Chapter 10 - More Post
Wednesday 25th November
Setting up the post box went as simply as it should. So that evening he was sent off his friends letters though it for the first time. He had added a PS to the bottom of both.
PS since I am out the country send your letters via the post office with the words Via Norway on the front. If you don't tell the owl to take it there they'll have to fly halfway around the world. This is quicker. Some sort of magical post-box portkey to transfer them between countries. Don't worry it's safe I asked.
He knew now that as long as people sent them through the post-box he would get them quicker and it would be safer for him. Since they had tied him to his box all owls should go to Norway unless told to go to the nearest post office. Only those given to Hedwig would be different.
"Just short journeys from now on Hedwig. No flying across the ocean." Hedwig just gave him a tired hoot in reply, she still hadn't quite recovered from all the distance flying. Harry knew it was only because of that she would be thankful for the reprieve.
The rest of the week he continued uninterrupted. His magic waver arrived on Friday just before he was leaving for his usual weekend trip to the OSS. It wasn't, however, the 'just until school starts' waver they had expected and Erlendur had applied for. Instead, it was a 'permanent' 'until you are of age' waiver stating they were worried about his safety if people found him. For the first time Harry actually felt slightly secure and like there was people watching out for him. He vowed to learn enough spells to actually be able to protect himself if needed.
That weekend he simply had the health check done. Also now since he had the magic waver they spent the next day teaching him some spells to use to protect himself with. They agreed with the ICW on that there always would be people out to get him. It wouldn't always be possible to have someone with him. He needed to protect himself, at least enough to hold them off, until someone could arrive or he could portkey away.
Monday 30th November
Harry yawned and stretched before wondering what had woken him. It was only 7 and many were up as this was their last week of school. It was as he put his glasses on he registered the blinking box in the corner of the room and ran over to it. Inside was several letters and a note saying none had been spelled.
Walking backwards he sat down on the bed and leafed through them finding the ones from Ron and Hermione to open first.
Hey mate
Blimey, you never get a break, do you? I had no idea about the hostels but glad you are away from the Dursleys. If they get charged even better. Under the OSS really? Never saw that coming.
Sounds like the OSS is going to keep an eye on you which is good in my books after the Dursleys. Wonder why Madam Pomfrey never gave you the vaccinations or checked. I do have to say, mate, that it sounds like the Hostel is looking after you properly too. I have hand-me-downs but they at least fit properly unlike your cousin's clothes. They were really bad I just never wanted to say anything. Sounds like the Hostel is treating you how you are supposed to be treated. But then again I bet the OSS would be onto them quickly if they didn't.
Mum was quite happy when she came back from visiting Se Ridica and talking to Bill and Charlie. They're worried about possible active creature inheritances. Britain isn't the most tolerant of these things so we were taken to Gringotts to be checked. There are Elementals, Fae and Drake in the family and all are active, or in most of us.
Bill got elemental when he was 16 and is a wind elemental, he can also see magic which keeps him safe as a curse breaker. Apparently, he's been taking night classes at Euro-Glyth. He never told mum so she didn't feel bad about not listening to him when he was younger. He wanted to go there instead of Hogwarts.
Charlie is a Drake. We knew that as mum and dad had to get permission for him to stay at Hogwarts after he came into his inheritance part way through the term. They apparently received a letter from Se Ridica saying they would take him. But since he could stay at Hogwarts he did. Now he takes part-time class's at Se Ridica learning Mind Magic, Elemental, Wandless Magic and advanced COMC while also working at the reserve. He had never told mum and dad he was a beast speaker which again with been a Drake keeps him safe. Mums a lot happier with him working there now.
Percy is a carrier but has a low chance of coming into a creature inheritance. He only has Drake left so not too much of a worry. Mum says he can go Euro-Glyth and then possibly return to Hogwarts if he wanted. Fred and George are apparently telepaths and that's why they finish their sentences. They don't know how to use it fully though. They're not a high risk but there is some. With their gift mum says if they're excepted, they'll go Se Ridica to learn it properly.
Ginny came up a very high risk for Fae and medium for Elemental. With that and the counselling, she's already been accepted into Se Ridica. She will probably stay there until we know for sure or permanently. Mum agreed it was best. I came up a medium chance for Elemental and fae and carrier for Drake. I'm on the list and stand a good chance. I was not immediately accepted. However if for some reason I did come into it as a fae I would immediately be taken. They're not allowed in England and have been hunted before. Elementals are fine but Drakes aren't so it was a big risk Charlie staying at Hogwarts. Ginny's doing a lot better and is looking forward to going as her friend Luna is going. She doesn't live far from us.
Anyway, mate things have been quiet here. I didn't mention to mum about you leaving, just that you were looking at possible year around schools. In a way, the school is if the hostel links to them and the school arranges for kids to stay over Christmas instead of staying at the school. That would have been interesting last year and maybe fun. We've been doing a bit of studying and Percy has started teaching us all Ancient Runes and Arithmancy since we'll need it. He seems to be enjoying it anyway and it's keeping the peace. Too cold for quidditch and mum put her foot down on only hour sessions and once a day since we need to study other things as well. The wavers also came through until after Christmas, everyone is getting them according to dad.
I hope this finds you with your new box and it will definitely be easier anyway.
Ron
He was right. It was interesting about the creature bit but that didn't matter. At least they were fine and could go. He was also pleased Ron wasn't upset with him over leaving or anything. Quickly he found Hermione and decided to read hers next.
Harry
I can't believe you got away from the Dursleys that's brilliant. The hostels sound interesting and Hogwarts should have one. I mean you can't be the only kid like that or have ever been like it. It would certainly help but I guess there is more to it to been allowed to stay full time. They sound like they are taking good care of you. Harry, they are only doing what a parent should. If you have to share a room fine but it should be right for both kids. Clothes that fit, Harry even if Ron wears hand-me-downs they at least fit and are in good repair unlike yours. Mum and dad use grounding with me along with taking my books off me. Don't worry about that but again that's proper care, so don't worry.
Under the OSS really! You can never get a break. You never said what department, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to? There again it sounds like they are taking care of you. I bet they won't let anything happen like what happened in the past. I'm just under the BCS but they do keep an eye on me. They've been speaking to mum and dad about schools. Not to mention some of my personality since they got a report from Hogwarts. They don't like that I can lose track of time when studying and forget to eat. They're not too worried as mum and dad are used to handling it. But if I forget at school or they think I do too much I'll end up on watch. I think mum and dad were just pleased they explained everything. Mum and dad said there are lots of people like that, just as there are lots of people with different personalities. BCS is just being careful. They'll explain more when I am older about it.
ICW resident never heard of it and I doubt I'll find much in Flourish and Blots. Maybe you will find out what it means fully if you get it. Did you know the ministry has sent out magic wavers to all Hogwarts students so they can study and get ready for their new schools? If your been home-schooled you have to reapply after Christmas but that won't be a problem for me. I took Merlin's entrance tests this week and am just waiting to hear back. Mum and dad are pleased to be able to see some of what I've been learning. Although I'm making sure to stick to things I know I can fix. I have also been going to BCS once a week to practice the magical bit until I get it. They set it up for all muggle-born under them as any with one magical parent can manage. I think those with Squib parents were included too. It would make sense. I think the other programs have set up something similar as well.
Sounds like you been through a lot recently but glad your safe. Hope your tests go well and you get into your first choice. Mum and dad were interested in you being the heir to the Black family. Not to mention that your godfather was imprisoned without a trial when he could never have done it. That shouldn't be possible even in the magical world. Is there any way we can help get him out? You never said what colour your Orb changed but don't tell me if you don't want to? BCS and my parents are starting to help me realise that sometimes people want things to be kept private and that you might not be ready to know. I'm learning. Maybe doing it will help me settle more at Merlin then at Hogwarts. A fresh start.
I did write out the differences between the schools and got a shock as well. Like you I might stay at Merlin when Hogwarts re-opens. As for the Weasleys, I agree with you, they have their reasons and as long as Mrs Weasley listens they will probably get their way. I'll ask Ron. Your post box is a good idea and mum and dad are thinking of getting an owl.
Hope you get this letter ok.
Hermione
Harry sighed in relief and set them outside to reply to later. Grabbing the others he dressed and headed downstairs. By now everyone had eaten. It was only those that attended school in Leeds that were still loitering, the rest had already gone. He didn't hesitate to grab something to eat and wave at Tabitha, Demelza and Eveline as they got ready to go and rushed around. The younger kids attending the local school were just waking and getting dressed since they still had a bit of time. But it was the last week of school before Christmas so everyone was excited really.
"Morning Harry." Erlendur smiled at him.
"Morning."
"Post this morning?"
"Yeh, some from people I don't know so I wanted to look at them down here."
"Well we can do it in breaks and I'm glad you decided to. I've received word that your final entrance tests for Magere are next week. They'll be marked quickly and then just after Christmas you should have your final interview before going to get your supplies."
"You think I'll get in then."
"Harry you would have to have a very bad attitude to not get in or do very poorly on those tests. But that's not you. You wouldn't have got this far with a bad attitude. Lærer Little would have removed you and then said to go somewhere else. He wouldn't have left you there. Yet if he didn't think you would get in he wouldn't have continued through the process. The next interview will tell you the results from the tests and what they think you need to do once there and more on the school and rules. They'll go through the rule book to make sure you can live with the rules and such.
"The tests, they're not cruel Harry they know you haven't taken some subjects before and have just started learning them. They just want to gauge how quickly you are picking them up. However, they know you have had a couple of weeks so don't expect more than a basic understanding. Your other subjects they knew about your prior teaching and what we have covered. They will be looking at your understanding on that. It's just to see if you can keep up that's all."
"That's ok but you really think I will?"
"Yes, I do. I know you, you're a good kid. I think when you meet some of the other students from Magere in a few days you'll see you fit right in. Tabitha, Jakob, Demelza, Eveline and Robert do as well and I have been told it is only power that kept them out. But that's for their own safety. They're all top of their class and looking to go see the Repository at some point. Many schools select a couple of students each year to go study at Magere for a month and see the Repository. All of them have applied every year and not been chosen yet. But the process is different for each school, they'll get their chance."
"That's interesting."
"So shall we read one letter and then get studying. Lots of small breaks and we'll look at a letter each time. Once we get those generic letters sorted it will be quicker. But use this for breaks if you enjoy doing it. However school work and activities first, if you fall behind that doesn't matter, you're still in school and people have to understand that, everyone knows."
"Sure."
And so they started. They would do 45 minutes and then have a 15-minute break getting through a couple of letters each time. The first time they went through and sorted out proposals for marriage and such, business deals, personal letters from different people, pictures, gifts and then miscellaneous areas. The next break they wrote out the generic letters.
Dear Sir/Madam
I understand your interest in me in that matter but currently, I am 12 years old and not looking for a partner. I also believe in getting to know the person on a personal level first before considering marriage.
I apologise but am flattered by your interest.
Harry Potter
.
Dear Sir/Madam
Your proposal for betrothal to your son/daughter was interesting. But I believe in looking for a life partner personally and getting to know the person on a personal level first.
I apologise but am flattered by your interest.
Harry Potter
.
Dear Sir/Madam
I am honoured about your business proposal. Currently, I am 12 years old and do not feel I have enough knowledge in such matters to make any business ventures at this time. I wish to focus my time on school. However, as I get older and learn more about such matters I may be in a different position to re-evaluate such things at a later date. I am keeping a record of all business proposals and the dates to review when I am older. So it may be you will receive a letter of interest from me in the future.
Thank you for asking me.
Harry Potter
These letters could be addressed by anyone after having a copying spell applied to the parchment so it was all in his handwriting. Someone else just had to address the envelope. The other letters and gifts he started to read through in his breaks individually. Many were Christmas cards and things like chocolate and posters or photos. Some came with letters saying they liked to write to him even if he never replied before as it helped them work through things.
Harry spent his breaks that day reading and replying to them. They would get some Christmas cards to send in reply. The individual letters were the ones that Harry found the most interesting and fun to read and reply to. They were all from England but came from different schools and all walks of life and ages. Some were clearly from people in years younger or above that he had never spoken to and were asking what school he was going to or what did he think about this school or that.
For the school questions, he sent a note back saying he didn't want to disclose his choices. He didn't want to influence them but to find a school that fit their goals and personality. That lists of positives, negatives and comparing class's had helped him make his decision. For the younger children, he spoke to Erlendur and together they worked out what to say, advice to give or if just to send a letter back in encouragement. On all those that had made a note that he had never replied before, they added that there had been mail wards in place previously. Recently they had been taken down and new protections in place since he was now old enough to deal with letters from people. It didn't accuse anyone or offend anyone. It was simple facts and mostly the truth.
Tuesday 1st December
It was mid-afternoon when several people walked through the door, dumped their luggage and headed to pull off their winter gear. It was only when they walked out that Harry realised all of them were students. Since they were all wearing variants of the same outfit in different colours. Three of them were wearing dark blue polo shirts and jumpers with Navy trousers. Three were wearing red polo shirts and jumpers with Grey trousers. Three girls were in white polo shirts with grey jumpers and grey trousers. Four were in white polo shirts, black jumpers and black trousers.
Harry was amazed that there were so many older students. He hadn't realised that the oldest kids were actually adults and not so much kids. He had been told they would help you once you graduated. Harry just hadn't realised for him that graduation would be at 21 and not 18 if he went to Magi. Now though that realization was setting in, that if this worked out, he would have a home until he was 21. The feeling was strange but nice.
Erlendur quickly ushered them upstairs with their luggage. Four had to stop by Mary at the desk to pick up keys and Harry guessed they were ones that only stopped sometimes and not all the time. It wasn't long though before they all came back down in their own comfy clothes. Most were fleece, cotton or jeans and seemed quite relaxed as they sat down around him with barely a glance. It was the first time he had ever really been truly anonymous. To most of these kids, they were used to people coming and going. They didn't care who he was, he was just another person who lived there. Not to mention since the news of Hogwarts closure had spread around the world. It wasn't a hard stretch to work out he was a Hogwarts student since he wasn't in school.
"Welcome home Magere Akademi students and to Agnar it is nice to have you with us. I shall see you later to explain all the rules. It is nice to have Nova, Nathan and Thomas with us again and I would also like to introduce you to Harry Potter. He is a Hogwarts student currently applying to Magere Akademi and Se Ridica to start next term." it was to there credit they only looked at him and then back at Erlendur and for the first time Harry knew this was home. He would make it work as more than anywhere before, Snow Castle Hostel had become his home. Even Hogwarts hadn't felt like this, it was a school. The Hostel it wasn't a school and yes he was working but that was to get into a school. Not to mention the others did homework. You did that at home.
"The entrance tests start next week and we do have a few people coming to stay on Sunday. So best behaviour, I will be warning everyone as they come home and then again the night before on Saturday as people arrive Sunday. They will be here for a week and after that, it will depend. Some will return just before school starts for supplies, others won't. Harry is here hopefully permanently but that is still subject to change. So I would recommend getting all the homework done and then you can relax the rest of the break and not fight over books. Harry is studying during the day so feel free to join him and work to his schedule. He probably has questions but if you're busy just say so and vice versa. Welcome home and see you all at dinner." with that the man turned and headed to his office.
"You're looking to join Magere Akademi." a boy about his age with short red hair and grey eyes spoke.
"Yes."
"I'm Agnar Heinirsson."
"How are you finding this so far Agnar?" the small boy who was clearly the youngest of the group asked. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. But also an uncanny resemblance to three of the other children in the group.
"Seems alright...I just wish I could go home."
"I know the feeling." the boy responded and looked at one of the oldest in the group. A tall boy with short brown hair and blue eyes who smiled sadly at him.
"What made you decided Magere if you don't mind me asking? I'm Klara." Klara was a bit older than him with long blond hair and blue eyes.
"I was looking for an all year schools and applied to Se Ridica. I didn't really think about Magi or Magere I guess until the Orbs came. Then I read through the information and learned about the different parts of the school and the Hostals. I just kept thinking I wish we had this at Hogwarts or that. Then the reply from Se Ridica came and Lærer Little came and visited. He brought me here and Mr Erlendur was nice. He worked with me and helped me. I have been excepted into Se Ridica. But I guess the more I hear about the way Magere is run and when I compared the school courses, Magere just seemed to fit me better."
"So you don't mind that the teachers are strict and all sticklers for the rules and push you to reach your potential. If they think your slacking off and not working as hard as you can, they'll sit you down and help. But also push you." Klara looked at him before another brown haired blue eyed boy chimed in.
"You don't mind that it is really cold or that breaking some rules is instant expulsion. Or that with so many creatures there is a hierarchy amongst the students both in your year and others. You don't mind that the punishments can include losing the right to carry your wand outside of class, been grounded to your room or detention. While wearing bright orange vests telling everyone in the school that fact."
"You don't mind that when sorting out problems they use truth spells or when your older truth potions on you. You don't mind that you have to wear a band around your arm declaring that your a creature, human and what caste you are." the only girl that had stopped to pick up a key when she arrived spoke. She had long brown hair, grey eyes and grey skin. Harry had never seen anything like it.
"You don't mind that we have some non-magical subjects or seminars you have to take to graduate. You don't mind that too graduate you have to be an Animagus, 11 L. , at least 7 H.M. and at least 1 Mastery." the oldest of the group spoke. He was tall with short black hair and brown eyes. Harry had the distinct feeling he was an Alpha.
"And you don't mind that because you don't graduate until you are 21 you could be living here until then. Unless you get a new guardian." that same older boy that seemed to be part of a family finished.
"No, I don't!" Harry shook his head "I... I like living here and the idea of having a home until then that isn't a school is nice. Lærer Little told me it was cold and icy all year around. After Hogwarts some of what you said is nice. There were fights in the halls and if one teacher caught you, it didn't matter how many said it was the other person fault, you were still the one in trouble. The idea of using spells to find out the truth is nice. The fact that you could lose your wand, it teaches you that magic is a gift and not to be abused. Maybe then there wouldn't be some of the problems in Britain that there is. The fact the teachers work with you to improve instead of just marking you down as a way of pushing you, or just because they don't like you is also nice.
"The band I think they have them at Se Ridica as well only by uniform colours and I have one anyway." he waved the orange band on his wrist to show them. Several of them narrowed their eyes but non interrupted him. "I've been told what needs to be done to graduate and I think I can do it. As far as I see if you work hard and join the right clubs and plan things right it's not that hard to do. The only bit I am nervous about is the hierarchy but I'm not going to let that stop me or hold me back. I was a Gryffindor at Hogwarts, the house of the brave. But I also know that being brave is doing things that are outside of your comfort zone, pushing yourself. Even Se Ridica would do that just not in the same way and not as much. If I wanted the easy route I would have gone to Beauxbatons." By the time he finished the group was smiling and Harry suddenly had the feeling he had passed some sort of test.
"My names Mark Rogers." the oldest one spoke "I'm Human, final year student. I can tell you that if you pass the entrance tests and explain what you just did to Lærer Porter when she comes to interview you. You'll be excepted instantly."
"How do you know?"
"You didn't once mention the repository and instead focused on the school itself. Many apply as they want access to it for years while at school. Because there was so many applying even as a new school, because of the Repository, the headmistress put in some guidelines to been excepted. One, and the biggest one is that you see the Repository as a bonus and focus on the school itself." Klara spoke with a smile. Harry remembered Erlendur explaining some of it but to here it fully from the students it really sank home. "Klara Larsen human 5th Year."
"Philip Rogers 7th Year Human." a tall girl with long black hair and brown eyes spoke.
"Ardrian Tveit 8th year Omega Drake." the older boy from the sibling group stated.
"Charlotte Tveit 6th year Human." the girl with long brown hair and blue eyes smiled at him.
"Henrik Tveit 3rd year Human." one of the younger two of the siblings spoke and like the rest, he had short brown hair and blue eyes.
"Mikkel Tveit 1st year human. We also have two younger siblings here Synne is 9 and Marius is 6" the youngest spoke and Harry nodded.
"Nova Thompson Omega Silkie 7th year." the girl with grey skin spoke
"Nathan Douglas 9th year Alpha Merrow." one boy spoke with short green hair, grey eyes and blue skin.
"Thomas Lamont 5th year Beta Vampire." Harry stared at the boy with shoulder black hair, black eyes and pale skin, not able to say anything.
"Torny Myren 9th year human." the girl with shoulder blond hair and blue eyes smiled.
"Njord Myren 4th year Human." the boy had short blond hair and blue eyes.
"Our younger sister is a 2nd year at Merlin." Torny finished.
"Agnar Heimirsson 2nd year Alpha...werewolf." they way it was said told Harry it was a recent development and probably the reason he was here at the hostal.
"You know who I am. I'd be a 2nd year."
"You will be." Mark and everyone seemed so sure and now Harry was just starting to believe it.