(A/N: Sorry for the missed updates, felt like shit. Still do, but meh. Also, reminder that I have some characters have their ages adjusted for arbitrary reasons sometimes. Lockhart is older in this world, for example.)
"Why would anyone even want that?!" Sirius exclaimed over breakfast, perplexed.
James sighed, but it was Lily who answered. "But if you don't take any flaws, you can't get any boons, and then aside from specialization, all our characters end up practically the same, with only some variety in skills."
"But most of these are ridiculous! Look at this one!" Sirius pointed at the book harshly, as though finding the piece of literature highly offensive.
"Yes, reducing your magical potential so that you could barely pass your OWLs in the wanded subjects is harsh, but being a savant is no joke." James explained. "With potions or runes related skills your character could more than make up for the flaw."
"Runes don't work that way." Frank noted after a quick readthrough of the runes section.
"They do in this setting. I felt that Charms would be too overpowered if it could be easily branched into Enchanting as well, but nobody would want to specialize in Ancient Runes if it's just translation work. It's easy to imagine that writing an old magical language on an item would give it magic too, right?"
"I guess…" Frank said doubtfully. "I see even Divination has a wanded magic aspect to it."
"It always had. The way it is taught gives an impression that Divination is just about seers and hacks trying to predict the future, but any information gathering magic falls under the Divination category, such as the Healer Diagnostic spells… I placed most of the divination spells in other categories because I don't expect many to want to specialize in that, as it's not that appealing, and I didn't want the spells to never be used at all… But those that do specialize in Divination do get an increased boost compared to other specializations."
"I don't want my character to be weak though!" Sirius interjected. James couldn't help but sigh.
"But you can't have it strong in everything! If we take a flaw or two, each of our characters can get a boost that will open up a lot more opportunities than just having the small specialization bonus." Lily argued heatedly.
"Wasn't your plan dropping almost all your resources into seduction and have an army of men do your work for you?" Alice teased Lily.
"Ugh, just because I got curious when I noticed Veela is a potential race doesn't mean anything!" Lily objected, face bright red.
The argument continued until the three Black sisters joined them. The Hall was silent for a moment before whispers picked up.
"The Black Sisters, sitting at the Gryffindor table?"
"I heard it's because of Potter."
"All three of them? So fast?"
"This must be against the rules."
"He's a Potter. He can screw the rules, he has money."
James ignored them all, frowning at the random reference – they didn't look remotely like blue eyed white dragons, and noticed that aside from Bella, the other sisters weren't too happy. An annoyed Narcissa was the first to speak. "I should've been there! First chance you get and you all pounce on him!" She huffed, but a disgruntled Andromeda interjected. "Bella had been more annoying than usual yesterday. And it's your fault!" She accused.
"What now?" James mumbled, shaking his head. He refused to accept responsibility over her, at least this soon. He got Narcissa's annoyance at least, and it wasn't really directed at him, or severe enough to do anything about, aside from snogging her when they had some time later.
"She kept asking me about what collar design she should get for herself, which one you would like best…" Andromeda replied bitterly.
"Wha… What?" James sputtered, as Sirius spat out his pumpkin juice. Pumpkin juice was rather disgusting, James thought, but he wasn't going to bother campaigning against it. The elves provided whatever drink he wanted on request.
"She said you discussed whips."
"I didn't even say that out loud! Okay, seriously, this is strange even by her standards. What's the deal?"
Bella's smile became strained at the question and she shifted uneasily in her seat. Narcissa didn't seem to react either, not knowing what the deal was, but Andromeda's glace at her older sister indicated that she did.
Before any got a chance to speak though, a scream was heard, followed by a familiar looking blond older Ravenclaw boy running into the Great Hall. "Let loose the cats of war!" The cry of two Gryffindor boys, redheaded twins, followed him as a herd of cats chased behind.
"The Prewett twins, Fabian and Gideon, are at it again. They're seventh year, thank Merlin." Bellatrix explained, and James didn't miss the obvious relief at the distraction. He'll find out later, when she's comfortable talking about whatever the problem was. If she was that uneasy about it, he wasn't going to push.
"I heard they used to be worse before I started Hogwarts, but it's hard to imagine sometimes." Andi noted.
"They were quite the pair of nightmares." Bella confirmed. "But it was because of their older sister. They loved riling her up, she got the nickname Molly "Human Howler" Prewett and they demonstrated that talent of hers as often as possible. The aftereffects of hearing her were an inspiration for the Muffliato charm that was invented back then."
"Who is it that they set the cats on?" James asked curiously, then did a double take at noticing one of the cats was an Animagus. What was McGonagall doing?! Did the twins somehow prank her as well, or did she just want to join in on the fun? Maybe she disliked the student as well? James decided to keep an eye on her, maybe send this version of McGonagall some Catnip laced treats…
"That's Lockhart. I would say he's harmless, but there's a risk for my foot to get bruised soon, I'm afraid it's going to be assaulted by his head." Bellatrix muttered darkly. "There's a rumor that he's under a permanent Confundo, you know? He keeps bragging about his adventures and whatnot, but it's all nonsense. The twins took it upon themselves to try and fix him, calling it their "Head Reduction Service.""
"For when Reducio fails you!" They called out in response. Did they place a listening charm or something? They were too far to hear their conversation. Wait, did they actually try the shrinking charm on Lockhart's head? Magicals were insane enough to actually do something like that…
The Magical Culture Professor, Korina Greengrass, had a dignified appearance for someone that was relatively young. Her robes were somewhat form fitting yet not tight to be seen as obscene by wizarding standards, elegant yet not too expensive – the Greengrass family was a rich, focusing on trade rather than politics, Grey aligned family, though one that was neutral in regards to the Potters. The woman had a sharp face with dirty blond hair and steel grey eyes that are common among her family, though she had a rather cold look. James didn't know her relations to the future generation – Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, as she looked too old to be their mother. She wasn't too old, she was around Molly Weasley's age, who had just gotten into her brooding mare stage, but a woman that taught Magical Culture must've valued tradition enough and wouldn't have delayed her duty to procreate. It was more likely that she would be the aunt to the two sisters in Harry's generation, or something of the sort. Regardless, it mattered little.
"Understanding our culture requires understanding our history and way of life." Professor Greengrass started. "Unfortunately, the current History Professor is not one open to changing the syllabus, so that duty falls upon me as well. Muggle society is one that is built around the concept of community. The muggles have limited sets of skills each and depend upon each other in order to fill the gaps where the individual is inefficient and insufficient."
"Magical society isn't so. Instead of growing our food, we duplicate it. Given the base material, permanently transfiguring it into furniture is a simple matter. It is not out of need that we seek others, but for comfort, luxury and socializing. Where muggles live in close proximity to each other, us magicals can live as isolated as we desire, and with our transportation methods covering large distances with ease, we can easily control who and when we associate with others."
"These aspects and others have lead to our culture and tradition to be greatly varied between families, and even within branches of the same family. You may be asking, if each family is different, then what is the point of these lessons?"
"In its core, our culture has been derived from a shared based, as all current modern magical families started congregating at Hogwarts at one point or another, and many shared their own traditions, adopting ideas from other families. That aspect of Hogwarts had continued for many generations, yet it stopped. Why? Muggles."
"For a long time, Muggleborn came from poor families and were viewed as beneath the average magical. They were lacking in education, basic hygiene and manners. Even with the prejudice against them, they accepted their lot in life, seeing Hogwarts as a safe haven of sorts. Yet the muggle world did not remain idle, and they begun offering education more freely. While they were still looked down upon, they were no longer uneducated, and they were not as graceful when suffering the treatment. They wanted to become part of our world."
"The magical world had fractured into two main factions, carrying different ideals. One wanted to share the magical culture with the muggleborn, welcoming them into our world. The other opposed the idea, fearing that sharing our culture with the muggleborn would lead to our culture being influenced in return. They won, and thus it was decided that Hogwarts will no longer teach magical traditions and culture, for that responsibility would now fall purely on one own's family. For muggleborns it meant that the only chance for them to become truly part of our world would be through marriage."
Korina frowned. "It was our choice that blocked off muggleborns from learning our culture, yet when magicals see muggleborns, they frown, claiming that by not adopting our traditions, they see themselves as above us." She shook her head. "Every few years, there is a motion to repeal the decision, yet it always falls. Changes in the political scene allowed for this ruling made it possible."
"Do not be mistaken. This is not purely for the sake of muggleborns. Through generations the lack of sharing meant that each family has their own views on what magical tradition means, and even amongst ourselves some view magical culture as outdated and seek to strip us of what makes us different and unique, without truly understanding. Magical Culture class is designed to help us understand who we are and unify us. Where in the past, the small family unite worked for the magical communities, it becomes less viable as dark lords arise and magical births lower."
James found the woman rather curious. She held a calm and cool demeanor, yet she truly believed her words and there was passion in her eyes. Korina Greengrass was raised to be a proper lady indeed.
He also couldn't help but frown. The basic lessons on culture would do well for the students, but for a 2 year course that is mainly targeted at the younger generation, a lot of it would be lost on the kids. Well, it was the first attempt of a subject that was apparently part of Hogwarts many years ago before it was dropped. They'll improve upon it in time.
The entire first year gathered at the grounds for their first flying lesson. Alongside the hawk-eyed Madam Hooch were four older students, one from each house. Their purpose was to both assist the flying instructor, who needed to deal with the entire year in one go, and scout for talent among their younger housemates.
Usually, whole-year classes were limited to the fewer attended classes – the electives and post OWL classes (not classes that train post owls). The additional class this year as well as allowing first years to attend Quidditch tryouts encouraged the staff to try something different. The first class was mainly so that all four houses could have their first years go through the first lesson before tryouts start, but whether these shared classes would continue beyond first week remained to be seen.
James eyed the sleek design of the Nimbus 1000. The brooms he had in his inventory were from ten years into the future, and James couldn't help but note that little changed. Nimbus 2000, and then the Firebolt, were the first major advancements the broom industry had in years, and he already knew that the broom he was standing over was not that much worse than any of his stock. Of course, Nimbus 1000 wasn't the newest, nor best, broom on the market. The company itself had already the 1200 version out, while the Comet 200 and the Cleansweep Four were competitive and even better, depending on the circumstances and position played.
Hooch's instructions were short and to the point, but James couldn't help but frown. The option to call the broom was practically useless, pure novelty. Who would drag their brooms to the field and then drop them to the ground? The brooms could be left to hover alongside their riders, so the only purpose of such function is if someone else brings out the brooms and scatters them up, but the future riders are too lazy to pick them off the ground.
At Hooch's instruction to say 'Up', James did not. He eyed his broom and clicked his fingers, and the broom eagerly jumped into his awaiting palm. While many practically shouted 'UP!', James' action was still noticed and many stared at him wide-eyed.
After being showered with complements that he was born to fly, class progressed naturally. James kept an eye on his friends, but decided to have fun and mostly do tricks in the air. Sirius joined him soon enough, having the most practice. Narcissa too had some practice, but she merely competent, as she did not find sports in general to be much fun. Lily on the other hand loved it, but as it was her first time, had to take it slow.
At the end of class, James, Sirius and Amelia were all allowed to participate in the Quidditch tryouts in the following week. Edgar was decent on the broom, but not good enough to have a chance to get on the team. Lily was too much of a newbie at flying, and the way she eyed James while watching the riskier tricks he performed had scared too many people to allow her to fly with limited supervision any time soon.
Severus Snape glowered as he watched James' flying. He didn't quite understand the meaning behind Lily's gaze, so he thought that if he could get on the Slytherin Quidditch team, it would give him a chance with Lily. Unfortunately for him, he did not have flying experience either, and he wasn't really athletic – though how much that was required for a sport you play sitting down is debatable. Severus wasn't allowed to try for the Quidditch team during his first year, but he will show them all next year!
"James!" Petunia shouted as she threw herself at him, hugging him. James couldn't help but laugh as he hugged the girl back. The weekend arrived and with it the first Hogsmeade visit of the year. His other friends were meeting with their own families and they agreed to all have dinner together at the Three Broomsticks later, but the Potters helped the Evans family get to Hogsmeade, so they were escorting them around the place.
"Missed you too, Tuney." Lily said dryly, standing by his side.
Petunia blushed and laughed sheepishly before hugging her sister, as the parents joined them and shared their own greetings.
Their visit started with James showing Petunia Hogwarts, at least from a distance. Thanks to his elves, he found a hill nearby that had a decent view of the castle. Petunia was worried that other magicals may ask questions about how a supposed muggle was able to see the castle – as her parents were completely blind to it, but James had reassured her that since squibs are able to see the castle, that's what most people will assume she is.
Muggle repelling wards were rather simple. They made the area look boring to non-magical humans, and influence their mind to go elsewhere if they tried passing through. The ward had no effect on humans with magic, and any non-human creatures, magical or otherwise. So Petunia's magical nature was sufficient. Even though both their kids were magical, somehow the elder Evanses weren't even on squib level… James knew that magic was attributed to the soul and had no basis in genetics, yet it couldn't be a coincidence that both of their kids were magical. Of course, genetics did still have some influence on magic, just not on one's magical ability or pure potential. Inbreeding could still weaken the mind and body, which would in turn affect magic.
Though Petunia wished she could visit Hogwarts proper, she was happy enough to be able to see the castle from afar, at least for now. She didn't want to seem ungrateful by complaining, especially since her parents saw even less. Instead, she focused on other things, such as coaxing the two first years to promise her seeds and trimmings from Herbology for her to add to her own garden – a secret one James had set up alongside with her personal two-way portkey. She wanted to compare what the Hogwarts greenhouses could offer to what she could buy from Diagon Alley.
James had also hoped to encounter Remus, to see if Petunia could pick up on something, but they did not see the werewolf during their visit. James actually confessed to Lily that he knew something was different about him, but didn't tell her what, claiming that he doesn't know just yet.
Why did he tell her anything at all about Remus? Apparently, she decided that he was too suspicious. Remus wasn't from an allied family, and he wasn't even a pretty girl (though James didn't have that kind of reputation). If Remus was the one to start a conversation, or seemed generally fun or interesting at all, it would've made some sense for James to be interested. But he wasn't… So James confessed that he noticed something different about him, just as back then he noticed Petunia having different magic.
James did start thinking that maybe he was trying to force a friendship with Remus when it made no sense. If it would happen naturally, fine, but Remus was actually more weary of James the more he tries to get close to the werewolf. Though part of it is due to what Remus had heard of the Blacks, and with James' close association to them…
Was it even worth it? James didn't really like Canon-Lupin. Even if the man had an excuse for missing out the first 12 years of Harry's life, where was he during the Tri-Wizard Tournament? Sirius managed to meet and advise Harry and he was a fugitive, yet Remus was completely gone from Harry's life for most of it, even when he was a teacher or afterwards. And then he dares make the boy his kid's godfather.
James was willing to give this Remus a shot, but decided to stop forcing it. Remus Lupin will probably have a different life once James deals with his Lycanthropy one way or another, but the problem with Lupin's character was that he was defined by his curse. Without it, he won't be his canon self, and as opposed to the many other characters that he is changing the lives of, at least with them there were other benefits besides them being canon characters. Some of them grow up to become hot!
The group found themselves standing in front of Honeydukes, reading the sign.
"I thought the milk was still fresh
But sadly it has expired
You may be looking for me
But to the bathroom I have retired
Burma Shave."
"You know son, I think we can send you treats from other shops for a while." Fleamont suggested.
While James agreed, he couldn't help but think that there was something wrong with the world he was born into, or at least with the wizards. From what he had seen so far, James believed that the muggle culture will evolve differently – he couldn't abuse his original knowledge by investing in Apple or Microsoft or whatever, as many self-inserts and time travelers end up doing… But he could probably copy entertainment from his original world and not worry about copyright…
Yet this wasn't the first time he encountered a reference from his old world, delivered through whacky wizard jokes… Was it an effect of his divinity? He had an aspect of Parody that influenced the world around him in ways that nobody noticed or found strange!
It was all just to get a cheap laugh from the readers…