Disclaimer: See chapter 1 (Spoiler, I own nothing in this story)
At least traveling by portkey was short. Otherwise, Xander would have preferred to take economy class again. He seriously considered walking back to London instead of using the next one. However, first he would have to survive another high school. At least he didn't have to take any classes. Blowing up Sunnyhell High had proven remarkably therapeutic, yet somehow he doubted the Wizarding World would be so understanding if he did the same thing to Hogwarts. Stuffy British upper lip lordship notwithstanding, a blown up school was a blown up school. People frowned on that sort of thing.
Once he finished emptying his stomach contents on the ground, Xander felt a presence in the Force unlike any he had before. It felt like the Hellmouth, but completely opposite. The warmth and joy brought a tear to his eye that traveled down his cheek until he absently wiped it away, and it was coming from the castle. Granted, Xander had never seen an actual castle before, but what was before him was beyond anything his imagination could conceive, or it would have if he hadn't seen it already in his Dream.
There was a button next to the gates, much like a coin return to a pay phone or arcade game, the slot directly below the button. Not knowing what else to do, Xander pushed the button and hoped nothing exploded or caught on fire. Instead, a golden coin the size of a US half-dollar spit out, with the inscription Lord Black, Inactive Board of Governors. Not sure what to make of it, but figuring it was a Black family thing, Xander walked through the now opening gates.
Assuming no magical influence, he had a mile or two to hike to get to the actual castle doors, past a forest and lake, both rich in magical energy and the Force in a curious form of synergy he couldn't exactly decipher. There were several groups of students milling about, enjoying the afternoon sun like he did just a few months ago. As he walked on, he noticed a blonde haired girl dragging another blonde girl straight towards him.
"Hello Lord Black, I must say, your Wrackspurt infestation is the worst I have ever seen. You should stay a while to get rid of them." The first blonde, a thin girl with strange earrings, wearing what looked like old 3-D glasses on her forehead, and a glazed look in her eyes, startled Xander so much he tripped and fell flat on his face. The girl continued without even noticing his fall or her companion's startled gasp. "I'm Luna Lovegood, and this is Daphne Greengrass. I don't think she and I are friends. I'm part of her spy network, or she's part of mine, I forget which. Do you know?"
Daphne helped Xander to his feet, apologizing formally for Luna's behavior. Xander mumbled a thanks before asking, "How did you know about the infestation, and how did you know my name?"
"The coin, it has your name on it, didn't you see it?" Luna turned her head as if asking her companion if she saw the coin in Xander's hand as well. It did little good since Daphne was staring at Xander, her eyes wide in surprise and a little bit of apprehension, having finally comprehended the ramifications behind Luna's words.
"Wait, so you're actually the Lord Black the one that everyone has been talking about? But you're an American?" She looked confused at the concept of an American being the head of an Ancient and Noble House in Magical Britain. And so close to her age as well.
"I was raised in the United States, but I was born in London. And yes, I am officially Lord Black." He was still dusting himself off when Luna dug into her bag and pulled out a ridiculously giant hat with a card tucked in its side proclaiming PRESS.
"Luna Lovegood from The Quibbler, what was your most difficult subject while studying magic across the pond?" The sudden change made Xander pause, but from Daphne's rolled eyes this was normal behavior for her.
"Uhh, I'm going direct you to my press secretary, I think she coordinates interviews with the press," Xander explained.
"Phooey, I guess I'll have to do that then. It's not as fun though." The hat disappeared back into her bag.
"Tell you what, you direct me to the person in charge around here, and I'll give you my first interview. Deal?" She agreed and they shook on it, Daphne acting as the stunned witness. Somehow Daphne's source of information about the inner workings of Ravenclaw had secured the first interview with The Black, the man who had been causing political waves for months by merely existing. Either Luna was the best investment ever made, or she was the most cunning witch in school. At this point, it didn't matter which, Luna had gotten the inside track to information that no one else had, and she would protect that investment like a nesting dragon. Daphne shook her ruminations away and followed Luna dragging the Lord towards the castle by the hand. She had to hurry to catch up.
"Lord Black, why are you here at Hogwarts?" Daphne questioned, not passing up an opportunity to gather information, especially from such an important source.
"To get rid of his infestation, of course. Luna responded before turning to Xander. "Didn't I tell her about your Wrackspurts?"
Her earnest concern that Daphne didn't hear her earlier made Xander laugh.
"I have some business with the Headmaster to discuss today." Xander couldn't keep all the anger out of his voice. The man imprisoned his Uncle without a trial for years, then apparently took over his family property and hid it from the world. Daphne noted the emotion and filed it away for later. "So, tell me about your school. Do you like it?"
"It has its good points and bad points, I suppose," Daphne led the conversation. "The core subjects have incredible teachers, McGonagall and Flitwick are recognized internationally as experts in their fields and renowned as exceptional teachers. Some of the other classes have only mediocre teachers, like History of Magic and Divination."
"And Potions," Luna chimed in a millisecond before Xander laughed. "What's so funny, Lord Black?" Luna frowned, afraid she had said something wrong.
"Sorry, I have an . . . unusual . . . relationship with divination. You were saying something about Potions?" Xander responded.
"You'll have to forgive Luna. Professor Snape, who teaches potions, is often hated by many students." Xander nodded his head in understanding. "He is extremely harsh, demands perfection, and punishes failure severely, but when teaching potions to children you must have those qualities." Daphne was about to go on, but held her tongue. It was evident to Xander that there was a bit more to the story, but he didn't push.
"There is a difference between being strict and being mean, Daphne. You will need to know the difference. We're here." Luna announced.
They stood before a painting of a bowl of fruit. Daphne, who had not paid attention to where Luna was leading them, sighed.
"This is the kitchens, Luna, not the Headmaster's office."
"Of course it's the kitchens, Lord Black asked to go to whoever was in charge, and I brought him to the house elves. They really run this school. I thought that was obvious to everyone." The same puzzled look that had been on Luna's face earlier returned. Tears began to form on Luna's face, causing Xander's heart to melt.
"We can discuss later whether the house elves are in charge or not, but for now can you take me to the headmaster's office?" Xander conceded. Luna couldn't talk, but Daphne answered for her.
"Only if you answer my questions as we walk, I am a Slytherin, after all," Daphne countered.
"We'll switch off, I'll answer one, and you'll answer one." Xander countered her counter, and Daphne nodded in agreement.
"What are you planning on doing with the pending contracts and alliances that have been building up while you were in exile?" Daphne asked first, knowing that the Greengrass family had several of each that had been ignored for years.
"I have a team of experts reviewing past Black family documents, and I will address them based on urgency and importance. Holy Crap that painting moved. Do all the paintings move?"
"All the magical ones do. Hogwarts has the greatest concentration of Magical paintings in the Magical world. It's really quite something to see. Do you have an heir, and if not who is next in line to inherit?" Daphne answered and asked swiftly.
"Hey, not cool. That question was rhetorical and shouldn't count." Daphne raised an amused eyebrow at Xander's protest and turned to Luna.
"Sorry Lord Black, question for a question." Luna ruled.
"Fine. First of all, that is a personal question, and second, I have no heir and I am not sure who is next to inherit. As far as I know, all that remains of the Black family is Sirius and myself and neither of us have children. What's a Slytherin?"
"One of the four houses of Hogwarts that students are sorted into. Slytherins are supposed to epitomize cunning and ambition. What business do you have with the Headmaster?" Daphne took a gamble with that question, knowing that it would reap her great benefits or could make The Black angry at her. Luckily for her, the question only made the Lord Black angry at Dumbledore.
"He has control over some family property, I need to get it back. What are the other three houses, and what do they represent? Xander had figured out he needed to be specific with his questions. It reminded him of his lunch with Narcissa, and he would be willing to wager that she had been a Slytherin as well.
"Gryffindor stands for bravery and courage, Hufflepuff stands for loyalty and friendship, and Ravenclaw stands for knowledge and wisdom." Before she could ask her next question, Luna chimed in.
"Those are the ideal traits each house is supposed to represent, but they aren't what the houses mean anymore. Gryffindors are known as brash idiots who throw themselves at danger to gain fame, Ravenclaws are bookworms who no longer care for free thinking and knowledge, Hufflepuffs are the lazy leftovers who don't do anything worthwhile, and Slytherins are evil gits just waiting to join the next Dark Lord. It's important to answer his questions fully, Daphne. Especially for you." Luna motioned with her hand for Daphne to continue.
Daphne sighed in resignation. "I suppose that is all true, but those stereotypes don't apply to everyone. It is a disturbing trend, though, and it seems it has gotten worse in the last two decades, if my mother is to be believed. What are your plans for Sirius Black?"
"Let the lawyers deal with him. He will be getting a new, public trial. He says he is innocent, everyone else says he is guilty, I'm just hiring the help he needs to get a fair trial. After that, I have no plans for Sirius but this matter must be laid to rest one way or another. Do you feel safe in Hogwarts?"
The last question made Daphne stop walking. They stood in the hall, random students walking by looking at them but not saying anything or approaching them but clearly given them a wide berth. Daphne thought about the question for a minute before responding.
"No. Historically, there have been attacks on the students every year I have been here. There are the Blood Purists of Slytherin trying to destroy everything I work for, the prejudice in Gryffindor trying to condemn what I am without finding out what I actually am, and the Headmaster not able or not willing to help. The education here does not adequately prepare me fully for a life beyond Hogwarts, and no one seems to care about the bigger picture." She normally wouldn't have answered so much, but Luna had said he needed to hear the full truth. In the two and a half years the two girls have worked together, Luna had never been wrong when she has stated something so directly. She didn't make sense most of the time, but when she did, Daphne had learned to listen.
"You can change that Lord Black. We'll wait for you when you need us." Luna proclaimed, then promptly sat on the floor beside the statue of a giant bird. At Xander's confusion, Luna sighed. "You have to tell the statue that you want to see the Headmaster, and that you are an inactive member of the Board of Governors."
She spoke as if to a child not understanding that pulling a pacifier out of their mouths means that the pacifier was no longer in their mouths.
"Uhh, right. Umm, I am a member of the Board of Governors, and I want to speak with Headmaster Dumbledore." Xander felt more than a little foolish for speaking to a statue, but when the bird's head nodded and stairs appeared, Xander realized that Hogwarts was a magical school, of course it would have statues that could move, since the pictures obviously could. He bade farewell to the two girls, sure that he would see them again, and climbed that stairs, ready for his confrontation with Albus Dumbledore.
There was a mountain of paperwork to complete still, but Shacklebolt had his opening to report to Dumbledore. His partner, who they suspected was a Voldemort sympathizer, was in meetings for the next hour. He would be able to floo over to Hogwarts and inform the Headmaster of Lord Black and the Diagon Alley Massacre, as it was being called. Though, disturbingly, many of the witnesses were hailing the Lord Black a hero who had single-handedly stopped the attack. Kingsley scowled. Any man who killed so casually, regardless of being enemies of the light or not, was not someone who should be walking free. And Kingsley was convinced Dumbledore would agree.
The staircase went up for some time, making Xander wonder why anyone would want their office so remote. Anyone who wanted to talk with the headmaster would need to make an effort to do so. He thought of the Aztec temples, the steep stairs there that forced those going to the top to do so on their hands and knees or risk falling. Perhaps the choice was intentional. He wondered when the choice was made.
Xander knocked on the door at the top and only had to wait a moment before he was invited to enter. Inside was an office that had to have been designed to impress with absolute abstract expressionism. There were gadgets all over the place, on every shelf, nook, and cranny, everywhere. The empty birdcage completed the crazed professor look. Then there was the man himself.
Long beard, pointed hat, old fashioned glasses, if there was a picture of wizard in the dictionary, it would be of Dumbledore. His dress and manner was so unlike anyone else Xander had met these last few months, he immediately became suspicious of the 'Why', on top of everything else he knew about the headmaster.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Lord Black, I was unaware that you even existed, much less that you would be visiting. Had I known, I would have met you at the gate and given you a proper tour of the grounds. I trust you had no issues finding the office?" His genial tone and friendly smile unnerved Xander, as if he had seen it somewhere before, though he couldn't place where.
"Not too much, a few very helpful students assisted me in finding my way. I came here to get control of the Grimmauld Place property. Sirius says you are the Secret-Keeper, the property belongs to me, I need you to remove the fidelius charm." The Force was telling Xander Dumbledore was not an evil man, but he couldn't help starting the conversation so aggressively. Something disturbingly familiar about the man kept gnawing at him, provoking him in a way that should have been familiar but wasn't. Somewhere in the back of his mind Xander worked on figuring out what was wrong.
"Ahh, I was wondering why an inactive and unknown member of the Board of Governors would choose now to visit. I am afraid I must decline your request for the time being. At the time of the casting, Sirius had the authority to give permission. Cancelling the charm now would introduce numerous complications and difficulties for Sirius and his friends, and might even put them in extreme danger." The grandfatherly tone was too much for Xander.
"Worse than sending a man to jail for over a decade without a trial?" Xander snapped back angrily. "It may be all complicated and difficult for you, but to me it is pretty simple. I don't like people who manipulate others, and that is what you've done to my uncle. He trusts you, even respected you, but he had no idea you signed off on his prison sentence without a trial."
"I am confident that once I explain the situation to him, he will understand why I did what I did." It was either the arrogance Xander perceived or the complete disregard Dumbledore displayed, but Xander was seconds from drawing his lightsaber. He could tell Dumbledore knew it as well, with his subtle shifting of his weight.
Luckily, the fireplace flared up behind Xander, causing him to whirl to face the unexpected noise. Out of the fire a large man stepped out. "Dumbledore, I have some disturbing news about the new Lord Black. He has killed several…" The man trailed off when he say the headmaster had company.
Xander stood up swiftly, knocking his chair to the ground as he did so, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "It looks like you have a guest, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'll come back shortly to finish this conversation."
Without another word, Xander stormed out of the office, using the Force to slam the door shut behind him. His anger left scorch marks on the walls of the staircase, and Xander knew that he would have done something he would regret had he stayed in the Headmaster's presence.
Which is why he was caught completely by surprise when he encountered over fifty bullfrogs singing It's a Small World in perfect harmony when he got to the bottom of the stairs. From the earplugs in Daphne's ears and the book in her face, Xander could tell the frogs were not her idea. Also, Luna prancing around waving her wand as a conductor's baton was another clue that Luna was the one behind it. It was so ridiculous that Xander could not help but laugh at the silliness of it. The more Xander laughed, the funnier it got, because after they finished, the bullfrogs started in on "Lime in the Coconut". After a few minutes, Xander dried off the tears that had formed.
"Thank you for that, I needed a good laugh," Xander thanked, his anger from the previous conversation gone.
"For what? I needed to practice for the Ravenclaw Talent Show. I'm sure if I have a good enough act, others will join in this year. Every other year I've been the only one to enter, so technically, I am the reigning champion." Luna confided. "Ready for your tour of Hogwarts?"
By this time, Daphne had noticed that Luna had dismissed the singing amphibians, and removed the earplugs. "What tour?" Daphne asked.
"The tour to let Lord Black get rid of the Hippleborks, of course. This way, Lord Black." Luna began walking down the hallway. Daphne motioned for Xander to follow her, and the two hurried to catch up.
Xander took a moment to look at Daphne and her rather dark raven hair. "Weren't you a blonde a few minutes ago?" Xander asked.
Daphne smiled slyly at him and then shook her head while muttering a small incantation that he couldn't quite catch. Her hair shifted back to its familiar blonde locks.
"I can change my hair to any color I want, blonde, brown, red, I've even experimented with blue on one or two occasions. It keeps people guessing my actual color." She said with a thoughtful frown before perking up slightly. She shook her head again and her blond locks once more took on an earth hue. "What's wrong with being a brunette? Don't you like it?
Xander knew the danger in that question but had learned the way to bypass the hidden trap last year. "Right, you're using magic. It looks becoming on you, Daphne."
Daphne flashed him a genuine smile and Xander had to admit it was rather radiant. The girl would be a looker, there was no doubt about it, she was well on her way to be even more beautiful than Cordelia. Xander was also well aware of the fact that she was several years younger than he, putting her firmly into the jailbait category, but she was still attractive. While Magical Europe certainly had different views on such things than non-magical America, Xander couldn't quite shake his cultural upbringings. But in a few years? Who knew?
Xander returned Daphne's smile with a charming one of his own. "Shall we continue with the tour?"
"Of course Lord Black." Daphne said before frowning in thought. Xander couldn't help but notice.
"Something on your mind?" Xander asked.
Daphne and Luna shared a look and Luna nodded slightly. Daphne didn't know whether to be amused or concerned that she was thinking the same thing as Luna before she turned back toward Xander.
"Lord Black. It's just that…we don't know your first name."
Xander could have smacked himself. "My apologies on that. It was terribly rude of me. Alexander Black. But should we come to know each other much better, and should I ever come to call you my friend, I'll allow you to call me by what my friends call me, Xander."
"Very well, Lord Alexander Black. We shall both endeavor to earn your trust. Won't we, Daphne?" Luna said airily yet resolutely. The formality was discontinuous with her former carefree attitude, but Luna seemed to break every preconception.
Daphne rolled her eyes at Luna but then nodded in affirmative. "Of course. But I do believe we were on a tour."
Xander motioned after her. "Then lead on."
They saw the Entrance Hall, the Trophy Room, the Black Lake (named after Xander's family, many generations ago), the Astronomy Tower, and ended at the Kitchens, with Luna and Daphne constantly adding commentary or historical side notes that would have never made it any tour book. One fun fact was that there are 76 bricks between the History of Magic classroom and the nearest bathroom.
Also, the staircases of Hogwarts could be really big jerks. At least three changed right as they got on.
Stupid stairs.
Since it was near dinnertime, Luna led them inside the Kitchens to eat their meal. From the elves reaction, Luna eating in the kitchen was not unusual, but her bringing company was.
"Hello Gerbert, may we please have dinner for three, if it's not too much trouble." Luna's polite tone was in line with everything else about Luna, innocent and a little bit spacey.
"Of courses, Missus Lovesgood. Threes meals coming up." One of the house elves responded before conjuring a small table and chairs. By the time they sat, their plates were full. The three talked about the tour lightheartedly for a few minutes before Daphne started in on the more serious questions.
"Why were you so angry when you left the Headmaster's office?"
"I honestly don't know." Xander answered. He didn't think he was so obvious in his rage, but evidently he was. "But I need to know the answer to that before I go back to see him. It left me feeling weird in our first meeting…."
Xander took a few large bites of ... something he didn't know the name of but was delicious, as he slowly closed his eyes and concentrated. Daphne looked questioningly at Luna who was enjoying her pumpkin juice, completely unconcerned that the Head of an Ancient and Noble House was sitting motionless at the table in the middle of the bustling kitchen.
As Xander dropped deeper his thoughts, he focused on two questions in his mind. Why did the Headmaster make him so angry? Why had he opened up to Daphne and Luna?
In fact, the only other time he had felt that open was when he first met his mother. On a hunch, Xander opened himself up to the Force, spreading his senses as far as they would go. The hunch paid off, the castle was a beacon for the Light side of the Force, at least parts of it. There were individual Dark nodes and people, but the castle itself emanated goodness, Luna especially. She was as pure as any creature, person, or thing he had ever encountered. Daphne was mixed, but most people were, but Luna was wholly in the Light side of the Force. It explained his acceptance of Luna, she impelled him to tell the truth just like his time in his holocron.
Xander had to go much deeper to find the source of his anger, though. It surprised him when he finally found it, it should have been obvious from the start. There was another authority figure in Xander's life, kind, gentle, full of charm and greatly respected. He had actually done a report on him in the third grade (B-, and it was that high because Willow helped him some, alright she had help him a lot). But that man had turned into a giant snake demon and attempted to eat his high school class.
Whether unfairly or not, his subconscious was telling him that Dumbledore was the same as Mayor Wilkins, just waiting to show his evil side for when the time was right. Unfortunately, it was clouding his judgement, making it impossible to do what he needed to do. And now knowing what he did about the castle and its connection to the Force, his plans needed to change, again.
Mice and men, indeed.
"So ladies, it seems like I need your help," he spoke, coming out of the trance. Judging the amount of food left on the plates, he was meditating for more than a few minutes. "Daphne, your House prides itself on cunning. If you were in my position, and had the goal of staying at Hogwarts long term, how would you go about it?"
Luna broke into a giant grin.
"There are three categories of wizards at Hogwarts: teachers, students, and staff. Staff would not be acceptable to someone of your status, and you are too old to be a student. The only viable option would be a teacher. There are three incompetent teachers on staff. Muggle Studies is out, once again due to your status as Lord Black. That leaves Divination and History of Magic." Daphne spoke after a few seconds thought.
"You forgot Defense, Professor Umbrige is a horrible teacher," Luna interrupted. "She just makes us read the book in class." Xander shuddered at the thought.
"True, but she is ministry appointed to spy on the school. Replacing her would be extremely difficult, more effort than would be needed to achieve the goal." Daphne countered. "Do you have any experience or skill in Divination or Magical History?"
"Both, but divination would be a bad idea. I tend to break whatever prophecy I hear, but History is doable, I like it a lot. One problem, though, is I've never taught before." Xander replied.
"Not a problem. Binns is a joke of a teacher. History of Magic has a 12% pass rate on the OWLs, the lowest of any class at Hogwarts. Offer to teach for free, and the Headmaster would be a fool to turn you away. He's been looking for someone to replace Binns for years but no one is really qualified for the job since Binns has been teaching horribly for years. Plus, he probably wants to keep you close. The Headmaster is a chess player, and you are a new piece on the board, a rich, powerful, and influential piece. He'll want to study you, and hope to add you to his side." Daphne reasoned. "Plus, Binns is a ghost, so you being alive is in your favor."
"You would think a ghost would be a good teacher for history," Xander commented.
"Oh they are good teachers, it's just Professor Binns that is substandard in his teaching methods," Luna chimed in.
"Well, that might work. I'll have to see if I can convince Dumbledore to let me teach."
"Why do you want to stay at Hogwarts?" Daphne questioned. This whole afternoon had been a surreal, but enjoyable, experience, ever since she checked in with Luna on what was going on with the Ravenclaws. And now she was having a private dinner with Lord Black.
It was exciting really. For months the Prophet and Teen Witch couldn't stop talking about it; speculating on who he was, what his stances were on certain topics, how old he was or how handsome he was, blah, blah, blah. The only thing anyone really knew with any certainty was that he was a not-old male heir and that he had been living in the United States. The Colonials had been going absolutely barmy at the news that essentially Wizarding Royalty was living among them…only no one could find him.
And now here he was…in all his dashing glory. Good looks, goofy smile and hazel eyes with a witty sense of humor. And a sense of darkness and danger that was absolutely thrilling.
Though Daphne could daydream about snatching the Lord Black for herself she knew to be realistic in her expectations. She was a Greengrass. Her family was modestly wealthy and fairly well connected members of Pureblood stock, but they were by no means aristocratic elites. Definitely not even a tenth as well connected or wealthy as the Black family were. However, she had a feeling that that might not matter to Xander.
It was disappointing to think that by the laws of her society, she just wasn't good enough for him, ordinarily, but the Blacks had been dormant for several years. It wouldn't surprise her if her Mother and Father tried to activate one of their marriage contracts, every other family would be doing so as well. So lost in her own thoughts that she almost failed to miss when Lord Black began to speak.
"I need to be here, both for my health and because this is where I am supposed to be for now. I can't explain it any better."
"You will, once you get rid of the Wrackspurts. They make everything wonky, but you'll get rid of them eventually. More pudding?" Luna passed the dish without waiting for an answer. Daphne contemplated theirs answers before asking her next question.
"What part of the United States did you grow up in?" It was a question especially chosen to gather information about Lord Black's past, upbringing, and hopefully some insight into his political leanings. Her father would pay fantastically for that information, not that she would give all of it to him. And the Prophet and Teen Witch would likely kill for this information.
"Sunnydale, California. Quaint little town infested with demons and vampires that I have helped fight since I was your age. Oh, and we had the best Mexican restaurant called Lupos." Xander was expecting that question, and had already prepared an answer with Giles, an answer designed to discourage attackers and make Xander appear tougher and more experienced than Xander felt. It was not intended to invoke sympathy and hugs, which is what he got from Luna.
"No wonder the Hippleborks follow you and your Wrackspurt infestation is so bad. Growing up on a Drundle must have been horrible." Luna was near tears with concern, hugging Xander from behind and through his chair.
"Uhh, it wasn't too bad, I had my friends, and we were helping people. What's a Drundle?" Xander had no idea why Luna was hugging him, but he had a sneaking suspicion what this Drundle was. Surprisingly it was Daphne that answered.
"The Drundle is a mythical site, a place where magic goes wrong. Witches can't cast spells, potions have strange side effects, magical artifacts get corrupted, portkeys explode. But I thought they were just that, myths. There aren't supposed to be any actual Drundles." There was a slight note of fear in her voice.
Evidently a Drundle was very scary to witches and wizards, which put in on par with what a Hellmouth felt like. Also explained why his mother chose Sunnydale. It was literally the perfect place to hide him from the Wizarding world.
"Home Sweet Home, I guess that does describe where I grew up, but we called it a Hellmouth. I left a lot of friends behind, but when I go visit them, I'll make sure to be extra careful." Xander nonchalantly added. Luna broke off the one sided hug, and returned to her seat. He wasn't sure what to think of the girl, only that she had amazing insight.
"If you grew up on this Hellmouth, then that means that you didn't grow up a wizard," Daphne reasoned. Xander had hoped to keep it a secret a little longer, but too late for that.
"Yeah, I just found out about this all a few months back. I've gotten really good tutors, but learning takes time, something I haven't had. I've only gotten a few spells down, growing up on the Hellmouth put a dampener on my magic, so to speak" Xander confessed, leaving out a few personal details.
"This actually works in your favor. The Headmaster loves to mold new students into what he thinks you should be. Let it 'slip' to him that you need tutors and teachers to learn more magic, and he will practically jump at the chance to guide you. You can suggest the teaching position as a cover." Daphne offered. It was the least she could do; it made her more valuable to Lord Black and it would balance the information tally for the goldmine of secrets he had inadvertently given her.
They talked a little bit more, leaving Xander's life for more neutral topics about the wizarding world: Gringotts, the Ministry, past Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers, The Boy Who Lived (telling that story to Xander brought up Voldemort, the First War, and the current smear campaign, something Xander would talk to Rita about), and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. Once their dinner concluded, with many complements to the chefs, Xander asked the ladies to escort him to the Headmaster, since he had no idea where anything in the castle was. As expected, they complied.
"I honestly have no idea how long this meeting will take, but I'd like to thank you both. You two have been super helpful to me and I won't forget it. If this meeting goes as hoped, I'd see you both again in the near future."
"Of course." Luna giggled.
"At any rate we have to be going. It will be curfew soon. I wish you good fortune in your endeavors, Lord Black." Daphne said formally with a curtsy.
"Yeah, Good luck with the Headmaster. His heart is in the right place even if he does do things that make no sense. Good luck!"
And with that the two young ladies were gone. Xander smiled at them. He then took a deep breath to center himself before marching up the stairs with purpose.
Once more into the Breech…and all that.
Upon arrival into Dumbledore's office Xander immediately noted that the tension that had permeated the room the first time was completely gone. Both men had regained their balance and composure, and here Xander realized belatedly that the real game would commence between them.
Dumbledore rose to greet him. The genial smiled once more on his face. And again, Xander could sense no deception in it. And as Xander extended his senses toward the man he couldn't help but note the man sung with magical energy. The man was had real magical strength, more than he had sensed in anyone else.
"Hello once again, Lord Black. I hope you are feeling better?" Dumbledore asked.
Xander suppressed a flush of embarrassment at his earlier behavior and pushed on. "I would like to formally apologize, Headmaster Dumbledore, for my previous behavior. There is no excuse for it, but the manner of your greeting stirred something within me I had not been expecting. It caught me by surprise in more ways than one. I was reminded of a former enemy whose charm and genial nature led my town into a false sense of trust and security. A great many people died for it."
Dumbledore was genuinely appalled at hearing this. "I…see. How awful." He motioned for Xander to take a seat across from him in which Xander complied.
Dumbledore held out a small bowl of candy "Lemon drop?"
Xander shook his head in the negative. "No, but thank you."
Dumbledore smiled tightly; not quite as genial as before, as if he were studying Xander and saddened by what he had found. Though Xander sensed no intrusion into his mind it made him immediately raise his mental shields.
Dumbledore's smile never left his face though it now turned slightly sad. "Might I inquire as to who did this? To your town, I mean."
Xander felt it couldn't hurt to tell him. "The mayor of my former town, Mayor Richard Wilkins. Also known as Mayor Richard Wilkins the second and third. A Dark Sorcerer and man who directly caused the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, over his lifespan, possibly more, by making it a haven for vampires and demons. Several of my closest friends were killed by them, so when we met I was immediately reminded of him by your manner of greeting. I let my memories and feelings get the best of me and I transferred my hatred of him over to you, and it was not fair. I recognize I was in error, and I will not let it affect my judgement again."
"Apology accepted my dear boy. We all have ghosts we must deal with." Dumbledore acquiesced. "I had guessed there was some deep history with you. I see it in your eyes. It has a sort of haunted quality to them. They speak of deep personal pain and loss. And experience battling the dark. Not all of us come away from such a crucible so well…adjusted."
Xander frowned. He could clearly see that the Headmaster was hinting at something but wasn't sure what. "I did my part battling the demonic. What little good it did. Thankfully I knew real heroes who managed to carry us to victory."
Dumbledore smiled genuinely. "My boy, fighting for the light and all that is good in this world is no trivial thing. Do not sell yourself or your accomplishments short." His smile dissolved into a thoughtful frown. "However, your disturbance in Diagon Alley caused quite a stir amongst the Aurors. While I doubt you will get into trouble, your reluctance to talk with them can cost you in public opinion and politically. The Ministry, and particularly the Aurors, might have taken offense to your refusal to talk to them. Luckily with you, while most at the Ministry disagree with me at the moment, I know few key people who agreed to smooth things over provided you give a full statement tomorrow morning." Dumbledore informed him.
Xander suppressed a wince. Giles had warned him of this and while Xander was still something of a novice in these sorts of things, he recognized Dumbledore's quid pro quo expectation. And he had little choice but to walk head first into it and to play the game by Dumbledore's rules now.
"Thank you for your generosity. How may I repay such a kind gesture?" What he asked for would tell quite a bit about Dumbledore's priorities.
"Let me continue to be the secret keeper for your London Home. I will, of course, include you in the secret, you do own it after all, but allow us to the use of it for the time being. Until a more permanent solution can be found." Not Sirius, not money or influence, but rather keeping control of the house.
Interesting. But Xander knew he needed to learn more.
"I am amenable to this." Xander said. "But I would like to know what my Family home is being used for?"
Xander could sense Dumbledore shift minutely in discomfort before nodding. "Of course. We are using it as a safe house, I am afraid to admit."
That got Xander's attention.
"Safe house?" Xander inquired, though he suspected the answer. Narcissa had told him of the previous war but she hadn't gone into detail, though she admitted it had been a horrible time for their society. Xander's previous study of the insurrection had pointed to massive persecution of non-magical and certain Pureblood families not politically aligned to the Bad Guys extending their little campaign of terrorism. In light of that previous conflict, with the fear of another on the not so distant horizon, a safe haven from the chaos was certainly appealing.
"I suppose that is an acceptable arrangement, for now," Xander conceded. He knew the next part would put him at the disadvantage, and would tell anyone who asked that it was a calculated move to appear weak and vulnerable to lure Dumbledore into a false sense of security, but the truth was that Xander needed Dumbledore much more than Dumbledore needed him. The Headmaster held all the cards, and had the power in this conversation. Xander needed to stay at Hogwarts. The Force told him so, and the Castle would cure him of his infestation that limited his magic. A fact he did not wish to disclose to the Headmaster unless he absolutely had too. He had to do whatever it took to stay in the castle.
"There is something I would request of you. While I have studied some in America, I need more tutoring and practice in using my magic. Due to my peculiar upbringing, I was not able to practice magic until quite recently. I feel that Hogwarts would be the best place to do this. I do not wish to advertise the fact that my magical education is rather limited despite my age. Would I be able to stay here and learn? I could be a teaching assistant to compensate, or I could pay, or both if needed."
"Given the events that happened in Diagon Alley earlier today, one would think your magical education wasn't so limited." Dumbledore stated shrewdly.
Xander had to admit the man missed nothing. He was as good as they came.
"That was more to my training in battling the Demonic and quick thinking. I reacted on instinct. I was more lucky than anything else that I could kill them before they killed me. I can only cast a few combat spells. If I had better training, I could rely on that instead of on my instinct born of fighting demons." He hoped his humility and confession would get him sympathy points.
"You are lucky indeed, but taking any life is a terrible burden you should not get used to, or refer to so casually." Dumbledore's disappointed sigh was textbook Wilkins, but Xander recognized that it was more sincere than his former Mayor, so was able to squash the flare of hatred.
"They attacked a family, with a baby. I won't regret removing their genes from the human race." Dumbledore could have high ethics and a moral pacifist stance, but some things are worth killing over. He'll still have nightmares about it, but he would not regret saving that kid wearing his food on his head.
Dumbledore said nothing for a while, disappointment still present in his face. They would have this conversation again later, but for now Dumbledore didn't press the debate. Dumbledore seemed genuinely surprised by what Xander had requested. He also seemed rather receptive to the idea, it appeared Daphne was correct in her assessment of the Headmaster.
"I believe the best method to get you the tutoring you need would be to have you act as an assistant professor. I assume you don't want your magical inexperience to become common knowledge, so that will be your cover while here." The threat of exposure, while buried in niceness, was still there. "The position will provide you your room and board, but any tutoring expenses you accrue must be paid for by yourself. Are there any particular subjects that you excel at?"
"Killing demons and vampires, and History of Magic," Xander answered quickly. A little too quickly, since Dumbledore's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Xander realized that the Headmaster might be onto him. He was glad Dumbledore was so eager to have some influence over him to cover for his slip.
"While I would like nothing better than to have you replace the current Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, that would prove to be impossible at this time. Assuming you are able to pass a competency exam on the subject, Hogwarts will hire you as assistant professor to Professor Binns. However, it is getting late, we can discuss the details after your exam tomorrow at 10:00am. Do you have sleeping arrangements, I could provide you with a place to stay tonight?" Dumbledore offered.
"Thank you, but I will be heading to Grimmauld Place. I have some additional business to discuss with Sirius, but I will be here tomorrow morning. I'll probably be early as I have some additional Family Business to deal with concerning some students, but I will be free by the time of the exam. Farewell, Headmaster." It was a hollow victory, but let him stew on who he had family business with. From what he understood, invoking Family Business made it social and political suicide to attempt to interfere or pry. It would be the equivalent to a presidential candidate in the US declaring that all puppies should be shot. Not illegal, but taboo nonetheless. On the other hand, invoking it too often will bring shame and derision from the other major families.
"Until tomorrow, Lord Alexander. And I do hope you consider reinstating Sirius into the House Black, he has suffered enough." Dumbledore requested in his grandfatherly tone that still grated on Xander slightly. However, he remembered what Daphne had asked about his heir earlier. Should someone kill him, who would get his family money and power?
"I will consider it, but I doubt I will reinstate him to an inheriting position." The scowl that briefly passed over Dumbledore, invisible to everyone except those enhanced with the Force, told Xander that Sirius would never be his heir, too much temptation to Dumbledore to assassinate him and then control Sirius into doing his bidding. But that might be his cynical side showing. "And truthfully I don't think Sirius would want it. Farewell, Headmaster, again, and good night."
It was after curfew when Xander received the secret from the Headmaster and left Dumbledore's office, so unfortunately he would not be able to deliver Sirius letter to Harry. That was the main reason why he would be returning early in the morning before the exam, which he would have to study some for. Just like old times, studying for tests the night before. He'd have the opportunity to give the letter to his uncle's godson, which would make him his . . . god-cousin (maybe?) before breakfast.
From what he heard from Luna, the other student he needed to talk to, Hermione Granger, was friends with Harry, so he could get both conversations over with at the same time. For now, though, he would go to his London home (it still felt weird to think he had a home in London) and signal the goblins that Sirius could be taken there.
He wondered how upset Sirius was for sticking him with Rita all afternoon with instructions to answer all her questions honestly. Even if he was, there wasn't much he could do.
Was there?