_Author's Note_: Here is Chapter 8, Chapter 9 and 10 will be posted shortly! Enjoy!
Chapter 8: Turkey, Brothers, and Bats
The new week began and classes were much the same for Samuel. The students were getting jittery about their semester exams. Samuel arrived in his classroom ten minutes early as usual.
"Hello, Mary." Samuel said in response to a set of footsteps.
"Hello, Mr. Green." Mary said as she approached his desk. "I have something for you."
Mary placed a sealed envelope on Samuel's desk and took her seat. Samuel turned the envelope over, on the flap there was a wax seal. An image of an opened eye had been impressed upon the wax. Samuel nodded to Mary and placed the envelope in his briefcase. Samuel approached Mary and leaned on her desk, placing his face not three inches in front of hers.
"The rat has been found." He said quietly.
Mary looked surprised. "Should the cat keep stalking?" she asked.
"Undoubtedly." Samuel said as he returned to his desk.
Mary smiled and opened up a book and began to read. The students started filing into Samuel's class and sat down. When the last student arrived Samuel stood up.
"Good morning class!" he said. "Everyone have a great weekend? I have more announcements this morning. It seems the plumbing has backed up in all the girl's bathrooms. I'm afraid we've had to cancel bathroom breaks. Mr. Filch is on it and has requested that the young ladies not go to the bathroom for the next two days." Screams and moans came from the classroom.
"How are we supposed to freshen up?" asked one of the girls.
"Well, there are trees, and ponds out in the forest." Samuel replied. "Wait, no that would be a problem." Samuel paused for a long moment. "You guys are too easy on Mondays. I'm kidding, the plumbing is fine. Seriously semester exams are in two weeks, Christmas vacation is coming up. We'll be starting our finals next week so you can be done with 'em. You guys need to study hard for other classes I imagine. I've got some review sheets up here on my desk if anyone wants them. I know you guys probably won't be in my class next semester, so I've tried to make the final exam as painless and humane as possible. I'll answer any questions you have, then ya'll are free to go at your leisure. Those of you that want to go can." Several of the students thanked Samuel and packed their things and quietly left the room. The few that stayed asked questions about the final and left as soon as their questions were answered. The school day passed quickly as did the rest of the week. Samuel busied himself gathering a few supplies for Friday's watch. Filch told him Thursday afternoon that he and Hagrid had found a likely spot to set up.
"Will Hagrid be coming?" asked Samuel.
"Likely." Filch replied. "So is McGonagall. She's interested in the bloody bat for whatever reason."
"Aah." Samuel said. "The more the merrier I suppose. Seems like a lot of fuss over a flying rat."
Filch nodded and grinned. "We'll have a time with 'em."
"I imagine." Chuckled Samuel. "Do any of the students know?"
"I spoke with Hagrid in his house. McGonagall just happened to stop by. I don't think anyone else knows."
Samuel nodded. "Look at the time. It's time for supper."
Filch nodded. "Let's go then. I hear their serving some American food today."
The two made their way to the great hall and Samuel took his place at the professor's table even after several students pleaded him to eat with them.
"Why is there no food on the table yet?" whispered Samuel to McGonagall.
"You're the guest of honor today, it's a special occasion." McGonagall replied quietly.
"My birthday was a week ago."
"I know." Said McGonagall.
Dumbledore stood up and McGonagall tapped her fork on her glass. "Attention." She said. The room fell silent and all the students turned their heads to Dumbledore.
"Today is the fourth Thursday of November. In America I'm told this is a holiday known as Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day when they give thanks for what they have and share a large feast with their friends and family. We do not celebrate this holiday here in England. To start with this was supposed to be a surprise for our American professor here, but I think we just might adopt this tradition here at Hogwarts as well." Dumbledore said. "Professor Green, do you have anything to say before we carve the turkey so to speak?"
Samuel looked at Dumbledore for a long moment, then stood up. "I can't say how much this means to me. For my whole life I've celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. I thank God for all He's allowed me to do, and for letting me be here at Hogwarts. Even though I'll miss being with my family this year, I would like to thank you all for doing this for me."
The doors of the Great Hall burst open and a man in his middle years walked in. "Who says you're going to miss your family cousin?" the man said in a thick british accent.
"Elanus!" Samuel said as he walked around the table and shook his cousin's hand. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought you a lil surprise." He said. "Alright guys, come in!"
A short old man walked in slowly. The hair on his head was mostly grey with streaks of dark brown running through it. His face told of great age as did the slightly hunched over, slow way that he walked. Despite his age he looked strong, and his manner of walking suggested many years hunched over a work table and not a physical infirmity. The man had an air of solidness around him, like a rock in the middle of a river that the students could almost feel as he walked by them. Samuel ran up to the old man and the two shook hands.
"Dad!" Samuel said.
"Son!" the old man said in a similar tone.
"This is my father, Gene." Samuel said, introducing his father to a few of the students at the tables.
"You're forgetting me." A voice from the doorway said. In strode a young man only slightly taller then Samuel's father. His blonde hair was spiked and he wore a black t-shirt, and blue jeans with the knees well worn. He was several years younger then Samuel and had a carefree manner about him.
"James?" Samuel said, approaching the young man. The two shook hands heartily.
"Yeah. They drug me along for the ride." James said. "How is my older brother?"
Quiet murmurs rippled through the seated students and a few of the girls eyed James with interest. James smiled at a few of them stuck his hands in his pockets.
"So where do we sit?" asked Gene.
Samuel pointed to the Gryffindor table. A space in between a few of the students opened up and the four sat down at the table. Dumbledore motioned to the other professors and they sat among the students. The headmaster clapped his hands and several large roast turkeys appeared on the table as did all manner of food. The students filled their plates. Samuel, Gene, James, and Elanus bowed their heads and offered thanks before filling their plates.
"So, Professor Bro." James said. "How's a teacher's life been treating ya?"
"I can't complain. The food's great, the kids are great and where else can you accidently fall through a staircase or talk to a painting." Samuel commented.
"How do they make the candles float like that?" Gene asked as he reached up to touch one of the floating candles. The candle went out and dropped to the table. Gene jerked his hand away and it brushed into three more candles that fell. "Sorry." Gene said, looking obviously embarrassed. Professor Flitwick rushed over and cast a charm on the candles. After several repeated tries the candles refused to light. Flitwick stared at the candles and tried one more time. Slowly the candles rose up in the air and ignited.
"I've never in my life seen that happen." Flitwick commented. "It was like the magic was just sucked right out of them."
McGonagall and Samuel exchanged a quick glance and continued eating. The four talked for the rest of the meal and the students asked Gene and James all sorts of questions about Samuel. The high point of the evening was when Gene told a childhood story about Samuel and an incident with a rabbit. The students laughed and Samuel blushed.
"I still say that rabbit was possessed." Samuel commented.
"Yes and you still can't handle small furry animals." James commented.
Samuel grinned and finished his turkey. After the feast Elanus, James and Gene insisted on a tour of the school. They were shown around the school, the different classrooms and places of study. Samuel introduced them to several of the professors and a good number of the students. Finally the four arrived at Samuel's office.
"How long will you be staying?" Samuel asked.
"I've arranged for us to stay 'til Monday, figured we could catch up and all that." Elanus said. "Uncle Gene and I will be staying in the guest quarters. James will have to stay with you."
"Yeah, been a long time since we've had to bunk together." James commented. "I can't wait to meet some of the girls I saw."
"Just stay away from the Slytherin girls. Snake fixations and all that." Samuel said with a wink.
"Anything going on this weekend?" asked Gene.
"Quidditch Game. You'll like it." Samuel said. "Also, would you guys be up for a bat hunt tomorrow night?"
"Bat hunt? Is that like a Snipe hunt?" asked James.
Samuel told them about the spy and intercepting the message. Just as he was finishing up the door opened and Ron, Hermione and Harry walked in.
"You found the spy?" asked Hermione.
"Well yes, thank you for eavesdropping." Samuel said. "I suppose now you'll want to go on the hunt with us?"
Ron nodded enthusiastically while Harry shrugged. Hermione glared at them both. "Students aren't supposed to be out of bed after dark."
"We'll make an exception if you want to come." Samuel said. "I doubt anyone wants to argue with the Department of Mysteries."
"It could be dangerous though." James commented. "Spy could see us and kill us all."
"Or we could be maimed." Gene commented, nodding to James.
"Whoever she's sending the message to could come after us as well. I doubt three muggles and a couple of wizards could hold Voldemort's armies off for long." Elanus said.
"On the other hand, a Seeker is just what we need to capture the bat." Samuel said. "How would you guys like to sneak four students out tomorrow night?"
"Four?" asked Ron.
"Oh yeah, Ginny is coming too." Samuel said. "If she doesn't the rest of you don't."
"It's too dangerous." Hermione said, stamping her foot.
"Naw, we'll just put up an invisibility dome if we need to." Elanus said.
"How do you have one of those? They're illegal." asked Ron.
"Being head of the Department of Mysteries has it's perks." Elanus replied.
"You aren't really gonna make us invisible are you?" asked James.
"Probably not." Elanus said between chuckles.
"Excuse me for interrupting but shouldn't this be a guy's night out?" asked Gene.
"Dad, Professor McGonagall is coming, she'll need the company." Samuel said.
The group chatted on for a few minutes and the students went to their quarters. Samuel and James walked towards the Gryffindor tower talking along the way. They passed a small group of girls giggling in the hall outside one of the class rooms.
"You go talk to him." One of the girls said.
"Disappearing. Have fun." Samuel whispered to James. James winked at Samuel, but he wasn't there.
A pretty brunette walked up to James and introduced herself. James shook her hand and smiled. The two talked a few moments, and soon a few other girls started talking to him.
"Is it true you can't use magic?" asked the brunette. "Are you and Professor Green really muggles."
"Professor Green? Oh you mean Samuel. We can't use magic. I don't think, I've never tried." James said.
The brunette smiled suggestively up at James. "I'll have to show you sometime.". James blushed and grinned.
"Are you a Slytherin?" James asked.
"Gryffindor." The girl replied still smiling.
James felt a tap on his shoulder, he spun around to see a blonde young man and two much larger boys standing behind him.
"Yes?" James asked.
The blonde sized James up. "So we have another muggle here at Hogwarts do we? Dumbledore is letting all sorts of filth in here these days."
"I am a muggle yes. I don't see what the problem is." James said.
"You are." The blonde said, pushing James. James staggered back a step and shook his head.
"Look man I don't want any trouble. I don't know what I've done to offend you but perhaps I can make it up to you." James said. "Until then though. I must be going."
"Just ignore him James. His name is Draco Malfoy, he's just trouble. Mostly talk." The brunette said. James and the brunette started to walk off.
"Yes run away like coward! Is the little muggle scared. I think he needs a lesson." Said Malfoy to James' back. Draco pulled his wand from his robe and started to cast a spell. Faster then he could blink James was standing in front of him with his wand.
"Give that back muggle!" Malfoy shouted.
"What is the little wizardlet all powerless now? I think the little half-wit needs a lesson." James said as he snapped Draco's wand in two and tossed it down the stairwell. Everyone who saw suddenly fell silent as the two pieces of wand clattered down the stairs. "Now what are you going to do punk?"
"You bastard!" Malfoy shouted. "Crabbe, Goyle!"
The two larger boys stepped in front of Malfoy and pounded their right fists into their left hands.
"Oh that's real brave sic your thugs on me in the middle of the school." James said as he backed up a few paces.
"No stop!" the brunette cried.
"I told him I didn't want any trouble." James said. Crabbe swung at James. James stepped aside, grabbed Crabbe's arm, twisted hard and kicked him down the hall. Goyle backed up.
"Get him stupid!" Malfoy said.
"You gonna let him talk to you like that, you could cream him with one hit." James said.
Goyle lunged at James. Quickly James stepped aside and kicked Goyle hard in the stomach and sent him down the hallway too. James advanced on Malfoy and picked him up by the collar and shoved him against the wall.
"Listen you sorry little coward. You still don't get it. I'm a muggle and you're a wizard. Right now you don't have a wand or your thugs. What exactly is it that makes us different? Who is really superior? Huh? You who I could toss down the stairwell as easy as I did your wand? Or me? I'll tell you this, we're equal. Now get out of my sight before I find a professor and confess to beating the living hell out of you and your goons." James said as he threw Malfoy to his thugs.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle ran off. "This isn't over!" Malfoy shouted.
"Yeah go cry to daddy Malfoy!" James said. He turned to the brunette. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"That was the greatest thing I've ever seen. He had it coming." The brunette said as she put her arm under James'.
"Mr. Green." A stern sounding woman's voice said behind James. James kept walking. "James"
James turned around to see Professor McGonagall. "I'm sorry ma'am, my last name is Evans."
"Pardon me." The witch said. "We don't condone fighting here at Hogwarts. Nor do we go around breaking wands. I understand you are a guest here and I'll tolerate it this once."
"I am truly sorry, I didn't want to fight him. You saw the whole thing. If you had wished to stop me, you could have. I know breaking a wizard's wand is extreme, Elanus told me." James said. "How else was I supposed to defend myself."
McGonagall stared at James hard. "Frankly he had it coming. I can't say that I wasn't happy to see someone finally giving him what he deserved. That doesn't excuse the fact that you broke his wand."
"I'll apologize when I get around to it ma'am. What do you suggest in the future?" James asked.
"No need to apologize. I suggest not getting into that situation, I'll leave your discipline up to your father and brother." McGonagall said. "I suggest that Monday you sit in on my transfiguration classes and get your brother to make you a wand. Now if you will excuse me I have a dormitory to attend to."
McGonagall walked off and the brunette looked up and James. "That was a close one."
"I'm not a student here. She should have kicked me out." James said as the two walked down the halls.
"Yeah, but do you know how popular Professor Green is? You'd have to do more then beat up a few losers to get thrown out." The brunette said.
"I didn't get your name." James asked.
"Oh, my name is Jennifer. Extremely pleased to meet you." The girl said.
"James Evans." James said, bowing to Jennifer. "The pleasure is all mine, believe me."
"I wonder what she meant by you sitting in on her transfiguration class?" Jennifer asked.
"I don't know." James said, shrugging. "I suppose I'll find out."
The two walked down the hall arm in arm. Samuel walked up to McGonagall and pulled her aside.
"Do you think he really might be a wizard?" he asked.
"I would be surprised if he's not." McGonagall replied. "A fairly strong one I imagine. Or he's an Opposite with magical talent."
"That would produce a fairly strong wizard I would think." Samuel said.
"Or not at all." McGonagall said.
Night fell and the students and professors went to sleep. James and Samuel woke with the morning and ate breakfast with the house-elves.
"I haven't been running in the morning but every other day." Samuel said. "Forget sparring."
"Gotta whip you into shape then." James said. "Can't have flabby professors."
"I saw you kick the crap out of the Malfoy gang last night. What brought that on? It's not like you to just do that."
"He pulled his wand on me. I overreacted. The coward sent his thugs after me and I had to defend myself." James said. "I'm supposed to report to you for discipline or something."
"Oh that. Yeah, McGonagall wants me to have you sit in on her classes for a week." Samuel said.
"I'm leaving Monday." James commented.
"Not now, you're staying the week. I thought it was a bizarre punishment myself. No cleaning toilets or anything. That and you have to help me exercise." Samuel said. "I have no one to work with here. All the sports are played on broomsticks, very little real physical conditioning."
"We better get started then." James said.
The two brothers went out to the courtyard and took off running northward. After they had ran two miles Samuel stopped for a short break.
"I used to be able to run nearly three without getting winded." Samuel said.
"Two isn't bad." James said between breaths. "I haven't been exercising as routinely as I need to myself."
"We better get back, we need to spar before the students wake up or it'll blow my cover." Samuel said.
"What cover? You're simply a skilled martial artist." James said. "They seriously won't know the difference between a blademaster such as yourself and someone with a hobby of fencing. Which reminds me, I saw a fencing club here yesterday why didn't you join it?"
"Too busy teaching and trying to find that damn spy." Samuel said.
Samuel and James started the run back and when they arrived they wiped themselves off and took two long wooden poles from a bag they had set on a statue's pedestal in the courtyard. They went through several forms simultaneously. There was no distinguishable difference in skill or form until the wooden blades met. Wood cracked against wood, and Samuel was obviously the better. After a few minutes of constant, aggressive sparring Samuel disarmed James and touched his shoulder.
"That was refreshing." James said.
"I don't see how you can lose every time and take it so well." Samuel commented.
"Because I know if we were to spar hand to hand I could use your head as a mop." James said.
"True enough, but I've gotten better from training at the Order."
The two brothers mopped the sweat from their faces and Samuel glanced up at the sun.
"I have about enough time to clean up and get to class." Samuel said.
"McGonagall wanted me to have you make me a wand. What was that about?" James asked.
"Aaah, there are a few that I put together last week in my office, bottom drawer of the desk in the strongbox." Samuel said. "Take the strongbox to the short guy, Flitwick and ask him to help you pick one and hold it. McGonagall's basic transfiguration class starts in roughly an hour, your friend Jennifer can show you the classroom. " Samuel continued as he walked off briskly to the school building.
"Where's the key?" James called out.
"Since when do you need a key?" Samuel called back.
James grinned as he made his way into the school building. Samuel ran back to the Gryffindor tower and picked up a change of clothing from his room. After a quick shower in the staff bathing facilities he picked his briefcase up from his office and went straight to the classroom. Several students were already waiting on him outside the door. He let them into the classroom and set his briefcase on his desk. Gene slowly made his way into the classroom and sat in the back..
"Good morning class." Samuel said. "I've got some announcements this morning. The Professors have made arrangements with some of the older students to help students under sixth year with their exam studies. They will be holding sessions in the Great Hall after class hours." A few students wrote the information down. Samuel waited for to finish before continuing. "My father will be joining us today it looks like. He's a retired machinist from America. He used to work in a refinery that deals with copper. Would you mind telling the class about your job dad?"
"Certainly." The old man said as he approached the front of the classroom. "I worked with the machines that took molten copper and moulded them into ingots, or slabs. It was my job to make sure that the moulds were properly shaped, and to repair the cracked ones. I also cleaned the slag from them as they're prone to collect deposits if the ingots are removed from them too soon. I have several degrees in engineering and metallurgy and I was eventually sent over to a local steel refinery in my town. There I was actually in charge of making things. We made "I" beams for buildings and reinforcing bars for concrete. My division was also allowed to make more creative things such as ornamentation for buildings as well as a large tower of steel that serves no purpose whatsoever except as a time capsule. I was also commissioned to make some sparring swords for a local dojo on occasion. Any questions?"
"So you're a metal smith?" asked one of the students.
"I was yes." Gene said.
"You'd be hard pressed to find someone that knows more about metal or working it then my father." Samuel said.
"You said you worked with machines earlier this year. Were you also a machinist?" asked one of the Students to Samuel.
"No, I worked with computers mainly." Samuel replied.
"What do you think of our metal working abilities." Asked a Ravenclaw.
"Honestly, from what I've seen, the wizard community has a rather primitive way of working metal. I'm not saying that what you can do with it is primitive, just how you work it over. I have seen some rather unique things since I arrived here that we muggles, as you call us, have only began to touch on." Gene said. "I do have some ideas on how to accomplish it without magic though."
The class went on and the following two classes had many varied questions for Gene. Classes ended and the family met back at Samuel's office, followed closely by Mr. Filch.
"Ready for the camp out tonight?" asked Elanus.
"I've gathered the supplies we'll need." Mr. Filch replied. "I gathered Firewood from the forest, matches, water, coffee, marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate, and a magic bag to carry it all in."
"Could have sent my boys for the firewood." Gene said.
"Hagrid and I took care of it." Filch said.
"Looks like you thought of everything. I think Minerva has the stuff we'll need to catch the bat." Samuel said. "James do you have plenty of paper to copy the message with?"
"Sure do." James said. "I'm sure it'll be in code though."
"As long as the spy doesn't find out, we can take our time decoding it." Elanus said. "Besides I've got some stuff that'll help."
"Handy to have an Unspeakable around." Samuel commented."James is quite capable with deciphering messages though."
The door to Samuel's office opened and McGonagall strode in followed closely by Hagrid. McGonagall folded her arms across her chest and stared at Samuel hard.
"I recognize that look." Gene said to Samuel. Gene stood up from his chair and walked over to a corner and pretended to be interested in something on the wall.
"Why are you allowing students to go on this trip tonight?" McGonagall asked.
Samuel looked McGonagall in the eye and waited a few moments before answering. "For one Harry is a darn good Seeker, he can catch the bat. Ron will come because Harry is, and Hermione and Ginny can keep those two in line. Besides I thought you'd be more comfortable with female company." Samuel replied.
The room was silent for a few moments and McGonagall tapped her fingers on her arm. James raised his hand to his mouth and started mock coughing, the sound of the coughs resembled the letters 'B' and 'S'. Elanus and Gene had a hard time refraining from laughing as well.
"I don't like this one bit." Hagrid boomed.
"Oh come now, likely the children have never been camping in their lives. It'll be good for 'em." Gene said. "Builds character."
"How does it build character dad? It's not painful and everything you say builds character generally involves pain or meaningless labor." James said.
"I won't answer that question." Gene replied.
"Why?" James asked.
"Builds character." Gene said with a huge grin on his face.
"These four are definitely family." McGonagall commented. "It was bad enough with just one, now there are four."
Samuel, James, Gene and Elanus all looked at McGonagall with the same sarcastic grin on their faces.
"Minerva, You know who that reminds me of?" Hagrid asked.
"Who?"
"Lily"
Gene shot a quick glance to Hagrid then shrugged. Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Ron filed in from the open door and stared sheepishly up at McGonagall.
"Well if it isn't the fab four." Samuel said. "Excited about the campout?"
Ron and Harry nodded enthusiastically while Hermione and Ginny shook their heads.
"You know what we forgot?" Samuel asked Elanus.
"What?"
"A telescope or something to observe the castle from a distance with." Samuel said.
"You know what? I didn't bring anything like that." Elanus said.
"I have something that will work." Ron said. "I'll be right back." Ron ran out the door and down the halls. A few minutes later Ron rushed back into the room holding what looked like a pair of brass colored binoculars.
"What's that?" asked Samuel.
"Omniculars" Ron replied handing them to Samuel. "You can zoom in closer, slow stuff down, and replay it and everything."
"Hmm." Samuel said looking through the omniculars.
"They sell those for sporting events." Elanus commented. "I don't think they'll work for what we need them to. I think with a little modification though they'll work for finding fleas on a dog three counties over."
Samuel handed them to Elanus who looked them over carefully. "Mind if we tinker with them a little?" Elanus asked.
Ron shrugged. "Just don't break 'em."
"If we break 'em the Department will replace 'em at the very least." Elanus said as he set the omniculars on Samuel's desk. "Got your kit, Samuel?"
Samuel opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a small leather bound case of some sort and unzipped it. Inside there were several sets of screw drivers, hex wrenches, and other odd instruments. Elanus took one of the tools out of the kit and removed the cover of the omniculars. After a few moments studying the rather complicated insides of the looking device he pulled a few small objects out with a pair of tweezers and handed them to Samuel. Samuel took the pieces and looked them over and used other tools to adjust them. He handed Gene a pair of pliers and what looked like a piece of stiff wire and pointed to a few things inside the omniculars. Everyone else watched in amazment as the three men worked. They pulled things out and stuck things in. Gene crafted several springs and spacers from the piece of wire. Elanus waved his wand at the omniculars and occasionally sparks flew out and other times nothing seemed to happen. Finally Elanus reattached the case and handed the omniculars back to Ron.
"Look out the window and zoom out as far as it will go."
Ron looked through the omniculars and out the window.
"I see the village." Ron said. "Whoa! People." He said as he kept turning the knobs. "Hey all I see it wood!"
"I think that's a shingle on a roof." Elanus said.
"Now all I see is round things connected together. Looks kind of like a honeycomb."
"That would probably be dead cells in the wood. Let me look." Elanus said as he stepped up beside Ron. Elanus took the omniculars from Ron, being careful to hold it in the exact same position. He turned the knob back and then forward slowly.
"Yep." Elanus said. "It's a long range microscope. The wide angle and all that work too."
"Can I see them?" James asked. Elanus handed them to James. James looked through them and turned the knobs and pushed a few buttons. "This is just like Star Trek."
Everyone took their turn with the omniculars and then McGonagall reminded them it was time for the evening meal. The students and professors exited the office and made their way to the Great Hall together. After the meal was over Gene, Filch, Hagrid and McGonagall started the walk towards the campsite while Samuel took Fred and George Weasley outside of the Hall.
"I need to ask a favour of you two." Samuel said. "I need you to get your little brother and sister, as well as Harry and Hermione out of the castle tonight a bit after lights out."
Fred and George grinned mischievously. "Why? Any reason in particular?"
Samuel quickly and quietly explained to them about the campout and why he needed them all out there.
"Do we get to come?" George asked. "It'll be our first time to sneak out of the school."
"I somehow doubt that." Samuel said quietly. "I caught you just the other night."
"He means with a teacher's permission." Fred commented.
"Oh right. I suppose so, just keep it quiet." Samuel said.
"No problem." The twins said.
"We owe ya anyway, you're our biggest customer." Fred said.
Samuel thanked them and started walking down the halls towards the front entrance of the school. Fred and George shook their heads and ran off towards the Gryffindor tower.
Chapter 8: Turkey, Brothers, and Bats
The new week began and classes were much the same for Samuel. The students were getting jittery about their semester exams. Samuel arrived in his classroom ten minutes early as usual.
"Hello, Mary." Samuel said in response to a set of footsteps.
"Hello, Mr. Green." Mary said as she approached his desk. "I have something for you."
Mary placed a sealed envelope on Samuel's desk and took her seat. Samuel turned the envelope over, on the flap there was a wax seal. An image of an opened eye had been impressed upon the wax. Samuel nodded to Mary and placed the envelope in his briefcase. Samuel approached Mary and leaned on her desk, placing his face not three inches in front of hers.
"The rat has been found." He said quietly.
Mary looked surprised. "Should the cat keep stalking?" she asked.
"Undoubtedly." Samuel said as he returned to his desk.
Mary smiled and opened up a book and began to read. The students started filing into Samuel's class and sat down. When the last student arrived Samuel stood up.
"Good morning class!" he said. "Everyone have a great weekend? I have more announcements this morning. It seems the plumbing has backed up in all the girl's bathrooms. I'm afraid we've had to cancel bathroom breaks. Mr. Filch is on it and has requested that the young ladies not go to the bathroom for the next two days." Screams and moans came from the classroom.
"How are we supposed to freshen up?" asked one of the girls.
"Well, there are trees, and ponds out in the forest." Samuel replied. "Wait, no that would be a problem." Samuel paused for a long moment. "You guys are too easy on Mondays. I'm kidding, the plumbing is fine. Seriously semester exams are in two weeks, Christmas vacation is coming up. We'll be starting our finals next week so you can be done with 'em. You guys need to study hard for other classes I imagine. I've got some review sheets up here on my desk if anyone wants them. I know you guys probably won't be in my class next semester, so I've tried to make the final exam as painless and humane as possible. I'll answer any questions you have, then ya'll are free to go at your leisure. Those of you that want to go can." Several of the students thanked Samuel and packed their things and quietly left the room. The few that stayed asked questions about the final and left as soon as their questions were answered. The school day passed quickly as did the rest of the week. Samuel busied himself gathering a few supplies for Friday's watch. Filch told him Thursday afternoon that he and Hagrid had found a likely spot to set up.
"Will Hagrid be coming?" asked Samuel.
"Likely." Filch replied. "So is McGonagall. She's interested in the bloody bat for whatever reason."
"Aah." Samuel said. "The more the merrier I suppose. Seems like a lot of fuss over a flying rat."
Filch nodded and grinned. "We'll have a time with 'em."
"I imagine." Chuckled Samuel. "Do any of the students know?"
"I spoke with Hagrid in his house. McGonagall just happened to stop by. I don't think anyone else knows."
Samuel nodded. "Look at the time. It's time for supper."
Filch nodded. "Let's go then. I hear their serving some American food today."
The two made their way to the great hall and Samuel took his place at the professor's table even after several students pleaded him to eat with them.
"Why is there no food on the table yet?" whispered Samuel to McGonagall.
"You're the guest of honor today, it's a special occasion." McGonagall replied quietly.
"My birthday was a week ago."
"I know." Said McGonagall.
Dumbledore stood up and McGonagall tapped her fork on her glass. "Attention." She said. The room fell silent and all the students turned their heads to Dumbledore.
"Today is the fourth Thursday of November. In America I'm told this is a holiday known as Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day when they give thanks for what they have and share a large feast with their friends and family. We do not celebrate this holiday here in England. To start with this was supposed to be a surprise for our American professor here, but I think we just might adopt this tradition here at Hogwarts as well." Dumbledore said. "Professor Green, do you have anything to say before we carve the turkey so to speak?"
Samuel looked at Dumbledore for a long moment, then stood up. "I can't say how much this means to me. For my whole life I've celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. I thank God for all He's allowed me to do, and for letting me be here at Hogwarts. Even though I'll miss being with my family this year, I would like to thank you all for doing this for me."
The doors of the Great Hall burst open and a man in his middle years walked in. "Who says you're going to miss your family cousin?" the man said in a thick british accent.
"Elanus!" Samuel said as he walked around the table and shook his cousin's hand. "What are you doing here?"
"I brought you a lil surprise." He said. "Alright guys, come in!"
A short old man walked in slowly. The hair on his head was mostly grey with streaks of dark brown running through it. His face told of great age as did the slightly hunched over, slow way that he walked. Despite his age he looked strong, and his manner of walking suggested many years hunched over a work table and not a physical infirmity. The man had an air of solidness around him, like a rock in the middle of a river that the students could almost feel as he walked by them. Samuel ran up to the old man and the two shook hands.
"Dad!" Samuel said.
"Son!" the old man said in a similar tone.
"This is my father, Gene." Samuel said, introducing his father to a few of the students at the tables.
"You're forgetting me." A voice from the doorway said. In strode a young man only slightly taller then Samuel's father. His blonde hair was spiked and he wore a black t-shirt, and blue jeans with the knees well worn. He was several years younger then Samuel and had a carefree manner about him.
"James?" Samuel said, approaching the young man. The two shook hands heartily.
"Yeah. They drug me along for the ride." James said. "How is my older brother?"
Quiet murmurs rippled through the seated students and a few of the girls eyed James with interest. James smiled at a few of them stuck his hands in his pockets.
"So where do we sit?" asked Gene.
Samuel pointed to the Gryffindor table. A space in between a few of the students opened up and the four sat down at the table. Dumbledore motioned to the other professors and they sat among the students. The headmaster clapped his hands and several large roast turkeys appeared on the table as did all manner of food. The students filled their plates. Samuel, Gene, James, and Elanus bowed their heads and offered thanks before filling their plates.
"So, Professor Bro." James said. "How's a teacher's life been treating ya?"
"I can't complain. The food's great, the kids are great and where else can you accidently fall through a staircase or talk to a painting." Samuel commented.
"How do they make the candles float like that?" Gene asked as he reached up to touch one of the floating candles. The candle went out and dropped to the table. Gene jerked his hand away and it brushed into three more candles that fell. "Sorry." Gene said, looking obviously embarrassed. Professor Flitwick rushed over and cast a charm on the candles. After several repeated tries the candles refused to light. Flitwick stared at the candles and tried one more time. Slowly the candles rose up in the air and ignited.
"I've never in my life seen that happen." Flitwick commented. "It was like the magic was just sucked right out of them."
McGonagall and Samuel exchanged a quick glance and continued eating. The four talked for the rest of the meal and the students asked Gene and James all sorts of questions about Samuel. The high point of the evening was when Gene told a childhood story about Samuel and an incident with a rabbit. The students laughed and Samuel blushed.
"I still say that rabbit was possessed." Samuel commented.
"Yes and you still can't handle small furry animals." James commented.
Samuel grinned and finished his turkey. After the feast Elanus, James and Gene insisted on a tour of the school. They were shown around the school, the different classrooms and places of study. Samuel introduced them to several of the professors and a good number of the students. Finally the four arrived at Samuel's office.
"How long will you be staying?" Samuel asked.
"I've arranged for us to stay 'til Monday, figured we could catch up and all that." Elanus said. "Uncle Gene and I will be staying in the guest quarters. James will have to stay with you."
"Yeah, been a long time since we've had to bunk together." James commented. "I can't wait to meet some of the girls I saw."
"Just stay away from the Slytherin girls. Snake fixations and all that." Samuel said with a wink.
"Anything going on this weekend?" asked Gene.
"Quidditch Game. You'll like it." Samuel said. "Also, would you guys be up for a bat hunt tomorrow night?"
"Bat hunt? Is that like a Snipe hunt?" asked James.
Samuel told them about the spy and intercepting the message. Just as he was finishing up the door opened and Ron, Hermione and Harry walked in.
"You found the spy?" asked Hermione.
"Well yes, thank you for eavesdropping." Samuel said. "I suppose now you'll want to go on the hunt with us?"
Ron nodded enthusiastically while Harry shrugged. Hermione glared at them both. "Students aren't supposed to be out of bed after dark."
"We'll make an exception if you want to come." Samuel said. "I doubt anyone wants to argue with the Department of Mysteries."
"It could be dangerous though." James commented. "Spy could see us and kill us all."
"Or we could be maimed." Gene commented, nodding to James.
"Whoever she's sending the message to could come after us as well. I doubt three muggles and a couple of wizards could hold Voldemort's armies off for long." Elanus said.
"On the other hand, a Seeker is just what we need to capture the bat." Samuel said. "How would you guys like to sneak four students out tomorrow night?"
"Four?" asked Ron.
"Oh yeah, Ginny is coming too." Samuel said. "If she doesn't the rest of you don't."
"It's too dangerous." Hermione said, stamping her foot.
"Naw, we'll just put up an invisibility dome if we need to." Elanus said.
"How do you have one of those? They're illegal." asked Ron.
"Being head of the Department of Mysteries has it's perks." Elanus replied.
"You aren't really gonna make us invisible are you?" asked James.
"Probably not." Elanus said between chuckles.
"Excuse me for interrupting but shouldn't this be a guy's night out?" asked Gene.
"Dad, Professor McGonagall is coming, she'll need the company." Samuel said.
The group chatted on for a few minutes and the students went to their quarters. Samuel and James walked towards the Gryffindor tower talking along the way. They passed a small group of girls giggling in the hall outside one of the class rooms.
"You go talk to him." One of the girls said.
"Disappearing. Have fun." Samuel whispered to James. James winked at Samuel, but he wasn't there.
A pretty brunette walked up to James and introduced herself. James shook her hand and smiled. The two talked a few moments, and soon a few other girls started talking to him.
"Is it true you can't use magic?" asked the brunette. "Are you and Professor Green really muggles."
"Professor Green? Oh you mean Samuel. We can't use magic. I don't think, I've never tried." James said.
The brunette smiled suggestively up at James. "I'll have to show you sometime.". James blushed and grinned.
"Are you a Slytherin?" James asked.
"Gryffindor." The girl replied still smiling.
James felt a tap on his shoulder, he spun around to see a blonde young man and two much larger boys standing behind him.
"Yes?" James asked.
The blonde sized James up. "So we have another muggle here at Hogwarts do we? Dumbledore is letting all sorts of filth in here these days."
"I am a muggle yes. I don't see what the problem is." James said.
"You are." The blonde said, pushing James. James staggered back a step and shook his head.
"Look man I don't want any trouble. I don't know what I've done to offend you but perhaps I can make it up to you." James said. "Until then though. I must be going."
"Just ignore him James. His name is Draco Malfoy, he's just trouble. Mostly talk." The brunette said. James and the brunette started to walk off.
"Yes run away like coward! Is the little muggle scared. I think he needs a lesson." Said Malfoy to James' back. Draco pulled his wand from his robe and started to cast a spell. Faster then he could blink James was standing in front of him with his wand.
"Give that back muggle!" Malfoy shouted.
"What is the little wizardlet all powerless now? I think the little half-wit needs a lesson." James said as he snapped Draco's wand in two and tossed it down the stairwell. Everyone who saw suddenly fell silent as the two pieces of wand clattered down the stairs. "Now what are you going to do punk?"
"You bastard!" Malfoy shouted. "Crabbe, Goyle!"
The two larger boys stepped in front of Malfoy and pounded their right fists into their left hands.
"Oh that's real brave sic your thugs on me in the middle of the school." James said as he backed up a few paces.
"No stop!" the brunette cried.
"I told him I didn't want any trouble." James said. Crabbe swung at James. James stepped aside, grabbed Crabbe's arm, twisted hard and kicked him down the hall. Goyle backed up.
"Get him stupid!" Malfoy said.
"You gonna let him talk to you like that, you could cream him with one hit." James said.
Goyle lunged at James. Quickly James stepped aside and kicked Goyle hard in the stomach and sent him down the hallway too. James advanced on Malfoy and picked him up by the collar and shoved him against the wall.
"Listen you sorry little coward. You still don't get it. I'm a muggle and you're a wizard. Right now you don't have a wand or your thugs. What exactly is it that makes us different? Who is really superior? Huh? You who I could toss down the stairwell as easy as I did your wand? Or me? I'll tell you this, we're equal. Now get out of my sight before I find a professor and confess to beating the living hell out of you and your goons." James said as he threw Malfoy to his thugs.
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle ran off. "This isn't over!" Malfoy shouted.
"Yeah go cry to daddy Malfoy!" James said. He turned to the brunette. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"That was the greatest thing I've ever seen. He had it coming." The brunette said as she put her arm under James'.
"Mr. Green." A stern sounding woman's voice said behind James. James kept walking. "James"
James turned around to see Professor McGonagall. "I'm sorry ma'am, my last name is Evans."
"Pardon me." The witch said. "We don't condone fighting here at Hogwarts. Nor do we go around breaking wands. I understand you are a guest here and I'll tolerate it this once."
"I am truly sorry, I didn't want to fight him. You saw the whole thing. If you had wished to stop me, you could have. I know breaking a wizard's wand is extreme, Elanus told me." James said. "How else was I supposed to defend myself."
McGonagall stared at James hard. "Frankly he had it coming. I can't say that I wasn't happy to see someone finally giving him what he deserved. That doesn't excuse the fact that you broke his wand."
"I'll apologize when I get around to it ma'am. What do you suggest in the future?" James asked.
"No need to apologize. I suggest not getting into that situation, I'll leave your discipline up to your father and brother." McGonagall said. "I suggest that Monday you sit in on my transfiguration classes and get your brother to make you a wand. Now if you will excuse me I have a dormitory to attend to."
McGonagall walked off and the brunette looked up and James. "That was a close one."
"I'm not a student here. She should have kicked me out." James said as the two walked down the halls.
"Yeah, but do you know how popular Professor Green is? You'd have to do more then beat up a few losers to get thrown out." The brunette said.
"I didn't get your name." James asked.
"Oh, my name is Jennifer. Extremely pleased to meet you." The girl said.
"James Evans." James said, bowing to Jennifer. "The pleasure is all mine, believe me."
"I wonder what she meant by you sitting in on her transfiguration class?" Jennifer asked.
"I don't know." James said, shrugging. "I suppose I'll find out."
The two walked down the hall arm in arm. Samuel walked up to McGonagall and pulled her aside.
"Do you think he really might be a wizard?" he asked.
"I would be surprised if he's not." McGonagall replied. "A fairly strong one I imagine. Or he's an Opposite with magical talent."
"That would produce a fairly strong wizard I would think." Samuel said.
"Or not at all." McGonagall said.
Night fell and the students and professors went to sleep. James and Samuel woke with the morning and ate breakfast with the house-elves.
"I haven't been running in the morning but every other day." Samuel said. "Forget sparring."
"Gotta whip you into shape then." James said. "Can't have flabby professors."
"I saw you kick the crap out of the Malfoy gang last night. What brought that on? It's not like you to just do that."
"He pulled his wand on me. I overreacted. The coward sent his thugs after me and I had to defend myself." James said. "I'm supposed to report to you for discipline or something."
"Oh that. Yeah, McGonagall wants me to have you sit in on her classes for a week." Samuel said.
"I'm leaving Monday." James commented.
"Not now, you're staying the week. I thought it was a bizarre punishment myself. No cleaning toilets or anything. That and you have to help me exercise." Samuel said. "I have no one to work with here. All the sports are played on broomsticks, very little real physical conditioning."
"We better get started then." James said.
The two brothers went out to the courtyard and took off running northward. After they had ran two miles Samuel stopped for a short break.
"I used to be able to run nearly three without getting winded." Samuel said.
"Two isn't bad." James said between breaths. "I haven't been exercising as routinely as I need to myself."
"We better get back, we need to spar before the students wake up or it'll blow my cover." Samuel said.
"What cover? You're simply a skilled martial artist." James said. "They seriously won't know the difference between a blademaster such as yourself and someone with a hobby of fencing. Which reminds me, I saw a fencing club here yesterday why didn't you join it?"
"Too busy teaching and trying to find that damn spy." Samuel said.
Samuel and James started the run back and when they arrived they wiped themselves off and took two long wooden poles from a bag they had set on a statue's pedestal in the courtyard. They went through several forms simultaneously. There was no distinguishable difference in skill or form until the wooden blades met. Wood cracked against wood, and Samuel was obviously the better. After a few minutes of constant, aggressive sparring Samuel disarmed James and touched his shoulder.
"That was refreshing." James said.
"I don't see how you can lose every time and take it so well." Samuel commented.
"Because I know if we were to spar hand to hand I could use your head as a mop." James said.
"True enough, but I've gotten better from training at the Order."
The two brothers mopped the sweat from their faces and Samuel glanced up at the sun.
"I have about enough time to clean up and get to class." Samuel said.
"McGonagall wanted me to have you make me a wand. What was that about?" James asked.
"Aaah, there are a few that I put together last week in my office, bottom drawer of the desk in the strongbox." Samuel said. "Take the strongbox to the short guy, Flitwick and ask him to help you pick one and hold it. McGonagall's basic transfiguration class starts in roughly an hour, your friend Jennifer can show you the classroom. " Samuel continued as he walked off briskly to the school building.
"Where's the key?" James called out.
"Since when do you need a key?" Samuel called back.
James grinned as he made his way into the school building. Samuel ran back to the Gryffindor tower and picked up a change of clothing from his room. After a quick shower in the staff bathing facilities he picked his briefcase up from his office and went straight to the classroom. Several students were already waiting on him outside the door. He let them into the classroom and set his briefcase on his desk. Gene slowly made his way into the classroom and sat in the back..
"Good morning class." Samuel said. "I've got some announcements this morning. The Professors have made arrangements with some of the older students to help students under sixth year with their exam studies. They will be holding sessions in the Great Hall after class hours." A few students wrote the information down. Samuel waited for to finish before continuing. "My father will be joining us today it looks like. He's a retired machinist from America. He used to work in a refinery that deals with copper. Would you mind telling the class about your job dad?"
"Certainly." The old man said as he approached the front of the classroom. "I worked with the machines that took molten copper and moulded them into ingots, or slabs. It was my job to make sure that the moulds were properly shaped, and to repair the cracked ones. I also cleaned the slag from them as they're prone to collect deposits if the ingots are removed from them too soon. I have several degrees in engineering and metallurgy and I was eventually sent over to a local steel refinery in my town. There I was actually in charge of making things. We made "I" beams for buildings and reinforcing bars for concrete. My division was also allowed to make more creative things such as ornamentation for buildings as well as a large tower of steel that serves no purpose whatsoever except as a time capsule. I was also commissioned to make some sparring swords for a local dojo on occasion. Any questions?"
"So you're a metal smith?" asked one of the students.
"I was yes." Gene said.
"You'd be hard pressed to find someone that knows more about metal or working it then my father." Samuel said.
"You said you worked with machines earlier this year. Were you also a machinist?" asked one of the Students to Samuel.
"No, I worked with computers mainly." Samuel replied.
"What do you think of our metal working abilities." Asked a Ravenclaw.
"Honestly, from what I've seen, the wizard community has a rather primitive way of working metal. I'm not saying that what you can do with it is primitive, just how you work it over. I have seen some rather unique things since I arrived here that we muggles, as you call us, have only began to touch on." Gene said. "I do have some ideas on how to accomplish it without magic though."
The class went on and the following two classes had many varied questions for Gene. Classes ended and the family met back at Samuel's office, followed closely by Mr. Filch.
"Ready for the camp out tonight?" asked Elanus.
"I've gathered the supplies we'll need." Mr. Filch replied. "I gathered Firewood from the forest, matches, water, coffee, marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate, and a magic bag to carry it all in."
"Could have sent my boys for the firewood." Gene said.
"Hagrid and I took care of it." Filch said.
"Looks like you thought of everything. I think Minerva has the stuff we'll need to catch the bat." Samuel said. "James do you have plenty of paper to copy the message with?"
"Sure do." James said. "I'm sure it'll be in code though."
"As long as the spy doesn't find out, we can take our time decoding it." Elanus said. "Besides I've got some stuff that'll help."
"Handy to have an Unspeakable around." Samuel commented."James is quite capable with deciphering messages though."
The door to Samuel's office opened and McGonagall strode in followed closely by Hagrid. McGonagall folded her arms across her chest and stared at Samuel hard.
"I recognize that look." Gene said to Samuel. Gene stood up from his chair and walked over to a corner and pretended to be interested in something on the wall.
"Why are you allowing students to go on this trip tonight?" McGonagall asked.
Samuel looked McGonagall in the eye and waited a few moments before answering. "For one Harry is a darn good Seeker, he can catch the bat. Ron will come because Harry is, and Hermione and Ginny can keep those two in line. Besides I thought you'd be more comfortable with female company." Samuel replied.
The room was silent for a few moments and McGonagall tapped her fingers on her arm. James raised his hand to his mouth and started mock coughing, the sound of the coughs resembled the letters 'B' and 'S'. Elanus and Gene had a hard time refraining from laughing as well.
"I don't like this one bit." Hagrid boomed.
"Oh come now, likely the children have never been camping in their lives. It'll be good for 'em." Gene said. "Builds character."
"How does it build character dad? It's not painful and everything you say builds character generally involves pain or meaningless labor." James said.
"I won't answer that question." Gene replied.
"Why?" James asked.
"Builds character." Gene said with a huge grin on his face.
"These four are definitely family." McGonagall commented. "It was bad enough with just one, now there are four."
Samuel, James, Gene and Elanus all looked at McGonagall with the same sarcastic grin on their faces.
"Minerva, You know who that reminds me of?" Hagrid asked.
"Who?"
"Lily"
Gene shot a quick glance to Hagrid then shrugged. Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Ron filed in from the open door and stared sheepishly up at McGonagall.
"Well if it isn't the fab four." Samuel said. "Excited about the campout?"
Ron and Harry nodded enthusiastically while Hermione and Ginny shook their heads.
"You know what we forgot?" Samuel asked Elanus.
"What?"
"A telescope or something to observe the castle from a distance with." Samuel said.
"You know what? I didn't bring anything like that." Elanus said.
"I have something that will work." Ron said. "I'll be right back." Ron ran out the door and down the halls. A few minutes later Ron rushed back into the room holding what looked like a pair of brass colored binoculars.
"What's that?" asked Samuel.
"Omniculars" Ron replied handing them to Samuel. "You can zoom in closer, slow stuff down, and replay it and everything."
"Hmm." Samuel said looking through the omniculars.
"They sell those for sporting events." Elanus commented. "I don't think they'll work for what we need them to. I think with a little modification though they'll work for finding fleas on a dog three counties over."
Samuel handed them to Elanus who looked them over carefully. "Mind if we tinker with them a little?" Elanus asked.
Ron shrugged. "Just don't break 'em."
"If we break 'em the Department will replace 'em at the very least." Elanus said as he set the omniculars on Samuel's desk. "Got your kit, Samuel?"
Samuel opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a small leather bound case of some sort and unzipped it. Inside there were several sets of screw drivers, hex wrenches, and other odd instruments. Elanus took one of the tools out of the kit and removed the cover of the omniculars. After a few moments studying the rather complicated insides of the looking device he pulled a few small objects out with a pair of tweezers and handed them to Samuel. Samuel took the pieces and looked them over and used other tools to adjust them. He handed Gene a pair of pliers and what looked like a piece of stiff wire and pointed to a few things inside the omniculars. Everyone else watched in amazment as the three men worked. They pulled things out and stuck things in. Gene crafted several springs and spacers from the piece of wire. Elanus waved his wand at the omniculars and occasionally sparks flew out and other times nothing seemed to happen. Finally Elanus reattached the case and handed the omniculars back to Ron.
"Look out the window and zoom out as far as it will go."
Ron looked through the omniculars and out the window.
"I see the village." Ron said. "Whoa! People." He said as he kept turning the knobs. "Hey all I see it wood!"
"I think that's a shingle on a roof." Elanus said.
"Now all I see is round things connected together. Looks kind of like a honeycomb."
"That would probably be dead cells in the wood. Let me look." Elanus said as he stepped up beside Ron. Elanus took the omniculars from Ron, being careful to hold it in the exact same position. He turned the knob back and then forward slowly.
"Yep." Elanus said. "It's a long range microscope. The wide angle and all that work too."
"Can I see them?" James asked. Elanus handed them to James. James looked through them and turned the knobs and pushed a few buttons. "This is just like Star Trek."
Everyone took their turn with the omniculars and then McGonagall reminded them it was time for the evening meal. The students and professors exited the office and made their way to the Great Hall together. After the meal was over Gene, Filch, Hagrid and McGonagall started the walk towards the campsite while Samuel took Fred and George Weasley outside of the Hall.
"I need to ask a favour of you two." Samuel said. "I need you to get your little brother and sister, as well as Harry and Hermione out of the castle tonight a bit after lights out."
Fred and George grinned mischievously. "Why? Any reason in particular?"
Samuel quickly and quietly explained to them about the campout and why he needed them all out there.
"Do we get to come?" George asked. "It'll be our first time to sneak out of the school."
"I somehow doubt that." Samuel said quietly. "I caught you just the other night."
"He means with a teacher's permission." Fred commented.
"Oh right. I suppose so, just keep it quiet." Samuel said.
"No problem." The twins said.
"We owe ya anyway, you're our biggest customer." Fred said.
Samuel thanked them and started walking down the halls towards the front entrance of the school. Fred and George shook their heads and ran off towards the Gryffindor tower.