Athena Zandrite
October 2002
I've tried to bring in Will Stanton by describing his past breifly so those who haven't read the Dark is Rising, can at least get a general idea about him. And those who haven't read Harry Potter (those insane few) will learn it all with Will. I hope you all enjoy, compliments and criticism accepted openly.
It was a quiet day on the Stanton farm, the heat bearing down oppressively on Will as he glanced at the chicken coop with amusement. The only thing that truly made the place a farm were the hens and rabbits raised there. But it was a running joke between Will and John Dawson, a nearby farm owner, to call the Stanton's home a farm.
In the beginning of the summer holiday, Will had spent a lot of time finishing his school projects, writing his brother Stephen in the military and goofing off with his closest sibling James. Will was the youngest of nine children, and being so, most of the elders had jobs and such to occupy their summer vacations. With James off to London with their father and Mary at summer camp, Will had found the monotony of summer pressing in on him.
Of course, Will had seen his share of excitement in the last few years. Enough to last a normal person a lifetime. But then again, Will was not a normal person. Oh yes, he looked normal enough, from his regular straw colored hair that fell into his eyes when he didn't brush it properly down to his tattered and worn sneakers. But Will had awakened on his eleventh birthday to find he was the last of a very old power, the power of the Light, and he was an Old One born to live ageless and stop the Dark from rising. In his journeys to gain the objects of power, he had faced the rising Dark and proven himself strong, brave and wise. But this was all behind him. His destined path as the Sign Seeker had been fulfilled once the Dark was pushed back and now he was simply a Watcher. Life had amazingly returned to normal and he could be a regular 14 year-old boy, bored with nothing to do for the last few weeks of summer.
Raq nuzzled Will's hand, demanding attention and Will looked down at the dog with a grin, fingers brushing across rough, dark fur affectionately. He began to head toward the house, summer breeze brushing through his hair, causing it to stick up wildly before settling back down. Will paused, frowning, as a sense of something coming rooted itself deep within him. With a small shake of his head, like someone shaking water from their hair, he continued. As his hand reached for the doorknob, it twisted before he got the chance to touch it and his mother smiled down at him.
"Good grief mum! You nearly gave me a heart attack." Will protested indignantly before looking curious. His mother was looking quite pleased, nearly glowing with an eagerness to tell him something. "What is it?"
"Oh Will, do you remember that fellow from two years ago that went up to Tressewick with you and your Uncle Bill?" she waited impatiently for him to remember.
All at once Will was wary. She couldn't mean Merriman. His master had left, with Arthur, leaving Will behind as the Watcher. He should not come back. "Mr. Lyon?" He asked softly.
"Yes, that's the one, it seems he thought you were quite bright Will!" His mother sounded thrilled. "Of course we all know that you are."
"What are you going on about then, Mum?" Will prodded.
"There's a scholarship to a very high profile private school, and it seems Mr. Lyon submitted your name. Of course, a recommendation from an Oxford professor, you won the scholarship Will!" She caught him in a quick hug as he stood stunned. "Well come on now, show a little excitement Will, it's supposed to be amazingly hard to get into, very selective the administration."
Will looked baffled. "What school did you say it was, Mum?"
"Hogwarts." His mother said, glancing again at the letter in her hand. "Mr. Lyon wrote all about the scholarship for us." She held out an envelope for Will. "This, he sent for you."
Will reached out to take the letter, gently, feeling no malice from it. He nodded at his mother and she allowed him inside. He quietly went up to his room, passing under the skylight and falling onto his bed, still staring at the envelope which had his name scrawled across it in elegant penmanship and obviously written in fountain pen.
With a deep breath, he opened the envelope and pulled out two slips of paper. The top one appeared to be some sort of parchment, and suddenly he felt High Magic fill the room. His fingers tensed and he closed his eyes remembering the feeling behind this wild magic. The last time he had felt it, it had come from an ancient king. Also from his friend, a prince turned Shepard. Will felt a small pang of solitude remembering Bran who chose to forget. Will shook his head again to clear it from his memories and unfolded the parchment. The school's official crest was on top of the paper and it was again addressed to him.
Dear Will Stanton,
You have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Will furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend why Merriman would want him enrolled in a school based on magic. Witchraft was something that Will remembered from a conversation with Merriman as though it was yesterday, so fresh it was in his mind.
Merriman had stood in the small library in 18th century dress clothes, the same familiar shock of white hair and prominent beak-like nose so harsh on his face. Will had noticed the library contained many books on dark magic and sorcery and Merriman had explained.
"Worth a small fortune, but not to us. These are the tales of small people, some dreamers and some madmen." He'd also said, "… nearly every tale that men tell of magic and witches and such is born out of foolishness and ignorance and sickness of mind - or is a way of explaining things they do not understand." All said before Will had read the book of Gramarye and learned everything about old magic, the way of things.
He found himself curious as to what this school was. He continued to read the parchment, raising an eyebrow at the required supplies. He wondered absently, where one would go to purchase 'standard wizard robes' or the textbook "Paperweight to Pumpkin; Modern Transfiguration."
He moved on to the second sheet of paper, setting the parchment aside. The plain white paper had a familiar slanting script Will immediately recognized as Merriman's handwriting. He smiled as he began to read the letter.
Hello Old One,
I can imagine all the questions brimming in your mind and because I cannot answer them, I write this to assist you as well as I may. Most of your questions will remain unanswered but, perhaps I can shed some light on a few.
It is true, what I spoke to you of in the library of Greythorne Mansion. The books had been written by dreamers and those of unsound mind. Normal humans create ideas of magic that are both untrue and foolish. But there is also High Magic and those who can tap it much like we can use Old Magic and the Dark has their own powers. The powers of High Magic are used by true wizards and witches or are High Magic themselves like Arthur and Bran.
Dark times approach again and your presence has been requested by an old friend of mine, his name is Albus Dumbledore. Your new quest will begin with the fall and though he may advise you, you will remain the most knowledgeable about it. Albus has arranged to have a colleague assist you with your preparations and they will collect you in a fortnight.
I wish you luck in your quest, Will Stanton. Remember the ways of the Old Ones and you will be all right.
Merriman Lyon
Will flipped the paper over to find a new verse on the back. He read it and knew he must remember.
The Dark again regains it's power;
The Clew for the connection, the Wand for what was known;
The light will respond in that desperate hour.
Standing at the Western Ocean's edge beneath the oldest trees;
Crossing this, the Otherworld entered, by the turning of six keys.
The Mirror of possibilities, Feathers from Otherworld to home;
The lethal Lens of trickery, Cloth for beauty and form;
Six Keys turned and Darkness falls, the sounding of the horn.
Quietly he put the papers in the upper drawer of his desk, then turned around to fall again onto his bed, sheets poofing underneath him from the breeze, he looked up through the skylight in his little attic room and wondered what his new quest would be.
"Will! The Professor is here to see you!" Will's mother's voice carried up the stairwell and he stuck his head out his door to call back down to her. "Just a minute, Mum! I'm just collecting my things!"
He quickly threw on his red jumper, more of a cardigan really, the static of the wool causing his short brown hair to float wildly about his head. He swiftly grabbed his wallet shoving it into the back pocket of his pants and then picked up his suitcase, carefully toting it downstairs.
He smiled at his mother, at the base of the steps then glanced at the other woman in the living room. "Will, this is Professor McGonogall, she's going to be one of your instructors at Hogwarts." His mother indicated the woman and he set his bag down to extend his hand in greeting. "Hallo Professor, thank you for taking the time to help me out."
The woman was older, strict looking as she looked down her nose at him, her reddish brown hair was pulled tightly behind her head in a no-nonsense bun, golden spectacles slid down her nose as she regarded him, the critical eye of a serious teacher. She wore normal clothes, a tea-length black dress and dark shoes. "Will Stanton, it's nice to meet you, and it is no problem, I was in the area so Professor Dumbledore asked if I wouldn't mind." She did not smile but it wasn't a look with any animosity. "And it's always a bit difficult to transfer so far into schooling." She released his hand and glanced at the clock. "However, if we wish to remain on schedule, we really must leave soon."
Will's mother nodded in understanding before enveloping her youngest child in an enormous hug. "We'll miss you, honey, don't forget to mail us. And stay out of trouble."
"Mum!" Will protested but hugged her back. "Honestly, I don't often get in trouble, now, do I?" He smiled and kissed her cheek affectionately. "Check the post, I'll write, don't worry." They parted and Will collected his bag, moving to the door with the professor.
Will's mother watched from the door as they loaded the car and drove off down the road. After she was out of sight, Professor McGonogall cleared her throat. "I understand you are a special student, Mr. Stanton." She did not take her eyes off the road, and Will followed her lead, looking forward but discussing amiably.
"Yes, I'm not quite the usual, I wouldn't think."
She turned onto a highway, that ran alongside the Thames. "So I have heard you aren't actually a wizard?" The question belayed a certain amount of underlying curiosity. "But you are one of the Old Ones?"
Will's lip twitched into a smile. "So I've been told. I must admit, I've never worked with Wizards or Witches before, though we understand a little about them. All my knowledge is very old and is mostly refrences from the High Magic."
She turned her head a little to observe him, lips pursed in thought. "And it will be a first time for me to meet an ambassador of the timeless forces of the Light. I must admit, it is quite an honor."
Will looked back at her, and grinned. "That's the first time someone who knew what I was seemed so happy to meet me." He leaned back against the seat. "I expect this whole experience will be unlike anything I've ever seen."
She smiled, a tight-lipped smile and returned her attention to the road. "Yes, well, I'm here to make it a little easier, and of course Professor Dumbledore will want a word with you once we've reached the school."
Will nodded and turned to watch the passing scenery as they drove in silence. The green fields and forest passed by in a blur, the English countryside sliding by as though sending him through time. After a few hours, they reached the city and parked the car in an alley. Will lugged his suitcase out of the car and they walked up the road a ways to a hole-in-the-wall pub. Will watched with interest as they approached and the sign seemed to materialize words from the dirtied and gritty paint. "The Leaky Cauldron." He read and they enter into a dimly lit building. As Will's eyes adjusted, the first thing he noticed was that he was highly out of place in his slacks and jumper. The denizens of the pub mostly wore long cloaks, and an assortment of strange hats in varying shades of color. They paid him little attention but someone waved to the Professor and she lead him to the corner.
"Ah, Hullo Mildred, you're looking well." Professor McGonogall said conversationally.
Will set his bags down and waited patiently while smiling at the woman.
"You look well too, Minerva, out as a muggle today? And who's the handsome muggle lad?" The witch asked, noticing Will and winking at him.
"A new student, we were just going to Diagon Alley to get his supplies." She glanced again at her watch.
"Starting new at Hogwarts, eh?" The witch looked curiously at Will now. "I don't recall anyone starting quite so old. But, Minerva, the express leaves in an hour, aren't you cutting it close?"
Professor McGonogall frowned. "we'll travel by floo, not enough time. But we really must get going. Owl me."
"Shoo then." The witch waved as Professor McGonogall lead Will out the back way. They ended up in a closed back alley with a tall brick wall. The professor took out a wand and tapped the bricks in a certain order. Will watched with interest as the stones rearranged themselves to form an archway, leading to a street on the other side.
"Come on then." She pocketed her wand and Will followed her down the street. "Usually this place is packed, but most of the students are already on their way to the station, so we're in luck. Shan't take too long to collect your things." They turned into a bookstore and McGonogall moved quickly down the aisles, pulling books off the shelves. She obviously knew her way around. She stopped and examined a cauldron before picking it up, putting the books inside and moving soundlessly to the register. Will felt a little useless and let his eyes wander to pens scrawling across paper, and then moving backward, erasing what they'd written. He watched as a trashcan ate a crumpled up piece of paper growling a little and sniffing the base of a table looking for more.
He looked up as she returned, handing him the cauldron and taking him to the next store. "We will have to get you a wand though I doubt you'll be able to use it like we do." She murmured to herself then paused. "Wait, no, Albus said he had something in mind for you already. So we just need your robes then. Hurry up." She trooped him to a clothing shop where they quickly discovered all Hogwarts standard robes had been sold out that morning.
The shop keeper apologized and looked thoughtful. "You know, Gladrags has extras, why not just floo there?" He gestured toward a large fireplace in the back of the store, made out of finely polished stones.
McGonogall nodded. "We'd have to go straight to Hogsmede anyway. No floo directly to Hogwarts of course with all the security precautions."
"Dark days, these are." The man agreed before Professor McGonogall motioned Will forward.
"It's large enough that I can go at the same time as you. That's best since it'll be your first time traveling by floo." She said to Will who looked confused.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I really don't understand much of what's being said. Hogsmede, floo, muggle."
"Yes, it's understandable. Dumbledore will explain everything when we get there. But for now I'll just explain the floo part." She reached up to take a small silver can from the mantle and then showed it to Will. "This is floo powder. When I throw some into the fire, you and I will be able to step in, call out Gladrags of Hogsmede and we will travel through a network of fireplaces until we reach that destination."
"Sort of like an e-mail?" he asked thoughtfully. "Except with people instead of digital signals?"
"From what I've heard of that muggle internet thing, yes." Professor McGonogall agreed.
"Oh, alright then." He said slowly.
She accepted this and tossed a bit of the green powder into the flickering flames. The flames tinted green. "In we go." The two stepped into the fire which did not hurt them, wisps of fire curled around them. The professor put one hand on his shoulder, the weight of her hand steadying him. "Gladrags of Hogsmede" she said clearly.
There was some comfort in the weight of the professor's hand as fireplaces flashed by in front of him creating a dizzying sensation, there was a fierce wind tearing at his hair and clothes with their speed and he felt quite unsteady. He shut his eyes to keep himself from feeling sick then felt a jolt as they came to a stop.
"Let's not dally, Mr. Stanton, out with you." Professor McGonogall said, stepping into Gladrags Wizardwear as though unaffected by their mode of transportation. Gladys, the owner of the store, bustled forward to meet them.
"Minerva, I didn't expect to see you here." She glanced behind the professor in curiosity at Will who was now wobbling unsteadily out of the fireplace and brushing soot out of his hair. "Ah, with a student too, looking for robes I assume?" She sized Will up then hurried off without waiting for an answer. When she returned, she had a standard black robe and a deep navy one in a lighter material. "Try these, dear."
He set his things down and pulled the standard robe on, adjusting the buttons and looking at the two women for approval. He hadn't a clue as to how they should look so he simply waited to see what they would say.
"You're amazing, Gladys, just the right size, even in the arms." Professor McGonogall looked appraisingly at the fit of the robe.
He took that one off and switched it with the blue robe, slinging it on with a soft whirl of fabric as it settled around him and he began fussing with the buttons, before patting it down and glancing back up at them.
"Oh Minerva, if I was younger…" Gladys tutted and winked at Will. "The Navy peachskin suits you, dear."
Professor McGonogall nodded again. "We're pressed for time so it's nice to have your sharp eye, Gladys. We'll take them."
After paying, they left the store and began to walk to their destination. Will took the time to observe the countryside, a few bushes of heather scattered here and there but mostly rolling green grassy plains and to the right, a darker forest that pressed in against them ominously. Will felt the prickle of electricity on the surface of his skin and the deep feeling of dread, that accompanied the dark. It wasn't strong, and he could only assume that either the forces of Dark were deep in the forest, or it was a small creature that could do little else than watch as the messenger of the Light made his way to a place in which they also wanted a stronghold. His eyes searched the darkness and he saw a shadow pass. His ears were alert, but there was nothing else.
As they walked, they remained quiet, her contemplating the new school year and the arising threats to those in the world of magic. He tries to push away the feeling of pressing darkness, and instead accustomed himself with wearing robes.
His first impression of the Hogwarts castle was agelessness. In a much different way from his own. Hogwarts loomed before him as though a mountain carved into a castle, like a child would mold sand into the same. As they walked up the front steps the sound was hollow and engulfed within the weather worn slabs of stone that made up the steps. The doors before them were large and reminded Will of another set of doors that led through time. But when Professor McGonogall opened these doors, there was no music, only the whisper of wind from the large shift of mass as the doors push inward.
"Leave your things here, they'll be brought to your room for you." She motioned with her hand. He set his suitcase, cauldron and books down against a wall, then lay his dress robes on top before turning and following Professor McGonogall down a few hallways past moving pictures and clanking armor to stop before a little stone gargoyle.
Will waited patiently as the professor cleared her throat. "Cockroach clusters." She said aloud and the wall slid away to reveal a passage behind. It was dark, though as the door opened torches began lighting all the way down it, shining merrily on the stone walls and making the entrance look quite inviting. "Let's go." She said and the two headed down the narrow corridor to a large office.
Standing behind a desk was a tall, thin man with a flowing white beard and long hair to match. He smiled at Will, reminding him a little of Arthur and sending another pang of loneliness through his body. "Will Stanton, it is fabulous to finally meet you." The old man said amiably.
"Albus Dumbledore, I presume." Will replied, smiling and inclining his head in a bow of respect, resisting the urge to kneel before the powerful man in front of him.
"Now now, no need for formalities. Merriman probably told you some balderdash about me being a high lord of the Wild Magic, but we needen't go into that just yet."
McGonogall was watching, curiously, noting both men's behavior as rather peculiar. Dumbledore turned to her then. "Will you speak to Miss Granger about tutoring when she arrives this evening, Minerva?"
Professor McGonogall nodded stiffly, glancing at Will once more. "Certainly, I cannot imagine Hermione refusing. I should go prepare now." She turned in a swirl of her dress and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Dumbledore turned back to Will. As soon as the door had closed, Dumbledore and Will were no longer Headmaster and student but colleuges. "I apologize, Old One, for asking of your assistance. However, not all those able to use High Magic, are immune to the seduction of the Dark. Because of this, I have found it necessary to call on the assistance of the Light to help us restore the balance."
Will nodded, he no longer looked like a fourteen year old boy, he looked ancient and knowledgeable. A reflection of the same expression was worn on the headmaster's face. He simply waited for the explanation that he knew was going to come.
"You see, Will Stanton, Seeker of Signs, Watcher and now Collector of Keys, High Magic is usually quite balanced. You've met the Pendragon and Hermes. You understand this. It holds no allegiance with Light or Dark. We interact little with men when using magic, and do not harm humanity but follow the old ways as we should. But one of great power desired more and the Dark Lords came forward, making a place for him as a Dark Lord himself. He does not understand their manipulation, for he will not become full Dark Lord ever. They appreciate his exploits too much for you and I know the Dark cannot harm humans. But they can cause things to happen that might make a human hurt themselves or others. This one of power enjoys killing. Human, wizard, muggle, no matter. He must be stopped and we need your help for this."
"I will do my best to help you, My Lord." Will said quietly, watching the old man before him who during the speech had acquired a haunted and tired look.
The tiredness left his eyes and he smiled at Will. "Oh please, call me Albus, Dumbledore around your classmates." There was now a twinkle in his eye. "I have no doubt you will help a great deal, Will Stanton, Collector of Keys, your new quest has begun." Dumbledore turned around, lifting a heavy wooden box and opened it after setting it on the desk in front of him. "Here is your wand and the ring you must wear at all times. It will make you able to do our kinds of magic. It partners with the wand."
Will looked down at the ring, silver and aged, it bore the familiar sign. A circle quartered by a cross. Picking it up, he could feel energy flowing through it. He quietly slid the ring onto his finger, ring finger of his right hand. Then he carefully lifted the wand, holding it gently.
"These were created for use only by an Old One. Use them well. And now I must take a little more of your time to teach you what you will need to know. But this must be done outside of time so please go through those doors." He motioned and suddenly the Great Doors of Time swam into view behind Will. "There will be a pensive, a bowl of memories. Gaze into it and you will know everything your fellow fifth years know about wizarding and life at Hogwarts. When you are finished we will go and meet your new classmates."
Will took a deep breath then turned toward the Great Doors which opened at a word in the Old Speech from him. A cacophony of erethreal music surrounded him and followed him inside the doors. It faded as the doors swung shut behind him and he stepped into an ageless room moving past tapestries woven intricately with bold and fearsome images dancing across them. In front of him was a familiar oak table, long and heavily solid. On top of the table sat a bowl that seemed to be filled with moonlight, glowing and beckoning him toward it. He stepped forward and looked down into the bowl, soon he was swept away in experiences of the school and Magic everything around him fading as he learned what he was there to learn.
Harry stepped down and out of their train and breathed in the familiar, open air scent of Hogwarts. His summer, as always, had been beyond miserable thanks to his only living relatives the Dursleys. They hated him and made sure he knew that every waking second. And this summer he hadn't even been able to visit the Weasleys at the Burrow. Not with Voldemort back in power and a huge threat to his safety. So this school year had been anticipated with the enthusiasm of a child's first visit to Disneyland. Harry felt like a prisoner set free after years of imprisonment, now that he was finally back at the place he truly considered home.
Most of the train ride up had been filled with catching up with friends. Ron and Hermione had shared a carriage room with him and the three had talked nonstop. Apparently there were a few disappearances during the summer, much of it glossed over by Fudge at the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley, Ron's father, was assisting in building up the resistance and making connections inside the Ministry.
Hermione's parents were really worried about her but she'd managed to convince them that Hogwarts was the safest possible place for her.
Both Ron and Hermione turned and motioned for Harry to keep up. Harry shook himself from his daze and ran forward. They piled into a horseless carriage and felt it jolt to a start moving slowly toward the looming castle as though drawn by invisible horses. As the wheels clattered over the gravel Hermione glanced out the window.
"I expect this year will be quite different what with Dumbledore trying to build up a resistance to You-Know-Who. I wonder if Hagrid and Madame Maxime could convince the giants to join it."
"I'm still nervous about having giants around, I mean, they're supposed to be really awful." Ron said warily.
"We'll, I figure they can't be too bad if Hagrid's dad liked his mum so much." Harry replied. "But if they are, we'll just room them with the Slytherines." He grinned and the other two laughed.
"Dad said Dumbledore's gotten in contact with some really powerful people." Ron said as they returned to serious thoughts.
I wonder if any of the Durmstrang or Beaubaxtons students will show up." Hermione speculated, playing with a piece of her hair absently.
"I reckon you just want Krum swooning all over you again." Ron said stiffly, still slightly jealous.
"I wonder if any of the usual students won't be back." Harry's voice was melancholy. He'd had terrible guilt trips ever since Cedric's death last year. The other two grew quiet also, remembering the handsome Hufflepuff and the condition in which he'd returned to the Triwizard competition with Harry, it had shaken the entire school.
They were shaken from their depressing thoughts by the jolting of the carriage coming to a halt. "Well we'd better get to the Hall, I'm sure we'll find out there." Hermione said quietly, opening the door and climbing down.
Ron and Harry followed her into the castle. As they sat down at the Gryffindor table, they saw some familiar faces and were soon talking and laughing again, dour moods lifted by friends and comradship.
"Seamus! You look so… so much…!" Hermione was turning to Seamus Finnigan and beaming at him. "So much older! You look great! All the girls are going to be wild about you." She teased him.
Seamus had indeed finally hit a growth spurt and filled out nicely. A lanky six feet tall, with slightly long sandy-colored hair, he flashed a warm smile back at her good-naturedly. "I doubt that." He answered modestly. "But you look great too, Hermione, don't break Ron's heart."
"I heard that Seamus." Ron said irritably through he blushed.
Harry was talking to Neville who had also reached a growth spurt finally allowing his height to catch up to his weight. "Grandma says I don't eat enough, it's driving me crazy." He complained, running a hand through his short blond hair.
Fred and George were busy piling through their new order forms which, luckily for them, Mrs. Weasley had not discovered. They whispered to each other not paying attention to anyone else.
The room quieted down as the teachers entered and took their seats at the head table. There were a few new faces, and of course, Hagrid and McGonogall's seats were empty as they were attending to the First years.
The doors to the hall opened again and Professor McGonogall lead the first years forward, explaining the sorting ceremony. It took about twenty minutes to get through the first years. Ron was ready to eat and glanced up as Dumbledore stood up. Again the hall quieted and waited to hear his announcements. "The sorting is not quite finished." Dumbledore explained to the confused crowd, he waited for curious murmers to die down before continuing. "We have a new student, a fifth year, transferring here and I hope you will all welcome him as a transfer at this stage can be difficult."
"There's NEVER been a transfer that late." Hermione exclaimed under her breath, looking befuddled.
"Will Stanton, will you please come forward to be sorted?"
A boy in the back of the room, who Harry was fairly sure hadn't been there a moment ago, made his way forward followed by many eyes.
Lavendar giggled. "Oh he's cute!"
"Seems kind of wise and gallant doesn't he?" A Hufflepuff fourth year whispered to her neighbor.
Will sat on the stool, legs stretched out before him and flashed a smile at McGonogall who almost smiled back before putting the hat on his head. It took the hat a few minutes, all of which Will sat patiently, no changes in expression. Finally, with a triumphant shout the hat announced him "Ravenclaw!"
There was a burst of applause from Ravenclaw's table and even a couple girlish squeals of delight.
"Doesn't seem all that special to me." Ron muttered.
Harry wasn't sure, something about Will Stanton seemed very special to him, but it was hard to put a finger on it. So as their plates filled he began to eat and stopped thinking about the new boy.
At the Ravenclaw table, Will was now the center of attention. The boy next to him extended a hand in welcome. "Hullo, I'm Adiel." He said amiably, "Welcome to Ravenclaw."
"Thanks, I hope I'm not a bother." Will replied, shaking Adiel's hand.
"It's good to have you I'm sure." Adiel grinned. "This is Ionwen." He gestured across the table from Will at a more serious looking boy who nodded. "And Sean." The boy to Ionwen's left grinned, strawberry-blond bangs falling across his eyes. He shoved them back absently.
"I had no idea it was even possible to transfer between magic schools." Sean said curiously, glancing at Will.
"Usually it's not, because curriculums vary. Will must be a special case." Ionwen explained, biting into a drumstick.
"Professor Dumbledore said someone named Hermione may be tutoring me." Will tried to explain.
"If you can tear her away from Harry and Ron." Adiel laughed. "But she's incredibly smart, that girl." He nodded in the direction of the Gryffindor table. "The brown haired girl next to Harry Potter."
"He's the one with the glasses?" Will asked, drinking from his cup.
"Well yeah, I suppose you can't see the scar from here but you got it right."
"Where are you from then, Will?" Sean asked.
"Thames Valley, Buckinghamshire. I was abroad for a while though." Will explained.
"Right by the Thames. It's wet this time of year, isn't it?" Ionwen asked.
"Not usually till after snow breaks. Springtime's the wet season." Will smiled. "So how're the classes here?"
"Not too bad really," Sean said, glancing at the head table. "Though some of the professors are tough. McGonogall is pretty strict and gives a lot of homework but we definitely learn. Snape seems happy if we're miserable also." He amended, nodding at the dark-haired angry looking man. "He's the potions professor."
"Great." Will said with a sigh, "I suppose that there's one in every school."
"We don't know much about the new teachers, there are two of them this year, so we'll find out as you do." Ionwen said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Don't expect your last school was as exciting as this." Adiel smiled at Will.
"Excuse me?" Will asked curiously.
"He means practically once a year someone attacks Potter." Sean says. "Been You-Know-Who a couple times, or his followers.
"True, my old school was rather tame." Will agreed he glanced at the head table as Dumbledore stood and raised his arms for silence. As the room quieted down, Will heared Dumbledore's voice in his head.
Going well, Will?
The students are friendly, thanks.
"We all know this year is going to be a rough one, I must remind students to avoid the forbidden forest. Also, all off campus trips will require a buddy system of at least four, there is safety in numbers. If there are problems or you have worries or concerns, please seek out an instructor." He gestured along the staff table, sending a meaningful glance at the Gryffindors. "Other than these I have no announcements. Have a great year!!"
Harry glanced at Ron at the Gryffindore table and laughed with him. "Do you reckon he really thinks we'll talk to someone?" Ron asked.
"It's because you haven't any sense." Hermione muttered. "That was strange though, did you see him look right at Stanton before he talked? It was almost like they were talking but…" She stood with the others.
"You're paranoid Hermione." Ron said dismissively.
"Don't worry about it, Hermione." Harry added absently.
They headed out of the hall and toward their tower, Hermione trailing behind thoughtfully. They were about to head up the staircase when a familiar voice called from behind, a mocking drawl.
"I'm amazed you're showing your face here, Potter." The Potter came out almost like it'd been spat. Draco Malfoy was leaning lazily against a large stone pillar, smirking at Harry, with his arms crossing his chest.
"Nice look, Malfoy, give up greased ferret in favor of long haired weasel?" Ron asked, noticing Draco had left his hair down rather than slicking it back as he usually did.
Draco visibly angered, turning fiery grey eyes on Ron. "Shut up Weasley, at least my head doesn't look like it's on fire." He returned his attention to Harry. "Didn't get enough attention last semester? Maybe He'll finish you this one."
Ron looked homicidal stepping forward with bloody thoughts of ripping Draco's windpipe out of his throat. Hermione looked horrified. "Malfoy you're a terrible-"
"Shut up Mudblood, no one cares what you have to say."
"Malfoy, if you don't want the entire school to kill you, I suggest you stop making light of the events that lost us Cedric last year." A male voice said from the doorway.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco all turned and looked at the door. A group of Ravenclaw fifth years, including the new student, were standing by the door. Three of them looked highly perturbed including Ionwen Dehn who had spoken. Will was watching Draco, eyes slightly widened as though he was seeing someone he hadn't seen in a long time.
"You're nosing in on someone else's conversation Dehn." Draco said acidly.
"Leave Harry alone, Draco." Adiel said, crossing his arms, "Or do you find it amusing that Cedric died?"
"I thought only Gryffindores were irritating enough to interrupt someone else's conversation." Draco glared. He turned and stared at Harry. "We'll talk later, Potter."
Draco turned in a swirl of cloaks and walked purpousefully in the other direction, stopping in front of the Ravenclaws. He looked from icy glare to icy glare, settling on Will who looked casually disattached but interested now. "Stanton, right?"
"Will Stanton, yes." Will replied, hands at sides.
"I'd pick my friends more carefully if I was you." Draco said haughtily, a curt nod in the direction of the other Ravenclaws.
Will shrugged, "They're nice enough fellows. Thanks for your concern." He smiled easily at Draco. "See you around." He said in dismissal.
Malfoy looked surprised at the easy dismissal, and slightly confused. Then his lips pursed in irritation and he turned again making his way toward the dungeons.
After he disappeared, the Ravenclaws moved toward the staircases also. "Just ignore him, Harry, he's a stupid git." Adiel winked at the Gryffindores.
"Believe it or not, we're used to it." Ron muttered unhappily.
"Well, none of us needs that now, it's going to be a rough year as it is." Ionwen said gently.
"Quite a welcome for you, Will. Sorry you had to see the worst of us." Hermione said, taking the opportunity to talk to him since he'd so caught her attention earlier.
By now his eyes had strayed, almost sadly, in the direction Draco Malfoy had stormed off. He blinked and smiled apologetically at her. "Oh, it's OK, didn't bother me."
"Are you all right?" she asked, putting a hand on his wrist.
Will focused his attention on her and slowly the regretful look in his eyes slipped away like a forgotten dream until she was not sure it was ever there to begin with. He smiled again, this time it was a brotherly grin as though he was amused with her concern. "Yes, thanks. He just looked like an old friend. It threw me off a bit." He glanced at the others before looking at her again. "You're Hermione?" he asked curiously.
All three Gryffindores looked surprised, usually people knew Harry but Will recognizing Hermione wasn't common. "Y-yes. Hermione Granger." She said, recovering from the surprise.
"Professor Dumbledore said you may be able to help me with my studying, but I'd understand if you were too busy." He looked a little worried to be imposing on her.
Hermione flushed at the compliment of being singled out by the Headmaster. "Oh no! I don't mind tutoring you a little." She smiled. "Besides, when I help other people I usually learn the subject better myself."
Will looked relieved and pushed his robe back so he could put his hands in his pockets. "If you really don't mind, it would help me a lot. You are studying different subjects here that an my old school. So I'll be a little behind." He almost looked embarrassed.
Sean, clapped a hand onto his shoulder and grinned. "If Hermione is your tutor, she'll have you up and working in no time, word around school is that she's a genius." He winked at Hermione who blushed and shook her head in protest.
Will laughed. "Well any help is appreciated." He followed as the Ravenclaws made their way toward their dorm, looking over his shoulder. "Nice to meet you all!"
Harry and Hermione waved back and Ron looked slightly disgruntled but nodded and shoved his own hands in his pockets, slumping his shoulders he began to follow the staircase up toward the Gryffindor tower. Harry and Hermione followed exchanging thoughtful looks.
I have to note that I've tried to stay in past tense because both series are written in this manner. But sometimes I slip as I've been trying to train myself to only write in present tense for years. Anyway, I hope it's not to irritating, I think I caught most of them. This is all I have done so far, I'm working diligently to get the next part out! So TBC!! UGH! I had so many mistakes. I think I just went back and got most of them for this chapter!
