"Strange results from the interviews, don't you think Minister?"
Cornelius Fudge was as red as a beetroot. It was a full five hours after the recess of the Wizengamot and in that time the four captured girls were interviewed. Gracious volumes of Veritaserum had been used, but the results from the interviews were more than a little strange. Fudge read through the reports one more time, trying to rifle through the obvious lies and find some truth.
The first, Miss ShadowYami, claims to be aged in the region of five thousand millennia, having served a Pharaoh in that life as a harem dancer, original name being Khalida Damis. That was until she was sacrificed by a High Priest and became a large black and purple dragon that serves to protect said Pharaoh with her sheer size or her magic power.
The second, Miss Anime, stated herself to truly being a Fallen Angel aged nearly three millennia and niece to the Devil himself. She hadn't much recollection of her pasts and reincarnations, but stated that she was unable to remain very long in either spiritual realms. As a disadvantage to herself, she is unable to use celestial magic in 'mortal' form, but in times of great stress, rage or battle, she will resort to her Fallen form, which is not advisable.
The penultimate young lady being Miss Emerald was no better. For all her Muggle appearance and apparent 'normalness', she asserted herself as being a princess from another realm, currently residing in this one in search of an enemy. Her powers and abilities stretched from warrior ability to nearly full use of pyro-magical powers.
Finally was Miss Mercury. When no one believed her to be a lightning half- demon, she extracted her wings and began shocking both her Auror interviewers. When all three had suitably calmed, they managed to hear her speak of how the four met and why they were speaking with the Death Eaters.
The four girls collectively called themselves SAEM, using the first initials of their names in the order they met. SAEM, whilst generally against most 'evil' people, are currently on a mission to find one in particular – a young man called Peridot Lightning, an enemy of Emerald Fire. According to their interviewees, Peridot Lightning had accidentally stumbled into this dimension during a battle with Princess Emerald. Refusing to allow her adversary to escape, she followed him but they had been separated in the rift. Positive he was still in this dimension, Emerald had been searching for him since. Along her journeys, she met ShadowYami and Anime, and then the trio became a quartet when they encountered Mercury Sands. For the past two years, they had been searching the land, helping whom they can on the way and doing battle in secret with evil that cropped up where they were. The night they were seen with the Death Eaters, they were fishing for information about Emerald's rival.
Fudge put the reports down and glared at his conference member, Albus Dumbledore. "This can't be right. There is no way the Veritaserum could have been administered in these interviews."
"I assure you, Minister that all precautions and procedures had been met, and these are the results. Seems like the young women are telling us the truth, as wild as they seem."
"A half-dragon, a celestial being, a princess from another dimension and a half-demon. Albus, don't tell me you believe all this!"
"Yes I do, in fact. Not meaning to brag, but I believe myself to be a rather exceptional judge of character. That, and the fact that these girls were under the influence of Veritaserum, I see no reason not to believe in their stories."
"So what do you propose we do with them then? These women are exceptionally gifted, if what they say is true. We can't let them roam free, no matter..."
Albus nodded. "That I agree with, Cornelius. And that brings me to what I would like to speak about..."
"And who ate my tin of peaches last month, Anime?"
"C'mon! This is cruel and unusual punishment!"
"Who ate my fruit, Anime!?"
Anime lowered her head and pouted. "I did. HOW LONG DOES THIS STUFF LAST!?"
Mercury chuckled. "No idea, but I hope not too soon. It's amusing to see you squirm like that."
Anime lifted her head indignantly. "Really? Okay then, Merc, tell us this. Last Friday, when you were left alone at our apartment, what were you doing exactly?"
Mercury's eyes narrowed. It was easy to see she was trying to resist the serum that she was given. "I... I was... dancing around the living room singing 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'. There, happy!?"
Anime grinned. "Uh-uh. What were you wearing at the time?"
"You little..."
A clang of metal bars interrupted their mock interrogation of each other. Minutes later, they found themselves in the dungeon again, facing the Wizengamot. They sat as Fudge cleared his throat.
"Well, then... We have reviewed your interviews and considered the information given. As hard as it is for us, we are inclined to believe your statements. So, we clear you of charges regarding your Dark Magical Activities."
Anime grinned and glanced at her friends. The smile left as soon as she caught their faces. They saw that it wasn't over yet...
"However, you have breached the Statute of Secrecy, regardless of your unawareness of our laws, and you have caused some bodily harm against our men. Therefore I am inclined to order some form of settlement."
"Like what?" ShadowYami asked suspiciously.
"After some careful deliberation and discussion, we have agreed that a year's worth of community service be in order."
"A year's worth!?" Anime exclaimed.
"Community service?" Mercury muttered, eyebrow raised.
"You shall be lending your services to the Ministry and to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as undercover agents..." Fudge said.
"We won't lie to you ladies. We're in a war."
The girls raised their eyes to the back row. An elderly gentleman was standing, also wearing the plum robes of the Wizengamot. His hair and beard were quite long, and his half moon glasses shone slightly, so they couldn't see his eyes.
"The court recognises Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster." Fudge announced less than pleased.
"Thank you, Minister. Ladies, we of the Magical community are currently engaged in a battle in which we require as much assistance as we can gather. A powerful Dark Wizard known as 'Lord Voldemort'..."
Many of the wizards and witches shuddered and gasped. One woman presumably muffled a shriek. The girls of SAEM looked around curiously, wondering why the mention of a single name caused such an adverse reaction. Regardless, Dumbledore continued.
"...has returned, having been temporarily vanquished some fifteen years ago. The Dark Lord is exceedingly powerful and evil, as his quest for power is absolute. If it wouldn't be so much trouble..."
"What Professor Dumbledore wishes to say," Fudge interrupted "Is that you work for us. For one whole year, you shall pose as students in the school and assist in its protection and of its population. Additionally, you shall be called upon at times to carry out the orders of the Ministry and battle the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord whenever we so wish. You will still, however, be treated as students within school hours. Only the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmistress and those of us within this room may be allowed to know your true identity."
"Of course, we cannot expect so much from you without offering you something in return" Dumbledore continued for Fudge. "For your services, I am sure the Wizengamot will clear you four of all charges against you, assist you in your own search for your own enemy and I myself will provide you with some rather rudimentary financial backing for the year."
A mumble raced through the crowd, discussing Dumbledore's terms. Most were surprised with the decision and it can't be said that there were some who did agree. The girls themselves were chattering between themselves, discussing the likelihood of their alliance and the trust they could place in these people. Finally, Fudge called for silence.
"Well, young ladies. Have you made your choice?"
"Harry!"
Harry blinked, realising he had started daydreaming from staring out of the window for so long. Glancing at the clock on the wall, he was surprised to find he had been just sitting there for a whole hour. It had been two days since he had spoken to his aunt and she gave him the photos. Since then, things have been almost normal. He had to admit his Aunt was right; he did feel better after telling her about what happened. Uncle Vernon, though, still undermined him, Dudley still ran at the sight of him and Aunt Petunia was Aunt Petunia, pottering about the house and tidying it according to her regime. Today was probably going to be no different.
Today was supposed to be different though. Today was the last day of July. Usually, it meant the celebration of his birthday and the receiving of gifts from his friends in the Magical World. But with the rising of Voldemort, he expected owl mail would be carefully monitored and restricted.
However...
He had learnt not to expect gifts today. Instead, Harry waited for a school owl. It would be coming to him with a letter from school, his booklist and the results of his OWLs. They were told they should arrive by the end of July, and the month was rapidly coming to a close. Harry couldn't believe he was so worried about these grades, but he was. Especially Defence Against the Dark Arts. He had worked so hard with the DA for it and would settle for nothing lower than an Exceeds Expectations. With an impatient sigh, Harry dragged himself from the window and descended down the stairs. He had to admit, he hadn't been down for breakfast yet, and there was still a whole day left. Harry passed the front door. Looking out, he saw that Uncle Vernon's car was gone, but recalled he hadn't heard him leave. Must have gone to work early... Harry thought.
Pushing open the kitchen door, Harry stopped short. He blinked several times, wondering what was going on. Dudley was no where to be seen, Aunt Petunia was at the sink, glaring distastefully at the owls on her windowsill and the one on Harry's chair at the table. Hedwig hooted happily at the sight of Harry, spreading her wings slightly as if to present the hoard on the table. A plate of bacon, eggs and fried tomatoes was placed at his place, with a slice of toast and a glass of juice at the side. A flat topped muffin no bigger than a saucer was in front from the breakfast plate, iced over with the red number 16 and a gold letter H.
Around the place at the table were letters and a few parcels of different shapes and sizes. There was a flat rectangular package wrapped in blue from Hermione Granger, a small hurriedly wrapped brown paper wrapped box from Hagrid, a red paper wrapped box from Ron and a small pouch from Professor Lupin. Then there were the letters, most probably one each from the bearers of the gifts. An owl hooted by the window, causing Aunt Petunia to hiss back at it to try and make it fly away. She watched it fly away before looking at Harry.
"Well? Are you going to gawp there all day?"
Harry snapped his attention back. He looked at his Aunt. She wasn't so harsh looking today. In fact, if anything, her cheeks were a little tear- streaked today. Didn't stop her from frowning. Harry glanced back at the table and his aunt. "All this... It's all..."
"Happy Birthday. Now sit and eat your breakfast."
A little more than a little shocked, Harry slipped into the chair and picked up his knife and fork. Aunt Petunia busied herself with making a cup of tea. Tentatively, Harry ate the breakfast, trying to process it all. Was he in the right house? Aunt Petunia actually made more than an effort for this; allowing his owl in the kitchen, gifts obviously from his wizard friends on the table AND something of a birthday cake? The silence of the kitchen was only broken by the hiss of the kettle boiling, Hedwig's gentle hooting and Harry's knife and fork against the plate. Just as he started on the toast, Harry felt like he must speak into the silence.
"So... Where's Uncle Vernon?"
"Never you mind."
"Okay..."
The toast gone, Harry looked at his 'cake'. The colours reminded him of his school house – the red and gold of Gryffindor. "Aunt Petunia?"
"Hm."
"I... May I ask why all this?"
"... It's your sixteenth, isn't it? Consider it sixteen years worth of birthday cheer from your Aunt and Uncle."
"Oh..."
Harry took up his knife and cut the muffin in half. Placing one half on a clean place on his plate, he took the rest to his Aunt. She didn't notice until Harry was almost behind her. She jumped slightly and tried to scowl. "What?"
"Would you like a slice?"
Aunt Petunia blinked, wondering. They stood in something of a stalemate until finally, Aunt Petunia picked up the muffin half. Before she nibbled on the cake, Harry could hear her mutter. "Glad to see you've got manners at least..."
"And now you, Miss Anime..."
The blue haired Fallen Angel accepted the flamboyant quill and signed at the dotted line of the parchment. She handed the feather back and looked at her friends. "Well... One whole year at a school, serving these geezers. Hope we know what we signed up for."
"Seeing as Merc has read through the whole thing, thrice I might add, and has no complaints, I think it's safe..." Emerald commented.
"What now?" ShadowYami asked.
Fudge and Dumbledore checked the parchment before signing it as well. Dumbledore straightened up and smiled at the girls, whilst Fudge just nodded at them and left, muttering about 'other business'. The headmaster checked a pocket watch before looking at the girls. "I suppose we should find you some decent accommodation ladies. Then maybe a wash and a decent breakfast. I must say that I myself hadn't been given chance to finish brushing my teeth this morning until I was pelted on the head by an owl summoning my presence for court today. Care to join me upstairs?"
An hour later, the SAEM girls and Albus Dumbledore were sat in a wizards' pub in London called the 'Leaky Cauldron', washed and in a set of clean clothes. ShadowYami, Anime, Emerald and Mercury were lent spare purple, blue, red and green robes to wear to breakfast (Mercury insisting on keeping her catsuit on underneath). All throughout, the Headmaster explained to the girls about Hogwarts, its neighbouring village and, in hushed voices, the roles the girls would fill and the wizarding war.
"So..." Mercury muttered. "We'll be keeping a lookout for unusual activities in the school, beating the crap out of dark wizards that turn up and help... Harry Potty, was it?"
"Potter. Correct in one, Miss Sands."
"But what about finances? If we're going in as students, I assume we'll need books, uniforms, supplies..."
"No need to worry, Miss Fire. As you will be providing more services than required for any normal community service sentence, I happily agree to pay you at a reasonable rate. Wizards' money, of course."
"Well... how much?"
"Well, a starting wage of two hundred Galleons to assist in purchasing standard full school supplies plus some leftover to do with what you wish. Then after that, ninety-nine Galleons, thirteen Sickles and one Knut per week should suffice for your trouble, taking into account your community service, of course..."
"Why not a hundred Galleons, just to keep it round?" Anime asked. "Won't that be easier?"
"Indeed it would, Miss Anime. However, as I am turning senile, strange numbers appeal to keep my mind in check." Dumbledore smiled and pulled out his pocket watch again. "Tom the innkeeper will be paid by the Ministry for your upkeep. Why don't we open your Gringotts accounts sometime later in the week? I'll be able to transfer the starting fee into them then, and you shall receive your school lists and some instructions the same morn. What say you?"
"Why not?" was the reply.
Harry looked over his birthday gifts and letters, more than a little surprised. Hermione, true to form, had bought him a book – a rather hefty looking volume called 'International Quidditch Greats' which Harry already leafed through. Ron sent over a Chudley Cannons scarf (Ron was an avid fan) and a box of homemade toffees from his mother. The Weasley twins were sneaky however; hidden in the innocent toffees were a few pieces of Ton Tongue Toffees. Harry had to wait a full fifteen minutes before his tongue naturally shrunk back to normal size. Hagrid baked some rock cakes, which according to the note were far too soft. To Harry, they were edible at the very least. Professor Lupin's present was small, which Harry understood as the man could hardly support himself either. However, removal of the wrapping revealed a medallion of some sort, with the heads of a stag, a dog, a wolf and a rat emblazoned on it. Granted, the rat's head had three nasty scratches on it. The note explained that sometime shortly after the Marauders had left school, they had medallions made for each of them as a kind of friendship token. The one Harry now held in his hand belonged to Sirius, James' medallion having been destroyed with their home the night the Potter parents died.
The letters were a nice thought. Not so much information was granted in them, but that was fair enough. The cards were sufficient. Arranging them on his windowsill, Harry proudly smiled. He supposed it was a good thing he wasn't moping now, 'else he wouldn't have been thankful for the gifts. Harry fingered the medallion that now hung around his neck. The light caught on it reflected onto the walls, shining the way gold would. Harry smiled, then looked onto his bed. There was one letter left, one he left for last. The Hogwarts seal was bold on the front, made so by the unusual bulk. Obviously it held more than just the letter and his new book list.
The envelope was ripped open in no time, two letters and a report. Ignoring the letters, Harry skipped the niceties at the beginning of the report and scanned his grades nervously.
ASTRONOMY – Average (A)
CARE FOR MAGICAL CREATURES – Outstanding (O)
CHARMS – Exceeds Expectations (E)
DEFENCE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS – Outstanding Plus (O)
DIVINATION – Average (A)
HERBOLOGY – Exceeds Expectations (E)
HISTORY OF MAGIC – Troll (T) [Accelerated Course is recommended.]
POTIONS – Outstanding (O)
TRANSFIGURATION – Exceeds Expectations (E)
A Troll? So the Weasley Twins were telling the truth, there was a Troll grade. Harry groaned. That would mean extra History of Magic lessons and therefore a longer torture. Harry read through the report again, more slowly. He grinned when his grades (apart from History of Magic) finally registered in his mind. Three Outstanding grades, three Exceeds Expectations and two Averages. An altogether excellent report over all. The Outstandings in particular. Never would he imagine getting one in Potions! Harry couldn't help but laugh happily out loud. How he wished he could see Snape's face when he hears of this!
Harry sat himself down at his desk, pulling out as much spare parchment and ink as he could. He felt like telling the whole world his grades!
Anime: Whoa! Pass me the butter and jam! I'm on a roll!
Joey: ... I'm hungry.
Anime: You always are. Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I never actually thought people would read this crap. Well, I'm impressed! Oh and erm... LandCow? You kinda insulted me and my friends by calling us Mary-Sues... but other than that, thanks a bunch for reviewing!
Cornelius Fudge was as red as a beetroot. It was a full five hours after the recess of the Wizengamot and in that time the four captured girls were interviewed. Gracious volumes of Veritaserum had been used, but the results from the interviews were more than a little strange. Fudge read through the reports one more time, trying to rifle through the obvious lies and find some truth.
The first, Miss ShadowYami, claims to be aged in the region of five thousand millennia, having served a Pharaoh in that life as a harem dancer, original name being Khalida Damis. That was until she was sacrificed by a High Priest and became a large black and purple dragon that serves to protect said Pharaoh with her sheer size or her magic power.
The second, Miss Anime, stated herself to truly being a Fallen Angel aged nearly three millennia and niece to the Devil himself. She hadn't much recollection of her pasts and reincarnations, but stated that she was unable to remain very long in either spiritual realms. As a disadvantage to herself, she is unable to use celestial magic in 'mortal' form, but in times of great stress, rage or battle, she will resort to her Fallen form, which is not advisable.
The penultimate young lady being Miss Emerald was no better. For all her Muggle appearance and apparent 'normalness', she asserted herself as being a princess from another realm, currently residing in this one in search of an enemy. Her powers and abilities stretched from warrior ability to nearly full use of pyro-magical powers.
Finally was Miss Mercury. When no one believed her to be a lightning half- demon, she extracted her wings and began shocking both her Auror interviewers. When all three had suitably calmed, they managed to hear her speak of how the four met and why they were speaking with the Death Eaters.
The four girls collectively called themselves SAEM, using the first initials of their names in the order they met. SAEM, whilst generally against most 'evil' people, are currently on a mission to find one in particular – a young man called Peridot Lightning, an enemy of Emerald Fire. According to their interviewees, Peridot Lightning had accidentally stumbled into this dimension during a battle with Princess Emerald. Refusing to allow her adversary to escape, she followed him but they had been separated in the rift. Positive he was still in this dimension, Emerald had been searching for him since. Along her journeys, she met ShadowYami and Anime, and then the trio became a quartet when they encountered Mercury Sands. For the past two years, they had been searching the land, helping whom they can on the way and doing battle in secret with evil that cropped up where they were. The night they were seen with the Death Eaters, they were fishing for information about Emerald's rival.
Fudge put the reports down and glared at his conference member, Albus Dumbledore. "This can't be right. There is no way the Veritaserum could have been administered in these interviews."
"I assure you, Minister that all precautions and procedures had been met, and these are the results. Seems like the young women are telling us the truth, as wild as they seem."
"A half-dragon, a celestial being, a princess from another dimension and a half-demon. Albus, don't tell me you believe all this!"
"Yes I do, in fact. Not meaning to brag, but I believe myself to be a rather exceptional judge of character. That, and the fact that these girls were under the influence of Veritaserum, I see no reason not to believe in their stories."
"So what do you propose we do with them then? These women are exceptionally gifted, if what they say is true. We can't let them roam free, no matter..."
Albus nodded. "That I agree with, Cornelius. And that brings me to what I would like to speak about..."
"And who ate my tin of peaches last month, Anime?"
"C'mon! This is cruel and unusual punishment!"
"Who ate my fruit, Anime!?"
Anime lowered her head and pouted. "I did. HOW LONG DOES THIS STUFF LAST!?"
Mercury chuckled. "No idea, but I hope not too soon. It's amusing to see you squirm like that."
Anime lifted her head indignantly. "Really? Okay then, Merc, tell us this. Last Friday, when you were left alone at our apartment, what were you doing exactly?"
Mercury's eyes narrowed. It was easy to see she was trying to resist the serum that she was given. "I... I was... dancing around the living room singing 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'. There, happy!?"
Anime grinned. "Uh-uh. What were you wearing at the time?"
"You little..."
A clang of metal bars interrupted their mock interrogation of each other. Minutes later, they found themselves in the dungeon again, facing the Wizengamot. They sat as Fudge cleared his throat.
"Well, then... We have reviewed your interviews and considered the information given. As hard as it is for us, we are inclined to believe your statements. So, we clear you of charges regarding your Dark Magical Activities."
Anime grinned and glanced at her friends. The smile left as soon as she caught their faces. They saw that it wasn't over yet...
"However, you have breached the Statute of Secrecy, regardless of your unawareness of our laws, and you have caused some bodily harm against our men. Therefore I am inclined to order some form of settlement."
"Like what?" ShadowYami asked suspiciously.
"After some careful deliberation and discussion, we have agreed that a year's worth of community service be in order."
"A year's worth!?" Anime exclaimed.
"Community service?" Mercury muttered, eyebrow raised.
"You shall be lending your services to the Ministry and to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as undercover agents..." Fudge said.
"We won't lie to you ladies. We're in a war."
The girls raised their eyes to the back row. An elderly gentleman was standing, also wearing the plum robes of the Wizengamot. His hair and beard were quite long, and his half moon glasses shone slightly, so they couldn't see his eyes.
"The court recognises Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster." Fudge announced less than pleased.
"Thank you, Minister. Ladies, we of the Magical community are currently engaged in a battle in which we require as much assistance as we can gather. A powerful Dark Wizard known as 'Lord Voldemort'..."
Many of the wizards and witches shuddered and gasped. One woman presumably muffled a shriek. The girls of SAEM looked around curiously, wondering why the mention of a single name caused such an adverse reaction. Regardless, Dumbledore continued.
"...has returned, having been temporarily vanquished some fifteen years ago. The Dark Lord is exceedingly powerful and evil, as his quest for power is absolute. If it wouldn't be so much trouble..."
"What Professor Dumbledore wishes to say," Fudge interrupted "Is that you work for us. For one whole year, you shall pose as students in the school and assist in its protection and of its population. Additionally, you shall be called upon at times to carry out the orders of the Ministry and battle the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord whenever we so wish. You will still, however, be treated as students within school hours. Only the Headmaster, the Deputy Headmistress and those of us within this room may be allowed to know your true identity."
"Of course, we cannot expect so much from you without offering you something in return" Dumbledore continued for Fudge. "For your services, I am sure the Wizengamot will clear you four of all charges against you, assist you in your own search for your own enemy and I myself will provide you with some rather rudimentary financial backing for the year."
A mumble raced through the crowd, discussing Dumbledore's terms. Most were surprised with the decision and it can't be said that there were some who did agree. The girls themselves were chattering between themselves, discussing the likelihood of their alliance and the trust they could place in these people. Finally, Fudge called for silence.
"Well, young ladies. Have you made your choice?"
"Harry!"
Harry blinked, realising he had started daydreaming from staring out of the window for so long. Glancing at the clock on the wall, he was surprised to find he had been just sitting there for a whole hour. It had been two days since he had spoken to his aunt and she gave him the photos. Since then, things have been almost normal. He had to admit his Aunt was right; he did feel better after telling her about what happened. Uncle Vernon, though, still undermined him, Dudley still ran at the sight of him and Aunt Petunia was Aunt Petunia, pottering about the house and tidying it according to her regime. Today was probably going to be no different.
Today was supposed to be different though. Today was the last day of July. Usually, it meant the celebration of his birthday and the receiving of gifts from his friends in the Magical World. But with the rising of Voldemort, he expected owl mail would be carefully monitored and restricted.
However...
He had learnt not to expect gifts today. Instead, Harry waited for a school owl. It would be coming to him with a letter from school, his booklist and the results of his OWLs. They were told they should arrive by the end of July, and the month was rapidly coming to a close. Harry couldn't believe he was so worried about these grades, but he was. Especially Defence Against the Dark Arts. He had worked so hard with the DA for it and would settle for nothing lower than an Exceeds Expectations. With an impatient sigh, Harry dragged himself from the window and descended down the stairs. He had to admit, he hadn't been down for breakfast yet, and there was still a whole day left. Harry passed the front door. Looking out, he saw that Uncle Vernon's car was gone, but recalled he hadn't heard him leave. Must have gone to work early... Harry thought.
Pushing open the kitchen door, Harry stopped short. He blinked several times, wondering what was going on. Dudley was no where to be seen, Aunt Petunia was at the sink, glaring distastefully at the owls on her windowsill and the one on Harry's chair at the table. Hedwig hooted happily at the sight of Harry, spreading her wings slightly as if to present the hoard on the table. A plate of bacon, eggs and fried tomatoes was placed at his place, with a slice of toast and a glass of juice at the side. A flat topped muffin no bigger than a saucer was in front from the breakfast plate, iced over with the red number 16 and a gold letter H.
Around the place at the table were letters and a few parcels of different shapes and sizes. There was a flat rectangular package wrapped in blue from Hermione Granger, a small hurriedly wrapped brown paper wrapped box from Hagrid, a red paper wrapped box from Ron and a small pouch from Professor Lupin. Then there were the letters, most probably one each from the bearers of the gifts. An owl hooted by the window, causing Aunt Petunia to hiss back at it to try and make it fly away. She watched it fly away before looking at Harry.
"Well? Are you going to gawp there all day?"
Harry snapped his attention back. He looked at his Aunt. She wasn't so harsh looking today. In fact, if anything, her cheeks were a little tear- streaked today. Didn't stop her from frowning. Harry glanced back at the table and his aunt. "All this... It's all..."
"Happy Birthday. Now sit and eat your breakfast."
A little more than a little shocked, Harry slipped into the chair and picked up his knife and fork. Aunt Petunia busied herself with making a cup of tea. Tentatively, Harry ate the breakfast, trying to process it all. Was he in the right house? Aunt Petunia actually made more than an effort for this; allowing his owl in the kitchen, gifts obviously from his wizard friends on the table AND something of a birthday cake? The silence of the kitchen was only broken by the hiss of the kettle boiling, Hedwig's gentle hooting and Harry's knife and fork against the plate. Just as he started on the toast, Harry felt like he must speak into the silence.
"So... Where's Uncle Vernon?"
"Never you mind."
"Okay..."
The toast gone, Harry looked at his 'cake'. The colours reminded him of his school house – the red and gold of Gryffindor. "Aunt Petunia?"
"Hm."
"I... May I ask why all this?"
"... It's your sixteenth, isn't it? Consider it sixteen years worth of birthday cheer from your Aunt and Uncle."
"Oh..."
Harry took up his knife and cut the muffin in half. Placing one half on a clean place on his plate, he took the rest to his Aunt. She didn't notice until Harry was almost behind her. She jumped slightly and tried to scowl. "What?"
"Would you like a slice?"
Aunt Petunia blinked, wondering. They stood in something of a stalemate until finally, Aunt Petunia picked up the muffin half. Before she nibbled on the cake, Harry could hear her mutter. "Glad to see you've got manners at least..."
"And now you, Miss Anime..."
The blue haired Fallen Angel accepted the flamboyant quill and signed at the dotted line of the parchment. She handed the feather back and looked at her friends. "Well... One whole year at a school, serving these geezers. Hope we know what we signed up for."
"Seeing as Merc has read through the whole thing, thrice I might add, and has no complaints, I think it's safe..." Emerald commented.
"What now?" ShadowYami asked.
Fudge and Dumbledore checked the parchment before signing it as well. Dumbledore straightened up and smiled at the girls, whilst Fudge just nodded at them and left, muttering about 'other business'. The headmaster checked a pocket watch before looking at the girls. "I suppose we should find you some decent accommodation ladies. Then maybe a wash and a decent breakfast. I must say that I myself hadn't been given chance to finish brushing my teeth this morning until I was pelted on the head by an owl summoning my presence for court today. Care to join me upstairs?"
An hour later, the SAEM girls and Albus Dumbledore were sat in a wizards' pub in London called the 'Leaky Cauldron', washed and in a set of clean clothes. ShadowYami, Anime, Emerald and Mercury were lent spare purple, blue, red and green robes to wear to breakfast (Mercury insisting on keeping her catsuit on underneath). All throughout, the Headmaster explained to the girls about Hogwarts, its neighbouring village and, in hushed voices, the roles the girls would fill and the wizarding war.
"So..." Mercury muttered. "We'll be keeping a lookout for unusual activities in the school, beating the crap out of dark wizards that turn up and help... Harry Potty, was it?"
"Potter. Correct in one, Miss Sands."
"But what about finances? If we're going in as students, I assume we'll need books, uniforms, supplies..."
"No need to worry, Miss Fire. As you will be providing more services than required for any normal community service sentence, I happily agree to pay you at a reasonable rate. Wizards' money, of course."
"Well... how much?"
"Well, a starting wage of two hundred Galleons to assist in purchasing standard full school supplies plus some leftover to do with what you wish. Then after that, ninety-nine Galleons, thirteen Sickles and one Knut per week should suffice for your trouble, taking into account your community service, of course..."
"Why not a hundred Galleons, just to keep it round?" Anime asked. "Won't that be easier?"
"Indeed it would, Miss Anime. However, as I am turning senile, strange numbers appeal to keep my mind in check." Dumbledore smiled and pulled out his pocket watch again. "Tom the innkeeper will be paid by the Ministry for your upkeep. Why don't we open your Gringotts accounts sometime later in the week? I'll be able to transfer the starting fee into them then, and you shall receive your school lists and some instructions the same morn. What say you?"
"Why not?" was the reply.
Harry looked over his birthday gifts and letters, more than a little surprised. Hermione, true to form, had bought him a book – a rather hefty looking volume called 'International Quidditch Greats' which Harry already leafed through. Ron sent over a Chudley Cannons scarf (Ron was an avid fan) and a box of homemade toffees from his mother. The Weasley twins were sneaky however; hidden in the innocent toffees were a few pieces of Ton Tongue Toffees. Harry had to wait a full fifteen minutes before his tongue naturally shrunk back to normal size. Hagrid baked some rock cakes, which according to the note were far too soft. To Harry, they were edible at the very least. Professor Lupin's present was small, which Harry understood as the man could hardly support himself either. However, removal of the wrapping revealed a medallion of some sort, with the heads of a stag, a dog, a wolf and a rat emblazoned on it. Granted, the rat's head had three nasty scratches on it. The note explained that sometime shortly after the Marauders had left school, they had medallions made for each of them as a kind of friendship token. The one Harry now held in his hand belonged to Sirius, James' medallion having been destroyed with their home the night the Potter parents died.
The letters were a nice thought. Not so much information was granted in them, but that was fair enough. The cards were sufficient. Arranging them on his windowsill, Harry proudly smiled. He supposed it was a good thing he wasn't moping now, 'else he wouldn't have been thankful for the gifts. Harry fingered the medallion that now hung around his neck. The light caught on it reflected onto the walls, shining the way gold would. Harry smiled, then looked onto his bed. There was one letter left, one he left for last. The Hogwarts seal was bold on the front, made so by the unusual bulk. Obviously it held more than just the letter and his new book list.
The envelope was ripped open in no time, two letters and a report. Ignoring the letters, Harry skipped the niceties at the beginning of the report and scanned his grades nervously.
ASTRONOMY – Average (A)
CARE FOR MAGICAL CREATURES – Outstanding (O)
CHARMS – Exceeds Expectations (E)
DEFENCE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS – Outstanding Plus (O)
DIVINATION – Average (A)
HERBOLOGY – Exceeds Expectations (E)
HISTORY OF MAGIC – Troll (T) [Accelerated Course is recommended.]
POTIONS – Outstanding (O)
TRANSFIGURATION – Exceeds Expectations (E)
A Troll? So the Weasley Twins were telling the truth, there was a Troll grade. Harry groaned. That would mean extra History of Magic lessons and therefore a longer torture. Harry read through the report again, more slowly. He grinned when his grades (apart from History of Magic) finally registered in his mind. Three Outstanding grades, three Exceeds Expectations and two Averages. An altogether excellent report over all. The Outstandings in particular. Never would he imagine getting one in Potions! Harry couldn't help but laugh happily out loud. How he wished he could see Snape's face when he hears of this!
Harry sat himself down at his desk, pulling out as much spare parchment and ink as he could. He felt like telling the whole world his grades!
Anime: Whoa! Pass me the butter and jam! I'm on a roll!
Joey: ... I'm hungry.
Anime: You always are. Anyway, thanks for the reviews! I never actually thought people would read this crap. Well, I'm impressed! Oh and erm... LandCow? You kinda insulted me and my friends by calling us Mary-Sues... but other than that, thanks a bunch for reviewing!