A/N This chapter will prove interesting and required a lot of planning and so forth. I want to give a quick arigato to both FehrlyEvil and the author formally known as Melissa Ivory for the assistance they gave me in preparing some of the characters you will encounter in this chapter. One thing (among many others) that Joanne Kathleen Rowling the sane mind behind the Harry Potter Series did not dwell into was how the 2nd year students were informed about all the courses Hermione had signed up for in Prisoner of Azkaban (Well technically she signed up for them in Chamber of Secrets but Hermione was actually taking the courses in Prisoner of Azkaban.) Also another Arigato and a Welcome to my newest beta reader Kittyluver87 Who along with The author formally known as Melissa Ivory betaed this chapter.
Chapter 14(15) A Different Easter
Amy came back from classes Monday afternoon to find a note on the Bulletin Board in Gryffindor.
"Classes will end Thursday after lunch so the 2nd years can attend an assembly on Electives for next year."
"This should prove interesting. Anyone know what classes we can substitute them for?" Nigel wondered.
"Hate to say it Nelson but you will still be taking the classes you're currently taking,"
Thursday Amy could barely concentrate during Double Herbology since she was thinking about what courses she might want to take. Lunch proved real quiet. When lunch ended the 2nd years stuck around while everyone else left for their common rooms in most cases to either study or pack their stuff for the next day when they were scheduled to leave for Easter Break.
"I'm glad everyone stuck around who was supposed to," McGonagall said. "During your first two years your Education has focused on the core essential skills every witch and wizard should be familiar with. Skills such as Charms, Potionry, Transfiguration, History, Herbology, and Defense Skills. Well Starting as Third Years you have a chance to take some extra courses that interest you. This is the list of courses you can choose from, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Study of Ancient Runes, Wizarding Government and Politics, Care of Magical Creatures, and finally Divination. Another class is open to any student at the request of the Professor and that is Japanese. I could just give you a packet of pieces of parchment and let you read up on the Courses but I figured letting each Professor give a brief description of the Course might be better. Professor Vector would you like to start."
"Certainly Professor McGonagall, Numbers can be critical and can tell you a lot about a person. Numerology deals with the study of those numbers. Numerology is part of the Magical world known as Arithmancy and if you take my class you will get a chance to learn all the ways that numbers influence our lives. Please note that Arithmancy is nothing like Divination. Professor Sheer I think you're next."
"Thanks Professor Vector, I'm Professor Vance Sheer. Like some of you I was born into the world by non magical or Muggle Parents. Therefore I know a number of things about the non-magical world that a wizard or witch born into the magical world would not necessarily be familiar with. My Course appropriately named Muggle Studies is designed to teach the young Witch or Wizard how to get by in the non-magical world. My course is so vital that I'm actually shocked that it isn't part of the core. Hagrid, you're next."
"Thanks Professor Sheer. The Wizarding World has lots of fabulous Flora and Fauna. In your required Herbology Class you learn about the Flora. I'm here to in addition to my duties as game keeper and keeper of the keys to Hogwarts to teach you about the Fauna of the Magical World in a course known as Care of Magical Creatures. It's a course where you really have to pay attention otherwise serious injury or and I'm thankful this hasn't happened even death can occur. Professor Translet is next.
" konnichi-wa banjin Translet Kari kykoju ga watashi. In English what I said would translate fully as Good Day everyone I am Professor Kari Translet. What I teach is a very untraditional course at Hogwarts. I teach the poetic language known as Japanese. Periodically those of you who work with people from other cultures such as the Exchange students who are here this year or for those of you who Next Spring will be heading off to Japan to spend a year there, knowledge of a Foreign Language could prove critical. In fact for those of you who decide to go to Japan my course will be required. Make sure you mention this even to any in this year's first years, since my class is open to all years. Are there any left to speak?"
"Yes there are, Professor Translet. I can tell that some of you will be joining me in the North Tower next year to learn how to properly read tea leaves, how to interpret the images in a Crystal Ball and even what the lines on the palm of your hand refer to. My Class is very precise and only those in possession of a true clear Inner Eye will do well in my class on Divination," Professor Trelawny said before she left the room."
"Not bad for someone who takes stock in a lot of puffery and guess work. There is one other class you will be able to take next year. That class is on Wizarding Government and Politics, which would take you deep inside the workings of among other things our own Ministry of Magic along with the International Confederation of Wizardry. Being that next year will be the first year for the class and the Wizarding Education Office just gave us the Go ahead this week to offer the course we have yet to hire a professor for the class. I want to say one thing; it seems like at one student every couple years tries to overdo their schedule and sign up for everything. Such a move can really be a burden on the student. Therefore a few years ago we decided to limit a student to no more then 3 electives," McGonagall said.
A few students had questions about some things dealing with the courses. Finally Professors Snape, Flitwick, Sprout, and Potter started to hand out the packets dealing with the registration for the courses. Amy's packet included a note.
"Amy, if you and your group want to sneak off now for Break you can do so."
Amy headed back to Gryffindor with Emily and Shiki who had taken the time to attend it since she was definitely transferring to Hogwarts over the summer. All the Exchange Students except Majikku Shishou Wa, since he had left end of the previous month so he could return to Japan to Start the Academic year there with his classmates, Kusa, Hebi no Naka, and Kishoukachi, Hichiriki the last two being seventh years were cleared to transfer to Hogwarts though only McGonagall and the individual students were aware of that fact: in fact each student wasn't even aware that their companions were cleared. They had each been sworn to secrecy about it afterwards. Amy of course knew Shiki was transferring due to the Potters taking the 2nd year in. When they walked into Gryffindor Amy gave Elly, and Abby quick taps on the Shoulder and made discrete references to the girl's stairway. The two first years followed them upstairs.
"Amy, what is going on?" Elly wondered when they were in the safety of the 2nd year Girls Dorm.
"Not too much just a little sanctioned sneaking off. Lily Potter," Amy called.
"Yes Amy," Lily said when she floated in through the wall.
"Go to Hufflepuff and tell Joshua Dursley to meet his party at the gates into Hogsmeade in one hour," Amy said. "He is to tell no one where he is going."
"Right, You mind if I scare a few of them in the process."
"I think they're used to ghosts by now, there are enough of them around Hogwarts," Emily said.
At the Appointed time everyone started to head for the gates. Joshua, though was a little shaky when he arrived.
"I almost didn't make it, Snape caught me trying to sneak out. The one thing that saved me was one of the Prefects. Some girl named Miss Holmes."
"That's Melanie Holmes one of the Gryffindor Prefects. She is great Josh. There isn't a single girl in my year who doesn't look upon her as a friend," Amy said. "Come on let's go."
"If so much as one of you steps outside that gate I will give every last one of you detention over the Easter Break and take lots of points off of your respective houses," Snape said as he appeared. "Students aren't allowed to leave for Easter Break until tomorrow. Come on back to the Castle."
They reluctantly went back to the Castle where Snape lead them to his office. He then left.
"I bet he went to get Amy's dad since most of you are in his house."
"Come on I've got a sneaky plan but we've gotta hurry," Amy said as she distributed Floo Powder to the group. "Our destination is Tate Plato." Amy then went through the Fireplace in Snape's office, her assorted relations quickly following her. In fact Joshua just made it through when Snape returned with Harry and McGonagall.
"Nice Try Severus, but it won't work," Harry said.
"Why I never saw such foolishness from a Professor. Good Day Severus."
"But I actually had Harry's daughter and a few of her cronies in here."
When they left the Fireplace they were in a very nice home. A House Elf was nearby dusting.
"Oh hi, I wasn't expecting anyone, here let me help you brush off," the elf said.
"We're friends of Lynda's she had owled ahead that she would be here over the holidays," Amy said.
"Lynda hasn't arrived yet. She will be arriving here after school tomorrow," the house elf said. "Here let me de-soot your clothes.
"So Amy, what's our next move go back to School and try to return tomorrow knowing Snape will try to whomp on us big time for sneaking out of school using his fireplace or your house and return tomorrow knowing your mother won't whomp on us?" Emily wondered.
"Or you all can come sit down in the Parlor while Shauna takes your bags to your rooms," A Voice said. Everyone looked up as a tall woman with cocoa-brown hair and a very light blue eyes walked into the room. Her voice was very pleasant.
"Ah Hi," Joshua said as he looked upon her.
"We weren't expecting you until tomorrow I'm Ms. Tate," The woman said.
"My dad gave us permission to leave today," Amy said. "Even at that it wasn't easy. One of the professors who didn't realize we had permission to leave early nailed us. We slipped off though while his back was turned."
"You must be Amy then," Ms. Tate said.
"Yes I am," Amy replied.
The others quickly introduced themselves. During Dinner that night Hedwig made an appearance.
"Whose owl is that?"
"It's my parent's," Amy said as she took the note off.
Amy
Snape is really on a warpath. He claimed to have you and the others in his office, having caught you leaving early. Funny thing is He's having a hard time proving it. I hope you arrived at your destination safely. Owl me back so I know you are safe.
Harry
Amy quickly wrote a note that explained her side of the story including how they finally slipped out. When Amy went to bed that night, she was just laying down when she was suddenly pounced on.
"Lumos."
She looked up to find Lynda on hand.
"My mum contacted me using the fireplace to let me know you were here already. I hope you brought your broom with you."
"Actually I did," Amy said "I shrank it down and put it with my wand. Emily and Shiki brought theirs as well."
"What models do they have?"
"Emily's is a Cleansweep 17 and Shiki has some kind of Japanese Model she brought with her from Japan.
"Good After School Tomorrow we'll head for my mum's Quidditch Pitch. My mum's family is about as Wealthy as my dad's."
Amy spent the daytime worrying about her classes for next year. Soon as Lynda got home they headed for the Pitch.
"What model broom is that Shiki?" Lynda wondered.
"A Shogun 470, It's not the top of the line Japanese Model but, it's comparable," Shiki said.
"Elly, where is your broom. I thought the tradition in the family these days was that soon as you turned twelve you received a broom. That and Grandma making everyone sweaters at Christmastime."
"Mom and Dad decided to wait until summer to buy my broom. That way I can pick out what model I want. I doubt I'll get something as expensive as what Amy has."
"I knew what model I wanted and yet I didn't get it, but I got a better model," Amy commented.
Elly took the time to grab a Firebolt 6 that was in the Broom Shed. Amy, Emily, and Shiki boarded their normal brooms while Lynda boarded her Comet 300. Joshua took to the air on a Nimbus 2008. Abigale stayed on the ground though.
"Why aren't you up there flying with the others?"
"I tend to get sick whenever I'm going anything faster then human speed. Here I am a witch and I can't even handle flying a broom. I'm about the only person in my class who flunked Flying," Abigale said. "My first time up I was ok but the second time I got sick. I actually threw up onto the Flying Instructor one day."
"I had trouble flying at first myself. Not everyone is a born flyer. There was this one guy in my class who it seemed was born to fly. His first time on a broom he flew so well that he made his house Quidditch Team and he didn't even know what Quidditch was."
"Was he a Muggle Born like me?" Abby asked ignoring the fact that her mother was a witch.
"No he was born to magical parents but he was raised by muggles. My own family goes way back. We've had since the Dark Ages about a dozen squibs."
"Are squibs good?"
"Well Not exactly. A squib is a child born to magical parents but lacks magic. Basically a squib is the opposite of a magical child born to Muggle Parents."
"I see," Abby said. "It really bites that my own brother can fly so well and I am stuck on the ground. I even consulted with the School Nurse and she tried several potions but they don't help. I even tried muggle remedies without success."
"Abigale I wonder if your problem deals partly with your mind and partly with some unknown problem."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm wondering if part of the reason you get sick when you are going faster then human speed is because you think you are going to get sick. This summer I'd get an exam done to make sure that you aren't extra sensitive to certain kinds of motion. How bad are you on the carts at Gringott's?"
"Well I managed the couple times I've taken them but it's only a matter of time."
"Abigale, I'm going to make it my goal by Holidays end to get it so you can fly with your friends and be comfortable. Who knows you might succeed at using Muggle Transportation without getting sick as well."
"You can certainly try," Abigale said.
That night Ms Tate made up a feast. The Girls soon headed for the Room where they were basically camping out
"So what's the plan tomorrow."
"I might find a way to sneak over to my dad's," Emily said.
"I have of all things homework to do," Lynda said.
"I might take my broom through its paces."
"Em, you think your dad and George would scream if I joined you."
"Hard to say Elly."
"I'm going to do some advanced reading," Joshua muttered.
"I kind of have plans," Abby said.
"I'm still working on my course work for next year," Amy told the group.
The next morning everyone got together for one of Shauna's feasts. Afterwards Emily and Elly headed for Diagon Alley, while Lynda hit the books so she could get her homework out of the way. Shiki meanwhile headed off flying. Amy of course was busy choosing her courses. Abby and Sarah (Lynda's mother) also headed off. Sarah found a Nimbus 2009 for Abby to utilize for her special lessons.
"How fast does this broom go?"
"It can reach speeds of 266 km/h in a matter of seconds," Sarah told her.
"Oh great," Abby said. "Well look out below," She commented as she took off. She was going fairly fast and almost sent Shiki into a spin. "Whoa Abby ease up on your grip and lean back more."
Abby did so and the broom slowed down a ways such that she was going about 100km/h.
"Thanks Shiki."
"Thought you had plans."
"I did Lynda's mom is helping me with my flying."
"Well think fast Abby," Shiki said as she sent a quick charm her way. Abby of course was too quick even at the slower speed.
Around lunchtime they landed.
"Well you obviously kept your breakfast down. Your acceleration of course needs work. Even though a broom is capable of going at high speeds like that doesn't mean you have to go at them.
"Sorry Professor Tate," Abby said since she looked at Lynda's mom as being a professor. "Of course Amy can really cruise."
"I'm sure she can. Her broom is extremely fast. Can anything get past her?"
"Not that I've seen."
Abby rested that afternoon. At dinner Amy went over her findings.
"Well I have one class figured out for next year."
"Which one?"
"Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid's class in other words."
"From what my dad said, even the books for his class are dangerous."
"Well you never know. He might be using a different book now."
"Just so you know Amy, Uncle George was a little annoyed you didn't come with Elly and I. My parents were off on some trip."
"I had things to do."
"You have all week to work on it. You could be collecting your thoughts while doing other things."
The next morning Amy went to get her course packet out when Sarah went into action.
"Accio packet."
The packet then left Amy's hands.
"Hey," she cried.
"You can work on that later. First though you are going to have some fun Amy," Sarah declared.
Amy grumbled as she headed for the pitch with the others. She was soon flying away with Shiki as her wingman playing broom tag against Abby and Elly. Emily and Lynda just acted as referees. Sarah watched from the ground mainly to see how Abby did once the spells got heavy. When it was time for lunch, Abby was only a little green around the gills.
"So far two mornings have gone by without you getting sick."
"I had a couple close calls up there though."
"Well a couple of the rolls were a little advanced for your skill level."
The next few days were spent on various things. Amy continued to spend as much time on her coursework as she could even though Lynda's mom would work at forcing her to have fun. Mainly of course the fun was broom riding. Easter Sunday Amy didn't even look at her course packet.
"How come your not agonizing over things?" Shiki wondered.
"I finally figured it out. Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, and Wizarding Government and Politics."
"Took you long enough," she commented.
They had a couple of extra visitors for Easter Dinner: an older man in his thirties named Edgar Vanwicken and his two kids Ten-year-old Ricardo and 8-year-old Samantha.
"So Ricardo, when do you turn the big double one?" Shiki wondered.
"August 31st; just barely in time if you ask me."
"You hope to be at Hogwarts with Lynda?" Emily wondered.
"Naturally, You can't be a wizard in Britain and not expect to attend Hogwarts. It would be unheard of unless you are a squib or something."
"Well Squibs aren't truly wizards or witches. I have two little sisters at home they are twins and they were born to Muggle parents, only their birth parents were killed a week or so later and my parents took them in. One has magical blood but the other doesn't so we are saying that she is a squib."
"How did your parents learn of them?" Samantha wondered.
"Their oldest sister was a very close friend of mine."
The next day Everyone Floo Powdered back to the Potters and took the low road back to Hogwarts. The next Morning at Breakfast Harry collected the forms. Amy was in Potions the next afternoon when the headmistress sent for her. Amy cheated and used her Eagle form to proceed to the Headmistress's office.
"Something wrong Professor McGonagall."
"Yes Miss Potter. It's your schedule sheet."
"What's wrong with it."
"Well there is a very good chance you will be one of the students going to Japan next year so you will have to take Japanese in that case. Well unfortunately it counts as one of your three."
"Oh, I really want to take all three of the other classes though Professor. After all Hagrid is too good a friend of my family that I feel I should take his class. Also being of Magical birth I know almost nothing of the Muggle world and the other class sounds like it would be a fun class to take."
"You'll have to choose one of them to not take though."
"OK cross out Muggle Studies."
I easily know how Amy feels a Neighbor of mine is a professor at a College near my hometown of Political Science and when I was in College (in fact I attended the College he teaches at). I had switched majors after a year and I only had two elective slots left. Well I chose a couple Poli Sci courses of his to take because he was teaching them.