Word Count: 3,088
Former Word Count: 1,890
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What Might Be Called Misrepresentation
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[August 20, 1994: Atrium, Altair Institute of Magic]
The Atrium at Altair Institute of Magic was something they used for as many purposes as they possibly could. Most often, it was a gathering place and mess hall, filled with circular tables and comfortable chairs, with a raised dais in the very center. The dais itself was enchanted to magnify the voice of whoever was speaking so all those in the Atrium and its clearing could hear. While the Atrium wasn't symmetrical, the shape of the Atrium was generally a wide circle, with tall corinthian pillars reaching up into the sky in a ring about half the radius in. On top of the pillars were triangular sails in reds and oranges that reached both to the ground outside of the ring sometimes and inward, to create a mismatched pattern of shade. Scattered along the edges of the shades were wind chimes, whose existence was only for the purpose of aggravation.
The Atrium wasn't all white marble and wood furniture though, as grassy spots and trailing streams interspersed the large gathering area. It was a perfect way to include something for every magical species, with naga curled up contently on wide, flat stones that were placed carefully to soak up the sun, fauns playing in the grass or under the odd fruit tree, enchanted to produce fruit daily that was collected for meals or the kitchens. With them were often centaurs, though there were only two presently attending Altair.
The animal fae, which were generally considered animals who had been imbued with so much magic that they could shift to a bipedal, almost-human form with the ability to use some magics, were sprawled across the Atrium, some wearing the forms of big cats, or birds of prey, or whatever other form, and some wearing their mannish form. The werefolk lazed about, some lounging at the tables, and the vampires hid in whatever shade they could find. The daemons and fae had found themselves as far apart as they could, without leaving the people they wanted to talk to, while the elves, who seemed to everyone else that they had a species-wide superiority complex, huddled in cliques. There were humans too, certainly, from places further apart than even the other beings.
It was hardly segregated, and few of the beings truly thought themselves better than all of the others. It was far more often that groups were formed based on shared interest rather than species, and many groups included, in some form or another, beings from every other species. There was no end to the sometimes reluctant affection that the species had for one another. Sure, there might have been some tension between vampires and werewolves, fae and daemons, but one of the many purposes of Altair was to give their students and alumni an identity outside of simply their species. Students would graduate to become Altair Alumni, and that carried far more weight than anything else.
At the moment, there were confused murmurs about the reasoning for calling everyone together. While many students frequently came and went during summer, with the school open year-long for research projects and as a living place while students were attending, it was rare that students were recalled before the beginning of the school year. It hadn't been mandated—around a third of the current students weren't present—but many had agreed easily to come. There were sometimes announcements for the new year, but they were few and far between and usually put out in the Altair newspaper, The Setting Sun, which catered to either the most important news, research developments, or Altair specific shenanigans.
The Setting Sun was called that because of some bad joke or another on how it never reliably arrived, and the only expectation was that it arrived before the setting sun. To have the Headmaster request people to come to the Atrium for a quick meeting about some news or another was strange, to say the least. More than one student found it funny that the request had come as an addendum to the Sun's student edition.
Despite it being an oddity, the students had still come, waiting for the Headmaster's arrival, and without a sound, it did. It was eerie—hundreds of headstrong students that were disobedient on a good day now abruptly silent—but as the Headmaster and his Deputy appeared upon the empty dais, all chatter ceased, students sitting still in their places and watching the two attentively.
Both bore the Altair Insignia, the Headmaster's black cloak making the coiled ashwinder stand out brilliantly while his Deputy's preferred purple cloak had much the same effect. Unsurprisingly, the Headmaster wore his sword—supposedly dating back four-thousand years and a gift from his Sire— sheathed at his waist, and the Deputy had her favored throwing darts and traditional dagger.
Altair Institute's current Headmaster was an Elder Vampire, going by the name Riverren Aizaguirre. He might not have been the oldest vampire, but he was certainly one of the most powerful ones, especially so among those that bothered to associate with "young" beings like the one beside him. His hair, black as it stayed throughout the centuries, was incessantly shimmery by some magic. His eyes were the traditional gold of most Elder Vampires, his olive skin reminiscent of some Mediterranean origin. He looked aristocratic, though it was more poise than facial structure, though there was really nothing to say that he hadn't shaped and reshaped his own body after all the centuries he'd lived. Aizaguirre had the sort of aura that was fluid, ever-changing from something warm and inviting to the volatile darkness when he was angry to the prickly, annoyed blanket that shrouded him now.
He offered a hand to his Deputy, tucking her arm into his as they presented themselves to their students. Alith Mercuriel, the Deputy Headmistress, smiled rather warmly as her eyes trailed over the assembled students. The two made quite the pair, one a weather fae with mercurial moods as fitting as her surname, and one an Elder Vampire who has likely been in control of himself for more than two thousand years. But here, in their home, in front of their students, the confidence, strength, and fondness they had for the students under their care was obvious as the air itself hummed.
"Good evening," Riverren Aizaguirre said, nodding to acknowledge the murmured reply. His voice was laced with magic—either a product of his age or a product of some magic he'd worked on himself, something he'd made into himself—full of easy grace and allure, some lazy power that would drag people under and under until there was no light from the cold water above them if only they forgot to be careful. But still, as he smiled at his students and continued they could not look away, "Altair has had an… intriguing development as of some weeks ago. I don't expect that all of you will approve or be excited about it, but I am sure that if you look, you will find some enjoyment from it."
'How perfectly unclear,' thought one student to another, little mental whispers flitting between the students as they shifted uneasily. Chatter, though it was now silent, ceased once more as Alith Mercuriel moved forward, gaze wandering over her audience. "We were approached by a school that proposed an 'exchange' of a sort. Twelve of their students would be permitted to attend Altair Institute of Magic for a single year, though," here she smiled rather wryly, "who knows if their stay will be shorter, or even maybe longer. In return, we were told that those students would be able to learn more about—ha!—non-human cultures."
Mercuriel's lips pulled back, teeth bared in an inhuman gesture mirrored across the faces of dozens of others as a low, angry hiss echoed through the students. The weather fae continued regardless, "They expressed the possibility of the laws and stances on said non-humans changing, mentioning how great of an influence they had on other communities. Not only that, but they mentioned that one of their dear darling students was a celebrity, and having her here would be a good promotion of our school."
There was audible laughter. Despite the crudeness of describing a dozen complex species as "non-human," it was overshadowed by the sheer audacity of assuming that Altair Institute of Magic could possibly need any help promoting their school. What would a little local celebrity possibly do when among the ranks of Altair Alumni were some of the greatest beings who ever lived? Yet still, it was with some annoyance that someone called out to ask where they were from.
"Hogwarts," the vampire Headmaster said, nodding in agreement with the laughter. Outside of northwestern Europe, most schools and communities ridiculed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for an incredible variety of reasons. At least schools like Beauxbaton Academy of Magic and Durmstrang on rare occasions allowed veela and some other species entrance into their school. Au contraire, Hogwarts had never permitted anyone but the higher class human witches and wizards into their school. They didn't even get the greatest education, and there was some certainty that the Hogwarts students would never be capable of catching up to the standard of Altair.
"Their local celebrity," Riverren Aizaguirre continued mildly, "is the young Miss Callisto Potter. The 'Girl-Who-Lived,' I believe, though it might be 'Savior' now. Perhaps she could be persuaded to assist our necromancy and blood magic students in understanding just how that happened."
There was a rather inappropriately loud cackle from some nameless werewolf before Mercuriel raised her hand to quiet them. "Unfortunately," the Deputy said drily, "one of—and quite possibly the only—rule that their dear Minister for Magic established was that no deaths of Hogwarts students were to occur at Altair Institute of Magic."
That only left anywhere outside of the actual Institute grounds, as well as any pain up to the point of death. Evidently, no one had mentioned that many students at Altair had, at one point or another, developed the knack for bringing people very close to that point and had the unfortunate tendency to indulge in their sadism when they felt it necessary. It was only slightly less fun to take out aggravation on defenseless students than it was capable ones. Muted whispers swept through the audience, until a necromancy student stood, asking loudly whether or not the girl would consent to be tested, and would they have to force her compliance?
"They are saying that she accidentally killed Voldemort, that it was a strange act of accidental magic." the Elder Vampire mused, "I advise discretion."
It wasn't like the Hogwarts students were his students. If anyone at Altair sincerely needed his assistance and protection from any force outside Altair, the Headmaster would (almost) always be willing to step in. His protection did not extend to some 'exchange' students from an overrated English school. Maybe, should one of the students prove themselves competent, he would steal them away from Hogwarts. It was not as if they wouldn't enjoy themselves more here at Altair. Still, he stood taller, expression morphing into a mimicry of sincerity, "I do hope that all of you here today will welcome these new students by showing them our very best hospitality. I only hope that they enjoy their time here."
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[August 21, 1994: The Setting Sun]
ALTAIR INSTITUTE TO BE INFESTED WITH INCOMPETENT EXCHANGE STUDENTS
The Setting Sun, Nadia Wilm
Boys and girls, ladies and gentlefolk, do I have news for you. I'm sure all of you are aware by now of my tendency to embrace the satirical side of news more than the truly genuine, but I guarantee to you that everything you are about to read tonight is genuine. My esteemed editor decided that because everyone delights in reading my wonderful work, and also because this feels awfully like an elaborate prank by Administration, that I ought to be the one to write this story.
The British Ministry of Magic reached out some time in early July to our Headmasters, proposing something that has never been done at Altair Institute before. An exchange program, of sorts. They suggested that twelve students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry be allowed to attend our very dear school, to better understand "non-human" cultures as it were. They could not even be bothered to figure out the proper term of address.
"Alith was the one who accepted," said our dear Headmaster Riverren Aizaguirre when I asked why this was happening, sounding for all the world like he couldn't have vetoed it.
"I'm quite sure I'm unaware of all the reasons Riverren has for allowing this," Deputy Headmistress Alith Mercuriel said, "but I did accept, this does present an opportunity to Altair. Ignoring everything else, Altair has been a champion for ensuring that all beings have the opportunity to live wherever they desire. While Britain and a great deal of Europe are certainly less obvious about their prejudice now than they were, life there is still dangerous and difficult for anyone who isn't purely human."
Some of the statistics gathered by The Setting Sun journalist Achilles, found that of the more than three-hundred werewolves in the United Kingdom, a grand total of five have reliable employment in the magical world. That's barely 1% and with the difficulties of managing full moons, many of the wolves can't find employment in the non-magical world either. Even fewer have reliable homes and a source of food.
"This should give us a very good chance of changing their laws without having to deal with the hysterical xenophobia of Magical Britain," Mercuriel said. "I think Riverren is a little less opposed to this because, as mentioned multiple times by their Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, Callisto Potter will be joining us this next year. Her 'saving' of Magical Britain coincides rather well with the surge of magic I'm sure many felt not long ago."
The official release from Administration is still yet to come, but I am assured that it will be in tomorrow's or the next night's paper.
For more on the magical surge and the Potter connection, see page 5
For more on Administration's declining mental health, see page 13
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[August 27, 1994: Daily Prophet: Special Issue]
HOGWARTS TO VISIT ALTAIR INSTITUTE OF MAGIC
Daily Prophet, Rita Skeeter
After the incredible defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named at the hands of Callie Potter, the Girl-Who-Lived, many have been calling for changes. Without the threat of You-Know-Who hanging over our heads, we will be able to focus more on other issues of importance.
These include, as the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge says, "The relations between Britain's Wizarding World and the sentient magical creatures around the world."
To improve said relations, Minister Fudge has enabled twelve of Hogwarts students to attend the Altair Institute of Magic for an entire school year, believing that the incredibly diverse population of different magical creatures that attend the school (which includes vampires, werewolves and fairies) will provide Hogwarts students with opportunities to learn more about their various cultures. To help the families adjust to their students being so far away, Minister Fudge has graciously gifted each family with 100 galleons, to be able to buy new school supplies to prepare for this exciting opportunity.
"I am sure that this will enable these Hogwarts students to learn about different cultures outside of Britain," Minister Fudge said, "and I will do my best to ensure that everything goes smoothly with each of the students and their families."
Twelve fifth-year students have been allowed to attend a year of schooling at Altair Institute of Magic, three from each of the houses of Hogwarts. From the house of bravery, Gryffindor: our esteemed Girl-Who-Lived herself, Callisto Potter, with pureblood Ron Weasley and muggle-born Hermione Granger. From the house of Hufflepuff: purebloods Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and muggle-born Justin Finch-Fletchley. From Ravenclaw: half-bloods Terry Boot, Michael Corner, and pureblood Luna Lovegood. From Slytherin: purebloods Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, and Daphne Greengrass.
"We at the Ministry of Magic offer them the best of luck." Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge commented, "We are sure that they will succeed in the best of ways, and that they will be outstanding representatives for Hogwarts and all of Britain's Wizarding World."
For more on the Altair Institute of Magic, see page 4
For more on the various magical creatures attending Altair, see page 5
For more on the Hogwarts students selected, see page 6, 7
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[August 29, 1994: Daily Prophet: Special Issue]
GIRL-WHO-LIVED SPEAKS ABOUT OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT ALTAIR
Daily Prophet, Rita Skeeter
As we all know, twelve students of Hogwarts have received the opportunity to visit Altair Institute of Magic, including our very own Girl-Who-Lived. I was fortunate enough to obtain a brief interview with Callie Potter as she shopped in Diagon Alley, today, and received incredible insight on her opinions of the opportunity.
"I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the British community to understand people from different walks of life, including different species." the Girl-Who-Lived said with a smile.
As I questioned her one whether any of her friends were going to be at Altair with her, she nodded happily. "Luna Lovegood is one of my dearest friends, and we plan on learning as much as we can during the year we have been allowed to spend there. Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott are also good friends of mine. I am looking forward to spending time with them."
"I'm most looking forward to being able to experience an entirely different lifestyle. As I understand it, Altair Institute is far more than just a school and ends up being a community—a family friend described it as a 'family'—of incredibly talented and powerful people. Graduates of Altair have created the most incredible spells and potions over the ages, and hold many impressive positions in governments and other positions of power." Callisto Potter explains.
When I asked her how she felt about being surrounded by dark creatures for an entire year, she frowned and made this comment. "We need to remember that the worst thing to happen to our wizarding community recently was [You-Know-Who], and he was assuredly human. If we still believe in humans after him, we should not judge other races by the actions of one or few."
For more on the life of Callisto Potter, see page 4
For more on the year at Altair, see page 6
For the full interview with Callisto Potter, see page 9
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a/n: i enjoyed writing the setting sun too much
edit 04/12/21 - minor formatting/grammar change