in our year groups are split into teams of 4, not Houses and we have two teams here. Collectively, they are called Remedy and Zebrina. This tournament is a friendly competition between teams from all four Combat Schools. We could give an exhibition match."
Headmaster Dumbledore smiled. "The idea has merit."
"It would have to be somewhere that collateral damage is not a problem or can be reversed. Their weapons are designed to kill monsters, even if they have a strong defence against them."
"Would it be wise to have our nurse on standby?"
"That won't be necessary. Our aura can be measured. When it drops below a certain point or shatters, the match is over. There is no lasting damage."
"Then I'm sure we can accommodate. If the Great Hall is not suitable, then the grounds would be large enough. We can put up wards to ensure the other students are not harmed."
"As much as I hate to interrupt," Snape inserted smoothly. "But as you said, we are dealing with teenagers. Does your school have discipline?"
Amber didn't like Snape and had no idea why a teacher had this kind of attitude, but he did have valid points.
"Naturally we do and we would prefer it if you left our students to us, but my concern is bullies. Every school has them, no matter how much we wish otherwise. Our way of handling them is not a way we can use here."
"And what way might that be?"
"Controlled combat between the bully and their victim or between the bully and another of their teammates. For example those targeting Ruby were treated to a 'match' with Mercury. The match lasted less than three minutes. They have not bothered anyone since. We do not condone that behaviour, but ours is a Combat School. They are encouraged to be independent. Obviously, we cannot pit our students against yours; it would not end well."
"No, it would not." Oddly, Headmaster Dumbledore was quiet for a moment. "For now I will handle my students and you handle yours. Any incidents of bullying will be dealt with at the time. If I may ask, what is your intention of your students' education?"
"If we can find somewhere suitable, then Combat Class can continue." Neither asked, but it was quite obvious. "Much of their time is going to be spent in the library. This world's history can be self-taught, although I must ask if there are any subjects that could be considered experimental that they might come across and decide to attempt."
"Potions." Snape's answer was immediate. "I have had quite a few dunderheads blow up their cauldrons in class and do not have time to instruct yours in this art."
"Potions is one that your students may manage, under supervision," Headmaster Dumbledore agreed. "Herbology is also possible. Much of that subject is not done with active spells as many plants require delicate handling, especially the lower years. I can ask Hagrid about Care of Magical Creatures. Ancient Runes might also interest them. Astronomy too." There was another silence. "Is there a philosophical question about destiny in your world?"
Amber almost smiled at the thought of destiny.
Professor Ozpin let out a laugh. "Indeed there is. It is a heavily debated topic."
"Divination is also a possible choice then. If you would like, I could provide you with some information on all the courses available?"
"If you wouldn't mind. It might also be wise to include courses they can't take, merely so they understand. A lack of understanding can lead to fear, which in turn leads to violence. If we find ourselves here for some time, it would be wise to understand some of your magic."
"There is something I am curious about. You have said 'your magic' a few times. Can I ask why?"
That was an interesting question. Professor Ozpin didn't say anything, choosing to abide by what Amber told them. She knew that RMEY were aware of magic on Remnant, but ZBRN were not. Was it wise to mention it to strangers?
"There is magic in our world that is very different from aura. That is different from your magic. This is kept hidden from the general public for safety reasons. Many believe that magic doesn't exist."
That did seem to be one of the few similarities between their worlds.
"Ah. I cannot fault that logic." The bird appeared back on its stand in a flash of fire. It trilled happily. "Fawkes here is a phoenix. Magnificent creatures. He seems to have taken a liking to the young girl. Ruby was it?" Fawkes trilled again. "Another kind of creature that live in the castle are house elves, although you won't see them unless you call one's name. They keep the castle clean and prepare the food as well. While some see it as slavery, they require a bond in order to survive. Without it, unless they are in a place of ambient magic, they will die. Tippy."
Tippy?
A little creature with bat like ears and wide eyes appeared by the desk with a quiet pop. "Headmaster calls Tippy?"
"Indeed. Professor Ozpin and his companions are staying at Hogwarts for a while. Would you mind answering questions for them if they ask when they call on you?"
"Yes, Headmaster."
"Thank you. You may go." With another tiny pop, the creature vanished. "There are some things that honestly may not occur to us to answer because it is such common knowledge. If you require anything, feel free to call on Tippy. I will send along the course information with him by tomorrow."
"My thanks," Professor Ozpin nodded. "The hour's getting late. It may be best if we get back to our students. No doubt they will get no rest until they know what's going on."
"Rather understandable."
"Would it be a hindrance if we were to meet regularly? It may help gain a better understanding of our new situation."
"Of course."
Amber was very impressed with office, but all the hallways had that dark feeling. It was very interesting to see a castle acting as a school. It was also a very different world. There were no Grimm here. While some towns on Remnant were very simple, they did all have technology of some sort, even if it was just their scrolls.
With that thought came the understanding that their scrolls wouldn't work here. Amber was staying in Vale for the duration of the Vytal Festival. While it may be dangerous, she had decided the year before she wanted to stay in the hosting continent. Those plans had not changed, even with the knowledge it was one of the most dangerous places for her. She was always in danger.
Professor Ozpin stopped at the bottom of the stairs next to her. "Tippy?"
The little creature popped up. "Yes sir?"
"Do you know where the rest of our company is currently staying? If so, could you lead us there?"
"Yes sir. This way sir."
Tippy took them left and within minutes, they were at the staircase that constantly moved. She didn't see any cogs or anything that could be moving them. That would suggest it was their magic and that it was far more diverse than they originally thought. Maybe it was capable of their magic and what their Dust could accomplish.
"Is the school itself magical?" Professor Ozpin asked. His eyes were on a moving portrait of three people playing some sort of card game.
"Yes sir."
"Is it alive?"
The house elf looked at the Professor then. "Not the way wizards think. Is alive, but not as much. Most cannot hear her. She cares about students."
"One student said it was hundreds of years old?" Amber asked. Had its magic survived that long? Mr Potter didn't sound sure, but then she had no idea when these 'Middle Ages' were in this world's timeline.
"A thousand, miss. Hogwarts very special."
"Have there been any visits from other worlds before?" Professor Ozpin queried.
"Not in Tippy's life sir. But stories say yes. Hogwarts say yes. Wizards choose forget. They appear one day, disappear another."
They weren't the first. That meant it was possible there was a way back to Remnant. That was a huge relief. With any luck, they wouldn't be here very long. Most likely, it hadn't been in Headmaster Dumbledore's lifetime either. It sounded like it was a very long time ago.
"Do the stories say why they disappeared?"
"They were needed no more."
'Needed' was an interesting word to use. Did that mean that once they had completed some task or important event, they would be returned home?
"Is 'disappear' a word used for 'death'?"
"No sir. They here one day, gone the next. No death. House elves know."
They had had no control of being brought here and they had no control of being taken back. That did not soothe her.
Amber counted the levels. They were on the fourth floor. The torches on the walls lit as they approached and faded when they were too far away to need their light. She was curious about how the presence of students would change the atmosphere. A few hundred students did not seem large enough for this castle, even with some students from other schools.
There was the question as to how the two groups of students would react to one another.
"Amber? Is something wrong?"
"Not wrong. This school just…feels different. I'm not sure why."
"It is a different setting than most areas on Remnant. If nothing else, this will be an interesting experience."
"The question I have is why we were brought here and how."
"Agreed. I'm also curious as to why these particular people were selected."
That was a question Amber hadn't considered. She had only returned to Beacon a few days beforehand and had intended to stay for the Vytal Festival. Why Professor Goodwitch and not Professor Oobleck? Why team ZBRN rather than team JWMP?
"We here sirs," Tippy said. He was pointing at a much larger portrait of a nobleman in purple.
"Thank you Tippy."
Tippy popped away. The portrait then spoke. "I must say, I am very surprised at this turn of events. Feel free to ask questions about the history of Hogwarts to the ghosts and portraits. We are proud of our school."
"I am pleased to hear it," Professor Ozpin smiled. "I understand the password is 'Devil's snare'?"
"Indeed it is. And in case you're wondering, it is a plant." The portrait swung open as if on a hinge with a small staircase behind it. That small staircase led to rather large room furnished like a living room.
Zephyr, Blake, Ren and Yang were on the floor playing some card game with Nora next to them providing commentary. Professor Goodwitch was at one of the few desks, flicking through a book. Mercury was on the sofa with Emerald and Ruby stretched out lying side by side on top of him.
Almost as one, the students looked over.
Nearly everyone in Gryffindor had gone to bed by now. The wood in the fireplace was burning low and the occasional spark flickered up. In the seats closest to the remaining flames resided three teenagers.
Harry had never seen that look on Hermione's face before. It was a mixture of incredulity, horror, confusion and grudging amusement.
Ron was outright gleeful. "Seriously? He attacked Snape and got away with it?"
That snapped Hermione out of her shock. "Honestly Ron, I would think that he was in trouble with his professor. But what was he thinking?"
"It's Snape."
"He was attacking them Hermione," Harry pointed out. That might just be his new memory for his Patronus. "What was he supposed to do?"
"It sounds like his teacher had it handled." Hermione threw her hands up in the air. "This can't happen. It just can't. You cannot Apparate into Hogwarts. And they claim to be from a different world? It just can't happen."
"It did."
"Harry…" Hermione's exasperated tone only increased. "Do you realise how insane that sounds?"
"No more insane than living with the Dursleys for ten years, then being told I'm a wizard." Harry could understand Ron not agreeing, but not Hermione. "Hermione, you didn't see their weapons. No one, muggle or wizard, carries around stuff like that."
Ron scoffed. "The teachers will confiscate them faster than you can say 'Quidditch'."
"Mercury didn't use a weapon to take Snape down and Snape started it," Harry responded. He saw the disbelief written clearly on his friends' faces. "Look, if the magical world exists, why not a different one altogether? I mean, Hermione, have you ever read about a place called 'Remnant'? How about Semblances as in power? What about Huntsmen and Huntresses?"
"Well, no."
"I know it's far-fetched, but maybe they were telling the truth. For goodness sake Hermione, they didn't know what Earth was!" At least, he didn't think they did.
"Still sounds like they escaped from a loony hospital," Ron muttered.
That angered Harry. "Most muggles talking to wizards would think the same. To wizards, the muggle world may as well be on a different planet."
Hermione bit her lip. "He's got a point Ron."
Ron shook his head. "Mental, the both of you."
"Just because you think something is impossible Ronald, doesn't mean it actually is." Hermione used his full name. She must really be furious with him. "Some muggles have wondered about a multiverse…Like parallel dimensions. There's a whole scientific theory behind it. Maybe we should reserve judgement until we actually meet them. Maybe we will finally find evidence of whether it is true or not."
The best way to get Hermione on your side: fight with logic.
Ron decided to approach from a different angle. "Who says we going to meet them? Dumbledore will probably just send them packing. If they can attack Snape, they can attack anyone."
"We attacked Snape last year," Harry pointed out. "We got away with it. Doesn't mean we're going to attack anyone."
"Except Malfoy."
Hermione frowned. "I think Dumbledore will be more curious as to how they got to the castle in the first place. If they are from our world-" She brought up a hand to stall Harry's objections, "then he will want to know where they came from. It is for the safety of the school. If not, he'll be even more curious. We could learn a lot from them."
"Only you Hermione…" Ron shook his head, then grinned. "Think they'll be joining us for breakfast tomorrow?"
Harry shrugged. "Probably."
There was another thing that made Harry so sure they weren't lying. Sometimes, like when he was in Ollivander's shop, he could feel the magic in the air, if only slightly. He didn't feel that with them.
"Mercury. A moment."
Mercury avoided sighing. He had known this was coming since they left Snape. ZBRN headed to the bedrooms not unlike their dorm rooms at Beacon as did Yang (with an annoyingly cheerful wave), but his Gems remained. He did manage to slip out from underneath them and was now sitting on the end of the sofa.
"Yes?"
Ozpin fixed him with a stare, but it seemed contemplative. "Do you know what you did wrong earlier?"
Mercury didn't think he did anything wrong earlier. He did know what Ozpin wanted to hear and decided to humour him. "It was unnecessary at the time." From the adults' point of view. "You were acting."
"Indeed. Would you repeat your actions in similar circumstances?"
Was this a trick question? The Fall Maiden and his Combat Professor were still in the room.
Mercury didn't answer immediately, but he didn't want to be caught in a lie later. That would only hurt his and Emerald's standing. "Depends how similar the circumstances. If an adult attacks without any form of provocation, then yes. If it's a student trying to act tough, then I'll be more lenient." Maybe. He wouldn't kill them anyway.
Ozpin's gaze grew more intense. "You are not to engage in a fight with these Hogwarts students at all. Is that understood and agreed to Mercury?"
"…Understood and agreed to unless they attack us first." He was not giving up a right to self-defence. It was clear their magic could do a lot and be very dangerous. How dangerous, he would find out very soon.
"And their condition after these fights?"
"Alive with a few broken bones seeing as they can fix them so fast." That fact alone made him cautious. Fear and pain were powerful motivators and with such a varied weapon as these wands seemed to be, a fight would be ill advised if they could heal so easily.
Maybe their magic is in place of our aura.
"Mercury. We are not on Remnant. This is their world and their rules. You will abide by them." Translation: Ozpin wasn't bailing him out if he screwed up. He didn't have the pull here that he did at Beacon.
"Understood." Mercury recognised a lost battle when he saw one.
"…Very well. Off to bed you three."
No doubt all of them would be getting another warning in the morning. If these people didn't have aura, one of Yang's punches was going to kill someone regardless of whether she shot them as well. Of the eight students that were at this school at the moment, only one had had active training in restraining his strength. This was going to be a very different student dynamic than they were used to. Yang was definitely going to struggle.
The rooms that the students had claimed (the adults got their own) were split up into a shared dorm, but weren't as large as the ones they were used to. They separated into two rooms of three and one room of two. Two boys were sharing a room and so were three girls. There was only one room that had a mix of genders.
Mercury shut the door behind them, his features in a frown. On Remnant, he mostly knew who his enemies were and where he stood in their war. Now he found himself in a world very unlike theirs for reasons and enemies unknown.
At least there was a reason and they would probably be returned home afterwards.
Probably.
"Hey Merc?"
"Hmm?" Mercury looked over at Ruby, who was at the open wardrobe. There were some outfits hanging within that were very familiar. In fact… "Is that what I wore to the prom?"
"Yep. Mine and Emerald's dresses are in here too. As well as a few changes of clothes." She continued to push the clothes aside, stopping for a little longer on each one. Her eyes seemed conflicted. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She sighed and leaned back into him. "Do you think we'll ever go home?"
Eventually.
"Of course we will. Can you imagine how disappointed JWMP will be when they find out they missed out on this? A world of magic?"
Magic. Mercury glanced at the bathroom, where their missing girlfriend was. Maybe their magic could heal Emerald.
Ruby followed his gaze. She let out a soft sigh. "She'll be okay, won't she?"
"…I hope so." Some things take time to heal, even if the scars didn't fade.
When Emerald came out, Mercury glanced the full length mirror inside. She didn't say anything, just gave a smile that was nowhere near sincere and crawled into the bed. Ruby pampered her as he went to get ready for bed himself.
Emerald slept in the centre as she had done since Mountain Glenn, with her Quicksilver protecting her. It had taken Ruby almost two hours to drift off next to her, though Mercury stayed awake a while longer. He ran his hand through Emerald's hair, hoping the act gave her the same comfort it gave him when their roles were reversed. She hadn't had any nightmares at least.
First impressions of Hogwarts: not great. Harry wasn't too bad, though the fact he had something that could turn him invisible was something to be careful of. He wasn't expecting much from the teachers if Snape was anything to go by. There was something about this whole castle that bothered him and it wasn't that it defied the laws of physics or common sense.
What concerned Mercury the most was this 'reason' they were in this world in the first place.
Albus Dumbledore had seen many unexplainable events in his long life. That is to be expected in a world full of magic. However, it was very easy to say this was the most incredible.
He had sent a message to the teachers for an immediate staff meeting. This could not wait until the morning. At the moment, he had decided to talk to the Heads of Houses as well as Alastor, waiting until there was a more certain plan before approaching the other teachers. Once the floo calls had been made, he sat back and began to think about the new arrivals.
All the students looked healthy and happy. Every item they carried, which could be assumed to be weapons, appeared to be unique to them. Perhaps they had been designed to fit that student's personality, much like their wands. Albus could not in good conscience ask for them to surrender their weapons when his society carried a wand wherever they went and had proven to be a dangerous tool as well as a constructive one.
In Professor Ozpin, Albus recognised a fellow scholar. He was of great intellect and had chosen to educate the next generation in matters of their world along with a dedication to protect it. For that alone, he had Albus' respect. He also had a great care for his students, a key aspect in any teacher.
Most likely, the two women were teachers also. One certainly had good control of the students.
Severus was sitting nearby, deep in thought himself. "Are you certain this is for the best Headmaster?"
"I think it would be unwise to anger them at this time, especially if there is no danger."
"You believe their story?"
"I have found that the realm of impossibility is much smaller than the realm of possibility. I did not detect a lie. Did you?"
Severus growled. "No, but that doesn't mean anything."
"If their story is true, then I cannot turn them away Severus." If they came from another world, then they had nowhere to stay. The remainder of this year could be used to assess the new situation and respond accordingly. For now, he would not turn them out as long as they were not a threat.
It was at this point in time that the others teachers arrived. Minerva, Pomona and Filius chose to seat themselves in Minerva's conjured seats while Alastor stood over by the fireplace, his fake eye spinning around the room.
"What is so urgent it could not wait until morning Albus?" Minerva asked. Her question was understandable; it was Saturday tomorrow.
"Something rather extraordinary has happened and I would ask that you do not interrupt while I explain the events of tonight. Then we can discuss how to move forward." Albus told them of Harry finding the group on the grounds; bringing them to his office and the talk he had had with Professor Ozpin.
They listened, quietly. At first, it looked like there would be interruptions, but they remained silent as they considered.
Minerva was the first to speak. "How did this happen, Albus?"
"That is something I don't know. Never in all my years at Hogwarts has this ever happened before."
Albus heard chuckling. He and the others turned to see the Sorting Hat on the shelf, with Fawkes standing next to it. It was not often that the Sorting Hat spoke outside of the Welcoming Feast, but Albus had no interest in ignoring it if it did.
"Just because it has never happened in your lifetime does not mean it hasn't happened before. Hogwarts remembers three instances in history; the last over seven centuries ago, though they did not come from the same world your guests do."
That was interesting news. "If so, is it possible for them to return home or are they trapped here?"
"It is possible for them to return. However, they must complete their objective first. That is all I can tell you."
All breathed a sigh of relief, but Albus wanted more details. "And what objective might that be?"
"I cannot tell you. It's not that I won't tell you; it is that I can't. I cannot say anymore on this topic at this time."
At this time? How interesting. "Thank you. I'm sure our guests will be pleased to hear that."
The Sorting Hat returned to immobility. Fawkes let out a soft trill and flew back to his perch.
"If they appeared here, then it is likely Hogwarts is where they need to be," Albus theorised aloud. "At least, for the moment while we learn more. With the Tri-Wizard Tournament occurring this year, the focus will not be on them. I doubt the Daily Prophet will even mention it."
"If there are only eight students, then they shouldn't be too much trouble," Minerva added. "We have had to accommodate the other schools this year, so we are prepared for them. How are we going to justify it to the Minister?"
Filius chuckled. "I don't think that's going to be a problem this year. As they can see the castle, it would suggest they have some magic. We merely say they are squibs that have been granted sanctuary for a time."
Pomona nodded. "We could add that they appeared by what is thought to be accidental magic despite that. That is thought to be impossible, so the Minister isn't going to complain too much."
Snape rolled his eyes. "Or he could send them to the Department of Mysteries and we'll never see them again."
Albus did entertain part of that thought for a moment. The DOM had records and information that the Ministry did not have access to. Maybe they would be able to find information on similar past events. It would be wise to consider approaching them while keeping the visitors in Hogwarts. The idea that Cornelius Fudge would contact them was laughable. While the Minister was aware of the DOM, he had no authority there no matter how much he might wish otherwise.
For now, Albus chose to focus on the short term. "Professor Ozpin and I did discuss possible options for their education. While some of their subjects can be continued, there was an interest in studying some of ours, especially if they are here for a while."
"I will go on record and refuse to teach them," Snape inserted immediately. "I do not have the time."
"Understandable." Given the interaction between Severus and that student Mercury, it would be wise to wait a little before returning to the topic.
Pomona was the other Head of House that had a subject they could study and she gave the matter her full consideration. "Herbology is possible. Even if I cannot teach them the magic side of the curriculum, much is hands on. I would prefer to give them the first few classes separate though, until I'm satisfied. If they don't mind it, I can then put them with the first years."
"I am sure they won't." Regardless of the fact they were of age, it was their level of knowledge that was important. "Now, I mentioned earlier that they had volunteered an exhibition match and I think it would be a grand idea. However, the question would be where to hold it. Outside seems to be the best place."
Filius nodded. "It would be simplest to raise wards there and eight students are going to need a lot of room. How about the Quidditch Pitch?"
"The wards will have to be very strong then," Minerva responded. "If this is a ploy to avoid fights between our students, destroying the Pitch is a guarantee for it to fail."
Pomona wasn't convinced. "Are we sure this match is a good idea? The students may then see them as a threat."
"And others will target them because they are thought to be defenceless," Filius countered. "I agree with Albus; the match will allow a starting point to understand how dangerous they can be and they have already seen how dangerous magic can be. It might also teach us a little more about the world they are from."
"What concerns me," Pomona started slowly, "is that Professor Ozpin has readily admitted how deadly they can be and the fact they come from a warrior school is worrying. Perhaps it would be wise to segregate them from our students until we have a greater understanding."
"Perhaps," Albus agreed. "However, it is the weekend tomorrow and, save from this match, most likely they will spend their time in the library where very few students will venture. I pity the one who attempts to attack with Madam Pince in the room. Interactions should be limited and will be a trickle, not a flood."
"Except for introducing them at breakfast?" Minerva asked.
That was a good point. It would be akin to throwing them in at the deep end. "I think I will introduce them at breakfast tomorrow or on Monday, but before that I will ask Professor Ozpin for his opinion. He may choose to have the house elves bring them their food and allow them to mingle slowly." It would be very wise to meet with them tomorrow to continue their discussions. "Are there any other problems or suggestions?"
"Are we going to Sort them?" Filius asked. "They are a low number, but some may be more accepting if they are proven to be interested in our traditions."
"That is another topic I will discuss. I don't think we should rush into anything. Would anyone like to be there also?"
There were nods from all four. While their discussion continued, they avoided the main question that was on all their minds: why were they here and how long would they be staying?
It did not escape Albus' notice that they appeared the same year that the Dark Mark did.
Professor Ozpin closed the book in front of him and leaned back in his chair. "The rules are not unreasonable and are what we would expect, but there are some that are…concerning."
"My main concern is how the students are going to react," Professor Goodwitch responded. "If Professor Snape is an example, we may have a problem. We have already been told that their citizens and 'muggle' don't like each other."
"Well, there is one fact that may help a little with our side," Amber commented. "We don't have access to Dust here. We only have what we brought with us."
Professor Ozpin nodded. "True and it would be wise to tell them that in the morning. That won't stop Yang or Mercury, but it's a start. The first thing they are all going to do tomorrow is read this. I don't want any misunderstandings due to lack of knowledge."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Professor Goodwitch agreed. "Many of these rules are similar to ours. As for the potion side, a blanket ban would be enough. I don't think we'll have much trouble with them."
"Indeed. They have gone from the youngest to the eldest and are mature enough to know the difference. That being said, if their students start a fight, ours won't back down. Hopefully the exhibition match tomorrow will prevent too much trouble."
"RMEY's habit of finding trouble needs to be taken into account. They're almost worse than their parents."
Professor Ozpin chuckled. "I imagine by the end of their third year, they will have surpassed that record. In hindsight, it may not have been a good idea to allow Qrow and Taiyang to take them in. They seem to have picked up…habits."
"Bit late now."
Amber smiled. "I know Qrow. What's Taiyang like?"
"He is a loving father. Caring, protective and also a little eccentric, all of which has been passed onto his daughters."
"Eccentric?"
Professor Goodwitch shook her head slightly. "There are many, many examples. We'd be here all night and more."
"Beacon sounds like a very interesting school from the children's point of view."
Professor Ozpin smiled. "All the schools have their individual quirks. It is one reason why the Vytal Festival is so enjoyable."
"Hopefully we will be back before then, no matter how unlikely."
AN: This is a sequel to a RWBY story (Pawns and Players of Fate) and is the second in a series (Destiny's Web). While this can be read as a stand alone, it may be quite confusing in some areas. I will put a list of key events from the prequel in the next chapter if someone asks for it. I have read good crossovers before despite not reading/watching one of the canon stories.
The Harry Potter side will be focused on the books rather than the films.
Thanks for reading.