A/N: Third Chapter! Here we go!
So, here's my messed up version of combining HP and GOT lore together. Professors at Hogwarts are all Maesters but Maesters can be both men and women (we are in the 2000s after all!). Hogwarts is more of a modern-day college/university and depending on the classes you take you can either choose to be a Maester (the wizard equivalent of Doctor+Professor+Historian), a Grand Wizard (basically custom-made Dumbledores) or a Knight (mostly Aurors or Soldiers - not medieval knights). Graduates from Hogwarts can take on different professions as well such as in politics or religion.
The Maester stream is the highest level of achievement, and like in ASOIAF and GOT, it requires taking certain vows and eschewing of personal titles and property (kind of like trying to become a nun or a monk).
Hogwarts is basically a re-used, modern university created out of the Citadel from Oldtown. More of that lore may come up in future chapters if you're interested in picking my silly brain about how this is so.
Also, as mentioned in previous chap, so as not to confuse the GOT Houses with the HP Houses, I've switched the name to Hogwarts Keeps instead but the same principles more or less apply. There's less in-House competition (or in-Keep competition I would say) in this story but Quidditch teams and dormitories still exist.
You'll noticed the Great War is mentioned... that will be hinted at again in future chaps :)
Anyway, that should be all, I don't want to spoil the rest! Enjoy!
"First years! First years! Any other first years on board? Please head outside and gather on the platform." An old bearded man in a brown robe called out from outside the train.
Jon stepped outside into the cold September air and on to the platform. He looked around for the old man and caught a glimpse of him through the crowds of black robed students. Just as he was about to make his way there, a sudden yell caught his attention.
"Ow! Quit it!"
"Shove it, you little pig. You gonna squeal for your Papa now? Go on. Squeal."
Jon looked back and noticed the voices were coming from behind the trees. As he turned the corner, Jon came upon a group of 3 boys surrounding someone on the ground.
One of the boys cackled, "Oh, look out, the piggy's crying."
Another one kicked the large boy on the ground in the shoulder.
Jon clenched his fists and walked up to them, "Oy!"
The 3 boys turned around at the sound of his voice.
"Well, well. If it isn't the Bastard of Winterfell." One of the boys sneered, he was taller than Jon and had yellow, crooked teeth.
Jon noticed their ties were striped green and silver. These were upper years picking on that boy.
"What are you going to do, bastard? Think you can take on the three of us? Or are you gonna cry for your Papa too?" the tall boy with crooked teeth threatened.
Jon took his wand from his pocket, "I wouldn't waste my breath asking stupid questions."
The shorter boy grabbed the tall boy's arm, "I wouldn't try it Rast. I hear all the Starks got Old Magic in them. Might turn into a wolf and rip yer throat out."
"But this one's only half a Stark." Said the boy with hair that looked like a crow had nested in it.
The 3 boys turned on Jon and started towards him.
Jon flicked his wand with an expert hand. "Nasusanguiem"
All of a sudden, all 3 boys doubled over clutching their faces. Blood rushed down and out their noses, staining their white collars dark red.
"Let's go." The boy named Rast mumbled from under his hands and he and his companions fled into the forest.
Jon pocketed his wand and walked towards the boy on the ground. His round cheeks were covered in dirt as he groaned and whimpered in pain.
"Get up." Jon said as he stood over him.
The boy pushed himself up on his hands and knees and then finally got up.
"You alright?" Jon asked.
The boy wobbled his head up and down, his two chins jiggling as he did.
"We'll get you looked at when we get to the castle, I suppose. What's your name?"
"It's Samwell... Tarly. But my mum called me Sam." The boy said in a soft spoken voice.
Jon shook his head. He looked and spoke like a 10 year old despite the growing whiskers on his lip.
"I'm Jon Snow. But I bet you already knew that, didn't you?"
Sam nodded.
"Well then, Sam. There's no use standing here like lost goats. You're a first year aren't you?"
Samwell nodded again.
Jon sighed with annoyance, "Alright. Let's hurry. I don't want to be left behind. Keep up with me."
Jon and Sam hurried back to the platform and Jon was able to catch a glimpse of the first year crowd already moving quickly down a path in the forest.
"I see them. Let's go." Jon said as he jogged towards the forest.
Soon enough, they had caught up to the group. Sam was wheezing loudly and Jon had to elbow him in the side to keep quiet. The group came out of the forest and on to the edge of a lake where a line of boats awaited the students on the shoreline. Jon looked up to see the Hogwarts castle atop a tall mountain across the black lake. It's four tall towers and bright windows sparkled in the moonlight.
Three old men in long brown robes, and chains around their necks were urging the students into the boats. As Sam and Jon got into the rowboat closest to them, Jon marveled at the enormity of the grounds and castle. Jon had seen his fair share of magical castles but Hogwarts was different. It had an almost joyful aura to it, its illuminated windows were warm and inviting and the walls seemed almost ivory in the light of the moon.
"How did you do that?" Sam questioned quietly.
Jon shifted his gaze from the castle to the heavy-set boy sitting beside him. "What?"
Sam fidgeted with his fingers, "That spell. That was advanced magic wasn't it? Did you do anything like that before?"
Jon looked at him intently for a few moments, contemplating on his response. Then he took a deep breath as he answered in a low voice, "My brother, Robb and I, we used to sneak out into town into one of the local pubs. There'd be illegal duels taking place in one of the basements where people betted and gambled on the fights. All you had to do was step into the centre of the room, and people betted on whether you'd win or lose, live or die."
"One night, as we were on the sidelines watching, someone bumped into me from behind and I fell into the ring."
Sam stared at Jon with a frightened look, "Were you scared? Did you run away?"
Jon shook his head, looking down at his hands "No. Yes. I wanted to but I couldn't. A large, bald man walked into the ring and he had this big smile on his face when he saw who it was he was facing. A young boy barely thirteen. No wand. No money. With dark black hair and gray eyes. Anyone who didn't live under a rock knew my face and my name."
"I could hear my brother shouting for me but his voice got drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. Just as the man was about to shout a hex my way, a stream of blue light hit him in the chest and he fell. I turned to see who it was and a man in a hooded cloak had my brother in one arm and he reached out a grabbed me by the neck of my shirt, dragging us both out of there."
"D-did you see who it was?" Sam asked.
Jon nodded slowly as he looked at Sam, "It was my Father."
"He didn't say anything as we walked home. He even led us through the secret passage that Robb and I had used to escape. I reckon he knew about what we had been doing since the beginning and followed us. When we got to our rooms, he told us that if we were hell-bent on getting ourselves killed, we might as well die on our feet than on our knees."
"Did he train you?"
Jon shook his head, "No, it was my Uncle. Benjen. He's one of the top Aurors in the Ministry. My father set him to the task of training his two foolhardy sons and … well..."
"So why are you here then?" Sam asked, "You and your brother could go on and join the Ministry now, can't you?"
Jon sighed, "It's not that simple. If it was, I wouldn't be here. But our way is the old way, my Father used to say. And every Stark who's worth their salt came here and left their mark."
Jon looked up and Sam followed his gaze to the castle that they were slowly approaching. The rowboat came to a stop and the students in their boat eagerly stepped off.
"Sam." Jon said, his hand on Sam's shoulder. "Don't tell anyone about any of this, alright?"
Sam nodded, "Of course, Jon. You can trust me."
"I know." Jon answered with a small smile as they both proceeded to disembark.
An old woman dressed in the same garb as the old men who had led them into the boats, greeted the students as they walked up the stone steps towards the gigantic front doors of the castle. After a brief introduction to the History of the Hogwarts Castle, she led them inside the entrance hall.
Jon could barely keep track of what was being said as his eyes surveyed the large hallway. Moving portraits of previous ArchMaesters and GrandWizards winked and commented on the new batch of students pouring into the hallway. Metal suits of armor saluted them as they walked past and a few students gasped when the shimmering bodies of castle ghosts emerged from one side of the room and disappeared into the walls on the opposite end.
Sam kept his head down the entire down, his feet shuffling beside Jon's to keep up with him.
The lady maester then began introducing the Sorting Ceremony and about the four Keeps of the school as they entered the Great Hall. Jon had heard all of this before and so used the time stare up at the thousand levitating candles and the enchanted ceiling made to look like the real sky.
"Form two lines, please, thank you."
As Jon passed the long wooden tables already occupied by throngs of upper year students, he thought he glimpsed a flash of white hair towards the front of the line. But as he strained to look, his view was obscured by the heads of the other students.
Jon could already feel the intense looks from the crowd as he shuffled into line. He wished his robe had a hood so he could pull it over his head and regretted not wearing one of his black hoodies. But he knew he would get called out for not being in uniform. Jon satisfied himself with keeping his head down and staring at his feet.
A younger looking maester brought out a stool and a tattered old hat to the front of the Great Hall. The room hushed once the hat dropped onto the stool. In a few seconds, the hat twitched and from its tattered brim, it burst out into a song,
"Welcome, Lords and Ladies,
To Hogwarts, school of wizardry
Before we sort, let me report
A magical tale of history
Long ago, in days of old
Stood a Citadel of white
Men who learned while candles burned
Judging wrong from right
As centuries flew, the men grew old
The Citadel was crumbling
To save the past and make futures last
Was Hogwarts' humble beginning
Five noblefolk from Great Houses
Came to the Citadel's aid
They united and decided
A school they would create
And in this school, young folk would find
A most valued opportunity
To learn and grow, to reap and sow
Knowledge, skill and glory
Brandon of House Stark
Built this castle, large and strong
With four towers high, almost reaching the sky
The 4 Keeps of this Hogwarts' song
Goddric Lannister led Gryffindor's Keep
His students brave and true
They paid their debts, with no regrets
A sword in a hand or two
Rowena Arryn who took Ravenclaw
Was beautiful and wise
Books and wits, quills and quips
Students were her greatest prize
Helga Gardener made Hufflepuff Keep
She was loyal, patient and fair
Her students were hardy, and never tardy
A nobler crew you'd ne'er find elsewhere
Prince Salazar Targaryen took the last Keep
Slytherin, he decided, was its name
Not a dragon's head, a serpent instead
Became its' emblem of fame
The magic of Old Valyria flowed through his veins
And his students played with blood and fire
Ambitious and cunning, proud and stunning
Ruthless in power and glory their desire
Now we discover which Keep will make you
A Maester of Knowledge or a Wizard of Skill
Or how about a Knight, to fight for the light
When the Great War comes with the chill
So, now concludes, this lengthy song
Of Hogwarts and its long history
Where shall you go? Only you will know
Put me on and let's uncover the mystery."
The hat fell limp on the stool as everyone applauded loudly. Jon's frowned as he clapped his hands along with the rest. He noticed the hat had added an extra verse to Slytherin Keep's history and he wondered why that was. Perhaps it was because Salazar was a prince, Jon thought, and maybe princes get special treatment.
"Alright everyone. When you come forward, say your name and your House before you put the hat on." Said the young maester, "You girl, you're first."
A short girl with blonde hair walked forward to take the cap from the stool, she turned to face the crowd, "Alanna of House Tyrell"
She tugged on the cap, and it screamed "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Alanna smiled as she passed the hat to the next student.
"Waldon Rivers of House Frey" the boy said, his dark brown hair covering his face.
"SLYTHERIN!"
The line moved along and Jon could hear the hushed whispers of the crowd and he wondered if they were made towards him. He clenched his jaw and prayed that the ceremony would finish quickly.
He made himself focus on the various Houses the students were from. Some he recognized, some he didn't. He was relieved to know he wasn't the only noble bastard as he heard the many surnames of Snow, Rivers, Sand and Stone being said out loud. Though none of them were Ned Stark's bastards.
Just me, Jon thought.
Suddenly, the room fell into silence after Dillon of House Cerwyn was sorted into Ravenclaw. The boy with short black hair was staring in surprise at the person who had stepped up to take the cap from him.
Jon's jaw dropped, it was Dany but she looked so much different than the girl he had met on the train.
Dany's head was bare and her long curls glistened like silver down her back. Two strands of her hair were braided and kept from her face, secured at the back of her head by a three-headed dragon pin. It's make similar to the bracelet Jon saw her wear on the train.
Dany took the cap from the boy who barely moved since he saw her walk up to him. One of the maesters came to escort him to the Ravenclaw side of the room, bowing respectfully to Dany before taking the boy.
Dany turned to face the crowd, her head lifted high as she surveyed them. Jon noticed she held herself differently, almost as if she was about to command an army to descend into the room. Even from where he stood, he could see the fire in Dany's lavender eyes. She looked almost ethereal standing in front of the room in her black robes.
"Princess Daenerys of House Targaryen" she declared. Her voice clear and self-assured.
Before the cap even reached her head, it yelled, "SLYTHERIN!"
Dany seemed unsurprised, almost bored, with the verdict and she gently placed the cap back on its stool before she walked away. The crowd parted letting her though and she took a seat at the edge of the Slytherin table. Her eyes facing forward, ignoring the stares of her Keepmates.
She's a princess... and a Targaryen! Jon thought with shock. He wondered how he could have missed it. Her hair wasn't white, it was silver and her eyes were a light purple shade. He thought of her dragon bracelet and realized where he had last seen it.
It was said that the Targaryens were a dying race. In days of old, they used to command dragons and rode on them into battle. Jon was told that the dragons had died off many years ago, the last few kept in cages and never grew larger than a cat. But the Targaryens were England's oldest, royal family who ruled the country for centuries since the days of Aegon the Conqueror. The last Targaryen King died of madness in an asylum before Jon was born, or at least that was what he was told. Rumors stated that King Aerys II had conspired with both dark warlocks who wanted to gain control over the wizarding world and Muggle terrorists who wanted to rain fire bombs over the city of London but before any of that happened, was assassinated. Jon wasn't sure which version was the truth. It was also said the royal family and their supporters then went into hiding after his death. Jon couldn't remember any of their names but it seems that Dany was one of them.
"The Mad King's Daughter..." He heard someone whisper.
Jon's face fell. She's Aerys' daughter?
But before Jon could continue his thoughts, he was pushed from behind, "Move along, bastard!"
Jon realized that he was suddenly at the front of the line, and this time the whispers of the crowd began anew.
A girl with long dark red hair passed him the cap and Jon took it grudgingly.
Jon turned around and looking into the crowd of whispering students, he swallowed hard trying to look unperturbed.
"Jon Snow of House Stark!" He announced.
Then he hurriedly placed the cap on his head.
Jon Snow... Ned Stark's bastard... He heard the cap whisper in his head.
You are brave but also loyal and wise...
Tricky it is, and I'd be remiss
To not see the power that in you lies
The night is dark and full of terrors
And there's power in the blood of kings
Which Keep shall you go, only I will know
Of The War the bitter cold brings
Jon rolled his eyes and screamed in his head, "Will you shut up and hurry it along?"
He could hear the hat chuckle in his ear,
So be it then, let fate decide
But know you are made for far more
And kill the boy, for you won't find joy
In Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or
GRYFFINDOR!"
Jon heaved a sigh of relief as his Keep was announced. He tore the hat off his head and passed it quickly to the tall, heavy-set boy who had pushed him.
He then made his way over to the long table at the end of the hall ignoring the eyes that followed him. He spotted his brother Robb who waved him down, a large grin on his face.
Jon sat down in the space next to Robb as his brother patted him on the back, "Attaboy, Snow!"
A few of the other students on the table were jovial and shook his hand, and Robb introduced each of them to him. Afterwards, Jon took a deep breath and smiled to himself. Maybe things weren't going to be so bad, after all.
The words the Sorting Hat whispered in her ear, played back in his thoughts.
"Robb," Jon asked and his brother turned towards him, "How long was I up there?"
"About a second, I reckon. Why?"
"Did the Sorting Hat whisper in your ear when you were sorted?" Jon asked.
Robb shrugged, "Not that I can recall. It just says whatever Keep you're in once you put it on your head. Why? Did it talk to you?"
Jon decided it wasn't worth pursuing and smiled, "Nah, I was just imagining things I guess."
Robb nodded slowly still not entirely convinced but Jon had already turned his eyes back to the Sorting Ceremony as he heard Sam announce his name.
Jon watched as Sam tottered his way down from the steps, he was sorted into Ravenclaw. Jon felt relieved, at least it wasn't Slytherin. But he had hoped he could have shared a dorm room with Sam. Despite only meeting an hour or so earlier, Jon felt that Sam was already a trusted friend.
Speaking of friends, Jon searched the Slytherin table for Dany, but she was nowhere to be found.
"Did you know about the Targaryen girl?" Robb asked him, nudging his elbow.
"No. I didn't know she was a Targaryen." Jon said, "But I sat with her on the train."
Another student sitting across from them overhead, Robb said his name was Pyp, "You sat with the Targaryen girl? Are you mad?"
Jon looked surprised, "I don't see what the problem was. She was alone and she was really nice."
Another student, Grenn who sat beside Robb joined in, "She could have burned you alive with her eyes. They say Targaryens can turn into dragons on a whim and melt you down just by staring at you."
Robb laughed at his companions, "Rubbish! As old as stories about us Starks turning into wolves on a whim. You lot are turning into a bunch of wet nurses, you are."
But Jon didn't laugh. His eyes scanned the room for her once again, but her silver hair was absent still.
Not a moment too soon, all the first-year students had been sorted.
"Finally! I'm starving!" Pyp exclaimed grabbing his stomach dramatically as the lady maester announced the end of the Sorting Ceremony and the hat and stool were taken away.
In a blink of an eye, the dishes before them were filled with foods of all kinds and their goblets filled with drink. Jon's hunger overcame his other thoughts and he ate his fill enthusiastically. He enjoyed more light-hearted conversation with Green, Pyp and Robb until a tinkle of a bell drew their attention.
A line of lord and lady maesters exited from a side door and they dispersed and sat at the Head Table in the front of the room. The last maester who walked in wore a dusty white robe instead of black and his chains were comprised of a variety of metals. His long beard and hair were snow-white and the lady maester who had accompanied them earlier was leading him by the hand. Jon reckoned this must be the Headmaster of the school. He wasn't sure how old the Headmaster was, but he could bet it was more than a hundred.
As the old maester came front and centre of the room, he held up his hands in welcome, "Good evening to you all. My name is Archmaester Aemon and I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
The room burst into applause and Jon could hear some people clink their glasses in appreciation.
Archmaester Aemon lowered his arms, "As always, a fond welcome to our new students newly sorted into their Keeps. And an even fonder welcome back to all those who have survived their years here."
A few people chuckled but others remained silent.
"Joining us this evening, our newly appointed Minister of Education, Lord Tyrion Lannister of Casterly Rock."
Exiting the side door, was a man no taller than a 10 year old. His hair was blond and curly and his eyes a deep moss green. He wore a Muggle business suit, almost similar to what Ned Stark wore at King's Cross station. On the lapel of his suit was a gold lion, the sigil of House Lannister and the crest of Gryffindor Keep, atop a red pin.
Lord Tyrion grinned at the sea of students as he walked in front of Archmaester Aemon, "My, my. It's been years since I've been here and yet it feels almost like yesterday. Good to note the décor is capable of lasting these last thousand years, Archmaester."
Snickers and stifled laughs echoed in the room.
The Archmaester laughed heartily. Lord Tyrion continued, "I know it's rare for a Ministry official to be here on your first day but fret not. I'm merely here to ensure that everything is in order and that the standards of magical education at Hogwarts exceeds excellence. Should you have any questions, I will be happy to oblige. Thank you and good night."
The Archmaester bowed to Lord Tyrion who walked towards the Great Table and took a seat.
"Thank you Lord Tyrion. I wish I could say it was very nice to see you all but perhaps in another lifetime. Thank you to my lady and lord maesters for your help tonight and I wish you all a wonderful evening." Concluded the Archmaester, bowing his head respectfully.
As the students and maesters applauded, Jon looked confused.
"Wait... Is he blind?" Jon whispered to Robb.
Robb grinned, "As a bat? Uh, yeah, did you not notice?"
Jon shook his head, wondering how an old, blind maester could be Headmaster of Hogwarts.
"Don't underestimate what you see though, Snow." Pyp whispered, "I hear the Archmaester still has the wits of a 20-year-old and given what we've been saying about Targaryens-"
"Hold on. Archmaester Aemon is a Targaryen too?" Jon asked incredulously.
Pyp nodded, "Yeah. But you know them maesters. They give up their Houses, titles and crowns when they forge their chains. No one blinked an eye at him teaching at Hogwarts once he renounced the crown all those years ago. But looks like he ain't the only Targaryen around anymore."
Jon stared at Pyp in amazement. His first night in Hogwarts was becoming quite a memorable one.