A/N: I can finally get this chapter out. It is not fun having to wait for parts to be shipped, especially a motherboard.
Well, here it is. A filler chapter mostly but it does set up some plot lines for later use. Enjoy!
Summer Ends, School Begins
Longbottom Manor, Birsay, Orkney
Neville fidgeted with the hem of his casual robe. Today, both Harry and Michael would be arriving at his home and stay for the weekend. Neville was nervous. He was nervous that his grandmother, Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom, would embarrass him and/or his friends once they arrive. His relationship with his grandmother was always strained at best and even more so when he couldn't get his spells to work with his father's wand.
'Can she not understand that the wand refuses to work for me. It fights me every time I try to do a spell.'
"Neville!"
His grandmother's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Neville, your friends shall arrive at noon, the portkey was set for that time. Do remember your manners and introduce me to your friends. I just cannot believe that you are friendly with Harry Potter and Lord Wyndham," his grandmother chattered on as they made their way to the entrance hall to await Harry and Michael.
"Gran! Michael will not be happy if you address him as Lord Wyndham for the whole time he is here," Neville almost snapped at his grandmother.
Augusta just blinked at Neville in shock, she never expected him to show such backbone in talking back to her. She gave a small smile, she was proud of him for coming out of his shell and making friends.
"Alright Neville. We will let your friends lead the introductions so."
Neville gaped as his grandmother as she turned and continued on towards the entrance hall. A solid minute passed before his brain caught up and he followed her towards the front of the manor. His thoughts were all jumbled, he couldn't figure out why he got a smile from his grandmother when he talked back to her. He expected to be punished or given the cold glare that sends even the likes of Dumbledore running from the room, screaming like a little girl. He was very confused.
He arrived to stand beside his grandmother just in time for the portkey to arrive. He felt rather than heard the chime of the wards as the authorized portkey came through them, moments before there was flash of magic revealing Harry and Michael in a jumbled mess on the floor. An exclamation of "Bloody Hell!" followed by a suffering groan of "I hate portkeys!"
Neville tried his best to hold in his laughter at the image of his two friends in a tangled mess on the floor. He failed once he noticed his grandmother shoulders shaking. For his trouble, he received a twin cold glare of ethereal blue and emerald green. As opposed to Harry's, Michael's glare was directed at three people rather than two. Seshat completely agreed with Neville and his grandmother and was bent over in peals of laughter within Michael's mindscape.
Michael's lips twitched and his glare lost it's edge as he quipped, "Some friend you are, laughing at our plight. Wait until I get my hands on you, you...you…" Michael just dramatically waved his fist at Neville. Even Harry was laughing at this point. Neville's grandmother snorted a few times before calming down while Neville wiped his eyes on a handkerchief.
Untangling himself from Harry, Michael rose, straightening his deep blue robes, glared playfully at Neville some more before walking over to Neville's grandmother. He took her offered hand and kissed the back of her knuckles.
"A pleasure, Dowager Longbottom. I thank you for the most gracious invite to your home."
He gave a charming smile and Neville could have sworn he saw his grandmother blush. Harry repeated Michael's action, as was proper. Michael gave him a crash course on basic etiquette and on how to act formally. Nothing too major as Michael ignores most of his etiquette training anyway. Harry also received a blush from Neville's grandmother, much to Neville's amusement.
"Likewise. It is a pleasure to meet you both, Lord Wyndham and Heir Potter," Augusta stated regally, fighting off her blush.
"Dowager Longbottom, I request you address me as Michael from here on in, Lord Wyndham is such a mouthful," said Michael with a smile.
"I request you call me Harry, Dowager Longbottom," said Harry.
Augusta smiled at them both.
"Then you boys may call me Madam or Augusta, whichever is more comfortable for you. Lunch will be served in southern veranda at one o'clock, Neville will show you the way. I will leave you three alone to catch up. Until later," Augusta nodded to all three.
"Thank you,.Augusta," Michael said with a wink.
Augusta blushed and swept from the entrance hall a little flustered and vowing revenge under her breath. Neville burst out laughing while Harry chuckled at Michael's look of pure innocence. Neville was then suddenly tackled from both sides by Harry and Michael.
"Neville my dearest friend, it has been far too long," Michael said teasingly.
"Indeed, we missed you terribly so," Harry said smirking.
"Right well, I'll show you to your room. You'll be sharing a guest bedroom, en-suite, that is part of my suite of rooms. We will be sharing my private sitting room. This way," Neville strode from the room, Michael and Harry in tow.
Later found the three boys within said bedroom. Michael produced a shrunken travel trunk from his pocket and set it at the foot of his chosen bed, expanding it to full size. Harry also had a trunk with him. Michael rummaged through his trunk for a few minutes more before retreating with two identical books. He silently handed one to both Neville and Harry. Harry frowned as he read the title;
Advanced Occlumency, How to Shield Your Mind and Manage Your Emotions by Wulfric Percival Dumbledore, 1785 edition.
"Dumbledore!," Neville questioned in shock.
"Yes," Michael confirmed as he perched himself at the end of his claimed bed, "He would be the Headmaster's paternal great-grandfather or great-great grandfather, I am unsure which. He died shortly after publishing that book is all I really know. Those are copies that were part of my family's library that were moved to my vault. Apparently, my grandfather had the foresight to move as much of the family heirlooms, artifacts and books to the vaults. Do not worry, I have at least five more copies and two originals. These two are charmed to look like a basic mind arts book, I give them to you for you two to study and no one else. Do not tell anyone you have these, especially the others as I will not be giving them access to these kinds of rare books, even if they are only copies. Also considering that this book and its copies are illegal to own and read. Keep them hidden as someone obviously does not want people to know the information they contain."
Neville and Harry just stared dumbly at the books in their hands for a few minutes. They did not notice Seshat taking discrete control and moving back over to the trunk to tidy it's interior.
'I do not know why you insist on making a mess in the trunk.'
Michael mentally stuck his tongue out at her and retook control when he was questioned by Harry.
"Why are you giving us this," he indicated the book by waving it.
"It has information that will help you master occlumency in the shortest time possible. Both of you are heirs to ancient and noble houses and need to protect your minds from intrusion. Also because I'm your friend and I'm concerned for your well being," Michael stated frankly.
Harry just nodded.
Neville then asked, "Why do you think it is illegal?"
Michael shrugged, all he could do is guess, "All I have are suspicions. I believe someone out there wants to make it harder for someone to learn occlumency and by extension legilimency. Wulfric was a master at both arts but in those times it wasn't as rare as it is nowadays for people to study the mind arts. It is an essential and yet lost art. A lot of magical knowledge has been lost in recent decades or declared dark and made illegal."
The boys spent the rest of their time talking about the upcoming school year. Both Michael and Neville mock scolded Harry, telling that he was to get into no more adventures. They laughed and joked for a while longer before making their way down to the veranda for lunch. They ate the light fare in silence before Neville took both boys off on a tour of the grounds and manor. To say they were worn out and slept soundly that night would be a massive understatement.
It was Sunday afternoon, Neville and Harry were off god knows where, while Michael was left to deal with this confrontation that he knew was coming all weekend. He was lounging on a chair in the veranda reading a very thick and dry tome on warding, ward stones and runic ward arrays. Cut through the waffle and one would find a treasure trove of information and references on long lost and obscure forms of wards. Even though he could read the Old English thanks to Seshat, it was still taking a long time to get through it, not to mention the fact that the author liked to go off on tangential rants.
He had enjoyed the peace and quiet over the weekend at Longbottom Manor, not to mention the company of his two closest friends. Apart from meal times though, he had not seen Augusta at all. He knew from the few stray thoughts that got through her formidable mental shields that she wished to speak to him, about what he could only guess. Now he believed he was going to find out.
With his abilities in the mind arts being so advanced as they are, he can now sense nearby presences, if he relaxes enough. He sensed Augusta's presence approach where he was seated. He heard the swish of her expensive robes as she sat on the wicker chair across from him, a glass topped table between them with a pitcher of lemonade and glasses that a house elf insisted on foisting off on Michael. It was an incredibly bright and sunny day, the whole reason as to why Michael was lounging outside. Aware of her eyes on him, he continued to stare at the open tome, he stopped reading the moment she approached. He wanted her to break the silence first, to force her to spill what she wanted.
A softly cleared throat caught his attention and his ethereal blue eyes met hers. The intensity of his gaze gave her pause for a few moments before she spoke.
"I know you have been avoiding me."
Michael just raised an eyebrow at her.
"I know why too. I take it you were assaulted by owls and letters the moment your status as Lord became public."
"Indeed," was Michael's clipped response.
"I want you to know that I would never do such a thing. To put you on the spot like that. I take it that the majority of them were marriage and betrothal contracts."
"Some were," Michael took on a thoughtful look, "Some had all sorts of compulsion and borderline unforgivable charms on them, to force the person to agree to whatever terms were stipulated. I burned the lot and every letter that followed since the first one of those that arrived. To be honest with you, at this point I feel like just abandoning the wizarding world altogether. Not only did I just lose my aunt," Michael choked up slightly at this point, "But to presume that I would be interested in marrying someone or being destined to marry someone, just for prestige and the potential powerful children. It sickened me deeply."
Augusta wiped her eyes with a lace cloth before she spoke, "I would never. To attempt such a thing," she shook her head. Michael internally gaped at the display of emotions coming from the usually stoic, prim and proper woman.
"I knew your grandfather, you know."
Michael looked at her with raised eyebrows.
Augusta continued, "Neville's grandfather, myself and he, went to Hogwarts together. Your grandfather was the youngest of our group, my late husband being the eldest, myself in the middle. A Ravenclaw like yourself," she graced Michael with a beautiful smile, "Arvin, Neville's grandfather, and myself were in Gryffindor along with Minnie McGonagall, while your grandfather Charles was in Ravenclaw with your grandmother Sophia Lambert. That was our on and off group for our years in Hogwarts."
Michael sat back and contemplated what Augusta was trying to tell him. Before he could respond she continued.
"He was in the same year group as Minnie, although she was a year older than him, his birthday being in August and hers in October. Your grandfather became Lord Wyndham following his father's death the year after he graduated, the same year Arvin and myself married and he married your grandmother six months later. Arvin and Charles formed an alliance between the Wyndhams and Longbottoms. As far as I know, that alliance has not been dissolved and I wished to know whether you will honour it or dissolve it?"
Augusta looked to Michael for an answer, her left hand shaking minutely, a nervous tick she had never managed to conquer. Michael sat back, placing his book in his lap and thought about what Augusta had just told him. After a few minutes conferring with Seshat, he looked Augusta straight in the eye.
"Augusta, before we met, I knew you were a formidable woman, one who never showed any form of weakness. The fact that you are behaving so out of character right now, means that there is something you wish to ask of me and you are unsure how I'll react. So just ask me already."
Augusta blinked a few times before answering without missing a beat, "You are too young to join the Wizengamot, the Wyndham seats are inactive. By right you would have two votes, being an ancient and noble house, the same for the others. Even though the Longbottoms are a light family, we vote with the neutrals. Recently, the light and dark voting blocks have been running the show, ignoring the neutrals due to our low numbers. I wish to ask you that you grant myself proxy on your seats, until you are old enough to decide whether you wish to join the Wizengamot or not."
Michael smiled, 'Is that all?'
Seshat laughed at the back of his mind, 'Apparently she is afraid of you for some reason.'
Michael sat up straighter and then gave a nod. Augusta sighed and relaxed back into the wicker chair. She then produced an official looking parchment and laid it in front of Michael. Skimming the document, Michael said,
"Just a standard piece of paperwork eh?"
Augusta laughed, "Indeed, it is very simple to setup a proxy. Far too easy. I am actually saving you from a lot of hounding later on, no doubt Dumbledore would attempt to charm you into giving him proxy."
"It is a regular occurrence?"
"Indeed."
'It seems we will have to keep an eye on Dumbledore again.'
'Definitely.'
"Well he can charm all he likes, the barmy, old codger can choke on his sherbet lemons for all I care!" stated Michael as he signed the parchment with a flourish and rolled it back up.
Augusta who had just taken a sip of lemonade, nearly choked on it in laughter. She accepted the parchment back from Michael and banished it back to her office.
"Congratulations, Dowager Longbottom, you have proxy on the Wyndham seats and two additional votes to stick it to the rest of the Wizengamot."
"Thank you."
Augusta left a few minutes later after finishing off her glass of lemonade and Michael returned to his book. Later that night, the boys collapsed into their beds after an evening of playing various games and Harry and Neville practising their Occlumency techniques. The following morning, Monday, Harry and Michael took a portkey home, next week they will be returning to Hogwarts and will see Neville again on the train.
Vault 49, Gringotts
Sunday the thirtieth of August 1992, saw Michael in his main family vault. He was there to go through some of the paperwork that had been piled high on some of the desks within and to rummage through the many books, as he had done for most of the week. Michael had a roll of parchment in his hand as he picked out a few tomes and books that were in a lower drawer of an ancient looking desk. The roll of parchment detailed the alliance between the Longbottoms and the Wyndhams, according to the parchment the alliance was still active and valid, both legally and magically.
He had just placed the alliance document and a stack of random tomes on the desk and looked back down toward the open drawer when Seshat's gasp echoed through his mind. She nudged him for control and when she got it, she reached into the drawer and pulled out the last book as gently as she could. She was reverently holding the leather bound book with a strange blocky text stamped on to it's cover with gold inlay.
'What is it? What language is that?'
Seshat did not answer, instead she rotated the book to look at the spine. The writing there shocked Michael and Seshat both.
Eiddo Myrddin Emrys
'Merlin! This book belonged to Merlin!'
Seshat remained quiet.
'I cannot believe I have a book belonging to the most powerful wizard ever known,' Michael rambled on.
'Not just a wizard, he was an Ancient!,' Seshat stated in awe.
Michael was confused, 'What is an Ancient?'
Seshat's response was to flood Michael's mind with all she knew on the Ancients, including her partial knowledge of their language. Michael was awed, the builders of the stargate, the most powerful and advanced beings to ever exist and Merlin was one of them. He couldn't articulate any response, he was too awed. The strange blocky text was Ancient and he could now partially understand it.
For My Descendants; it roughly translated into English.
Delicately, Seshat flicked her way through the some four hundred pages of the book. The book was multilingual, with large blocks of Ancient text accompanied by Old English, Latin, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic with some Irish and Cornish. The non Ancient text described many spells, rituals and surprisingly basic scientific principles. It also spoke of Merlin's adventures from his own point of view, almost like a journal while vaguely referring to knowledge about his time as an ascended Ancient.
Toward the end of the journal was a condensed history of the ancients written in an early dialect of latin, which consequently was eerily similar to ancient, detailing their exodus from their home galaxy, settling in the Milky Way or as they called it Avalon, the early years of their civilization, the seeding of the galaxy with the first stargates, a vague reference to their allies and their downfall. Seshat was thoroughly awed, the goa'uld had very little information on the ancients themselves as a people, only that their technology was advanced and that they were wiped out by a plague. She was curious about what this ascension was.
Both were lost in their thoughts when it suddenly hit Seshat like a runaway train. Merlin had purposely left this record of Ancient history, written in this nearest to Ancient dialect of Latin as a way for someone to learn to read and speak ancient. It was a key to the information in the rest of the book and deciphering the Ancient language as a whole. She was very excited and immediately decided that she was taking this book with them.
Michael removed his shrunken trunk from his pocket, resized it and placed the Merlin's journal within the securely warded section, shrunk the trunk and placed it back within his pocket. They would read the journal further and learn the Ancient language fully once at Hogwarts. Michael then moved onto looking over the many artifacts that were stored within the vault. Looking closer at some of the larger ones that stood on the floor, he noticed the small inscriptions written in Ancient. Again, both Seshat and himself were shocked. Just what exactly was going on they didn't know and could only speculate at that time.
Hogwarts Express
Michael sat silently reading a book on security charms and wards. He shared the compartment with Neville, Harry, Terry, Padma and Hermione. After brief greetings were shared amongst them, Michael had locked and sealed the door, giving them all a significant look before he returned to his book. The others knew of his wish for no interruptions throughout the trip to Hogwarts and so said nothing about him sealing them within the compartment.
It wasn't until Padma needed to use the loo that Michael revealed that everyone present in the compartment could come and go as they please. The simple ward he placed on it prevented those without permission from entering. He also fogged the glass on the windows for added privacy.
Needless to say, they were disturbed at least ten times by someone banging on the door, demanding entry. Michael had put of a silencing ward after the first time that happened to Terry's and Neville's humour.
His friends had barely attempted to speak to him, knowing that he was fortifying himself for when they inevitably reached Hogwarts, knowing that many would be attempting to court his favour and get his attention.
Michael inwardly sighed, this year was going to be difficult due to his status as Lord Wyndham being public.
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Michael sat at the Ravenclaw table. The sorting was in progress and he was not in the best of moods. The not so discreet looks being sent his way by Dumbledore, Snape, some of the staff members and many of the students, were getting on his nerves. Only Seshat's stoic calm prevented him from ringing aboard their ship and reducing Hogwarts to a glass bottomed crater, followed by the rest of the wizarding world, with the ship's guns. It wasn't the fact that many were whispering about the fact that he was a Lord but that many, according to their thoughts, were planning or being forced to by their parents, to attempt to befriend him. He did not look forward to it.
Add to that, the headmaster attempted to enter his mind again, this time more passively, putting him in a foul humour. He had mentally bitch slapped the headmasters legilimency probe back, much to the old man's surprise. Add to that the fact he had mentally told the headmaster to not be a 'nosy old git'. The fact that he could not be punished for it made him feel somewhat vindicated.
Michael came out of his reverie just long enough to pile his plate with food, which he surreptitiously scanned for potions, and began eating. He ignored most conversation around him, only chatting a little with Terry and Padma. He was busy planning with Seshat what they will be doing for this school year. Seshat believed that they would be perfectly capable of sitting the OWL examinations by their fourth year if not sooner, she certainly wanted out of this school as fast as possible, the novelty for her had worn off.
Michael was silent the whole way back to the dorms, ignoring the many students trying to get his attention. He marched into his new dorm room, thankful that they were individual rooms in Ravenclaw, warded his door shut with some basic security wards, scanned the room for any bugs and then went straight to bed. That night, both he and Seshat planned and plotted out their study schedule while his body rested. Michael wanted to make the most of this year and learn as much as possible and Seshat could only agree, they had a lot of work to do.
A/N: Well what do you know, those pesky ascended beings are breaking their own rules again and interfering (looks both ways, hoping the others don't come and fry his ass). So how did you like our duo's introduction to Merlin?