The Fifth House
Slumber. He liked that word. It was much better than death. Slumber. It had been almost a millennia since he'd sensed anything. He remembered dying, wasn't that bad if he remembered correctly, almost like falling asleep. He did hope for the afterlife, but knowing as he did about the impending doom that threatened the very existence of the magical world, he knew that it was only a matter of time before the Prophesied One would have to come in to his own to free the world from tyranny.
And awaken he did. More than a ghost, yet less than fully human. His arrival did not go unnoticed either. His beloved castle, aware of his awakening, began to sound its bells, bells that had not been heard for centuries. The castle itself seemed to take a deep cleansing breath, aware that help had finally arrived. The castle elves all stopped their work, an odd sight if it were ever seen. With smiles on their small faces they hurriedly picked a representative and sent him to their Lord. Said elf was jumping up and down like a madman, before popping away. The sound of "yes, yes, yes…" echoing off the kitchen walls. Inside a bank, a lone goblin sat at his massive desk and said "Well, finally!"
"My Lord?" queried the ghost.
"Ah, finally! Guess I'm awake then, yes?"
"Indeed, My Lord. It is a most fortuitous event. Your timing, as ever, most excellent."
"Do I know you?"
"Ah, forgive me My Lord, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service."
"I knew a Nicholas Mimsy in my time, any relation?"
"He was, My Lord. My paternal great-great grandfather. You would have known him as a child, attending school at this fine institution." answered Sir Nicholas.
"And so I take it that I am still at Hogwarts? When are we at the present time?"
"Yes my Lord. It is October 30th in the year 1994."
"And how do things stand at my school, Nicholas?"
"Dark times, My Lord. The houses are divided; the headmaster is not nearly as competent as he envisions himself. The prophecy, My Lord? Is the time near?"
"If I am awakened then indeed the time is near. I take it the Prophesied one walks the halls?"
"Young Harry Potter, My Lord. A lad sorted into Gryffindor, although, Sebastian wanted to put him in Slytherin. He carries a burden that no one should at his age. The young man's parents were murdered when he was an infant. His parents had left him in the care of a descendant of the Black family. But the headmaster thwarted his parents' wishes and placed him with muggles. If what the professors say is true, he was and is horribly mistreated by them. He grew up knowing nothing if his heritage and the headmaster seems keen to keep him oblivious, as if such knowledge would somehow ruin his own plans for the future of Magical Britain.
"He knows not who he is, who he is destined to become?"
With downcast eyes, Nicholas answered "No, My Lord".
"Why has Hogwarts done nothing about this man?"
"She has been asleep. My Lord, your awakening today was the first time the bell tower has sounded in centuries. But she is now fully awake, and happily so. The elves await your orders. They have sent a representative if you care to speak to him. The ghosts of the castle await you orders as well."
"The first time in centuries? Has the castle been that unhappy, for so long? "
"She has indeed, My Lord. After your passing, those who were attending Hogwarts forgot that she was alive. They foolishly abandoned her to the ministrations of incompetents, be they professors or headmasters. Eventually she just gave up. After all this time, I don't believe that there is anyone alive who would know this fact. Well, that's not entirely factual, there is one who probably know, although she wouldn't know what to make of the information." answered Nicholas.
"And who might that be?"
"Hermione Granger, sir, a muggle born witch, with a mind as keen as your wife's. She has delved the depths of the castles libraries. It is most odd to see her without a book somewhere on her person. Also, she is best friends with young Harry."
"A muggle born, you say? How marvelous. I knew I was right. There is more of them now, isn't there Nicholas?"
"Yes, My Lord. Each year sees an increase, just as each year sees a decrease in the purebloods. They've let themselves go, and only their political and financial power has seen them keep power for even this long. The self-styled Dark Lord has anointed himself champion to their cause, bringing evil…My Lord, is he the Dark one of prophesy?" asked Nicholas.
"I would not have been awakened if only half the prophecy was fulfilled. So, yes, I believe that this person is indeed he of prophecy."
"Wow!" said Nicholas.
"Wow?"
"Forgive me, My Lord, a colloquialism of the times indicating astonishment." answered a blushing Nicholas.
"Indeed! Well, no need for apologies, I imagine there will be many things to astonish me in the near future. One can only imagine how different things will be. Now, tell me of our young Lord."
"Harry Potter. Son of James Potter and Lily Evans. James was a brilliant student with a keen understanding of transfiguration. Had he lived, I imagined him replacing our current Head of transfiguration. He was a cad while younger, but as he grew, he left that person behind and became a warm and caring authority figure within the school. Lily Evans was brilliant herself. She was by far the most intelligent witch I had ever met up to that point, and, was muggle born. She had a temper to match her auburn hair, but also a kind and thoughtful person who put others needs above her own. When James and Lily wed, Hogwarts herself awakened for a brief time to add her congratulations to the union. It was Halloween in 1981 when Voldemort murdered them and attempted to kill our young Harry. Somehow, the young child was able to deflect a killing curse right back at the wizard. Since that night he has carried the moniker 'the-boy-who-lived.' It was at this time that our headmaster stuck his bent nose into affairs he had no business being in. He basically kidnapped the child, ignoring that his godfather was the chosen guardian, and dropped him off at the doorstep of those muggles. My Lord, it is the belief of many of the staff that our young Lord was abysmally treated by those he was placed in care of. And yet, despite his upbringing, he is a most honorable young man."
"Yes Nicholas, but what is he like?"
"Harry is the most honorable individual it has been my pleasure to meet. His code of ethics would put Lancelot to shame. He is highly intelligent, and I believe he would be the number two student at school if not for his misadventures that keep him from focusing. He is loyal to all he calls friends; there is nothing he wouldn't do for them. He is also cunning, a reason I believe Sebastian almost put him in Slytherin House. He is also a sullen lad, prone to bouts of deep guilt regarding events that have transpired. He holds himself accountable for all things that go wrong, believing that if he'd only tried harder he would have been able to save everyone. He exhibits characteristics of all Houses in full measure." said a pensive Nicholas.
"And his friends?"
"Ronald Weasley, Gryffindor through and through, brave without thought. Guileless, but also jealous of Harry for having material wealth. A weak link, if I may say so, but one that could be transformed into a strong and loyal friend. Or, one who through his jealousies, could turn to the dark. His two older brothers, twins, George and Fred, pranksters extraordinaire. But with a streak of loyalty towards Harry that is second to all but one. Intelligent and ambitious as well. Neville Longbottom, a quiet lad who knows not his own strength. Also, extremely loyal to Harry. Luna Lovegood has just entered his circle of friends, she is an odd one, but with an insight to rival Rowena's. And then there is…"
"Yes?"
"Hermione Granger. The most intelligent witch of this generation, and also of many previous generations. Landed in Gryffindor for some reason, instead of Ravenclaw. Loyal to Harry to such an extent that she places herself in danger without thought to her own well-being. Thoughtful and caring. She has really grown into quite a lovely young lady. Harry puts her above all the rest." Said Nicholas with a frown on his face.
"What is it, you're leaving something out about her."
"She…he…they…My Lord, it is most frustrating! " answered Nicholas
"Explain"
"It is obvious, to EVERYONE but them, that they love each other. And I am not talking about teenage hormones love; I'm talking a love to define an era. The kind of love that people only talk and dream about. As individuals they are both extraordinary, if they would only let themselves feel and let the love embrace them, as a couple they would transcend extraordinary and become legend." answered Nicholas truthfully.
"What prevents them from joining?"
Nicholas thought for a minute before answering. "In Harry's case, I believe his upbringing is a major reason. He feels unworthy of love. Hermione has a similar problem, in that while she feels worthy of love, she thinks she does not meet the standards that Harry deserves. It is most frustrating."
"Well, we'll just have to remedy that, won't we? That was very insightful Nicholas, well done!"
"Many thanks My Lord, but it is the Friar you should be thanking. For a clergyman, he is an inveterate gossip. But he has a keen understanding of the human condition, and will be most helpful in that regard."
"Well, I think it is time to speak to the Elf. Bring him to me Nicholas, if you would, please?"
"Of course, My Lord, I will be back momentarily" said Nicholas as he gently glided out of the room.
And so the man sat there thinking deep thoughts. It was time. Lord Harry was going to grow into the role he'd been preordained to fill. And with a witch by his side to help him, they would rival Merlin and Morgana. Plans swirled in his mind. Lord Black needed to be brought into the fold. Allies needed to be sought.
"My Lord, may I present Dobby? A free elf who was elected the representative of the castle elf population."
"A great pleasure to meet you, Dobby"
"The honor is all mine, My Lord sir" answered Dobby with a wide grin.
"A free elf?" asked the Lord.
A blushing Dobby answered. "No, My Lord sir, I am actually bonded, but my Master knows not that I have bonded to him."
"And why not?"
"Harry Potter sir is a great and noble wizard. He freed me from a bad family. Dobby is wanting new family. Harry Potter sir does not know about elf magic." With a look of shame, Dobby said "I have tricked Harry Potter sir into bonding with Dobby."
"Excellent. Don't feel ashamed Dobby. Great things are in store for your Harry Potter sir, it will greatly reassure me that he has someone as faithful to him as you by his side"
"Thank you, My Lord Sir" said a blushing Dobby.
"I will need a favor of the elves, Dobby. It is my intention to resurrect a part of the castle that has fallen into disuse. It needs to be reopened and brought into working order quickly. If you grab my hand, I shall take you there." Grabbing the Lords hand, Dobby was surprised to be "popped" to a location in the castle that he'd never been to before. A large double door of bronze and wood stood before him. With utmost care, the Lord lifted his hand to the door knocker and struck it three times. On the third time, the creaking door slowly swung open, and revealed a large room. Snapping his fingers, Dobby was surprised to see a very large room, similar to the common rooms of the Houses.
"My Lord sir, what is this place?" asked Dobby
"Well, friend Dobby, this is the Fifth House!"
ooOOooOO
Gryffindor common room was in a happy mood. With the announcement at the start of term that the Tri-Wizards tournament would be taking place at Hogwarts, everyone was in a state of giddy excitement. Tonight would see the selection of the champions during dinner, and all Gryffindor hoped one of their own would get the chance to represent Hogwarts.
Even the usually moody Harry had a smile on his face. He liked the fact that with the tournament being for of age wizards, he would be left for once, on the sidelines of the happenings of Hogwarts. Looking at Ron, Harry was happy to see friend laughing it up with Seamus and the twins. The twins were still in the process of shaving off their beards, having failed spectacularly at entering the tournament. The twins' girlfriends, Angelina and Alicia, were trying in vain to keep straight faces.
"Where is Hermione?" he wondered to himself. He was in the process of heading up to his room to check the Map, when a mental image of Hermione in the library suddenly came to him. "Of course, where else would she be." So he grabbed his robe, and headed out of the common room in search of his best friend.
Arriving at the library, he was not surprised to find it mostly empty. Everyone was most likely heading to dinner at the moment. He spotted Hermione in her preferred spot, and alcove by a large bay window that overlooked the quidditch pitch. She didn't have the usual look of concentration on her face that he usually associated with a studying Hermione. She actually looked, well, rather relaxed.
""Mione?"
"Harry Potter, in the library, at this hour? What happened, are the fan-girls wandering the halls?" said Hermione with a slight smile.
"Oh, har har. Funny, aren't you? I just came to check on you. Dinner is about to start, thought I'd come and get you before heading to the hall. What are you reading?" asked a curious Harry.
With a slight blush on her cheeks she said "Oh, nothing, just something Mom sent me a couple of days ago. I don't always study you know!"
"Well…what is it" asked an even more curious Harry.
Blushing even harder she said "It's a romance novel, ok! Mom thought I'd get a kick out of it as it's about a witch and a wizard fleeing Salem during the witch trials."
"Hermione reads romance novels? Seriously? You know, this is going to be used against you. I shall tease you mercilessly! " said Harry with a grin.
"Are you threatening to blackmail me?"
"Such an ugly word, blackmail. Think of it more as incentive, to do my homework. For the rest of our stay here at lovely Hogwarts." he said with an evil smile.
"Harry, that's…that's…just so wrong. Evil even. Prat!" she responded with a grin and a slap to his shoulder.
"You know I'm kidding, right? I'd never do that to you" he said sincerely.
Looking down at his watch, he stood and offered her his hand. "Come on, it's time. I don't want to be late. I'd like to see the champions named. Thank Merlin I'm not allowed to compete. First time I'm glad I'm fourteen instead of seventeen!"
Hermione looked at Harry's hand and with a slight blush, grabbed her book bag and pulled herself up from the table. "He just doesn't know what he does to me with these little acts of thoughtfulness" she mused. His hand was coarse in hers, but not unpleasant. Warm. Hours of flying had given Harry the calluses he sported. The tingling in her stomach wouldn't stop as she held his hand. She'd dreamed of holding his hand like this since first year, but it had only been recently that her best friend had become more touchy-feely. She definitely liked it.
He grabbed her book bag, and threw it over his shoulders. "My Lady, dinner awaiteth!" he bellowed as he led her from the library. Hermione giggled as she saw Madam Pince give Harry the evil eye.
Harry liked holding her hand, and was rather surprised that she held on to it as they made their way to the Great Hall. The butterflies he usually had when he was around her settled when she touched him. He'd never consciously thought of Hermione as anything other than his best friend. It seemed sacrilegious somehow. Raised in the manner he was, he had little real understanding of how to process his emotions. Seeing a young brown-eyed girl asking about a toad aboard a Hogwarts bound train, Harry had been overcome with emotions he'd never felt before. He'd been drawn to her as he'd never been drawn to anyone else. They'd become quick friends, and over the years had put her on the top rung of the friendship scale. He'd do for her what he'd not do for anyone else, even Ron.
"The twins recover from their bout of hairiness?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, laughing it up in the common room last I saw. Their girls were trying their best to trim the boys, hard to do when laughing as loudly as they were. Stuff just kept growing back, too! Knowing the headmaster though, I'm sure it will only last a day or two."
Still holding hands, they made their way to the Gryffindor table, Neville waving them over. "I am so excited about this" whispered Neville, "glad to be here for what I hope will be an exhilarating tournament!"
"Agreed! As much as I'll miss playing quidditch this year, it'll be nice to be able to enjoy the school as a spectator instead of as a contestant. I'm looking forward to cheering on the Hogwarts champion; maybe make a friend or two with kids from the other schools. If I can get through this year without somebody trying to kill me, I'll count my blessings and consider it a year finally gone well" Harry said earnestly.
"You know you just jinxed yourself, right?" giggled Hermione.
"What are you talking about?"
"Counting your eggs before they're hatched, of course. Just wait and see. Snape will probably be made Head of Gryffindor now, all because you couldn't refrain from predicting a normal year!" joked Hermione.
"Merlin forefend! Snape as a Gryffindor? They sky would surely fall on our heads!" joked Harry as Neville and Hermione giggled on.
An air of excitement permeated the Hall as students enjoyed their dinner, all anticipating the coming selection. In the distance, a rumbling could be heard. Over the din of the cacophony that was the Great Hall, it went almost unnoticed.
"Did you feel that?" asked Harry.
"Feel what?" said a smiling Hermione.
"Just…I don't know. A tremor of some sort. 'Mione, I'm getting a bad feeling, something isn't right here."
She looked at Harry, her smile slowly fading away. "Come on, finish your dinner, we'll head to the common room"
He nodded in approval, and grabbing Hermione's book bag, made ready to leave. And it was just at that moment that Harry regretted being just a bit too slow in acknowledging his gut feelings.
Dumbledore rose from his throne. "Silence, please, everyone. The time for the selection has come. The Cup is ready to announce its selection for the tournament." His eyes swept the room, settling briefly on Harry. Harrys whole body felt as it had been dipped in an ice bath. Hermione saw Dumbledore glance meaningfully at Harry, and felt as her friends body tensed.
"Harry, we have to get out of here. You're right. Something is definitely wrong here. You didn't put your name in…?"
"NO! I had no inclination, whatsoever, to put my named in that bloody cup!"
"I believe you Harry."
"…Victor Krum…"
Harry felt the soft rumbling from before growing in intensity. Why did no one else feel this?
"…Fleur Delacour…"
A couple of people next to Harry, namely Hermione and Neville, looked at Harry with color draining from their faces. "I'm guessing you two felt that one?" They both nodded looks of worry on their faces.
"…Cedric Diggory…"
A loud rumble echoed through the hall, and yet amazingly no one paid it any heed. ""Mione, Nev, come on, let's get out of here!"
And as the three stood and quickly began making their way to the doors, the cup began to sputter again. A final piece of parchment, thrust into the air, landed gently in the Headmasters fingers.
"HARRY POTTER!"
Hermione still had Harrys hand in hers. She could feel the warmth drain from it, his green eyes looking at her almost pleadingly for help. Slowly he turned and faced the dais.
"Cheater!" "Liar!" "Cedric is the Hogwarts champion, not you!" "Fake!"
"SILENCE!" bellowed Dumbledore. "Harry, did you put your name in the Cup?"
"No, Professor, I did not!" answered Harry calmly.
"Liar!" yelled someone at the Gryffindor table. A voice he recognized. He turned and saw his "best-friend", red-faced, glaring at him with undisguised anger and jealousy.
"Ron?"
"You heard me, Potter. You're nothing but an attention seeking liar"
The rumbling in the background was increasing in intensity.
Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew, of course of Ron's jealousy of Harry, but thought that over the years he'd grown out of that phase. Apparently she was mistaken, given the accusing tone of his accusation. "Ron, you know Harry had nothing to do with his name being put into the cup. How could you possibly believe that?"
"He's just an attention seeking glory hound. Anything to get his name in the papers!"
The look on Harrys face was heartbreaking. Hermione could see the look of anguish and despair in his face, although he was trying mightily to maintain a blank expression. He took both Hermione's hands in his, and as gently as she had ever seen him be, raised her hands to his lips and gently kissed them.
"Watch her back, Neville" he asked. "You know I will!" answered Neville resolutely.
He let her hands drop, and strode calmly to the professors table. His look of despair had vanished, replaced by and intensely determined look. "Professor, I am underage, and did not put my name in the Cup; I will not participate in the Tournament."
Suddenly, the lights in the Great Hall dimmed. The ceiling, which had been displaying a starry night, abruptly began to cloud as thunder and lightning began flashing. A single, bright beam of light shone down, illuminating a cloaked figure. A tall man, dressed in what look like leather armor, a sword hanging from his belt. He slowly uncovered his face.
"I will not allow this to proceed any further. Your abuse of Harry Potter stops this instant!"
Dumbledore looked shocked. McGonagall looked ready to faint. The sneer had left Snape's face, replaced by a look of utter disbelief.
"And who are you to make such demands?" asked Dumbledore, with iron in his voice that he certainly did not feel. "Harry must compete in the tournament, it is the law. If he does not he will lose his magic. He MUST compete. "
"You know, when I made the cup many years ago, it was not intended to be used in such a manner!"
"When you made?" asked Dumbledore in disbelief.
Sir Nicholas glided toward the dais and in a loud voice announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Lord Godric Gryffindor, Lord of Hogwarts and Founder of this school!"
Harry had a look of awe in his eyes, but when Godric looked at him and winked, all Harry could think was "Wow, cool!"
"Lord Potter, front and center if you please?" asked Godric. Slowly, Harry made his way toward the Founder. Bowing slightly, he turned around and faced the dais once again. It never even crossed his mind that Godric had called him Lord.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom, if you'd join us please?" They slowly made their way forward, Hermione grasping Harrys hand in a vise like grip. Neville had a questioning look on his face, Harry just shrugged.
Godric strode over to the Gryffindor table. He looked each of the Lions, his face losing some of its kindness to be replaced by a look of anger and contempt. "Twins, please join Harry and your friends." They stood, and with a look of awe, made their way towards Harry. "You are a disappointment to me. The House of the brave? Is this what my House has become? Loyal to no one but yourselves. The House of chivalry, and yet I see none of that here. Young Lord Potter here has year after year demonstrated the kind of courage and bravery that is the epitome of this House. And yet and you look upon him as a disgrace. The looks of jealousy and distrust marked plainly on your faces. Professor McGonagall, what has become of my House? You, as its Head, should be the walking embodiment of the traditions that I hold dear. And yet you sit there, cowering, allowing one of your own to be held up as a sacrificial victim to the games of the Headmaster. Shame on you, shame on you all!"
Mcgonagall looked as if she wanted to be swallowed by the floor. Never had she been so humiliated, but knew in her heart the Lord Gryffindor was correct. She had been manipulated to such an extent that she'd forgotten who she was. Head of House, the embodiment of a tradition centuries old, and she had given up without a fight.
"Ravenclaw, House of intelligence? I see you have that in abundance. But when has that intelligence been used to better the world, or even this school? Where is that vaunted logic that you should espouse? Intelligence for intelligences sake is for naught if you do not use it well. You've become a House of bullies. Miss Lovegood, if you would please join Harry? Master Flitwick, you are a kind and able Head of House, but you have blinders on that are keeping your House from greatness. You must start paying attention; I will not tolerate the vision Rowena had for this House be tarnished any further. Miss Lovegood here is as intelligent, if not more so, than any in your House. And yet she does not use that intelligence to belittle but to understand the world that she has become a part of. To improve this world that she has joined. And yet you lot see her as Loony. "
"Hufflepuff, look to your champion Cedric. He is the embodiment of all that Helga held dear; loyal to his friends, hard working in his endeavors. Congratulations to you Cedric. You'll make a fine champion, one who'll represent Hogwarts at its best. But you, his fellow 'Puffs, what has become of you? Loyalty just to the person sitting next to you is not enough! You must be loyal to a cause, to something bigger than yourselves. The time will come when Hufflepuff must stand and be counted. Out of all, you have disappointed me the least. Madam Sprout, you've done a fine job, Helga herself would be proud of her House. But keep in mind, the world is much larger than your House. The wizarding world will need your loyalty and compassion to secure a better future."
"House Slytherin, the biggest disappointment of all. Salazar himself would beyond irate at what his House has become. Master Snape, your incessant bullying of other students stops at this moment. Professor Mcgonagall, if falls to you as Deputy to discipline bad teachers."
"But…" started Dumbledore.
"Silence, Headmaster. I will get to you in a minute." growled Gryffindor. "No longer will Hogwarts tolerate a teacher who doesn't teach. You had a fantastic opportunity here, Master Snape, and yet you squandered it like a two year old with a temper tantrum. Imagine, one of the best Potion Masters of the last hundred years, given the task to pass on his knowledge to those who would come after him. And you treat your students as so much offal on your shoes. Did you know that Mr. Longbottom here has the aptitude to become one of the foremost potioneers of his generation, and yet, your constant bullying and harassment has made him become disillusioned with ever learning the craft."
"Miss Greengrass, Mister Zabini, Miss Davis, front and center if you please. Would it come as a surprise to any of this House that you are stronger magically than any other student? Hmm, well, anyone?"
"Of course we are, we hold Purebloods to be the cream of the crop, better and stronger than any! We do not allow filth into our House." stated Malfoy with a sneer.
"Filth? Really? Dobby wasn't kidding about the ferret, was he Lord Potter?" said Godric with a smirk.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, Mister Ferret, but any half-blood or first generation wizard or witch in this school has greater magical strength than anyone in your House."
"You lie! No one here is stronger than us!" yelled Malfoy.
"Really? Would you care to wager on that? Lord Potter here, a half-blood, could kick your ass from here to Hogsmeade without breaking a sweat. Care to duel him?" said Godric, and seeing the blood drain from Malfoy's face added "too much for you then, someone easier perhaps? How about Miss Granger, whom I hear has a wicked right-hook?" Hermione smiled at Godric, and curtsied prettily to him.
"You morons don't even know the history of your own House! Salazar wasn't a blood purist! Those were different times, humans were persecuting and executing us out of existence! By keeping the old families protected he was merely guaranteeing the continuance of those families. He never espoused the "pureblood" doctrine you all so vehemently cling too. Those you coin mudbloods and half-bloods must be welcomed into our world, to deny them will only see the fall and ruination of our society. But all you see is how great you are, unwilling to open your minds to the world and what it has become. The best and brightest are leaving our shores, driven away by the closed mindedness of people like yourselves and your parents. Owls? Quills? I used those when I was a child! Are you telling me that in the centuries that I have been away, no one has come up with a better way to do things?" lectured Godric.
"Master Flitwick, would you answer a question for me? What was the last charm you invented?" asked a curious Godric.
"Ehm, well, that is to say…I have never invented a charm." Flitwick answered honestly.
"Master Flitwick, surely someone in your House has come up with a new way to message somebody, or perhaps a new way to travel?"
"No my Lord." Said Flitwick with his head bowed.
"Disappointing, to say the least. You have a task before you then, don't you 'Claws? Master Snape, you've called the twins here failures as potioneers, yet I have to tell you, from the stories I've heard they are nothing short of geniuses when it comes to the invention of new potions. And yet you dismiss them out of hand. And as for you Headmaster…" said Godric menacingly.
"Hogwarts hereby rescinds its power from you. All power granted to you by Hogwarts is hereby withdrawn. Until such time as you are able to see that the STUDENTS come first, you will no longer be in control of the wards or the education of your charges. You will remain at Hogwarts, though, since you saw fit to change the laws governing the dismissal of headmasters. Would you care to explain why Lord Potter here has no idea about his heritage, his place in the magical world, or his destiny? Secrets are all well and good, Headmaster, but when they place a life in danger, a life you are wholly responsible for, secrets are meaningless."
"As of this day, I am reopening the Fifth House!" Slowly, the emblems of Harry and the other chosen students changed from their old Houses to their new. A dragon, grasping a flaming sword. A table, round, appeared before the professors dais. Draped in a royal purple, the table had ten chairs around it.
"House Pendragon has always been the smallest house. We established this fifth house when we started the school, a place for those whose characteristics kept Sebastian here from placing them. Arthur Pendragon was himself the inspiration for the opening of this House. A man of honor and loyalty. A man of great intelligence. A man who thought nothing of hard work. A man whose ambition and cunning saw the establishment of Camelot."
"This cannot be! That House has been closed for centuries! I will not allow it!" roared Dumbledore.
"Not allow? Sorry, old boy, not your decision to make. You forget I am a Founder! By my right as a Founder I reopen House Pendragon."
Harry giggled at that.
"Something amuses you, My Lord?" asked Godric.
"Forgive me, Lord Godric, I find it immensely amusing to see the Headmaster tongue tied." grinned Harry.
"Well, capital entertainment tonight! Lord Potter, while I hate placing you in any danger, the Headmaster was correct in that you must participate in the tournament." said Godric.
"No!" screamed Hermione.
Godric caught the look of fear that was clearly coming from the young witch. "Peace, Miss Granger. Our Harry will have the help and support of Hogwarts herself. That, along with the help from the rest of the members of House Pendragon, Harry here will prove himself someone not to be trifled with. Students, professors, we bid you all a good night!"
And the Great Hall descended into chaos as the new members of House Pendragon vanished.
A/N
First time author who thanks you for stopping by and checking out this ditty. Updates may be sporadic, as I intend to develop this story as naturally as it is possible for me. I find it most difficult to put the thoughts in my head regarding a story onto a piece of paper lying before me. It's like it loses something in the translation.
Also, as an aside, like some authors I have read, I'd like to offer some suggestions to some stories that u have found immensely entertaining.
First off, author Jaconais, for his truly inspired story "Hope."
