A Revelation
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer and other pertinent information
Chapter 10
The Dursleys
The Dursleys sat down to watch television when they heard a knock on the door. Vernon struggled to get his fat out of the lounge chair. He finally got up and waddled to the door, and opened it. He saw the flashing lights of three police cars.
"Yes can I help you?"
"Mr. Vernon Dursley?"
"Yes."
"This is the right place, inside men. Mr. Dursley I have a warrant issued by Her Majesty for your arrest. That means the three of you. Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way it really doesn't matter. Of course, if you consider our preference it will be the hard way, hard on you of course. Now step aside or I will move you." The officer said as a wand appeared in his right hand.
"Petunia, there are freaks here call the police."
"We are the police you idiot," Gawain Robards said, "Wizard police known as Aurors."
Vernon Dursley was hit with a stunner and thrown back about five feet as Gawain Robards entered the room.
"Mrs. Petunia Dursley you and your son are also under arrest by order of Her Majesty and Minister Bones. The charges are child abuse for you, attempted murder for your son and husband. All right men start at the top and work down. If you miss anything, I'll have your head before sending you to Madam Bones. I'll do the cupboard myself. Jessup, please interview these animals."
Jessup body bound them then waved his wand over each one looking for compulsion or other charms and found none and no remnants of any. Jessup knew even if Dumbledore were dead and the charms cancelled there would still be traces of them. He read their minds like open books and wasn't pleased with what he found. These three would go away for a very long time.
Gawain Robards struggled to keep the contents of his stomach in place. For the first time in his long distinguished career, Gawain wondered if he could get by with torturing these three before killing them. He took in every detail then placed the memory in a crystal while it was fresh.
When he finished he waited for Jessup to nod then cancelled the body binds on the three.
"Dursley I want you to read this warrant out loud so the other two animals understand what you're up against." Gawain stated and handed Vernon the warrant.
Her Majesty Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace
Dear Lady Bones,
As we discussed earlier the situation how His Grace Harry James Potter, Duke of Wight, Earl of Hogwarts, Earl of Inverness, Earl of Aberdeen, and the Earl of Perthshire was raised by his Aunt and Uncle must be solved to our satisfaction.
Please Lady Bones consider this and authorization to issue a Royal Warrant for the relatives of Duke of Wight. Be advised, if we find your form of punishment insufficient, we shall take the matter into our own hands. Please report your findings and the solution to us personally.
Her Majesty,
Elizabeth R
"Lady Bones is the Minister of Magic and told me Her Majesty wants your heads on a pike. However, Lady Bones assured Her Majesty that Azkaban was a more fitting punishment. You three had the richest person on the planet living with you. I've met His Grace and he's the type that would have shared everything with his family. But you three are animals and no family to him. His betrothed had to be physically stopped from coming here with us. She wanted to hex you three into the twenty-second century she said. At nearly fourteen, she has the power to do that. His Grace is already half again more powerful than Merlin," Gawain stated while sneering at the Dursleys."
"But we didn't know any of this," Vernon sputtered.
"Why would that make a difference, that boy was part of your family. Because of his father, you had the job you used to, and a well paid one at that. Now all you will have is a six by eight cell near beings that will force all happiness from your minds and show you the horror you brought on His Grace. The orders are that those creatures are not to allow you descend into madness, and for us to do everything in our power to make sure you have a long unhappy life. Get this trash out of my sight men before I gut them myself," Gawain stated his hate for the Dursleys very evident in his voice.
The three Dursleys were led to the police vehicles in handcuffs as the entire neighborhood watched and some cheered while others sneered. One shouted, "it's about bloody time you lot took those animals into custody." After an hour of viewing Harry's memories, the Wizengamot sentenced the Dursley adults to 25 years, and Dudley to 15 based on Harry's recommendation. At Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family said they could wait to extract their own justice.
The Times, a popular newspaper printed a small article that said the Royal Family was reviewing Peerages as was normally done each five years. It was reported Her Majesty might have discovered she has a missing second cousin. It seemed Edward Duke of Windsor had a daughter that was named Dorea Black and the daughter married into the Potter family. She was known to us as the Duchess of Wight. What happened to the Potter family and the Duchy is unclear.
Dan showed the article to Emma who in turn sent it to Hermione. Hermione read it to Harry who was not a happy camper.
Hogwarts
Things had settled down to the point Harry finally was able to have personal meetings with each of the staff. Minerva decided she wanted to teach and remain as Deputy Headmistress. Flitwick decided Harry and Pomona were right and began meeting with his house three times a week. Aurora Sinistra decided she would stay on has the head of Slytherin. Pomona Sprout would keep her Head of House duties and give up teaching.
The Professors agreed that visits to Hogsmeade should be open to all and be twice a month if grades were maintained. Tonks was giving defense lessons to the fifth and seventh year students. This was done in a new classroom and the class was now titled Defense. Muggle studies would be a requirement for the first two years and for those sixth and seventh who hadn't sat the new class. A two-year course on wizard laws and traditions would be developed. Runes would be introduced as part of Charms and Transfiguration in the first year. The actual class would be open to second year students and above. Arithmancy was made mandatory for the first five years. Potions and Herbology were combined and to be taught by both professors to show how plants reacted with other items in potions. NEWT level subjects would require an Exceeds Expectation on the OWL exam in order to continue a class.
Slytherin house would move out of the dungeon to new quarters. The moving staircases would be locked in place. First year students would receive a map that was charmed to show their current location and the quickest way to their next class. A large common room was opened up so that the houses could intermingle. Weekly dance lessons would be provided on a volunteer basis. Physical education and health studies were offered but not mandatory. All students were required to have a current physical, and immunization against Wizard Flu and Dragon Pox. The idea of Hogwarts becoming a boarding school that allowed the option of living at home and flooing to school was being discussed.
Harry asked, "Other than tradition, why do we require students from Scotland and Ireland to have to travel to London only to take the Express back here? Isn't it rather expensive on muggles parents with first generation witches, and those with large families that can't apparate or use the floo? I am not against traditions that make sense in today's world. But I think tradition for tradition's sake that is a burden that just isn't right. What was a good idea ten years ago may not be a good idea today."
"Lord Gryffindor"
"Yes Lady Hogwarts."
"In the past Godric created portals to the houses when the first visit was made. These were secured so they could be used only at certain times by the student and their immediate family. The family stepped into the portal and stepped out here less than a second later. The families met in the guest wing that has been hidden for 350 years but is available to be used. Families were invited to the opening feast in that wing because the common room or Great Hall is much larger than the one in this wing. Families were encouraged to mix in with the Professors to get to know each other. Seating was by the student's lowest year and not by house. Any Professor can ask me to create a portal once they're inside a home. When the youngest of a family graduates, the portal disappears. Students were told to arrive by 09:00 so they could meet others and their families given a tour of the castle and grounds. For some reason portals fell out of favor and are no longer used."
"In the case of the Weasleys could Ronald come through with the rest of the family?"
"No My Lord he has been expelled and cannot enter the grounds or castle unless you give him permission. The Hogwarts wards extend to the portals."
"Thank you my Lady. We may not be able to do this by 1 September but should be able to by the beginning of the January term. That brings up another question, why do we start on 1 September? Why not have the students arrive the last Saturday of August and give them a chance to learn their way around and meet their classmates?" Harry was in full owner mode as was Hermione.
The Professors knew that saying it's always been that way was not a good answer so they said they didn't know. Harry decided that since there needed to be a birthday cutoff for entering school 31 August was as good as any. It was not that much different from muggle schools. Professor Kettleburn then announced his retirement saying he would like to keep his remaining limbs. Harry thought it was too bad Hagrid wasn't qualified and had a thing for dangerous creatures. He thought of Charlie Weasley and decided to voice that to Pomona.
"Headmistress I would like you to consider Charlie Weasley as a possible COMC professor if he is qualified. We will need at least two more and I don't know if he will be interested. I do know he was a great seeker and may even be willing to help train the house seekers. The decision is yours of course," Harry suggested but it was clear the decision was Pomona's.
"Harry I know he received and O++ on his COMC NEWT and was planning to seek a Mastery. But the NEWT score would be enough to get him in the door. Charlie is a good man and was a good student, so I'll ask if he's interested. I know he's happy with his dragons but the new salary structure may lure him here." Harry Headmistress replied with a smile.
When informed that letters had been sent to Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin offering interviews as professors Harry asked, "Are you mental inviting two of the Marauders back in their hunting grounds with the Weasleys twins still attending school?"
"Harry what better way to control budding pranksters than to have masters watching over them?" Minerva asked.
Harry thought then replied, "I hadn't thought of it that way but I can see you're thinking outside the box. I just hope it doesn't backfire if one or both accept."
"Harry there is one other issue we just discovered, Dumbledore negotiated with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to bring back the Tri-Wizard Tournament to be held at Hogwarts." Pomona stated.
"So you're saying that we have yet another year our students may be placed in danger because of that old bastard. That is not going to happen. I will allow the tournament but I maintain the right to determine the tasks. Let's see thinking the way the old reprobate did the first should be a spectator thing like the Roman Gladiators. Ok that would probably be students facing dragons or some such beastie. Ah, yes then we sent them into the lake in the middle of January or February to find something and fight Grindylows and who knows what else." Harry paused and collected his thoughts.
"Perhaps Beauxbatons will bring a part Veela. She would be at a disadvantage in the water how exciting. Of course, the audience would be looking at the surface not seeing what was happening. I mean we did entertain them with the dragons, so they should appreciate sitting for who knows how long in the cold, watching the lake and wondering what was happening. Then for the last task, we'll do something like a twenty-foot high maze and put the trophy in the middle. Once again, the audience shouldn't mind paying to watch hedges grow while the champions are fighting who knows what in the maze." Harry let that sink in for a minute.
"My rules are simple there will be no dangerous animals brought into this Earldom or the other three. The lake will not be used in any shape or form except as an entry and exit point for the Durmstrang ship. There will be no ground tore up or hedges grown not done as part of the Herbology class by our students. Broom races, duels with stunners, Expelliarmus, and shields only will be allowed. An obstacle course where the audience can see progress will also be allowed, the obstacles may be difficult but not deadly. I'll inform the Minister and Her Majesty of my conditions. If those terms are unacceptable, Hogwarts will not participate or host this abomination." Harry stated firmly and continued.
"Oh one other condition, all who enter must be of age and hand their name to me, and I will place it in the goblet. If any other name comes out of the goblet, the tournament will revert to three rounds of exploding snap the night the names are drawn and the other two schools are free to leave our grounds. The other schools, Durmstrang especially, need notified that the wards kill Death Eaters at their entry." Harry said wrapping up his conditions.
"I doubt the other schools will go along with your conditions Harry," McGonagall stated.
"Good Professor McGonagall, I really hope they don't. I care more for our students than Dumbassadore did and I will not allow them placed in danger at school. I suspect Madam Maxime will be delighted, and the Death Eater Karkaroff will probably withdraw Durmstrang, so sad too bad. What we have here is that currently four Quidditch teams compete in four matches. With the tournament, one student participates and everyone else has an opportunity to watch. Of course, Quidditch will have to be cancelled irritating the students who play and those who watch it. That's so much bull dung if it was anyone but Bumbles I doubt the idea would have received more than a mention." Harry replied with a smile.
After the meeting, Harry wrote a letter explaining his and Hogwarts position on the tournament and his conditions. He made six copies of the letter then addressed and signed each one. One went to Her Majesty, Madam Bones, Madam Maxime, the Headmaster of Durmstrang, the Minister of Magic Bulgaria, and the French Minister of Magic.
Harry and Hermione were relaxing reading an old scroll from her vault when the wards pinged.
"Lord Gryffindor Minister Bones and a Ludo Bagman request to talk with you."
"Let them through my Lady and re-add Amelia Bones to the direct access please." Harry replied.
"Yes my Lord"
"Thanks Lady Hogwarts."
Harry met them at the entry and led them to his common room and office.
"Potter you cannot be making conditions concerning this upcoming tournament…" Bagman started before being cut off.
"Listen and listen well you bag of wind. First, it's Lord Gryffindor to you, and you're in my Earldom so my rules apply not yours. Second, my betrothed and I own this school and we say what will and will not happen here. If you don't like this, don't let the gate hit you in your fat ass on your way out. Third, the letter lists my conditions and nowhere in it does it indicate I am willing to negotiate any of those conditions. Fourth, Her Majesty agrees and says this is my Earldom and I may run it how I choose. My students will not be put at risk so you may get your jollies off trying to live in glory long past. Fifth, Hogwarts wards will maim or kill any Death Eater that attempts to enter, and kill any inside the wards. Do I make myself clear?" Harry was in full owner mode and Hermione nodded her agreement.
"Minister he can't do this can he?" Bagman almost begged for a yes.
"Ludo, as I said in my office he not only can do it he has done it already," Amelia replied and rolled her eyes at the man.
"But Dumbledore agree to hold the tournament here," Bagman huffed in disappointment.
"Dumbassadork is not the Headmaster here, he's dead, and has been replaced by a competent Headmistress who cares for her students, and their safety. I agreed to work with Minister Bones and notify her of potential dangers to the students. I have done that and provided a solution that I deem fair, and Her Majesty agrees so I see no problem. Well that's not true, you have a problem in that you aren't getting what you want which seems to be to put my students in danger. That isn't going to happen. I can imagine Her Majesty's response to the idea dangerous beasts would be brought into her kingdom. It was dragons wasn't it?"
Bagman's face showed Harry was right and he had to admit it would have been the first task.
"Lady Hogwarts throw this idiot from my Earldom in any manner you so choose."
"Thank you my Lord it's a pleasure to serve you and Lady Hermione."
Ludo Bagman disappeared. Amy shook her head then laughed. Then she asked, "Do you have any idea where he went?"
"Yes, he is about a quarter of a mile into the channel off Dover. I'm not sure I hope he can swim or hope he drowns. Amelia if you're alone you can come through the wards again without asking for entry. Lady Hogwarts please add Croaker, Alastor Moody, and Kinglsey Shacklebolt to the entry list," Harry said with a smile.
"It is done my Lord."
"Thank you."
"I'll tell them and thanks Harry," Amelia said with a smile.
"No problem Minister I've been busy and forgot to do it earlier. Is it me or is Bagman an idiot?" Harry asked with a grin.
"He's an idiot, and you pegged him to a 'T'. He didn't like that much. I still think he supports Voldemort. He was found innocent but I believe that's because of his popularity as a Quidditch star." Amelia stated but indicated she thought Bagman was up to something.
"If my conditions are met he's in for a surprise because he cannot come back on any of my lands. I firmly believe Bumbles set this thing up to attract Moldyshorts. At least we have time to plan for that eventuality Minister." Harry said and relaxed.
"I'd tell you to stay out of trouble but that would be a waste of breath Harry. After seeing your memories and those from Robards it's a wonder you're not the next dark lord. I'm beginning to wonder if that was what Dumbledore wanted to happen." Amelia said with a faraway look that was becoming very familiar to those who knew her.
"Personally I wouldn't put anything passed the bastard. He was only concerned about himself and his grand plan for the world. I guess the saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely is true in his case." Harry said shaking his head.
"Harry I'll let the French and Bulgarians know that you won't back off on your conditions. I'll also tell them I agree with you that students safety comes first not entertainment for the masses." Amy said with vigor.
"Amelia, I appreciate that. I might back off on Karkaroff but I doubt it, Death Eaters have no business in this or any other school. I must assume with him as its head, Durmstrang is training future Death Eaters. But then again we had dark lord Bumbledork as Headmaster. You might put a bug in the Bulgarian Minister's ear that pureblood bigotry is not welcome here and is not tolerated by students or guests." Harry suggested and smiled.
"I'll mention that to both them and the French," Amelia Bones said as she left Hogwarts.
Harry and Hermione went back to reading the scroll, kissing, reading the scroll, and kissing some more. Harry found every reason he could to kiss Hermione. She smiled internally, she felt safe and loved with Harry by her side. She expected scathing letters from the Bulgarian Minister and Karkaroff and knew that would set Harry off and neither would like his reply.
"Lord Gryffindor there is a strange elf at the gate with a letter from the Bulgarian Minister."
"Thank you my Lady I'll send Dobby. The elf is declined entry."
"Yes my Lord."
Dobby fetched the letter and Harry read it and handed it to Hermione.
Dear Earl Gryffindor,
Thank you for your informative letter. I find myself in agreement with your conditions. Student safety must always be the first priority for a school. It is good to see someone in your country cares for the safety of all students not just their own.
Again, your conditions are acceptable to this Ministry.
Aleksandar Botev, Count of Silven
Minister for Magic, Bulgaria
Harry replied:
My Dear Count Botev,
Thank you for your letter. Rest assured that Hogwarts will make every effort to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and guests inside our wards. Several wards ensure Death Eaters meet a most horrible but justifiable fate. It is my belief a tiger does not change its stripes nor does a Death Eater change his or her ways. There will be no dangerous beasts allowed in any of my Earldoms. I was informed that the first challenge would have pit a student against a nesting mother dragon. I actually had to laugh at the thought that if the officials tried to bring a dragon here we would all have seen smoked dragon. I do doubt that it would make a tasty meal. I have also put our lake off limits to the tournament because not only are there dangerous creatures it is never warm enough to swim in for more than five minutes even with warming charms.
Personally, if I had my way this whole thing would be cancelled, there are safer ways for schools to interact than the Tri-Wizard tournament. I may be overacting a bit because one of my paternal grand uncles was killed in this abomination.
Respectfully,
Harry James Potter, Earl of Hogsmeade
Three-Fourths Owner of Hogwarts
Hermione read and approved what he wrote. The next day Harry received a similar letter from the French Minister of Magic, André Delacour, and Madam Maxime the Headmistress of Beauxbatons. The wording was slightly different but the intent was the same, safety came first. The letter from Igor Karkaroff was quite different from the others.
Lord Gryffindor,
As Headmaster of the great school of Durmstrang, I demand to be allowed entry into the pig sty of Hogwarts as promised by Headmaster Dumbledore. I consider your letter to be an affront to my honor. I will challenge you to a duel of honor when I arrive. As for your tasks, we will stick to those originally planned there will be no deviation at this date, or any other on this I insist.
Igor Karkaroff
Headmaster, Durmstrang Institute
Mr. Igor Karkaroff,
Your demands are noted and rejected. As the Americans say, come on down shithead. Be warned, trying to cross Hogwarts wards with the dark mark will cause you pain that would make Moldyshorts' Crucio feel like a tickle. After about ten minutes of screaming, you will literally explode into small pieces a sparrow could swallow. Come in your ship into the Black lake and die the same way. Death Eaters are not allowed within my four, surely you can count that high, Earldoms. Feel free to enter at your own peril.
As to a duel, name a neutral site and I will accommodate you, I've already taken down Malfoy, Snape, and Dumbledore. I'm collecting Death Eater wands like some collect chocolate frog cards. Your wand I'll display in a shit house for all to see how I think of you.
Once at Death Eater always a Death Eater and Death Eaters are at the top of my hunting list. What I say goes for any of your marked students. You may want to warn them that a bigoted pureblood attitude will get them thrown into the lake the first time, and into the English Channel the second time. There will be no third time as they will be out of my Earldoms never to return.
Hope to see you try to get into Hogwarts soon, you fucking low life bastard Death Eater son of a bitch.
Lord Gryffindor, Earl of Hogsmeade
Three fourths Owner of Hogwarts
P.S. No one makes demands of me, in my Earldoms. I am the king of the hill here. To me you are lower than dog shit. Make no mistake Death Eater, I will come for you, you may have escaped Azkaban but it's fixed and I can travel. So come on down and make my day, I love seeing Death Eaters fry.
Harry warned Hermione she wouldn't like the language in the letter but he was wrong. As she read, her right eyebrow raised. When she reached the end she smiled and said, "You put that bastard in his place."
"Hermione love, I do believe I'm rubbing off on you and not in a good way. Your language is getting as bad as mine love," Harry said with a smile.
"Hush you, you said bastard in your letter so why shouldn't I say it." She huffed.
"Ah, it's that lady thing again love."
"But were not in public and it's just us here."
"But the more you use those words the more apt you are to slip in public," Harry was now trying to use logic.
"Hush, Harry."
"Yes dear."
"Mum said we sound like an old married couple and even seem to know what the other is thinking." Hermione said with a smile from ear to ear.
"Perhaps we should take care of that in a couple of years. You do know a couple means two don't you?" Harry replied with his own smile.
"How about we get married on my 16th birthday?" she asked timidly.
"If you wish Lady Granger-Hufflepuff it sounds alright with me. In fact I was thinking on my birthday since its sooner but I can wait seven more weeks maybe." Harry replied shocking her.
"I'll tell Mum then all right," Hermione said while doing an Irish jig in her mind.
"Yes but I'm a bit worried about Liz getting into the act Hermione." Harry voiced his biggest worry.
"Maybe we can convince her we like small and private if she gets involved. Besides we have a bit over 27 months but who is counting." Hermione replied trying to put her own fear aside.
"I am," Harry, replied which got him lots of kisses and he loved every one.
"Boss, when you come up for air, there's some one here that wants to meet you. I believe he said his name was mooey or something like that," Tonks said with a grin.
Hermione got off Harry's lap and Harry stood and asked, "Is it Mooney?"
"Well the last time I heard you say it, it was more like mooey but it is Mooney."
Meeting Remus John Lupin
Harry hugged Remus then stepped back and said, "Mooney you look like shit, hasn't Gringotts contacted you yet?"
"No but I've been on the move a lot and just got a letter from Professor Sprout why?" Remus said indicating he wasn't affronted by Harry's words.
"Dad and Mum left you and Sirius each a half-million. Hermione this is my pseudo Uncle Remus John Lupin known as Mooney the brains behind the Marauders. Well until Mum joined, he was the brains. Remus this is my betrothed Lady Hermione Jean Granger-Hufflepuff the smartest witch of our age and perhaps any other as well." Harry said with pride showing in his voice.
Remus kissed her hand and said, "It's a pleasure Ma'am."
"Remus its Hermione, I see you've already met Dora, our Chief of Security," Hermione said shocking Remus.
"Wait a minute you two. I flooed Pomona and told her about my furry problem and she said the owners wouldn't care as they intended to allow werewolves attend school and provide Wolfsbane. She never said who the owners are, and I've been out of contact the last couple of weeks. You two own Hogwarts?" Remus asked as he latterly flopped into a chair.
"It's Lord Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin at your service my good sir. And yes my beautiful, sweet, and extremely kind, and intelligent fiancé and I own this nuthouse." Harry said with a bow and sweep of his right arm.
"Hermione he's trying for a good snogging again," Dora said with a giggle at the end.
"I know Dora but he'll have to wait, business first you know. Huummm… Harry love, get one of Sirius' new robes for Remus and I'll resize it for him. He needs to make a good first impression on Headmistress Sprout," Hermione told her betrothed.
"Wait, where's Dumbledore?" Remus asked now really shocked to the core.
"He ran afoul of Harry James Potter and managed to get himself sent through the veil not long before Lucky Lucy Malfoy, and Snivilus Sally Snape. We'll show you the memories later we need you cleaned up. Lady Hogwarts we need a suite for soon to be Professor Lupin," Hermione replied like this was normal for them.
"As you wish my Lady Hufflepuff, it is next to Lord Black's suite."
"Thank you Lady Hogwarts."
"Remus, shower, shave, and whatever men do, Dobby will bring you the robes and he can size them easier than I can." Hermione said to Remus who was trying to get past the shock.
"Tonks is it always like this," Remus sputtered while trying to clear his head.
"No this is quiet and relaxed compared to the norm," Tonks replied with a smile.
"Mooney?"
"Padfoot?"
The two men hugged, stepped back, and hugged again. Hermione told Sirius what she had Harry do and he quickly approved. Remus cleaned up pretty well and went to see Pomona Sprout.
"Well mutt?"
"Well what?"
"Well you're going to get hexed with the hair penis in about one-half second if you don't tell us what you're teaching." Hermione stated and slid her wand into her hand.
"Oh that. Defense for years 3, 4, and 5 assuming she can find two more teachers for years 1 and 2 and 6 and 7. She's thinking whoever teaches the other two classes may assist in Charms or Transfiguration to get their hours up a bit. That will change once the student body numbers increase. She's still in a learning curve and asking for suggestions," Sirius replied while keeping an eye on Hermione's wand.
"Yes I bet. The staff isn't used to being asked what they truly think or for suggestions. I'm thinking we should keep class size to around ten or twelve for most classes. What do you think Hermione?" Harry asked his future wife and co-owner.
"I think that's a good idea but until we get the numbers up we may want to have the Defense and others have at least two Professors in each class especially the first 5 years. NEWT classes tend to be smaller and less dangerous because the students have more control of their magic and need less individual help." Hermione replied and smiled at Harry.
"As usual my lovely fiancé comes through with another great idea. Can anyone here give me a reason we teach Astronomy or Astrology and how it's used after we leave school?" Harry asked in his serious mode.
"Well other than the Astronomy tower being a good make out place I never found a use for it. Of course, the Centaurs would disagree with that. I always wondered why it was taught so late when it gets dark so early this far north most of the school year." Sirius replied.
Remus came back and they all looked at him waiting.
"Defense years 1 and 2, she suggested that Sirius and I teach the first 5 years together to provide a smaller student teacher ratio while the younger ones learn to control their magic. She wants to keep classes at 12 or less for those years at least. She said big changes are coming, this Lord Gryffindor is insisting on making this the best school and she intends to see that happen. She also said that she wants ideas from the staff. Damn she's not the meek quiet Professor Sprout I knew." Remus said indicating he was impressed with his new boss.
"Remus rather than us telling you what's been happening, I'll give you a crystal and let you see for yourself then we'll answer any questions you have. A lot of what you see needs to stay between us. But you'll know what when you see it. Hermione and Dora's parents will be here for dinner. The fireplace is both a secure floo and a secure portal to the Granger and Tonks homes. They'll give you the passwords once they get here. The passwords are under a Fidelius charm. We can eat here or in the Great Hall your choice, but Hermione and I should make an appearance. We usually eat breakfast and lunch at the founders table, then most dinners is in here." Harry stated with a smile.
"Then if it's alright with everyone we'll eat in the Great Hall," Sirius said.
They left the suite and ended up behind Fred and George.
"Oi, devil twins, there's someone I want you two to meet."
"Of course milord Gryffindor," They said as one.
"Alright super gits, best behavior as you are in the presence of two of Hogwarts best. May I present Messer's Mooney and Padfoot, also known as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black?"
"Harrykins you wouldn't put us on about something as serious as that now would you?"
"No George, he's Sirius I'm Harry," Harry said with a snigger.
With hands above their heads, they bowed and said, "Oh great masters of pranks and mayhem we are not worthy to be in your presence."
"Mooney, I think I detect budding pranksters that may need some guidance. What say you, oh thinker of the Marauders," Sirius said with a smile.
"I think you may be right, however based upon the briefing we received perhaps they should be led to the path of knowledge first to see that they are truly worthy. Remember Padfoot we kept our grades in the top ten in all classes. With great knowledge comes power and great pranks," Remus replied with dancing eyes watching the twins. In the Great Hall Pomona, Minerva, and Filius felt like ice water had just been poured down their spines.
"Prongslet, now you see why Mooney was the brains behind the marauders until Tiger Lily joined us with her infinite wisdom," Padfoot said with a grin.
"Fred, George you may want to brief these two old and ancient men on what we three talked about. They may not be up to the high jinks they once were but their brains still work. Well at least one does I'm not sure Padfoot has anything but women on his brain as small as it is," Harry said and Hermione giggled as Dora joined her.
"Hey Pup, eleven years in Azkaban remember?" Padfoot said.
"Yes, I'm too young to fully understand, but I don't like being away from Hermione for very long. I'm not sure your previous ways will get you what you want. The women today seem to want treated as equals and with respect, not as docile creatures to be brought out and displayed like a trophy," Harry said with an evil grin.
"Damn Mutt, he sounds like James but thinks like Lil's," Remus said looking at Harry.
"Yes wolfie I said the same thing," Sirius said with a smile.
"Wolfie, I like that. Mutt and Wolfie what do you think Hermione, Dora?" Harry asked the two ladies.
"I think it fits Harry," Hermione answered.
"It really does, but I still like Chief rather than Boss for Harry, what do you think Hermione?" Dora agreed.
"Well in the old days he would definitely be the clan chief, and he doesn't really like being called by his title so I think Chief is more appropriate. Boss sounds like someone that's hard to approach and doesn't fit my Harry at all. So I like Chief, Dora," Hermione replied while looking at Harry with and evil grin.
"Then Chief it is and he can learn to live with it, I'm sure kisses will get him used to it faster." Tonks said and kissed Harry's cheek while Hermione kissed the other.
Harry's face turned red while Sirius and Remus laughed. They entered the Great Hall and went to the founders table. After lunch, the Headmistress introduced Sirius and Remus telling the students what they would be teaching. To everyone's surprise, Sirius stood and said he and Remus would meet with years one through four to see where they stood in defense. They were also told to prepare themselves for homework over the summer.
After lunch Harry, Hermione and Pomona Sprout met in the Gryffindor suite.
Hermione started by saying, "Headmistress what would you think of showing muggle movies in the new common room next term? These would be free and open to all students. We would also like to add a section of muggle books to the library. These would include both non-fiction and novels from the United Kingdom and the United States. The movies while fiction will give students an idea what the muggle world is really like as far as vehicles and some of their customs go. We can also show television shows, many of which are educational and some are funny."
Harry picked up and continued, "The first generation students and half bloods raised in the muggle world can explain what is true and what is fiction. Hermione and I believe this will help them integrate with pure bloods on a more personal basis."
"I've seen several muggle movies but hadn't thought of the possibility of showing them here. I think it's a great idea Harry but how are we going to do that doesn't it take special equipment?" Pomona asked a valid question.
Hermione replied with a smile. "Headmistress they have what is called a DVD and player that stores a movie that can be shown at home on a television or projection device. These disks, as they're called, store the movies as pulses of light so they should work here once we get electricity. These DVDs can be purchased for less than ₲2 each and they are producing more every day. A good projection unit and sound system is about ₲750 including the DVD player."
"Could these devices be used in class rather than the current blackboards?" Pomona asked now getting quite interested in the potential.
"Yes. Ragnok has a way to convert DVDs to crystals and vice versa. You know if Professor Sinistra used her memories of what she wanted to teach and converted them to DVDs Astronomy could be held during the day. With the right projector, she could zoom in or out to show what she wanted to get across to the students. I still question the usefulness of Astronomy as a required course through OWLs. I have no problem with it as an elective. But spending five years studying something I don't have a use for after school is a bit much in my opinion." Harry answered more honestly than some Professors would have liked.
"What about Divination?" Pomona asked gently, knowing Minerva's opinion on the subject, which mirrored hers.
"From what we know a seer either has the ability or doesn't. I think it's used as a free period or an easy grade. It seems to me, it would be easy to make a bunch of things up that can't be proven and turn those in. Is there and OWL or NEWT exam for that subject. If so how would anyone test it? I've heard the Professor predicts the death of one student each year and none of her prediction have been accurate. I've also heard she likes her sherry and burns incense in class that is so heavy even the most dedicated have fallen asleep." Harry paused to let that sink in a bit.
"Those two things need to stop. I know she's the one that made the prophecy about Harry and Moldyshorts that Dumbassadork believed. It seems he hired her to keep her safe or under his thumb. I would think a check to see if a student has the seer ability then private tutoring would be more effective than a formal class open to all." Hermione continued their answer.
After Pomona agreed, the meeting broke up leaving as many questions as answers. Harry and Hermione went back to reading, kissing, and repeating those two actions until the others returned.
"Chief I have news." Dora said.
End Chapter 10
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