Chapter 5
By twelve Harry and the other Guardians were exhausted. The riding master had spent an hour showing them their duties, then made them pick a horse. Harry had chosen a black thoroughbred called Blade. By the end of the two hour session he was regretting it, as he had been bucked off more times than he cared to remember. The fact that everyone had the same problem helped calm his pride, though not his bruises. Then came fighting. They had all changed into the white trousers, the boys discovering that the girls had also been given similar jackets. Again they met in the Entrance Hall. Their Professor was tall and lithe, with fierce blue eyes, and blond hair. Unlike the other teachers, he did not say a word until he had led them outside and onto the lawns of Hogwarts. He then motioned for them to sit down. 'You will all do exactly what I say, and when I say it. I want no complaints. You will be learning the martial arts, and as such you will behave according tot their traditions. We will be starting with simple drill, but be warned; any slackers will be rudely awoken, for you will soon be fighting each other. Is all that clear?' The group all nodded, to tired to reply. 'Good. Now, if the boys would please remove their shirts, we will begin. Form one straight line.' As the rest of the boys obeyed, Harry hesitated, noticing that Ron and Hermione were looking at him anxiously. He gave then a reassuring look, then reached over his head, and pulled his t-shirt off as smoothly as possible. As they formed up he noticed several of the others staring, trying to decide whether or not to ask how he got them. Thankfully the drills started before anyone was able too. They were shown blocks, punches, and kicks. By the end of the class Harry could barley lift his arms. The last class of the morning was duelling, which Harry was able to relax slightly in. For the first time in his life, Harry was thankful that he was always having to duel. Even if it was with Voldemort, he though wryly.
When the teenagers finally stumbled wearily into lunch, they were grateful to find vials of pepper-up-potion next to their goblets, which they duly drank. This gave them the energy to talk while they ate. They found their plates piled with cold meats, salads, quiches, and delicious crust bread. 'What's next?' Asked Ron, sounding like he didn't really want to know the answer. 'Tell me it's nothing difficult.' 'It's Language, but we have to change. Not for the first time, of course.' Replied Harry, his voice sarcastic. 'Are you sure, Harry? I mean, what do we have to change into?' Questioned Hermione. 'I saw Madame Ling, and she said full Guardian Uniform. That means the robes we found, with the shirts, and our black trousers. Right?' Said Harry, as if the answer was obvious. Hearing Harry's words, Ginny joined in the conversation. 'Has anyone got any idea what language we're going to actually learn?' 'Nope.' 'Uh-un.' 'No idea.' This last negative answer came from Harry. 'Don't you think we better go and get ready, cause we're going to be late.' Realising that they only had ten minutes to go, they ran back to their rooms, Hermione shouting at the boys: 'Don't forget your book, and parchment!' 'Yes Hermione.' They all intoned. Even though they had no time to spare, none of them could resist spending a few minutes looking at themselves in the new robes. They were open-fronted and long, nearly touching the floor, revealing the brilliance of the shirts below. The silver emblem glittered and shone. When they had all gathered in the common room, for the first time they had a glimpse of what they would become, and were proud. They walked through the door marked Classrooms together, and felt as one. The classroom they entered was unlike any they had ever studied in. There were three rows of tables, each row with eight places. There was a blackboard at the front of the room, with a large desk to one side of it. There was also a door that Harry presumed led to an office. As they took their seats Harry realised why the room felt so strange to him; it felt like a muggle classroom, there was no sigh of magic, barring the wands and staffs that they all carried. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of their teacher. They fell instantly silent, and Madame Ling nodded approvingly. 'The language of the Guardianship is that of the Magi Hawk. It is what you will use to talk to each other in the presence of others, and how the Guardians retain their secrecy. Your knowledge in this is vital, and as such we will be studying this first. It is not listed in your books, so you need not bring them until further notice. Now, repeat after me.. When the Guardians left for their next class, they were rubbing their throats, sore from trying to grasp the ranger of shrieking the language used. The next class was Potions, which surprisingly Harry was looking forward to, having seen a much nicer Snape during the week he had stayed with him. As it turned out, Snape was much nicer, and the class much more enjoyable, even though it was significantly harder. They started with an invisibility potion, and were informed that they would be moving on to things like veritaserum and polyjiuce potion. The rest of their classes were just as good. In skills they were studying portkeys, they had started on the theory in Animagi Studies, and were being taught how to deal with the after effects of the crucatius curse in Healing. Harry also gave the Doctor a look at his back, and was given some ointment for it. While Hermione was looking to come top of their Skills class instantly, Ron was in his element in Dumbledore's class. They were given plans of houses, and had to decide where they would place their people to best defend the area. Dumbledore would then charm the plans to act out attacks, so they could see where and how they went wrong. For many of them, it was the most enjoyable class of the day, partially because it involved very little physical work. The group went to supper feeling much more cheerful that they had to lunch, and actually had some rest before the evening class. As it turned out, it was more of a discussion than a class, and would remain so until they were allocated tutors in four weeks time. It was Dumbledore who addressed them. 'Before we start I want to congratulate you all on your performance today. You all did remarkably well, and our views concerning your talents have been confirmed. In four weeks time the choosing ceremony will take place, and you will decide how you are going to act when term starts, and what duties you will take up. For now, I am sure you are all tired. For this week you may use this time as you will, though starting next week we will have to begin our organisation. I suggest you do any work you have been assigned and get some rest. Goodnight.' As they trouped back to their rooms, Ron expressed what they were all feeling. 'Good of him, wasn't it? I don't think I could cope with anymore today.' The others nodded in agreement. Ginny joined them, and asked. 'Do we have any work tonight?' 'No, we didn't get set any.' That was Hermione, always up to date, as usual. 'In that case I think I'm going to bed.' Said Harry wearily. 'I don't suppose you could put some of this stuff on my back, Ron?' 'Sure, come on. Night Gin, Hermione.' 'Night you two.' 'Night.' Harry and Ron were soon changed. In fact Harry was so tired that he fell asleep lying on his stomach while Ron dealt with his back, despite the pain. Ron was left to explain what had happened to the others in hushed whispers. Soon the Guardians were asleep, preparing for another day.
By twelve Harry and the other Guardians were exhausted. The riding master had spent an hour showing them their duties, then made them pick a horse. Harry had chosen a black thoroughbred called Blade. By the end of the two hour session he was regretting it, as he had been bucked off more times than he cared to remember. The fact that everyone had the same problem helped calm his pride, though not his bruises. Then came fighting. They had all changed into the white trousers, the boys discovering that the girls had also been given similar jackets. Again they met in the Entrance Hall. Their Professor was tall and lithe, with fierce blue eyes, and blond hair. Unlike the other teachers, he did not say a word until he had led them outside and onto the lawns of Hogwarts. He then motioned for them to sit down. 'You will all do exactly what I say, and when I say it. I want no complaints. You will be learning the martial arts, and as such you will behave according tot their traditions. We will be starting with simple drill, but be warned; any slackers will be rudely awoken, for you will soon be fighting each other. Is all that clear?' The group all nodded, to tired to reply. 'Good. Now, if the boys would please remove their shirts, we will begin. Form one straight line.' As the rest of the boys obeyed, Harry hesitated, noticing that Ron and Hermione were looking at him anxiously. He gave then a reassuring look, then reached over his head, and pulled his t-shirt off as smoothly as possible. As they formed up he noticed several of the others staring, trying to decide whether or not to ask how he got them. Thankfully the drills started before anyone was able too. They were shown blocks, punches, and kicks. By the end of the class Harry could barley lift his arms. The last class of the morning was duelling, which Harry was able to relax slightly in. For the first time in his life, Harry was thankful that he was always having to duel. Even if it was with Voldemort, he though wryly.
When the teenagers finally stumbled wearily into lunch, they were grateful to find vials of pepper-up-potion next to their goblets, which they duly drank. This gave them the energy to talk while they ate. They found their plates piled with cold meats, salads, quiches, and delicious crust bread. 'What's next?' Asked Ron, sounding like he didn't really want to know the answer. 'Tell me it's nothing difficult.' 'It's Language, but we have to change. Not for the first time, of course.' Replied Harry, his voice sarcastic. 'Are you sure, Harry? I mean, what do we have to change into?' Questioned Hermione. 'I saw Madame Ling, and she said full Guardian Uniform. That means the robes we found, with the shirts, and our black trousers. Right?' Said Harry, as if the answer was obvious. Hearing Harry's words, Ginny joined in the conversation. 'Has anyone got any idea what language we're going to actually learn?' 'Nope.' 'Uh-un.' 'No idea.' This last negative answer came from Harry. 'Don't you think we better go and get ready, cause we're going to be late.' Realising that they only had ten minutes to go, they ran back to their rooms, Hermione shouting at the boys: 'Don't forget your book, and parchment!' 'Yes Hermione.' They all intoned. Even though they had no time to spare, none of them could resist spending a few minutes looking at themselves in the new robes. They were open-fronted and long, nearly touching the floor, revealing the brilliance of the shirts below. The silver emblem glittered and shone. When they had all gathered in the common room, for the first time they had a glimpse of what they would become, and were proud. They walked through the door marked Classrooms together, and felt as one. The classroom they entered was unlike any they had ever studied in. There were three rows of tables, each row with eight places. There was a blackboard at the front of the room, with a large desk to one side of it. There was also a door that Harry presumed led to an office. As they took their seats Harry realised why the room felt so strange to him; it felt like a muggle classroom, there was no sigh of magic, barring the wands and staffs that they all carried. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of their teacher. They fell instantly silent, and Madame Ling nodded approvingly. 'The language of the Guardianship is that of the Magi Hawk. It is what you will use to talk to each other in the presence of others, and how the Guardians retain their secrecy. Your knowledge in this is vital, and as such we will be studying this first. It is not listed in your books, so you need not bring them until further notice. Now, repeat after me.. When the Guardians left for their next class, they were rubbing their throats, sore from trying to grasp the ranger of shrieking the language used. The next class was Potions, which surprisingly Harry was looking forward to, having seen a much nicer Snape during the week he had stayed with him. As it turned out, Snape was much nicer, and the class much more enjoyable, even though it was significantly harder. They started with an invisibility potion, and were informed that they would be moving on to things like veritaserum and polyjiuce potion. The rest of their classes were just as good. In skills they were studying portkeys, they had started on the theory in Animagi Studies, and were being taught how to deal with the after effects of the crucatius curse in Healing. Harry also gave the Doctor a look at his back, and was given some ointment for it. While Hermione was looking to come top of their Skills class instantly, Ron was in his element in Dumbledore's class. They were given plans of houses, and had to decide where they would place their people to best defend the area. Dumbledore would then charm the plans to act out attacks, so they could see where and how they went wrong. For many of them, it was the most enjoyable class of the day, partially because it involved very little physical work. The group went to supper feeling much more cheerful that they had to lunch, and actually had some rest before the evening class. As it turned out, it was more of a discussion than a class, and would remain so until they were allocated tutors in four weeks time. It was Dumbledore who addressed them. 'Before we start I want to congratulate you all on your performance today. You all did remarkably well, and our views concerning your talents have been confirmed. In four weeks time the choosing ceremony will take place, and you will decide how you are going to act when term starts, and what duties you will take up. For now, I am sure you are all tired. For this week you may use this time as you will, though starting next week we will have to begin our organisation. I suggest you do any work you have been assigned and get some rest. Goodnight.' As they trouped back to their rooms, Ron expressed what they were all feeling. 'Good of him, wasn't it? I don't think I could cope with anymore today.' The others nodded in agreement. Ginny joined them, and asked. 'Do we have any work tonight?' 'No, we didn't get set any.' That was Hermione, always up to date, as usual. 'In that case I think I'm going to bed.' Said Harry wearily. 'I don't suppose you could put some of this stuff on my back, Ron?' 'Sure, come on. Night Gin, Hermione.' 'Night you two.' 'Night.' Harry and Ron were soon changed. In fact Harry was so tired that he fell asleep lying on his stomach while Ron dealt with his back, despite the pain. Ron was left to explain what had happened to the others in hushed whispers. Soon the Guardians were asleep, preparing for another day.