TITLE: Xander Muyo: Hogwart's Style Part 1B
AN: I would like to thank Grossclout for editing my story. Also to Enterprise1701_D for helping me write it. Also thanks to everyone that has reviewed. Also Tex James who helped me revise and add more interesting scenes to this chapter.
***
Damn. It's my turn. Maybe the hat will go to sleep. My life is that boring. And I don't think I like that professor. She was mean to April and Ariana. Besides, I don't like authority… never did, and never will.
"Masters, Alexander," the professor yelled out.
Now Xander was confused. What in Hell? They even got my name wrong!! This is starting to get ridiculous! He walked up to the professor and whispered with as much respect as he could muster in his present state, "I think you got my name wrong. It's Alexander Harris."
Professor McGonagall looked at him as if he just grew another head, and now sported scales. "I'm sorry young man, but the magic pen that lists all the names is never wrong. Not once in the hundred years that Hogwarts has existed."
Xander shrugged and grumbled to himself about hating magic and sat on the stool. The moment the hat hit his head, it started shaking for a couple of seconds and then stood stiff still. Such pain, such loyalty, but so much power. Your power can grow in Slytherin, but I can see above all you have a strong heart and bravery to challenge all before you. What house do you want?
Xander was shocked that he was asked in his best 'Xander': huh?
You have potential to be placed in all of the houses. This is a hard choice indeed… in Slytherin your power will grow beyond any before you. In Gryffindor you will learn control and loyalty and courage with friends for life. In Ravenclaw, you will be with others that have the same vast intelligence. In Hufflepuff you will be with those that are loyal beyond all others.
Well… power is nothing without control, and above all loyalty and courage is what is needed to fight the evil in the world. Besides, I want to be with those two girls. I think They're HOT, Xander added to his thought to the Hat. I think I'll choose Gryffindor.
Very well, "GRYFFINDOR" yelled out the hat. The hall was shocked in near-silence. Never before had the hat taken so long to chose and its violent reaction at the beginning was disturbing. The Gryffindors knew what to do though, and they all clapped and cheered.
Xander stood up and sat next to Pumpkin "So what's everyone so shocked about?" he asked, bending closer to the friend he had made on the train.
"Dude, didn't you notice how violently the hat acted towards you?" Pumpkin looked at Xander pointedly, as if trying to determine whether or not Xander was doing ok.
Xander raised his eyebrow. "Kinda hard to look at something that's on top of your head," he said with a chuckle. "Besides that professor got my name wrong," Xander said, wondered where the Masters-thing came from.
"I never heard of the magic pen that lists al the names being wrong, but don't worry about it. I know you'll be shocked when we get our food."
"Food, yeah, that's what I need," his stomach made a huge growl at his comment making everyone around him laugh.
Ignoring the laughs Xander examined the room and looked towards the High Table where the faculty was seated. At the end of the table, Hagrid was seated. I like him; he acts like he's got a big heart. In the center of the table, in a large gold chair, sat a silver haired older man. He must be the headmaster… and did he just smile at me? Next to Dumbledore sat an Asian man, he had grayish hair tied up in a ponytail, a light from the room seemed to shine off his glasses blocking Xander from seeing his eyes. "Yo, Pumpkin who is that next to the headmaster?"
"I heard he was the new DADA teacher, he comes from Japan I think," said Pumpkin as if it was common knowledge.
"Japan," both April and Ariana said. It will be good to have a teacher of the Japanese school, April said. I've grown used to it with Morimoto-sensei… I'll miss the signs of respect a student has for a teacher, and the respect a teacher has for the student.
I know what you mean, Ariana replied. I miss him too…
He helped us so much, April whispered.
"Hey girls!" they heard, snapping them out of their 'dream'.
"Excuse us," April replied. "We just dreamed off for a moment."
"I can see that," Xander said with a chuckle. "I asked why you were staring into space like that."
"Oh," April replied with a sad smile. "We spent the last three years of our lives in Japan. It's nice to have someone here who reminds us of the place we left behind there," she replied easily.
"Now, what's DADA?" Xander asked.
"It's an art form," April replied immediately. "Mostly writers and poets who deliberately tried to spread confusion, and provoke the people. They're known as anti-artists, and their reaction grew in response to the First World War."
"Possibly," Pumpkin said as the rest of the table stared at April. "But in here, it stands for 'Defense Against the Dark Arts'. Do you see that guy next to the new professor? That's Professor Snape. He has wanted to teach that class for ages, but it's never happened. I hate that guy."
"He can't be that bad," Ariana replied.
"You'll find out for yourself," Pumpkin said, with wicked smile.
"I'm starting to get really hungry. Where's the food?" Xander laughed to Pumpkin.
"Just hold your horses, dude. In a minute," Pumpkin answered, pointing to the headmaster.
Albus Dumbledore got up and smiled at the students, "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts!" He waved his hands and sat back down. Everyone clapped and cheered.
I think I am going to like him, April said with a chuckle to Ariana.
Ditto, Kawaii. Very much ditto, Ariana replied with an easy mental smile.
The dishes in front of him were now piled with food. The table was full of roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and many other things. Xander's mouth hung open and he drooled.
"You better close your mouth, Alexander… a fly may mistake it for something else otherwise," replied Ariana with laughter clearly in her eyes.
"Yeah. Your drool is starting to create a puddle," April chuckled.
Xander closed his mouth and started to pile food onto his plate. He ate and ate and ate, shocking everyone. No one knew that a person could eat so much.
No wonder he kept complaining about Twinkies before. He's got a bottomless stomach. Pumpkin thought.
All the commotion with Xander's appetite took away the attention from April and Ariana who also had more than average appetites, although theirs was still civil, contrary to Xander's.
April and Ariana chuckled at Xander's antics and his ability to pile food down his throat. He has got to be a Saiyan; no way a normal human can eat that much, mentally laughed April to Ariana.
Yeah, he would scare Goku and piss of the great Saiyan prince himself, Vegeta. Ariana laughed back to April.
Not much trouble there… Vegeta gets pissed at his own shadow, April replied casually. Besides, Goku can kick Vegeta's ass anytime. The show shows so.
Xander stopped eating for a sec and looked around at the other students' shocked expressions, he turned towards Pumpkin, "What's there problem?"
"Don't worry dude, they just never seen anybody eat so much," laughed Pumpkin. He laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair.
Xander looked around and turned red, and decided to eat slower and not fill his plate up so fast.
As everyone continued to eat, conversations started and others kept to themselves as they ate. Finally the desserts disappeared, much to Xander's disappointment. "Man just one more pie, please," he mumbled.
Pumpkin laughed, "Man! Aren't you filled yet? You ate enough for an army!"
"I guess not," Xander laughed. They both turned to look up at the High Table.
Professor Dumbledore got up, "Ahem, just a few words and notices to give you."
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well. Remember not to use magic in between classes in the corridors, this message courtesy of Mr. Filch."
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. Finally do not forget about the return of Lord Voldemort," everyone gasped at the use of that name. "We can not forget the loss of our dear friend and fellow student Cedric Diggory, please take a minute and pay your respects." The hall became quiet, except for the Slytherins, who were clapping and yelling that Diggory got what he deserved.
For the first time, an angry twinkle was seen on Dumbledore's eyes by the students. "Table Slytherin, for the disgrace you have shown, you loose 50 points." Everyone at the table groaned but became quiet.
Xander turned to Pumpkin to ask what was going on, but Pumpkin waved him off as if the subject would be discussed later.
As the hall became quiet once again, "When visiting Hogsmeade be careful of others and if any trouble is seen please report to any of the available professors."
Now in a more cheery voice, "Let us sing the school song before we go off to bed!" Dumbledore retrieved his wand and waved it, a long golden ribbon flew out of it, which raised high above the tables and twisted itself, snakelike into words.
"Every year we do this," Pumpkin said to the girls and Xander.
"Everyone pick their favorite tune," said Dumbledore, "and off we go!" They all sang, Xander thought that it was a cute song. Everyone finished, and Dumbledore clapped and, "Off to bed!"
Xander and the girls stayed behind as the other first years left to go to the dormitory. Professor McGonagall came up to them and stopped Harry and two of his friends before they left. "Mister Potter, Mister Weasley, and Miss Granger, will you accompany me to Professor Dumbledore's office?"
The three teenagers looked shocked and scared, their expression clearly conveying the message why where they being summoned so soon?
Xander noticed their discomfort and looked up at the professor, "I just need you to accompany Mr. Masters, Miss Fromthefield, and Miss Smith back to dormitory when they are done speaking with him."
The teens relaxed immediately and nodded to the professor, while Xander started to turn red and he started to get really angry as well. "Excuse me, Professor. As I told you before, my name is Harris, not Masters. I would appreciate it if you didn't make that mistake again." He tried really hard not to yell at her.
The experiences teens gasped, as they had never seen anyone be so rude at the professor. But what shocked them more was her response.
"Yes, well the magic pen that lists the names is never wrong. Maybe you should talk to Professor Dumbledore about that before you snap at me." She seemed so calm and replied with respect.
"Sorry about the outburst. I'll talk with him then," Xander said, calmed down now.
***
All of them followed the professor up some stairs to the second floor and down a corridor. After a few minutes of walking, the group halted in front of an ugly stone gargoyle against a wall. "I wonder if I could get one of those to protect my Twinkies …" as Xander said his last word, the gargoyle jumped out of the way and the wall slid open to reveal an upwards moving spiral stair-case.
"… back home," Xander finished, voice shocked at what he had witnessed. April and Ariana were smiling slightly, one eyebrow raised.
"Then who will protect them from you?" Pumpkin chuckled, as if nothing unusual happened. Everyone laughed until Ron asked what a Twinkie was. The professor just raised an eyebrow at Xander.
Xander shrieked in horror. "Y…you don't know what a Twinkie is!? Oh, the horror!" Everyone laughed again except Ron and the professor. Harry leaned over to Ron and mentioned that it was a Muggle pastry.
"Hey, man. Quick question… why did big stone and ugly over there get out the way when I mentioned Twinkies?" Xander asked Harry, leaning closer to him.
"Well, I guess it's the password to get to Dumbledore's office. He usually picks his favorite sweets as his password," Harry replied calmly.
Xander gave Harry a big lopsided smile. "I am definitely going to like this guy," he said with conviction, electing a chuckle from some of the people present. Professor McGonagall ushered them up the long staircase until they reached a gleaming oak door with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin.
Xander looked around and was amazed at the portraits of what he assumed where previous Headmasters and Headmistresses, and how they moved and talked to each other. There was a desk and 7 chairs around the table; next to the desk was a golden perch used by a beautiful gold-and-red bird.
"Amazing!" Ariana choked out at the sight of the bird. "Isn't that a phoenix?"
April nodded slowly. "A very living phoenix… and outside of a mythology book."
As the two girls, entranced by the bird, ventured closer, it flew up from its stand, approaching the girls tentatively as well, as if bird and girls were watching each other intently, trying to figure out how to establish 'first contact' the best way. Finally, it was April who lifted her arm, holding it horizontally, and allowed herself to enter the state of inner peace that made her a non-threat to the most ferocious of animals. The Phoenix screeched once, and touched down on the girl's arm. Both girls smiled, looking over the beautiful creature with amazing attention. It was April who first ventured to pet the fire-bird. When she received no adverse reactions, Ariana joined in as well, petting the bird across the back.
"Ahh, it looks like Fawkes made new friends," Dumbledore said with a smile as he entered from an adjacent room. He was now certain about his earlier decision…He knew that, once Fawkes liked someone, they must be good people. "Everyone, please take a seat," he said, sitting down behind the desk. Xander could see the Sorting Hat standing behind Dumbledore, and there was a beautiful sword next to it.
"Welcome to my office, Alexander, April, and Ariana. And once again, Welcome to Hogwarts," he said, bowing his head both to show respect and greet the newcomers. The girls bowed from their seats, while Xander merely dipped his head and smiled at the headmaster.
"Professor, I loved your password. It's great to meet a fellow Twinkie lover," Xander said, standing up and extended his hand to the person behind the desk.
Dumbledore laughed and took Xander's hand in a friendly clasp. "Yes, I can't resist the sweets," he said with a chuckle. Everyone in the room snickered slightly, except for April and Ariana, who merely smiled. Snickering or laughing would indicate disrespect… and if there was one thing both had learned from their stay in Japan, it was respect for teachers.
The two Twinkie lovers had returned to their seats, and Dumbledore turned to April and Ariana. "April and Ariana, allow me to start with you first. I have reviewed your records from your previous schooling, although this is an unusual thing to do for new students. But, when the pen placed your names on the list, and indicated that you were above the age limit, I had to look into it, merely as a precaution to determine in which areas you needed extra effort. I can say that I am glad I looked. I can honestly say that I am honored to have the two longest active members of the Institute of higher Learning's Phoenixes in our ranks," his eyes twinkled and he smiled at the girls.
"Thank you, headmaster," both of the girls responded, unsure. Professor McGonagall stared at the duo.
"You were Phoenixes," she asked with a hint of awe in her voice. "For how long, may I ask?"
April and Ariana bowed their heads. "Five years, Professor. We were forced to leave… an emergency forced us to move to Japan," April answered with a slight tremor in her voice. Ariana placed a calming hand on her friend's shoulder. April smiled gratefully, although a little sadly, at Ariana.
Dumbledore smiled and looked to Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, the girls will set up their own curriculum. They will learn at their own pace. Give them a list of all the books they need and the classes that are available. I have no doubt that they can learn faster if they aren't hampered by the professors."
"But Albus! It would be impossible for them to learn so much without hands-on work that we do in the classroom!" she protested, a little surprised by the headmaster's words. "I know that the Phoenixes are supposed to be the best and brightest, but I am doubtful that even they can learn without a single practical example."
Dumbledore nodded. "They will still be required to attend class with the other Gryffindors, but they will not be required to follow the pace of the class. They will be allowed to set their own pace and the professors will answer any questions and set tasks for them to finish in order for them to be able to show improvement," as he finished he turned to the couple, watching the proceedings with a keen intellect. "Will this be acceptable?" he asked them.
"Yes sir, just one question. Will we be able to ask any of the professors questions, like your self for instance?" April asked respectfully.
Before he could answer, Professor McGonagall cut in. "Of course not! Headmaster Dumbledore is a very busy and powerful wizard!"
Dumbledore smiled at the professor, turned to the girls, and his smile grew wider. "Yes, of course you may… if I am not busy with other matters."
"Thank you, headmaster," April said, she and her companion bowing. "If you would allow me one more question, sir... but... is there an area for general experimentation? After all, magic, if I understand it correctly, can have very... explosive results. Is there an area where we can experiment without accidentally damaging something valuable and/or irreplaceable?" April asked.
"Yes, when the time comes that you anticipate the need for a secluded room, please ask Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you for your help, Headmaster. We will not fail you, or the trust you have put in us," April said, bowing once again.
Xander looked at the duo, not understanding why they weren't seasick from all the bopping.
Dumbledore nodded. "I'm sure you won't," he said with a friendly smile. He then turned his attention to Xander, "Now, Alexander, you on the other hand, will have limited amount of time available. Our mutual acquaintance," his said with twinkling eyes, "has requested that you must learn everything in one year's time."
Everyone gasped, except April and Ariana, He's probably an undiscovered Phoenix, April thought to Ariana. Poor boy… growing up in normal education with a mind built to reach for the stars.
Ariana nodded slowly. Or he's a new one… after all; we left over three years ago. Who knows how many new people the Institute has by now?
True, April allowed. Very true. We'll see.
That we will, Kawaii. That we will, Ariana replied calmly, with a smile in Xander's direction.
"But Albus! No student has ever been able to finish that quickly! I must object to this decision," Professor McGonagall protested.
How long did it take us to finish three years of Junior High School, and the three years of high School? Three months, give or take? April asked her companion.
When we were seven years old. We've grown a lot stronger since then. These seven years shouldn't take us more than two and a half months, three months tops, if the matter is hard or extensive, Ariana answered calmly. Both girls looked at each other. Three months, and we're done, they vowed to each other. We'll show the Professor WHY we made Phoenix five years in a row, April thought to her companion with a smile.
Xander had stood up by now, and had turned to the female professor. "If Mr. Dumbledore says that I have to do it, then I don't know how, but I'll do it!" Xander said with a determined look in his eyes. April and Ariana were probably the only ones in the room who could read that there was also a great shock about the demand placed on him.
He's not a Phoenix, April thought to her friend. A Phoenix knows how to meet impossible demands. We'll help him… with Phoenix mind-training. We'll teach him to assimilate data.
Agreed, Ariana answered. He helped us, so we should help him, any way we can.
"Very well," Dumbledore said, glad that Xander was willing to meet this challenge head-on. "He will have the same type of schooling as the girls, but he will have to finish a year's worth of lessons every month. The remaining months will be used on advanced training," the headmaster decided.
To say Minerva McGonagall was shocked would not nearly describe her reaction and how she felt. Never has anyone been put under so much training before. This is insane… What is GOING ON here? "Albus, may I ask why he must go through so much training so quickly?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral.
"I am sorry, Minerva, but I promised a friend not to reveal too much," he gave her an apologetic smile and then turned to Xander, "Is this acceptable Alexander? Is there anything else you require?"
"When I said I was going to like you, I meant it," Xander said with a grin. "Sure, it's cool… but I do need facilities so I can train."
Dumbledore gave him a knowing look. "Of course, we have big training facility, normally accessible only 5th years and above. You may use it, anytime you like. As long as it does not interfere with your magical training, of course," the headmaster concluded with a smile.
"Cool," he turned to Harry, "Do you know where it is?"
Harry, totally confused by what had occurred, just shook his head.
"Don't worry Mister Potter and Mister Masters. The prefects will tell you were it is once you return to the dormitory," Dumbledore smiled slyly, knowing what the next question would be.
"Why does everyone insist that my last name is Masters?" Xander cried. "Ha, Ha, you guys got me, you can stop the joke already." This has to be joke. What else could it be? Xander's mind grunted inwardly.
"Exactly what I thought you where going to say. Katsuhito, I think it's time you come in." The old man that Xander had seen earlier at the High Table, the Japanese DADA teacher, entered from the same room that Dumbledore entered from earlier.
He just stared at Xander as trying to see something or find something, when suddenly; a tear left his right eye. "No wonder Tsunami wanted me to come here," he whispered, but Xander caught what he said.
Tsunami? April and Ariana asked each other at the same time. Why is Xander's heart thumping so hard, and why is the Japanese DADA teacher showing emotions? April voiced both their questions.
I don't know, Kawaii. This is getting weirder by the minute. For a Japanese TEACHER to show emotions… in front of NEW students…it takes something big. And who would be called Tsunami? How can you call someone after a destructive force of nature?
Questions, questions, April replied. Riddles to be solved. We'll solve them.
You can bet we will, Ariana answered. I want to know what is going on here.
April simply chuckled through the link.
Xander was shocked to hear Tsunami's name and wondered how many secrets she was withholding from him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked coolly, studying the Japanese teacher.
Katsuhito just stepped closer to Xander and kept looking at him, as if staring at his soul. To say this was frightening Xander was an understatement. On instinct, he jumped out of the chair and pulled out the Akiri-ken. The power-readings he was getting from the old man where higher than the other wizards. He didn't know if the Japanese man was friend or foe. Careful not to ignite the blade and totally blow his cover, Xander just kept Akiri-ken at the ready. April and Ariana where curious of his actions, but figured that he was just trying to show his magical item.
Xander was shocked when Katsuhito just walked up to him and placed his hand on the end of the sword and nothing happened. What the fuck, isn't he supposed to get shocked now? Only family members of the royal family can touch my Akiri-ken. "What?" he muttered.
No one else knew what to do, and were wondering what the item Xander pulled out was. Katsuhito stepped back and whispered in pure Juraian, "I see you have Akiri's blade with you, my Grandson." Xander had learned the language from Tsunami and thought no one here knew it.
Unknown language, April's genetic memories told her. I've recorded it. The more we know about it, the more I'll add to it… now I am REALLY beginning to wonder what is going on here.
First he gets the same treatment as us, then he pulls out a magic wand that looks like a sword-handle, and now he and our DADA teacher are talking in Unknown. You're right, April. Something not right, and we'll need to figure it out… soon. For all we know, they might be agents left from Zodiac, or some other group, trying to get their hands on our genetically enhanced bodies.
April gulped through the link, and a shudder went through her. I really hoped it was over, Love… I really hoped it was over… I don't want to run again.
Now we have Morimoto-sensei, and Yahiko-Kun. We can stay with them. Carol is keeping a continuous eye on air-traffic. We can bail anytime.
April took a shuddering breath. Right. I need to pull myself together.
Ariana's mental voice turned velvety soft. After what we went through, we're entitled to be careful, she said.
Xander gasped, unable to think clearly. Who was this man that claimed to be his grandfather? A painful memory crashed into him. His life at home finally made sense. His father's words echoed in his mind. You're no son of mine; you're worthless, his father would say, before the beatings would start. This time anger was the only thing he was feeling, "I need my rest can we go to the dormitory," he asked Dumbledore with a tired voice. He really did feel tired. Of course, at the same time, he ignored the Japanese man.
"Very well. Mister Potter, Miss Granger, and Mister Weasley, can you please show our new friends to the dormitory? Thank you and good night." The six got up and left for the dormitory… after April and Ariana bowed to the Headmaster, the DADA teacher, and the Professor in turn.
"Albus, what is going on here?" a very angry Minerva McGonagall asked.
"I am sorry; Minerva, but I can not reveal anything at the moment. Please try to understand," Dumbledore said, sounding apologetic.
She got up angrily. "Very well, Albus. But I do not like to be kept out of the loop, especially when it concerns MY students in MY house," she said, clearly emphasizing the 'my', before walking out of the office.
"Well, that didn't go very well, Katsuhito. Did it?" The smile that Dumbledore had on early left his face and a neutral expression replaced it.
"No, I didn't expect to finally find him. Tsunami told us she couldn't find him," tears left his eyes as he recalled the pain that his daughter went through when Alexander turned up missing.
"She may have her reasons. She was the one that told me to use the pen to get his name," Dumbledore said thoughtfully.
"Yes, that may be, but she kept him from us. I hope he's had a good life, so his mother and father can now rest in peace," Katsuhito said. As a second thought, he added, "I think Alexander is right. I feel tired too. I think I'll go to bed. Good night." Katsuhito bowed to Dumbledore and left his office.
"Interesting days indeed," Dumbledore whispered, before he retired to his own bedroom.