Warnings: AU after GoF.
Rated: M for violence, language, adult content
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or concepts of the Harry Potter verse. All rights belong to proper owners and no profit is made from this writing.
Summary: With the Ministry of Magic against him and Voldemort seeking his death, Harry Potter knew his only hope was to leave everything he had come to love and seek sanctuary in another land.
What he found went beyond anything he could have imagined.
What he found would help him win a war.
3
Portrait
"I'm pleased to see the two of you have settled your differences."
Alexei rose in one fluid motion in deference to the Headmistress's entrance into the room. His own jolting start was a lot less graceful.
"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do so, Headmistress," Alexei said.
Evan had to force himself not to become annoyed at the tone. It would have been a bad way to begin their truce. For even as he didn't like the formal pompous way it sounded, he knew it was the proper response given the Headmistress' pleased smile.
He didn't understand why things like that made him react so badly. There was even Ron's voice in his head making fun of Alexei for it. Had he really picked up on so much of Ron's attitude? It was disquieting to realize he couldn't tell if the reaction was due to his personal dislike or if he was mimicking Ron's dislike for Alexei. The Dursleys couldn't be blamed for this either, for if they had even attempted to sound like Alexei just then, it would have be laughable not irritating.
"Yes, thank you Headmistress," He murmured.
Just who had he become over the past four years? There were things he was beginning to notice that he didn't like very much. If he wasn't happy as Harry Potter, then what would he do? Who would he shape Evan Hawthorne into now that he didn't have Harry Potter's influences and experiences to prejudice him? And more importantly, what would happen with those changes once they returned to Hogwarts? It was all very confusing.
The Headmistress gestured them to sit back down and settled herself in a chair across from them. A quick wave of her wand banished the tea service and then brought a large stack of papers forth. The stack first divided in half settling between them and then into several smaller stacks. "This is paperwork that will go in your files that we will go over first and then show you to the student housing and allow you to settle in. Before that, I'll start by telling you a little more about Valmont and how your days will be spent here. Do you have any questions before I begin?"
Seeing they had none, she nodded. "Valmont Academy was founded in 1274 by the Village Council of Swansea. As I've already informed you both, Swansea is one of the few remaining magical creature sanctuaries remaining in the Wizarding world and our curriculum here at Valmont reflects this. It is a valley rich in magic and history and though we do interact with the rest of the world, Swansea is also very cloistered and this is mostly by choice.
It is the duty of those who dwell here to protect the creatures that live beside us. This is the first tenant of Valmont, being respectful of all who reside here in Swansea. Those found breaking this rule will be reprimanded severely. Are we clear?"
"Yes."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Classes take place in the center towers and sometimes in the forests as well. Your professors will notify you of the hours they are available for consult. Each new student is assigned an Adviser when they start Valmont. You will be notified of your first meeting of the year sometime during the first week of classes. Your Adviser is there to help you, whether it is with difficulties in classes or personal issues. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of their assistance."
This was usually the role the Head of House took at Hogwarts. Would his Adviser be like Professor McGonagall or Merlin forbid, like Snape. Wouldn't it be horrible to have escaped one slimy git only to trade for another?
"Our temple for meditation and guidance is near the eastern wall. What faith you believe in is entirely your own but know the temple is always available for your needs. Visits to the village are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month for all students of Valmont. However students who are fifteen and older are allowed to visit as their personal time dictates."
"We don't need a signed permission form?" Evan asked, remembering his own troubles of going to Hogsmeade.
"Your attendance here at Valmont implies consent. This privilege shall be revoked however if it abused. Most of our students rarely find the time to visit the village before the scheduled visits anyway. You'll discover you have very little free time as the year progresses."
"Is there a uniform?" Alexei asked.
"Yes, for classes, each day you will be required to wear a uniform that you can purchase at Bobbins, Thimbles & Haberdashery in the Village. You'll find the attire for Valmont is very different from the hats and robes required at Hogwarts. You should note, at supper, students are required to dress in appropriate evening wear. The shop has a wide selection available to men for additions or replacement to your wardrobe. Also, the last Sunday of each month formal dress robes are required, as the Lord and Lady of Swansea visit Valmont to dine with us."
"Lord and Lady?" Evan interrupted.
"Our rulers. It is a tradition established at Valmont's initiation and the students always look forward to the visits. It's quite festive, there is music and dancing and other entertainments. Don't worry; you will learn more about them later."
He bought a lot of clothes during his shopping expedition, and he was relieved considering Dumbledore hadn't informed him of this. Perhaps the man didn't know. It would take some getting used to, as they didn't have such occasions at Hogwarts. The only formal event he had ever been to was the Yule ball. The closest thing Britain had to a Lord and Lady was the Minister of Magic and Fudge didn't think it was necessary to waste his valuable time concerned about the students of Hogwarts, not unless he thought they were a threat to him personally.
"This afternoon I'll escort you on a tour of the school grounds and we'll travel to the village to obtain your supplies. Any questions so far?"
Again he couldn't think of anything yet and evidently neither could Alexei, so she was able to continue. "Our day here at Valmont begins at five thirty."
"Five-thirty!" Alexei choked out, appalled at the very idea of waking at such an obscene hour.
"Why so early?" Not even at the Dursleys where each day could bring an impossible amount of chores, had he been forced to wake so early.
"Each student is assigned duties here in the castle. Unlike Hogwarts, Valmont isn't solely dependent upon Brownies. Our students are given chores to complete in addition to their school work. Our Novice years are typically assigned duties in the late afternoon or early evening while the more complex tasks are reserved for our older students, which include both of you."
"Are Brownies House Elves?" he asked.
"Yes, what we call Brownies, you in Britain chose to call House Elves."
"I don't- I've never," Alexei stuttered and Evan didn't need to be a seer to understand that Alexei had probably never done a chore in his life. He probably couldn't imagine doing menial labor.
"Don't worry, you will have help. We group our students here accordingly in chores, lessons and room assignments. Novice students would be your first through third years. Intermediate would be fourth and fifth years. Advanced, sixth and seventh. We also have apprentices for eighth years but they reside in a different part of the school and you will probably only see them during meal hours."
"But why chores?"
"It teaches responsibility and respect, Mr. Prince. Tasks for Intermediate students typically include kitchen duty, tending the gardens and greenhouses and care of the stables and the animals within." Alexei's eyes had widened with each job the Headmistress listed. She seemed rather amused with his reaction.
"We teach life lessons as well as magic here. We are not merely educating your minds; we are grooming you into responsible adults. How can you respect a Brownie if you've never walked a day in their life? How can you be appreciative of the food you eat, if you've never tended a field? How can you be kind to the animals that pull your carriage if you never cared for them after they labor for you?"
"A philosophy that Hogwarts should probably adopt," Evan muttered much to the amusement of the Headmistress.
"Oh and why is that?"
"Well, it's just the Wizarding world seems to take so many things for granted. I've never cleaned a stable but those other chores are things I've done most of my life. And no offense, but the majority of the students at Hogwarts would probably have reacted the same way Alexei did or worse because they think such labor is beneath them. It's practically unheard of to do much of anything without magic involved, so how can they respect anyone who doesn't or the people who perform that menial labor for them. Or even those who don't have the magic to do them."
Alexei looked contemplative as if he were truly considering his words. Even while they were talking, though he had decided not to join the Voldemort, it wasn't because he had an epiphany about his beliefs regarding muggles and muggle-borns. So understanding House Elves was next to impossible for the pure-blood.
The Headmistress just looked pleased that at least one of them understood the reasoning behind the schools procedures.
"Older students typically begin their duties at six am and end at eight. Breakfast starts at seven. Morning classes begin each day at nine, with lunch starting at noon until one. If you're required to help with afternoon meals, your schedule will reflect the time block from eleven until one thirty. Afternoon classes begin at two pm and last until five in the evening. If you are scheduled for supper service, your classes will end at four-thirty and you will be on duty until seven."
"Are the classes similar to those at Hogwarts?" Their days already sounded so complicated and it hadn't started.
"For the most part. We do offer the basic magical courses of Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. You will find Potions has been combined with the courses Herbology and Healing. OWL year classes are quite different from the first four years, as you will learn from your instructors. We offer Divination and Astronomy, as well as Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Our History of the World covers both magical and muggle societies, so we don't offer a muggle studies course."
"Are Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes elective courses?"
"Students are tested for affinity for Divination in their first year, otherwise they aren't admitted. Arithmancy could be considered an elective course, as it isn't mandatory but most students do take the introductory course in their third year to familiarize themselves with some of the basic concepts. Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes are mandatory classes."
"I've never taken Ancient Runes," Evan pointed out.
"Neither have I. I am currently enrolled in Care of Magical Creatures as well as Arithmancy."
"And I'm taking Divination."
"Really? Albus didn't mention that you had ability when we spoke."
Evan felt foolish for having to admit he had signed up for the course because Ron claimed it was easy. He spent the past two years making up tragic misfortunes to befall him and barly had any understanding of what the course was about. "Our Professor wasn't exactly talented."
"She was a fraud who should have been fired years ago," Alexei snorted.
"Professor Isleen Larkin is our Divination instructor. I'm sure she would be willing to test you, if you're interested in continuing the class."
Should he take this opportunity to drop the class now? He was going to be behind his other classmates in Ancient Runes as he struggled to get to a fifth year level. "Alright." Then he frowned, as he hadn't been ready to agree nor disagree. What difference did it make in the long run anyway? The professor would test him, he would fail and that would be the end of it.
"As for Ancient Runes, I will arrange a tutor to help you catch up for the first term and you can join your regular classes after the winter break ends."
"Will it be possible to cover two and a half years of work in one term?" Alexei asked.
"Preliminary OWL testing takes place just before Winter break. It is our way of ensuring our students are on task for the tests in the spring. Here we will be able to discover how much you have learned. If necessary we can post pone your OWL exam until late summer."
"That's acceptable." Alexei agreed.
"As for your other courses."
"Others! There are more?" Evan blurted out, actually horrified at the thought of even more work. His schedule would already be full with the addition of Ancient Runes. He would be just as worn out as Hermione had been third year.
"The schedules are demanding and we expect our students to live up to the standards of excellence that Valmont has set. We stress to the students the importance of proper time management skills."
Something he definitely lacked, Evan thought.
"Valmont has a physical component each student is required to take twice a week. You have your choice of disciplines in archery, swordsmanship, and riding. You should be aware we have several clubs for each in case you are interested in further developing one skill, or if you wished to take one as a class and join the club for another."
"So I could take swordsmanship as a class and join the riding club."
Her mouth pursed thoughtfully as she considered his question. "I would only suggest that if you have some experience in riding already. I don't recommend trying to learn too many things at once. There is also the required preparatory class for our students that start in their fourth year twice a week."
"Preparatory class?" He was confused. What did that class teach? It certainly wasn't offered at Hogwarts, at least not that he had heard of.
"Our preparatory classes are instruction in things like culture, etiquette, law, and other important lessons a child needs as they enter the world of adults."
"They don't offer that at Hogwarts," he said. "Have you ever heard of preparatory classes, Alexei?"
The blond was silent, thinking, as if he really didn't want to say. "Evan," he began cautiously. "These are things that most children are taught at home. Offering these lessons as classes is simply a way to ensure that those who aren't educated have the opportunity to learn."
At first he thought Alexei meant these were classes offered to muggle-borns but given the isolation of Swansea, there couldn't be that many muggle-born children here unless they were invited to attend Valmont. No, what Alexei meant was that the children of affluent pure-blood families had these lessons at home. So he wouldn't have heard about these lessons from the Weasleys because they weren't a wealthy family.
Sure they were taught proper manners, though sometimes you couldn't tell that by Ron, and even Wizarding culture but not like Alexei. The Weasleys didn't move in the same circles as the wealthy pure-blood families.
If he had spent more time with Sirius, it might have come up but then Sirius was so violently opposed to anything regarding his family that he would have rebelled against Evan learning about culture and etiquette classes out of pure spite.
He wanted to disregard the class as nothing more than pure-blood rhetoric but there were so many reasons not to. Perhaps if he had been exposed to Wizarding culture, he wouldn't have felt so awkward dancing at the Yule Ball the year before. Or he would feel more comfortable in the Wizarding world and less like an awed tourist who is always shocked to learn something new. He never wanted to lose his wonder of magic but he did want to fit in more.
Headmistress Yvaine paused as if she remembered, "I should remind you that Astronomy and Divination are both offered in the evenings. Saturdays are generally free from classes, though you might want to work on Ancient Runes during that time. At least for a few hours during the day. Sundays are always free for students with no classes and no work duties assigned. You will receive your schedule Saturday morning at breakfast. I have your supply lists, so you can purchase all of your supplies later today. Questions?"
At their negative reply, she gestured to the papers before them. "You'll find here papers that will need to be completed for your files. Pay careful attention to the medical forms. At some point during this term, you will be expected to make an appointment to visit our Healer in the infirmary to receive a basic exam for the year."
4
Creation
The tour of the class towers went well. Each of the classrooms was large and spacious and especially tailored to suit the needs of the subject being taught. Each subject had three professors, one for the Novice years, Intermediate and the Advanced students though most professors taught more than one subject.
His favorites were strangely the Herbology Potions Healing room on the first floor, more commonly called the HPH laboratory and not so strange, the Defense Against the Dark Arts studio located on the second floor.
The HPH laboratory was nothing like the dungeons back at Hogwarts. There was proper lighting and various windows for ventilation. The room seemed more like a modern science laboratory but still felt very much like a potions class with its different shelves of potions ingredients and fresh growing plants near the back of the class. There was even a small library for books that focused primarily on the brewing of potions, herbology and healing texts to supplement the ones they would use in class.
In the process of gaping at his surroundings, they learned they would have classes once a week in the greenhouses and once a month in the infirmary. It was only the Advanced years who had more time in the infirmary as they prepared for NEWTS.
The rationale was for many potions they would learn each stage, from source to production to possible usage. It was a far more comprehensive approach to learning and Evan could appreciate it. He was a tactile learner so he knew he would do better with a more hands on approach. Of course it would help not having his professor sneering at him and calling him an idiot or a dunderhead every five minutes.
In the DADA classroom, the desks were arranged in a u-shape with the Professor's desk in the center, making for a more personal learning environment. There was a raised dueling platform near the rear of the classroom, so he knew there would be plenty of practical instruction to go along with the theoretical aspect.
The other classrooms were similar, incorporating an intimate atmosphere for learning since the class size would be so small. Care of Magical Creatures was the sole class that would take place entirely outdoors just like at Hogwarts. Astronomy classes were held in the high tower and Evan was shocked to see the very modern equipment that had been adapted for the magical environment. Alexei couldn't believe the size and power of the telescope the Headmistress showed them. When he learned that muggles had ones that were bigger and even better, it was definitely an eye opening experience.
From there the tour took them to the grounds which were amazing. He wouldn't mind helping to maintain such vivid and beautiful flora. Eventually they made their way to the student houses where the Headmistress left them again briefly after an introduction to the Heads. They would meet up at one to go into the village.
"I'm Shannon Murray and this is my brother Gareth and we're the Head of the Intermediate years House. If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to come see us. My room is located in the wing with the girls and Gareth is with you boys. We both share an office here in the common room."
Shannon and Gareth were obviously siblings with their red hair and blue eyes and Irish lilt. Gareth seemed a quiet sort, with the muscle and breadth of a man accustomed to physical labor, while Shannon was petite, and rounded with a playful personality that shone through her eyes.
"Feel free to come see me if you have any difficulties, boys. If I'm not in my office, just leave a note and I'll come see you as soon as I can. It was a pleasure to meet you both." She bid them farewell, as a pair of girls entered the room obviously looking for her.
Gareth gave them the tour of the Intermediate years House which was an expansive wing in the residential structure. The 'House' had three floors with the main level as a common room with furniture that urged it's occupant to be at ease, a study area, walls lined with bookcases and a huge fireplace that would provide a warm cozy atmosphere when the weather grew cold.
"The girl's hall is to the left and boys on the right. The second floor is for fourth years and fifth years are above them."
Gareth took them upstairs where there were three doors. "These are the fifth year rooms. Each unit contains two bedrooms, a small sitting area and a shared bath. There are cabinets that can be charmed to cold boxes for snacks or drinks. Including you and Evan, there are only six wizards on this floor."
"So, we'll be sharing," Alexei asked.
"I thought since you were familiar with each other, you might prefer to share."
That might have been reasonable if it were Ron, but he didn't know how he felt about sharing a room with Alexei for a year. Though they agreed to attempt to have a better relationship, it wasn't the same as sharing personal space with someone who had belittled, ridiculed and outright insulted him on a near daily basis back when they were at Hogwarts.
"That might be best," Alexei surprised him by agreeing. He knew it was mostly due to Dumbledore's influence. Alexei might deny it but he was pretty sure that Dumbledore had subtly hinted that Alexei should keep an eye on him.
"Girls are not allowed on the boys' floor for any reason and vice versa. The first floor is for communal gatherings. Curfew for the Intermediate students is 10 p.m. You have no lights off curfew, as the novice years do, but be aware that you must be downstairs to leave for your duties by five-thirty a.m. There are very few exceptions. This makes you accountable for your sleep habits. By this age, we assume you are mature enough to make responsible choices."
He might have been used to waking early at the Dursleys but Evan knew this was going to be a difficult transition. At Hogwarts, he merely had to wake in time to sneak in a quick breakfast before racing off to class.
Gareth tapped his wand on the door handle three times and it glowed warm gold before the door unlocked and swung open. "You may decorate your suites, how you wish. Most students will have things from home they wish to use to make their room more comfortable. During the week, you will be responsible for keeping your rooms clean. House elves will come in on Saturday to do a more thorough cleaning and take care of the laundry."
Alexei looked offended that he might be forced to clean up after himself. That's what House Elves were for, of course, he could almost hear Alexei say in that condescending voice. It was a good thing their personal sleeping spaces were separate, for he had no intention of cleaning up after a spoiled brat. He did that for several years with his cousin. They would have to take turns keeping the small sitting room clean.
"Well, I'll leave you to get settled in. The opening feast is tomorrow night and most of the students should have arrived and settled in by then. Tonight's meal, is more informal and will run until eight to accommodate late arrivals."
"Thank you," Evan said quietly as he was still struggling to adjust to the new environment.
"If you decide against supper, we'll see you in the morning for breakfast. There you will receive your schedules then for both your classes as well as your duties that start on Monday. Any questions?"
"Not right now," Alexei answered then looked to him for confirmation, and he merely shrugged.
"I know this might much to take in, probably a great change from what you're accustomed to but in a month you'll feel just like you've been here all along."
STS
Their room was spacious and comfortable, with its huge wall encompassing windows, high ceilings and intricate woodwork. It was more personal than Hogwarts, which had to account for many students and it miles beyond what was offered at the Dursleys. The window was framed by six white columns giving the appearance of three separate windows. They allowed for plenty of daylight, though a sheer misty green window draping was tucked atop the columns.
There were tree styled candelabras strategically placed around the room for lighting in the evening, as well as the huge fireplace that looked large enough for both him and Alexei to floo from simultaneously.
Thick rugs were a darker forest green that matched the sofa in front of the fireplace. The sofa was covered with large plush throw pillows in shades of cream, sage and burgundy. Next to it was a heavy chair covered in deep burgundy leather. A large study table with four chairs set near an opposite wall of bookcases.
Altogether, it was a nice parlor for the two of them that wouldn't offend either his Gryffindor or Alexei's Slytherin sensibilities.
"Which one do you want?"
Alexei stood on the other side of the room before two open doorways which he assumed led to their bedrooms. "What is the difference between them?"
"They're almost identical. Bed, armoire, walk in closet, two sideboards. The views are different, however."
"Well?"
"One is the front garden we saw earlier on the tour. The other is more of the valley, you can see the river and the houses. I'd prefer the garden, if you don't mind."
"Doesn't really matter to me," he shrugged. He would rather not look out into the garden each morning. It would remind him uncomfortably of Privet Drive and the hours he spent toiling there. Granted the front garden of Valmont was beautiful, and his Aunt Petunia's sad little roses could hardly compare but it was the principle.
In his room, the bed dominated the space with its large ornate headboard that looked like the branches of trees twisting and climbing toward the ceiling. In the center was an elaborate carving of a dragon in flight.
A credenza set against a wall held a silver platter along with four goblets, all etched with the image of the same dragon of his headboard. A chaise was set near the windows. It looked perfect to cuddle into on a cold winter night before a fire. It was covered in acromantula silk that was dyed pale green brocade. There was a dressing table and armoire.
There was very little he wished to change about the décor. The walls were a rich ivory and his bedding was a rich verdant with contrasts of misty sage.
The bathroom connected to Alexei's bedroom. It had two of everything, with a tub that was the size of the one in the prefects' bath and a shower that looked more like it should be found in a rainforest with all the surrounding ferns and plant life.
He pulled his shrunken trunks from a pocket and set the on the floor to enlarge. "Unpack." The nifty spell from Tonks had most of his clothes removed and stored properly in less than ten minutes. Toiletries went to the bathroom and he chose the sink and cabinets nearest his room to store his things. Personal books went on a small shelf over a sideboard, while his pictures and photo albums went in a bottom drawer to be locked away. He would put his school things outside in the parlor. It was better to keep the bedroom separate from school work. This would be a place to relax from his busy days.
By the time he was finished in the parlor, Alexei was leaving his room as well. He looked like he had taken the opportunity to freshen up, discarding the navy outer robe leaving him only "We should go downstairs, it's almost one."
STS
If Evan thought Swansea was beautiful from the school, it was nothing compared to the earthy richness of the valley. The houses that lined the river reminded him of the Burrow, especially the ones with their plots of land sectioned out for crops or the pens for the animals. They weren't magically misshapen, no just simple straight forward cottages but they were homey and he could almost imagine the families that lived there.
The village was more modern than he expected with its odd cobblestone streets and glass window buildings. There were stores just like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade like Bleddyn's Apothecary, and a clever named place called Drop On Inn. A tavern called Toss It Back was next to a Quidditch supply store that he couldn't see the name of.
There was a bookstore and a sweet shop along with a wandcrafter's shop named Hair & Heartstrings. A small branch of Gringotts was nestled between the shop where they would need to purchase robes and a smithy called simply Yvaine's.
What were truly interesting were the artisan stalls that lined the street that sold all kinds of things, from crafts to jewelry to mere junk. There were even booths where you could purchase food like meat pasties and fish and chips if you didn't want to go into Willow's Fare to sit. There was even a Farmer's Market at the furthest end of the busy street.
It showed that while time had marched along without affecting the historic air of Swansea, its citizens were very much aware of the events and advances of the world outside the Valley.
"Any suggestions on where we should start?" He asked Alexei who was looking at the Village with greater appreciation than he had at the simple farm houses.
"Uniforms will take the longest but if we get supplies first we'll be stuck carting them around with us. Even with charms, that can be unwieldy."
"How about you get measured for your uniforms and collect them on the way back to the school, as the clothier is back at that end of the village. We'll save potion kits for just before we get the uniforms." Headmistress Yvaine suggested.
"So, uniforms, supplies then books?"
"You don't want to take some time to look around first," she asked.
"Maybe another time," Alexei suggested and Evan was grateful. It was a bit overwhelming, even without the crowd knowing that he was the Boy-Who-Lived.
The shopping went quickly, as they were focused on gathering what was needed and moving on. One thing he did notice was the different animals that walked through the village with their owners. It wasn't just the usual cats or owls, either. There were canines, reptiles and all sorts of birds. More so were the sheer amount of animals. It seemed like just about everyone had one. Most owners were adults, he didn't see anyone that looked much younger than he or Alexei with a creature. Perhaps this was one of the results of being a sanctuary.
When Alexei glanced at his watch, he noticed it was almost three and suggested they break for lunch. Evan didn't have much of an appetite but he knew he needed to eat. The Headmistress needed to return to the school and the two assured her that they would find their way back without much trouble.
Willow's Fare was clean but busy and the aroma from the kitchen proved the food was good and warranted the crowd. He and Alexei decided to have the lunch special of a cream of lentil and spring onion soup and a stuffed roll of fresh fried fish served with a field greens salad. The rolls were warm and yeasty, the fish nice and flaky and it was chased down with crisp butterbeer. When the meals were brought to the table, his stomach growled loudly making them Alexei laugh and bringing forth a much needed levity. By the time he dug into pudding of fruit crumble with vanilla cream, the smiles were easy and natural.
Was it the fact that they left Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy behind that made getting along a bit easier? Traumatic things had happened to them both in a very short amount of time and now here they were in an alien environment with only an enemy/rival as company. It didn't change them completely, Alexei was still a ponce at times and he was sure there were things he did that annoyed Alexei but without other influences around them it could be ignored or even looked into deeper to see the true meaning.
"I still think I should have bought the books on husbandry." Alexei was worried about what the daily chores would entail more so than the school work they would need to catch up on.
He had purchased both the Novice and Intermediate Ancient Runes books, as well as a couple of other guides that were supposed to be helpful as his concerns lay with the new class. The Care of Magical Creatures book wasn't violent, for which both of them were thankful. The Potions book was almost twice the size of Hogwarts a History, and also had six other supplementary guides and three workbooks. They were getting worried until the Headmistress explained that they wouldn't need to take the Potions text to class mostly the guides and workbooks. The History texts were the same format.
In all he had to purchase books for ten classes not to mention the books he had picked up about Swansea for the sake of curiosity.
"It will be fine. We'll be working with other students and they're supposed to show us what needs to be done." Even if Alexei probably hadn't done an honest days labor in his life, he still had a good attitude. He had expected the spoiled Slytherin to complain the entire time about being forced to work like a commoner.
"What did you think of the uniforms?"
The uniforms were a marked change from the hat and robes they were accustomed to, the Headmistress had been right on that count. They had the option of three colors for male students, a royal blue, forest green, and fawn brown for their long sleeved tunics, so he had ordered two in each color. The breeches were offered in a sooty grey, black and a nut brown. He ordered included five of the black, four of the brown and three greys because he liked the way they fit.
Jerkins in different fabrics were available, so he chose two heavy cotton, two leathers and four woolen, in complementary colors. Although he had robes and cloaks from his previous purchases, he did order an earthy brown and a navy hooded cloak, for when they worked outdoors and two black work robes for Potions class.
"I'm still not sure about this dressing for dinner thing."
"It's a tradition practiced in most pure-blood households. It's from a time when wizards and royals still mixed. There was a time when a wizard changed clothes at least three or four times a day."
"Is that why it was suggested we bring a full wardrobe?"
"Yes, I'm glad to see the practice is continued here. It's a sign just how much Wizarding traditions are ignored at Hogwarts, that it isn't enforced there."
It was a reminder that although Alexei didn't want to be a Death Eater, most of his prejudices remained in tact. "What about this customs class we have to take? I mean if it's something you learned at home, I'm sure you'll be bored."
"The classes are more likely than not tailored for your age, meaning things that would have been learned before won't be taught. There will likely be more focus on societal etiquette, formal situations navigating through the different echelons of the Wizarding world." He took a drink from his glass of butterbeer before speaking again. "Definitely Wizarding law and politics. That's what Lucius told me we would be discussing this summer."
"That ought to be fun," Evan drawled, implying that it would be no such thing.
"It will be what you make of it, Evan. If you want it to be boring and a waste of time, it shall be. If you take an active interest and put forth effort, you might actually gain valuable experience from the class."
"I just don't like the ideal of learning all of those pure-blood manners and putting on airs."
"That sounds more like the Weasel's opinions."
"Don't call him that," he snapped and Alexei waved off his burst of anger.
"I'll tell you what, Slytherin exchange."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I want you to keep an open mind in regards to the customs class because I think you'll benefit from it and without Weasel around you'll even come to appreciate it. So in return, I'm offering to keep an open mind when it comes to muggle-borns. I admit, I haven't had the chance to speak to many of them and only have Lucius's opinion and my rare experiences to judge them by. So, I'll convince you of the validity of the customs class and you convince me that muggle-born should be allowed to attend Hogwarts."
"That's just stupid! Muggle-borns deserve the opportunity to learn magic just like everyone else. Hermione is every bit a good a witch as say, Pansy Parkinson. If not better."
"Are you not up to the task then, Evan?"
"Fine," he agreed, more than up to the challenge of changing Alexei's perceptions.
The fact that Alexei was willing to open his mind to the possibility was half the battle. Overcoming prejudices that had been ingrained practically from birth wouldn't be easy but with examples like Hermione and his mother, and his own father's actions proving that not everything Lucius Malfoy said should be accepted as fact, he was confident of his success.
"We should start back to the school," Alexei suggested.