Note: /Drasnian Finger-language is shown like this./ Thankyou for reminding me of Crookshanks. I think I'll include him in this chapter...

Rivan studies

The corridor outside the Rivan Studies Class was nearly crowded with curious students who had all arrived early. None of them knew nothing of this new teacher and even less on the subject he was to teach. Even Hermione Granger had no preknowledge, since none was available, even though she had searched Hogwarts library to her best ability to find out something. When Holban arrived with Geran who had spent time with him, having tried in vain to find his classes but he had missed them. The other students seemed to envy Geran, but none spoke a word yet.

Holban allowed the students enter before him and even take seats before he entered. And then, just when they all were in their places, he bowed. "Good afternoon, class" he said, as if to say his bow was intended to all of them, although Geran was certain it was for him, as the Keeper's Heir.

As the class continued to chat with comments about Holban, the aged Rivan sat down and discussed with Geran in the Drasnian sign language. To the rest of them, it probably seemed that he was doing nothing but sitting in silence. If they happened to notice the wiggling of fingers, they thought he was being impatient. It went on for a while, but then the chatter died off, and a complete silence filled the room.

Holban greeted the silence by standing up. Again, he addressed the class. "Just to make sure you're on right class: this is Rivan Studies", Holban told them. "Albus Dumbledore asked me to inform you of certain matters before we begin. One, Rivan Studies is not a subject that can be taken for Ordinary Wizarding Level. Instead of OWL, it is considered as Talent Over Average Degree, TOAD for short.

"This TOAD-system occurs first time this year. The other TOADs can be gained in philosophy, sorcery and magical law. They are completely free to your choice and separate from your other systems. House-points shall not change during a TOAD-class. You are also free to attend or not to attend the class.

Neville Longbottom relaxed at that declaration, as did many others.

"Each of these TOAD-courses will have their own rules designed to assist your learning. To assist you best learn about Riva, this room, my office and appartment behind it are to be considered like they were of Rivan realm" Holban told the class aloud. A sort of scholarly embassy, if you will. I am, after all, teaching you Rivan customs and Rivan Laws - as well as Rivan history. I believe you will learn the customs best in practise". He glanced at Geran pleadingly. "Perhaps you'd like to act as an example of a proper Rivan, Geran?" he asked.

"Whether I like or not" Geran told him, "I am a Rivan, and that means I am an example of one. And so should you consider yourself, Holban".

"That's one for you" Holban replied with a bow. "Do you have any suggestions as of where to begin?"

"Creation" Geran replied./It will give us the chance to talk with Father before we get to mention the Orb/

"Ah, the beginning. Of course" Holban said.

"Our World was created by Seven Gods named Aldur, Nedra, Torak, Issa, Chaldan, Mara and Belar. Details of that we do not know of, for they refuse to tell us. We do know that while they were creating life, they all gathered in one cave to discuss what they had done so it'd all be in harmony..." Holban went on describing the plants and animals on their World until the class was over. "Welcome back the next time" Holban told them and asked Geran to join him.

Back at Holban's appartment, Holban showed Geran to the Mirror.

"I just woke up, Geran" he said. "What's up with you, calling this early?"

"It's the late twilight here, father" Geran said. "You know how it is. I don't see much sense for those expressions though. 'Time of day' as they say. Either it's always the wrong time or always the right time..."

"Spare me, Geran" Belgarion said. "I've discussed with the tree as well. Now just tell me what's up with you?"

"Oh, well... I'm getting a bit of trouble to get adjusted, Father" Geran said. "I don't understand these things called time-tables, and... well, basically, I don't get how their systems work."

"Didn't you ask them to explain?" Belgarion asked.

"They just get angry" Geran sighed. "They take the matter so for granted. They did call it a schedule, but... I want to get home, Father".

"Now... don't give up, Geran" Father soothed. "You do realise I have a schedule, too?"

"All it does is keep you from important matters - and you let it" Geran said. "I won't let that happen to me," he added stubbornly.

Belgarion blinked as that struck him. "Important matters?" he repeated.

"See what I mean?" Geran told him. "You don't even know what I'm talking about. We guard the Orb. We care for the people. We spend time with family. Anything else comes later. Seems like you put schedules first". He spoke the word 'schedules' like it was a curse word.

"I see your point" Belgarion replied. "I'll see to that... I think I'll send my appointment secretary there to help you with your schedule. He'd be of most use that way. He can stay with Holban, but I suppose you'd better go tell Albus Dumbledore about it, too".

"It shall be as my Father commands" Geran replied with a smile. Then he asked should he let people see his mark.

"They'll notice sooner or later anyway" Belgarion told him. Then they discussed just how much there was to be told until the said scheduler came in. Belgarion gave him a few orders and just sent the fellow to Geran with a simple command.

"Good night, Geran" Belgarion said.

"And good day to you, father" Geran replied with a grin.

The king's appointment secretary blinked at his surroundings. He was a bit shocked. "What- what happened?" he asked.

"Father ordered you to come here to help me with my schedule, Dammion" Geran told him, "so you obeyed, of course".

"Of.. of course, prince Geran" Dammion said, still a bit stunned.

"Don't call me that in this World" Geran told him. "In here, I'm known as Geran Keeper. Preferably in quiet obscurity as my ancestors have done for well over thousand years. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Geran Keeper" Dammion stuttered.

On their way to Dumbledore's office, they run into that blond boy, Malfoy. "Whose that, Geran?" Malfoy asked, pointing at Dammion.

"My secretary, why?" Geran asked. "You don't have one?"

"Students aren't allowed to have secretaries!" Malfoy snapped.

"Oh, that's all right, I don't have secretaries, I have a secretary" Geran joked.

Malfoy blinked at that. "Why, you little... you hand-maigned..."

But Dammion struck him on mouth before he could finish or any other had time to react. "Don't you dare offend him like that... and don't you point at people with that stupid stick or I break it, hear?"

Holban began to laugh. Magic or not, that blond boy could not fight against Rivan devotion.

"You think it's funny, having Keeper's Heir be called insultive names, Tutor Holban?" Dammion demanded angrily while he was still hitting Malfoy. "Based on THAT mark?"

"No, Dammion." Holban told him calmly, "that is not what I find funny".

Minerva McGonagall walked to them, wondered what was going on and turned to Holban."Mr Holban, why do you just laugh, seeing this man beating a student?" she asked angrily.

"It pleases me to see Rivan devotion beat magic," Holban told her, "and being a Rivan, I must ask you not to get involved in this chastisement of Draco Malfoy".

"What in the World did he do to deserve that?" she inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"Gravely insulted an entire nation" Holban replied.

"Well... don't you think he's had enough?" McGonagall asked him.

"I cannot make that kind of decision," Holban said stubbornly.

"And neither can I," Dammion said.

Geran figured that it would be his to decide. Only trouble was that he didn't know how he would do that.

McGonagall stared at him. "Well, Mr Keeper?" she said expectantly. "Can you put a stop to that violence or must I stupefy this... Rivan?"

"I will hear now if Draco Malfoy has something to say, Dammion" Geran said, trying his best to sound like his father in the throne room when recieving subjects.

Dammion stopped hitting the boy. "Draco Malfoy has permission to speak," he announced.

Malfoy grunted and gave him a hard look. Then, being surrounded by Professor McGonagall, Holban and Dammion - he apologised and whined about bleeding.

"Squeeze your nose thightly" Geran told him. "It'll help".

McGonagall told him to go see Madam Pomfrey just in case.

"What if it doefn't fdop" Malfoy whined.

"Then you'll probably bleed to death" Geran replied calmly.

Malfoy gave him a dubious look but did as he was told and left for infirmary, still holding his nose. "My father shall hear of this" he muttered on his way.

"So will mine," Geran replied.

McGonagall sighed. "I think you need to see Albus Dumbledore about this guest or what-ever.." she said.

"We were on our way to do so when Draco Malfoy interrupted us, Minerva" Holban replied. "Now if you'll excuse us..."

"Of course" McGonagall said.

*~*~*~*~*

Albus Dumbledore was having a family meeting with his twin brother and the 'Flamels', as they were currently known in the wizarding World, when Holban entered with Geran and Dammion.

"Good evening, gentlemen" Holban greeted them. Then he introduced Dammion and told them why he was there.

"Excellent, Geran" Aberforth said brightly. "You'll agree, Albus?"

"Yes, I suppose so" Albus said. "I heard about your schedule - problem, indeed. Is there anything else?"

"Just one matter for now, Albus" Holban said. Then he told them about the Malfoy incident.

Albus frowned. "Such beating over an insult?" he said disapprovingly.

"Not just any kind of insult" Holban replied. "He made an insult over Geran's brand".

"And that cannot be left alone" Dammion put in stiffly.

Aberforth's eyes widened. "I see", he said. "You're most graceful to let him off with only a beating".

Albus wasn't convinced. "Why would you say so, Aberforth?" he asked.

"Because I know what that mark means, Albus," Aberforth said. "It's more than just a hereditary birthmark".

"What does it mean then?" Albus asked.

"Duty" Geran replied. "The first and utmost duty. Everything in Riva exists for that duty, and every Rivan is devoted to that duty".

"Or at least we should", Dammion said quietly, giving a rueful glance to Geran.

"And if I'm right in guessing what that duty is", Belsambar said, "I believe I must agree, even though I disapprove all violence. Even Beldin wouldn't be insulting that!"

"Who's Beldin?" Belsambar's wife asked.

"One of my brothers, dear" Belsambar replied. "He's made insulting people into an art form. He thinks it shows out his wits. I remember the one time we all joined to help build his tower... he kept asking why we did that. So ready as he was to give love, he had great difficulty to accept love from others. I think that nothing has ever offended him more than people being nice to him."

Perenelle nodded. "Such a tragedy" she said, "poor Beldin must have had a tough childhood".

"I never asked, but I suppose so" Belsambar replied.

*~*~*~*~*

Holban walked Geran to his dormitory for good night with Dammion. "I shall see you after breakfast, Dammion" Geran said.

"Of course, Prince Geran," Dammion replied.

Geran sighed. "I believe I told you that royal titles aren't appropriate in this world, Dammion" he said. "You would do well to remember that my duties - and my father's orders - permit me to hold to Keeper only".

Dammion bent his head. "Forgive me, Keeper's Heir" he said.

Geran nodded in acceptance.

"You did well, Geran" Holban said with approving smile. "My office shall, of course, be always open to you, should you need help or wish my company for any other reason. I am here for you, remember that. Just say 'help' to my door".

Geran nodded. "I will remember that, Holban" he said. "Good night".

"Good night, Keeper's Heir" the two replied and stayed to watch as Geran gave the Fat Lady the week's password (at least Hermione had told him that) and went to his dormitory before they left.

Inside, Geran met Hermione who looked worried for some reason. "Oh, you must come, I think your wolf and Crookshanks are about to have a fight and..."

Geran followed her, wondering why wolf tould be fighting. Wolves never did fight without a reason, after all.

"What is the matter?" Geran asked wolf - in wolvish, of course.

"The fur ball has insulted one" Wolf replied indignantly. "It is only proper to tell it how one thinks of it".

"Your cat insulted him" Geran told Hermione. "You'd better see that he behaves himself from now on".

"How do you know that?" Hermione asked.

"Wolf told me." Geran replied. "Can't you speak cat to ask Crookshanks what he thinks?"

"no -- but how did you learn to speak Wolf?" Hermione asked, seemingly forgetting about the pet-fight.

"My grandparents taught me for the most part" Geran shrugged. "And considering how the Wolf had been with me since I was two, I suppose I learned something from him, too".

"Oh, all right..." Hermione said. She remembered all too well how she'd got into trouble for not believing Geran the last time. "You speak Wolf when you move your ears with your fingers, I take it?"

Geran nodded. "I just never learned to move my ears without using my fingers" he said sullenly. "Wolf finds that manner ridiculous, but at least I can talk with him".

Hermion began to laugh, seeing some invisible funny image. "You know, Geran - it is a ridiculous manner" she said. "But I suppose I'll take Crookshanks to my dormitory and try to teach him some manners".

"The feline with your sister has much more manners than that fur ball" Wolf said. "He is not a full cat, either. He is half another creature with the build and move of a cat but different odor".

"One shall ask the she more of that" Geran replied. "Perhaps knowledge of the other half will bring more understanding over the Feline".

"The feline is not the only one with odd behaviour" Wolf replied. "The dog with the black-furred man-thing does not think like a dog, but like a man-thing".

"One shall speak with the man-thing" Geran replied, "later. Now one needs rest".