The Hogwarts Mage Chapter 9: The Letter, a harry potter fanfic

Hay two chaps in less than a week! Man I really am amazing…

and modest too!

I didn't own Potter in the first 8 chaps and I still don't own him now.

Chapter Nine

The Letter

Last par from last chap: Within minutes Sarah found herself in her library. She quickly sat down an broke the wax seal…

The letter read thus:

Dearest Sarah,

All of us here are sorry to here of your troubles and wish greatly to help. I am very sorry it took so long for us to reply but corresponding with the date on you letter it took almost a week to get her. Also James refused to let the bird fly again before performing some protective spells on it. That is after he spent countless minutes muttering about how the bird was lucky it still had all its talons.

Emma is nervous about leaving the care of her garden to someone else. There is no need to fret however for Rosethorn has offered to look after it and you know her… I'm sure the plants will have never looked better than while their under her care.

Raoul has a new student named Michael that he is turning over to another healer while we're away.

We set out tomorrow and by my judgment we shall arrive approximately nine days from your receiving this letter. That is of course if Peter and Cami can stop fighting long enough for us to move.

Best wishes from all of us here,

Neil and friends

p.s. I have composed a new song although, I find myself having trouble writing the lyrics. I hope that you will find time to pick up your quill and help me.

Sarah read the letter several times making sure to take everything in, from the news of Raoul's new student to Neil's perfectly sculpted handwriting.

She slipped the letter into her bag and went to find Dumbledore. As she had suspected he was in his office. What she didn't expect was to see all of the staff with the teachers and also Madams Hooch and Pomfrey there as well. The were all seated around a large circular table. Sarah spotted just one empty chair, obviously meant for her in-between her grandfather and to her great dislike Severus Snape.

Once she was seated Dumbledore cleared his throat loudly, as all eyes turned to look at him he turned to look at Sarah. "You have good news I trust."

"Yes." Replied Sarah as she took a quick glance around her at the questioning looks she was receiving from the staff. Dumbledore nodded for her to continue. "They said they shall arrive in about nine days."

Dumbledore gave her another nod then turned to face his colleges. "Professor Merloom has been kind enough to recruit some help for the protection of the school." Pausing for the effect Sarah chanced another quick glance around the room and realized that while some of the teachers still looked at her skeptically many of the sat erect in their chairs as if this were some sort of secret Ministry meeting.

So, the old man has more up his sleeve than it seems, recruiting most of the staff in their own little army instead of the order how clever and a lot less dangerous as well. Once she pulled herself back into reality she noticed McGonagall was standing. "I call the meeting of The Staff to order." She tone was deadly as well as her gaze with both seemed to be fixed on Sarah.

Dumbledore added, "Professor Merloom would you please give us a report about our new recruits."

Sarah would get the old bat back for this later. He was talking as if she had known about this secret group the whole time. She had no report ready. Well, thank the Gods I'm a writer. She thought.

"I have nine very close and trustworthy friends of mine that are coming to Hogwarts. I owe my life to each one of these people in turn. They are all mages, each with a different magic. Some have the same as one of my students here which is why they shall pose as teachers as their excuse for being here."

"Are we expected to pay them?" Asked McGonagall rather hotly.

Looking around she noticed some of the other teachers nodded in agreement to the old women. Will she ever like me? Out loud she replied, "These mages are my closet friend and are happy to help for the sack of the light. Anyhow I can't see any of them taking money from the school even if offered. They are some of the best mages in Winding Circle and make good money on their own accord."

What a joke. Thought Sarah. When she had been living back in Emelan every month she and her friends used to send a slip to versus charities for an amount equal to that of a Firebolt, simply for the fact that they had too much coin to be able to live the simple life of a Winding Circle dedicate. Which was the life they all chose to live.

McGonagall was getting visibly angry now. "And what of you then. If they take care of all the students what will you be doing."

"I," said Sarah with a calm voice that surprised even her, "will still be teaching two maybe three students." She didn't dare look at Severus but felt his power surge behind she. "While it is normal for a teacher to only have one student at a time. However, you should know that I do not need payment for my services either and will happily do it for free as well."

The dawn of realization towards the oncoming fight showed on the Headmasters face. "Now Professor Merloom I would be highly offered if you did not let us repay you in some way. Besides I will also be offering payment to your friends upon there arrival as well even if you are sure they will not except." He paused and then smiled. "Now how did we get off on this subject… Is there anything else anyone would like to know of our new recruits."

For a moment it seemed as if everyone was too afraid to speck. Then the tiny Flitwick piped up. "You said these friends of your were good at there… skills? Do you know of any way you could better explain their abilities to us?"

Sarah felt like laughing at the picture in front of her. Flitwick looked ready to die from fear of offending either Sarah of McGonagall, while everyone else in the room including McGonagall seemed rather interested. Probably thinking of another way to insult me.

Thinking it better to answer before the Charms teacher passed out she answered, "The only way I can think of doing so without going into to great a detail is that one of them is a seer and truthsayer by the name of Truthbind. He is the sixth best mage at Winding Circle and I believe thirty-second in the world. The others are not much worse."

Sarah would have sworn she heard a whistle of disbelief come from Professor Moody, but it was cut off by Professor McGonagall. "What are you then on the list or what ever for if he is better then why didn't he come to teach instead of you?"

Sarah could tell Dumbledore as getting angry. So she decided to put a stop to it. "The Headmaster hired me because he needed a mage to teach and I was they only one he had ever met before." Not a complete lie She told herself for this was the answer that was least likely to stir up other questions. Unfortunately it wasn't good enough.

"You still haven't answered my question." Said McGonagall. "What place are you?"

This was one question Sarah didn't want to answer. This answer had made people in the past afraid of her as well as take advantage of her. "I… am…" Her pausing had brought a look of triumph to Minerva face. Sarah hated that look as she stared into the elder witch's eyes. "I am… The best in Winding Circle and number three in the world!" Her voice bombed with the sound of authority, and what ever amount of questions or feared looks she might get for her answer it was worth it at that moment just to she the look on old McGonagall's face.

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Snape sat their in aw of his so called teacher. Although he let known of his surprise show on his face he was in fact utterly amazed. As he looked around the room he noticed that he was not the only one shocked by her answer. The look on Minerva face was priceless. Mad-Eye Moody magical eye as well as the real one was focused on her in a heated stare. Also to Severus's bewilderment Dumbledore face was contorted in a cross between udder amazement and the look of a very proud grandfather. He would have thought that Dumbledore at least would have known.

Number three in the world… This brought two thoughts to his mind. First off either mages weren't nearly as powerful as Severus had though or he had not even begun to see the full extent of Sarah's power. Secondly if she was indeed as powerful as he thought he would hate to meet the other two above her. One things for sure, he thought. With these new mages coming the Ministries security is going to look like a laughing stock next to that of Hogwarts.

For the next hour the meeting continued. Many questions were asked about the new help. There was one in particular that seemed to really set sparks. It was posted by none other than McGonagall of course, by now it was rather evident that the Mage and Minerva didn't get along.

"And where are they to sleep. There aren't enough guest quarters for all of them and no amount of magic in nine days can change that."

"They can sleep any where, really." Came Sarah's voice from beside him. "Honestly I think they would think it rather odd if their all got quarters like that of the staff. A simple bedroll on the floor of the Great Hall would suit them just fine. Or if their is not one spare room in this castle they may all share my rooms on cots. Really they will give little care as to where they sleep as long as they are able to sleep."

"And what kind of example would that set for the students- girls and boys sleeping in the same room! And how do you know that they will be all right with sleeping on the floor? Surly you cannot read their minds, can you Professor?"

Severus saw Dumbledore shrink back in his chair a little. Weather it was the thought of exactly how innocent his granddaughter actually was or the scene playing out in front of him Snape had no idea. Although Severus himself found that he was having a jolly good time watching the two woman battle it out.

"Actually I can! For back at my home all of the elder dorms are of mixed gender. Which up until a year or so ago is where me and my friends stayed. Mages of the temple community put little thought to were they sleep for that is all they do their. During the day they are out and about using their magic's for the betterment of mankind!"

After that Snape had mentally declared Sarah the winner of the fight and Dumbledore seemed to have finally gathered up enough courage to speak. "Minerva, Sarah, I assure you that our guest shall be well suited. I have a place in mind where they can sleep."

"Now off to bed all of you it is almost ten. Except, Professor Flitwick and Professor Merloom I believe you two have watch duty until twelve am I correct?"

"Yes Albus." Squeaked Flitwick. Although there was suppose to be a replacement for I have work for The Staff to do tonight."

"Oh, yes, of course! It completely slipped my mind, I was suppose to find a replacement." Severus saw him glance a McGonagall who was rightfully suppose to take the shift, however the Headmaster's gaze soon turned to fall upon him. "Severus?"

"Yes Headmaster." Said Severus in a board tone.

"Would you take the hall watch for tonight?"

Looking at Albus he knew he had know choice. "Fine."

"Thank you… Goodnight everyone."

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Fifteen minutes later Severus found himself standing in the middle of a fourth floor corridor with Sarah. "I'll start hear and work my way up to the astronomy tower if you'll do the Dungeons. Then we can meet back here and I'll take the dungeons while you do the upper floors… At least that is how Professor Flitwick and I usually go about-"

With a curt nod Severus strode off towards the staircase leading- a least for the moment- to the third floor.

A little more than an hour later Severus and Sarah met up for the fourth time in the corridor that lead to the Library. Sarah gave him a quick nod and kept walking.

The night so far hadn't be very eventful. He had caught Peeves up by Gryffindor house planning some sort of ridiculous scheme that involve, as far as he understood it, Neville Longbottom and nearly ten bottles of ink. He had also caught a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindor third year indulging in an arousing game of 'where's my tongue'. Needles to say they had a weeks worth of detention. Sarah had found nothing as far as he new… But all that was about to change.

Snape heard an ear piercing scream. Sarah who was still within his range of vision bolted towards the sound -as did he- with surprising speed. By the time She had reached the door Snape was not more than ten passes behind her. Sarah thrust open the door as a first year boy came running out screaming insanity. It was then that Snape notice about two dozen purple frogs were hopping after him, crocking rather vulgar words. Snape lazily pulled out his wand to stun the frogs as did Sarah. However when he tried the frogs all spit in two. With now even more frogs chasing after him the boys voice reached a new octave.

Sarah saw the result and quickly put her wand away while drawing, from her pocket, a small blue box. She threw the box into the air clapping her hands twice. The tiny box burst open and a scatter of tiny parchment scrape fluttered every where. From the corner of his eyes Severus saw the mage swish her hands in a downward motion. The hundreds of scraps fell to the ground in a sort of lopsided circle as if they weighed a hundred pounds. The frogs seemed unable to pass through the parchment. The boy however was still running around like mad. Severus quickly put a full body bind on the boy.

Upon reaching him Severus recognized the boy as a mildly familiar Hufflepuff. Within seconds Sarah was standing beside him gazing down at the boy who lie immobilized on the floor.

"Who did this?" Asked Sarah.

The boy just lie on the grown blinking at her. Severus soon realized the problem and spoke the counter curse allowed.

"Who?" Repeated Sarah.

"I-I don't k-know!" Said the boy, grasping the hand Sarah offered and hauled him to his feet.

"And what were you doing out of bed?" Asked Snape in a booming voice.

"I-I-I…"

"Yes?"

"I was trying to find my transfiguration book one of the older kids stole it and left me a note saying it was in th- there!"

"May I see the note?" Asked Sarah abruptly.

The boy pulled a note out of his pocket and handed it to Sarah.

Severus watched as her eyes scanned the parchment she seemed intent upon it. As if their was something more to it than one could see out right. Severus became so focused on the paper that he was rather startled when all of the sudden Sarah burst out, "Penns-mina-fonta!" She then pressed one hand over the paper the other holding it from below.

After a moment or two Sarah took her hand off the top of the paper. She quickly looked it over then shoved it back into the boys hand. "Nothing." She spat.

Severus took the note from the boy who looked as if he was about to die. He read the note over once and noticed nothing unusual save for a bright, florescent, blue line drawn across the top of the page. He glanced at the Mage who seemed very interested in the floor tile. "What do you think the blue line means?"

"It means Professor, that my spell didn't work."

"And it was suppose to do what exactly?.. Draw a purple one."

Sarah gave him a deadly stare that made him wonder if she had any relation to a basilisk. "You. go back to your dorm immediately." Sarah barked at the boy.

After he was out of ear shot she continued, "The spell was suppose to show who wrote the massage where you see that line. The magic failed however because the person used a self-writing quill. So it was not written with their own hand. Weather they did this because of smarts or just a coincidence doesn't matter. The fact is, I can't trace it." Sarah now looked up from the floor. "If you wish to assist me Severus, I am going to check out the seen of the crime."

As she strode off towards the spare room Severus contorted his face in revulsion. Assist? Most definitely not!

Sarah and Snape both entered the room and began to look around. Although both parties had a different way of going about it. Severus used his wand to cast reveling charms and move the spare desks, shelves, and other supplies that occupied the room out of his way. Sarah on the other hand used herself. Getting down on her hands and knees to inspect the floor as well as other object in the room.

Severus was just about to call the search to an end when he hear a chuckle coming from by wear Sarah was now kneeling. Apparently she had heard it to, for she was instantly on her feet a long dagger in each hand. To say Severus was shock by her reaction was an understatement. Making sure to keep his expression blank he walked over to her. He notice her eyeing a large tapestry that hung on the wall. From the corner of his vision he saw her slip one of her daggers back into the sleeve of her habit.

Arm sheaths, He thought. How clever.

Sarah thrust the tapestry aside two reveal two identical looking boys. Sarah grasped the one closest to her while Snape grabbed the other. Severus looked over at his colleague who had her captive in a most threatening position. She had spun him around so his back was two her. A dagger mere inches from his throat. While her free hand hugged him to her chest.

Once she realized that the rule breaker was only a student the dagger still in hand disappeared up her arm as her wand appeared in it. She thrust the boy away from her a bit and spun him around to face her with a wand now pointed at him.

"The book." She commanded.

The boy glanced at his brother.

"The book." This time she held up her hand. Snape was surprised when the book floated from the pocket of his captives robe to her. After glancing at the cover to confirm its identity she shoved it into her own pocket. "Twenty points from Gryffindor each!" At the look on the youths' faces she continued. "Five points for disrupting both Professor Snape's and my patrol. Five points for Stealing another student property. Five points for being out of bed after hours. And finally, five points for the fact that I hate all purple, cursing, amphibians."

Snape found it really had to hid the smirk tugging at his lips. "Professor Snape would you like to add anything?" Asked Sarah drawing him back to reality. He stared at each of the boys in turn. "Detention! Both of you, in my office, tomorrow after dinner."

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Later after turning the twins over to the rather of McGonagall Sarah proclaimed that she was going to make one more round about the castle before turning in. Snape nodded and started to head off towards the dungeons when he saw Sarah draw out the note that had started all of this. It seemed as though she was staring at the blue line when Severus faintly hear her say. "Coincidence… definitely a coincidence."

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Authors note: Thank you everyone for the lovely reviews, keep um comin.