A/N: Here is a new chapter in the story of Lysandra and Hermione. I am working on ch15, but the fight between muse and cannon 2nd year continues. I'm stepping back and looking over ch13-1? and where I go with the story. I have 4-6 events from cannon I want out of 2nd year in this story. I have determined that writing Lockhart is worse than writing Dobby. I am also continuing work on Lycan. And continue to work on outlines for posted challenges by other authors, for a future story. Thank you for those comments, as they make me re-look at my writing to see how I can improve.
I do not own Harry Potter. I just play in the sandbox created by JKR.
The Bond and the Ritual
Ch 12
16 June
Potter Manor
Lysandra and Hermione are having a sleep in. Classes were finished yesterday and today was the first day of summer holiday. It was nice to not having to get up for training at the crack of dawn. Lysandra was awake around 500AM as normal, from her time with the Dursley's, and just enjoyed laying there watching her sister sleep. After several minutes of this her mind started to drift off to all that has happen to her this year and how the presence of Hermione has been a blessing to her.
It has been a busy year. She learned that she was a witch and had two loving parents who died protecting her from a madman. Her work with Andi and a mind healer has allowed her to understand the horrible dream of green light and pain and seeing mum lying on the floor. The dream comes less often and having Hermione there to hold her keeps the dream event very short. Yes, she has a sister in Hermione and they have a very special bond. One born of loneliness, fear, wanting and most importantly love. She has learned what love is from her sister and her new parents. Jerica and Richard opened their home and hearts to her the first day they met in Gringotts. She could not ask for better parents after living with her so called relatives, and seeing how bad a family can be.
Thinking and reflecting on all of this Lysandra slide over to her sister and pulled her into a snuggle and spooned against Hermione, wrapping her right arm around Hermione's body, before drifting back to sleep.
After their long anticipated sleep in the girls got up and had a light breakfast before heading out to the gardens for some physical and weapons training. Even though it was holiday, they still needed to practice and exercise daily to sharpen their skills and to keep building on what they knew. Several of the professors were still at the manor and would be staying through the summer working on teaching plans and taking trips to relax. Some of them were using the time to explore Britain and the content. All were waiting to hear what the ICW evaluation results were prior to making any long term plans. The professors had all enjoyed the classes that they had taught here at Potter Manor and all were looking forward to teaching the group another year, and longer if they could.
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20 June
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The year is over and the students start heading to Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts Express after finishing breakfast. The train leaves the station at 900AM. The end of year feast saw the awarding of the Quidditch cup to Slytherin and the House cup to Ravenclaw.
The headmaster had called for a staff meeting at 930AM for all staff. He needed to know the plans for his staff and to inform the core subject professors that their presence was required July 1-4 for the ICW evaluation.
"Thank you all for attending," stated Albus. "I will keep this short so that you all may get on with your plans for holiday. Minerva, Filius, Pomona, Severus, and Aurora you will need to be available June 30 – July 4. An ICW evaluation team will be arriving, to conduct an evaluation of the teaching standards here at Hogwarts and with some privet home schooled students."
"Are they coming to Hogwarts?" inquired Minerva.
"I have not been told the location," answered Albus. "I suspect it will be a neutral location, so you will need to take teaching material with you."
"Headmaster, what years are they looking at?" asked Severus.
"Severus, I believe first year only. As they will be back after 3rd and 5th year," responded Albus, really he did not know but it was the compromise to get Miss Potter here. "I will let you know more after they contact me."
"Now for the rest of you I would like to know your plans for the holiday, so if anything changes I can let you know," finished Albus.
The meeting lasted about another 20min before the staff started to drift out except for those that would be evaluated. When finished they all moved off to their offices to begin working on presentation of what they expect of a student finished with first year and starting second year.
==x==x==
Transfiguration Office
Minerva sat her desk working on grading the remaining papers and tests to finish the end of year grades. While doing this her thoughts drifted to the last meeting with Amelia and the Black sisters. Amelia had informed her that the ICW would be arriving to grade the school and its level of teaching. She was worried some what for she knew that the knowledge required of a first year was down from what was expected several years ago, even more so from when she was a student. She had brought this to Albus's attention and her concern for the dropping knowledge base, several times. Albus told her that it was alright and that they still exceeded all teaching standards.
After the meeting, now she was not so sure on Albus's claims. She has started to increase the level of knowledge required in her class, but it was only a small increase. Several students were having difficulty in the extra knowledge being required. Mr. Weasley struggled with the basic knowledge that she required as a first year, along with a few others. Enough that she chose not to increase the knowledge expected towards the end of the year, for first years.
Finishing her grading of 2nd year papers, Minerva determined that she will need to have a long talk with Augusta.
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1 July
ICW conference room Diagon Alley
The professors from Hogwarts arrive to begin the evaluation of their teaching ability and the level of knowledge base they expect from a transitioning first year student. The Potter students plus four, English speaking, foreign students are present as the evaluation students for the Hogwarts professors. The Potter students are all under strong glamours to keep them unknown to the professors. Luna is able to hide her normal cheery and dreamy personality for this testing. This is even more important for the potions evaluation, as Professor Snape was glaring at everyone. He saw all of this as a waste of his time and his skills. The Hogwarts total score are hurt by the missing DADA and history professors. It is also damaged by the poor attitude and bullying provided by Professor Snape during he Potions evaluation. It was also noted that he truly did not teach anything to the students, and several of the students complained of headaches towards the end of his session.
3 July
ICW conference room Diagon Alley
The Potter students arrive with the other four students, for the evaluation of their tutors from last year. The ICW evaluation team was astonished at the knowledge level of the Potter students in the core subjects. The four foreign students also showed their skill in these subjects. Their knowledge was well above that of many ICW schools, for the same grade. When the Runes, Arithmancy and Warding lectures were presented the evaluation team was dumb struck that soon to be second year students were as well versed in the basics concepts of these fields. The ICW team joined in on the discussion in the lectures, as these three classes are not normally taught until later.
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6 July
Ministry of Magic DMLE conference room
Sitting around the large table were the members of the ICW evaluation team, Madam Bones, Minister Fudge, Madam Marchbanks, Dowager Longbottom, Solicitor Tonks, Headmaster Dumbledore, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall, Lord Black, Lord Greengrass and Lord Ogden.
"Thank you all for coming," stated Madam Bones. "Those present are here to learn what the ICW evaluation team has learned and determined about Hogwarts teaching and some select home school programs." Completing her introductions Madam Bones turned the meeting over to the ICW evaluation team.
"I will present a summary of the report," stated the senior ICW member, passing out a copy of the report to the people present, it was broken down into 5 sections: one section on noted observations for each group of teachers, one section on the evaluation of the teaching compared to noted ICW standards, and then the summary of the total evaluation, with the programs score. In the copies of the report given out except to Fudge and Dumbledore were the prices and cost breakdown for a year at Hogwarts, and three randomly chosen ICW schools. It showed the different prices paid for supplies, tuition and room&board by muggle born, half-blood and pure-blood. This biased bigotry on blood status had the ICW team outraged.
"We find that the student knowledge requirements of Hogwarts core subjects to be substantially below expected standards. We were not able to evaluate the DADA course as their currently is no instructor for the course and upon questioning of the deputy Headmistress, we learned that there has been a different professor for the course every year over the past 30+ years. Also we could not evaluate the History course as the instructor is a ghost. The subjects of Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Astronomy were all taught by very knowledgable instructors of their fields with a great skill at teaching. All four of the courses were being shackled and limited in their scope by the restrictions placed on them by outside forces. The reason for the restrictions, we could not find out and fully identify. Lastly is the Potions course. Potions is not taught. The 'instructor' has no skill at teaching and did nothing by belittle and bully the students during the evaluation. He did not explain or provide any guidance to the students on preparing the requested potion, nor its ingredients. There was no attempt to even work with Herbology to show how the two subjects work together, and can make a better potion. There was no discussion on potion safety and he did not take any time to learn what the students sitting in the class knew. Several of the students developed headaches during the evaluation. A healer evaluated all of them and determined that they had been subjected to passive mental probing."
"How were they subjected to Legilimency?" asked Lord Greengrass, knowing that headaches are a common side effect of Legilimency against good mental shields.
The three ICW evaluators looked at one another and then the lead evaluator answered the group.
"Besides the three of us in the room with the students, indicating the evaluators, the only other adult in the room during the potions class was Professor Snape. There was no need for the evaluation team to use Legilimency on a student," answered the ICW evaluator. There was murmuring amongst the people present. Albus was sitting quietly behind his grandfather facade, fuming that Severus had been overly rough with his probes and was caught.
Hearing this Madam Bones, now had more information to apply to any agreement for Lysandra if the decision is made to go to Hogwarts. Lord Greengrass was thinking along the same lines as Madam Bones on how this will aide in their requirements to allow the students to attend Hogwarts. Lord Black just bored holes through Dumbledore and the old wizard avoided looking at Lord Black.
"For the professors of the home school students evaluated," continued the ICW member. "The level of knowledge the professors expected from a soon to be second year greatly exceeded that required of Hogwarts, and was also above what an ICW accredited school requires. If these students were forced to attend Hogwarts, at its current knowledge level, they would quickly become bored with the level of teaching they would receive from the school. The only way we can see them attending a formal school is that they attend an ICW accredited school, or they take their tutors with them to Hogwarts, or the best option is for them to remain home schooled."
"This is preposterous," exclaimed Minister Fudge. "There is no better school than Hogwarts. You are being biased and vindictive."
"That may be your opinion Minister, but the facts still stand," answered the senior ICW member. "The two sets of evaluations were done against the ICW education standards, set for ICW accreditation. Hogwarts failed to meet the base standards, while the home school students exceeded them."
"So Headmaster, what is your plan to fix the identified issues?" asked Lord Black.
"I will have to read the full report and see what can be changed," responded Dumbledore.
"You will be doing better than that," stated Dowager Longbottom. "I will present the finding to the Board of Governors and we will force changes at the school. It is appalling that Hogwarts does not even meet the minimum standards expected of ICW accreditation."
"Madam, what would be required for the education level at Hogwarts to meet the ICW standards?" inquired Madam Bones.
"For the core subjects, it would require almost a doubling of information and material each year for starters," answered the ICW evaluator. "Next would be an actual instructor for the subjects:
history of magic, DADA and potions. Charms, Transfiguration, Astronomy, and Herbology all have excellent instructors, but they are being hindered by a failed system that limits what they can teach."
"Hogwarts has a fine instructor for potions in Professor Snape," responded Dumbledore. "He has my upmost confidence."
"That may be your opinion Headmaster, but by our grading standards of instructors/professors he rates a zero," replied the ICW evaluator. "Professor Snape is a well known Potions Master, but as an instructor he is a failure, plan and simple. His attitude and behaviour are appalling, and he has no place in a school full of children, let alone work as an instructor."
"So at a minimum the expected level of knowledge at Hogwarts needs improved, drastically, and proper instructors hired for three core classes," summarized Madam Marchbanks. She received approving nods from the ICW team members. "I will begin working with the ICW team to raise the level expected in the OWL and NEWT testing. The new tests will be present in two years. I expect it will take at least two – four changes in the testing standards to reach ICW standards. One major change will do more harm the help."
"Madam, that is a sound approach, as it will give the instructors time to raise their teaching standards in the classroom and for the students to adjust to the new expectations," responded the lead ICW member.
Hearing this was increasing the anger in Dumbledore. He has been weakening the teaching standards partially to help the pure-bloods family with declining abilities to keep their children at Hogwarts and secondly to keep the magical's of Britain dependent on him and the Ministry. He did not need a new population of independent thinkers.
"We are done discussing this topic. Hogwarts is the best school of magic and will not be changing any of its courses to meet some biased evaluation by the ICW," stated Cornelius Fudge. Before the Minister could say anything else, the ICW team stood up and headed to the door. At the door the lead evaluator turned to the group.
"We are done with this meeting. As several people here do not wish to hear what is wrong with their school and how it needs to be improved. I will be making a full report to the ICW and its member countries on the attitude and treatment by members of the British Ministry," stated the ICW member. "You wish to remain in the dark ages and uneducated then be it. Your children will never leave England and it is only a matter of time before the magical community in Britain dies away, never to heard from again." With that said the ICW team leaves.
Watching the team leave after Cornelius's statement, adds to Dumbledore's furry. He knows word will get back to Miss Potter and her likely hood of attending Hogwarts plummeted.
Madam Bones, Madam Marchbanks, Dowager Longbottom, Solicitor Tonks, Lord Black, Lord Greengrass, Lord Ogden, and Professor McGonagall all just stared at the idiot Cornelius Fudge and stunned somewhat at the comments that came out of his mouth. They all realised that he was completely in denial at the quality of teaching at Hogwarts and the degree Magical Britain was behind the rest of the magical world.
"Fudge, are you that stupid?" questioned Lord Black. "Do not answer that. Hard information was just presented to show how poor the only major magical school in Britain is performing and you declare it the best magical school. Pull your head out of you arse and engage what little brain you have in there. I have reviewed reports from DMLE and St. Mungo's about the in ability to hire qualified recruits and healers, because of the low number of students taking NEWT potions."
"Minister Fudge, the board of governors will be reviewing this information and IT will be making changes to the education standards at Hogwarts," stated Dowager Longbottom. "As for the homeschool children, I see no reason for them to attend Hogwarts. The reasoning for their absence was just reinforced by this evaluation. Once this information gets out I would not be surprised to see many pure-blood families attempting to transfer their children out to other schools." Augusta knew that many would not be able to make the grade at other schools, secondary to their poor scholastic ability.
"Dowager Longbottom, it is imperative that Miss Potter attends Hogwarts this year," stated Dumbledore. He had finally recovered from the stupidity that was Cornelius Fudge, after hearing Augusta's statement.
"Are you finally going to tell us why, or are you going to continue to hide behind you damn 'greater good'?" responded Augusta.
Dumbledore looked at the others in the room and shook his head. He would not give out any of his reasons other than it is for the greater good.
"As we expected," stated Lord Ogden, looking around the room. "Since you will not explain this 'greater good' and will not give an honest reason for your demands on Lady Potter, I see no reason for her to attend Hogwarts. I do not blame any parent for not sending their child to Hogwarts or the child wishing to have the best education they can get. I am disgusted at what I was told today and what I learned in a quick reading of this report."
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8July
Potter Manor Dinning Room
Gathering in the main dinning room were the parents and students of the Potter eight. Also included were several of the professors from last year, that were in the manor. Lord Black, Sirius and Narcissa had also been invited for the meal and for the discussion during and afterwords. They needed to make a decision on the upcoming school year and let the Headmistress of Cascade School of Magic know of their decision. Jerica and Richard, along with Andi had been in communication with Cascade over the past year about possible enrolment for the girls and possible for the eight to move their. The meal was finishing when the topic of the ICW evaluation was finally brought up and the upcoming school year.
"If we are going to make the move to Cascade School of Magic, we need to let them know soon as to how many will be arriving as transfer students," stated Jerica.
"I agree with you on letting the school know," responded Amelia. "I think before going down that path we need to discuss the results of the ICW evaluation and the meeting held on 6July."
"Agreed," stated Lord Greengrass.
"What were the results from the evaluation?" asked Richard.
"Our children and charges did exceptional in the evaluation. Professors you should be proud of their test scores, knowledge and abilities shown during their testing," stated Dowager Longbottom, all of the professors present smiled and bowed their heads to the praise given to their skill as teachers. "As expected the scores for Hogwarts were poor, very poor. Albus was flustered and upset when he heard that Snape had been caught attempting Legilimency on several of the students. He was also upset in hearing how poor the scores were, all hidden by his grandfatherly facade. He did not deny the charges of poor education standards or teaching. His only concern shown, during the meeting, was that Lady Potter must attend Hogwarts."
"I still have no desire to attend Hogwarts or being near the old goat wanker," stated Lysandra. "I know that the decision we make affects more than Hermione and I. I know several of you have past friends that attend Hogwarts." looking around the table and seeing most were finished with diner, Lysandra recommended that they move to the sitting room to continue to discuss the topic.
The parents, professors and children arrived in the sitting room and the house elves had moved the furniture around so that their was ample seating for everyone with several small table set up to hold tea services as needed.
"We know where Hermione and Lysandra sit on the topic of attending Hogwarts, what are the feelings of the rest of the students?" as Jerica.
The children looked at one another and to their parents or guardians for direction, they all received nods from their parent or guardian.
"I have enjoyed the teaching last year," started Susan. "I have talked with some others who went to Hogwarts and could not believe how little they learned in class and how they were treated by the potions instructor. He would vanish their potions for no reason and was making snide comments all through class. I was told he was very harsh on any house but Slytherin."
"I agree with Susan, in what I learned from some of those that went to Hogwarts," stated Daphne. "I would like to stay here with the professors we have, but I know we need to attend Hogwarts to build and groom connections for when we are adults. Not having those connections will place us as outsiders and at a disadvantage, in the future." There were nods form Neville, Hannah and Tracey.
"You are both correct in your assessment of the problem," stated Lord Black. "I think I speak for the adults, we what you to have the best education, but the restrictive political world of magical Britain will require you to have connections, networks and alliances with several of the other families. It is easiest to make these connections while in school. After reviewing the full ICW report, I suggest that the students attend Hogwarts with their full tutor contingent."
They all saw the look and body change of Lysandra and Hermione. Neither of them want to be anywhere near the supposed headmaster.
"Lysandra, we all know you do not want to be near Albus Dumbledore, but the minister is an idiot and he is listening to Dumbledore and a few pure blood head of house, handing out gold," stated Narcissa, receiving a few scowls at this. "Fudge is still in denial that the education standards at Hogwarts are as bad as they are, because Dumbledore continues to state how great Hogwarts is. I have talked with several other families and members of the board of governors, as the Black representative. I found out that the Daily Prophet is preparing an article to down play the findings of the ICW and calling it an attack on the Greatest School by the upstarts in the ICW."
"Your joking on this?" questioned Professor Wades-in-Water.
"No, and the witches and wizards here will believe the article as truth," replied Narcissa.
"Narcissa is correct," commented Amelia. "The magical population here will believe what they are told by the Daily Prophet as truth and most will not look into the facts. This is most likely some of the issues with the dropping education standards at Hogwarts and the loss of classes. It does go along with the findings of Lily. What ever this 'Greater good' of Dumbledore is, it not good for the greater population of magical Britain."
Through all of the discussion Lysandra and Hermione listen to the points, counter points, pros and cons of each item and argument. They each shared looks that communicated their stance on the many points.
"Amelia, Lord Black, Lord Greengrass, Dowager Longbottom, If, big IF, we chose to go to Hogwarts what protections are there to ensure this meddling, old goat wanker will stay away from me and not attempt to regain control of me?" asked Lysandra.
"Can we stipulate conditions in a formal contract what conditions are required for our daughters to attend Hogwarts?" ask Richard, Jerica nodding with him.
"Hogwarts has a blanket/general contract that all parents agree to when the child accepts their letter to attend," stated Ted. "I think a thorough contract would be required for the homeschool student to transfer to Hogwarts. Especially when there is such a significant difference in the level of education, and the homeschool children will be bringing their tutors."
Lysandra and Hermione looked at one another and at their friends and classmates and got nods that they would like to attend Hogwarts.
"If we go this path. I want it clear that I will not be near or interact with the headmaster in any way, shape or form," stated Lysandra. "We, indicating the eight, will not accept lower quality teaching to attend Hogwarts. If they cannot meet the level of teaching we have now then we will bring our tutors with us and use them until the professors at Hogwarts are at the same level, determined by the ICW and not this self centred headmaster."
After finishing her statement Lysandra and Hermione got up and motioned for their classmates to join them as they headed to the entertainment room to watch 'Die Hard 2' and leave the discussion to their parents, guardians and professors.
It was after the children left the sitting room that Lord Black presented the last section of the ICW report, the cost comparison. The change in temperature in the room was drastic, depending on were one was standing. Some areas were extremely hot and other very arctic in nature. Every adult in the room were outraged at the unequal cost burden placed on select families, while others paid nearly nothing. Once every one had a chance to calm down, they broke into small teams to address theirs and the children's concerns. During the discussions Jerica and Xina were taking notes along with Ted working on a contract. When they broke up, Amelia started working on a revised protection order for Dumbledore. Andi and Richard were working on the letter for Cascade School of Magic. Ted and Ragnok looked at the contract items and it was proposed that they would request Minerva and Flitwick to represent Hogwarts during the negotiations and that they would be held at Gringotts, were they could be checked for memory or compulsion charms. Dowager Longbottom, Lord Greengrass, Lord Black and Narcissa would take the issues up with the other board of governor members. It was also decided to request a full audit of the Hogwarts books, by Gringotts, when they met with the other members.
The requirements for the students to attend Hogwarts were the following: all would be sorted before arriving at Hogwarts at Gringotts and the hat would be checked by the Goblins and Unspeakables; the children would only meet with Dumbledore with their chosen representative and head of house; Dumbledore will not address or talk to any of the children outside of school issues; tuition and fees will reflect the changes needed to provide proper teaching and tutors; Lysandra and Hermione will be allowed to equip and use their staffs and house items; all the children can carry staffs; children will be allowed to return home every other weekend for House training and functions; no Hogwarts students can be forced onto their tutors; all detention and point removal will be reviewed for validity of policy violation. The component and points for the contract were written out in detail for the upcoming meeting with Professors McGonagall and Flitwick to finalize the contract for the Potter eight to attend Hogwarts. Included was several stipulation that would result in violation of the contract by actions or conduct of Headmaster Dumbledore or Professor Snape.
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10July
Gringotts Bank
The negotiations for the Potter eight to attend Hogwarts commenced. Dumbledore attempted to insert himself into the meeting by having it moved to Hogwarts or the Ministry, as he was still not allowed inside of Gringotts. All attempts at moving the negotiations to another location were refused. It was during the second day of negotiations that Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were found to have mild compulsion charms and surveillance charms on them. Once the charms were removed the discussions continued, with more pronounced effect. The different sides were able to discuss the findings and the problems that were plaguing Hogwarts and who interfered or prevents changes to better the education.
The Board of Governors were aware of the talks and they supported the actions after hearing how poorly the school faired on the recent ICW evaluation. They also reviewed the results of an audit on the school books and the down trending scores of the past several years, especially amongst some of the pure-blood families. All of the members of the board came from pure-blood families, but most of them were more open minded and understood that a solid education was needed for a society to grow. With Mr. Malfoy gone and Lord Black back, two of Malfoy's tagalong were forced out and replaced with more grey family. Lord Black along with Lord Greengrass, Lord Ogden and Dowager Longbottom were able to get the tuition and fees for Hogwarts corrected and more evened out. Despite the push back by the other pure-blood on the board. The changes to the cost of education at Hogwarts would see a slow increase in revenue as more students arrived. Some of the push back stopped when the discussion of downward spiral of the education standards started. If the pure-blood families did not want to pay more for their children education then they should except poor teaching, while students paying higher fees will receive the better education.
Several of the darker pure-blood on the board threaten to take the matter to the Wizengamot with new laws, to ensure their children got the best education while not paying anything. It was Lord Black who reminded them that Hogwarts was outside of the Ministries influence and control. Lord Black knew that many of their children would fail out as the education standards increased.
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25July
Potter Manor
Lysandra and her family were all packed to start a two week holiday in southern France with a few days spent in Greece meeting with Krugnok. The letters to Cascade School of Magic had been sent and the negotiations with Hogwarts were about complete, finalizing some minor language in the contract. Once back they would sit down and finish the process and sorting into houses.
After arriving at he Potter château near Nice, the family settled in for the day. Ragnok had ensured they all had the proper paperwork and passports for both magical and mundane travel. Everyone was speechless at seeing the property. The port key set them in an open space in the side garden that was set aside for family port key only. As they walked out from behind the Italian Cypress hedge enclosure into the formal garden. The hedge and space has been enforced with house elf magic to prevent unwanted guest. The family stopped and stared at the château before them. It was done in simple Mediterranean colours with a simple tile roof. When they reached the dining area the two house elves living there popped in front of them.
"Mistress, how Leoro and Faelee be helping?" as the male elf, both of them bouncing on their feet happy to meet their mistress.
"Leoro, Faelee it is nice to meet you," responded Lysandra taking in the look of the two house-elves. "We will be staying here for the next two weeks for holiday. From the look on mums and dads face they may be here more." Jerica and Richard, just nodded with their mouths slightly open at what they were seeing.
"Mistress, they not Lord and Lady Potter," stated Leoro.
"No, they are not," answered Lysandra. "We will sit and talk after we are settled in. For now let me introduce my family." Lysandra then introduced Hermione as her sister, friend and bond mate, and then Jerica and Richard to the two elves. She also let the elves know that only she and Hermione were magical. Leoro then lead the adults to their room while Faelee lead Lysandra and Hermione to the master suite. Both elves made sure that they could easily find their way back to the kitchen. Once settled in their rooms they all met back up in the kitchen to enjoy some refreshing drinks and learn about the property, the elves and family. The two house-elves could have not been able to feel the family magic for some time and could not leave the château or the local area. Now that Lysandra had taken up the head of house status and could refresh the bond the elves would be able to move about and aid them in their holiday.
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29 July
It was a late Wednesday morning while walking along the beach Lysandra and Hermione come across the Delacour sisters and their mother, lying out in the late morning sun. The three Veela were slightly surprised to see the two young witches walking along their section of beach. All three were following the local mundane tradition of beach wear, bottoms only, when they saw the two witches.
Lysandra and Hermione were lost in their thoughts and the feelings shared between them, as they were walking along the beach and did not notice the lack of sunbathers as they walked through the privacy wards set along the Delacour beach. They were both enjoying the walk and the comfort of their sister, enough so that they were holding hands and slightly leaning into each other. They were both wearing similar high cut French cut one piece suits, Lysandra's was black while Hermione's was deep burgundy, and from the back they both looked like bikini's.
Soon they were stopped by a very adorable blonde girl with the deep blue eyes, asking them rapidly in French what they were doing on her families beach. Both young witches looked at the Gabrielle in front of them confused at the rapid questions fired at them by the girl. It was then that Apolline approached and repeated the request, in English.
"Sorry Madame for intruding," replied Lysandra. "We where just enjoying our walk of the beautiful beach. There is no beach like this back in England." It was when a slight breeze lifted Lysandra's fringe showing off the scar. This was seen by all three of the Delacours, with the excitement in Gabrielle rocketing up and the little Veela bouncing on her feet, and between her maman and sister.
"It is fine mademoiselle, you were not bothering us and the two of you seem to be content with each others company," replied Apolline. "It was Gabrielle who bother you. I suspect that you would have walked on by if she had not stopped you."
"Yes, we were just enjoying the walk feeling the sun and listening to the surf, and the occasional wave across our feet," answered Hermione. 'Poor manners, mum would kill me,' thought Hermione. "Allow me to introduce my sister and I. This is Lysandra Potter and I'm Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you. I am Madame Delacour and these two are my daughters Fleur and Gabrielle," replied Apolline, indicating the her daughters in turn of their introduction. None of the Delacour were embarrassed by their lack of a top, especially the mother and older daughter. "You are from England, and I suspect you are witches?" She received a confused and worried look from the sisters when they heard her identify them as witches. "If you were non magical then the wards would have caused you to turn around and go back the way you came," Apolline answered the confused looks.
"Yes, and we just finished our first year of school," answered Lysandra.
"Did you go to Hogwarts?" asked Fleur.
"No, we were homeschooled with some friends," responded Lysandra, she felt she could call the others friends now, not so much at the start of last year. "We decided, indicating her and Hermione, along with mum and dad that we were not going to Hogwarts, after learning about what my birth mum collected about the school."
"Are you going this year?" inquired Fleur.
"I will say were are in talks," answered Lysandra. This received looks from Apolline and Fleur, in that there is more to this.
"Why did you not go to another school, like Beauxbatons Academy?" asked Apolline.
"It was to late when we found out about the information," answered Lysandra. "I did not know I was a witch until my birthday, and then when we made the decision it was past the deadline to reply. As neither of us are fluent in French, that left us with the schools in America."
"I can help with your French if you would like," stated Fleur.
"How? At the end of holiday we will be going back to England," questioned Hermione.
"While you are here I can work with you on speaking and then we can exchange letters," responded Fleur.
Both Hermione and Lysandra liked this plan and idea having a pen pal. It will allow them to expand on their knowledge and will allow them to change to a closer school if they do not like Hogwarts. They know that if the group decides to move to Hogwarts, they cannot go back to home schooling. Plans were made to meet the next few day and to bring the adults along so that the parents can meet each other and to learn more about each others world.
-x-x-x-x-x-
31 July (Friday)
Lysandra's birthday
Hermione woke first and proceeded to wake Lysandra by teasing her sister, with lite butterfly touches and blowing faint wisps at her. She kept this up until a frustrated Lysandra retaliated and started a tickle attack of her own on Hermione. The two girls kept this up until nature and full bladders made them stop. Both were gasping for breath as they made their way towards the en suite.
==x==x==
After their first unplanned visit with the Delacour's the four young witches quickly became friends and spent many hours each day visiting. Hermione and Lysandra practised French with Fleur and English with Fleur and Gabby. It was on their second walk along the beach with their parents that they introduced Madame Delacour to their parents. Unknown to the witches the three adults quickly started to make plans for Lysandra's upcoming birthday, after seeing how well the four of them interacted and played together.
Fleur enjoyed having the slightly younger sisters to interact with and practice her English and talk of magic. She also had fun with their practise of French. Her Veela magic connected with the sisters and even when her allure slipped there was no effect on them. Gabby was thrilled to be friends with Lysandra and was loosing some of the hero worship of the girl-who-lived. Lysandra and her sister were more fun to play with than Fleur was, but that could be because they were a little closer to her age than her sister. Gabby loved her sister, but she enjoyed the visits and play of the sisters.
==x==x==
About 1000am the family left the house for the Delacour residence as the adults had planned a surprise party for Lysandra. Several members of the Veela community were going to be present to meet and honour the Head and Heiress of House Nyx. It was learned through discussions that the two had been allies in the past when House Nyx was active. The two parties shared several views and political ideas and both were strong Matriarchal families. They party was set to start around 100-130pm with the guest arriving after lunch. The rest of the morning and a lite lunch was for the two families to visit and continue building family bonds. The Delacours were interested in hearing what Richard and Jerica did for a living, while the latter were learning about the difference between the Wizarding world of Britain and France. Richard and Jerica, were now regretting not teaching Hermione French earlier. They both felt that having been able to enrol Hermione and then Lysandra at Beauxbatons Academy would have been better for the girls. The older Delacours saw the exchanged looks on the other parents and Apolline inquired about the long look. Jerica shared what they had learned and what the past year has been like. Richard added that they would not change what has happen as the girls have a solid group of friends. Apolline could agree and hoped that the same bond would form between the four sisters.
Around 130pm the girls were called out to the pool side patio by the house elf Sabine. As Lysandra stepped out onto the patio she was met by a loud "Happy Birthday!" from all of the guests. Lysandra looked at the gathering while holding onto Fleur, who she had been talking with while they walked, after she jumped by the unexpected noise. Fleur looked down at her friend and gave a small smile, with a hint of mirth, "Joyeux anniversaire ma demi-soeur".
"Je vous remercie," answered Lysandra, blushing at her big sister figure. Hermione and Gabby both smiled at hearing the quiet exchange between their two sisters. Lysandra and Hermione were introduced to the guest and they all had an enjoyable time visiting and sharing in the fun. The sisters met a few of Fleur and Gabrielle's cousins and the small group interacted to mostly while the adults visited.
Soon it was present time and Lysandra was surprised to see the gifts that were present. As She approached the table and chair, Apolline stepped up and informed her, quietly, that family gifts will be later. Most of the gifts were practical and simple. She received several books, ranging from mundane history to magical history and some on runes and warding. Fleur and Apolline had learned that Lysandra enjoyed these subjects and passed on this to the guests.
After Lysandra had finished opening the presents, she then thanked each person for their gift as they all made their way to the cake. As the party was winding down and most of the guests had left the local Veela matrons met with Apolline, Hermione and Lysandra. The meeting was slightly more formal as Veela now introduced themselves by position and status in the larger Veela community meeting the new Head and Heiress of an old alliance house. It was a short meeting with agreements to keep talks open and to reforge the alliance for the future.
-x-x-x-x-x-
2 August
Gringotts Athens
Lysandra and Hermione met up with Vault Keeper Krugnok over their three day trip to Greece and spent the morning and early afternoon there with the House Nyx Vault keeper. They reviewed the financial status of the house and made several changes to the current investments and plans to make the house more profitable. The vault keepers in Greece played a more active roll in keeping the house books profitable, when the houses go quiet for lack of a head of house or heir. They also look to see how the holdings of the house could be use to imped the profits of select houses back in Britain. Denying the followers of Voldemort, who are not in prison, easy profits now and in the future.
The sisters also went down to the vaults exploring the different chambers of the vault and what was in each a little more thoroughly than they could last summer. While in the armour chamber they each found some battle mage armour that they could wear under their robes. It was sized for young teens and was more conservative in comparison to the armour on the mannequins. The armour consisted of cuirass, skirt, thigh high armoured low heeled boots and some sleeves and wrist guards. In the library chamber they found some spell tomes of spells long lost in England and some on battle magic and tactics that could be use with their staffs and swords. They also found a few books on the history of the house, and on it political view and position. The tome on House history and activities, showed the sisters, more on what they would be able to do when they had mastered their House Magic, skills and battle magic. Lysandra had to stop Hermione from reading, by reminding her that they were still in the vault and not their hotel room. Amongst the tomes on political alliances were the mentioning of several Matriarchal houses, societies, families, and races. In this tome were several passages on the Veela and the trade and alliances shared between some of the old clans.
The sisters collected the tomes they want to keep for now and their new armour, and weapons that they found and left the vault and headed back to the main floor. They met up with Keeper Krugnok and thanked him for his assistance and ensured that they would contact him once they returned to England and to check up on the investments. They would also let him know on which old properties that they would like more information on and which could be quickly made habitable again. Lysandra and Hermione departed the bank and met up with their parents, having a nice relaxing late lunch.
The family did a little shopping in the Athens magic district before heading back to their hotel room. The girls picked up several small trinkets for their friends back home. Lysandra found a book on the local fauna for Luna. The sisters enjoyed spending time with Lysandra's god-sister.
-x-x-x-x-x-
10August, 930AM
Gringotts, Conference room
The Potter eight along with their parents and guardians we sitting around most of the conference table with Ragnok sitting at the head. They were waiting for Professors McGonagall and Flitwick to arrive with the sorting hat. Joining them were two Gringotts curse breakers and Unspeakable Croaker, their job was to check the sorting hat for any security charms or compulsion charms. Specifically they were looking for any magic with Dumbledore's signature.
The door to the conference room opened and Griphook presented Professors McGonagall and Flitwick. Professor McGonagall greeted everyone in the room and sat the sorting hat on the table.
"Good morning, Keeper Ragnok, Lady Potter, parents and students," stated Professor McGonagall. "I would like to introduce you to the sorting hat of Hogwarts."
"I would prefer Ragnvaldr, if you please," commented the hat.
"Ragnvaldr, would it be alright with you for the goblin curse breakers and Mr. Croaker to check you for any spells or other interfering substance or magic?" asked Lysandra.
"Lady Potter, I accept the study. I have felt off for some time," responded Ragnvaldr.
The two curse breakers and Unspeakable Croaker moved the hat off to a side table and held a quick discussion with the hat to let him know what they would be doing and looking for, and also to allow the hat to give his concerns. During this time the students, parents and guardians sat and talked with the two professors about the up coming school year. It was made clear that the headmaster would have no contact with Lady Potter or her sister, for anything outside of school work. They were only informed that the protective order had been modified to allow for Lady Potter to attend the school, but not how.
The protective order had been adjusted with an approach limit of 15 feet and any ill based intent, thought, action will cause the magic to activate binding the headmaster and alerting DMLE, Gringotts, and Madam Bones. If Dumbledore pushed closer, regardless of intent, then magic would either stun him in place or remove him, most unpleasantly.
Soon Unspeakable Croaker and the curse breakers returned to the table with Ragnvaldr and informed Madam Bones and Keeper Ragnok that they found a substance that degraded the protective magic of the founders allowing the Ragnvaldr to be influenced and some of what he has learned to be pilfered. Also they found some listening and scrying charms on the hat. They informed Keeper Ragnok and Madam Bones that all spells and substances had been removed, and the hat cleaned and repaired and protection charms added, at the request of Ragnvaldr. Gringotts and the DoM would be alerted if anyone attempted to interfere or influence Ragnvaldr in the future. Keeper Ragnok thanked the curse breakers and dismissed them, while Madam Bones thanked the curse breakers and Mr. Croaker for their assistance.
"Professor McGonagall, Ragnvaldr has been cleaned of ill influence and some protection added to prevent tampering with him in the future," stated Keeper Ragnok. "You may start the sorting process of the students when you, Professor Flitwick and Ragnvaldr are ready."
"Who shale we be first?" asked Professor McGonagall, standing up next to the chair and hat.
The students looked at one another and to their parents and guardians. After the exchanged looks Hermione stood and approached the chair by the hat. Lysandra and her had decided that she would go first of the two.
Professor McGonagall placed the hat on Hermione's head after she sat in the chair and they all waited for the sorting and to find out which house she would be in.
==x==x==
"Oh a brilliant mind, and courage to face almost anything in defence your sister, no bonded," started Ragnvaldr. "My pardon, I have not had the pleasure of looking through a intellect like this in years. Now where to put you? It is all hear in your head."
"Please, with my sister and not where the long whisked goat wants us," asked Hermione.
"No that will not occur, thanks to the goblins and unspeakable," answered Ragnvaldr. "I am my true self once again and what I see is protected. Your friendship with the group would put any Hufflepuff to shame, but at the same time you all seek knowledge, rivalling a Ravenclaw. There can only be one house for you 'le Fay'."
"Thank you," stated Hermione, as she removed the hat.
==x==x==
"le Fay," proclaimed Ragnvaldr. All of the magical adults and the two Hogwarts professors looked at the young witch and Ragnvaldr at this announcement. Hermione quickly removed the hat, set it back on the table and returned to sit by Lysandra, with the biggest grin.
"Ragnvaldr, there is no house le Fay," stated Professor McGonagall.
"It is one of two houses that are allowed under special circumstance," answered Ragnvaldr. "The founders each established a house bearing their own name based on select attributes, and two special house for use when extra houses are needed to keep the house size manageable, or when special gifted students entered Hogwarts in large numbers. The house of Emrys is to be used when an extra house is needed for several years to help keep the house size manageable while house le Fay is to be opened when there is a group of gifted students. House Emrys has not been needed as the student population has not grown to the level required for its activation. House le Fay has only been used one other time, shortly after the founding of Hogwarts."
Professors McGonagall and Flitwick looked at the hat and pondered on what Ragnvaldr had just revealed. The founders expected to have more students at times and anticipated the need for an extra house and they also anticipated the need for a special house for very talented students.
"Who will be next?" asked Professor McGonagall, still somewhat lost in thought about what Ragnvaldr had said.
Susan stood up and moved to the chair and Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head and shortly shouted out was "le Fay".
This process was repeated for each student until the hat was placed on Lysandra's head as the last student to be sorted.
"Hello, my Lady. I see you are the bonded of the first," greeted Ragnvaldr.
"Yes and hello," greeted Lysandra. "It is nice to make your acquaintance and be able to ensure your safety and the protection of future students."
"Tapadh leat, I feel much better now," answered Ragnvaldr. "It will not hurt as everything is right here in your mind." Ragnvaldr started to look around but then met a wall. "Please relax your Occlumency shields, so that I can place you in the proper house, and not where some old long whiskered goat dictated you to go."
"So that is what the magic and unknown substance on you was for?" inquired Lysandra.
"Yes. Over the past many years I have off, like some one else was here when sorting students. I feel more my old self when the founders created me. Thanks to the attention of the unspeakable and curse breakers," replied Ragnvaldr.
"You would do well in any of the houses and would have been sorted into any of them, if you had arrived last fall," stated Ragnvaldr. "Now all of the houses would slow you down and interfere in your learning. There is only one house for you and that would be," " le Fay".
Before taking the hat off Lysandra asked Ragnvaldr if he could search his memories for any other student who could be added to House le Fay in September. He agreed to look and would ask the last student to pass him to Professor McGonagall if he finds any worthy of resorting. Lysandra beamed at this news and the possibility of more students joining the house. She removed the hat and set it on the table and moved back to her seat.
"Now that the sorting is done, and all of you are now in House le Fay. Expect push back from Headmaster Dumbledore on this sorting after the opening feast," stated Professor McGonagall. Professor Flitwick nodded his agreement with the statement. "On your arrival to the castle I will introduce you to your head of house. How many of your tutors are you planning to bring?"
"Currently we are looking at all of them," responded Lysandra. "Hermione and I have talked with them all and they would like to help improve the syllabus of the Hogwarts if the staff is open to their input. They invite you all to attend their classes to observe what they are teaching and how. Can the results of the sorting be kept private until the opening feast, when Ragnvaldr announces the house?"
"Yes, we can keep this information private until the sorting ceremony," answer Professor McGonagall. The parents and students nodded their thank you for this.
"Professor McGonagall, are there any weapons or physical training classes at Hogwarts?" asked Hermione.
"No," answered Professor McGonagall, with some surprise and concern when answering. She did not miss the look of surprise and disgruntlement amongst the students. "I take it, by your looks, that you participate in this type of training?"
"Yes," answered all eight students, together.
"It is important to duelling and fighting in the use of magic and it allows us another way of attack and defence that most witches and wizards do not think of," answered Neville.
"Agreed," stated Professor Flitwick, excitedly with the prospect of teaching some duelling. "Good physical conditioning will aide any witch or wizard in prolong magic duels or fights. The repeated use and exercise helps improve a persons magic and its management. The better a witches physical condition the better their magic is managed and used, there by allowing long spell casting before fatigue and depletion set in." He was going to like working with this group of students in the future and to get them in his class.
Unknown to Professors McGonagall and Flitwick the students in front of them were more skilled than any incoming second year and most of the returning third year students. Any current student who tries to harm or harass any of them will not like the repercussions that come from their actions. As retribution will be swift and painful.
-x-x-x-x-x-
1200pm
Headmasters Office
Hogwarts
Albus Dumbledore has been sitting in his office most of the morning shifting from a state of disgruntlement, to thoughtfulness to open rage. The mood depended on what he was thinking or reflecting on at the moment. His thoughts ran from the loss of control on Miss Potter to having outside personnel in the castle for the next several years, the threat to his plan on the education of the young witches and wizards, and finally the loss of access to hear how the meetings went and the placement of the students this morning. He was against any sorting of students outside of the castle where he could not influence some control over the sorting by his slow manipulation of the sorting hat. This occurred by his application of listening charms and the regular application of a alchemy mixture that allowed him over time to glean information from the hat during the sorting and influence where a particular student went.
He was disturbed from his thoughts with a knock on his door.
"Enter," Albus called out.
Professors Flitwick and McGonagall entered the office with Professor McGonagall carrying the sorting hat. She placed the hat near his normal spot, one shelf up from his traditional spot in the bookshelf, before turning to face Dumbledore.
"Miss Potter and her friends will attending Hogwarts on Sept 1st," stated Minerva. "All eight of the students have been sorted." Neither Filius or Minerva showed any hint of the bomb that would be drop on the meddling headmaster on September 1st in their looks or demeanour.
"So which houses did the students sort into?" inquired Albus.
"That information was requested to remain private until the sorting ceremony," answered Filius.
"This is unacceptable, and why the sorting should not have taken place without my attendance," replied Albus, with some heat in his voice.
"Albus it is not up to you to decide what house the students are placed in and it has never been the duties of the Headmaster," retorted Minerva. "The founders left that duty to the sorting hat and his alone. If you try and interfere with Miss Potter and her friends, you will see them leave and return to where every they had been learning at, if not move to another school."
"They cannot return to home schooling, as they have decided to attend a formal school," replied Albus.
"Albus, that part of the law only applies once they attend a school," retorted Minerva. "Since they have not started Hogwarts they can return back to the home schooling." The idea of loosing control of Miss Potter for another year, stopped Albus from continuing the argument, and concede the point.
Minerva and Filius left the headmasters office and started to look into where the new common room and dorms would be. The castle itself lead them to a series of rooms on the 4th floor in an area between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers. The entrance for the house was in a small alcove hidden by a notice-me-not charm and guarded by a statue of Mórrigan. The two professors quickly learned that the headmaster was blocked from the house by Hogwarts, herself.
-x-x-x-x-x-
12 Aug
Diagon Alley
Lysandra, Hermione and their classmates are all gathering at the Leaky Cauldron to start their shopping for this years school supplies. The only official item they need are their school robes from Madam Malkin's, and more parchment for assignments, they all now used muggle pens and notebooks for taking notes and essay drafts. They all had received their Hogwarts letters, with the required school supplies. The group had tossed out the list of text required as their professors were using different books. They all had a good laugh at the required text for the DADA class, which almost got them thrown out of Flourish & Blotts when they looked through the books. They would be starting with the books they finished last year with as they were only part way through those books, and they would get the required books for the rest of the year, by owl order or their parents. The classes for the year were Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Dark Arts/DADA, history (first part of year), Astronomy, and weapons and physical training. There was discussion of looking at Care of Magical Creatures, and no one was considering Divination, other than the few introductory lectures Professor Singh had planned to discuss the different types and practices. The students were getting a better course on muggle studies from Mr. and Mrs. Granger and their professors in the several outings they had taken. At the end of the school year they would have covered all of the material that is included in the current O.W.L.s exam.
The time spent in the alley was mostly time to get their school uniforms fitted. It was short order to get their books and potion supplies. They all saw the sign at the book store for the book signing by Lockhart on the 19th of August. It was decided by all it would not be sane to be anywhere near the store that day.
The last stop for the group was Quality Quidditch Supplies, several of them liked flying and flew regularly around Potter Manor. It was decided to get seven brooms to try formation flying like the muggle demonstration squadrons they had seen. One of the muggle outings that they had saw the group at a Red Arrows show. Lysandra, Daphne and Susan talked with the owner to determine the best broom for want they wanted. It was decided to go with the Cleansweep Nine as it's top speed was slightly slower than the Nimbus 2000, but its agility, acceleration and turning ability out performed that of the Nimbus 2000 or 2001.
When the girls returned to Potter Manor there was a dark brown owl waiting for them in the entry hall. The owl spotted the two teens and made its way towards Lysandra with its letter. Roskey arrived with a quiet pop and informed her mistress that the letter was safe. Lysandra removed the letter and gave the owl a couple of owl treats. The hand writing on the envelope was new to her and made her concerned for a second but calmed quickly knowing that the wards and Roskey would not allow he r to handle a dangerous letter.
Lysandra turned the letter over and saw that the seal on the envelope belong to House Black. She quickly broke the seal to read the short one page letter from Sirius. The letter was letting her know that his healing was going well and that he and grandfather were getting along and he was learning what it truly meant to be Head of House. He had more to tell but that could wait until they met in person. He asked if Lysandra would be available to visit on Sunday the 16th. Lysandra and Hermione quickly contacted Jerica and found out that they would be around the manor on Sunday. Lysandra wrote a quick reply letting Sirius know that he could visit on the 16th.