Author's Notes –
Tax season is over! Now I can get back to writing, when I'm not taking care of my dog or yard… or exercising.
The chill of winter seeped into Hogwarts as the end of the first term approached. It did not help that the sun rose nearly an hour later and set half an hour sooner in England than it did in Japan. The flickering light of the torches illuminated the corridors as well as provided meager protection from the freezing gusts. Only the sheer number of students and staff in the Great Hall provided it with the necessary warmth though most students still donned thick sweaters beneath their school robes.
His morning sparring helped his apprentices learn to deal with the cold and darkness as there was little to no light in the pre-dawn hours while their evening lessons were now held in an abandoned subterranean classroom near his office and consisted of magical theory and application as he sought to nurture their magical affinities. What Western magi tended to overlook was the fact that affinities affected the flow of magical energies through the castor. Wands compensated and regulated the flow of energies so that the spells worked, but without a wand most Western magi were unable to use their magic. Those trained in wandless magic needed to make the subtle adjustments themselves, a reason why wandless magic was so difficult. Few had the dexterity in their fingers to master the nuanced gestures and interlocking and unlocking to cast even the most basic of spells, it was no wonder that such a style was no longer widely taught.
Fortunately his apprentices were not learning wandless magic. For his students the act of creating an elemental barrier with just a flick of the wrist was now commonplace though only Theodore and Neville were able to block spells with their barriers. Dealing with barriers would be something that they would work out for themselves over the holidays before forcing them to be able to conjure the barriers without their wands.
For the rest of the school, Ranma was still undecided as to what would be a suitable end of term exam. He still did not like the whole grading system of assigning arbitrary letters/words as a way to gauge how much the students had learned. Clearly he couldn't compare them to himself at their age as he was well, far beyond what they were capable of. He'd ultimately settled on a Pass-Fail system and it was why he'd placed so many students into the remedial DADA lessons. The tests that he'd given out at the end of each month had been straight-forward – use the spells that had been taught or fail; learn to defend against the spell/hex/curse that had been taught/discussed or fail; if you failed more than succeeded then you failed the exam. For the end of term exams though he knew that he needed to challenge them to use the spells but using them under pressure.
Breakfast, as appetizing as it was, was merely an afterthought to him as he prepared for the final full week of the term. Some of the other professors had already begun testing the students, though only because the Headmaster did not want the students to feel too burdened. Suddenly a smirk appeared on his face, causing the few students who happened to be looking in his direction to shudder.
Breakfast was much more satisfying now that he had that burden off his shoulders. Waiting until the Headmaster ordered the elves to clear the tables he made his move. "Headmaster."
The wily old man smiled eccentrically, "Ah, Professor Saotome, please, call me Professor. I know that our cultures are different, but as a fellow Professor you are allowed to address me as a peer."
"Professor Dumbledore," he corrected himself, "I would like to request the use of the northern courtyard for the week so that I may conduct the end of term exams."
The wizened wizard simply nodded, "As you wish. I see that you will be having a practical examination then. Will you need any assistance?"
"I would greatly appreciate that," he added. While he could handle it himself he actually had an interesting idea.
"Mister Weasley," he turned to the Junior Inquisitor as the two ministry officials pretended to stroll by casually, "would you mind assisting me in overseeing the end of term exams?"
"Pardon?" the younger official was surprised.
"I believe that as the High Inquisitor, I should be the one you need to speak with first," Umbridge stated.
Dumbledore nodded in agreement even as he assessed the situation.
"My bad," Ranma said offhandedly, playing the English as a second language card. "High Inquisitor, would you mind if I had the Junior Inquisitor assist me in overseeing the practical examinations?"
"Why would you need to administer a practical examination? Should a theoretical examination not be sufficient?" she huffed, still indignant at the slights.
"I have never been one to merely rely on theory," Ranma stated. "Besides, with all that had occurred lately do you not think that practical examinations might not be necessary? While Hogwarts is safe, many of them are going home for the holidays and who knows what dangers they might face? Why, some of them will be staying at Hogwarts because their families feel that they are not safe at home."
The Ministry of Magic could no longer ignore the dangers that the public faced. Since the mass breakout of known Death Eaters there had been numerous attacks, including the one on the Longbottoms and the Ministry of Magic. Public opinion had shifted and so too had the Ministry of Magic's stance. While they acknowledged that dark witches and wizards were responsible the Ministry and public seemed to dread the idea that Voldemort was the one pulling the strings.
The initial wave of attacks following the attack at the Ministry of Magic and then on the Longbottoms had been followed by abductions of noted diviners, seers, and fortune tellers to the extent that even those who pretended to be able to do so for No-Maj were targeted. Professor Dumbledore had even gone so far as to personally request that several suits of armor and gargoyles keep watch of Professor Trelawney.
There was rampant speculation regarding Professor Trelawney's prophecy, some even stating that it was because of her that Professor Dumbledore had seen fit to accompany Neville and Ranma to the Longbottom's to thwart what turned out to be an ambush. Few suspected that the source of the vision had actually been Professor Saotome's familiar. That was knowledge that none of his other apprentices knew, and none of the other professors save for Dumbledore knew what Ranma's familiar was.
"What will you require of me?" the Junior Inquisitor asked once he was sure that his superior would have no other objections.
"We will need to clear out the Northern courtyard," Ranma replied. "Then we'll need to put some protective spells around the courtyard so that no one other than us can spy on the exams. Once that is done I will simply need you to be present during the exams to help oversee them."
Percy turned to Delores before nodding in agreement.
"Good, meet me in the Northern courtyard after lunch." He'd need to prepare the necessary spells and enchantments, as well as clear the courtyard, and inform the students that exams were to be held in the courtyard. He'd also need to adjust the difficulty of the exams depending on the class. The first class on Monday was the fourth years, then the sixth years, and the seventh. The fifth and seventh year students were easier as their actual term grades did not matter due to the fact that they were taking the O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s at the end of the year respectively.
The morning sun was barely over the castle walls as the fourth years gathered in the courtyard, their curious eyes scanning the ground and walls looking for any sign of what their professor had in store for them. Fresh snow covered the ground, shrubbery, and occasional bench as the students spread out before him.
"I am sure that you all know the Junior Inquisitor," the young professor stated as he addressed the class. "He will aid me in supervising your end of term exam. There will be only two grades – pass or fail." With a flick of his wrist he levitated two score of golden orbs so that they floated before each student. "In the globe you will find the name of someone in this class. Your goal is to capture the globe from the person whose name I have provided you. Once you capture their globe they are eliminated and you will then be tasked with capturing the person named in their globe. If you are captured, the person that captured you will receive your globe as well as any orbs that you posses. Do you all understand?"
Everyone nodded, but one Gryffindor raised her hand.
"Yes Miss Vane?"
"What of the person that is chasing us? If I am engaged with my pursuer but their pursuer also engages them"
He nodded, "Defend yourself at all times. You may only initiate combat with the person you are pursuing, but if someone engages you, then you should act to defend yourself. Keep in mind, situations could always change.
"Now, take the orb before you. When the fountain sprays water the exam begins – when it stops running the exam is over. Those of you who still have your globe will pass; those who have you're your orb or been eliminated will have failed." The gathered Gryffindors and Slytherins scattered, some looking for their target and others curious as to who had their name.
That he expected Ginny to pass had been a given – she was his apprentice and she had prevailed in all of the duels over the course of the term. As soon as the fountain signaled the start of the exam the courtyard erupted into controlled chaos. The fourth years had learned to identify curses and hexes, how to defend oneself, counter-act, and remove both types of spells but now they would need to put all that they learned together for a grueling, physical exam.
Water sprayed into the air, signaling the start of the exam. Before the students could react, two icy walls began to appear as the water sprayed from the fountain hit the frozen ground of the courtyard. Cautiously the students began to spread throughout the courtyard. After a minute the fountain shifted the spray to two other areas, creating two more walls.
Romilda Vane was the first to engage her target. The slender Slytherin boy she chased was well prepared though as he threw up an effective barrier that deflected her jinxes. All could feel the energies collide as the low level invisible jinxes bounced off the barrier and hit the snow covered bushes.
Spells filled the inner courtyard as nearly a dozen students began either engaging their targets or pursuers. A Slytherin boy conjured a wall of snow to slow his target's escape while a Gryffindor boy leapt behind a stone bench only to have the bench crash into him.
With a flick of his wrist, Percy Weasley removed the captured Gryffindor, lifting him to one of the nearby balconies that overlooked the courtyard. The eliminated boy's golden orb quickly shifted his capturer.
The fountain had shifted again, creating a third wall. It was Colin Creevy who discovered the secret of the enchanted ice as he literally stumbled into a wall, his legs not entirely under his control as a result of a jelly-leg jinx his pursuer had hit him with. Rather than simply hitting the wall, he was instantly teleported to the second wall on the other side of the inner courtyard. The surface of the wall that he'd disappeared into cracked, preventing his pursuer from following him through.
There were ten sets of walls within the inner courtyard by the time the next student was captured. Three other students had been teleported through an icy mirror in that time, making it harder for their pursuers to capture them. The enchanted ice was meant to test the fourth year students' endurance as well as their skill and knowledge.
After thirty minutes only four students had been captures/eliminated. Pursuers had slowly started to destroy or at least obstruct the walls before engaging their targets. Short, running duels were scattered throughout the exam area as the icy mirrors were either destroyed or blocked faster than new ones appeared.
Only a dozen students had been captured by the forty five minute mark. Most were the result of opportunistic pursuers ambushing nearly exhausted targets that had spent themselves in their own attempts to capture their target. It was proving difficult for the fourth years as they balanced resting with the threat of being exposed to their pursuer.
The youngest Weasley finally made her move as it was clear that the rest of her class had exhausted themselves. Having slipped away early in the exam, she had cast an illusion spell on herself, taking up the appearance of her target. It was a simple but effective strategy as few fourth years had the time to actually cast a spell to see through an illusion and had little opportunity to do so. Expending only a bit of energy to maintain the spell she was able to rest while her peers exhausted themselves. Annabell Runcorn was quickly subdued with body-bind, giving Ginny her first capture.
By the time the fountain water had stopped a baker's dozen remained. The fourth years had understood their limitations, thus few had rushed into long, drawn out duels settling as they had during their first exam at the beginning of the term.
"Well done," Ranma said as he looked over the remaining players. "Those of you who made it through to the end have passed. Those who didn't will need to give me twenty inches on why you were captured and what you could have done to make it to the end of the exam – due before you leave for holiday."
There were audible groans from the fourth years that had failed. Still, none questioned or protested the results of the exam. "Oh, and for each of you that remain, you have earned ten points for your house for each orb you captured."
Word of the exam had reached the sixth years as they strolled into the courtyard after lunch. Unlike the other courses and instructors, Professor Saotome tended to employ similar exams across the board regardless of year. The enchanted dummies were able to emulate many magical creatures as well as endure stunning spells, jinxes, and common curses. Thus it was no surprise that the sixth year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were dressed for some running and dueling.
"I am sure that you all know the Junior Inquisitor," the young professor stated as he addressed the class. "He will aid me in supervising your end of term exam. There will be only two grades – pass or fail." With a flick of his wrist he levitated two score of golden orbs so that they floated before each student. "In the globe you will find the name of someone in this class. Your goal is to capture the globe from the person whose name I have provided you. Once you capture their globe they are eliminated and you will then be tasked with capturing the person named in their globe. If you are captured, the person that captured you will receive your globe as well as any orbs that you posses. Do you all understand?"
Everyone nodded.
"Now, take the orb before you. When the fountain sprays water the exam begins – when it stops running the exam is over. Those of you who still have your globe will pass; those who have you're your orb or been eliminated will have failed."
The sixth years each claimed their respective orbs, eying the name that appeared to them before slowly spreading themselves out along the inner section of the courtyard.
The fountain began spraying and the sixth years were off. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had a different rivalry than the Gryffindors and Slytherins – this was a battle between two work ethics.
Of course it was a Ravenclaw that tested the enchanted ice blocks. Rather than teleporting the person that touched the ice, the enchanted block filled area around the person that activated it with mist before dissipating. The student had vanished, temporarily hidden from the others by a disillusionment charm.
This time the fountain's enchantment did not favor the pursued as it had for the fourth years but could be used by both the pursued and the pursuers. The quickest of wit understood their predicament and began targeting the ground – piling up the snow to reveal footprints or setting wards to protect against the unseen.
The sixth years were much more aggressive in their pursuit of their targets than the fourth years. Not only did they have greater magical reserves, they also had more spells to use. Several conjured flocks of birds to harass their opponents, others enchanted the shrubs and snow, a few created puddles that froze instantly whenever someone stepped into the liquid. The Ravenclaws had a great variety of spells that they employed, some much more successful than others while the Hufflepuffs tended to have simple but effective spells.
By the end of the exam only ten students remained. The grueling 90 minute exam was more than most were capable of enduring. Most had been captured after the 75 minute mark despite the fact that they had not engaged in constant and consistent duels the entire time. It was a glaring weakness that experienced duelists would manage to exploit.
Never in his relatively short life had Ranma Saotome felt so proud. The creation of a new magic circle was an achievement that few sorcerers had accomplished throughout the history of magic. His own had been created and mastered before he'd completed the trek across Asia, but to see one of his own students create his own circle was unthinkable.
"Am I correct in assuming that young Neville is using a sorcerer's circle?" The Headmaster had offered to help oversee the fifth year's exam. There was a reason why the man had defeated one of the most notorious dark wizards in history and even Voldemort was said to fear him. With his decades of experience it was clear that little escaped his attention.
"He was never selected by a wand, merely given his father's," Ranma explained. They watched as the Gryffindors and Slytherins scrambled around the enchanted courtyard. The fifth years were ten minutes into their exam and unlike the other end of term exams Ranma had provided each student with an icy orb that turned varying shades of green to signify that they were close to their target.
Hermione had been the first to deduce who her initial target was – Millicant Bode – and had subdued the other girl with a full-body bind before shattering the Slytherian's orb with a well placed hex. This despite or because of the fact that the fifth years had been scattered throughout the courtyard before the start of the exam.
The fifth years were split between grouping together and splitting up thus there were a few small clusters of two or three and many more individuals moving towards others cautiously to see if their orbs reacted to the presence of whomever they came close to. The groups that had formed generally along house lines, but that had changed once a few students realized that their initial targets were from their house. Most opted to work together to deal with the threat.
Harry, Neville, Theodore and Blaise formed an alliance and they managed deduce whom their initial respective targets were and proceeded to take out Draco Malfoy (Theodore), Daphne Greengrass (Neville), Vincent Crabbe (Blaise) and Padma Patil (Harry). Their actions weakened the largest Slytherin group while also splintering the group of Gryffindor girls.
Another group, this one consisting of the remaining Gryffindor boys, Ron, Seamus, and Dean, who managed to fend off Hermione even as Seamus eliminated Gregory Goyle. It was only when Dean eliminated Pansy Parkinson that his orb seemed to indicate that his next target was one of the other boys. Rather than splitting the group, the trio opted to continue working together.
"It seems that they are content to ally themselves," Ranma stated.
"Yes," the Headmaster said with a smile, "though the most notable group is a mixed one."
Seeing the effectiveness of the groups, Hermione moved to ally herself with the other Gryffindor boys and their allies. Unfortunately the dwindling number of students worked against her as the group was content with their current personal and was not looking to expand. The groups were able to conserve especially when working against individuals. Rather than an all-out melee they were opting for more control and patience.
Neville in particular opted to avoid engaging anyone -instead he cast spells that affected the area. He turned the air into sulfuric gas that choked any who would approach them, created creatures out of snow and ice to harass and defend, but he never pointed his wand at anyone. The rest of his quartet took advantage of his assistance almost as though they had practiced together.
"It seems that some of your students planned ahead," the Headmaster surmised.
The young professor nodded. The three Gryffindor boys had been the first to gather, then the mixed group of Slytherin and Gryffindor boys, and finally the rest of the Slytherins. They had rushed, paying little heed for their own momentary safety but taking note of how their orbs reacted to the presence of the other students. It was how Hermione had managed to deduce her initial target as the Slytherin girl had failed to consider the Gryffindor Prefect as she rushed to gather with the other Slytherin Girls.
As a whole, the fifth years had been more cautious in their dueling compared to the other classes and years. They understood their limits better and thus they had formed alliances, taking only calculated risks as they dueled their classmates with the aid of their allies. It was no surprise then that the exam ended with just over a third of the class retaining their orbs. The remaining students were panting with exhaustion but none were spent.
"Well done," his praise was rare but deserved. "Ten points to each of you for eliminating each target and another twenty five a piece for making it to the end of the exam."
The exam itself was boring, but had taken a bit to stage. Each of the exams had followed the same principle but it was only the final one that had resulted in any teamwork. "Twenty five points to each of you who formed a team and endured.
"Those of you who made it through to the end have passed. Those who were eliminated – I graded you by the accumulation of spells that you cast – three points for each successfully cast defensive spell, two for each successfully cast offensive spell, and additional points based on your decision making and performance while you were active. I've posted the results outside my classroom."
Several fifth years glanced at each other then at him as they pondered how he'd managed to be in two places at once. "Those who did not pass will need to give me twenty inches on why you were captured and what you could have done to make it to the end of the exam – due by the last day of the term."
The bell tolled signaling the end of the double lesson. "Now, enjoy the weekend."
He was proud, not only of his apprentices, but of the students as a whole. They were progressing and improving. Only the a third of the class had failed mostly because they had not sufficient time to earn enough points to pass the exam.
The glow of pride remained at dinner as he discussed his exam with Professor Snape.
"I admit that I was surprised by the result of your exam," the potions master stated.
Ranma nodded, "I believe several of your house were holding back – they waited too long before taking action or perhaps opted to not act for whatever reason. Are they perhaps spying on the snake that I shelter?"
The Head of Slytherin merely poured himself a healthy portion of pumpkin juice, "Hardly, such a ploy would not be smart under the watchful eye of the Headmaster – no, it is likely that the dorms are fragmented and the new alliances are being formed. As Theodore's recognized guardian I suppose you will have an opportunity to see the lines yourself at the Malfoy's annual New Year's Party."
While he had received something from the Malfoys on an eagle-owl, Ranma had yet to open the envelop much less read the invitation within.
"I am sure there are many there who would make the most of an opportunity to see and speak with the guardian of the Longbottom, Nott, and Potter heirs," the other professor added, a hint of caution in the man's usually monotonous voice.
It was clear that someone had been reading up on Centaur law. As a wizard leading a recognized centaur pack it was expected that he and his wards were to attend, failure to do so could be taken as a slight against the host.
"Still, I surmise that there are many parents who would want to question you about the progress of their children in your lessons," Snape added. "They will likely have questions about the end of term exam in particular."
For a moment the potions professor eyed the fare surrounding his peer's plate, taking note of the piles of chicken bones that had accumulated. "I must admit, I have grown slightly accustomed to seeing odd dishes being prepared for you – raw fish, delicately rolled egg, sausages cut to appear like octopi, rolls of rice and seaweed, various fried food…."
"Ah, this," Ranma sighed contently, "Fried chicken from KFC." Though he did not verbalize it there was a skeptical look on the other man's face. "It's a no-mag company that is renowned for deep frying chicken. There is something special about the blend of herbs and spices in the seasoning and breading. In Japan it is referred to as 'Kentucky For Christmas'."
"A way to go to the Americas for the holidays?" there was a hint of skeptical distain in his tone.
The martial artist nodded, "A clever ploy by greedy Americans upon impressionable people who sought to remove the stain of their past and embrace the culture of their conquerors. I do believe that the Headmaster thinks that everyone in Japan enjoys a barrel of fried chicken during the Christmas holiday. It comes from the fact that we know little of Christmas so have slowly taken to emulating Americans for Christmas.
"In Japan Christmas not a holiday where the family spends time together. It is actually more renowned as a romantic night for young couples."
"So as a newly-wed wizard you will be spending the holiday with your young wife," the other professor finished a wistfulness in his tone that most would have missed. "But do not forget that here Christmas is a holiday for the entire family."
Ranma nodded. He was not sure how the boy felt but it was clear that the loss of his parents had affected him. Had he focused on creating his magic circle so that he could avoid his emotions? Having never been in such a situation, Ranma could not relate. Their talks had all been directed towards various fighting techniques or magic – never on how he was dealing with such a loss.
They continued to talk of the differences in how their respective nations celebrated the holiday until the meal was completed. As the last Hogsmeade trip of the term most of the older students were heading into town to purchase last minute gifts or for a break from their end of term exams. Some were headed out on dates, but most were making plans with their trusted group of friends, especially after what had happened during the last Hogsmeade trip.
He spotted Neville as the tall fifth year hovered towards the edge of his crowd. While he often spent time with the rest of the pack, he was usually in the company of Theodore. Nott was also facing a Christmas without his father as the wizard had yet to be seen since his mysterious disappearance at the end of October.
Excusing himself from the table, Ranma dashed to catch up with his two sulking apprentices. "Longbottom, Nott," he called out, stopping not only the pair but the group of students that they were with, "I need to talk with the two of you." Pulling the two youths aside he led them towards one of the towers that only the older students could access.
"Good job today," he said, unsure how to broach the subject.
"Thank you," Neville replied.
Nott shrugged, "You've come to talk to us about the Malfoy's annual New Year's Party, haven't you, sir?"
Ranma nodded.
Neville sighed, "The party is ever so dreadful."
"While that might be true, it is expected that we attend. I expect the two of you to find dates. I'll let Harry know as well."
Both boys were showing their age as they baulked at the idea. "We will need to put our best foot forward, and should we need to crack a few skulls, we'll need some capable back-up – preferably someone not in the pack."
Theodore nodded, "So only the three of us because we're the oldest or because we're actually considered to legally be your wards?"
"Both," the professor replied with a grin. "If you don't find dates by the end of the term I'll find suitable dates for you. I'm only getting dragged into this because of the three of you, so I'm going to make sure that you three are just as miserable as I am."
The pair were used to his pettiness, as were all of his apprentices. Shaking their heads, they set off to find suitable dates for their master's next challenge.
After an evening of uneventful patrolling, Ranma returned to his chambers. Only the most skillful of older students were capable of sneaking around the castle without being caught by the teachers, ghosts, or paintings. Still, with the Hogsmeade trip in the morning the students had settled into their dorms for the night.
It was not until he had completed his evening misogi that he heard the echoes of rapidly approaching footsteps. Rather than transforming back into his male body, Ranma quickly donned dry clothes and rushed to meet Professor Sprout.
"Professor Saotome," the stout little witch huffed.
"What is it Professor Sprout?"
Placing a steadying hand on the wall she forced air into her lungs. "The Headmaster requests your presence – something about Potter."
He nodded. In a flash he found himself standing outside of the Headmaster's office, the griffin statue stepping aside to allow him in. "Professor Saotome," the grizzled old wizard muttered.
"Headmaster," he returned even as he scanned the dark office. "Harry?"
His newest disciple was pale, covered in a cold sweat and struggling to catch his breath. "S-sensei."
"What's going on?"
"Your ward can explain things to you once you're alone," Dumbledore said as he eyed the empty portraits along the wall. "I am sending you to the most secure place I know."
The martial artist placed his hand on his ward, "No!" For a moment the slight distrust between the two surfaced. The Headmaster though himself a general capable of dispatching his troops but Ranma was not one to take orders idly as he was not one to be a pawn in anyone else's schemes. "I will take my wards somewhere I deem safe."
"The High Inquisitor is coming," Dumbledore cautioned.
"I shall deal with her," the defense professor stated. "Come Harry, I'll take you somewhere safe."