There are no pairings for this story yet. There are no sexual relationships or such until later years. This story is slightly AU and it expands upon JKR's original wizarding world in a way. I do not own any of JKR's works and do not own any of her characters.
This is not a bashing story. I will not be bashing Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, or Severus Snape. I'm just dashing logic into their plots and some realism.
POV does change several times, but I think I've made it clear when it changes.
Note: Justin Finch-Fletchley is a Hufflepuff instead of Ravenclaw and I accidentally wrote Oliver Rivers instead of Olivia. I want the number of students to be nearly as even as possible. So, the number of students in each house is between 9 and 11.
Chapter 4: New Foundations
At exactly 6 in the morning, a low chiming rang throughout the castle until it grew so loud that every student and adult in the castle was also awake. From the towers to the dungeons, everyone sprang from their beds to find their uniforms laid out on their trunks, as well as a note.
Students,
Every morning for the next month, all students are expected to get up for the day at 6 in the morning. You will have an hour to get dressed and gather your textbooks and work into your bag before having a meeting in your common room. These meetings may or may not be longer than fifteen minutes, then you can head to breakfast in the Great Hall, so the staff at Hogwarts recommend everyone be early to these meetings. There are many changes starting at Hogwarts and all the staff have been up all night to make this school the best it should be.
Good luck and best wishes,
The Staff of Hogwarts
As the students read the notes, they all began to slump from their beds. The previous night, most students stayed up in their shared dorm rooms getting to know each other. Some of the older students were working out their previous dislikes of each other and others were getting a feel of what other students in their year were really like. Unfortunately, some students left a bad impression on their housemates, but none so bad that they'd be isolated from their peers.
Draco Malfoy was one such student who was pushing his luck with his dormmates. It was only due to his shock of the events of last evening that kept his foal words from escaping his mouth. Theodore Nott initially received the cold shoulder from Anthony Goldstein and Ernest Macmillan, but the boys found that they have similar interest in rune books and the original mythologies. Michael Corner was the first to speak to Draco, luckily for both of the young boys, Draco's answers were minimal and nonconsequential. But, of course, Draco did spout that Slytherin was the only acceptable house and that Ravenclaw was only the second best. That earned him clipped conversation from his roommates the rest of the night.
Hermione Granger was another such student who was on the verge of isolating herself from her peers. She spouted quotes from Hogwarts, A History like it was the only things she knew to say. Unfortunately, Hermione blugered the introduction welcome of Ravenclaw. When meeting the other students, she talked over them, questioned what their status was in the wizarding world, and did not demonstrate any appropriate etiquette. The older years all wanted to correct her and tell her how rude she was being but decided to let her learn on her own. Hermione's dormmates snapped at her in the privacy in their dorm when she gave yet another quote from Hogwarts, A History. Insulted by their shushing her, Hermione asked her dormmates in return,
"Well, I'm just telling you what this place means, what is the harm in that?"
To which Parvati Patil in her frustration yelled,
"Most of us already know the history! Most of us grew up with this knowledge and have at least one parent or guardian to show us magic. Just because you are new to this world, does not mean you can act as a verbal guide to a book only meant for bedtime stories. Maybe you should take time to observe this world outside of a book to see that you have thoroughly annoyed just about everyone in this house tonight."
All the fight in Hermione left as she looked around her dorm and saw Fay Dunbar and Hanna Abbott nod in agreement. Hermione remembered how she could never make any friends growing up, how no one could keep up with her in conversation and they left without a word. Now that she thought about it, she never let them get a word in and she didn't have kids that liked to talk to her growing up because of it. Hermione wanted things to be different here. Hermione needed it to be different. So, she stepped back and looked like the eleven-year-old child she is. She decided then that she would be a child instead of speaking like an adult or trying to maintain an authority to her tone. She would make friends and she would try to have fun and learn at the same time.
"I am sorry. I just don't know how to…be like everyone else my age."
At her response, Hermione's dormmates gave her a chance. They made what conversation they could with her before Hermione turned in for bed. Her roommates got into discussion on the War and what Professor Snape said at the Feast. If she weren't so shy and nervous, she'd join the conversation. Instead, she lay in her bed, listening to their discussion. What she heard honestly scared Hermione. Entire families killed. Terrorism in the magical world, that was the most terrifying thing that Hermione learned that night.
Little did any of these students know, they'd soon learn that some relatives, parents, or siblings were no longer alive or with magic.
In the Slytherin common room, all the students were gathered in similar fashion as last night. There was notably less awkwardness and more closure between the upper years. The first years were closest to Professor Snape and they could see that the man was clearly exhausted. For Aresa, she was concerned for her professor, Professor Snape had tutored Draco and her over the past three summers. This man was stern and by the book, but often showed how to remedy potion better than the original recipe. Professor Snape had her respect and she hoped that this year would be easier on him.
"Students, all the Professors and I worked throughout the night to come up with plans for the school. Plans we have wanted for years but were no longer able to make. For one, Divination has been cut from the curriculum as well as Muggle Studies. The Muggle Studies professor has resigned and left the premises after admitting she knew nothing of the modern muggle world. Professor Trelawney has been fired and will remain in her quarters until she finds a place to live. Three courses have been added to the curriculum, but do not worry about the needed textbooks, the staff we've hired overnight are bringing plenty for you all.
First through fourth years, you have two new mandatory classes. The first being an introductory course to Potions for first years. Traditions, Customs, and Cultures for years one through four. An introductory class to Magic and the Wizarding World for first years. World geography, Flying, Dark Arts, and Magical Theory for all years. Transfiguration has been split into two: first through fourth years will be taught by a new professor and fifth years and up will be taught by the Deputy Headmistress still.
Now, not all of these courses will start immediately as your schedules are tightly packed by the now mandatory classes and such. There will still be time for extra-curricular activities, but the fact is that Hogwarts is behind on its curriculum. Magical Brittan has been stunted by decades of lack of growth in classes and the neglect of updating the courses. Some professors have been replaced altogether. The Muggle Studies class will remain and be taught by a muggleborn. It has been utterly ridiculous that a pureblood has been teaching the class for nearly a decade and has never been in the muggle world.
All nations of magic are taking last night's events seriously. We were not the only one's magic effected. Other countries had issues as well. This is our chance to bring the Magical World back to glory and advance ourselves. Almost a century behind, utterly ridiculous and outdated. Now my dear snakes, you all will go to breakfast and receive your new schedules as well as an updated map of the castle. Bring your books and writing utensils with you throughout the day, you will need them to refamiliarized yourself with the castle, among other things. Off you go, but do not embarrass yourselves or each other today."
After his speech, the students gathered in groups of their years and made sure they were all presentable. Aresa gave Harry two looks over, his hair agitated her slightly, it was very unkempt and went in many directions. Harry looked bashful under the growing attention he was receiving from his peers and turned beet red as Aresa pulled what looked to be a comb of some sort from her sleeve. It was a magical comb, Aresa explained, that would keep his hair neat from daily issues like frizz and pooffing. A third year added a cleansing charm as well to the comb before Harry used it, since wetting it would help tame his hair. With Harry's hair settled and everyone spotless, they all headed up to the Great Hall, lead by the 7th years, lead by Professor Snape. All the first years followed closely and tried to memorize their path from the House to the Great Hall. By time they arrived at their destination, the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were also arriving, also lead by their Head of House. The older students glanced at their old housemates and friends but said nothing and stuck to their houses.
The Gryffindor's were the last to arrive. All were a bit disheveled and showed signs of tiredness, but they were in semi-order. They were lead by Professor McGongall, the stern witch looked exhausted, much like the rest of the professor's. Once they were seated, all the Heads went to the head table and joined their fellow professors. There were many new faces that weren't there the previous night. Some professors were gone entirely. There were more professors seated at the head table than the table allowed. But what made Aresa grow further confused was that her aunts was seated at the table as well. Headmaster Dumbledore was nowhere in sight, in his place sat McGongall. She sat in the middle and swept her eyes over every table before she spoke,
"Good morning students. After last evenings events, we professors have had a long night. It is my duty to inform you that Albus Dumbledore is no longer headmaster here at Hogwarts. It has been discovered that he has a mental condition that some muggleborn students may be familiar with. Alzheimer's Disease. The disease is not contagious, I can assure you. But as a witch or wizard, the disease effects us a bit differently. Dumbledore's onset of this illness started in the 1970's apparently. He is being treated and examined in St. Mungo's as we speak. Maybe one day, he will return to his normal self, but in the mean time, I will be acting Headmistress.
As you can also tell, there are more people here at this table and it is my duty to inform all of you that these are all our newest professors. Classes have been added to the curriculum that should have been added and updated decades ago. With all these new classes, there is a tighter schedule for all of you. There will be little to no time for study sessions during the week, so we took a few hours to work out new schedules for each year. All houses will have class together. The castle has accommodated every classroom to meet this standard. Study Halls will now be on weekends."
At this sentence, many students groaned. Headmistress McGongall was not having any of their drama. With a sharp slap on the table, many students stopped their complaining and grew serious at her expression,
"This is a boarding school ladies and gentlemen, not a seven year stay hotel for social exchange! Do any of you know how much just a semester costs here? Are any of you paying for tuition? The school has had a surplus of savings for decades that should have been used to revamp this institution. We have worked throughout the night to ensure that all the textbooks for your classes are provided for each and every one of you. Most of your textbooks are outdated and will no longer be used from this day forward. Yes, all of your textbooks are being replaced. Be it that the copy was new or used. As will your required supplies for potions and such."
Murmurs filled the hall. Squeals of excitement and whispered questions.
"Furthermore, your new classes that are required for every year are Astronomy, Flying, Magical Theory, Magic Species, World Geography, and Dark Arts."
Gasps and scoffs alike filled the hall. Shouting began to erupt in protest but with a smothering glare, all the noise stopped,
"For all the 3rd years and up, your new mandatory classes are Health, International Wizarding History, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Magic Species."
This time the students just sat in stunned silence. McGongall continued,
"Now, 1st years, there are essential new required classes for all of you. Muggleborns and Pure-Blood alike. There are things about this world that you do not know or understand and your parents or guardian may be an unreliable source of information. Therefore these classes will be implemented, Introductory Class to Magic and the Wizarding World will begin today and Traditions, Customs, and Culture will start next semester. Second years, Arithmancy is now a required course from your year forward.
The standard for witches and wizards have dropped significantly. Hardly any witch and wizard can do more than simple math. The wizarding community of Britain has become too self centered and has not had good relations with other communities outside for decades. There are no other institutions for teaching magic in Britain other than tutors, we worked hard last night to ensure that no future witch or wizard will graduate without the proper knowledge and understanding of the magical world and the muggle world. We will no longer allow any student to be ignorant to events of history and today. You all will learn and you all will pay attention. Slacking off is not permitted in the slightest. If anyone falls behind their peers, there will be tutors. If anyone falls drastically behind overall, they will repeat the course they failed over the summer. Yes, Hogwarts will now be open over the summer as well. There will be special programs and opportunities available to explore the magical and muggle world. SUPERVISED.
On another note, Madame Amelia Bones is now Minister of Magic. She has not slept a wink since last night and probably won't for the next few days. She is another reason we have added and updated classes. Madame Bones has seen first hand how unprepared many Aurors and Ministry workers are ill prepared for jobs and the like after graduating Hogwarts. She came by the castle after you all went to bed and dropped off her new requirements for all education. So, by time all of you graduate, you'll be more qualified than the witch or wizard who holds the job you want."
No student spoke but they glanced around at each other. Some were very eager for these changes. Some were scared they'd be held back. Some new they'd have to work harder to graduate and some were in denial that anything would effect them.
At Hufflepuff's table, Ronald Weasley was also paying attention and tried to look to his brothers for some sort of comfort and assurance. His stomach was also growling. He saw Percy solely looking at the Head table from Ravenclaw and the twins were having a silent conversation between themselves at the Slytherin table. So, he looked for Harry and saw that his new friend was instead deep in his own thoughts. No one was looking at him and that bothered Ron. He had no one to turn to in that moment, for a second he felt a burning ache that made his head and face hot. Jealousy and anger. His time at Hogwarts was going so different from how he expected. His brothers were further from him than before and it hurt. Ron didn't want to be alone, he wanted his family.
As if sensing the turmoil of the first year, a 3rd year Hufflepuff assessed Ronald and saw what he needed to do. Asking his mate to switch seats with him, Cedric Diggory sat next to the youngest Weasley boy and gave him a soft pat on the back. The two met eyes and Ron felt a bit better. Cedric gave the boy an encouraging nod and Ron knew he wasn't alone after all.
At Ravenclaw table, Hermione Granger was beyond excited. She had wanted to ask the new Headmistress so many questions, to hear all the woman had to say. There would be so many opportunities now, she thought. There will be so much studying and work to do that she won't have to worry about sports or girly things like all the kids from her primary school seemed to care about. She hadn't even considered the ramifications of not keeping up with muggle math and studies while studying magic. The young Ravenclaw was eager to receive the new class schedule, eager to get more to study. Hermione most looked forward to the Traditions, Customs, and Culture class.
Professor McGongall continued,
"Now to introduce your new professors. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin. Our professor for the new class Dark Arts, Jane Court. The new professor for Care of Magical Creatures, Michelle Fowler. The professor for the new class Arts, Stephanie Green. The new professor for Alchemy, Elizabeth Chandr. The new professor for Music is Dahlia Felury. The professor for the new class Health is Andromeda Tonks nee Black. The new professor for History of Magic is Kevin Jerffries. The professor for the new class Magic Species is Eldred Portie. The new professor for the new class Magical Theory is David McScotty. The new professor for Muggle Studies is Matthew Jayce. The professor for the new class World Geography is Timothy Stevens, The professor for the new class International Wizarding History is Richard Matten. Mary MacDonald is to teach an introductory course for Potions for 1st years the first half of term. Narcissa Black is going to teach Traditions, Customs, and Culture, the course will begin when you all return from Yule Holiday. Tradition, Customs, and Culture will be co-taught with Victoria Zabini for 1st through 4th years. J.E. (Jennifer Eve) Prewitt will be teaching Transfiguration for 1st through 4th years from now on.
I, myself, am now Headmistress and will still teach to maintain a connection to you all. A Deputy Headmistress or Headmaster has not yet been decided, but with the staffed we've gained, there won't be a need for one for a few years. All the other Heads of Houses will continue to teach their classes. I will remain Head of House for Gryffindor until I can find a suitable replacement."
Cries of disagreement came from all over the hall, former Gryffindor's and the new ones alike. Students were also inspecting the new professors. These were people they had never heard of. A few girls whispered to their friends about Gilderoy Lockhart deserving the position for Defense or another class. Remus Lupin could hear these comments, but the man was patient and he knew of what happened to their beloved author. McGonagall snapped and abruptly stood, as she too could hear their comments,
"The morning papers will arrive shortly, but I guess I must inform you ladies, Gilderoy Lockhart has been stripped of his magic for falsifying his adventures that were the work of others and the hundreds of people he obliviated to keep his secrets and fame. The man has been stripped of the farse honors the departed Minister Fudge had given the con. Remus Lupin will be a great professor, especially considering who was initially going to teach the course. The man's books were riddled with contradictions and spell errors. If there wasn't already enough uproar and shock over the deaths and stripping of magic, Lockhart would be on the front page.
Now, as I said, the papers will be here shortly, and I want you all to know that they have not yet recorded every death and stripping of magic. Many of you will also be receiving owls from family. Magic did not just effect Britain, she also went to every wizarding nation and rectified their societies. I want each and every one of you to prepare for the news that may come to you today, not just from your family here in Britain but also your family around the world."
With those words, McGonagall sat down and food appeared in front of everyone.
Harry stared at the mountains of food in front of him. There were so many foods he didn't recognize and didn't know where to start. To his right, Blaise Zabini placed a pastry on Harry's plate, as well as, some meats that Harry didn't recognize. The goblet in front of Harry didn't seem appealing to him. The orange and thick looking liquid didn't seem like orange juice. Aresa saw his discomfort and tapped the goblet with her finger and the liquid drained out of sight and apple juice replaced it. Harry's eyes went wide and Aresa simply shrugged her shoulders,
"Pumpkin juice is a bit revolting. My aunts told me that it's the default drink the house elves first provide for every goblet, but they change it according to our preference when you tap the goblet."
Harry had many questions about Aresa's statement but simply nodded and went to dig in his breakfast. Aresa on the other hand was trying to get a read on Harry. He was very new to this world. That she could tell. She guessed that he didn't feel comfortable asking many questions. Aresa sighed and spoke lowly near Harry's ear,
"If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. This is a place to ask all and receive answers."
Harry glanced down at his lap as he spoke,
"I don't know about house elves…"
Aresa took a sip of her apple juice,
"They are a species of elves that have magic that thrives off of a bond with a witch or wizard. The have greater strength from being bonded to families. The greater population they aide or serve, the more fulfilled and lively they are. They are small, skinny, and most are given names by their elven families."
Again, Harry nodded, but Aresa knew he was paying attention. The rest of breakfast, many students were chatting with their housemates and some were more animated than others. Even at the staff table, the professor's were talking adamantly. As the first meal drew to a close, McGongall stood and the hall fell silent,
"Now that everyone has had their fill, here are your schedules."
With a wave of her wand, parchment attached to what seemed to be a clipboard replaced the food on the table in front of every student. On the parchment was a list of every class for their year and a blocked schedule showing the duration of their classes and where they were located. Directly under this parchment was another. This one was a map of Hogwarts main floor. All the students were amazed. The older students noticed that their classes would be in different rooms than before. Some classes were in different parts of the castle entirely.
"Now, these maps change their landscape when you go on different floors to show you where your next class is. Each of you have a copy and I highly recommend you don't lose it. Professor Flitwick and Professor Snape worked long to ensure these were liquid proof and legible, charmed to the classrooms of your classes and specific to each year. As I stated before, all houses will be taking the same classes with their year mates. There won't be anymore separation of two houses per class. Overtime, if the class size is too big for one professor to handle, then the professor will get an assistant or two.
The decision to have every house in each class is to promote unity between all of you. The House Points system is going to be suspended till after Yule Holiday. I want all of you to know that the House Cup is not meant to divide the houses, it's meant to be a challenge of knowledge and skills. House Points will still be given and taken away when necessary, however, the House Cup will merely be that, a cup. The cup will be housed in the common room of the house that wins for several weeks until you all return home. The House Cup will now be presented after your classes end and before your exams start. It will no longer be housed in a common room for a year until another house wins. Awards will also be given to the top five students of each year at the End of Year Feast. These students will be picked based on both their academics and any noteworthy good deeds.
Detentions will now be assigned and given much more fairly and in better conditions. Detentions will be served by a staff member for two hours after dinner in the classroom of the professor who served the detention. Discipline will be enforced from now on. More than five detentions per semester will result in suspension and summer classes away from your peers. Expulsion will be implemented if there are any duels that result in serious injury, trends of malevolent behavior towards other students or staff, or to magical creatures.
All perfects and the head students are currently under process to be reassigned. Whether or not the students who held these badges last night will get them again will be decided based on their academics and behavior. Also, it is my duty to inform you all that Headmaster Dumbledore had originally planned to restrict the third floor corridor this year, due to the will of Magic herself, the threat has been resolved and the matter is closed of investigation.
I expect each and everyone of you to put forth your best effort. Good luck and welcome to your first day at the improved Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
I looked down at my schedule and saw that it was packed tightly. A few whistles sounded off from students around the hall, apparently all the schedules were tighter than normal. Beside me, Harry was rummaging through his satchel bag and I peaked at the contents. Several books that weren't in the original assigned list. I brought my bag up to my lap and found that there were more books in mine as well. More so, all the books I'd already gotten were brand new editions. The professors must've done a lot of charms overnight, my bag and Harry's were organized in similar fashion.
"Wow. It'll take at least a week to get used to, but I think we'll all be fine. Especially when we form our study groups. Don't you all agree?"
All the other first years at the table gave incredulous and worried looks. Harry even looked unsure himself. Blaise simply shrugged and started glimpsing through our new books. With a sigh, I shook my head,
"Look, we are magical people. Anything is possible. Going to classes and studying won't be the hardest things to do in our lives. As I stated last night, if you really love magic, then prove it. Now is the time to prove you are worthy of magic. We're going to start with the basics of course, but don't expect to be babied. School is supposed to be a challenge and preparation. The new headmistress didn't say she was going to cancel your precious Quidditch now, did she? Of course not! Don't worry about not having fun, there will be time for that, but our education comes first. Now take a good look at your schedules, it's almost time for class and we will be prompt. We're about to learn official magic."
Blaise grinned then,
"No more bouts of accidental magic driven by emotions."
Harry even wore a genuine smile,
"Real magic."
All us first years gathered first at the entrance to leave the Hall where we met our new professor. Blaise's Aunt Victoria Zabini, Professor of Introductory Class to Magic and the Wizarding World, stood tall and proud. She counted each of us before turning and silently walking down the hall. Blaise, knowing his aunt's mannerisms, quickly followed and in that action, began to lead all of us after her. Through our rush to follow after Professor Zabini, we all mixed together, not bothering to restrict ourselves from standing beside our friends in different houses as we moved. Draco had come to my side, as well as Daphne. Ronald Weasley tried to get close to Harry, but he had a lot of other classmates to get through. Instead, beside Harry Potter was one Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Neither of them spoke to each other but smiles were exchanged, and I knew that Harry would definitely be alright. For our first class at least.
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed the new chapter. For the repetition of information, I wanted to show the differences in how Snape and McGongall explain things to students. Both are blunt but have their own tones to the messages they deliver. The rest of the story won't be nearly as slow paced as these first chapters. I want you all to get a feel of how different things are, how characters are affected, and hint at the greater changes. But, don't worry, there will adventures and demonstrations of all kinds of magic.
Leave a comment and ask questions. I am active and writing.
Stay safe and healthy! Just because places are opening, doesn't mean this pandemic is over. Be cautious for yourself and others out there.