~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* CHAPTER XXV *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~
The excitement was palpable, a constant hum of energy flowing throughout the student body. The upgrades to the train had been fantastic. The rooms changed shape and size depending on the needs of those inside, the bathrooms were large and comfortable and there were dining cars! One was between in the middle of the first eight cars and the other between the last eight cars with the Teachers car and the Medical car in the dead center of the train. If they did not feel like eating in the Dining cars, there were menus in each compartment that they could order from, using their bank keys or cards to pay for their meal upon delivery.
While each car had a Mascot on it, each compartment, eight to a car, had one as well from each house and they liked to switch, changing the colors of the interior as they went. It was fun because everyone got to be an Honorary member of each house as they chattered away with friends and family. Many of the older students who were returning to Hogwarts were a bit wary of these changes, even more so at the rather friendly air around everyone. They had grown up used to the tension, the rivalries and the rather blatant bullying and favoritism. Though they can admit that having actual food and space to simply lounge was a nice improvement and wished this was done when they had still been students.
The teachers on the train were Severus, Filius and Rye. They held the Prefect meeting, handing each Prefect a clipboard with a magically updating roster for each of the cars as well as a list of offenses ranging from rowdiness to full out fights and their matching punishments. Severus impressed upon them that they do not get to act like they are above the rules either and told them what will be tolerated vs what will not be. He left the threat of detention with either himself or Professor Nubia hanging over their heads and they gulped. Filius just squeaked happily into his tea, letting the two most feared Professors handle things. The Head Boy and Girl, Hermione and Draco, were given even stricter rules, but the two did not balk at them. They understood that while they held a lot of power for students, maybe ranked as TA's, that did not mean they actually were on par with the actual teachers.
With a final set of warnings, they went off to do their rounds. The rosters helped them keep track of their House's students as well as communicate with each other if there is an issue. The Medical car was a full on traveling Hospital with 10 healers and two Mediwizard assistants. A fully functional Potion lab, spelled and warded to the nines to allow the delicate potions to be brewed without issue. There were also three Potion Masters on board to do the brewing. So far other than a few motion sick students and one who had a panic attack, so far nothing major has happened.
As the day drew to a close and the closer they got to Hogwarts, the more palpable the excitement got. The energy and noise was now a constant hum, like an overactive beehive. All anyone could talk about was the new classes, the discoveries made about the former Headmaster and this undercurrent of tension, a wariness that had many fidgety and twitchy. Was the new Headmaster going to do right by them? What about the new teachers? How much has changed in Hogwarts, did the castle itself change?
When the announcement was made that they would be arriving in less than 10 minutes, to please get ready and to start lining up in an orderly fashion, it was all anyone could do to not burst out of their skin. The train began to slow down, the motion much smoother than before and pulled to a full stop with hardly a shift. The conductor's voice calling out over the PA to inform the students to leave their trunks, gather up their familiars and to please be careful when disembarking the train. Their first look at Hogsmeade Station was an awed one. Brilliant crystal torches stood towering over even Hagrid, shining with pale moonlight, bright enough to allow them to see not only the station but also the path leading to the docks. It showed stone steps and hand railings with flame torches stationed periodically down the path and out of sight.
Good, it meant less students getting hurt and showing up filthy because they fell in the mud or dirt. Hagrid was guiding them to the far side of the platform where the coaches waited for them. It was due to rain so the students were quick to climb in and were soon on their way. The coaches were also upgraded, while still clearly ancient, the seats were comfier, the ride much smoother and there was even a small fire pit in them, currently lit with bright embers to chase away the child of a cold winter's night. Getting out at the school, they gathered en mass to stare at the much bigger looking castle. Hogwarts had been like a monolith before, but now she was a titan!
The courtyard was even bigger as well. More towers reached for the heavens with walkways between them and the school, making it easier to get to certain classes without having to go to the bottom of one tower, cross the moody moving stairs and then climb up the next tower just to get to class, which most are almost always late for because the climb is simply exhausting! The windows were all lit up and from their glow, they could see gargoyles moving about, some waving down at the children as others took flight, patrolling the grounds.
Hagrid had to bellow to get them to focus and enter the school proper. The Entry hall looked much better, shining marble replaced the stone pillars as a grand mosaic of the Founders replaced the stone floors. There were more halls and stairs that branched off the main hall, no doubt leading to the new classes! By now Hogwarts herself was humming with the energy the children were putting off, making her lights shine brighter, the air shimmered with magic! They saw Professor McGonagall, in her deep green robes, her pointed hat with the lopsided brim, standing there as stern faced as ever. They quickly settle down before her and she nods.
"Welcome back." She begins. "As I'm sure you all know, some major changes have been made and as such we have in place a few new rules as well as new punishments."
Everyone took a deep gulp, nervous of what could be done.
"As always, your house is your family. You will spend a vast majority of time with your House, however you are encouraged to mingle amongst the others. You may seek permission to enter another House's common room for studying or simply to hang out with your friends. Sleepovers are prohibited. In addition, to Hogwarts expanding her classes, she has also expanded her space. The dorms, you will be happy to know have changed the most. Now each student will be given a private room-"
The shouts of joy are understandable, but it annoyed her nevertheless.
"Ahem!" She says and everyone settles down. "And mated pairs will be given their own rooms, a fifth dormitory that has been added to afford them privacy as well as safety. Courting couples will also be given private rooms, however, we expect you to follow decorum and tradition to the T! Any shenanigans and you will lose this privilege As well as letters sent home to your families." Everyone gulps at that threat knowing that their parents would be even worse to deal with than a disappointed professor.
"As always, good work, obeying the rules and good behavior earns you points, Rule breaking, fighting and disrespect will lose points and earn you detention. Now then a few new rules: There is to be absolutely no bullying. Anyone caught bullying will be remanded 100 points and two weeks detention. If you are caught a second time, you will be suspended. A third offense will have you expelled. Bullying was a very serious issue under the previous Headmaster, who played favorites and made it next to impossible to punish the proper people." She glares at them fiercely and they all gape in shock at this.
"Now then, the next new rule is the enforcing of the Dynamic Etiquette rules! This is to protect both the girls and the Omegas! No Alpha or male for that matter should touch an Omega or female without their express permission, courting couples are allowed a bit of leeway since physical affection is hard to avoid on the best of days, however keep it PG and above the clothing! Mated couples, we kindly ask if you feel frisky, please take it to your room or one of the many bonding rooms that have been placed around the school. I would hate to suspend you for indecent exposure or explicit behavior. Now this next rule is very important: No means No! And this goes for everyone, and all genders! If you are told to No, to Stop or to Leave, you are to obey it. Anyone who does no will find themselves in the hot seat and fast!
The severity of the case will result in immediate expulsion! We are taking sexual assault very seriously especially after the Lockhart incident, this is your first and only warning! Another rule is dueling outside of a Classroom setting. While ideally, I would wish there to be no such occurrences However, I am a realistic woman. I know tempers will flare, insults and impugned honor called into question. If you issue a duel, you are to report immediately to Professors Snape, Flitwick, Nubia and Headmaster Anubis. They will set up the duel, time and date. However, you are strictly forbidden from issuing Death Duels, Slave Duels or Conquest Duels! While you are here, on these grounds, these Duels are expressly forbidden! This is a school, a place to learn and grow, such fights are to be kept outside of this school done at your own time during your Holidays or after you graduate! Blood Feuds are also to be hung up with those Duels! While you are here you will get along!"
Everyone murmurs an affirmative, pale and nervous of what breaking such rules could result in.
"Anyone who dares to issue such challenges will find themselves in a Holding cell at the Ministry awaiting trial! If found guilty, you will be sent to Azkaban." She growls lowly and everyone gaps in horror. "Now then, as for serving detentions, if you are issued a detention by a professor of the opposite sex or gender, you are to inform your Head of House immediately to be assigned a new detention with a professor of the same sex or gender, or assigned a group detention. Again this is in light of the Lockhart incident. Alphas should serve with Alphas, Omegas with Omegas, Betas with same sex Betas. If you feel that the Professor is being in any way inappropriate find a trusted Adult or older student for aid. If you are in danger, you are allowed to use magic to defend yourself and a swift kick goes a long way. Now then, anything else I've missed or have not covered is in your Student Handbooks in your night stands. I will give you a few minutes to smarten up.
For our returning Alumni, you will not be re-sorted, you may sit with your old House at the secondary table. As for the new students joining us this term, you will remain out here with me until the others are settled so you may be sorted into your new House. You have 5 minutes." She says and turns to head into the Great Hall to make sure everything is ready and in place.
The students fuss about, murmuring amongst themselves as they clean up and wait for the professor to comeback.
"What a load of bollocks! What do they mean we can't issue Duels! And how dare they prevent us Alphas from finding a proper bitch!?" Ronald Weasley's voice screams out in rage. Many around him hiss in distaste or glare at him in anger.
Legolas growls low, holding Harry close to his side as he glares at the little shit that always harassed his Mate the previous term. Many of those new to the school, watch the angry redhead warily as he tries to drag a few of his Housemates into agreeing with him.
"She said no Death Challenges, you dimwit! And no Slave or Conquest Duels. We can still issue a standard Duel or an Honor Duel, just as long as we do not try to kill anyone!" Sheamus hisses, pulling away from the loud mouth.
"Who are you calling a Dimwit!?"
"You, obviously! And if you had any chance of getting a boyfriend or a girlfriend this term, you shot your chances in the arse by calling all the Omegas bitches. We do not like that." Dean says, leaning into his boyfriend, Sheamus, with a dark glare on his black face. "And if anyone does have the misfortune of calling you their boyfriend or even their Alpha, I pity them."
"Shut your mouth!" Rom snarls and it looked like he was going to smack Dean, but to everyone's shock, Harry catches his wrist, twisting it and his arm behind his back and kicking his knees out from under him. "FUCK!?"
"You will not raise your hand like that to an Omega ever again, or I will break your arm." Harry growls, clearly pissed. "Anyone who abuses someone who is smaller or weaker than them, is absolute scum. You have been warned, Weasel."
He let him go and walked back over to his mate, who chuckled and nuzzled his neck. The returning students were beyond shocked to see a Slytherin defending a Gryffindor and if they saw the crest correctly, the Elf was a Gryffindor as well!
"Mr. Weasley! Detention tonight with Professor Nubia!" McGonagall shouts, having come back to hear Harry's warning. "I will not have any kind of abuse of power in this school, this is a new day, people! You will quickly find that we're not going to be playing by the former Headmaster's rules anymore! Now then, new Students please come to me while the rest of you, file in and get settled."
Everyone does as told and once she has the new students accounted for, she leads them in after the others have settled down. The sorting happens much the same, the Hat sings and then names are called. The students are sorted and take their seats quickly with their respective Houses and at their respective years. Once everyone has settled down, they look to the Headmaster.
Amun'dei Anubis is a very tall man with a deep russet natural tan. He is broad shouldered with a broad chest, but is of a lean frame. His hair is pitch black and falls needle straight. He wears hair accessories that are clearly familial heirlooms and tell them he is from Egypt. He is also a Creature if the tall Pharaoh Hound ears upon his head were any indication and the rather canine like shape of his face. He is very handsome and the gold face paint highlights his golden eyes and his blindingly white teeth as he smiles, the canines impressive and deadly. He holds his hands out to the side as he begins to speak.
"Well met, my children. I am Amun'dei Anubis. I have studied at the Private Magical Academy of Cairo for nearly a decade as both my standard and Mastery in the teaching profession. When I applied for a position as one of the instructors and a secondary application for Deputy Headmaster, I was not expecting to be invited to interview for the Headmaster's position. I am fairly new to this position, so please forgive me as I find my footing. However, that does not mean I am a fool, nor that I will play favorites. My school does not have Houses, so I will not favor any House over the other." He says sternly. "Lord Slytherin and Lord Ravenclaw expect weekly updates on not only my adjustment to your school, but your adjustment to both the new curriculum and the new staff members."
He lets his arms fall to his sides in a calm manner and smiles a wide, if evil looking smile.
"You will quickly learn under my guidance, that I do not tolerate any kind of disrespect, any kind of bullying or abuse of power. I have been informed of much that was allowed to happen under Dumbledore's tenure and even the unsightly behaviors of both Professor Lockhart and Professor Umbridge. This school is a safe haven away from home for you and as such, the Staff is meant to look after and protect each of you as if you are our own. This being said, I want it known and very clearly heard: Detentions will be handled by specific professors who have not only strict rules and control, but have earned their reputations as the most feared.
Alphas who get detention will serve them out with Professors Nubia, Snape, Thranduil or Elrond with Mr. Filch, our Caretaker, as a secondary back up. You will not use magic in any form and if you are assigned a task, you will do it the Muggle way unless told otherwise. Mr. Filch has been allowed to use the paddle for corporal punishments and is allowed to box your ears. Betas will serve detention with Professors Sinistra, McGonagall or our new addition, Professor Coyote, with Dowager Longbottom as a secondary.
Only Professor McGonagall is permitted to dole out corporal punishments and again all detentions are to be served the Muggle way unless stated otherwise by the Serving Professor. As for Omegas, you will serve detention with Professors Sprout, Flitwick or Lupin with Lady Arwen as a Secondary. Omegas and Female Betas will be accompanied by at least one Male Beta classmate to their detentions, usually someone who has earned a detention as well, or someone who has volunteered. Those who are Courting may have their suitor attend with them while those who are Mated will be accompanied by their mate. This is to prevent any untoward actions or behaviors, though I doubt these specific Professors will allow such things to happen."
The named Professors had stood up, so everyone both old and new knew who they were. They then sat down once more as Anubis moved on to introducing the new classes with their professors and the tutors who would be coming in to work with those struggling or too advanced for the normal classes. There were at least 50 professors and the classes would be broken up into smaller classes for most of the school, Harry's year was still the smallest year due to being born during the height of the last Wizarding war.
"Now then, I believe I have said enough for now. So please, my children, eat! Drink and be merry!" He claps his hands twice and the food appears. The feast has a much wider selection from not only around the world, but from various Cultures within the Cultures.
Harry smiled seeing that the Three Elvin Rulers were sitting with Severus at the head table, looking both subdued and yet impressive in Wizarding robes. Galadriel was taking over Divination through Mediums while Firenze would continue to teach the main subject. Trelawney had been fired, Harry finding the woman a nice home and a job as a bookkeeper in an old Mystic's shop. The woman, while indeed a seer, was teaching the wrong information and dangerous arts to impressionable children. Not to mention that she was both drunk and high almost all the time, especially during class where the children were affected by her 'incense' which was actually a hallucinogenic agent meant to get you high and have 'visions.'
He saw Hagrid chatting with Remus, who was going to teach first to third year Defense and help Hagrid out with his Care of Magical Creatures classes. The former Gryffindor would help the Half Giant tone down his usual selection of animals to show off. The older years got to have fun with the more dangerous lot, but not the younger years. Professor Binns was allowed to finally rest in peace and was being replaced by Lord Elrond, who's managed to read and memorize all the books on Wizarding history for Terra as well as Muggle History and would be teaching both with the odd tidbits from Arda thrown in. Thranduil and Professor Nubia seemed to be getting on like a house on fire if the way she was carefully examining his dueling dagger was any indication while he was holding what most thought was a normal fan in his hand, but Harry knew that the edges were razor sharp.
"This year is going to be interesting..." Draco muses, looking at a Veela and Flitwick chatter excitedly. McGonagall was chatting with Lady Arwen and Eowyn as the two women are fussed over by their husbands, who are assisting in Defense, though Aragorn was going to be teaching field first aid during the Healing classes with Madam Pomfry and the Hobbits.
"I am looking forward to coming back next year if what I am seeing is promising." Pansy murmurs, eyeing a Human woman and two Winged Creatures debate something.
"I will have a hard time getting Mione to put down her books." Draco laughs softly, looking across the hall to his fiance, who is chattering with a new boy, Beta by the looks of him, and the boy is just as animated as her.
"Good luck keeping her out of the newly renovated Library. I think Madam Pince passed on from joy at the restored books, the expanded space and the extra protection spells and the like. Never mind the new shipment of books that had been either banned over the years or had gone missing." Harry chuckles, pointing to the Head Librarian as she chats with her underlings. "And Mr. Weasley has recently figured out how to use the Wizard's version of Google. So finding information will be much easier now, but he's still working out the kinks in it."
"Hey, your highness... is that man your father?" A random Slytherin calls and Legolas smirks.
"That is indeed my father, King Thranduil. He will not go ease on you during Dueling lessons, he expects perfection and accepts nothing less." He says and Thranduil turns to look at them, having heard his son and nods, holding up his glass. Legolas returns the gesture before he turns back to the others. "Just because he is my father, he will not play favorites. He will be three times harsher on me than any of you."
"Maybe we should ask Professor Nubia to set up another Mocks, I'd like to see his face when you wipe out 50 Orcs with both your sword and bow skills as well as your magic skills." Harry purrs and Legolas growls low with desire.
"Maybe we should... it will certainly make her day to torture us more..."
"No!" Several Slytherins shout, startling the Hufflepuffs near them.
"You act like she's not already planning to do so in prep for the NEWTs at the end of the year." Harry points out and they groan in misery. "At least a second Mocks will show where we have improved and where we need to improve."
Dinner pretty much went on in this manner and then dessert came. When everyone was full, the Headmaster stood up, clapping his hand to get their attention.
"Now then, before I send you off to bed, I will like to announce that the Dorms have been moved so they are all on the same floor, just in different corners. The Heads of House will guide their students to the new dorms now. You will find that your spaces have been upgraded, there are more rooms to allow for various activities as well as giving the students extra privacy. Mated students and Courting pairs please remain behind so I may show you to your dorms as well as explain a special set of rules for you. Now then, I bid you all a good night and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for the start of classes! Sweet dreams, my little ones!"
They all stand and begin to file out, meeting up with their Heads of House as the couples and mated pairs remain behind to follow the Headmaster. They all gasp in amazement seeing the wider halls, filled with much more than moving paintings. There are animated suits of armor and many small friendly creatures scurrying about. Harry smiles when a cluster of Fairies zoom over his head, dropping flower crowns on everyone's head. A Mox, a rodent like creature that walked and talked like a human, was dressed in a butler's uniform and was dusting the hard to reach spots. He nods at the students, carefully avoiding where more Moxes were cleaning.
Harry whispers in Legolas' ear that the Moxes would help Filch with keeping track of naughty students and lessen the mass amount of stress the poor man was under. Not to mention help him keep the common areas clean and clear.
"Here we are. This is the doorway to your new dorms. You have a common room like the other Houses, only it is decorated in all House Colors. Like the new student dorms, you have the Common room where you can sit and chat, play games or entertain yourself as you please. You will find off to the left a Study with a small library to help you do your homework and study for exams. Off to the right is a Music room for those of you who are so inclined. There is an attached Art Room and a Practice room for spell work. In the dead center of the back wall is the stairs that lead up and down to your respective rooms. Your belongings have been moved into them and the rooms have settled into the best accommodations for you. The House Elves will come to clean up on a timely schedule and will answer if called, however they will not be at your every command. They retain the right to decline to obey a request and you are not allowed to punish them as they Hogwarts Staff and property." Anubis says as he pauses before the Lovers' Pair.
Their image was changed to show the iconic balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. They looked longingly at one another, besotted faces and the whole background seemed to help exude the love the pair had for one another. Almost to a sickening degree.
"The password, like all others will be changed every two weeks and will be posted on the notice board in your Common room. One is by the entrance and the other is before you head to your dorms. I will be choosing the passwords, so you will have to deal with them." He says. "Now then, Amore Eternia..."
Romeo suddenly stands and climbs to his Juliet and they are kissing, deep and passionate before the wall opens into a beautiful common room. The walls are a swirl of blue and green as the floor is blonde wood and soft harvest yellow area rugs with comfy red sofas and chairs. The ceiling is bewitched to show the night sky in all its splendor and the windows look out onto the school grounds and an impressive view of the Black Lake. Banners from all four Houses hung from the walls with a giant Shield of the Hogwarts crest hanging over the doorway leading to the rooms was.
"Now then, those of you who have attended this year and the years previous, know the rules and routine. For my returning alumni, curfew is at 10pm sharp, only those in detention have an excuse to be out later and even then they will be escorted by either a Prefect, the Head Boy or Girl, or a Professor. The rooms are sound proof and you will find ensuites attached to each room so you do not have to worry about mauling each other for seeing someone else's mate or intended in any state of undress. Also you will find emergency potions, including several Pregnancy test potions and Muggle testing strips, morning after potions and Muggle pills to prevent any accidents. However if one of you should end up pregnant, you will find prenatal potions, general ones, in the cupboard. Those will hold you over until one of the Potion Masters can tailor one to your exact needs. You will find fever and cold potions, general healing and pain relievers as well as a few sleep aids. The stock is limited and the cupboards are spelled to keep you from overdosing or using something too much."
They all nod, murmuring about the level of trust being shown to them and about having Muggle medical supplies.
"You will also find a Muggle First Aid kit in the cabinet under the sink fully stocked. Now then, I bid you pleasant dreams, my dears. See you in the morning." Anubis bows his head and walks out, his tail flicking happily as he leaves them to explore.
They find both Muggle and Magical games in the large cupboard to the side of the room with a small selection of books by the sitting area. The other rooms are equally impressive with Muggle and Magical mixed into the activities and décor. The Practice room hosts an impressive collection of Muggle Weapons and also hosts display cases with their names upon them, that are magically locked to their signatures to keep someone from messing with or taking one of your weapons. There is a row of practice dummies and more in the room. The Art room is a whimsical mess of everything and clearly designed to allow for groups or individual projects. The Music room is one large room, but clearly can be broken up into smaller rooms with the dividers they see against the walls.
So finally they begin trying to find their dorms, Harry leads Legolas up to their room, knowing it will be dead center on the upper floor as one of the Hogwarts Lords. There is two more on either side, one for Neville and Luna, who had mated when Harry and Legolas Bonded (Xeno was surprisingly alright with it, but the man may also be a Seer since he was so like his daughter in that calm, chill manner of theirs) and one for Tom and Severus. Everyone else slowly found their rooms and quickly got unpacked, showered and ready for bed.
Harry purred as Legolas curled around his back, pressed tight to him and left soft nipping kisses along his neck.
"You are tempting me..." Harry moans softly. "We do not need to test the sound proofing, I'm certain that Hogwarts has had her share of horny occupants and has long mastered silencing Adult time..."
"And what if I want to have you? You know, christen these new sheets as the Terrans say..." He purrs and Harry mewls with want.
"Fine, but you are carrying me tomorrow... your stamina is a bit much for me.."
"Well I am over 2000 years old..." Legolas chuckles as he gets them naked and dives down to pleasure his mate...
The next morning finds everyone gathering in the Great Hall, a good chunk of them bright eyed and bushy tailed, quite literal in some cases, while the others were shuffling in, doing their best zombie impressions. The long tables of the previous night were gone and in their place were random shaped tables, ranging from small to big. There were squares, rectangles, circles, hexagons and more. The returning students and new students stood to the side, confused as they looked at the tables, with at least one member from the other houses. There were a precious few that were solidly one House and those seemed to be at the outer edges and judging by the gloom hanging over them, they were not very well liked.
"Good morning, why are you not sitting?" Anubis asks, walking in, he's in a house robe with fuzzy bunny slippers on his feet and a steaming mug of spicy tea. His hair is a wild mess around his head and without the face paint to emphasize his less than human features, he looks like an Egyptian prince.
"What happened to the House tables?" Tonks asked, curious and confused.
"Ah, something that had begun in the previous term thanks to Lord Potter and his Highness. They took to sitting at the other tables, not just their own and this led to the other students doing the same so the staff all ganged up on the former Headmaster to have the long tables only for important feasts and events, but allow for smaller tables to sit the students so they can chatter with their friends instead of being forced to sit with only their House. As you can see it is very much appreciated among friends and family, though we still have a few who prefer their own House. Sit anywhere or request a new table and it will appear. But best hurry now, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!" With that he walks over to the table in the shape of a crescent moon that has a few teachers sitting and enjoying their meal with a couple of the students sitting with them, looking at ease.
"Well, damn, should have started this when I was still here..." Tonks huffs before she grins and runs over to where she sees her cousins and is pleased when a black and yellow chair appears, the table subtly growing to allow her space and she plops right down.
The new students shrug and quickly go to find somewhere to sit while the others simply request tables and sit to each, watching this strange new phenomenon with curiosity and a bit of wariness. The few among them join the House Only tables, which puts them on the radar, especially those at the Gryffindor table since Dumbledore surrounds himself with practically only Lions, the odd Raven and Badger was there too, but almost everyone was a Lion in the Order. The only Snake had been Severus and even then it was because he was under threat of Azkaban and as a favor to his husband.
Like always, halfway through the meal, the Heads of House get up to hand out schedules, however they pause to check in with all their students and not just the ones in their care. Severus can be seen frowning as he gets reports from some of his students, before he turns to one of his new assistants, the young woman writing in a notepad. He then calls to Poppy, who pauses her conversation with the new Headmaster to nod and gets up, her own small gaggle of Healers getting up to and soon a small number of students are being guided out of a side door, Lord Elrond following them when he saw the Creatures hesitating.
"If you're wondering, those are the children who are being abused at home. Before the teachers were either blinded to the signs and those who recognized them were kept from helping. But with the new rules, that will no longer be the case." a 5th year Ravenclaw says to one of the older groups. "Professor Snape knows the signs of abuse every well and has been teaching everyone to recognize them. So they are being taken to the Hospital to have an in depth scan done, have medicine tailored to their needs as well as informing Madam Bones in some of the more extreme cases. Over the years many students have not returned and we assumed they had merely chosen to stay in the Muggle world or transferred to another Magical school... turns out a lot of them were killed or committed suicide..."
They gape in shock and some of the older students who had once been in that position flinch, but nod in approval. Maybe things will be better, will turn out better if this was the new path...
"Welcome back to Defense! Hope you didn't get too lazy during the Holidays!" Nubia greets brightly as they all stand out on the snow covered area, which had been built off the Defense class corridors. It was in the style of the Ancient Roman Gladiator Colosseum. There was even a cage that had Lions in it, prowling around and roaring at the students. If they thought Rye's smiles were insane before, the very fact she had lions at her disposal now made her look downright nightmare inducing. "Today, we are gonna be working on endurance building, stamina and keeping your ass alive when the elements want you deader than a doornail!"
"And you had to give her Haldir..." Legolas groans, seeing the Galadhel Elf staring him down, a small smirk on his face. "Did you have to save him?"
"It wasn't his time and quit being a baby... He'll soon have a new favorite victim in Weasel." Harry assures him.
"And thanks to the Founding Lords, I now have these very lovely ladies to help me!" the students laugh as the men standing behind the short woman give her a less than pleased look. "His Majesty, King Thranduil will be taking over swordplay while Lord Elrond, when he is not busy with the Hospital wing, will be teaching you to handle staff weapons better, especially the glaive. When Lord Elrond cannot be in attendance, Master Haldir will take over as well as help you all improve on your archery. Archery especially will help you hone your spell casting skills because you will rarely miss. The fact more than half of you are still abysmal is grating on my nerves."
They all wince as she glares at them and then smiles evilly.
"We also have Captain Boromir and his majesty, King Aragorn, who was a ranger and the most suited to this torture- I mean lesson!" She corrects and Harry snickers at the horrified looks on everyone else's faces. "So cloaks and any heavy outer layers off! We are gonna work first on centering ourselves. Your mind will forever be your greatest weapon and with Occlumency lessons being taught properly to everyone, you will find it helpful."
Everyone does as asked and form a large rank as they sit in the snow. Even the Ardans join them. She walks them through meditation, her voice calming and focused. Some find their niche faster than others, but after a good 10 minutes they are all able to feel everything and yet nothing. She instructs them to get up and start stretching. They would be running laps, 5 of them, to get the blood pumping. She stressed pacing and keeping that feeling of being in their niche, however they have to also focus on their surroundings. A seemingly impossible task, but as the adults all began to start jogging, having prepared.
The battle hardened warriors all fell into step, the Elves spacing themselves so the humans would be between them. Boromir was clearly the slowest of the lot, but his training focused on using a Claymore, a very big and heavy sword. It stood at half his size and normally required two hands to wield it, but he's grown quite proficient with it to use it with one hand. Not to mention he wore the heaviest armor out of the group. Harry and Legolas soon caught up with them, Harry's smaller form allowing him to be ahead of them all, coupled with Mors' terrible habit of wandering, helped him develop a strong set of legs and keep good stamina.
Draco fell into step with Boromir, the Dragon not used to running, but not minding it as he watched Hermione jog ahead of him with Longbottom, keeping pace with the Lothlorien Elf, Haldir. It soon became obvious where everyone fell, the Omegas being built for speed and agility managed to keep a few paces ahead of most of the others, few kept pace with Harry at the very head and then there were those dead last behind Lord Elrond, who had slowed to be behind Boromir. After the last lap was completed, they were told to walk, not to sit or stop, the worst thing you can do after running so much as the muscles spasms and tense trying to cool off and retain the motion in their memories.
"Good, clearly the Creatures have a slight advantage, but magic has made you too lazy if you are this tired. A good chunk of the Humans are also pretty impressive, I am assuming you are the Muggle raised lot?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Came the chorus.
"Well then good thing PE is a mandatory class! Keep up the good work, work on pushing your limits a little at a time. Alright, notice how while it is almost freezing you hardly feel it? That is what you want. Constant motion produces heat, which in the cold will decide whether you die or not from freezing to death or an enemy. Trust me, freezing is not pleasant! I got hypothermia once, almost lost my toes and fingers, not fun!" She shudders, wiggling her booted feet and gloved hands.
"Perhaps we should cover what to do when one cannot make a fire or find a heat source to provide heat?" Aragorn suggests while rubbing his chest where his arms are crossed, keeping the warm in as much as he can. Boromir nods in agreement.
"Aye, that is a good start."
"You're right... fine then. I will make a small fire, it's not gonna do anything than warm the area a little. Pay close attention!" Nubia orders and they gather close, finding that having so many of them clustered together, offered a bit more body heat than there had been.
As Boromir and Aragorn began to explain the simple, but often life saving tricks of the trade, Harry snuggled into Legolas, the Elf produced a lot of body heat as an Alpha, an instinctual thing to provide for his Omega and their cubs, however it eats at a lot of the Alpha's stamina as well as the fat reserves in their body. Harry only let him do it for a short while, seeing Draco was shielding Hermione from the worst of the wind, his tall broad frame dwarfing her petite form. Many an Alpha doing the same for their Omegas or family. Rye looked pleased as punch, she was slowly adding other aspects of their Genders into her training, getting them to stop thinking like 'Intelligent Humans' and listen more to their animal instincts, instincts that have survived the millennia. No matter what happens, these instincts would remain. Even 5000 years into the future.
Harry nodded at the woman, who winks, she is sitting by the small fire she built, stoking it with the end of her sword as the other teachers begin helping with the lessons, adding in their own tricks. However, Legolas grins evilly when Haldir suddenly has the Weasel in his line of sight, seeing the redhead try to sidle up to them, realizing that Harry wasn't nearly as cold as the others and figured he was near a heat source. While this is true, Harry cuddled and even slept often with Death, even as a human, he did not provide any body heat. Harry was used to the cold, it had to be below freezing for him to feel it. Harry was perfectly at home in this cold temperature because it was like cuddling with Papa Mors.
"Weasley! Front and center!" Haldir snaps, annoyed. He's heard about this little upstart trying to harass his Princeling! No one harassed the Elfling, but him!
"I get the feeling that in another lifetime, Haldir and you were lovers..." Harry says, seeing the protective rage in his eyes.
"What?!" Legolas squeaks out in shock.
"What? I seem to have a lovely harem of attractive men for mates... at least that is what I understood when Papa taught me about alternative timelines and how the slightest changes can affect them... I believe I actually had a harem in one with you, Aragorn, Haldir and Lord Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir..." Harry says, half expecting jealousy, but blinks when Legolas tilts his head to the side, looking the March Warden and the Gondorian King up and down.
"Well Lord Elrond's sons are very attractive as well... I must admit I would not mind such a thing..." He muses and Harry giggles.
They turn back to see Haldir, ripping into Weasley as he tries to do as the teachers had instructed, but because he was more interested in getting warm and maybe feeling up a few Omegas, he tuned them out and was failing miserably...
Elrond chuckled as he sent off a few of the younger children after treating their wounds. He has to admit teaching was a calling he certainly missed out on back home. He and Galadriel enjoyed it greatly, using their vast knowledge as well as their extensive skill sets to educate these little ones. Thranduil refuses to admit that he enjoys it as well. Though he does admit that he enjoys striking terror into the less than savory brats who think they are above everyone or still sing Dumbledore's praises in the school.
"Your mind wanders, Ada..." Arwen calls from her hospital bed. She is ready to birth any day now and felt it best to remain with Lady Poppy, the woman was good at her craft and while well versed in it, she was not so prideful to not ask for help.
"Just wondering if perhaps adding a school will keep me busy when I am not being the Lord or Head Healer..." He muses. "How do you feel, my daughter?" He asks worried.
"As well as can be expected... I am sore, very much so. My back hurts and these false contractions have nearly sent Elessar into a panic attack thrice this week... I know that it can be any moment now..."
"Indeed." He chuckles and carefully concentrates on his slowly awakening magical gifts and scans his daughter and grandchild, smiling. "You are in good health and the babe is in a good position... if not by this moon rise then certainly sometime after sunrise tomorrow we will be greeting the newest member of our family."
"Good... do not tell Aragorn or he will not concentrate on teaching."
"Of course. Lady Nubia is quite the devious woman. She bested Gandalf in a game of words!"
"Oh, do tell?" Arwen gasps and her father sits to tell her...
Harry pauses in potions, the world is suddenly black around him and he sighs.
"Papa?"
"Sorry, my son, but I could not wait... He is making his final preparations. Be ready... He is not as powerless as one would think..." Mors says, not even bothering to be in his Divine form so he could speak quickly. He is standing by the pool of Souls that is glittering like crushed glass in the dimly lit room. The black waters turbulent.
"How much death will be wrought?"
"Enough to re-balance the world and magic... complete remaining rituals on the sacred days, offer back that which was given and you will all be powerful enough to face this with minimal loss on your end. There MUST be death, Hadrian... Go, your Professor is about to touch you..."
Harry blinks and catches Severus' hand before his uncle can touch him. He sends a small pulse of Death Magic through his fingers into the man and his eyes widen as he receives the message in his mind and nods subtly. Harry quickly neutralizes his potion.
"Forgive me, Professor, but I need to speak with Lord Slytherin right away."
"He should be in his tea room." Severus nods and shoos him off with a hastily written note.
Harry grabs his things and leaves, ignoring the curious glances and whispers. He does not even set foot outside of the door before Hogwarts in her Persona form appears and a doorway with a direct route to Tom appears. They move quick and she quickly locks her wards tight in the room as Tom, Lucius and Rookwood look up from where they are talking.
"Dumbledore's going to be making his move in a few months' time. Papa says we need to complete the last few rituals for this school year to gain back enough magic to best his army. And I do mean army. Apparently Dumbles still has connections with Grindelwald's old morons. If all goes well, the only deaths we will have to deal with are on Dumbledore's side with maybe a few on ours, how few is a few, I do not know. Papa simply does not want us to be caught off guard." Harry says before anyone could ask what is wrong.
"Shit..." Tom grouses, getting up and pacing, absentmindedly apologizing for the curse to the child like Hogwarts. "We have a few of his stooges here, we an pump them for information-"
"The Billy Goat wouldn't have allowed them to come back with anything in their minds that could be used against him. They are merely to spy on us and possibly cripple us from the inside." Hogwarts states. "Daddy and Papa always used that tactic to stop a lot of the armies that tried to attack me. I can very easily activate the old Defense Wards and with the new stones that Harry's given me that quadruples my power, it will be impossible for them to get into the school proper. However there are many secret paths in and out, many of which were restored."
"I've been exploring the school and rewriting the Marauders' Map. I placed a Master Copy in each of the Heads of House's offices as well as a Master Copy in the Headmaster's office. However those are drones to the real Master copy which I keep on me at all times." Harry holds up the Map, active and moves to the table. The three men quickly clear it and he lays it out.
"Amazing..."
"I knew your father was highly intelligent, but I didn't realize he was a genius..."
"Father and Uncle Remy did the spell work that needed to go into the Map, Uncle Siri was the one who carefully documented everything. You'd be amazed at how loose lipped people are when they think you are an idiot. Wormtail did nothing to help with it, but because he was their friend, they gave him credit."
"Speaking of the Rat, he's been missing it seems for some time... However the Order has been at several locations that my Knights were to rescue and move children from dangerous homes as well as Creatures to safe locations. I either have more rats in my ranks or Pettigrew is more skilled than I originally thought."
"Both." Was Harry's simple answer. "Remember, you were an insane idiot. It would have been easy to sneak in a few other lower ranked nobodies that would go invisible even when you are interacting with them. You would not have cared what they were doing or what they might over hear because you simply dismissed them as nothing and therefore know nothing."
"Fuck..." was the three adult males reactions.
"Quite, the least they could have done was take us out to dinner first." Harry huffs. "I like to be wined and dined before I am fucked thank you."
"TMI." Tom grouses.
"No, that's called Teenage humor. I could have said that I am a Honest Hoe." Harry says and the three men look aghast, but Hogwarts bursts into laughter, getting the joke. "See, she gets it!"
"Never mind that for now. What rituals do we need?" Tom asks, summoning a few books over.
"The Summer Solstice will be the last in the cycle that we can complete the rituals for. Unfortunately I doubt that Dumbledore will wait until Lughnasadh to attack. However, that leaves us with Imbole, the Vernal Equinox, and Beltane for the Pagan Religious year. There are other holidays in between all that for other cultures, that while not as powerful as the Old Ways, are still powerful in their own rights. There is Valentine's day, or the Day of Marriage back in certain Ancient Greek cultures and even in some of the Roman and Celtic circles. This will allow for new mating pairs to come together and create stronger Bonds, as well as strengthen older ones, increasing the shared power between Mates.
There is Lent or Ramadan, leading up to Passover, or Easter to some. These are all powerful dates, the traditions and subtle rituals performed during these times strengthen the practitioner as well as their connection to their Gods. Not to mention the Divine events that took place on these dates. There are also many smaller celebrations and festivals that also give back to the Gods and strengthen our bonds to magic... If I actually list them all, we will be here for the rest of the day. At the minimum there are 30 rituals we can perform between now and the Summer Solstice. We can aim for only the Old ways or we can include the more modern ones as well and give us an extra output of magic, not to mention get everyone to come together to celebrate each other's cultures. Mind you I only listed the Human holidays, there is a number of Creature based ones out side of the main Pagan Holidays." Harry says, as they look at him gobsmacked.
"Get me that list of the do able ones, the ones that require the least amount of prep work, but can give us the max output. We will have to make up for our rudeness the following year, but this is an emergency and I would rather not have any of the Gods, High or Low, pissed at us and helping out the old Fart." Tom orders.
"I will have them listed, with the needed preparations and the necessary books by lunch." Harry tells him with ease.
"Lucius, spread the world around to our people and our Allies, but only use the Coded language and Letters. If we've got traitors, they will not know them and if they do have a sypher of any kind, they will get the wrong info if they try to decode it since they do not know the correct order." Tom says. "Augustus, I-"
"I will talk with my people in the DoM... Lord Potter-"
"No." Harry says simply, turning on his heel and leaving.
"Does he always do that?" Rookwood asks.
"Yes." Tom laughs, "Especially when it comes to people trying to use him for their own means."
"I wasn't-"
"There are some things you are just not meant to know." Hogwarts giggles as she removes her lock down and then vanishes as Tom quickly snaps his fingers to summon a few House Elves.
"She's right... go. I have Teachers to get into position after I test them... Ah, GumGum, I have just received a possible threat to the school..." He says and instant the Elves present glare, tense and ready for orders...