Chapter Twenty Two: Classes Begin

"Will you please stop that." Robert shouted.

He looked at the laughing faces at the Gryffindor table as Hermione Granger levitated his glass of pumpkin juice with her new wand. She was enjoying herself. Robert shook his head and turned to talk to Justin Finch-Fetchley when the glass dropped into place at his side.

"I always miss the good things."

"Is that a children's toy?" Justin asked.

"Apparently it is a new design. Hermione is testing it."

"I'm happy she's in Gryffindor," Justin admitted. "I wouldn't want to be part of her tests."


"I have to go," Hermione said suddenly, and grabbed her books, running from the Great Hall.

"What was that about?" Harry asked. "We are going to the same class."

Ron shrugged his shoulders. "I think she's up to something. I looked at her schedule and she has two classes listed for the same time." Ron grinned. "So, Harry, what's it like being Robert?"

"I do not understand."

"I know," Ron answered. "Before you left for the summer, you didn't understand. Now you do not understand."

"Contractions show poor breeding," Harry said with a hint of embarrassment.

"Right. They might think you grew up with muggles or something."

Both boys grinned at the reference to the Dursleys, but Harry felt he had to add something. "It is not like that, Ron. When I am there, at home or on ship, I am expected to be someone. I have to be that someone. I can not explain the why of it, but I want to be that someone."

"I know why," Ron said as he put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "That's how things are when you're home."

Harry started at the way Ron said that last word, then had to give a sincere smile. Ron knew he had the right of it. Harry, after thirteen years, had a place he considered 'home'.

"Ron, I know 'it's' early, but we've invited Hermione to our house for Christmas. I thought you might like to join us."

"I'll ask Mum and Dad," Ron said. "Will you be asking Colin?"

"I already did. He wants to know if he can bring his camera."

Both boys were laughing when they left for their first class.


"Such bright eager faces," Master Sorcerer Sean O'Lochlainn said as he stood in the front of the class. "I am sure we will both learn from each other as the year progresses."

Dean Thomas raised his hand. "Professor, you don't use a wand. How can you teach us magic?"

"I do use wands," Master Sean said and lifted the sorcerer's case by his feet, placing it on the desk. Most of the class was surprised because they had not noticed the case at all until that moment. As he reached into the case he commented, "in my world, we perform magic in a different manner. I understand that a student, in one of the other houses, last year used a defensive spell I taught him, with interesting effect. Do any of you know of this incident?"

Everyone raised their hand and several turned to look at Harry.

"These are my wands," Master Sean said, "a gold wand, a silver wand, as well as one of lead and one of glass. In Sorcery, what a wand is made of will affect the spell." He reached into his bag and pulled out two knives. " In magic, one of the laws is the Law of Similarity. That law permits us to use an object to represent another object in the course of casting a spell. This is a sharp knife. I would use this to represent an object that cuts. This other knife is a dull knife. Does anyone know what a dull knife can be best used to represent?"

No one raised their hand.

Master Sean smirked. "It can be best used to represent a dull knife. The most similar thing you can use to represent an object is the object itself." He grinned an infectious smile. "Is there a one of you who is not confused?"

Seamus Finnigan raised his hand, "I think I'm confused, Sir."

"But you are not sure?" Master Sean asked in mock disbelief.

"I'm sure," Lavender Brown said, and everyone laughed

Master Sean put his tools away and set the bag back on the floor. "There was a point to what I did and said. Something may seem simple until you look at it. Magic is like that, but the more you understand the subtleties, the more powerful a spell you can cast. I shall warn you now. This class will consist mostly of lectures. I will attempt to teach all of you some spells, such as the spell that Milord Robert Somerset used effectively." Everyone in the class grinned. "I can not and will not teach you everything. And I will also be using an assistant, your new Groundskeeper, to teach the more mundane spells that you cast with YOUR wands, as well as how to deal with some of the magical creatures in your world. I also have one ironclad rule that every one of my students must follow, without exception. If I say something that you do not understand, you must tell me. Ignorance is excusable unless it is reinforced. Then it becomes stupidity. Do all of you understand this rule?"

Master Sean smiled as everyone said yes. "Let us first discuss the Laws of Magic. I have already mentioned the Law of Similarity. Similarity means that one object that is similar to another object may be used in casting a spell to represent that object. I asked you earlier about the dull knife. A dull knife is similar to a dull knife because it is a dull knife. But let me give you another example, an example involving the Dark Arts. Is there anyone who has not heard of a voodoo doll? Good. This is something that is 'similar' in both our worlds. A voodoo doll is a simulacrum used to represent a particular person on whom ill fortune is wished. It is most effective if it is made with a part of that person's body, such as a fingernail, because that fingernail, which represents the victim's body is, in fact, part of the victim's body."

Hermione raised her hand. "Professor, I read that most voodoo dolls, in this world, are made from an article of the victim's clothing."

"There, Miss Granger, you are dealing with the Law of Relativity. The strength of the doll now comes from a different source. It depends for strength upon how long the victim owned that piece of clothing, and how he felt about it. A favorite shirt of a few months could be stronger than an old housecoat that has been lying around for years. The doll's strength is 'relative' depending upon the material used." He pointed to Neville Longbottom. "And your question is?"

"I was curious about the Traveler Stone, Sir. Does that use the Law of Similarity? After all, Robert appeared where Harry was."

"An excellent question," Professor Quirrell said, and Neville beamed at the compliment. "The Traveler Stone is a perfect example. To touch it is to move to another world in place of your exact double. You can change places with a similar object because that object IS you. In Robert Somerset's case, he used a control stone. Instead of appearing in place of Harry, he appeared in front of Harry. In that case, the Law of Attraction was also involved . . ."


"Harry," Master Sean called as the class ended. "I need to talk with you before your next class." As Ron made to stay, the tubby Irishman asked him to leave. It was to be a private conversation.

"I'll see you in Potions," Ron told Harry as he left.

"You had to remind me," Harry said, feigning disgust. He turned back to the Master Sorcerer as Ron left.

"Harry, I have talked to your uncle, Remus Lupin, about the incident on the train. Are you aware of how he made the dementor retreat from you and your brother?"

"Vaguely, Master Sean. I was present when Hermione and the others described what happened. I know he cast a spell but that is all I know."

The Sorcerer nodded. "It is called the Patronus Charm. While you were in London I had the opportunity to discuss the matter with him, and I regret to tell you that you will be losing some of your free time."

Harry gave a thin smile as he guessed what was coming. "He's going to teach me the spell?"

"You and Robert. The two of you will make arrangements with him. These are to be private lessons, by the way, and not for public knowledge." Master Sean paused then added, "there are people in authority who may think we are overreacting. It would be best not to draw too much attention to what we are doing."

Harry's thin smile grew. "Then why do Robert and I have to wear our uniforms instead of robes. That draws attention to us."

Quirrell grew a smile of his own. "Remember the Law of Relativity, Milord. What you appear to be is not what you are, only what you seem. It is safer if you seem less than you are."

Harry frowned at that remark, but only nodded. There was the obvious meaning, not to upset the Ministry, but there was another meaning underneath. Harry could not fathom the second meaning and knew that Master Sean O'Lochlainn would not explain. Harry decided to try a different tactic.

"Master Sean, may I ask about our uniforms. When Robert and I were first told we would be returning, we were also told not to wear them. Now we are being ordered to."

Master Sean smiled. "I think you know enough to figure that out. You have enough of your father in you. But I will tell you the obvious points. The Minister for Magic has stopped short of openly demanding that we give him a control stone. He and his friends have their own uses for it. His Majesty, on the other hand, wishes to make a show of power. Do you understand?"

Harry paused in thought then looked up in surprise. It seemed almost a joke, but Master Sean was right. He did understand. Harry and his brother represented, to the Ministry, a backward world that was inferior in magic. But the fact that they wore their uniforms, that they displayed the emblem of the Empire, was a subtle sign that this backward power did not recognize itself as subservient.

"Is that also why you are a teacher here, Master Sean?"

The Irishman chuckled. "Hardly, Milord. It seems that Professor Dumbledore had a difficult time trying to fill this position. I took the position as a favor to him, and because I had the time."

Harry joined in with the Sorcerer's laugh. Master Sean had taken a leave of absence as Master Forensic Sorcerer to the Duke of Normandy, to coincide with the leave taken by his colleague, Lord Darcy, the Duke's Chief Investigator. Harry smiled as he remembered the short excursion to Normandy to attend the wedding of his uncle to his Godmother, Her Grace, Mary, Dowager Duchess of Cumberland, newly elevated Lady of the Order of Saint Agnes. Lord and Lady Darcy were taking an extended honeymoon to parts unknown.


Robert sat at the table in the common room and stared at the window. For all that had happened, he missed Ernie. They had spent too many nights the previous year sitting at this very table with books piled around them. It was a familiarity that he missed.

"May I join you?" Susan Bones asked. When Robert nodded, she sat down. "You looked lost."

"Thinking about the past," Robert said ruefully. "My world keeps changing on me. I have lost my familiar routine."

"A lot has happened," Susan admitted. "At least you're better off than you were."

"Am I?" Robert asked. "I feel as though my life hangs on a thin thread. If I err once, everything will come undone." He looked up. "Susan, what do you think of me?"

"I like you," Susan admitted. "I thought I liked you better but then Ron . . ."

"No," Robert interrupted. "What do you think of me as far as my background?"

Susan smiled wryly. "I think thirteen is too young an age to be in the military."

"In my world you would not be trained as a sorcerer until you were at least fourteen. Even then, you would be an apprentice for several years."

"Things are different," Susan acknowledged.

"And I have a foot in both worlds." Robert could not shake his melancholy. "And now I need to make my way to my extra class. It should prove interesting."

"I know it will," Susan said as they stood up. "I wonder how many people will be there?"

"Only Harry and I," Robert answered.

"That's right. You missed the Welcoming Feast. Dumbledore told everyone about the class and invited all interested students to attend."

Robert looked at Susan in surprise. "Do you really think many students will want to attend a class on Military Requirements of His Royal Majesty's Navy?"

"I am, out of curiosity. I'm sure quite a few will show up, although I don't know how many will stay."


Robert didn't know what to expect as he and Susan walked to the designated classroom. The room itself was empty, literally. There were no desks or chairs. Only four walls with a door on one side and windows on the other. Harry was standing in the room, already. Colin was next to him, holding a camera as usual. Ron, and all the other Weasleys were also there.

Malfoy was there as well, laughing at the lack of furnishings. His loud comment about the poor and backward world drew some laughs, mostly from Crabbe and Goyle but it was obvious he had said that line before, probably several times before.

In all, some sixty students came. The largest number came from Hufflepuff with Gryffyndor not far behind. There were a dozen from Ravenclaw but, except for Malfoy and his cronies, only two from Slytherin. Everyone was curious about the strange class.

Robert walked over to Harry, making two beacons of blue in a sea of black robes. They had barely said hello when a familiar voice yelled at a student to get out of the way. Both boys turned instinctively and saluted Captain Grissom as he entered the room and closed the door behind him. Malfoy made a comment too low to be heard by them, but the laughter of those around him was clear to everyone in the room. Captain Grissom saluted the Somerset twins then doffed his hat, tossing it aside. The brim struck Malfoy on the forehead with an audible thump, and an equally audible, "OW!" Everyone went silent.

"The first duty of any seaman is to be aware at all times," Captain Grissom said loudly. "The next time I toss my hat to someone I expect it to be caught." He turned directly to Draco Malfoy. "Pick it up and return it to me."

"You threw it at me, deliberately," Malfoy sneered.

"Yes," Grissom said evenly, "and I hit my mark. Pick up my hat."

"I'm not your servant," Draco said.

"You are not. You are my student. Pick up the hat."

"I'm not your student, either." Malfoy's anger was clear. "Dumbledore invited us here to watch . . ."

"Headmaster Dumbledore invited you to attend. You are here. You are a student in this class. You will pick up my hat."

"I will NOT."

Draco Malfoy went to storm out of the classroom only to be grabbed by Captain Grissom and tossed back to his starting point.

"I have plenty of time, and in a battle of wills I will win. You will pick up that hat. You will hand it to me. You will apologize for your lack of discipline. You have no choice in this matter. By showing up, you agreed to be a student in this class. You have to do as I tell you."

"Then I'll drop this class," Malfoy yelled, but made no effort to leave. Several snickers were heard around the room.

"QUIET," Grissom roared in anger. "The first lesson in this class is discipline. All of you will remain quiet." He turned back to Malfoy. "You can drop this class only with my permission. Pick up my hat. Now."

The color drained from Malfoy's face, and he slowly stooped. He stood up, hat in hand and held it out for the Captain to take. And he apologized. He spoke the words woodenly, but he spoke them. "I'm sorry for my lack of discipline."

Grissom took his hat and put it back on, giving Malfoy a sneer of his own. "You have my permission to leave this class."

Draco fled.

Grissom walked toward the window and looked at the roomful of students. Almost all of them were surprised by what happened. "I know that many of you did not expect this. All of you who are no longer interested may leave with my permission."

As the classroom slowly emptied, Fred Weasley raised his hand. "Professor, outside of yelling at useless gits, what will you be teaching in this class?"

"Yeah," George said. "We already know how to yell at useless gits, but that hat trick was a nice touch."

Grissom looked surprised, but noticed the shared look that Harry and Robert had. The boy next to them, obviously a younger brother, had the same look.

"You have to learn the 'hat trick' on your own. And I am a Captain, not a Professor. Are you interested in hands on experience on how to handle a ship?"

Fred laughed. "That's too much like real work for us. Permission to leave, Captain."

Both he and George saluted.

"Dismissed," Grissom said as he returned their salute. After they left, he added, "Thank God. For a minute I thought those two were actually going to stay."

Only a handful of students remained.

"I want names, and why you are staying."

"Cedric Diggory, Captain, and I'm not here as a student. I'm Captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, and Robert is our Keeper. I'm trying to figure out his schedule so that I can arrange practices."

"Quidditch?"

"Aerial football, Captain," Robert offered. "I guard the goals."

Grissom gave a curious smile. "I may enjoy this duty after all. Captain Diggory, I will have to let you know. I need to know first how many students I actually have."

"If you could let me know, too," a boy the same age said.

"And you are?"

"Oliver Wood, Gryffindor. Harry's our Seeker."

Grissom looked at Harry.

"I, um, well, I chase the Snitch," Harry stuttered. "I will explain later, Captain."

Grissom nodded. "And you are?" he said to a third boy.

"Ron Weasley. I'm Harry's best mate at school."

"And are you staying?"

"Sure. You've got to be a great teacher after what you did to Malfoy. And this sounds more fun than Divination. That Professor Trelawney is weird. I'll drop her class instead."

Grissom gave Harry a curious look. "Divination?"

"Tea Cups and Crystal Balls. I think."

A hesitant tone came over Grissom's voice. "Black Magic?"

"Not the way Trelawney teaches it," Ron smirked, and another boy laughed with him.

"I have a great deal to learn," Grissom said, then turned to Ginny Weasley and Susan Bones, the only two girls who remained. "And why ever are you here?"

"She dared me," Susan Bones explained.

"She dared me back," Ginny Weasley said. "Besides, I like to keep up with my brother."

"So do I," Susan said. Both she and Ginny laughed as Ron blushed. When she caught Harry's eye, Ginny gave him a mischievous grin.

"I was warned that this might happen," Grissom told them. "I would have you know that you will be my first, um, females. I will try to hold you to the same standards as the other cadets."

"Cadets?" Ginny asked.

"Naval Students," Grissom explained. He turned to the last boy in the room.

"I'm Colin Creevey, Sir."

"And why are you here."

"I wanted to take your picture, your photograph, but I was told to ask your permission. Can I?"

Grissom gave the boy a strange look. Harry recognized it. It was the same look he gave Jamie Tarr, the Scottish boy. And, although he did not remember, it was the same look Grissom gave him

"Yes," Grissom said, "but I want a print." He stood still while Colin focused his lens then snapped the picture. Colin thanked him profusely and started to leave but the Captain called him back.

"Colin, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure," Colin said, the perpetual smile still on his face.

"Do you know what this is?"

"It's a coin. Is that money from your world?"

Grissom nodded, noting the look of curiosity in Colin's eyes. "It is. It is the King's Shilling, and it has an interesting tradition behind it. Would you like it?"

Colin managed a happy smile and a frown at the same time. "What do I have to do?"

"Stay in this class." Grissom was smiling inwardly. He had the boy's interest. "The truth is that I need an even number of students. How else can I pair everyone up? And something tells me you would do well."

"And if I stay, you'll give me that coin?"

"I will not give you this coin, Colin. This coin has a tradition. It can only be taken. But if you like, I can give you a uniform to go with it."

Captain Grissom gave Colin his best smile. He had no idea what was going through Colin's mind, but somehow he knew what the answer was going to be. Colin's lip stiffened and his hand reached out and took the coin.

"Bribing the students?" Severus Snape asked. Standing in the doorway with him was Albus Dumbledore. Draco Malfoy was behind them, grinning.

"If we might talk with you for a few moments," Albus asked calmly.


"You deliberately struck a student." Severus Snape, his anger showing, pointed at Draco Malfoy.

"I deliberately threw my hat to him to see what he would do." Captain Grissom answered contemptuously. "He did nothing. The boy did not even understand that he was a part of the class I was teaching. He, and most of the students who came, only wanted to watch. I was treated as though I was an animal in a zoo."

"That is beside the point."

"That IS the point. He was invited to attend. That has a clear and specific meaning."

"Excuse me," Professor Dumbledore said, "I have realized that the fault is mine. Professor Quirrell even explained this to me when we first met. Captain Grissom, 'to attend' in this world usually means to come and to observe. Professor Snape, in his world it means to come and to participate. Under the circumstances I must drop your complaint against the captain, but if you wish to make one against me, I will duly note it."

Snape, clearly disappointed, shook his head. "As long as we understand each other, NOW."

Albus Dumbledore stayed as Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy departed.

"I was curious to see Colin Creevey pocket a coin. I assume it came from you."

Grissom nodded. "I was told to keep my eyes open. It may be his association with Harry, but the boy has the spark in him. A time will come when our two worlds will part ways. He will have a path to follow regardless of which path he chooses. And because of whom his friends are, he may make either choice."

Albus smiled warmly. "Does your King wish to entice all of Harry's friends? He is more than willing to give them up. Your world has given him a richer gift. A family."

"I will be honest, Albus. I was chosen for this mission for two reasons. The first is because of my history with members of Henry Somerset's family. The second reason is because I have proven my ability to adapt rapidly to unusual circumstances. I was told everything about your world, and His Royal Majesty's plans, only recently. I was also told that you agreed with these plans, but that is neither here nor there. If I find someone promising, I will try to recruit their services for the Empire, but I will do so openly. And I will do so because I have been ordered to do so. I find no pleasure in my surroundings, being stuck in a classroom after more than four decades at sea."

Dumbledore kept quiet as the Captain ranted. "You have not been given an easy task, Peter, but I think I have done something to help." He pointed, and Grissom followed, his eyes looking through the window toward the lake. Docked near the shore was a frigate. It was small, but it was a beautiful sight. Albus noticed his look. "I should point out that magic in this world can affect our perceptions of space and size. You will find that the lake will seem big enough to meet any need, even the desire to spend all day sailing at top speed."


Captain Grissom entered the classroom twenty minutes after he had left, although it had seemed a lot longer to him. "It has been settled. The six of you are now my class. Immediately after last class tomorrow, meet me at the lake. We will discuss schedules then, as well as form you into working pairs."

"It's a large lake," Susan Bones pointed out. "Where should we meet?"

"There is only one ship on it," Grissom answered. He gestured out the window as though he had known it was there all the time.


"Should the two of you be going to dinner?" Grissom asked of the twins, as the other students went to leave.

"Captain," Harry asked. "How is it that you are here?"

"Because I was ordered to be here. I thought that was obvious?"

"Excuse me, Captain," Robert asked. "We are curious as to the reason behind the order."

"The two of you are the reason, Lieutenant. That was all that I was told and that is all I can tell either of you. Both of you know more than I."

"What do they know?" Colin asked, making it clear that he never got as far as the door.

Grissom smiled. "They know that the Anglo-French Empire is a backward place compared to your world. We have a great deal of learning to do."