StealthMaster: Hey there readers, here is the second chapter. Most important note, from here on the story is going to be put on hold for a little while. At the moment though I just don't have much motivation or passion to continue writing. Don't worry though it is NOT discontinued.
Chapter 2: What the Hell kind of name is Hogwarts?
"Benny have you made sure everything is packed?", Dutch called out from the crew's Pontiac driver's seat, behind him were Rock and Revy. Revy had propped up her feet on the back of Dutch's seat and smoking a cigarette with the window open. Rock was in a similar position, only he didn't have his feet propped up. The whole day had been spent gathering the necessary supplies, packing everything they needed and informing the required people about their absence. After all, with the amount of baggage they had no amount of magical means of transportation would work (and Rock was pretty sure they wouldn't like to have their gear shrunk and then broken as they moved about), they didn't want to leave anything that could be stolen from the office whilst they were gone for the year and it was best to tell people like Balalaika and Chang that you weren't going to be available for the next year or else they would try to track you down. Said crime lords were disappointed that their favourite delivery company wasn't going to be able to do jobs for them for such a long time but didn't actually protest.
"Yeah Dutch, though another letter for Rock was on the table when I checked to make sure we had everything.", Benny replied as he walked down the stairs from the office, holding a letter in his right hand.
Rock raised an eyebrow in confusion as Benny walked around the back of the car, checked that everything they had in the boot was secured and then walked to the passenger's door. Once he was in he raised the letter above his seat and into Rock's reaching distance.
"Thanks Benny.", taking the letter out of the blonde's grip, Rock examined the letter now in his hands.
'Same parchment type, same ink...', flipping it over, '...same wax stamp. Yep it's from Hogwarts.', he thought, the only bright side was that they were now using his Japanese name instead of his birth name. Breaking the stamp he pulled out one of the two pieces of parchment from inside and began to read.
Dear Mr. Okajima
Following from our last meeting I have received the signature of the Minister for Magic and so you are now officially employed as a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with all conditions that were specified on the contract you signed granted. The subject you will be teaching is Muggle Studies as you have the most experience in said field. Your other companions are employed as your assistants and we will sort out their more direct roles when you arrive at the school. Also from now on you and your companions have temporary citizenship here in the UK. This will mean that for the whole year you are employed, you will answer to UK magical law and since your companions are going to be joining you at school they have been given special permission to answer to the laws regarding muggles in the wizarding world, barring those that interfere with their work.
Kind regards
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"So what's it say?", Revy asked, throwing her cigarette out the window.
"Just which position I have. Your positions as assistants and the conditions of our temporary citizenship.", Rock replied, folding the letter up and placing it inside one of his trouser pockets. He would read the second piece later on.
Knowing that they needed to get a move on, Dutch started up the engine and drove the Pontiac through the streets of daylight Roanapur.
Warehouse 9...
After reaching the warehouse Dutch parked the Pontiac into their secured garage that was under the office attached to the dock.
"Alright guys time to unload the rest of this stuff and then load them onto the Lagoon. Benny, I want you to unload the last of the stuff from the boot. Revy, check the office and everything inside, make sure it's all locked down tight. I don't want anybody getting in here without having to use an explosion. Rock go to our stockpile and see what can be packed and what can be thrown. I'm going to check the Lagoon to make sure we're ready to go." Dutch ordered as he locked the door to the garage and started to make his way to the boat. The nodded crew nodded in response and went to do as they were told, Rock headed for the stockpile area, Dutch went to the boat, Benny walked to the car and Revy made her way to the office.
Revy opened the door to the office and walked into the, now bare, room. Looking around lazily she saw that apart from the furniture and kitchen appliances, everything had been packed away. Seeing that everything needed to be packed was already taken down to the boat she decided to pace around the room, checking that everything was indeed secure.
'It's a bit awkward with how the room is stripped of almost everything. We'll be coming back but it feels like this will be the last we'll see of this place.', she thought, remembering all the times that were spent here, either for a job or relaxation. Her lips twitched when she recalled the time she and Rock had gotten involved with Eda and her scheme to rip off the counterfeiter, Jane. A part of which took place here with them being completed surrounded by mercenaries.
'It might have been annoying of her at the time, but fuck when looking back at her reactions when we were being surrounded by mercs it's funny as hell. Though I still blame-'
...KNOCK...KNOCK...
"Oi Two-Hands, you in there?!"
'Speak of the devil.', Revy thought with a smirk as she opened the door to Eda, who was wearing her nun outfit this time. To most she would look trustworthy but that image was ruined by the gun holster, similar to Revy's, containing her Glock 17L, her pink tinted sunglasses and the chewing gum that she was currently chewing. Tucked under her right arm was a wooden box that was a little bit larger than a shoebox.
"Hey Eda, come on in. We'll be leaving soon so did you get the goods?", Revy asked, waving the blonde in before moving over towards the couch. Taking a seat she motioned for Eda to sit on the opposite couch.
"Sure I got the goods right here, though I got to say. It's about time.", Eda replied, a little smug at the end and tapped the box under her arm with her free left hand.
"Yeah, but I still can't get him to dump those white-collar clothes and get some real threads.", Revy growled out in frustration. No matter how many times she brought up his choice in clothing it ended up in an argument about the Hawaiian shirt she bought him a while back. To this day she still believed it was better than his business clothes.
Eda laughed, knowing exactly where Revy's thoughts were, "Revy, the day Rock changes to wear that Hawaiian shirt will be the day the Pope becomes an atheist. Never going to happen.".
Revy then directed her growling at the blonde, "Oh yeah bitch. Want me to feed you your own teeth.", to add emphasis she cracked a few knuckles.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, settle down Revy. I'm only joking, no need to get brutal with me. Anyway...", Eda paused as she placed the box on the coffee table and pulled the lid off, " ...here they are, two customised 9mm Italian Beretta 92FS. With elongated barrel from the standard 6'' to 7'', black stainless steel with a pirate symbol on both sides off each gun, 15 rounds a clip and finally both are semi-automatic only. Two clips have already been loaded as a gift from Sister Yolanda.", Eda finished, blowing a bubble with her chewing gum and popping it.
Revy scowled at the last part of Eda's details of the order, "What the fuck Eda, why did the one-eyed bitch give Rock free ammo?".
Eda smirked at Revy, amused that such a small thing could piss the woman off, but nonetheless answered, "You see Revy, the Sister actually enjoys the fact that Rock is able to keep our negotiations from going violent. Saves her on paying for repairs to the church, so she thought that as welcoming present to the world of firearms and explosives she decided to give him his first two clips of ammunition for free. Though any further orders for ammunition will be charged for so don't get your panties in twist over it.".
Grumbling incoherently Revy dropped the topic and thought to check the two pistols in front of her. The two pistols were facing in opposite directions, one pointing to her left and the other to her right. They also mirrored each other so the top one, pointing left, looked upright whilst the bottom one, pointing right, was upside down. The two clips Eda had mentioned were already loaded into the frame. Lastly underneath the two pistols was the packaging straw used to keep the objects protected from the damage whilst in transit.
Sighing, Revy rubbed her forehead before muttering, "Might as well check everything's here.", and picking up the top pistol.
To begin with she took the loaded clip out and placed it on the table. Then she pulled the hammer back so that the slide could be moved backwards, releasing the bullet that was chambered in still. She took the bullet and placed it back into the clip on the table and pushed the hammer and slide back into place.
'So far so good. Clip came out easily, hammer not too stiff, no problem with resistance to the movement of the slide and chambered bullet easy to remove.', Revy inwardly commented as started to strip the weapon down.
Pulling down a lever that was placed above the trigger Revy removed the slide from the top of the frame. Placing the frame on the table Revy then took the recoiling spring and guide out of the slide and inspected them.
'Neither have rust, spring is not worn and guide is correct length and shape.', she thought as she placed the spring and guide onto the table to join the frame and loaded clip.
From there she removed the barrel from the slide and noticed they too were in perfect conditions.
'All-in-all whoever did this did a pretty good job at making it. Though I'll have to check the other one.', she thought before reassembling the pistol and placing it back in the box before putting the lid back on.
"So how are they?", Eda asked when the box was closed.
Revy shrugged, "The one I checked was fine, but I need to check the other one later.".
"Fine, so what job have you guys got that requires this amount of preparation?", Eda questioned, gesturing around the bare room with her arms.
"Got a year-long job in the UK and in addition to the long time requirement we're also going to be keeping contact with Roanapur to the minimum as it has a large risk to it.", was Revy's response, deciding to go with half-truths to keep the nun from asking for more information.
"Oh do tell.", Eda inquired, folding her hands and resting her elbows on the table in curiosity.
'Damnit!' "No Eda I can't tell you so don't bother.", Revy blankly, but firmly, told the blonde with a scowl.
"C'mon Revy please!", Eda whined.
"No."
Eda momentarily pouted before huffing and crossing her arms and turning to look away from the other occupant of the room.
"Fine! Don't tell me."
Revy was about to throw in an insult but was cut off by a shout from the dock, "Revy! Get down here now! We're ready to go and we need to leave if we want to make it by the 24th August!".
"Alright Dutch! On my way down now! Eda you need to fuck off now so I can lock this place up. We won't be back for at least a year probably even more.", Revy shouted back, the second half being directed to the blonde nun.
"Whatever, I need to go anyway. Sister will have my ass if I'm late." Eda groaned before stretching on the couch. She then stood up and walked towards the door, Revy following close behind. Opening it the blonde walked out and just before Revy could close it Eda decided to ask one last question.
"So Revy, I heard that you and Rock got together. Is it true?"
Glaring at the nun, wondering where this was going, Revy replied, "Yeah, so what? We haven't gone far as Rock's still too noble for that and all I know is how to fuck, nothing more.".
"Does this mean I can sample the 'goods' then?", Eda asked sensually, a smirk plastered on her face.
Revy's glare increased to borderline murderous. The bitch had always tried to get a hold of Rock but every time she tried, Revy made her back off with a threat that she would enforce if pushed too far.
"For the fucking last time, no! Rock is not fucking interested and you'll be pissing blood for all of your life if I catch you doing anything to him.", Revy snarled out possessively.
Eda raised her hands in surrender with a placating smile now adorning her features.
"Hey, hey, hey, cool down Two-Hands no need to get all offensive on me. I was just wondering when Rock would realise that I am much a better catch.", she said smugly.
Revy growled audibly before slamming the door and locking it shut. Turning around she picked up the box from the table and started walking towards the dock where the boat was set and ready to go. 'Fucking bitch! No way am I going to allow her to get her fucking claws into Rock!', she muttered mentally. Walking along the dock she saw Dutch was the only one outside the boat, arms crossed and a curious expression when he saw how angry the gunslinger was.
"Any problems?", he questioned her impassively.
"No, just Eda delivering Rock's guns and running off her fucking mouth again.", she hissed in reply.
Dutch nodded in understanding. On many occasions the two had teamed up together and he could honestly say they were one of the best pair of shooters in Roanapur. The only problem was they got into a lot of arguments when there was no fight going on and it usually ended with an angry Revy threatening a smug Eda.
"Alright just get on and prepare for a long journey. We'll be heading from Roanapur to Colombo in Sri Lanka, then to Mossel Bay in South Africa, followed by Bourgogne Ouest in Morocco and then all the way to the Hogwarts in Scotland. Rock has sent for a location via owl to the school and hopefully it will find us before we reach the UK.", Dutch informed her as he dropped down the hatch to the Lagoon, Revy following behind him.
"Yeah, understood.", she replied, walking towards her cabin. The boat only had one cabin, normally reserved for the captain, and a room filled with cots that the other crew members were to sleep in but because Revy was the only woman on board they thought it best she be given the room. It was only emphasised when she had habit of shooting her guns when she was drunk and nobody wanted to take the chance of being hit by a stray or ricocheted bullet.
Opening the door, Revy was too tired to do much else other than placing the box on the bedside table and placing her Cutlasses next to it before collapsing onto the bed to get some sleep.
Earlier after Eda left the office...
As soon as the door was slammed Eda let her expression change to one of indifference. Taking off her glasses to reveal her glowing blue eyes, Eda stared at the door. She soon pulled out a piece of cloth and briefly cleaned her glasses before putting them back on.
Turning around she walked away from the office and made her way back to the Rip-Off Church to carry on with sorting out orders for weaponry.
'Revy, Revy, Revy...Rock may be the only magical being here, but he is not the only one who knows about the magical world.' she thought, a smirk spreading across her face as she continued to stroll down the streets on Roanapur. She needed to report this to her superiors in the CIA.
Meanwhile on the Lagoon...
Rock sighed as he looked at the second piece of parchment from the letter he'd received earlier. It was a schedule that he had been provided with, detailing where, when and with whom his lessons were taking place with.
Monday: 11am-12pm (Gryffindor and Slytherin). 3pm-4pm (Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw). Muggle Studies Room. 7th years.
Tuesday: 9am-10am (Gryffindor and Slytherin). 11am-12pm (Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw). Muggle Studies Room. 6th years.
Wednesday: 10am-11am (Gryffindor and Slytherin). 1pm-2pm (Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw). Muggle Studies Room. 5th years.
Thursday: 3pm-4pm (Gryffindor and Slytherin). 5pm-6pm (Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw). Muggle Studies Room. 4th years.
Friday: 12pm-1pm (Gryffindor and Slytherin). 4pm-5pm (Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw). Muggle Studies Room. 3rd years.
There are no lessons on Saturdays and Sundays.
"Well this looks promising.", he muttered sarcastically.
Dutch heard Rock's comment and turned his head to look at the man over his seat, pausing his way to starting the engine.
"What's that Rock?"
Startled at being heard Rock looked up from his schedule at his employer. Coughing a bit to clear his voice he replied, "Just looking at the timetable for the lessons I will be teaching in. I have to spend two hours everyday teaching from Monday to Friday so our best time to claim the inheritance would be on a Saturday. Not a very good time as Saturday will also be the day everyone else will have off work. This means that people will have more of a chance to intercept us en route or be notified of my claiming of the inheritance quickly. Some people like Lucius Malfoy will want to challenge my claim and try to gain it by having the Ministry confiscate the vaults. There is no law that allows them to do this but it would save us a lot of needless trouble.".
Dutch nodded, "Right we'll go to this magical bank you called 'Gringotts' on either the first Saturday after the term begins or the one after. No doubt you have something planned for the first week?".
"Yeah I decided to give them all a test to see what knowledge they have from their previous teacher. I am going to be making a rule that students can only write down the things that they would have learned from the lessons and not life experiences. Depending on their answers I will determine at what level they are currently at and what they need to learn later on.", Rock then sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration. If his suspicions about the students at the school then he was going to be kept busy with all the house rivalry and possible Death Eaters in the school.
'The Death Eaters would then inform Voldemort of my return and no doubt he will then try to off me in one way or another. He'll either have a student try and kidnap me or ambush me out in the open if I leave the castle.', he thought morbidly. Placing the letter and schedule back into the envelope, which he then placed in his trouser pocket, along with the first letter. Deciding to read up on wards, Rock stretched before standing up.
"Where are you off to?", Dutch asked, still looking at Rock.
Jabbing his thumb over his shoulder towards the door to the sleeping quarters Rock replied, "Just going to read up on wards and protective spells. With all the trouble going on in the UK and me being a celebrity there will no doubt cause people to seek us harm. By learning wards and protective spells the risk is reduced, not completely but still reduced.".
Dutch took out a cigarette and lit before taking a drag, "Fine but when we reach Bourgogne Ouest I'll need you to explain more about Hogwarts and what to expect. I do not want to go into a potentially hostile territory with so little amount of information, especially since three of us have no idea what magic they are capable of and what they are likely to do to it. Our time with those Romanian twins are a testimony to that.".
Rock shrugged, "Sure.", he then paused to ponder something before deciding it could wait, turned around and walked out of the room.
'Wonder what he was going to say.', Dutch thought, knowing that if Rock didn't tell him something it usually meant it wasn't important at the moment. He guessed it had to do with magic but had thought it could wait until they reached Bourgogne Ouest. Coming to the conclusion that he would wait until they arrived at Bourgogne Ouest, Dutch focused his attention back onto the controls for the Lagoon and started the engine.
"Benny-boy, everything ready?"
"Yeah Dutch. Area's clear of ships so small chances of traffic at the Buddha statue, weather clear for..."
Meanwhile at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...
Albus Dumbledore sighed in content as he sipped his morning tea from the cup situated in his hand. It would seem that after all this time, his work in sending off those acceptance letters in the hope of finding Harry Potter had finally paid off and even as he spoke the man was on his way to his school to teach for a year.
'Even better that he is teaching one of the easier courses Hogwarts has to offer. Now I can make sure Voldemort doesn't get a hold of him.', he thought happily, putting his tea down onto his desk. To any witch or wizard from Europe this would be true but to others and reality it would completely the opposite. If Voldemort attacked Diagon Alley everyone would run, screaming their heads off whilst Death Eaters killed and tortured, using the Unforgivables, before casting the Dark Mark over the area and escaping. By the time the Aurors and Order members arrived at the scene all they would be capable of doing was clear away the corpses and help those who needed it. Of course nobody would dare name the Death Eaters who had been there, for fear of being arrested for the crimes the Death Eaters committed on the grounds of 'shoving the blame onto highly respected individuals' as the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, would declare.
If Voldemort did the same to the market place in Roanapur however it would be a very different story. As soon as the first spell was cast everyone would pull out a hidden weapon that was kept on their person and immediately start fighting back. The Death Eaters would be too used to getting their way, that they would fall easily to the hail of gunfire that the inhabitants of Roanapur would unleash upon them. Then when Voldemort would turn up to cast the Dark Mark he would be greeted with the sight of all the corpses of his followers spread about the floor and the ends of firearms pointed at him. He would attempt to insult them but would be silenced by the armed men and women around him, who killed his followers without batting an eyelash.
Of course Albus Dumbledore wouldn't see it in a very positive light and would more than likely try to charge the people who killed the Death Eaters with murder.
Dumbledore suddenly heard the screech of an owl and looked to see one flying through his open window, a package tied it's leg. Glancing at it he saw that it was this morning's Daily Prophet and, after paying with the necessary knuts, removed it from the owl, which gave a hoot as it proceeded to then fly out the way it came.
Unfolding the paper he smiled when he read the title.
Boy-Who-Lived Found!
That's right dear readers! Harry James Potter, son to James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter (nee Evans), has been found!
Harry Potter was discovered to be living in a muggle city in Thailand and in the employ of a muggle trading business. He was revealed to us when Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW), Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Grand Sorcerer and Order of Merlin First Class, arrived at the Ministry of Magic to attend a meeting with the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge.
Normally this would be suspicious as recently as shown by Dumbledore's attempt to create panic with the rumour that You-Know-Who has returned, which was proven to be false by our dear Minister Fudge. However that was not the reason for Dumbledore's meeting and it was confirmed that he was there with Minister Fudge to approve a contract for employment at Hogwarts. The potential employee was in fact the Boy-Who-Lived.
Many of our readers are probably wondering 'Why bother Minister Fudge with this, when there is the Department of International Magical Cooperation where foreign employees go through before being allowed to work in magical UK?'. Well it would appear that a few extra conditions were added in, reasons for such were not given out.
In spite of this however the Minister for Magic signed the contract and therefore students at Hogwarts can expect to see magical UK's saviour on the 1st of September at the opening feast.
Although a little bit annoyed at the slight slander against him at the beginning of the article, the headmaster was pleased. Now that their saviour was back the people would have hope and faith when proof was found that he had been right all the time. When Voldemort was proven to be alive everyone would flock to him again, practically demanding he take the reins again.
'Of course that is assuming Fudge is kicked out of office as well as Umbridge.', he thought, taking another sip of his tea. It wouldn't matter much if Fudge and Umbridge remained in office when Voldemort was shown to be really alive. They wouldn't do much at all and nothing will have changed, except for there being a widespread panic that Voldemort would take advantage of. He remembered when he visited the minister to get the contract confirmed.
Flashback...
"Ah, Cornelius pleasant morning wouldn't you agree?", Dumbledore merrily asked, strolling into Fudge's office as if he owned the place. Though this may as well as be true in the past, considering Fudge's constant want for advice from him.
Glancing up at the old man from the document he was writing on, Fudge gave him an annoyed look, "What do you want Albus? Not more of this crack-pot nonsense about You-Know-Who being alive?".
Still smiling, Dumbledore happily sat down in the chair opposite Fudge and pulled out the contract. Placing it on the desk in front of Fudge Dumbledore replied, "No Cornelius...", he chuckled slightly, "...No, what I am here for is for you to sign this contract for a new employee at Hogwarts.", he finished, his eyes showing its usual twinkle.
Fudge sighed and rubbed his forehead before saying, "Albus, Dolores will be filling in for the DADA position because you failed to hire someone else. She cannot be removed as the contract has already been signed and sealed. Now please leave I am a very busy man and will not listen to this rubbish you seem to spew out.". He then pushed the contract back to old man, emphasising his point.
Dumbledore merely chuckled again, "Ah but Cornelius this contract isn't for the DADA position. No, this my boy is the employment contract for one Harry James Potter for the Muggle Studies position that has become vacant since the disappearance of our previous teacher, Professor Burbage.-".
Before Dumbledore could finish Fudge snatched the contract up and immediately signed it before giving it back to the headmaster. Dumbledore didn't scold the man but smirked at the quick change of heart.
"Well maybe Mr. Potter will be more sensible than you and put these fears of Kou-Know-Who to rest.", 'Also if he supports Dumbledore then I can just as easily remove him from Hogwarts with the help of Umbridge before painting him as an insane or attention seeking lunatic with the Prophet.', Fudge spoke and added silently respectively.
Ignoring Fudge's indirect insult Dumbledore picked up the, now completed, contract, placed it in his robe's pocket.
Standing up Dumbledore addressed the minister one more time, "Thank you Cornelius. I'll leave you to your work and I do hope you see the light sooner or later when Voldemort is proven to be alive.", and with that he turned and walked out the door, leaving a spluttering Fudge.
End Flashback...
Smiling at the memory Dumbledore absently stroked Fawkes' feathers, though said phoenix didn't move or do anything to acknowledge the touch.
'All seems to be going well.', he thought happily.
Hearing a knock on his door, Dumbledore used the ward he placed on the steps to his office to identify who was behind it. Seeing that it was the other staff members Dumbledore waved his hand and the door silently opened to allow entrance. Once everyone was comfortable he stood to begin the meeting.
"Thank you all for coming, now lets begin the meeting with the number of new students coming this September. Minerva...", he announced, gesturing to McGonagall at the end.
Clearing her throat McGonagall answered, "Well Albus, due to the war going on with You-Know-Who we are receiving this year a very small crop of students this year. 20 magical children were registered to come here and then in early August this was dropped to 10 as Death Eaters targeted muggleborns and their families.".
The other occupants, bar one Potions teacher, of the room took a moment of silence before continuing with the meeting.
"Well it was a terrible event but everything will change soon.", Dumbledore said in an effort to raise their spirits and failing. The rest of the meeting continued with teachers giving their lessons planned for the first term, materials needed and tests that needed to be written for the end of year exams, OWLs and NEWTs. It carried on until eventually everything had been dealt with and so Dumbledore decided it best he drop his little bombshell.
"Now I have an important announcement I would like to make..."
When McGonagall heard Dumbledore start to speak she realised that he was going to talk about Harry Potter coming to Hogwarts to teach and cautiously eyed Snape as the man's reaction would be the most volatile. She was pretty sure that the others wouldn't have a negative reaction but Snape's grudge against James Potter never faded and he always showed it whenever the topic of Harry Potter was brought up.
'For Merlin's sake the man threw a tantrum when the boy didn't respond to his name at the Sorting in 1991.', she recalled as she saw the man's face start to change from impassive to anger as Dumbledore explained Rock's future role at Hogwarts.
When the Sorting of 1991 began as it usually did with the Sorting Hat singing a song it eventually ended and students were called up alphabetically based on their last name. After a while they eventually got to the Ps and soon McGonagall called out for Harry Potter. The Great Hall had gone completely silent as everyone glanced at the nervous First-years, the magically-raised children within the group looking around as well, trying to find the familiar lightning bolt scar.
Upon not getting a response McGonagall had called out the name again and still received no answer. Soon the Potions teacher had had enough, he stood up and shouted across the hall for the boy to show himself. When there was no reply Snape turned to focus his ire at Dumbledore and demanded he find the boy. Dumbledore did as he demanded and silently asked the castle for the boy's whereabouts. The response was that Harry Potter wasn't in the castle and added amusingly that said student wasn't supposed to be attending Hogwarts.
After relaying his discovery Dumbledore told McGonagall to continue the Sorting. Once all the new students had been sorted into their houses Dumbledore stood up and did his usual Start-of-Term Feast announcements before calling an emergency teachers meeting, leaving the students in the care of the prefects and head-boy and head-girl. From there they discovered the reason for Harry Potter's non-attendance and, realising that he wouldn't be able to bully the boy in his class, Snape spent the rest of the night ranting in his private quarters.
McGonagall was brought out of her thoughts by said person's outburst of, "Potter's coming here. Arrogant as his father I say, seeing as his only now decided to grace us with his coming here.".
McGonagall rolled her eyes at her colleague's outburst, the other professors doing the same. It was to be expected given his hatred of all things Potter, the man even refused to acknowledge Lily Potter's marriage and still called her Lily Evans despite her marriage being confirmed by magic itself at her wedding. Such a ceremony would only allow those who truly love each other to marry, unlike the contract marriages purebloods use.
"Severus, you haven't even met the man and already you're classing him as the same as his father when you were both at school. Well stop right there because when Professor Dumbledore and I went to Japan to meet the lad we discovered that he had never known his birth name was Harry Potter and has only found out about it recently. He has always called himself Rokuro Okajima and this, as well as his birth name, are registered as being his name. Meaning that for important documents, like contracts, his signature must be his birth name but for other things, such as how he will be addressed as whilst here, can be his adopted name.", McGonagall lectured the man.
Snape turned red with embarrassment at being lectured again by someone who used to be his teacher when he attended Hogwarts. It soon turned to anger again before facing Dumbledore, his expression demanding for confirmation.
Dumbledore nodded, "It's true Severus, he doesn't even have the cursed scar on his forehead as he got rid of it with a combination of magical and muggle techniques.".
McGonagall closed her eyes and inwardly groaned at Dumbledore's unwanted comment. She only needed him to clarify what she said, not add in that the man's scar no longer existed.
Opening her eyes, she saw exactly as she expected. Most of the teachers were showing identical looks of surprise, excluding only herself, Filius Flitwick and Snape. Flitwick was looking on in curiosity, wondering how a combination of muggle and magical techniques could be used to heal a supposed permanent cursed scar and Snape was still looking infuriated at the idea of his childhood enemy's son coming to the school.
'No doubt he'll come here and expect everyone to bask in awe at his presence. Probably demand for people to grovel at his feet.', Snape mentally sneered. Deciding he had heard enough, the greasy-haired man abruptly turned around and stormed out of the office, his robes billowing behind him.
McGonagall sighed at her colleague's antics before addressing the rest of the staff, "Well there was more information to give out but since Severus is no longer in attendance, can I count on you Albus to inform him of the rest of this meeting?".
"Of course Minerva.", was Dumbledore's reply. He then picked up a lemon drop and sucked on it as the meeting continued.
Knowing that her superior would do as he said McGonagall turned back to the rest of the staff. Taking a deep breath she said, "Well in addition to this Harry Potter would prefer to be called by his adopted name, Rokuro Okajima, or as Professor Okajima where appropriate. He will be taking over Muggle Studies, as Charity's whereabouts are still unknown, and he will have three muggles as his assistants over the year.".
Many of the teachers, save Flitwick, were again staring in shock at McGonagall's announcement and a few openly opposed the idea, under the pretense that muggles were not allowed in Hogwarts.
"That's not strictly true. The only reason muggles aren't allowed here now is because Albus here thought that if the school was visited by muggle parents then chances were they would be attacked by Death Eaters or pranked by students. The reason for the latter is because witches and wizards can heal many injuries and diseases that muggles find hard or impossible to cure. For example muggles don't know how to heal broken bones as fast or efficiently as us so people are impaired for weeks on end and generally can't start to work again until a few weeks later with their broken limb in a cast. Whereas with us, bones can be repaired within minutes with no cause for impairment on the patient. Given that many of the governors are either scared of Malfoy or in his pocket it was a rather a landslide vote.", Flitwick stated, drawing a few wide eyed looks from the rest of the staff. Dumbledore gave a small cough before talking.
"Yes well in this case the ban will be lifted so that Mr. Potter's assistants can do their jobs.", he said awkwardly, hoping to change the subject away from him. Luckily this came in the form of a certain godfather.
"When will Harry be arriving?", an excited Sirius Black asked, emerging from the fireplace after using the floo from #12 Grimmauld Place.
Dumbledore turned his smile towards Sirius and activated his twinkling eyes.
"Sirius my boy, Harry will be arriving at the same time as the students. He'll also be taking the train here.", he replied happily, hoping that Sirius and Remus would be able to convince Rock to use his birth name.
"Yes that's true but are you aware of a conditions Mr. Potter has when addressing him?", McGonagall inquired.
"What conditions?", Sirius asked in confusion.
McGonagall sighed as she shook her head in exasperation.
"Albus I told you that the Order needed to be notified of this. It could cause a lot of grief between us and Mr. Okajima if they receive this kind of shock when they meet for the first time.", McGonagall admonished the headmaster harshly, using Rock's Japanese name for the first in the conversation. Said man started to sweat slightly as all eyes turned critically to him but gave a sheepish smile.
"Who's this Okajima fellow? I thought we were talking about Harry?", Sirius interjected before Dumbledore could answer. McGonagall let out a frustrated sigh this time.
"Mr. Black, Okajima and Harry are the same person but Harry has been brought up on the Okajima name. So please respect his choice and when you meet him remember that he wishes to be called Rokuro Okajima.", McGonagall answered.
"Why would he not want to be called by his birth name?", Sirius asked, confused at the notion.
"It's because his adopted name is what he has been called for as long as he could remember until he received my annual acceptance letter a few days ago. I believe though that he will change his mind and will eventually accept his birth name.", Dumbledore answered this time.
"That is only true if Mr. Okajima wants to use his birth name so don't pressure him into using it.", McGonagall reprimanded both men.
Sirius seemed to deflate at the reprimand but acceptance soon showed however Dumbledore was still twinkling away, as though he was oblivious to the fact that the reprimand was also targeted at him.
"But surely he would take on the Potter name once he realises his destiny as the Boy-Who-Lived?", he questioned, confidence tinging his tone.
"Whether he decides to take on his birth name again or not is entirely his choice and shouldn't be forced or pressured. Now Mr. Black, since Albus here has forgotten to inform the Order of this can you arrange a meeting to bring this information to their attention and that they are not to try and force Mr. Okajima to accept he birth name?", McGonagall coldly told the headmaster before addressing Sirius.
"Yes Professor.", a saddened Sirius acknowledged. He then swivelled around and grabbed a handful of floo powder. When the fire's flames turned green he muttered out the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and walked into the emerald flames.
As the office became empty with only the three heads of house and the headmaster, Flitwick and Sprout had remained silent throughout the conversation, Dumbledore gave a disappointed look at McGonagall.
"Minerva are you sure that was a good idea? With there being no 'Harry Potter' the morale of the Order could decrease rapidly since it would look like Harry has forsaken his heritage and, indirectly, magical Britain.", Dumbledore questioned.
"Better that he be on our side with his adopted name than against us over something so trivial. Albus you have to look at it from his point of view. All of his life that he can remember, he has been called Rokuro Okajima and nothing else. How would you like it if someone, who you have never met in your life, tried to force you to change your name? Also his birth name would remind him of James's and Lily's deaths and bring about either hate of hero worship, things that he certainly doesn't want nor need.", McGonagall counter argued, her irritation at the man increasing.
Dumbledore remained silent for a few seconds before standing up and clapping his hands.
"Well I believe that that is enough for today. We will retire for now and see what happens when Harry comes to Hogwarts.", Dumbledore announced, not answering the question being presented to him.
None of the three other occupants of the room spoke, but they did nod in agreement before walking out the door to the office. Once the trio had reached the bottom of the stairs McGonagall stood in front of the other two teachers.
"Pomona, Filius, before I let you continue on with your duties I must ask this. How do plan to receive Mr. Okajima and his companions when they arrive?", McGonagall asked the pair.
The two looked away from McGonagall as they pondered her question, Flitwick in addition was rubbing his chin with his right hand.
"That depends on his behaviour when he gets here. If he shows us proper respect then I doubt there will be any major conflicts, but I cannot say the same for Severus, nor Pomona here.", Flitwick eventually replied to his colleague.
"Filius is right Minerva. I believe that until we actually meet the man, we should just confirm that he is indeed coming should anyone ask. We will not, however, say anymore after that and their images of him will be as they interpret it.", Sprout added in.
McGonagall sighed in relief, glad that at the least the other two heads of house were not going to start spreading rumours.
'Unlike a certain someone.', she thought disdainfully. Snape may be one of the best potions masters she had ever come across but he certainly wasn't fit to teach young children. She admitted that even she initially had had problems with trying to teach transfiguration to the students. During her studies she had been used to using a professional language and speaking to those who were already experts in her field. This made it hard for the students at Hogwarts to understand her and made her snap at them from time to time. Over time though she was able to start making progress as she explained in more simple and detailed terms rather than short, complex and confusing terms. Snape on the other hand wasn't even trying to explain in his lessons, he always just assumed things he shouldn't and his discrimination and prejudice with the houses really made it difficult for those not in Slytherin to excel in the subject he taught.
"That's all I could ask for, but please be aware that Professor Dumbledore may have something up his sleeve. I can already see Mr. Okajima and that Umbridge woman arguing and I don't think the school could stand if whatever he has planned brings about Ministry intervention.", McGonagall advised the two, who nodded in agreement before all three broke apart to attend to their other duties.