Right below the ledge, outside of one of the windows, Harry spied two worn boater hats on mousey haired blonds. The River twins were up to something. Harry couldn't help but compare them to the Weasley twins. All four of them had a zest for life. Fred and George are inevitably defined by their pranks and laughter. Where as Huck and Finn are full of adventure, they had plans of thoroughly exploring every 'Red' property. Their parents were supportive and helped with their children's desires almost daily.
When Harry first met Huck and Finn their pockets were lined with nails, paper clips, pocket knifes and other things to the boys delight. An old army duffle contained food, handmade maps, ziplock bags, first aid kit and a mayday device so the boys could call home when they got over their heads. It was obvious these things made up only part of the boys story. How else would you get named after one of Mark Twain's characters? Harry was still waiting to hear the rest of it. He was grateful that they didn't interchange their names like the Weasley duo or over utilize twin speak.
Harry stopped his musings when he was pelted in the back of his neck with a tiny plastic pony bead. He stared at the twins.
"We'd get in trouble with Dad if we used spitballs," said one of the twins, looking at him like that explained everything thing.
"Can you come out?" Asked the other.
"Let me clean up my station. I'll meet you by that wood pile," Harry answered. He loved the flexibility of co-ops system, he'd never got the chance at Hogwarts to leave class when he wanted.
"Where's Jewel?" The twins questioned.
"At her appointment with Aunt Cookie."
"Well, Diva's mom is at it again. She demanded a meeting with Ms. Wendy and an apology from Jewel."
Harry didn't know how to respond. For the most part he helped Jewel avoid run-ins with her bully. The two girls may have spent an hour in the same room all week. Harry doubted that they exchanged words and Jewel did know enough magic to hex the girl.
"She hasn't done anything." Finn whined.
"I know. Aunt Cookie isn't clueless, she won't let anything happen."
Huck added, "She's claiming you're a horrible influence on Jewel and the younger children. They're trying to ban you."
"What are we going to do?" finished the other.
"The same thing we've done, avoid Diva and her mother."
The eleven year olds boys stared at Harry like he'd grown another head. A bunch of unintelligent babble came out of their mouths before Harry took pity on them. "Guys, if everything works out Jewel will be moving to the same place that I am. Then she wouldn't have to deal with Diva and her mom on a regular basis. They're bark and no bite."
"Do you know where they are moving you?"
"Nothing is decided yet besides a different place than here. We'll have a better idea after my conference and that's scheduled for later today. It's not a done deal."
"Why?"
"If you hadn't noticed Jewel is a girl. And I only have pseudo uncles."
"Argh… well let's hope Diva's mom doesn't realize that before it happens." Vented one of the twins.
"Jewel deserves someone nice. She's been here for years."
Harry felt the same way, he knew what it's like to be on your own. At least Jewel's environment is friendly. "Why do you care?" Harry asked out of curiosity.
"Jewel's gotten us out of a few binds. Plus Dad thinks it horrible to pick on fosterlings like Diva and her mom do."
"Your Dad sounds like a great man."
"He is."
"Brit, we're sorry for interrupting your classroom time."
"It's alright. I'm ahead in weekly points but still a bit behind in the curriculum if I want to take my OWLs next year. I'm not sure yet how to catch up there."
"They'll work with you. The mentors are great." Finn mentioned.
"Are you really okay with the way Jewel latched on to you?"
This question was asked often, nearly to the point Harry was getting annoyed. He knew he had attached himself in the same fashion to Ron. Jewel's attachment was easy to understand, all she wanted was someone that hers and would care. Living in a home with 20 other children isn't easy. Harry couldn't blame her for grabbing on to him after he helped her out right after they met. It was the first time she wasn't competing for the new person's attention.
"Huck, Finn, I was orphaned when I was 15 months old. I get it. I get her."
"But you had your uncles."
"Guys this is the first time I've ever lived with them. Things didn't work out how they should have."
"You can't take all of fosterlings in, Brit."
"I'm not trying to. Just Jewel."
"What does she think?"
"We haven't exactly told her yet. I didn't want to get her hopes up."
The twins were pleased with that answer. "We'll visit wherever you go. We best be off."
Harry thought that the twins departure was abrupt even for them until her recognized the figure standing by a tree. "Greetings, Ms. Wendy" Harry stated as noticed the difference between the principal and his Hogwarts professors. She made professors seem uptight but at the same time Ms. Wendy retained her dignity.
"Harry, I wasn't intending to spy on you. My timing could not be helped. I was hoping to speak to you since I am in the area."
"It's not about Diva and her mom is it?" Harry asked.
"No it not. I am proud of how you're dealing with them. Unfriendly companions are challenging. I'm curious what have you learned about the Natives?"
"Not much, Jewel told me how they separated themselves and their lands from immigrating Europeans. And they have shared their knowledge with the cooperative so that the cooperative properties are protected."
"Not bad for someone who's been here for only a week." Ms. Wendy smiled. "Most of the world forgets about their existence. They are and aren't their own sovereignty. They let the U.S. government act as a mediator between the Chiefs Council and the rest of the world. The cooperative is under the Council protection."
"Harry, your Minister of Magic has already called for your return to the U.K. He doesn't have any rights to stand on but that doesn't mean he can't throw a fit. The Chief Council next meeting with the U.S. government doesn't take place until March. I'm not an expert on the British Ministry of Magic but I suspect that there are going to be issues. Politicians aren't known for their patience."
"Do I need to return? I don't want to cause issues for anyone."
"Oh, Harry, this whole situation is outside of anything I've dealt with before. I want you to be informed, not to worry you. Please understand that your educational requirements might vary from your peers. You must be on track to take your OWLs. Due to your odd circumstances I hand-picked your mentor."
"Puzzle, Sirius informed me." Harry mentioned. He liked having someone to keep in the loop.
"He is a unique man. Puzzle and what remains of his family fled Europe due to the Grindelwald war. He's a graduate from Durmstrang."
"Doesn't that school teach the dark arts." Harry looked horrified.
"Don't believe all the nonsense going around Hogwarts. The school has it issues like all schools. It's philosophically different than Hogwarts or here. I agree with their thought that it is the user intent that should define magic, not fearful lawmakers. That doesn't mean I'd teach their dark arts class. Some things should never be messed with but others, like the U.K. are ruled by others lack of understanding. The British defines most of Native American traditional magic as dark because it's different than the type they are more familiar with. Pardon me, that is a long rabbit trail." Ms. Wendy sighed, "Harry our school is not recognized by ICW. The U.S. is so young that we only have one recognized school. It can barely educate a tenth of the US magical population."
"Puzzle and I are among the few at the cooperative that have ICW recognized education. Which is why I believe he's uniquely qualified to be your mentor. Harry, our lack of recognition doesn't stop our students from passing their OWLs and NEWTs."
"So… I need to do more..."
Ms. Wendy interrupted, "It's not your work ethic, which is great. At this time you have surpassed our requirements. Most new students take much more than a week to adapt to our methods. I know Jewel has helped you, but you are still the one who made the effort. Harry, it's our curriculum, it is not aligned with ICW tests. Normally we don't require students to be jack of all trades. We want them to follow their talents and interests."
"So we're changing the curriculum?" Harry asked.
"Not exactly, we can not be what we aren't. Thankfully Puzzle reminded me of that fact. He is going monitor your progress more closely and make suggestions to maximize your time. It will be up to you if choose to follow his advice."
"Ah.." Harry mumbled not knowing if he should ask his question.
"Do you want to ask something?"
"Yes, ma'am. Will it work out for Jewel?"
"I am assuming your asking about whether or not she will be allowed to live with you." Harry nodded his head. "It is a bit complicated and we are trying. Our current solution should work but I haven't heard back from Chip."
"How is Chip involved with this?"
"Like a said, it is complicated. We'd like to get Chip to join your irregular family. If he agrees, Nurse Watson will join which would cover the issues with your uncles taking in Jewel." Ms. Wendy answered.
Harry knew of Chip's family issues but was hopeful that he'd agree to the plan. "Thanks Ms. Wendy."
"Anytime"
…
"Sirius calm down, this is my conference. You are not in the HOT seat." Harry informed his pacing godfather. "You're making me anxious."
"Sorry."
"The artwork is neat." Harry said trying to find something to distract both of them.
"The rune work on the frame is intriguing, I wish I could remember more of my Ancient Runes class."
"You took Runes?"
"I didn't get to pick my electives. My dear old dad," Sirius sarcastically stated, "forced Runes and Arthimancy on me. I took muggle studies just to annoy him. I'm pants at anything related to math but parts of Runes were neat."
"What did my dad take?"
Sirius started to answer when he noticed Puzzle. The bald man was waving goodbye to a chubby child.
"Please, give me a few moments to gather my notes. Sorry I'm running behind," the man stated before returning to his office.
"Does he always limp?"
"Every time I've seen him. One of the ladies said something about a war."
"Ms. Wendy said he left the continent during the Grindelwald war." Harry mentioned.
"Should we ask him?"
"Ah, Sirius," Harry pulled on his godfather's arm. "He back."
Puzzle let out a warm laugh. "You're more than welcome to ask. Some things I will refuse to answer. My limp is from a curse I received in one of the Grindelwald riots in New York during the muggles Second World War. Will you join me?" The bald headed man asked as he pointed to his office.
Nearly every inch of the offices walls were covered with dream catchers, photos, drawings, and Runes of all sorts, in conflicting colors. The only thing Harry found peaceful was the large picture window looking over a small strip of stone buildings. The space was overwhelming and distracting. Puzzle had stick figure drawings that were animated and seemed to be as noisy as any of Hogwarts portraits. Wizarding action figures fighting over the surface of his desk sending marbles, paper clips and rubber bands flying at one another. Sirius quickly found that the chairs were charmed to make whoopee cushion sounds, but his nerves held his chuckles in check. In the corner, loads of paperwork was magically being sorted and filed in a loud metal cabinet. This was not what Harry had expected at all.
"Sorry, I didn't think about the decor. Just a moment," stated Puzzle as he flicked his wand. The room changed nearly instantaneously. The pictures folded on top of each other, marbles rolled into a jar, paperclips and rubber bands neatly stacked themselves into a desk organizer. "I'm currently mentoring a child that claims he doesn't want to learn. Hopefully something sparked an interest."
Sirius without thinking asked, "Is that common?"
"Here, not often but where I went to school it was a regular occurrence."
"Durmstrang"
"That's right Harry or would you prefer Brit."
"Harry is fine." Harry said as he realized Sirius was sizing up his mentor.
"Durmstrang is to my birthplace as Hogwarts is to your own."
"But Durmstrang doesn't accept muggleborns," growled Sirius without thinking.
"Policy left over from Grindelwald. That wasn't true when I attended. I assure you I'd never follow that monster."
Sirius calmed and apologized. He knew there are many things in life that you can't control and dark lords were one of them.
"Harry before we get started can you tell me what you have liked here at the cooperative."
"Umm," he didn't know how to respond. "It's different, I like choosing when I'm in class. The S.O.C.s are interesting. Jewel's great. Mm…"
"There is no wrong answer here. I'm trying to understand you so I can help you to the best of my abilities. Do you have a favorite subject?"
"Ah, Defense Against Dark Arts but I'm not sure if that's because Moony was teaching it last year or the situations I get myself into." Harry answered.
"Yes, I heard about your Patronus from your charms proctor. Do you prefer theory or practical application?"
"Definitely practical." Harry answered as Puzzle scribbled down something.
"Harry, I think it will be easier to explain our curriculum with a map," stated Puzzle as he produced a giant roll. He pointed out multi colored stick trees overlapping across the unfurled poster. "The curriculum is not linear like what you'd find in Hogwarts. Depending on your choices you could work on any of these branches."
"Let me guess, many of these branches aren't on my OWLS."
"Your right the British have their OWLS tailored to their curriculum. We are hoping that you'll choose to take the international test."
"What's the difference?"
"The international test allows for different cultural responses and broader questions. I'll make sure the information packet ends up in your communication center."
"I'm only going to be here for the remainder of this year." Harry stated, worried that something had changed.
Sirius jumped in, "Pup, students here take their individual OWLs when they are ready for them, not on set years like Hogwarts."
"Oh," Harry mouthed.
"The other difference is our school is year round."
"But you can earn holidays and stuff."
"That's right. We recognize Sirius as your guardian and we believe the wards are failing at your Aunt's so we think it would be best if you stay here until close to September. Ms. Wendy is hoping that the Weasley or the Granger families would be willing to take you for the last week of summer break. The time change in the other direction can be more challenging to manage. You're welcome to stay longer but…"
"It complicated and challenging because I'm famous."
"Sirius, you have a bright kid there."
Sirius beamed at the statement before questioning Puzzle. "Do you need to know Harry's plan?"
"Only a tentative plan. Every week he's here gives us more flexibility and more chances for him to pursue his interests. Can you imagine what it would have been like if classes didn't hinder you on your way to becoming animagus?" Sirius nodded with understanding before Puzzle added, "Our system is not flawless but we have children doing things I couldn't dream about while attending Durmstrang."
"If your friends won't have you my cousin, Andromeda, will. Puzzle, how is my Pup doing?"
Harry frowned not wanting to let Sirius know how far behind he was. "I've worked on lots of review, Sirius."
"Don't discredited yourself, Harry. You've done very well for a first week student." Puzzle announced.
"Most of your students don't come from magical schools."
"True, but that shouldn't keep them from finishing their requirements. Harry, few students meet our demands in their first week. It's easy to get lost in our system."
"I had Jewel."
"You had Jewel because of your choices. Few students would help a child 6 years their junior or listen to that child's advice. Surpassing 210 points is impressive for anyone. Not everything you worked on was review, even if you haven't taken note of the fact. Before we get into the specifics, Harry can you explain how you utilize the classroom?"
"I'm following Jewel's advice and complete one tray of every color/subject then finish out my required time with whatever looks interesting."
"A reasonable method, do you like that approach?"
"How else would you go about covering every subject?" Harry wondered.
"That depends on the person. Some change subjects by the day or half day. Others complete their minimums at the beginning of the month then spend the rest of the time following their passions."
"That last one won't work for me because of the OWL requirements."
"I agree but that doesn't mean you can't choose that avenue. Harry please realize that there is more than one way to meet our requirements and your goals. Part of my job as your mentor is to help you find the best balance between our requirements and your interests." Puzzle paused before finishing. "Your interests or passions do not have to match OWL standards."
Harry nodded before Puzzle asked his next question, "Do you like magical creatures?"
"Mm… I did lots of those trays because of the little boys. The animated figures are fantastic but I don't love creatures quite like Hagrid does."
"Hagrid?"
"He's the gamekeeper and care of magical creatures professor at Hogwarts. He's passionate about creatures. He's got all sorts of beasts he considers pets."
"I understand. If you continue at your current rate and add some of the creature related chores to your routine you will be ready for your OWL before you return. The same goes for astronomy."
"What happens if I have already taken some of my OWLS when I return to Hogwarts?"
"We don't know. I am sure they will figure something out." Puzzle answered. "Our curriculum has a life skills component, charms and transfiguration cover more than what's found on the exams. It's not in your best interest to strip those out. To compensate you could add 5 more charms trays and 3 transfiguration trays weekly to stay close to your peers."
"You're talking about the cleaning charms and chore spells, right?" Harry questioned his understanding of life skills.
"There's more than those charms but I think you get the idea. Durmstrang believe these were items to spend your own time on or have your parents teach you."
"Adding a few activity trays is simple enough." Harry said.
"Next up, we do not offer divination. You either have the talent or you don't. The exam is questionable since it isn't created by those without the talent. Hogwarts requires you take 9 OWLs. I suggest that we schedule you take the muggle studies exam in case you don't make progress with either Runes or Arithmancy. We can go into more detail on your subject in our next meeting."
"Is that okay with you Sirius?" Harry asked as he hoped Sirius didn't want to know every little detail now.
"Yep that's fine, one week isn't going to give Puzzle insight into you, Pup. Puzzle, are you going to follow tradition and give Harry something to work on?"
Harry pouted but let Puzzle speak. "Yes, Harry, I'd like you to pick out at least two of the cooperative trips you'd like to go on before your next conference. Meanwhile I will create a visual tracker with your weekly subject goals in mind. You will be able to find tomorrow. Any questions?"
"Yes is there any way to find out what chores will help me in my studies?"
"I'll add notices to your personal center and make sure we cover this next time. Is 2 weeks alright with you?"
"It's 3 to 4 week normal?"
"Yes but then we are running into holidays. Harry, you have the right to ask for a conference anytime you want. Usually I can fit request into my schedule within about 3 days. It isn't strange for new students your age to meet weekly for the first few months. You are required to have a conference if you're not meeting your minimum requirements, as well."
"Ok two weeks it is."
…
"Not what you expected was it Pup?"
"Very true. Did your training cover conferences?"
"To a degree. Teachers are different than mentors. We instruct in the classroom or labs. We can help develop the curriculum but it isn't our job to look at the big picture. Here teachers don't have to worry about if their students are ready for OWLS or not, that's the student's mentor's job. Teachers do have to deal with the day to day behavioral problems like kids disrupting others work," Sirius explained. "I'm not looking forward to that."
"What do you think about Puzzle?" Harry asked as he wasn't sure of his own thoughts.
"His background concerns me but others have issues with mine because I'm a Black. Ms. Wendy thinks he good. He's a bit odd but I think he will grow on us." Sirius answered. "Pup, great job at getting all of your points. Remus and I still need another 30 for the week. We're required 210 too."
Harry smiled at his godfather, he liked getting complements. "What is the plan now?"
"Meet Remus at the cafe and find out what Chips decided."
"You're not going to pressure him." Harry insisted.
"Pup, you wound me. I'd never do that to him. He's had it tough. Oh, Harry, your little blue eyes is hiding over there."
"Sirius, don't tease Jewel."
Sirius pouted as he tried to encourage the girl to come out. "Why doesn't she like me?"
"Pad, she shy around you because you terrified her when you first met."
"How was I suppose to know that it was a rubber snake?"
"I know you were trying to be chivalrous but the speed that was used to pick up her up was unnerving." Harry could see Jewel nod along with his statement.
"Will she ever forgive me?" Sirius exaggerated his whine as Jewel started to giggle.
"Jewel, you are going to join us?" Harry asked finally bringing his friend out of hiding.
"What pretty red wellies, little lady." Sirius teased the giggling girl. Her laughter was infectious so they were all laughing by time they made it to the Cottonwood Cafe.
"Siri, can we get root beer floats," Jewel begged.
"Only if you eat a good meal first." Sirius answered as he entered the cafe. He noticed Remus' frown and Chip's red eyes.
"This isn't the best time," Remus whispered to his friend. Jewel had already wrapped Chip into a hug before Sirius could do anything. The simple gesture broke what little control the young werewolf had over his emotions and he started to sob.
Harry wasn't sure how long the five of them sat there in silence with their hands on his shoulders before Chip collected himself.
"I'm…"
"Don't apologize, there no need and you've done nothing wrong," Remus said.
"I don't like thinking about family…" Chip started muttering to himself.
"Why don't the three of you get your food. I'll stay with Chip." Remus directed the group.
"Do you want anything?" Jewel whispered to Chip.
"Maybe some soup." Chip replied in the same fashion. "Ah, Jewel do you want a family."
The little girl thought for a moment. "Not like your family but not everyone is like that right?" Jewel said before leaving to get her food.
"I'll do it for Jewel." Chip told Remus.
"You need to make your decision for yourself. I know this is hard and I can't imagine what you've been through. Your family abandoned you but Jewel is too innocent to handle it if you start to resent her if you change your mind. This decision must be just for you." Remus explained.
"What if I'm just like them? What happens if my mind changes?"
"You wouldn't debate this if you were like them. Chip you're not a flake."
…
Hedwig interrupted the meal when she flew in with a letter attached to her foot.
"Who's it from Harry?" Jewel prodded.
"My friend Ron."
"He's the red head, right, with all the siblings?"
"That's right."
"I thought Hermione would have written you first." Sirius commented.
"Open the letter Harry," Jewel begged.
Harry opened the wax seal on the thick parchment that was still used at Hogwarts. A smaller letter and one of Harry's photos was enclosed but he did understand the address. "Rascal" Harry didn't know a Rascal. Hopefully Ron's letter would explain.
"I think you got a new nickname Brit." Jewel said after seeing the letter.
"I don't think it's for me. Give me a moment to look through this, if it isn't too personal I'll read it aloud."
Jewel smiled and let Harry peruse his letter. He couldn't help but laugh. "Ok there is no way I can read this and not laugh. Remus can you do the honors?"
Remus took the letter started reading.
Hi Harry,
I hope you having a better time at it than I am right now. I've managed to earn myself a week worth of detentions with Filch. Argh.. at least mum hasn't sent a howler. I'm trying to control my attitude. You've seen it at it's worst, I'm a prat and need to learn to think before I act. It shouldn't be too hard I am good at chess. Gee, I'm not sure what I wanted to prove. Any rate, I made it the whole week without bickering once with Hermione. Even though she won't believe me about Krum fancying her. That guy spends all of his time staring at her in the library.
Everything was going well until I royally lost my temper. I found my neighbor in the hallway stunned with girls removing her shoes. Well I hexed them and hexed them good. Of course it ended up being in front of the French Headmistress and McGonagall. What's worse, apparently the French veela kissed me on the cheek for being chivalrous. All I remember is having to wipe drool off of my chin. I think I need to find a normal bird.
"What's a veela?" Jewel demanded.
Chip laughed to the point of not being able to answer.
"Jewel, Veelas are really beautiful women that can get guys into big trouble. And cause lots of drool." Sirius answered.
Any rate I'm not willing to give up my efforts yet. I hope the little grumpy kid from your photo wouldn't mind corresponding with me since Hermione taking Jewel. I'm sure Hermione will write you as soon as she can gets her notes together. Mate, they've doubled in length because she doesn't want you to miss anything! Good luck keeping up with Hermione. Tell Jewel I said hi.
Take care mate,
Ron
"Troll will like that." Jewel muttered.
"Troll?"
"Diva named him."
"Well he's Rascal now." Chip stated.
A/N Ron may have some issues, but who wouldn't want to hex Luna's bullies. The letter is setup for later plot points.
Chips decision is not intended to be a cliff hanger. He will joining the odd family. I just couldn't resolve my writing issues before I posted this chapter. Everything I tried was out of character, too forced or cheesier than a sobbing 16 year old.
Hope you enjoyed and thank you for the reviews.