That's impossible! How did you manage to make it work!?"
Closing the rather dangerous file before he turned his attention towards the frowning know-it-all, Harry decided to go with an answer that he knew would infuriate the bushy-haired Gryffindor.
Hopefully to the point where she would storm off in an irritated huff.
"I would have thought that it would be rather obvious, Granger. Magic."
Smirking as he noticed her amusingly admirable attempt to keep herself from resorting to violence, though he did notice that her hands were tensing in a way that clearly broadcasted her desire to strangle him, the black-haired Wizard could only roll his eyes as Granger once again proved her inability to use her imagination.
"That's impossible. In all of my books, be it 'Hogwarts: A History', or 'A Muggleborn's Introduction to the Wizarding World', they all say that it is impossible for Muggle devices to be used in areas with high concentrations of magic."
Casting a brief look at his more-or-less functioning laptop, the only issue with it being the lack of regular Wi-Fi, Harry's response earned yet another displeased glare from the bushy-haired brunette.
"Forgive me if I don't put too much stock in books that were written right before the Yanks landed on the Moon. I would have thought a bookworm like you would have at least had the smarts to quote things from the current decade. But since you prefer to limit yourself to the 'approved texts', I shouldn't be too surprised that you're incapable of believing what's right in front of you."
For a moment he thought she was once again going to quote some long outdated text at him in a vain attempt to prove him wrong.
But instead, while still clearly annoyed with him, Granger merely decided to repeat her earlier question.
"Then how is it running?"
Deciding to throw her a bone, and carefully choosing his words to ensure that he didn't accidentally reveal that Heaven and Hell did exist, even if she had all the traits of an atheist, Harry answered the question.
"Well for starters, I had some runes placed on the battery so I don't have to worry about charging it until I'm back home. And then I had the motherboard made with…"
"Look if you're not going to tell me just say so. No need to lie about it."
Frowning at the interruption, though in truth he was slightly more pissed at the accusation that he was a liar, Harry found himself unable to get a word in thanks to another criticism from the rule-abiding Gryffindor
"Anyway, it doesn't matter how you got your laptop to work. It's still against the rules."
The black-haired Hufflepuff shook his head.
"No it isn't."
"Yes it is!"
"No it isn't!"
"Yes it is!"
"Yes it is!"
"No it isn…Grrr. It says that ALL our work is supposed to be submitted on parchment. NOT paper!"
Smirking as his fellow first-year's visible frustration, and wishing to get rid of her so he could get back to his scheming, Harry decided to share one of the numerous loopholes he had discovered while skimming through Hogwarts' educational policy.
"True. But there's no rule governing HOW we're to organize our study notes, or come up with outlines for assignments. And I don't know about you, but I for one would prefer to save money on ink and parchment by using them ONLY for the copy that will be marked by our teachers. Besides, there's another advantage to having a laptop that would probably appeal to you."
Though receiving a glare from the bushy-haired Newblood, he interrupted her frown as one of curiosity instead of outright rejection.
"Since most of the kid's who'll probably torment you are magically raised, they won't be able to mess up your notes, or steal your work since they're too ignorant to know what an app is. Of course they could still probably smash the thing if they get too frustrated, but that's what USB keys and Cloud Storage are for."
Earning a less than pleased expression from the bushy haired Lion, though whether it was because she couldn't refute his point or because he accurately guessed the nature of her relationship with their less racist year mates, Harry was pleased to see her leave with only an angry huff to mark her departure.
Waiting a minute to ensure that there was no danger of her returning when he least expected it, Harry reopened the file that bore the name 'Professor and Staff Profiles'.
Despite it being only the first week of the first term, he had already had enough intel to form a blunt, but nevertheless true description of those adults he had either seen in passing, or had interacted with during classes.
It still somewhat irked him that he had to do this on top of his boring course load, especially since he had forgotten to ask Via to have his laptop come installed with speech software, but since his mom had requested it he wasn't exactly in a position to say no.
However, the disguised dragon Demon couldn't help but feel that his mother would be pleased with the intel he managed to gather.
He could already write four teachers off his list as potential threats, if only because Flitwick was the type of teacher most parents wanted for their children, while Sprout, Binns, and Sinistra lacked anything about them that would suggest that they had ill designs towards him. Specially Binns since it was apparent that the only thing the ghost cared about was droning on and on about Human-Goblin relations.
McGonagall on the other hand might be a bit of an issue. If only because she occasionally shot him looks he got from Grandma Lin. But thankfully unlike his Grandma, the elderly Scotswoman didn't try to draw him into a hug every time he did something praise worthy.
When it came to Snape, well it was safe to say that the man would either get a bullet, a decapitation, or a wound that would inevitably kill him after suffering hours of constant agony.
But Harry was hoping that with the intel Loona was gathering for him, he could get his mom to support his idea of psychologically tormenting the greasy-haired bat instead of outright killing.
A faint hope considering that the man had forgotten his 'lesson' during their second class together, but when it came to dick heads getting their just desserts, Harry was always a little more optimistic.
The cranky janitor with the weird cat fixation once again revealed the warped mindset of the Wizarding World. For not only did they think it was appropriate to give a sadistic homeless man a position of authority over children, but they were literally throwing their money by paying him to clean the castle despite having access to all sorts of spells to do the work for them.
Of course part of his dislike for Filch stemmed from the way his cat always hissed at him. Probably due to all that time he spent around Loona, and to a lesser extent Octavia. But the fact remained that the man was NOT qualified for his position. Let alone anything involving regular interactions with children. Even Blitzo was more qualified.
The turban-wearing teacher, Professor Something-that-rhymed-with-squirrel, was pathetic. And not in a funny way. From the man's constant stuttering, the fact that he alternated between smelling of rotting flesh and garlic, and the fact that he occasionally talked to himself, Harry had to wonder why the hell anyone would want to hire him to teach young and impressionable children.
He had already made up his mind to skip that class, relying on one of his dorm mates named after a Sesame Street puppet, and some girl whose aunt was Wizarding Britain's chief of police to inform him of important due dates. But since the next Defence Against the Dark Arts class wasn't until next week, he had plenty of time to think of a way to think of a plausible excuse for ditching class without having to worry about irritating things like detentions, or the loss of house points.
By itself, he didn't really care about the latter. But he could do without the headaches that the social ostracism would inevitably bring. It was kind of funny that despite the desire for inter-house unity, the teachers set up a reward system that ensured that set each house against each other, with popularity within said house become very fragile if an individual was to cost them their chance to win some shiny trophy.
Taking a moment to scoff at the concept of earning a prize that was only temporary, Harry quickly turned back to the confusing impressions he had gotten from the other two prominent staff members of this magical high school.
He was still more than slightly pissed with Dumbledore. But his anger had been tempered with caution when it became apparent that the man was not only some sort of messiah figure, at least to anybody who wasn't in Slytherin, but also managed to hide his manipulative nature using a method that was rarely ever employed in Hell.
Stolas of course was the rare exception, since he was a genuinely nice guy. But for the other powerful denizens of Hell, whether it was the Radio Demon, Velvet, or even Lucifer himself, the nice guy act, while honest, could easily be torn away if one wasn't careful.
Though apart from the crazy doll Demon, who he could never tell if she was going to kill him or treat him like a toy, it was fairly simple to remain in the good graces of both Alastor and the Devil.
One just had to treat them with respect and manners, and there was a seventy to eighty percent chance that they wouldn't feel the need to torture or kill everyone in the room.
Harry sincerely doubted that such bloodthirsty tendencies were hiding behind Dumbledore's grandfather persona, but until he was certain of what kind of bastard he was dealing with, he would remain on guard.
The final individual he had to deal with was perhaps the most concerning for his immediate future.
Not because of his strength.
Or he was rumored to have a fondness for pets that reminded him of some of the more powerful creatures back home.
But because the Half-Giant had created the conditions that would probably earn him a month's worth of punishment from his parents.
Not only did he accept an offer for afternoon tea without first consulting his parents, who had stressed that he was not to be alone with any adult without first being informed. But he had also accepted the offer without doing more than a basic search into the man's history.
Tonks of course had told him that he was more or less the perfect definition of a gentle giant. So long as you weren't the type of person who practiced animal cruelty. And from what he saw and sensed that man was pleasant enough, if a tad childish.
But the fact remained that he didn't follow the previous safety procedures his parents had established for meetings with adult strangers.
Which meant as soon as he went home for the weekend, he would probably be grounded for at least a month.
….
"Welcome everyone. I'm pleased to see that despite the chaotic nature that always occurs during the beginning of a new term, all of you were able to attend this month's staff meeting."
Ignoring the slight groans that originated from both his Potions Master and his Deputy Headmistress, Dumbledore moved to the first item of the evening's agenda.
"So how are this year's batch of new students enjoying their first week at Hogwarts? No cause for concern I hope?"
Smiling as he directed his gaze towards each Head of House, as well as Madam Pomfrey since her position was just as valuable to the continued well-being of their students, the Headmaster of Hogwarts could only nod his head in understanding at the answers he received.
"Apart from some minor cases of homesickness, they are adapting rather well. Though I did have to inform the Weasley Twins to hold off on their…unique brands of initiation lest they traumatize their younger housemates."
Chuckling in amusement at the antics of the two third-years, whose antics reminded him greatly of another group of mischievous pranksters, Dumbledore gestured for the remained heads to continue.
"Like Minerva, I am happy to report that my newest batch of Ravens have adjusted rather well to their new surroundings. They are eager to learn, and their older housemates have expressed their willingness to help them should they require it."
Pleased to hear this, for even if he had been sorted into Gryffindor, he still admired the eagerness for learning, so long as it was done in a safe and supervised manner, Dumbledore felt a small frown of sadness mar his features as Severus delivered his report.
"This year's batch of Slytherins are also experiencing no difficulty with their new circumstances. There had been some minor…discussions beforehand, but thanks to the aid of Mr. Malfoy, solidarity remains a Slytherin watchword."
Which the headmaster took to mean that the son of Lucius was already trying to portray himself as a pale imitation of another charismatic young Slytherin.
It truly pained him to see innocent children twisted by the poisoned teachings of their parents, but sadly unless the young Malfoy did something truly reprehensible, the concepts of Blood Purity would continue to fester. And while he was confident that Draco lacked both the intelligence and magical ability Tom had possessed to force Slytherin House to follow his lead, his father's wealth and political influence would ensure an unfortunate level of obedience to these misguided principles.
However, now was not the time to address that issue.
Unlike his predecessor, Severus had always had difficulty in sharing the issues of his house with his colleagues. Which meant that he would have to wait until they were alone before a more detailed discussion could be had.
Turning towards his Herbology professor, Dumbledore felt his already present frown deepen as she gave her report.
"For the most part, my report mirrors Filius's. Nearly all of my new Badgers have happily settled in. But I must confess that the…attitude of Mr. Potter is somewhat concerning."
Noticing that most of his professors were wearing looks that showed they were not surprised with this information, Severus of course looking like he had bit into a particularly sour piece of sherbet lemon, Dumbledore gently prodded Sprout to continue.
"In what way Pomona? Is he having problems with his housemates?"
While not completely erasing his concerns, the answer he received was enough for him to sigh in relief.
"Not that I can see. But apart from Ms. Tonks, and to a lesser extent Ms. Bones and Mr. Macmillan, he doesn't really interact with anyone. From what I've gathered, there is an open but largely unspoken invitation for him to join his housemates, but he has usually declined in a polite if slightly blunt manner."
Glad to see that Harry was at least interacting with some people that wouldn't lead him astray, whether it was Amelia's beloved niece or the energetic daughter of perhaps the only living member of the Black Family who didn't treat their family motto as holy writ, Dumbledore adopted a slightly pensive look as the mention of Harry caused the rest of the teachers to describe their own impressions of the boy.
"While he is very anti-social, choosing to work alone unless prompted, this has yet to negatively affect his performance in class. I can't recall the last time I taught a first-year who already had such a firm grasp on his magic."
"I have to agree with Minerva. The boy is quite talented when it comes to Charms. In fact, the only one whose potential matches his own is Miss Granger."
"Y..ye..yes I quit…quite agree. Al…although Ms…Ms. Granger's performance comes fro…from advanced me…memorization. Mr. Pot…Potter on the other hand seems t…to have a…a natural talent. Cer…Certainly a lot more than som…some of the st…students who have received prior in…instruction."
Frowning in concern at the former Muggle Studies teacher, who had clearly been traumatized during his efforts to prepare himself for his new position, Dumbledore turned his attention towards Severus.
"And what about you Severus? What are your thoughts on Pomona's newest Badger?"
Silently chiding himself for his insensitivity, for while she was pleased that her favorite students' child had not ended up in Slytherin Minerva had expressed hope that Harry would be sorted into her house, Dumbledore found himself somewhat surprised as the frowning Potions Master gave his 'public' report.
"Despite his…inadequacy when it comes to group work, though I'll admit that his classmates are more accepting of his lack of effort than they are of Minerva's newest know-it-all lion, the boy does show some talent. Of course whether or not he will be able to maintain the quality of his work for the rest of the year is still unknown."
Deciding to change the subject before his faithful deputy could once again attempt to make Severus adjust some of his anti-Gryffindor behavior, the bearded headmaster cleared his throat.
"That is most excellent news Severus. Now, what about this year's fifth- and seventh-year students. Do you believe that they will be ready to sit their examinations by year's end?"
Though maintain enough awareness and interest to follow the developing conversation, Dumbledore couldn't help but worry that perhaps more needed to be done to keep Harry on the right path.
He had already changed the year's schedule to ensure his interactions with the more…misguided elements of his year were kept to a minimum. Which as a side benefit ensured that for the first time since before Tom's campaign of terror, there was less initial hostility between Slytherin House and the rest of Hogwarts. Specifically Gryffindor.
He had always hoped that regular interactions would result in both parties finding some common ground, but based on the past week's events, it appeared that he was wrong.
For while he was certain that eventually, the usual unfortunate interactions would resume, the longer they were delayed meant that there was a greater chance of fostering greater unity between the houses.
And to think this had been a last-minute decision on his part to help Harry get better acquainted with other children his age.
Yes, Lucius's son would probably antagonize him in order to make up for the fact that he had been defeated by a muggle weapon. Another item he had discreetly added to Argus's list of banned items.
And sadly the youngest son of Arthur and Molly had not viewed Harry's sorting into Hufflepuff as something to admire.
But as things were, he doubted they could get any better.
Of course, he would still need to have a private conversation with Severus regarding his more…private opinions regarding the boy, since their schedules had sadly prevented them from meeting unless it was an emergency.
But for the moment there was no need for urgency.
…
Beaming as he watched his much shorter guest slowly reach for another rock cake, Hagrid could only chuckle at the expression on Harry's face as he decided to encourage the lad to help himself.
"There's plenty more where those came from Harry. So take as many as you like."
Pleased to see the young Hufflepuff nod his head at this sign of encouragement, partly because it had been quite some time since he had a guest who did more than nibble at his generously baking, the Half-Giant poured himself a cup of tea before he drew the attention of his smaller guest away from his half-eaten pastry.
"So Harry. How are you enjoying Hogwarts? I have to admit that I was surprised at seeing you sorted into Hufflepuff. But they got a good work ethic and are quite nice chaps if you take the time to know them."
The answer he received was, while a bit disappointing and a little confusing, nevertheless to be expected considering the lad's Muggle upbringing.
"It's…okay I guess. The classes are a bit boring. And the WIFI signal here sucks. But my housemates are…tolerable I suppose."
Nodding his head in understanding, though for the life of him he didn't have a clue what 'Why Fy' was, Hagrid could only repeat the advice his own father had given him when he was a first-year.
"Ahh, that's nothing to worry about. Most of the teachers here want to make sure you have a good idea of what you're doing before moving on to the more interesting stuff. And as for your housemates, give it a bit of time. I'm sure they'll come to like you once they get to know you. And if they don't, well that's their loss isn't it?"
Earning a small smile from the young Hufflepuff, though for some reason his expression bore a faint resemblance to a certain Slytherin whenever he was having a private little joke, Hagrid could only smile as Harry proved to be more polite than most eleven-year-olds he had met during the course of his tenure as Groundskeeper.
"True. Anyways thanks for inviting me to tea. Though I have to ask…why did you invite me? I originally wasn't gonna come since it's rather strange for an eleven-year-old to be accepting invites from people they don't know. But Tonks said you're pretty cool, and told me that if I asked nicely, you would show me some of the animals you take care of."
His bearded face brightening into a smile at the news that perhaps he had another animal enthusiast to talk with, the last one had graduated last year and was now enjoying a career he could only dream of, Hagrid voiced his approval.
"I don't see why not. But you have to promise to do what I tell you. A lot of the critters around here are a rather skittish lot. And it's taken quite some time to get them to trust me. So you'll have to follow my lead ok?"
Receiving a nod of agreement from the now smiling wizard, who had quickly scoffed down his sixth rock cake before jumping to his feet, the Half-Giant was shocked, and more than a little saddened, by the boy's first request.
"Can we start with those cool-looking horses that pulled the carriages?"
Despite the look of eagerness that was clearly being displayed in Harry's eyes, Hagrid still couldn't help but feel bad for him considering that Thestrals could only be seen by those who had already witnessed death.
He would have thought that Harry would have been unable to see the skeletal winged horses considering he had been barely a year old when You-Know-Who murdered his family. But considering he had spent the past ten years living in a world that was, in many ways, a lot more dangerous despite the lack of magic, it was not impossible that he had seen something that no child should have to experience.
However, since it wasn't his place to pry, though he was fully prepared to offer emotional support once Harry was told about the 'nature' of the skeletal winged horses, Hagrid gestured for him to follow.
For even if he hadn't been able to ask what his life had been like since he had been left with Lily's sister, there was still a lot of bonding that could be done by interacting with animals that were as gentle as they were magical.
…..
He loved his wife.
He really did.
But there were times, rare though they might have been, where she scared him far more than any Overlord could ever hope to do.
Of course, Moxxie knew that she wasn't behaving this way out of a sadistic desire to make him miserable.
She wasn't Blitzo or Loona after all.
But considering Millie was acting like it had been years since she had held their son in her arms, rather than not even a week, Moxxie had a reason to be concerned for his wife's emotional state.
"Ok, so Harry said he's gonna be home at six-thirty. So that means we should have dinner ready to go by seven-fifteen. With the option of having it at seven-thirty if he wants to take a shower first. But do you think I should have tried making something else? I mean, I know he likes roasted pork, but the local butcher was having a sale on cow demon, and it would have been easy to prepare it since he prefers either rare or well done. But I think the number of sides should cover it. Unless he wants Loona and Blitz to come over as well. Do you think we should call them? We don't really have enough booze in the house, but I'm sure if I left now I could get enough for all of us..."
Deciding to step in before his wife could get any more worked up, or invite people he really didn't want intruding on their little family reunion, Moxxie quickly cleared his throat.
"Honey, everything is fine. We got enough food in the kitchen to satisfy an army, let alone our slight glutton of a son. Blitzo already said he couldn't come cause he was taking Loona on some father-daughter bonding experience. And for the last time, to ensure that Harry doesn't turn out like our receptionist, apart from certain holidays we are NOT giving our son alcohol."
Ensuring that there was a noticeable degree of firmness in his voice as he made his position clear, for one of his greatest fears was that Harry turned into as big of a boozehound as Loona, the white-haired Imp felt himself flinch as Millie fixed him with a glare that would make even Blitzo pissed himself in fear.
"I know that Moxxie! What do you think I'm an idiot? I just wanna make sure everything is perfect for our son so he doesn't start liking that pig zit castle better than he does here."
Upon hearing this Moxxie couldn't help but scoff.
"Considering he didn't exactly want to go there in the first place, I don't see that being an issue. I mean sure, up there he doesn't have to worry about getting a bullet in the back everything he's on his own. But down here is where all his friends and family are. So I think that the chances of him wanting to stay up there are rather small."
For a moment his wife said nothing as she stared at him with a blank look on her face.
Fortunately, instead of launching into the type of tirade that could make even Blitzo fear for his life, Mille soon sported a small smile as she proceeded to pull him into a hug.
"Your right Moxxie. I just get worried, you know? Whenever we're on a job, and he gets into trouble, we're right there to help him out. But now? I'm just grateful that Stolas's daughter is keeping an eye on him with that servant of hers. Otherwise, I might have stolen Blitzo's book to do a little parental stalking of my own."
Knowing that she spoke the truth, and frowning in confusion since he wasn't sure what 'servant' Millie was talking about, the white-haired Imp was prevented from offering a more verbal method of reassurance thanks to the chaotic, but nevertheless expected portal opening in the room.
"Hey Mom! Hey Dad! Sorry if I'm a bit early but my dormmates were talking about comparing notes, and I really did…"
Doing his best not to laugh as he watched his son get cut off by a now enthusiastically hugging Millie, though he did smile a little when he noticed Harry squeezed his mother just as nearly as tight as she was, Moxxie wordlessly accepted his wife's gesture to get in on this family reunion.
He strongly suspected that Harry would get in trouble for this since most boarding schools he knew of didn't exactly allow their children to go home for the weekends. But he didn't care.
His son was home.
And that's all that mattered.
…..
ANNNNNND that's it for now :D
Pleased to see the amount of people enjoying this story. Your reviews/encouragements have helped to keep me motivated lol. Now my only complaint as my ever faithful editor DarkScythe Drake points out is that I have yet to get a TV tropes page.
Have appeared in some categories for fan works (I.e "Did you just punch out Cthullu, Mercy Kills, Everyone has standards, Papa Wolf') Which is great don't get me wrong, but aiming for more in the future lol.
Anyways this chapter addresses SOME of the questions that have previously been posed to me, and that I had every intention of answering since I knew my changes would cause them.
Harry's Hogwarts schedule is Dumbledore's attempt to ensure that Harry remains in the light. With the added benefit of reducing the amount of in class antagonism between Slytherin and everyone else. THAT is my excuse to ensure that Harry has classes with Gryffindor AND Slytherin, despite the fact that in cannon Hufflepuff was only, I think, in his Herbology class.
And as for his attitude…..where he is a prick to people. Partly it is a defensive mechanism, and I WILL go into greater detail soon, taught to him by Stella, and to a lesser extent Loona and Octavia. But also due to his annoyance with his current situation.
If he is left alone/not provoked, or interacts with people who are genuine/or don't have ulterior motives (either real or imagined), he will behave himself. Think I managed to show this so far by how he interacts with Tonks AND Hagrid. Will of course expand in later chapters.
Anyways….once again thanks for your continued support.
Plz review. No flames.
Til next time.
