The Journey Continues
It had been a few months since the duo arrived in Koldovstoretz, and since then the training they faced could be appropriately called militaristic. For Hideyoshi whose magical energy was never challenged by the very environment around him was in a difficult position as his more ordered and stringent wand work that he learned in school was basically thrown out the window. This was because nature was something that could not be controlled, you had to move with and coerce it to your will. It had its own will, its own conscience, history easily showing you how strong mother nature can be from its floods, earthquakes and just like the phenomena that hid Koldovstoretz its freezing blizzards.
The younger Mori on the other hand, had to go through a different sort of training before she could even attempt nature magic. She was only a little over 3 and half years old after all so unlike her father she did not have to break out of any sort of habit due to her magic still being young and malleable, mostly reacting to her emotions rather than actually being controlled actively my the tiny tot. As such they needed to properly teach her how to streamline her emotions and magic in such a way that it could lend itself to the free form of energy that was used for nature magic but still be able to maintain enough control which is used in mainstream spell work that is conducted through the use of a wand.
In other words, Hermione had gotten so much theoretical teaching for the first three months that even she wanted to run away from all classrooms and libraries after she finished her lectures which were run by Inessa and Ruslan. Over the past few months, the students and staff of the academy had gotten used to seeing the two at the dining hall, classrooms or just in the corridors. They all grew quite fond of their foreign visitors; their fondness mainly being aimed at the small brunette due to her smart mind being in such a small body. Whenever she would carry a big book in the corridors, her body would waddle due to its size causing many squeals amongst the female and some male members of the populace. It got to the point that there was a forum wherein students discussed getting Hermione to join them in the dorm rooms like an official student. Unfortunately, this was rejected by the staff for fear that one of the kids would kidnap the precious child or hold her hostage due to her cuteness.
The brown eyed girl was quite wary amongst so many strangers, at the beginning only sticking to Hideyoshi's side. After a while however she too came to enjoy her time at the Russian Magic School, it was just so fun, a bit intense but fun all the same. Every morning, she would be woken up to do some form of light exercise be it tai chi or yoga then she would meditate for a bit before taking a shower and getting breakfast. After that, she would toddle off to class with whoever was free to teach her that day just like the other students and only meeting with her father during lunch, dinner bedtime and weekends. She was even taught how to play Quidditch but Koldovstoretz being such a nature inclined school made the game slightly different from ordinary Quidditch. Instead of flying on brooms, the students would charm trees and uproot them to play. Once the game was over, students had to replant the tree unless it was severely damaged, in which case they would then have to plant a seed in its place. This mean that they were not killing trees for the sake of making a broom and it taught them some herbology along the way.
Walking down the frigid corridors of the school the little brunette was on her way towards the dorms for a sleepover with some of the students. Of course, she had to use her almighty puppy dog eyes just to get the principals explicit permission to do so, her father being amused at the sight of his daughter playing the head of the school right into her tiny hand like a musician to their violin. He was glad that she was opening up to people more, and hopefully this would help her deal with her wariness towards people in the future.
The sleepover was being held in the girls dorm which was located in the east wing of the academy. Each floor housed a different year group, The older students would live on the lower floors whilst the younger students lived on the higher floors. There were a few reasons for this layout one of which was the responsibility given to the older students to ensure that nobody snuck out at night. Although that was important the main purpose for this breakdown was for security. Having been embroiled in civil wars and witch hunts in the past, it was decided that should the castle come under siege the older students would be responsible for the safety and protection of the younger students as they were the most skilled. In the middle of the building there was a common room area that was made bigger due to the undetectable extension charm hence that would be where her and most of the other students would be sleeping that evening.
"Hermione ! Over here !" called out a voice. Looking up the toddler saw the young teen waving at her with bright hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. The 4th year girl was Darya, she had bumped into the little Mori child one day whilst heading to class and was immediately taken by her small body and bushy hair. Seeing as she was a decade older than the toddler she also felt quite protective of the little girl and could nowadays be found spending time with her. Upon seeing her friend, little Hermione quickened her steps and crashed into the legs on the young teen causing both of them to giggle. "Well are you ready for the best slumber party you've ever been to?" Darya questions as she guided the girls towards the entrance of the dorms.
"I don't kneow, it's my first time at a s-swumber party" Hermione replied with a slight lisped.
Internally screaming at the toddlers cuteness, Darya just hugged the little girl closer to her side, "Well don't worry, it'll be fun. We'll eat some sweets, play some games and maybe tell some fun stories."
"Mmm ok" Hermione said snuggling into the young teens side as they entered the dorms common room filled with laughter.
Time skip
The father/daughter duo had spent another few months at the school being taught the fundamentals of nature magic. Hideyoshi more so than Hermione again given her age and lack of magical control. The young girl may have been genius level smart, but her tiny body simply could not deal with such intense amounts of magical output just yet. It was decided that when she was much older they would teach her more advanced levels of nature magic but for now they would stick to the basics which did not require her magical core to produce such a high influx of magic. The same idea was imported to her physical training, a toddler could only do so much but that didn't mean she couldn't try some harder moves slowly whilst being watched over.
Hermione had enjoyed her time at the school, though she could do without the cold that made her nose red. Many adults and older students alike thought it looked endearing on the little doe eyed child with a big brain, something akin to the muggle character Rudolph. Hermione thought back to the time when she was taught how to play Quidditch the Koldovstroretz way…..by using tree's, good honest trees that her little legs could barely get across the huge trunk ! Talk about being eco-friendly, she wondered whether she could popularise that style of playing so that people did not have to cut down trees to make brooms. The young girl was shaken from her thoughts when she was lifted up off the ground into the arms of a crying Inessa who wailed out "Don't go! Stay here!"
Hideyoshi stood to the side, sweat dropping at his friend clutching his daughter for dear life. It seemed like she was taking the departure harder than he thought. As it was now class time, none of the other other students were able to say goodbye to Hermione at this moment, so they all had a going away party yesterday evening in the dining hall. The principal had even gifted the duo with a surprise cake that had mini toy humans helping to cut the cake into slices for everyone, safe to say the party was a success and just like now was filled with tears from various members of the student body.
Ruslan was standing next to Hideyoshi, arms cross with a stoic face like usual, but this last few months have allowed the two men to grow closer and he knew the vice-principal was upset at seeing the little girl leave. He breathed out a sigh, watching the cold air swirl around before evaporating into nothingness, he looked at Ruslan shrugging his should before walking over to the blonde woman and child. He placed a hand on her should and spoke softly "Inessa, it is time for Hermione and I have to go. The port key can only stay open for so long especially with international travel."
Nodding her head in understanding, Inessa held Hermione further from her body to look at the girl. "I'm going to miss you little one, write to me every day okay. And if you ever need anything I'll be there with you faster than you can say accio."
Hermione nodded in agreement and placed her small hands on Inessa's cheeks "Will miss you too" she says, cheeks red from the cold, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Smiling Inessa hugs the girl tightly one last time, gives her a kiss on the cheek and hands her over to Hideyoshi who looks back at her sadly.
Hideyoshi held Hermione in his arms, their shrinked bags placed in his pocket. He gives Inessa one final hug and nods his towards Ruslan, "Thank you my friends this has been a most eye opening experience. I am sure we haven't even discovered the true extent of the magic you have here in Russia but it is time we move on with our journey." Smiling one last time as Hideyoshi closed his hand around the port key, Hermione turns her body to see the two Russians and gives one last wave, and just like that they were gone.
Ruslan walks over to Inessa and places his arms around her shoulder, "It will not be the last time you see the child Inessa so dry your tears you must return to your job as well." The woman nods her head once more and wipes the tears from her eyes away as she looks up towards the surprisingly clear sky and prays for the safety of Hermione and Hideyoshi.
A few moments later
Hermione felt a familiar pull as they were transported to their next destination, this time it was a lot easier on the little girl as she had already experienced travelling by port key a few times by now. The little brunette looked around seeing a similar snowy scene in front of her as the place she just left. She minutely wondered whether the port key had not worked, but considering the lack of a castle and harsh weather that could not be the case. She then looked towards the Japanese man holding her, who began trudging through the snow seemingly unaware of her question. She tugged on his jacket to get his attention, Hideyoshi looked at her curiously "Hmm what's the matter Hermi" he asked, holding her close.
"This looks like Koldovstoretz" she states simply. Raising his eyebrow in question, the dark-haired man wondered what exactly the little girl was asking him. His clarification came with a tiny huff when the toddler said "it looks the same. This place and Koldovstoretz."
"Ahhhh" he sounds out, understanding what she was getting at now. "Yes it does, doesn't it." He says chuckling at the girls face, which was pouting from impatience. "that is because we have not travelled too far from there, in a way."
They continue walking through the forest till are met with a young man with dark hair and green eyes. He walks up to them covered head to toe in what looked like a heavy coat lined with fur to shield him from the cold. His youth clear on his face as it was not so hard and stoic as he tried to make it look, if his frown was anything to go by. "Greetings, my name is Thorian Ulfsson, I have been sent by my Headmaster to help you find your way to the school."
Nodding his head "It is nice to meet you Mr Ulfsson. My name is Hideyoshi Mori, this is my daughter Hermione" he says lifting the young toddler up a bit in his arms. Thorian lifts his eyebrows looking back and forth between the two, however the boy stayed silent and motioned his head onwards.
They walk in silence, the snow crunching underneath their boots. Hermione soon began to get bored of her surroundings and wiggled a bit in her fathers' arms. "Hey, hey, Thor is the school a big castle lie Koldovstoretz" she asks breaking the silence.
Raising his eyebrow at the little girl he replies "First, my name is Thorian. Thor is the Norse god of thunder, whilst my name means only thunder. Second, yes, it is a castle but I assume it will be a lot less" he pauses for moment to think of the words' translation "colourful." They begin walking again, and Thorian sees the little girl squirming once more before sighing and asks the girl "So you have been to Koldovstroretz then?"
"Yes, it was fun. They use trees to play quidditch and and…" she babbles on happily about what she had learnt in the school. Thorian prompting the girl on now and again as a form of entertainment, especially since the walk was quite long. Hideyoshi smiled silently watching the boy awkwardly interact with his daughter. The young girl had really broken out of her shell over the last year, he hopes that his daughter continues to grow and meet more people. He then looks upwards pass the girls unruly hair to see a dark ominous castle of Durmstrang, akin to the residence of an evil ruler from folklore and tales. The Asian man frowns at the atmosphere the castle gives off. Part of him wanted to just turn around with a huge 'NOPE' stapled to his back but the researcher part of him new that it was important. Light cannot exist without darkness, he needed to study the balance, and compare these two places, so close yet so apart from each other before they headed back home.
Headmaster's Office
They arrived at a dark wooden door, something akin to those during England's old Tudor time. Black and gothic looking with some smooth edges running along the door. Hideyoshi held Hermione close, as if protecting her from the wicked aura that came from behind the door. The door soon opened to reveal a man dressed in a thick coat, hair silver with streaks of black in them and a smile so fake he might as well have painted it on. "Well hello my esteemed guests" the man says walking up to them, his strides precise and with purpose. "I welcome you to my humble school" he continues with a dramatic bow, to which Hideyoshi bows back in return for pleasantries sake.
"Yes, thank you for allowing my daughter and I to come to Durmstrang to follow the school curriculum" the Japanese man replies politely, not giving away the distress bells blaring in his mind.
"Ah yes, your daughter" Karakroff replies, looking down towards the little girl in the Asian man's arms. "I hear she has taken part in some magic classes in Koldovstoretz," he states while leaning a bit closer to have a better look at the girl.
Hideyoshi's grip tightens around Hermione, his smile twitching slightly at the Slovakian mans' attitude. Just then Hermione burst into the conversation "Yes, it was fun. I learnt lots of things like like how to make little trees' grow and.." she then gets cut off by her father pulling the end of her coat lightly. Just enough for her to feel the tug but not visible to anybody nearby, she looks at him eyes curious to know why he had stopped her. Hideyoshi would usually let his daughter ramble on as a way to encourage her to speak more and become more sociable but clearly something was off if he had stopped her from speaking. Especially, doing so in such a mysterious fashion, so she looked back at the man that stood in front of her and kept mum.
"Hmmm, not interested in talking anymore little girl" Karkaroff asked with a smirk on his face. He reached out his hand to pat her on her head but his hand was stopped by the girl's father.
"I do apologise Karkaroff, however, my daughter does not do too well with strangers." He looks down at the girl before continuing "the both of us are a bit tired so if you won't mind showing us towards our accommodation, we would appreciate your understanding."
Nodding in acceptance the white-haired man replied "Of course of course, international travel and walking in the snow for people not used to it can be quite taxing." He waves his hands towards the dark-haired male in the corner of the room and bellows "Thorian! Show these good people to their room." The head boy nods and opens the door to lead the two out of the room and away from his headmaster as swiftly as possible with a short goodbye.
After meeting with Karkaroff … (it's not important he's an ass but lets them stay for the prestige of having a famous researcher and his daughter be at Durmstrang. Plus if he so happened to stumble on valuable research well…)
When they arrived, Hideyoshi was surprised by how accommodating the students were, though he could not say the same for their headmaster. That man was nothing but a coward who hides between innocents to keep safe. Be that as it may, the school had many interesting secrets to hold, and despite its reputation had many successful and intelligent wizards that had passed its doors. He was partially glad that Hermione was now only 4 years old, it meant that the other wizards would see her as a child and not try anything with her. After all, as a student he may have attained a gold robes for succeeding in every part of the curriculum, he would do anything to protect his daughter.
Looking down at Hermione whose hand was enveloped in his, walking through the castle grounds, students looking stoically at them as they passed by being led by the head boy of the school, Thorian Ulfsson. Hideyoshi observed the young man, who walked confidently like a soldier in front of them, almost as if he was saying 'we have guests, act as you were taught.' The young man glancing at Hermione now and again, concern shining in his eyes. Thinking back Hideyoshi remember the surname Ulffson meaning the son of úlfr - the wolf, animals that were notorious for living in packs and taking care of each other. He just hoped that his evaluations and gut feeling were right about him.
They soon reach the room which they will stay in, and like the rest of the building it was dark, not particularly homey but not particularly bad either. Shrugging, Hideyoshi placed Hermione on the couch the little girl already beginning to observe the room around her like the curious child that she was. "I hope the room pleases you, I understand that it can be quite dark and it doesn't help with the weather we are having right now. If you need anything, please feel free to call on me" Thorian says with a nod, before proceeding to take his leave.
"Thor wait !" Hermione calls out. This act surprised Hideyoshi because Hermione never willingly called out to someone who she just met before. He decided to keep silent and watch on. The little girl runs over to the teenager and she hugs his leg. The boy looks down at her awkwardly, not sure what to do with the toddler attached to his body.
He clears his throat and beds slightly "yes, Miss Granger, may I help you with something."
The little girl looks up at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion slightly "Hermione, my name is Hermione" the girl emphasised, making sure he knew what to call her as.
"Ah, yes. Well then is there something I can help you with Hermione" the boy repeats himself again, this time using the toddlers first name.
"C-can you show me around the school. A-And take me to the quidditch pitch, and show me duelling like you said you do" the brunette asked, eyes shining with hope. Pleading for the boy to say yes to her requests.
Thorian being and only child did not know the sheer power of a child pout, and honestly cursed himself for looking straight into her doe eyes. How could anyone say no to such a child. Sure, some kids were horrible and needed a good cuff to the ear but she had been smart and engaging, well as engaging as a four-year-old could be. She also, was not scared of him like some of the younger students tended to be, which was curious. He wondered whether she was simply not afraid of much, or whether she was oblivious to his stoniness.
Either way, he could not deny the child, he looked up to check with her father that it was okay for him to do. Seeing the nod, he looked down, patting her back awkwardly with a hesitant smile "yes, I can do that for you." But, before the girl could whoop in joy and drag him out he separates himself from her "however, you have had a long journey today, and I have some things I need to do." He then pats her head to cheer her up a bit "I promise to bring you around tomorrow, ok."
"Promise" she asks with a soft voice, looking up at him with such innocent eyes, reaching out with a pinkie.
He smiles, a genuine smile towards her and interlocked their pinkies together "I promise. Now get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow." He looks towards Hideyoshi once more and adds "the both of you," before taking his leave with a wave goodbye.
The pair then begin to unpack their bags and Hideyoshi turns to his little girl and beckons her over. She scrambled towards her father and climbs onto the bed where he was sitting against the head rest. "Hermione, I want you to take care of yourself against Karkaroff okay" he stated abruptly.
The little girl tilts her head and asks "you mean the weird man in the office just now."
He nods at her statement and explains "this man isn't a very nice man you see. He is said to be practice dark magic, and this school is known for said use of dark magic."
Hermione gasps, eyes widening, hand covering her mouth "But tou-san that's not allowed."
"That's right Hermi, its illegal" he confirms.
"Illegal?" the toddler questions, not having learned the word yet.
"It is when people do bad things they're not supposed to. Bad things that are so bad the aurors have to come and find them" he tries to explain to her the best way he could.
"So that's like really really bad" Hermione states looking at the dark-haired male, to which he nods at her simplified definition.
"Then why are we here tou-san" she asked as she kneels on the bed to look at her dads face, confusion marring hers.
"Light cannot exist without darkness, my dear. Where there is good there will always be evil. Everyone had a bit of each inside of them. I want to see whether the teaching here affects which magic someone is inclined towards" he explains.
"I-I don't really get it, but I think I know what you mean papa" she replies.
He nodded and hugged his daughter to soothe her worries "It's okay Hermi; we're only here for a while" he says combing through her lush brown hair. Even at this age her hair was so frizzy matted down by some magic to make it more manageable for the young girl and her (not so great at managing a girls' hair) father. He then kisses her forehead tenderly "Hermione" he calls out to her, the younger girl looking up at him, chin resting on his chest "Yes papa" she replies. "I want you to know that even though I am wary of people here because of their reputation that not everybody is evil, okay" he tells her, trying his best to sound understandable.
"But tou-san, aren't all bad guys evil" she asks, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Her 4-year-old mind not quite grasping the philosophical lesson he was trying to impart to her.
"Hmm, well that's not quite right" he says patting her head chuckling at her pouty face. He then lifts her up so that she was seated on his knee "You see Hermione, everybody is a bit good and a bit bad" he holds out her two hands in front of her, and points to one of them "for example, when you read a book, one of your hands flips the pages right" he asks to which she nods in confirmation. "And whilst you turn your page, your other hand is there to hold the book up so you can turn that page, do you understand what I mean."
Blinking her eyes up at him she looked even more confused by his example. Sighing a bit, he smiles at the little toddler patiently and gestures to the window "Without the night, we wouldn't have the day. Without snow, we wouldn't have spring. So, it goes without saying that without bad things we won't have good things. It called being in balance" he explains.
"T-then what about the big beardy guy in the office tou-san" the brunette asks "is he also good then?"
Pondering a bit Hideyoshi tilts his head left then right, rolling his thoughts in his head "In my opinion, he is not wholly evil but he is out of balance. He has too much evil and that is why we must be careful of him" he answers, not wanting to lie to her.
"So how do we make people get back into balance" she asks head tilting to mirror the man.
Shaking his head sadly Hideyoshi replies "We can help, you are not wrong there. But, it is ultimately their decision to go down the path they choose. Just as I guide you into your future, I can only advise you the best I can as you make your own decisions in life."
Hermione rights her head back up and nods in understanding "Is that why you do your research papa" she asks him, eyes a bit droopy considering the trip and the time of evening.
Hideyoshi notices his daughters' tiredness and replies "It's part of the reason, but I do it more to unlock and understand magic." He lifts his daughter and places her on the bed, tucking her in, kissing her forehead he says' "Go to sleep little one, I will tell you more when you get older okay." The little girl replies with a soft hum, promptly passing out and falling to the land of dreams as Hideyoshi dims the light in the room.
8 months came and went, Hermione and Hideyoshi doing their best to avoid Karkaroff as much as possible considering they were in his school after all, and generally spending time with the other students. It actually surprised the pair, Hermione in particular what softies the teenage boys were secretly, many of them having younger siblings who were only slightly older than her. She had gotten especially close to Thorian who had taken placed a duty to protect Hermione from grimy hands of the principal of Durmstrang. The cold military precision mask fell off whenever they were away from the school or the majority of the student body, but still the young girl appreciated it.
This was not to say that she didn't face some displeasure namely the young first year and second year boys who picked on her for her slightly poofy hair and young age. Though they were disciplined quickly by their seniors, and were a lot easier to deal with nowadays. In a way, the young brunette had taken in some of the characteristics of the student, with their particularity for things and general gymnastics prowess. Of course, she couldn't do all the stunts the elder students were able to perform but she could do some simple tumbles. At least she won't ever die from a broken leg due to carelessness.
In a way, the acceptance of the dup was slow. But like every great thing that requires patience they were rewarded, or perhaps some may argue it was he students who were rewarded. The presence of the two was like a beam of light in the ever lasting tunnel that was the dark Durmstrang castle. The young toddler often at time getting herself lost in the big windy halls would find students whose frustrations had bubbled out due to pressure from their pureblood parents pushing down their expectations and prejudice, needing a release from the weight of it all. The little toddler at times, would sit and listen to the teenagers who would rant and rant before realising she was with them. At first, many reacted cooly towards the young child but she didn't give up. Hermione hated seeing them so sad, even if they were sometimes a bit mean, she was the bigger person, but more importantly she was someone who didn't have expectations for them, which was what endeared her to the student populace.
Hideyoshi on the other hand, was like a parent many of them didn't have. Understanding, patient, and attentive; the Asian man would ask them questions about their lesson, help them wherever he could, and gave them advice should they ask for it. And unlike their scheming principal, who always had ulterior motives, all the researcher wanted to do was to learn and impart his knowledge. Things were going great, and honestly Hermione began to really enjoy her time in Durmstrang just as she did in the school prior. But, every great journey had its beginning and end, thus it was time once more for the duo to collect their belonging and continue their journey. The summer holidays were beginning for the other students and it was time for the two to head to their last destination before heading home.
It was a teary goodbye for young Hermione, as she spent her last few days encouraging the teens going through their final exams, OWLS, and NEWTS. When they had time, the students would teach her some cool tricks or go through what they were learning with the young bookworm, who seemed to soak up all their information like a sponge. Thorian was graduating this year and had been sending off job applications throughout the year, and once he had his NEWT grades, he would be able to confirm his job placement as an auror trainee. The green-eyed boy had told Hermione about the offer practically the minute he found out, and in typical childish enthusiasm the young toddler leapt at him to give him a fierce hug, saying how proud she was to know a future auror. That statement bringing some unshed tears to the head boys' eyes before he blinked them away.
Hermione had been thinking back about her time in Durmstrang that she had not even noticed that her they had already landed in their new destination. She looked around at the beautiful architecture of her surroundings "Otou-san, where are we?" she asked confused, not quite used to the warm weather anymore after being in the cold snow surroundings for almost two years.
Hideyoshi looked towards his young daughter with a bright smile, "Why, we are in France 'Mione" he told her, lifting the girl higher so she could inspect her surroundings from a better vantage point.
"But, I thought you said the spells in France weren't too different from England" she stated furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.
Chuckling, Hideyoshi's eyes' glitter in excitement as he tells her "That is because we are not here to learn just any magic, my dear child."
Hermione looked down from where she was sat on her father shoulder "Papa, you seem e-ex-excit" Hermione grumbles a bit trying to remember the word.
"Excited?" Hideyoshi supplies for her, with an eyebrow raised in amusement.
Nodding her head eagerly Hermione says "Yes, excited. Why are you so excited about the magic? Weren't the other schools also doing special magic?"
Hideyoshi brings Hermione down from her seat on his shoulder and holds her close to him so that she didn't fall "Hmm, yes, you are right about that. But you see, this magic cannot be done by just any person."
The young brunette now looking very confused begins to huff "Papa, you're speaking in riddles again" she tells him exasperatedly. Honestly, she wondered whether her father would become one of those strange old men living in a yurt who only spoke in riddles and had long beards. She certainly hoped he won't become like the characters in her books.
Smiling with an eye smile, Hideyoshi glanced towards his daughter as he began walking "I suppose you are right. "Hermione looked to see the blueness of the ocean ending at a shore that grew into some sort of forest, with beautiful greenery and flowers, then she saw a platinum blonde woman appear from the treeline, waving towards them.
"Papa, who is she" as she pushes herself against her father's arm, unsure who of the identity of the mysterious lady.
"That, Hermione, is our host. And she will be the one to teach us the way of her clan" he tells the the young witch.
"Clan?" Hermione asks.
"Yes" Hideyoshi begins before pausing to look at his daughter once more "the Veela Clan."