Chapter 9 - Post Boxes and Letters

"Icelandtic"

"English"

Tuesday 24th November

Harry spent most of Tuesday working on learning his potions theory, Magical History, Defence theory and the other subjects he needed for Magi Academy. It was going to be hard work but he was determined to do it. He liked the sound of either school. But Harry just knew from what he had heard and learned was that Magi was the perfect school for him.

"Evening Harry." Tabitha flopped down onto the chair next to where he was working.

"How was school?"

"Tiring but another week and we're done for Christmas. Everyone from Magere and the other schools will be back around the same time. The Magere's will be back on December 1st, they always work off full months. The others will be back on Friday or the Saturday after on the 4th or 5th. We finish on the 4th. But then the Magere's go back on January 1st and we all have a few days off after so works out I think."

"Probably."

"Well, I'm going to get changed or will roast."

"I'll follow and take this up. I have some letters to write as well. Hopefully, Hedwig will find me soon."

"You sure she will."

"Shes never failed before." Harry shook his head and followed the girl up. Tabitha was on a different floor to him, however, that didn't matter and sure enough like he said there was an excited owl waiting for him in his room.

"Hedwig!" he laughed as the owl took off and flew around him in circles. Many of the kids either had cats or owls, well the borders did apparently. Most of the day students had hamsters, fish or reptiles in their rooms. Tabitha had told him she had a gerbal and Jakob apparently had a snake. But Harry hadn't seen it.

Hedwig did have letters attached to her leg and he quickly retrieved them. After he settled her on her perch and gave her some treats.

"Good girl Hedwig." the owl actually seemed proud of herself. She had left before he had been picked up and hadn't known he was leaving. So the fact she had found him herself was good, his owl had every right to be proud of herself.

Shaking his head he sat down to read the letters that seemed to be from Ron and Hermione.

"You had quite the trip girl." he looked at the snowy owl who hooted in response settling down to rest.

Hey Mate

Glad to hear you don't need busting. Wow not returning to the Dursleys. But didn't Dumbledore say you needed to stay there for the wards or something? Then again with how they treat you, I would want away too and not care.

Mum has now agreed to visit Se Ridica. She leaves next week so by the time you get this she may already be back. Been able to play quidditch could be good and I spoke to Charlie. Apparently, there can be fights. But I wouldn't be rooming with the others anyway as there are different areas for humans, Submissives, Beta's and Dominants. Supposedly, there is different uniform for each as well so people can tell looking who is who. There is also apparently a no fighting in the dining hall rule and most of the dominants fight in their dorm or in a few other contained areas or outside. Seemingly, there is also a rule that all werewolves have to be outside 2 hours before the full moon and animagi need permission to be outside with them.

The idea of Hogwarts not opening for years is scary so maybe Se Ridica wouldn't be so bad like that. Percy still doesn't want to go but I told him about Euro-Glyth and the ages for Merlin. He sent a letter off and agreed when getting a reply. Mum doesn't seem as bad about that since it is a day school.

As for the book, Bill took a look at it and apparently it is really dark magic. He's trying to destroy it but still be able to trace where it is coming from. Dumbledore is looking into it. But he apparently believes that the book is the reason the chamber opened and that it was probably controlling Ginny. Dad had her checked at the OSS and they said she was fine but would recommend counselling. I told dad that Se Ridica seemed to have in school counselling and he just nodded. With Malfoy your probably right but how could we prove it.

Anyway, what you been up to? Any more news on schools? If we do both go Se Ridica that would be cool. Though I don't think Hermione would be with us. Let me know and it may nudge mum along.

Ron.

Harry smiled at the letter. He had been admitted into Se Ridica but there was no guarantee he would be going. He bet on this occasion Ron's older brothers would have there way. He would have to see if there was some easier way to send letters or poor Hedwig wouldn't be able to cope. Maybe Erlendur or Robert would know.

Ron.

Glad Ginny's alright. Sounds like your older brothers may get there way this time. Hopefully, this experience will teach Ginny to be a bit more careful when it comes to strange books. For Percy, Euro-Glyth does seem to be his best bet. Since they do lots of languages maybe that will give him enough to focus on instead. If he's on a day school it might help with your mum letting the rest of you go as well.

I have no idea yet where I am going. I have applied to Se Ridica and it looks like I might get in. Although, I've also been sitting the entrance tests for the other. Both mean I don't have to return to the Dursleys. On that did you know about the hostals? Apparently many schools link to Hostals where children who can't stay with their parents for some reason live there. It means no kid is left at school over Christmas, as those that can't go home would be housed at a Hostal for the short time over Christmas.

On that note, I have actually already been moved to one. One of the teachers came to see me as part of the entrance tests to the 2nd school and didn't like the Dursleys. He took me that day to a Hostal and I've been here about 2 weeks now. Ron, on the first day the hostal head had me re-checked for the care system. He had heard about people being wrong and you'll never guess I was wrong as well.

Apparently, I'm a sensitive and so should be under the OSS. I went to see them and they did a full medical check. They got me new glasses and found I hadn't had all my follow-up vaccinations. So they are re-doing them all and have me on potions to help get my weight up. They're also sending the results to the ICW to find out which ministery I now fall under. I was born in one country, live in another and fall under another for medical reasons. From there we think I just fall as an ICW resident but will soon know. Either way, it looks like I won't ever be returning to the Dursleys and they might end up in prison.

I'm happy here Ron. I have clothes that fit and they're helping me sort schools even though they don't normally deal with Se Ridica. There are different magical creatures and I have my own room. If I end up staying here permanently I can change the colour on the walls and decorate it how I want.

Let me know how things go.

Harry.

Harry

Can you believe what happened with Ginny? I did hear that they think it might be related to the chamber of secrets been opened again, can you believe it? Ron might be going to Se Ridica, that's my reserve. It will be good if he does go. Percy I think might be better at Euro-Glyth. I think he's too old for anywhere else but maybe Se Ridica. I sent Ron a letter about it too. Who do you think will win? Bill and Charlie or Mrs Weasley?

Me and my parents have been talking about schools. We went to Diagon Ally after writing some letters to send off and I recently got replies. Arwindale says I am borderline but may struggle with their advanced program and recommends I try Merlin. I had already applied and they say I should be alright. Still, they want me to sit an entrance test just to be sure. If not I am on the waiting list for Se Ridica since there is no creature Blood in our family. We had a test done at Gringotts. Did you know I am descended from a line of squibs though mum, from the Black family? Can you believe it? Apparently, I'm too far out though to be the head or Heir. They don't know who that is as the current head is in Azkaban and the others are apparently underage. But if there was a head I would fall under them as a magical guardian. At the moment mines the head of the school I attend.

The Orbs, mine turned Green but you needed Orange and higher to be admitted to Magi Academy. I was so gutted but I can't help that. Apparently, that means I am a powerful witch which is nice. What colour did yours change? Merlin sounds nice too though and mum and dad like the sound of it. Though we are a bit unsure about the other magical creatures around. Merlin though has tough rules on that so that's good. I would also get a mentor to help me adjust to the school.

How are you doing? What school are you going to? Are the Dursleys treating you alright? How did the teachers visit go?

Take care of yourself Harry and let me know if you need help.

Hermione

"Typical Hermione." he shook his head with a smile.

Hermione

Sounds like you been busy. Merlin would be a good school for you. You would manage at Se Ridica and they wouldn't hold you back. Yet I think you would excel at Merlin. Shame on the power orb, Ron got Green as well.

Wow is all I can say to being part of the Black family but you don't have to worry. Apparently, I'm the heir to it as my godfather is the one in prison. Apparently, though he never received a trial and couldn't have done what they charged him with. There are traditional oaths you sware against harming your godchildren. That's as much as I can explain in a letter.

Your lucky to miss out on creature inheritances I have several that could be possible. It's enough that Se Ridica has already excepted me if I want to go. Like you it's my reserve school. I won't tell you the other yet as I'm still applying. I passed the first part but the second was a visit by a teacher. Guess what the visiting teacher hated the Dursleys and removed me!

Did you know that there are Hostals around the world to look after kids like me? Those who can't stay with their guardians for one reason or another? It might be abuse but it also might be due to creature inheritances. Or it not being safe or because they are an orphan. The school becomes their guardian and the hostal head the 'foster' carer. I love it here Hermione. They arranged for me to get new clothes, visit Gringotts and I have my own room. If I stay permanently I can decorate it however I want. Also if you get in trouble you get grounded. Only they don't stop you eating or going to the bathroom like they Dursleys used to.

One of the things the head arranged was for me to be checked for the care system. Supposedly some people in England recently have been marked wrong. You'll never guess? Yeh, your right I was. I'm a sensitive so should be under the OSS. They took me to the OSS branch around here and they ran some medical tests. Because of the confusion on where to send the results, they're sending it right to the ICW. They're currently debating which ministery I fall under. Preferably I would just fall under them directly as there is three possibly four I could.

The OSS they got me new glasses and said in the future they might be able to correct my eyes. They didn't like that I was underweight from the Dursleys. They think they might be able to charge them and have them put in prison! I've also seen the dentist for the first time as the Dursleys never took me. A lot has happened but it's been amazing.

Anyway, school wise I next have to go through tests and then another interview and that's the final stage of the entrance exam.

If I don't get in I'll definitely be going Se Ridica. But neither school actually lets you stay all year. Se Ridica only does in certain circumstances so even if I went there I would still live in a hostal. It's better than the Dursleys anyway. Some of the kids have younger siblings here who attend local Muggle schools until they are old enough to go to a magic school. The older siblings headmaster is their guardian until they go to their own school. After you graduate they help you find a house or apartment. Depending on what's going on they might help you get custody of your younger siblings. But its up to the kids if they want to go. You also have to have a job and such.

As for my vote, I think in this case Bill and Charlie will get there way. Percy will end up at Euro-Glyth which will pacify Mrs Wealsey as a day school. Not sure what will happen when Hogwarts re-opens. Me it will depend if they try to force me back the Dursleys or how I feel about the school. The difference in subjects when you write them out is shocking.

Anyway, I'll stop here. Let me know how you get on and if you get in.

Harry.

He finished there and re-read through. He wasn't sure how Hermione would take knowing he might get into Magi. When it was the school she wanted to get into the most. He was learning though it wasn't just the power requirements but also attitude. Harry had a feeling that due to his past school results, the test phase was going to be more vital for him to pass. The second interview he would worry about when the time came. But he just wanted a school where he would fit in and could be himself. He was just glad to be away from the Dursleys right now.

Tuesday 24th November

"Sir how would I manage international mail, it might be too far for Hedwig." Harry quietly asked Erlendur at lunch after a morning of studying. The language potion was now well out of his system. Yet he was realising that learning Latin was a lot easier now. Thanks to knowing two languages. He was also thinking of asking for lessons in Greenlandic and Danish for on the weekend. While he was at the OSS.

"You would need to go to the Magic district and send them to the specific country or continent. The post office then sends them via magic boxes to the country and then via owl to whoever. So from here to Britan, it would go by the box to the magic area in Britain and then via owl. For the return, your friend would have to do the same, go to the post office."

"What about if I asked for a permanent box? Could they then just ask the owl to take it to the post office and they would send it?"

"Only high profile people have their own box. The post office receives it and then puts it in the box to send it to you. It only works for one country so for that, you would need one in England. High profile people use it to test for curses and jinxes."

"Mary I'm the boy-who-lived, I think that's high profile enough."

"How have you been managing before with fan mail as nothing has come here?"

"No idea, I never received any." Harry looked back at Erlendur.

"Will make a trip and get one set up. I've never managed fan mail before but can't be too hard. Reject all proposals, sort of write up a generic rejection letter. Reply to some letters and maybe have a generic reply for any hate letters or something. At the very least we need to find out why you haven't been receiving any. Maybe some sort of owl ward or something."

"Or a house elf is taking them. I've had one do that before. However, he was trying to stop me from returning to Hogwarts. Never did find out who he belonged to."

"Why was he doing that?" Mary looked shocked.

"He worked for the family that caused all this mess at Hogwarts. He sort of worshipped me and wanted me safe. He got his wish, Hogwarts is closed and I'm gone. Just not due to anything he did. He stole my mail making me think my friends didn't like me. Then tried to stop me getting on the train by closing the barrier. Me and Ron got in big trouble for flying a car to school."

"I bet. Maybe there is a way to trace which House Elf it was. I'll help you write up a letter to the international School Board. They are looking into Hogwarts and helping sort out this mess. Everybody would be interested in knowing this." Erlendur finished.

"Sure."

"We'll go this evening, after studying as people are just getting home. Before the shops shut. Will be busy, but best we can do."

It was later that they wrapped up and headed out of the hostel to the magic district. This time Erlendur showed him how to open the door himself. They didn't hesitate in heading for the post office. Harry was amazed to see all the different owls around the place.

"Hello, can I help you?"

"Yes, we need you to check for owl wards on this young man. Then we would like to ask about your personal international post boxes."

"Certainly." the wizard was old with white hair but didn't hesitate in waving his wand around him. Harry shivered as he felt the magic wash over him. Quickly he wrapped his arms around himself. "You are a sensitive." it wasn't a question just a statement but Harry replied anyway.

"Yes."

"Seems you are sensitive to probing magic."

"That's why I reacted to the magical health scan but never potions."

"I would wager yes. I did get you do have an owl ward on you. It was cast some years ago by Albus Dumbledore."

"Probably the night my parents died."

"It was probably useful and in good intentions when you were younger. However, you don't need it anymore when we can put other protections in place." Erlendur put his hand on his shoulder. "He still should have told you. Can you remove it?"

"Yes, I will be as quick as I can Mr Potter." the man had either recognised him or guessed his identity. Harry just nodded his consent. This time the magic wasn't probing but pulling. While he could feel it and it wasn't exactly pleasant. It was like touching something you didn't like. Unlike the probing spell that made his skin crawl. "Done. That was a tough spell. Now you asked about international post boxes."

"Yes, how much and how would it work."

"You would set the box up in the country you typically had the most post coming from. The wizard there would scan it for what you asked and then put it in the box. It would then appear in your box. You can do the same for outgoing mail.

"A spell would be cast re-routing all mail not given to your own owl to the post box. When sending mail to other countries, you need to put on via Diagon Ally or whichever. The wizard at that office would use the normal boxes to send it before it would be scanned and placed in your own. Or if coming from another country would be sent via the normal transfer and then onto you via your own box.

"For you-you could either use your owl for short journeys or ones that are sensitive or trusted or just use the box. You would put it in addressed to the friend. Then if in England no address or via the alley or country to be sent on."

"It might be best to set one up in Norway Harry. Then they won't know and it is a central point between England, Magere and Romania. Not to far for regular trips and may deter people."

"Sounds good."

"Certainly I can set one up here and send the first payment and instructions through. After that just put the money in the box in a letter with Post office manager on and he'll get it. You would have to visit to set up a direct payment. It would be in Butikk Distrikt."

"Let's do this then." the box was a plain wood with two different sides to it. To set it up all they had to do was link the two to his magical signature. The box would flash when there was a letter inside. Payment, to begin with, was going to be via the box. However later he would set up a direct when he had to go to Butikk Dstrikt to pick up school supplies. They had asked for the highest security. The wizard would check for potions, spells and curses. Any howlers would just be destroyed as you couldn't send them international anyway. All post offices just destroyed them. Since his box would be in Norway, a note would be sent to Diagon Ally. All it would say was that all Harry Potter post had to go to Norway. Apparently, the wizard would keep quiet about it.

With the box set up and on its way to Norway they left taking the mate with them. They would receive a confirmation and test letter through the box sometime tomorrow. They would then have to send a return confirmation through to finish the setup. If it didn't work they just had to take the box back and they would try again. However nine times out of ten, it worked the first time.

Mary informed Erlendur there was a letter waiting for him when they got back. Neither of them thought anything of it since that was normal, so Harry just disappeared off to put his box away. Tomorrow he would start work on the generic letters to send in reply to people. He knew he still had to work out where all the past mail had gone. It wasn't long and as was becoming normal Tabitha, Jakob, Demelza and Eveline joined him in his room. The twins shared by choice while Tabitha and Jakob each had their own. They were interested in his box, as it would mean they could write to each other when he was away at school. Harry would admit he was becoming fast friends with them. Demelza and Eveline had said they had kept to themselves mostly before. Although Jakob and Tabitha had been friends. Age didn't matter.

They were all playing a game that the twins had brought in when there was a knock on the door.

"Its open," he called out. They all looked up as Erlendur opened the door.

"Can I talk to you Harry alone?"

"Sure we'll pick this up later. We're going Harry, Jakob, Tabitha, me and then Eveline. It's currently Tabitha's turn, there." Demelza quickly cast a spell to keep the board in place before putting it on his desk.

"See you later Harry," Eveline called out and they all headed out.

"You seem to be settling in." Erlendur smiled.

"Yeh, they don't treat me like Harry Potter but just Harry. Ron and Hermione along with the Quidditch team were great. Only the others, they sort of fell into the trap sometimes. My dorm mates tried but sometimes did believe the rumours over me. There isn't any of that here. You all treat me the same as everyone else. I like it."

"I am glad. You are known but it isn't as much as in England. Our papers aren't as biased or apt to spread rumours. It all has to be fact or in the gossip and marked as gossip. You will find some there but your also underage and in school. It would be serious to end up in our papers at your age. I believe there was a small piece debating what school you would go to. Then one when you started Hogwarts on your house but that's been it."

"That's cool. Is everything alright?"

"That letter was from the ICW. They are going to ask that the British Ministry take your guardians into custody. Later they will be charged by the ICW to make sure it is fair. It will take time, however. They also agree that having you under one Ministery may be a problem with how corrupt Britain is. So you are now a resident of the ICW for the duration of your time at school. Then you will be transferred to the Ministry of your permanent residence. For now, however, that does give you some security as all crimes will be dealt with by the ICW themselves. So just behave yourself. At the moment they are acting as your guardians. But that will be transferred soon enough. For now, you are to remain here so no one can remove you without been charged with kidnapping.

"They are also going to look into how you were put under the wrong care provider and about your godfather. With him been imprisoned without a trial when he couldn't betray you under his godfather oath."

"That's good news then."

"Very good news. It changes some things but nothing that affects you directly. At some point, you will have to see them to make formal charges against your relatives. But after that nothing can be pressed forward without evidence for and against. Then it will go to trial. Your medical will go along way and we need to get some pictures of your back. I am not sure if the OSS took some already or not. Your memories of your room and how you were treated there will also be used. We can request Lærer Little to stand witness since he removed you. I can contest to your clothes and what you have told me about how you were treated. Not to mention what I noticed here. I expect we will win."

"Thank you."

"I am only doing what should have been done years ago Harry, nothing more." Harry decided not to argue. He wasn't sure if that was the truth or not but for now, he just couldn't bring himself to argue.

"Go find your friends and finish the game I interrupted. I am applying for a magic waver for you and don't expect it to be a problem. Relax while you can as you have more studying to do tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir."