Repository of Knowledge

by Blosiom

Hogwarts is closed after the Chamber of Secrets is opened. What does that mean for Ginny? How does been sent to different schools affect the house rivalries and how many students return when the school is re-opened? What does this mean for Harry and his friends? And how does this affect the war against Voldermort when it comes? Warning - Talk of past abuse.

13. Yule

Chapter 13 - Yule

All Speech Icelandic

Monday 21st December

Harry went down to breakfast with a yawn and sat down at the table.

"Morning, Harry. Happy Yule"

"Happy Yule Mr Erlendur"

"Sleep well kid?" the man laughed.

"OK just worried about if I passed or not"

"I'm sure you did, but even if you didn't, you do have a place at Se Ridica, so don't worry."

"Mr Erlendur?"

"Yes?"

"What is Yule, what do we do today?"

"Good question." Erlendur sat down at the table with him. "Today we have a small ceremony later tonight. But during the day we bake some of the food for Christmas, and you kids finish doing your art projects to give each other. Yule itself is a time of the greatest darkness. It is the shortest day of the year celebrated on the winter solstice.

"As you know here in Reykjavik we get nearly 5 minutes of sunlight today. And daylight only lasts around 3 hours. Witches and Wizards believe that on this night the Holly King, as the God of the waning year, battled the Oak King, the God of the waxing year, and lose. These days it is seen as a remnant of the ancient rituals to hurry the end of winter for the fruitiness of spring. When food once again became readily available. For those that more follow the old ways, it is a reminder that the ultimate product of death is a rebirth.

"Lots of people come to these hostels from all walks of life. Some like you have never heard of Yule. Others are the opposite having never heard of Christmas. We give people the option to celebrate both. You have that at Magere as well. Other schools only do one, the other or neither."

"Doing both sounds like the better option. Some of the purebloods they complain. They say that those of us raised unaware force what we know on them. That we don't have consideration or want to know about their traditions. But then they don't teach us. So how can we know or be considerate? You have to show someone."

"That is the entire problem. Being a new school, something Magere had no problems setting a solution in place to fix. The hostels followed suit once told the reasoning. Get some breakfast, Harry, the rest will soon be following behind you."

True to Erlendurs word the day was spent baking and doing different crafts. Petunia Dursley had taught him to cook. But not bake as she hadn't wanted him making sweet things. So he enjoyed learning and helping with the tricks he knew. Erlendur also used the time to show them all how to cut, stir and whisk appropriately. The reading room had been turned into an art studio with covers and mats everywhere. Kids of all ages were painting and building different models. One of the older students showed him the drying charm. So he could help dry the younger kids pieces quicker to speed up the process. Not to mention so there weren't tons of art laying around drying for hours. They didn't have space.

Later that evening, they all gathered around in the lounge as Erlendur stood and looked at them.

"In a moment we are going to go through into the dining room for our Yule celebration. Many of you will know the chants and songs. But for those of you who don't, just have a good go and you may well pick them up. Remember, when lighting candles help the little ones. Light the candles in the centre first and then work your way out. Now I want silence from here on out unless it is your turn to speak. Also for those that are new, this is optional, not compulsory, and you don't have to speak if you don't want to. Now all who want to join in, follow me." with that quietly, he turned and entered the dark dining room. The lights were dimmed. All the tables had been cleared save one in the middle with a cloth over. A large log sat in the middle with candles poking out of it. On each side of the long was a single candle burning. Harry noticed as they entered that everyone was there, no one was missing.

"Yule, the winter solstice is a time for gathering with family, loved ones and friends. Today we welcome light and warmth into our homes as we embrace the fallow season of the earth and the coming of the sun. For Yule, we focus on rebirth and renewal as the sun makes its way back to the earth. So let us focus today on our hopes and dreams for this coming year." as soon as he had finished speaking, Erlendur reached out and took the hands of the people standing next to him. Harry quickly copied. He was standing between Tabitha and Agnar. The other boy was quickly coming to be a permanent fixture of their group. Slowly they started to circle around the table and begin to sing. Harry didn't know the songs. But both Tabitha and Agnar did. So after the first round of the chorus, he sang that not making an attempt on the verses.

Chorus

Enter the night, and you'll find the light,

That will carry you to your dreams.

Enter the night, let your spirit take flight,

In the field of infinite possibilities.

1

On the longest night, we search for the light,

And we find it deep within.

Open your eyes to embrace what is wise,

And see the light of your own soul shining.

Chorus

2

Wrap up in the cloak of starry darkness my child,

And you'll find the centre of all things.

For from this space of the deepest dark place,

Life Eternal does spring.

Chorus

3

So when you find that spark,

When you dream in the dark,

Hold it close to your heart and know.

All that you see is all that can be,

When you give birth to the dreams of your soul.

Chorus

After they started a chant and Harry quickly picked that one up after the second round through.

Long night

Dark of the sun

Cold wind the year is done – Long night

We face the dark

Cold wind we fan the spark – Sunlight

The rising sun

Dark wind your work is done – Oh sun return turning wheel

Hope reborn!

Oh sun return

Turning wheel hope reborn!

Once they stopped, Mary let go of the hands she was holding. She then took two steps forward and spread her arms before starting to speak.

"Here in the darkest part of the year, we are in the midst of winters. But even in the depths of darkness, there is the promise of light to come. At Yule, the spark of light is born, and from that spark, the sun will grow in strength and beauty through the seasons. Blessed be"

Mary then lit a long thin stick of wax from one of the two candles burning on the table. She then held it up before lighting one of the middle candles on the log.

"This coming year I hope to be able to visit and see the Repository. So when people here are talking about it, I can relate and help them. I hope to maybe gain my charms mastery. So I can teach the subject I love at a small school and continue to help the children still here." As soon as she finished speaking, Mary passed the stick of wax to the next person. A young student about 10, who again lit the candle in the middle with some help from Mary before speaking.

"This year I hope to get into a good senior magic school. I love Euro-Glyth and if its right I'll stay there and join the senior school. This year I hope to make lots of friends and be a good friend to them." On and on, the thin candle went as people spoke about their hopes. About halfway it came to Erlendur who lit an inner candle and stepped back.

"I hope that everyone currently displaced by Hogwarts closing finds the right school. I hope that all the hurting children out there find a home. I hope that everyone here does well on their upcoming exams so they can achieve their dreams." Harry smiled and fought against choking at that knowing it included him in more ways than one. There were a few more people until it was Eveline's turn. Like the rest, she lit the candle closest to the already lit ones before speaking.

"This year I hope to get better at my languages and work hard. I hope to set a good foundation for when I take my final exams next year. This year I hope to apply again to see the Repository." Then it was Demelza's turn.

"This year I hope to improve on all my subjects. I want to learn to stick to a study timetable. This way, I can be ready for next year and my final exams. I also hope to apply to see the Repository and be selected to see it." then it was Tabitha's turn. Harry was suddenly struck that he didn't know what to hope and wish for. Some of the younger kids had struggled and said wishes for Christmas. But he didn't want to say that.

"I hope that I do well in my junior exams to get into the classes I want next year. I hope that my heats go well when they start and that I can find a good mate to care for me when I am older." and then it was his turn and Harry carefully, if a bit shaky, lit one of the outer candles as there wasn't many near him unlit.

"I... I hope to get into a good school and that this year there is none of the troubles of the last. I hope that... that I find a place to belong that can be my home... and... that if I do get a creature inheritance, it's untroubled." quietly he passed the wax to Agnar who looked just as shaky as he did. As Agnar walked to light a candle, Harry felt Tabitha take his hand, squeeze it and let go. At that, he let out a shaky breath. Maybe one of his hopes had already come true. It just depended on Erlendur letting him stay, he hoped he did.

"I hope that maybe one day they find a cure for lycanthropy, or that my parents one day let me go home. If not, I hope that I also find a new home and somewhere to belong. I hope that maybe someone can learn from my mistakes and not have to suffer from lycanthropy as I do." quietly he passed the wax to Jakob standing next to him.

"I hope that my new friends find the homes they wish. I hope to get better at my languages at school. So that maybe I can help others as others have helped me" without a word he passed the wax to his older brother. Harry felt Agnar shake next to him. So without a word, Harry copied Tabitha in taking his hand and squeezing it silently. But this time as he went to let go Agnar held firm. A werewolf he was. But he was also an Alpha and knew they both needed this. An anchor.

"I hope to pass my final exams successfully so I can join the Auror program at the ministry. I hope that my relationship goes well with my girlfriend. That way, maybe one day I can give my brother the family he deserves and protect him." one by one more people spoke until the wax came back to Mary at the beginning. With all the candles lit, the room wasn't dark. There was a strange glow. But thanks to all the hopes and dreams people had spoken, it was strangely powerful and magical. More than any spell he had ever cast before.

"Behold the candles burn brightly, just as the sun will burn brighter and brighter in the coming days. May the sun God bring life and vitality to the land. May the Goddess and God bring fertility and prosperity to the land and to each and every one of us. Blessed be."

They repeated the songs and chants from the start. Before slowly following Erlendur as he walked quietly out the room. No one spoke. But instead padded back up to their rooms since it was getting late. In fact, the silence wasn't broken until the next morning when the busy days resumed.

---

Tuesday 22nd December

The next morning Harry woke to his flashing post box and groaned. Without a word, he was up and went to get showered before heading down. He had discovered early on that most prefer to shower at night. So he had started in the morning when it was quiet.

Once down, he started to flick through the post in his box. Most now seemed to be gifts from fans for Christmas, many of his chocolate. He would get that checked before sharing it out. Everyone helped with his mail they might as well benefit from it.

He was part way through when Erlendur entered and looked at him.

"You better get that checked before eating any of it."

"Planning on it. Then thought I would share it out, everyone helps, might as well benefit from it."

"Well done" nothing more needed to be said. He was nearing the bottom of the pile when he came across letters from Ron and Hermione along with who seemed to be Oliver and Mrs Weasley. He put those into another pile before the bottom one caught his eye.

Mr H Potter

Room 23

Snow Castle Hostal

"Looks like a reply from Magere, open it" Erlendur had noticed his pause and come over. Shaking slightly, Harry slipped the letter open and began to read it.

Magere Akademi

Headmistress Rosaland Cerishsil

Order of Merlin first class, Head of International School Board Standards

Dear Mr Potter

We are pleased to tell you that your test results were satisfactory. You are behind on Potions, History, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Latin. However, you showed a good attempt for the time you have had studying the subjects. Your scores in the other subjects were good for your age with an above average defence score.

These scores, along with your previous interview, have allowed you to pass the second stage of the application. Our deputy head Haley Porter, will be out to see you in the first few days after Christmas. Of the 75 that had the potential to attend Magere 45 were tested, and 20 will be given subsequent interviews. Even if you do not get into Magere, you now have the honour of being one of the final 20. Congratulations.

Should you not wish to continue with this process and withdraw please owl me in the next couple of days. If you don't Haley Porter will turn up for the surprise interview, and you may inform her there should you wish as well. As before please keep this letter until after the interview to allow us to find you in case you have moved since your last visit.

Headmistress Rosaland Cerishsil

"O My God" Harry gasped.

"Well done."

"Thanks"

"Enjoy the next few days. You don't need to do anything more now until she arrives. Haley Porter is stern but fair. You'll like her."

More and more were starting to come down to breakfast. So Harry cleared his post away and began to eat. As he told the rest of their little group, there were rounds of congratulations.

"To get this far is really good. I've heard of some of putting that into their accomplishments. Been in the final, whatever, to get into Magere. We've gained a reputation of been picky. But with only 30 spaces a year who can blame us. I think the headmistress is planning on expanding at some point but not for a while."

Tabitha laughed at the idea of someone writing that out as an accomplishment. Harry had to admit it was a bit comical.

After breakfast, everyone quickly filled out replies for him to send off, and Mark scanned the chocolate. One came up with potions in. That was handed to Erlendur with the note to send to the ICW. Apparently, it was a potent love potion. The rest was shared out which everyone enjoyed. As soon as that was done, everyone broke off to finish baking and doing their art. Harry snuck upstairs to read the letters from Ron and Hermione. Not to mention sending the next batch off.

Hey mate

I've sent your Christmas present through, thought better give it some extra time this year. It's scary thinking there might be that many people placed in the wrong system. If that is the case, who is doing it, and why? Wonder how many there were in the end. At least the ones that were wrong have somewhere to stay for Christmas. Better those hostels then the hospital or something. They're still looking after you, right?

Mum was upset you weren't coming but said she understood. But you're always welcome here. No more news on schools yet. But Nyx, Kennecott, Uagadou and the Japanese schools have all said they made their final decision. The rest are doing it just after Christmas as some are waiting for news on Magi and Merlin.
O and your little note was posted in the newspaper. No idea when you sent that. But apparently, there were both positive and negative reactions. Think the negative was the fact you were under a mail ward, to begin with.

Anyway Happy Christmas mate

Ron

Harry laughed at that. Erlendur had helped him write the note, and Mark had looked over it for him one afternoon. He had just put it in an envelope and sent it out with the rest of his post. That reminded him he had never got a chance to stop by the post office on his last trip to Butikk Distrikt. He would have to go next time.

Hey Ron

I received news that I passed the tests. So just one last round and I might get my first choice. Everything is going well here. We went shopping and got to see some of the local attractions, which were really nice. I think I've seen more of the attractions here than the ones in England. Even though I lived there longer.
We decorated the whole hostel, and everyone joined in. The place looks like a winter wonderland, and my friends older brother helped me decorate my room. I've never done that before. It was fun, and now I've got tinsel, garland and snow globes everywhere with a mini Christmas tree.

Last night we had a Yule celebration where everyone said what they hoped for the new year. With the people being misplaced due to the care system, a few were wanting to go home or find a new place to belong. But there was also many for passing exams and seeing the Repository. With people from so many schools seeing it has become a thing here.

Anyway stay safe Ron and have a good Christmas. I put the twins and Ginny's things in with yours, they're all named.

Harry

Harry

Glad things have been going well. How did your entrance tests go? Strange about the care system and worrying. I hope that isn't the president. If so, how and why? Maybe someone in the ministry but then again why? What have they got to gain from it? Perhaps we will never know.

Its been nice having a Christmas just us at home for a change. Been a while since we have done that and it helps you feel like a family. I never noticed how much me been gone so often pulled us apart. I'm actually going to Merlin now, I got the letter this morning. They let students go as day if they want. I'm glad I am. It will allow me to see more of mum and dad. Most stay and I will spend some weekends when it gets closer to exams. But for the most part, I'll travel. Mum and dad want to apply for a permanent waver for me so I can keep showing them. But we need permission from a magical guardian. I'll speak to the headmaster in the first week about it.

How's Christmas with you? It must be different been at the Hostel? It sounds like you are having fun there. Any idea if you can stay or if you have to move to another yet? Lots of questions again so I'll stop here. I sent your Christmas present along so no opening.

Have a good, Harry and take care.

Hermione

Harry laughed before getting some more parchment to write the reply.

Hermione
Wow, two short letters in a row, are you feeling alright? I don't know about the Ministery and who might have been doing it. But I do know the ICW is looking into it. They seem to be busy lately. Who knows maybe we'll get a new Ministery from it.

Sounds like your having fun. I can see you staying at Merlin around exams. Congratulations I knew you would get in. Maybe now you will have more of a challenge. Watch out for the vampires. Ask your mentor to help ward your room when you stay or learn some yourself. Apparently, some at Merlin like to play tricks on people. They suddenly appear in their rooms for the older students. You hear all sorts of things around here with so many at different schools.

As for us, it's been brilliant. We went to see many of the local tourist attractions. I've seen more around here then all the years I spent in England. Then we went shopping. I bet you can guess where when you get your present. No opening. We also decorated the hostel. The whole place looks like a winter wonderland with tinsel everywhere. They put our names on the doors so 'Santa' knows who stays where. They had a name tag for me too. We did it together with music, and my friends older brother helped me do my room. I didn't know how. I've got tinsel, garland, snow globes and a mini tree up.

Then we've been making models for each other as presents and baking cookies. Aunt Petunia never taught me how to bake, so that's been fun. Then on the winter solstice, we had a Yule celebration. We have both Yule and Christmas. The head of the hostel says it's because there are so many of us from different walks of life. Some creatures, some with non-magical parents and some magical. You don't have to join in, but it lets you learn about both worlds. We stood around a yule log and lit candles while saying what we hoped for the new year. A few were hoping for a home or doing well in exams. It felt more powerful and stronger then any magic I seen before.

I know you're wanting to know. I did pass my tests. I have one more interview left, and then if that goes well, I'm in. I can't wait. I like all the kids here from different schools. But if I stayed, it would be strange being the only kid at Se Ridica. We got the crests of the various schools up above the fireplace, and it would be weird seeing Se Ridica up there. It wouldn't match. But then maybe it would be cool having the crest all to myself.

I didn't mention it in my last letter, and things with being under the OSS are getting easier. I don't like the medicals but am getting used to them. Now that everyone is home from school, I'm not the only one going. There were others here, but they don't go as often as I have to. They say it just takes time. And that it can be a shock for any person finding out what it means the first year. Been so young being placed under the wrong care system won't affect me much. Even more, since I didn't have much to do with AMS, to begin with. I'm like 6 months behind in the adapting situation then I should be.

Haha, my letter is longer than yours.

Have a good Christmas, Hermione.

Harry.

AN

The song Yule. The 10th track from Lisa Thiel's CD 'Circle of the Seasons' can be found on youtube
The Chant can be found on the internet here Pagan_Humor_and_ this one is called Sun Return