Chapter 3
Boredom.
It had become the norm during the first month of the term for the young Blackwood, his studies before Hogwarts and his Grandfathers teachings had propelled him leagues ahead of his fellow students.
His easy working off minor spells had already gained him some notoriety from his professors, but it was clear to all he was gaining nothing from his lessons. He had caused quite a stir when he had been able to perform his transfiguration assignments without a wand, even professor McGonagall seemed to find such simple feats beyond the norm. Harry's late-night practice sessions had also ensured that he was second only to Callian in terms of practical magic, something that had earned them a glare or three from Hermione.
However, his skills offered him little solace when it came to the more delicate aspects of Magic, more importantly, the fine art of Potion making.
The Ravenclaws first forays into the art had gone monumentally wrong when they had been introduced to the hook-nosed professor who taught the craft.
Professor Severus Snape was a foul man; he had made a point of signalling out Harry from the start of their lessons. When he was not insulting Harry he spent the majority of his lessons sat in sullen silence as he glared at the mixed class of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs.
The duo found themselves sharing a table with another student, who happened to be the cousin of Penny's they had been introduced to at the welcoming feast.
Adria Clearwater was a quiet, shy girl who they had come to learn had little respect for their teacher as she kept them entertained with her muttered rants about the professor whenever he remarked on one of their attempts at the potions.
Callian found himself enjoying her quiet humour and over the past few weeks the two of them fell into an easy camaraderie as they worked over their respective cauldrons.
The Professor seemed to take exception to the good mood of the trio during his lessons and made a point to hover about their table, criticising every mistake they made. By the end of their double period, they had usually cost their houses several points, something that earned them a few dark looks from the older years.
Today was different as Adria joined them as they sat at the Ravenclaw table, something that brought a smile to Penny's face as she wrapped an arm about her cousin's shoulders. Harry was nearly frothing at the mouth as he ranted and raved about the man who they had just had the unfortunate pleasure of learning from. Rodger Davies, a third-year sitting beside Harry leaned close and whispered.
"What do you expect from a Death Eater? He only favours his own House and even then it's normally only the Pureblood idiots whose fathers he served with!"
Penny hissed a warning at Rodger as several others took note of their conversation. Harry looked around with a look of confusion clear upon his face.
"Death Eater? What the hell is a Death Eater?!"
Many around them reared back as Harry spoke the title aloud, some looking worried and others confused by Harry's apparent lack of knowledge of their recent history. It was Callian who came to Harry's rescue with an answer when it was clear that none felt comfortable in filling him in.
"Death Eaters were the servants of the Dark Lord." The table fell silent as Callian began to speak, many looking increasingly uncomfortable with the conversation.
"They were his loyal followers, gladly attacking anyone that they deemed lesser than themselves. They caused quite a bit of chaos among the Muggles from what my mother told me, many thought that they were going to bring down the Statute of Secrecy. The ICW was readying its forces to step in and deal with the problem until you managed to destroy Lord Voldemort..."
Shrieks and screams erupted around them as Callian spoke the chosen moniker of the Dark Lord; he could only snort derisively at them as they reacted in such a manner.
Shaking his head at his housemates he carried on regardless.
"As soon as word began to spread of the Dark Lords defeat, many powerful purebloods began to claim that they were under the effect of the Imperius curse. However, our dear potions Professor became a turncoat towards the end of the war was acting as a spy for the Headmaster and the Ministry, at least according to the official reports that were released after the fighting ended."
Harry stared at him in complete horrified shock.
"Let me get this straight, we are being taught by what is effectively a former terrorist and everyone is ok with it?!"
Callian could only offer a shrug of his shoulders towards his friend, both his mother and grandfather had warned him to be wary of the potions professor and he said as much to Harry. It was Rodger however that spoke up in the silence that followed.
"I know it caused quite a lot of fuss when Snape's involvement was revealed, but by then Dumbledore had already thrown his weight around and got him off scot-free. As I understand it he was hired as the potions professor just before the war finished, and has been here ever since."
Harry looked completely shell shocked, as he sat idly playing with his food as he tried to digest everything that had just been revealed to him. Callian could hardly blame him either; it was never an easy subject to deal with. Especially for Harry as his entire life had been ruined by the man Snape had served.
Lunch was a much quieter affair after that and many found themselves throwing even darker look at the hated potions professor than normal.
The staff room was full nearly to bursting as Albus hosted the weekly staff meeting; he sat silently as his colleagues chatted among themselves for several minutes as they waited for the last few professors to leave.
It seemed that the subject on many of their minds was the young Blackwood and Potter and their seemingly easy grasp of the first-year curriculum, soon enough everyone had left except the heads of house who remained in their seats and he listened with half an ear as they discussed the usual subjects that plagued the first few weeks of the school year.
He had made a few notes of things to bring to the attention of the Board of Governors before he finally raised his hand, bringing the focus of the room onto him.
"Was there any issues among the first years that I should know about? I have already received a few reports from Poppy about our muggle-borns that have been taking the Muggles medications that have been cleared up without issue.
Albus noted the sneer that appeared on Severus' face at the mention of the strange concoctions that their muggle-born students had been subjected to, while he was one of the loudest voices for the rights of Muggles and the Muggleborns that entered the Magical world even Albus had to agree that their methods were barbaric.
The small form of Filius pulled his attention back to the present as he squirmed in his seat uncomfortably.
The Headmaster stared at his diminutive colleague and called for him to speak up.
The charms professor seemed to struggle to find the words to express what had been on his mind when he shot an anxious look towards Severus.
"It seems word has gotten around my House of Severus'...involvement...in the War with The Dark Lord. My younger years especially Mr Potter and Blackwood have refused to attend any more Potions classes while they are being taught by what amounts to a..." The part-Goblin struggled to find the right words. "...terrorist... in their eyes."
The staff room became deathly silent as the teachers all registered what the charms professor had just revealed, while the other Heads of House had not heard of any grumblings among their first years they knew it would not be long before they too would be receiving visits from concerned students and even more concerned parent.
Albus sat motionless as he processed this new information, he had dealt with similar concerns from students following the fall of Voldemort and the truth of Severus's involvement was revealed to the public.
Although he knew this time the situation would not be as easy to smooth over as he had in the past. While Mr Potter was new to the Wizarding world, his position as the famed Boy-Who-Lived gave his word serious clout. The same was true of the young Lord Blackwood, although to a slightly lesser degree.
Turning his head slightly to regard his Potions Professor he was unsurprised to see the man's normally cold visage broken as he was confronted once more by his past mistakes, and one so close to the man's heart.
After several more minutes of uncomfortable silence, Albus finally spoke up.
"I will address the Students in the morning. Filius, I will try and clear my schedule for this weekend. I will send you a time and date later, if you could be so kind as to ask young Masters Potter and Blackwood to come to my office I shall talk to both of them personally. Hopefully, we can once more put the past behind us and all move forward without further issue."
The meeting with the heads of Houses ended then and Albus found himself wondering just how events would play out as he made his way back towards his quarters in the Headmasters Tower, his mind kept coming back to the fact that after only a few weeks into their Magical education both Harry Potter and Callian Blackwood were already making waves. He had been unsurprised at the apparent ease that Mr Blackwood had shown, he knew that his former Master would never allow his young grandson and heir to be a mere average wizard but the skills and power he displayed were on par with the upper tiers of the third years. Minerva had raved about the boys wandless transfiguring of wood to metal, a mere wave of his hand and Callian had accomplished what not even Albus himself had done in his younger years. Even young Harry had proven himself to be rather skilled, managing spells with only a few attempts.
Finally, Albus came to his private quarters and with barely a thought dispelled the protective warding upon the door, he eyed the stack of parchment that had followed him from his office but paid it little thought as he sank into the worn yet comfortable leather wingback.
He let out a weary sigh as he finally allowed himself to relax, he had only recently returned from an emergency ICW meeting regarding a potential major breach of the Statute of Secrecy with the Americans and their Muggle counterparts. He had a meeting scheduled with the Minister for tomorrow morning and now this mess of Severus's past to deal with on top of the rumours of threats to the Philosophers Stone that he had been allowed to study from his old friend Nicholas Flamel.
There were times when he loathed the amount of responsibility that had been placed upon his shoulders, sometimes it seemed as if the very fates themselves were against him. Throwing one issue after another at him to see how much he could handle before he buckled.
A sudden flap of wings pulled him from his melancholy ridden thoughts and he found himself welcoming the unnatural heat of Fawkes as his Phoenix familiar alighted upon his lap, a soothing melody issued from the fledgling that pulled his weary frown into a relaxed smile as his faithful friend nuzzled into his robes.
The aged Headmaster ran his fingers over the downy orange plumage that covered the Phoenix, it had only been a few days since Fawkes had gone through his Burning Day and was still quite weak but despite that the fire-bird still made the effort to comfort him.
The comforting warmth and soothing song of his familiar soon lulled him into a light doze and he found his last conscious thoughts to be upon two young wizards that seemed to blaze so bright but he could already sense a greater shadow growing on the horizon.
The pre-dawn morning was clear and cold and Callian fought back a shiver as his boots danced across the sandy floor of the training yard, he had always been one to rise early and the instruction he received from Ironmane and Belor had only reinforced that. Ironmane was not above dragging him out of his bed in nought but his sleepwear if he was late to join the other young dwarves the smelly warrior had been put in charge of, a quick jab had his wooden practice sword darting forward to strike the wooden shield his opponent was holding. While he had not been as diligent in his martial training as Ironmane usually forced upon him, in the weeks since he had arrived at Hogwarts he had already earned several odd looks as he dragged himself down to one of the little-used training yards of the Castle in a thick padded gambeson. He had found the place during the first weekend of term, the entire courtyard was open to the heavens but there was only one entrance, a smaller door led to what appeared to be a long-disused barracks. The entire courtyard provided ample space for him to go about his routines, but the true attraction of his new training ground was the fact that no other soul seemed to gather there. Harry had called him mad when he had explained just what it was that he would be doing with his mornings and but had nonetheless decided to join him after the first few days, a swift downward chop had the black-haired boy ducking behind his shield once more before shooting him a mock glare before he returned the attack. Callian just offered him a wry grin and easily parried the blow, his years of training under the Dwarves giving him a distinct advantage despite his friends wickedly swift reflexes.
A sharp cry from the side pulled Harry's attention as Faenir swept down from where he had been circling high above and Callian took the opportunity to strike the practise sword from his friend's hand causing Harry to jump back with a cry of alarm, nearly tripping as he backpedalled so quickly.
"Keep your focus on me, Harry. Distractions can be fatal."
Once more offering his friend a grin, he pulled Harry to his feet before holding his arm out for his familiar who eagerly jumped up before taking his customary place about his shoulders with a contented rumble. A small gasp from Harry had him turning to see their Head of House standing at the edge of the training yard.
Callian felt himself stiffen at the sight of the part goblin before he managed to suppress his knee jerk reaction and greet his professor with a wary nod.
Harry sharing none of the bias that Callian harboured about the goblins and their kin greeted the small Professor with a genuine smile as he spoke.
"Morning Professor Flitwick, You're up early today?"
The Charms professor gave the three of them a queer look before he turned his head to look at the faint pinkish-orange glow of the distant horizon where the sun was just beginning to rise.
"It would seem I am not the only one who enjoys the early hours; although I dare say it is for different reasons than the two of you." Came the squeaky reply.
As he finished he cast an eye over the thick padded gambesons' the boys were wearing as well as the wooden practise equipment they both wielded.
Callian ran his hand across his sweat covered brow, brushing aside loose strands of hair that had slipped free of the leather tie he usually bound it with.
"That would be my fault Professor, I explained to Harry my usual morning routines and he had asked to join me. My Dagün would never forgive me if I forget everything he had taught me while I was away at school."
"Not to worry my boy, I for one would like to see more physical training regimes instilled in the students. My father always insisted, 'A healthy body equals a healthy mind.'"
The Professor offered them both a reassuring smile before his face suddenly became serious, all levity leaving him making Callian stiffen once more as the charms professors sharp features took on a harsher quality more akin to his Goblin heritage.
"Now as to the reason for me being here. I was going to wait until after breakfast to summon you to my office, but once I saw you down here my curiosity got the better of me and I had decided to see your weapons training for myself and to deliver a request from the Headmaster to meet with him tomorrow morning regarding your refusal to attend Potions classes."
Harry looked momentarily startled at the summons of the Headmaster before his face settled into a mask of steely resolve, Callian however was well aware their refusal would spark concern among the faculty and that they would act accordingly.
Giving a slow nod of his head in acknowledgement of the part Goblin's words, his face a carefully controlled mask that revealed nothing to those watching Callian observed their Head of House as he seemed to hover uncertainly for a minute as if he wanted to say more before leaving the courtyard after a quick farewell. Harry much to Callian surprise launched his practise sword once the Professor had left, sending it skidding along the ground to come to a stop against the inner wall of the castle.
Quirking an eyebrow in grim amusement at his friend's antics Callian just planted his own training sword in the sand at his feet as he waited for Harry to get whatever was bothering him off his chest.
The boy stomped around the courtyard his hands gripping the edge of his practise shield until his knuckles were white, his face twisted by a mass of emotions that Callian couldn't place.
Finally, after several minutes had passed Callian decided enough was enough and a quick wave of the wand dispelled the Magic that bound the practice equipment leaving Harry momentarily stumped as he was left holding a rather worn and battered-looking bucket.
Harry spun to see Callian staring at him calmly.
"Do you want to talk about it or are you just going to stomp around until you are blue in the face?"
Harry stood still for several long seconds before he let out an explosive breath and dropped the bucket to land with a soft thump upon the sand.
"It was like this in my last school. If I spoke to anyone about my family or any of the other problems I faced in school, then nothing would get done. I would be told to stop telling lies or just given a pat on the head and sent on my way while everything got swept under the rug."
Harry growled as anger seemed to get the best of him before he launched a vicious kick towards the bucket at his feet splintering the already battered wood.
Harry fell to the ground with a forlorn sigh, holding his now aching foot as he stared at the sand beneath him.
"I was locked in the damn cupboard Cal, forced to eat the scraps I was given or go hungry. To do the cooking and cleaning like some simple servant. I lived like that until I got my acceptance letter..."
Callian stared at Harry in horror as he listened to his friend's whispered confession. Harry had let slips little glimpses of his life with his relatives but never did he imagine it was as bad as this. He slowly sank to sit beside his friend as he wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders, Faenir meanwhile jumped down to curl up in Harry's lap with a soft mewling rumble as he nudged the boy's hand.
He struggled to find the words to comfort his friend as he stared into Harry's watery green eyes. They stayed that way for several minutes as Callian's mind raced with a thousand, thousand thoughts before he finally straightened with resolve before he clambered to his feet, pulling Harry along with him sending Faenir flapping with a hiss.
"Then we will not being learning from Snape, and more importantly you will not be going back those Muggles!" The contempt he put behind the word surprised him, but he pushed it aside as he stared at his friend. "I will need to talk to my grandfather but if what I am thinking off pans out then you will never have tosee either of the filth again."
Harry stared at him in confused hope as he asked one simple question. "How?"
Callian just smiled ruefully before he pulled Harry along by the front of his padded jerkin. "Come along Lord Potter, We have some letters to write."
Callian stared at the many delicate instruments that dotted the Headmasters Office, he idly reached up to scratch under Faenir chin as he tentatively sent out thin tendrils of his Magic to poke and prod as he tried to identify just what their purpose was. Many seemed just simple constructs of a silver metal that looked like some type of mithril alloy, he couldn't even guess as to what purpose they served. As he continued to peruse the room his fingers subconsciously reached up to touch the amulet about his neck. The symbol of the Dwarven god was warm to his touch and as his fingers flitted over the open eye of Delvaryn, the Knowledge Seeker he found his gaze drawn to the ornate bronze bound bookcase that sat near the great arched window. He found his feet slowly edging towards it as he held the amulet in his hand.
Harry himself seemed nervous as they waited on the Headmaster to arrive. Professor Flitwick had already left after granting them access, leaving them unsupervised in the Office other than the many portraits that lined the walls. Callian idly noted Harry nervously tapping his foot as he reached out with his hand, Time seemed to become meaningless as he ran his fingers over the spines of the many worn tomes that were haphazardly crammed onto the shelves, he could smell the musty tomes as if they were all open before him. He could almost feel the feather-light touch of pages flitting past his fingertips, after what seemed like an age he suddenly felt the amulet grow scolding hot in his hand as his fingers touched upon a dark crimson tome that was tucked in between two much larger books.
Callian let the amulet go with a hiss as he looked at it in surprise, slowly he tapped it with his free hand and was glad to find it had returned to its familiar warmth. He found his eyes once more returning to the tome his fingers still resided against and was about to pull it free of the bookcase when a strong voice carried through the room.
"The draw of Knowledge is sometimes irresistible. Do you not agree Master Blackwood?"
Callian snatched his hand away and spun to see the Headmaster standing before his desk, judging by Harry's amused look he had been there for some time.
Callian bowed his head in apology as he offered a muttered, "Sorry, sir."
The Headmaster waved his apology way with a genial wave of his hand and a warm smile.
"Fear not Young Callian, your Grandfather was and I am sure still is the same when it comes to finding a new book to sink his teeth into."
Callian smiled at the mention of his beloved grandfather before he moved to stand beside his friend.
The Headmaster waved them to sit as he took his place behind the large claw-footed desk, leaning back as peered at them over steepled fingers.
"You wanted to see us, Sir?" Callian asked after he had taken his seat.
The Headmasters eyes danced between them before he finally spoke. "It has come to my attention that you have a problem with Professor Snape, due to his actions and involvement in the War with Lord Voldemort."
He paused as he regarded Harry who had still refrained from speaking and who only offered a curt nod at the Headmasters words.
"I know you have both suffered due to the actions of The Dark Lord and his followers, but I assure you that Professor Snape has my full trust and support. His actions in the past have been brought into question many times, but I assure you that Severus Snape is no more a supporter of the Dark Lord than I."
The Headmaster fell silent as he allowed the two of them to digest just what he had said before he continued in a sombre voice.
"I understand you requested to be removed from Potions Class but unfortunately I cannot allow students to pick and choose what classes they attend. I understand that you feel uncomfortable given Professor Snape's past, but I assure you that you will find none more knowledgeable in the art."
Harry scoffed at the Headmasters words, causing the man to raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"You have something to say, Mr Potter?" Came the somewhat terse reply.
Even Callian cast a questioning look towards his friend as Harry raised his gaze to meet that of the Headmaster.
"With all due respect Headmaster, I fail to see how being taught by a man that served the very same Dark Lord that murdered my parents and consigned me to ten years of hell with Muggles is in any way good for my education! You may have all the faith in Snape as you wish, Sir. But as far as I am concerned he is little better than Voldemort and not fit to teach here or anywhere else."
Harry was on his feet now, hands fisted at his sides and shoulders hunched as his anger threatened to get away from him.
Callian could sense the Magic rolling off Harry in waves, about the room several of the Headmasters odds and ends rattled and shook as the very air seemed charged with static as a strong wind seemed to swell about them.
Faenir gave a shriek in alarm that raised the hairs on the back of Callian's neck and jumped from his shoulders to the strange ornate perch by the window.
Harry seemed oblivious as more and more Magic continued to pour from him, Callian was silently awed by the sheer power he could feel emanating from him, however, a glance at the Headmaster showed only a mildly surprised expression on his face as he batted away the wild Magic Harry was expelling.
Callian was not content to leave his friend in such a state and jumped to his feet, just as the first of the Headmasters silver trinkets warped and compressed in on itself with a shriek of rending metal.
Making his way towards Harry, Callian felt the first tendril of Magic whip towards him. It struck him solidly in the gut and he felt the wind knocked from him and he was pushed back half a dozen paces, it was several long seconds before he was able to regain his breath and push onwards. He didn't get far however as he came up against what felt like a solid wall between them, but Callian merely shaped his own Magic into a razor-sharp wedge that he drove before him that easily cut through the unstructured wall of force and allowed him to reach out to his friend and grasp his arm. It seemed his mere touch was enough to bring Harry back to himself with a gasp and Callian got his first look at the room now that Harry's Magic seemed to be back under control.
Many of the delicate instruments that littered the room were twisted beyond recognition, some had simply melted as if struck by an intense heat leaving them looking like melted candles as they dribbled from tables and shelves where they resided. Parchment and lose sheets of paper still fluttered on the last winds of Harry's Magic, finally the duo turned to regard the Headmaster who looked to have regained his calm demeanour and sat merely staring at them with a faint frown.
"I must say that was quite the impressive display, Mr Potter."
Harry looked about himself in disbelief, "Sir, I...I'm..."
He trailed off as he fell back into his seat with a shaky sigh, seemingly exhausted.
The room fell into a tense silence as Callian looked between the Headmaster and his friend, things had not gone to plan at all, however, he knew he had to push ahead or all his efforts would be for nought. Finally giving voice to his thoughts he spoke up drawing their attention.
"The School's charter allows for students to be excused from subjects if they can provide alternative means of learning. My House can easily provide a tutor for both Harry and I, if you would permit me I can floo my Mother or Grandfather and we can arrange a time to meet to discuss any issues regarding our education."
The Headmaster turned to regard Callian fully as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes boring into Callian's own. The boy felt the barest touch of a mental probe flitter across his mind before the Headmaster spoke once more. "I can see you have put a lot of thought into this Master Blackwood. However, Mr Potter will need the permission of his guardians to be excused from a subject. As such I cannot allow him to just do as he wishes."
Callian smiled at the aged Headmaster, causing the old wizard's eyes to gain a wary glint as he looked down on them as Callian gave Harry a sharp nudge with his elbow.
Harry tiredly reached into his robe pocket and placed a thick envelope of parchment on the desk before them, the Headmaster regarded it with a frown as he picked it up and quickly read through the documents within.
"As you can see Headmaster, Mrs Dursley had already agreed to Harry being excused from Potion classes."
This time Callian fought desperately to keep the smile from his face, as the Headmaster carefully read through the required forms for a student to be excused from a subject.
Callian found the Headmaster's face to be unreadable as he carefully refolded the parchment and tucked it back into its envelope.
"It seems that you have indeed thought of everything, my boy. I shall contact your grandfather after you leave and arrange a meeting for later on this evening. I will send for you when I know a time."
Noting the dismissal in the Headmasters' voice the two wasted no time in fleeing the Office, each clearly feeling the man's disapproval even after they have put several floors behind them.
When they finally slowed their frantic pace Callian turned to regard his friend.
Harry still had a sense of haggardness about him but had seemed to have regained a bit of his former strength, he noted Callian's questioning gaze and ducked his head in embarrassment.
"Sorry..." He muttered as he avoided looking at Callian and stared resolutely ahead.
Callian couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up as he bumped his shoulder into Harry's own, "Don't apologise that was brilliant Harry! Not what we had planned but it certainly got the point across."
Harry let out a weary laugh of his own, "I don't know what happened, one minute I was fine, then it was like something else came over me. I could feel it bubbling up and the next thing I know is that Dumbledore's office looks an awful lot like my cousin's bedroom."
Callian snorted at that. He had often heard Harry lament his overweight cousin's fondness for living amidst his own mess.
The two made their way back to the Ravenclaw tower in companionable silence, Callian knew word of this would soon reach the rest of the school and he had to wonder how the rest of the first years would view it. He knew many would view it as preferential treatment due to Harry's fame and his status as a Noble, he just had to hope his fledgling friendships were unaffected by it all.
It took them several minutes to get around the puzzle offered by the bronze knocker, much to Callian's irritation as he was growing ever more annoyed by the ridiculous thing. They quickly filed into the now-familiar pointing and whispers of their fellow housemates, he could already hear Harry gritting his teeth as he pretended to ignore them and made a beeline for their quarters. He knew Harry was still finding his sudden celebrity very uncomfortable but hoped his friend could find a way to cope and not get lost in the fear of it.
By the time they made their way down for lunch several hours later, it seemed as if the infamous Hogwarts rumour mill was already hard at work judging by the few snippets of conversation they overheard on the journey down to the Great Hall.
As soon as they had taken their seats they were immediately bombarded by questions from their year mates; however, Callian found his gaze drawn to the sullen-looking Adria as she sat idly playing with her food. Callian could see that Penny had also joined her cousin at the Hufflepuffs table and felt the first creeping fingers of guilt twist in his gut.
Slowly he pushed himself away from the table and whispered to Harry where he was going before he made his way over to his friend, he received a few odd looks from those sat near Adria but he paid them no mind as the Clearwater cousins turned to regard him in surprise.
"Miss Clearwaters'." He greeted with a smile.
Penny offered him a small smile in return; she wrapped her arms about Adria in a quick embrace before leaving the two of them to talk.
Callian's gaze followed after the departing prefect with a frown before he turned his attention back to his friend. "Is everything ok, Adria?"
The blonde first year just stared at him with watery blue eyes; she was silent for several moments before she gave a forlorn sigh.
"Is it true you're leaving Potions class? It's all about the school that you and Harry had been permitted to leave, I think Terry Boot even said that the Headmaster is going to teach you himself."
Callian smiled at that, it was surprising what the gossips had come up with and he wondered just how much more it was going to get exaggerated before the day was through.
"Cal...?"
Turning back to his friend his smile dropped away as he once again took in her unshed tears, he gave her a silent nod in acknowledgement and she slumped in her seat.
"Oh..." Was her only response as she returned to idly playing with her food.
Callian stared at her as the guilt gnawed away at him. "I'm sorry Adria, I only thought of getting away from Snape. My family have the means to provide me with a tutor, someone that will no doubt be able to teach Harry and myself better than Snape ever could."
Adria nodded her head but remained resolutely silent.
Callian's mind raced desperately as he thought of ways to cheer up his friend, in the end, all he could offer her was a feeble excuse. "Without your parents or Magical guardians permission, there's no way of getting you out of Snape's class, something that falls to the Headmaster unless..."
He trailed off as a thought suddenly occurred to him, Adria turned to regard him when she noted he had fallen silent.
"Cal? What is it?" she asked with a look of mild concern.
The sly grin that slowly spread upon the Blackwood heirs face made Adria's concern grow; she had come to recognise that look over the past few weeks.
"Would you like to know a secret, Adria?" Came the slow reply from her friend.
A hesitant nod from the blonde made Callian's grin grow wider.
"Back before Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic were even an idea in the minds of Magi the Wizengamot was the highest authority in Britain, one of the laws set down during that time allowed our forefathers to accept vassalage from among the commoners. This allowed those with the talent and aptitude for Magic to be educated under the protection of one of the Noble Houses, in short, we gained Magi loyal to our House alone and in return, those commoners gained land and privilege above all but the Noble families themselves."
Adria's brow furrowed as she tried to put the pieces together. "What are you saying, Cal? That I can become a servant to you and your family?!"
Callian backed away from his friend as she leaned towards him with a scowl. Before he could reply however a voice behind them drawled out.
"In short that is exactly what Lord Blackwood is offering you."
Both turned to stare up at the sharp, aristocratic features of Draco Malfoy. Callian idly noted that the boy's ever-present shadows were absent for once and he nodded his head at the blonde Slytherin, while Adria eyed him warily. She had heard a lot of unsavoury rumours about the Slytherins but was willing to let Malfoy's actions speak for themself before she made any judgements.
Callian could see the calculating gleam in the Malfoy Heirs eye as he carefully studied the two of them before he turned to addressed Adria once more.
"Lord Malfoy is right. A Vassal House is beholden to their Liege Lord; once upon a time they served them in a military capacity along with other more mundane duties." Adria looked like she was to protest so Callian quickly carried on. "In return for their fealty the Vassal was offered lands and protection, but where this applies most importantly to you would be that my House would be recognised as your Magical guardian. In short responsibility for education would fall to my family."
Draco cleared his throat once more drawing their attention, "To clarify, Vassalage is traditionally offered to the oldest family member who has any Magical blood." At this he indicated Penny sitting over at the Ravenclaw table, something Callian nodded along with as he offered a small smile to his friend. "Something to talk to your family about, Miss Clearwater."
Adria sat stunned as tried to digest everything she had just learned and could only nod her head at his words. She watched in silence as her friend got up from the table and felt a cold shiver run down her spine as she began to truly realise just how different the Magical world was.
Draco fell into step beside Callian as the two began to walk away from the Hufflepuff table, once they were relatively clear of the general press of students Draco leaned close to whisper. "I need to meet with you and Potter, tonight if possible."
Callian stared at the boy in confusion. Their acquaintance over the past few weeks had been cordial but distant, now however he could sense desperateness in the boy.
Callian could only nod as Draco held out a hand for him to shake and Callian felt a scrap of parchment press into his palm, he was quick to pocket it before anyone could notice and offered the Malfoy heir a curt nod before moving to rejoin harry at the Ravenclaw table.
Once he sat down he carefully reached into his robe and retrieved the parchment scrap.
Midnight, Trophy Room.
He carefully handed the scrap to Harry, who looked it over with a frown before turned a questioning gaze to Callian. Taking the note back he once more returned it to his pocket as he surveyed the Great Hall. Callian had to wonder just what the Malfoy heir needed to discuss that required such secrecy.
It was nearing curfew when Professor Flitwick found them in the Common room, once more with a summons to the Headmasters office.
They soon found themselves upon the revolving staircase with Professor Flitwick, who seemed to grow increasingly agitated as they neared the door of the office.
Harry eyed the diminutive Professor with a frown.
"Is everything ok, Sir?" he asked worriedly.
Flitwick seemed the jump as if he had forgotten that they were following him. "Oh...yes, yes Mr Potter. Everything is fine." He replied hurriedly, doing nothing to alleviate Harry's growing fears.
Finally, they reached the door of the Headmasters Office and Callian felt the familiar presences before his head of house had even opened the door.
Denevan Blackwood, tall and proud as he stood next to the strange bronze perch he had seen earlier, playfully running his hands through the fiery plumage of one of the most beautiful creatures that Callian had ever seen. Faenir decided to make his presence known but jumping onto Denevans shoulders and staring at the magnificent phoenix with an inquisitive chirp.
Belor stood beside him a deep frown on his face as looked at the charms professor, Callian idly noted the Dwarfs fingers twitch towards his belt before he remembered himself. The Dwarf was soon smiling widely once he spotted Callian enter the office. His eyes briefly flitted over to the Headmaster sat behind his desk, but his attention was quickly focused on his mother as she leapt up to meet him. He gladly fell into her arms only now just realising how much he had missed her, he didn't have long to dwell on it though as a soft gasp from her pulled his attention.
He looked at her quizzically and found her attention focused solely upon Harry, who seemed uncomfortable as he nervously looked at the many occupants of the room.
Callian stepped away from his mother as he wrapped an arm about Belor's broad shoulders and rather belatedly remembered his friend.
"Mother, Grandfather, Dagün. I would like to introduce you to my friend. This is Harald Potter, Heir to the Noble House of Potter."
Amerytha slowly walked towards Harry, seemingly lost in thought. "I see your mother in you..."
Callian barely heard the whisper as it escaped her lips but he could see the reaction it had in Harry. He watched as the boys emerald eyes widened in shock before he seemed to stand a little taller a happy smile slowly spreading across his face.
Amerytha seemed to gather herself as she smiled warmly in return and held out a hand for Harry to take, Callian watched with an amused smile as his friend hesitantly bowed over her hand like he had instructed him to.
Amerytha slowly reached out to touch Harry's face causing the boy to freeze as if he had been hit with a petrification spell. "The last time I saw you, your mother had left Godric's Hollow to meet with me for Callian's Birthday. You were just a tiny little thing even if did scream the Castle down when Lilly refused to let you wander about."
Callian was startled by this, he had known that Harry's mother and his had been good friends but not that he had ever met Harry before, even if it was from a time that neither of them could remember. His mother had never once mentioned it to him, but then she rarely talked about the war or of the friends she had lost. Harry too looked startled and the two shared a grin as they realised that their friendship had begun a long time ago even if they were too young to remember.
Harry looked back at Amerytha with a look of pure longing upon his face, "Will you tell me about my Parents?"
Callian watched silently as his mother slowly reached up to cup his friends face in one of her small hands as she offered Harry another watery smile.
"I will tell you everything I can about your mother, but your father was not well known to me...Father refused him and his friend's entry into the castle despite his fondness for Lily."
The occupants of the room turned to stare at Lord Blackwood as he made his way towards them, Faenir no longer about his shoulders as the dragon sat perched on the edge of the pedestal seemingly enchanted by the headmaster's phoenix before the two took flight through the open ornate window that dominated one wall. "Lord Potter was an irritating brat, too fond of himself and causing mischief for my liking. Your mother on the other hand was a true gift and I could not have asked for a better companion for my daughter."
Belor let out a loud derisive snort. "That's an understatement if I ever heard one; it was Potter and that scrag Black I had to save when they decided to curse ol' Ironmane. Damn fools were about to be skewered if I hadn't stepped in.
Harry frowned at the comments about his father but said nothing, he had only ever heard people praise James Potter but this was a side of them he had never heard about.
A throat clearing pulled their attention back to the other occupant of the room and they found themselves staring at a smiling Headmaster.
"If everyone could be seated, we have a lot to discuss and time waits for no one I am afraid."
Once everyone had found a seat the Headmaster wasted no time in diving into the heart of the issue at hand, Callian however soon found himself growing bored of the conversation as the headmaster kept trying to change their minds regarding hiring a tutor but found his family stubbornly refusing his feeble attempts.
Eventually, Belor grew fed up with the circular conversation and slammed a meaty fist into the Headmasters desk, causing all in the room to jump in alarm.
"Enough Wizard! The boys will be removed from their Potions class, we have already seen about sortin' them a tutor. If it bothers yeh so much to have another teach them then I suggest yeh do it yerself! As I recall yeh were studying Alchemy under Denevan and Tyrna before he introduced yeh to the Flamels, yeh can easily teach them the basics of yer craft"
Callian watched as the Headmaster stared at the Dwarf for several long seconds before a wide smile split the man's face.
"You haven't changed a bit, my old friend. Always able to cut to the heart of a matter."
The Dwarf let out a loud snort, "Bah, you long-uns always talk too much. Talk straight, deal fair and yeh will always find yer way."
Dumbledore let out a quiet laugh as he surveyed the occupants of his office."Then I shall be candid with you all. While Severus has his failings, his knowledge and understanding of his art are second to none. I truly believe that both Callian and Harry will learn much under his tutelage. However, I understand that you are set upon having a tutor and as such I will arrange for the House-elves to clean and provision one of the unused potions classrooms in the dungeons."
The Headmaster paused as he looked towards his former teacher. "Is there anyone in particular that you have in mind for the position? If not that I can provide you with the names of a few suitable tutors that normally focus on older students, but I am sure that they will make an exception if I ask them."
Denevan smiled wryly at his former apprentice, he knew how the younger wizard could charm people to get his way when he wanted.
"Rest assured Albus, I have asked an old friend to see to their education. These two will have the best educator possible. You shall soon receive a missive from an old acquaintance of yours, someone whom I know that you will have no question as to their skill in the art."
The headmaster frowned at that but did not question Denevan further, he knew that his former master would never jeopardise his family's education under any circumstance.
What followed was the adults in the room discussing the minor details as Callian fought to keep his eyes open from the sheer boredom of the conversation, Callian soon heard a duet of faint snoring coming from his right and cast a look at Belor and Harry only to find the Dwarf was actually nodding into his beard while Harry had fallen asleep with his head propped up in his hand.
Stifling a yawn Callian couldn't help but think that they had the right of it and shaking his head to clear the groggy feeling, glancing at the clock adorning the wall of the Headmasters office Callian realised with a start that they had been here for several hours already. Standing he found himself the centre of attention as he gently cleared his throat.
"With all due respect, I do not think that Harry and I need to be present for any more of this conversation. I am sure that the Headmaster will be able to inform us of anything that changes from what has already been agreed but I do believe that Harry and I should return to our dormitory as it is getting rather late..."
He trailed off as Belor gave a sudden uncharacteristic giggle in his sleep as the Dwarf mumbled, "...Four barrels of mead!"
Amerytha gracefully climbed to her feet, "Albus, I will see the boys to the Ravenclaw tower and bid you all goodnight."
Without waiting for a response she made her way to Harry and gently called his name to wake him, her actions startled the Dwarf who jerked in his seat and stared about him with wide eyes.
Callian looked at the Dwarf with a wicked grin as he asked "Four barrels of mead Dagün?"
Belor looked at him in confusion before a grin split his dark beard, "Aye lad! Karad Dumal's finest mead. Four great barrels full to the brim with the sweet, golden glory." A great sigh left him as he fondly remembered his dream. "Any Dwarf would beggar themselves to taste the Nectar of StoneCrown once again; myfolk lost much when our ancient Hold fell to the Greenskins..."
He trailed off before he seemed to gather himself and pushed himself from his chair.
"Never mind an ol' Dwarfs musin's, how about I join yeh and yeh can show me this castle."
Bidding the two older wizards' farewell the four quickly left the Headmasters office and set out for the Ravenclaw Tower, they set a slow pace just enjoying each other's company as Amerytha softly spoke to Harry about his mother and the deep friendship they had shared.
Belor sidled up to Callian and gently bumped the boy's shoulder with his own before speaking in Dwarvish, "You did well in messaging your grandfather about the boy. We paid a visit to his kin, what he had told you was a far cry from the truth of just how bad he truly had it..."
Belor trailed off and seemed to take a minute to gather himself as he stared at the back of Harry's head.
"He mentioned the cupboard to you but he didn't tell you of the beatings, the fact he was forced to wear his cousins cast off's like some simple serf." Callian idly noted Belors hands balling into fists at his side, the faintest movement for his axe at his belt before he managed to get control of himself.
"Your granddaddy didn't want me to tell you this but I think you need to know it to help the boy past it. We got the fat one talking soon enough and it seems that the fools thought that they could beat the Magic out of him. Every time something odd or unexplained happened they turned on the boy, every time he stood out above his fat fool of a cousin they locked him in the cupboard and kept him there until he had 'Learnt his lesson'."
A faint growl escaped the dwarf as recalled the quivering tub of lard, "I wanted to my bury my axe in the Scrag, it seems that his aunt just went along with things for an easy life, she was as afraid of the fat man as she was of the taint that destroyed her family."
Callian said nothing as he watched his friend smile and laugh at whatever story his mother was regaling him with, he felt the hot flames of anger grow in his chest and barely noted as a few glimmering motes of flame sputter and flare about his own hands as he thought on what Belor had just told him.
Harry had told him before why he tried so hard to stand out in their classes, why he would always push himself to be better at even the simplest of Magic, his family had tried so hard to stop him from coming to Hogwarts, to stop him from learning Magic that it now drove him to study everything he could get his hands on. His relative had tried to keep him as their unwanted, unloved and despised burden so that he would never know the truth of his family and it was now something that he refused to let happen. It was what made the two of them stand out above their fellow year mates, Harry desire to never be subservient and his drive to learn everything he could about Magic bound them together. He had already seen that the few first year's who had a desire to learn were far superior to those that just plodded along, what surprised him most of all was his fellow purebloods and their lazy attitude towards Magic. To his mind, it seemed as if they took their gifts for granted and never seemed to think more than the bare minimum of what was required of them.
Shaking his head of such thoughts he took a deep breath a tried to gain control of himself using his fledgling skill in the Mind Arts, before he turned his attention once more to the problem at hand. He had plans in the works that would help his friend?
Regarding his foster father once more Callian spoke. "Did you manage to get them to sign the paperwork?"
Belor smiled grimly, "Oh yes indeed! Denevan was going to compel them but Ironmane threatened to carve strips of bacon from the fat man and feed them to his wife to put a bit of meat on her bones. That soon had everything signed and authorised with little fuss."
Callian nodded his head, a wide smile growing across his face as he felt a weight lift from his shoulders that he had not known he had been carrying.
Belor wrapped his arm about Callian's shoulders. "Don't tell the lad just yet, your mother has plans for the holidays."
Callian felt his smile grow even wider until it felt like his cheeks might burst from the pressure. Belor's deep rumbling voice pulled him down back to reality."I leave you alone for a few weeks and you are already making waves. Your grandfather and I have a bet to see just how much chaos you're going to cause by the end of the year. Even a few of my Dwarves are getting in on it. Ironmane seems to think that we'll be summoned to the school at least half a dozen times before your summer holidays"
Callian grinned ruefully at the Dwarf.
"Then I shall try not to disappoint him, Dagün." He replied in English as they eventually arrived at the thrice-damned Eagle headed knocker, Callian hugged his family goodbye and watched with a smile as Harry bowed over his mother's hand once more before they waved their farewells and entered after a thankfully easy riddle from the enchanted nuisance.
Quickly making their way back to their shared quarters the two gratefully fell onto their beds with a relieved sigh, the meeting with the Headmaster having gone on far longer than either of them had thought it would.
Silence settled around them and Callian soon felt himself dozing lightly.
"How much longer until we have to meet with Malfoy?" Harry asked tiredly, breaking him from his relaxed state.
Callian yawned as he idly swept his hand across his bedside table, his long searching fingers playing across several tomes and scraps of parchment he had acquired from the Library before he found the battered alarm clock he had repaired for Harry.
"We have...three hours before we are to meet with him. I was going to suggest getting some sleep before then, but I don't know if that is such a good idea."
Harry merely hummed in agreement before he laid back down on his bed with a sigh. Soon enough Callian heard his friends breathing even out as he fell into the realm of dreams.
Pushing himself into a sitting position Callian tiredly swung his legs over the side of his bed, it seemed that the meeting in the headmaster's office had exhausted them both more than he had imagined. A small part of his tired mind thought that it may have just been the pointless posturing that the Headmaster had put forth to try and change their minds, only to be met with the stubbornness of his grandfather that put even mountains to shame with his immovability. Shaking his head Callian eyed the stack of tomes upon his bedside table and idly thought about starting to read through several of the less dry volumes on runic magic that he had found of interest but instead opted for a small bit of Magic practice before they were to leave.
Carefully he drew upon his Magic, deftly weaving delicate threads of power into a simple spell of flame. He felt the warmth of it upon his face as the small flame hovered in the air before him, holding the weave of the spell in his mind he drew forth more tendrils of power and soon another flame hovered next to the first.
He repeated this again and again until six small candle sized flames hovered in the air before him; he began to feel a slight pressure upon his mind as he held the six individual weaves at the same time.
A subtle twist of focus and he began to slowly intertwine the threads of Magic, at first it seemed as if the individual flames began to stretch and twist about each other before they slowly coalesced into a single roiling ball of flame about the size of his fist.
The heat in the room had rapidly grown, yet a sharp, sudden intake of breath threatened his concentration and the small fireball flared wildly. Callian desperately fought to stabilise his spell as the weave began to break apart, yet still, the flames twisted wildly and blazed furiously.
Gritting his teeth Callian stopped fighting to regain control of the spell and instead began to quickly pluck the threads of magic apart; the flames quickly died down and after several desperate seconds dismissed the Magic with a swipe of his hands sending several motes of flame dancing across the room.
Letting out a breath, Callian took a moment to gather himself before he turned to the other occupant of the room.
Harry stared at him in a mix of awe and terror, he had clearly seen how close to devastation they had been before Callian had managed to dismiss the Magic.
"What the hell was that!?" Harry demanded once he had found his voice.
Callian gave his friend a long look as the silence grew about them.
"That was me practising my spell work. Something that I usually do by myself since any distraction can cause me to lose control of the weave, something that could have serious consequences depending upon the spell."
Harry ducked his head with a muttered apology; the two friends were quiet for several minutes before Harry looked at Callian once more.
Only this time Harry's gaze bored into Callian with an intensity that he had never seen before.
"I want to be able to do what you just did. I don't want to be dependent on my wand like all the rest, can you teach me how to use Magic without a focus?"
Harry continued to stare at him and Callian could hear the pleading note to his friend's voice, slowly a thought crept upon him as he stared at the dark-haired boy.
"I will teach you, but it will not be easy and you will soon be looking at your wand in a new light when you realise just how much quicker and simpler it is..." Callian trailed off as Harry began to nod eagerly at his acceptance to teach him.
"But I want you to understand something very important, to use magic as I and my family do will change the way you view everything." He finished before Harry could get too excited.
Harry eyed him warily at that, he didn't need to be a master of the Minds Arts to know that he had just put his friend on edge but Harry eventually asked. "What do you mean Cal?"
Callian stared hard at his friend. "A wand allows you a brute force approach to Magic, anyone with a modicum of Magic in their blood can pick up a wand and follow the required spell forms and trigger words and achieve the desired results... to an extent. One of the greater benefits of a wand is that it will act as a buffer, protecting you from any spell collapses as you just witnessed. However, when I weave a spell I must shape the desired effect, duration, target or targets into it. On top of all that is the risk of a miscasting or potential Magical backlash"
Holding his hand out towards his friend Callian conjured a visible thread of Magic into being, eliciting a small gasp from Harry.
"To weave a spell you must be able to reach inwards and draw upon your own Magic. I will show you some simple exercises that will allow you to become aware of your Reservoir, but it will not be an easy process."
Callian noted Harry's confused look at the term so quickly explained. "Your Reservoir is what some refer to as a magical core; however I am not a fan of that term, as it in itself is misleading but..." Callian had to bite his tongue to stop from going off on a tangent. "Never mind that. A Magi's Reservoir is the amount of Magic that they can store in their being at any one time. The more you use and understand your power the deeper that Reservoir grows."
Harry nodded his head at him after several moments and said, "So it's like a muscle, the more I exercise my Magic the stronger it grows."
Callian shook his head with a smile, "Not quite, think of it like...like an athlete or warrior that pushes themselves to run or fight a little bit further every time they practise, it build up your Stamina more so than your strength. The Potency of your Magic will come from the complexity of your actual Weaving, but we are getting off-topic." Taking a deep breath Callian had to think back before he continued. "The one thing you have to understand is that it will take time before you will be aware of your Magic enough to draw out a single thread, the most you could expect is throwing your entire Magic behind a spell and hope to remain standing, similar to what you did in the Headmasters office but only slightly more refined."
Callian easily conjured over a dozen threads that he quickly wove into a powerful spell of levitation before he wrapped the Weave around Harry sending the boy floating several feet into the air.
Harry looked shocked as he flailed wildly in the air before he let out a loud peal of laughter, Callian smiled at his friend as he cut off feeding energy into the spell dropping his friend onto his bed with a yelp of surprise.
"It will take you even longer before you will be able to weave even the simplest of spells."
Harry sat up and looked at Callian with a wide grin, not one to be deterred he all but demanded to be shown the exercises that will start him down the path to using Magic without a foci.
Soon the time arrived to meet with Draco, Callian donned his cloak and watched Harry's jaw drop in amazement as his body disappeared from view.
"Come on Harry, we have a meeting to get to."
Fending off more of Harry's questions they set out together and easily evaded the few prefects and teachers that were patrolling the halls and corridors of the school. By now most had returned to their chambers, the few that still went about their duties were fighting sleep more than paying attention to their surroundings.
Soon the doors to the trophy room loomed in the shadows cast by torchlight, creeping forward silently the two Ravenclaws listened for any sound coming from within.
Hearing nothing they slowly opened the door and peered within, no torches had been lit but there was enough moonlight pouring through the huge wall of arched windows that they could see well enough.
Seeing that the coast was clear the two slipped into the room, moving carefully they stayed to the deeper gloom at the edges of the chamber. The distant chiming of the clock tower told them that it was midnight and their appointed meeting time with Draco, yet as the minutes ticked by they still hadn't seen the Slytherin appear.
Harry leaned in to whisper to Callian, "Do you think that he's not going to turn up?"
Callian could only shrug his shoulders as they settled in to wait.
The only indication of time passing was the slow creep of moonlight across the flagstones of the chamber, giving an irritated huff Callian made to move when he heard the scuffle of feet outside the doors of the trophy room.
Both he and Harry stilled suddenly as they saw a small shadowy figure enter the room, peering into the gloom they could see the pale blonde hair of Draco Malfoy as he stepped into a pool of moonlight.
Waving Harry to move around to the Slytherin boy's blindside Callian stepped out from the shadows, his body still wrapped in his cloak we appeared to be a solid mass of rippling light as he walked towards the boy.
Draco managed to stifle his cry of alarm but he was still far too loud for Callian's liking.
"You are late, my lord." was his only greeting.
Draco took a moment to slow his racing heart before he nodded at Callian's words.
"I was unfortunately delayed, it seems several of the upper year Slytherins were caught in a compromising situation by a Gryffindor prefect and dragged before McGonagall. Professor Snape was furious and spent half an hour berating them in the common room, I had to wait until that was dealt with before I could slip past them and meet with you."
Callian only nodded his head at that, he had overheard Penny moaning about several late-night rendezvous that she had stumbled across during her own patrols.
"And just what did you want to talk to us about Malfoy?"
The blonde spun at the sound of Harry's voice behind him, nearly falling as his legs became tangled in his robes. Callian idly noted the boy's hand moved to the wand sheathed at his waist
The blonde stuttered for a moment before he regained his composure and stood straight-backed as he moved to keep the two of them in view.
"I asked you to meet with me because there is talk amongst my house of getting revenge for the current standing of Professor Snape. I know who the louder voices are and those that are just talking a lot of hot air but more than that I know the few you should be keeping an eye out for."
Harry stared at the Slytherin as if he were mad. "Why would we having our own potions tutor have anything to do with the Slytherins?"
Draco eyed him speculatively. "Normally it would not, however it is rather the light you have shone on Professor Snape and his actions during the War. According to a few of the older years, he has been swamped with complaints from concerned parents and my mother messaged me that my father and the board of governors have been contacted and will soon be calling for an investigation into the Professors past. To them, the reputation of Slytherin House has been tarnished and it is not something that they can stand for."
Callian couldn't fight the mocking laughter that bubbled up at that. "So they blame Harry and myself for the Professors mistakes, instead of realising that the cause of their problems leads the very House they feel is being besmirched."
Draco chuckled at that. "My House knows exactly who to blame, but many of our fathers stood beside Snape in service to the Dark Lord. They have been brought up believing in the ideals and dreams of their fathers, in their eyes to turn against one of our own is unthinkable."
Callian snorted at that while Harry just shook his head at the absurdity of it all.
Callian looked at the Slytherin suspiciously. "Seeing as you are here I take it that you see things differently to your housemates?"
Draco turned to look Callian in the eye. "My mother tells me my father was just like them once, but something happened to him after the war. Mother tells me that he has changed, cowed and broken by the Dark lord. But she has taught me to be mindful of those around me, to learn from his mistakes and to listen and be watchful of what people say and do. As a daughter of House Black, she also taught me the oaths and loyalties of her father's House are now mine to uphold. A loyalty that is tied to House Blackwood through blood."
Harry could no longer contain his angry hiss at Draco's words.
"Your dad was a Death Eater?!"
Draco looked at Harry with a sour expression on his face, his thin lips twisted as if he tasted something foul.
"My father, he...was a fool. He made wrong decisions in his younger years and has been doing everything he can to try and regain the prestige and power my House knew before the War, to present the image of an honourable and decent pureblood. He claims that he had been placed under the Imperius Curse, but in truth, I do not believe him. My relationship with him is...difficult."
Callian watched as Harry struggled to find his tongue following Draco's speech.
"Just what are you offering us, Draco?" Was Callian only response as he filed away everything he had just been told. He would have a very interesting letter to write home about.
Draco took a deep breath as he seemed to mull over his answer. "I will be your eyes and ears in Slytherin House. When I hear of any move against either of you I shall get word to you as soon as I am able, I will even aid you should a confrontation occur if I can get away with it."
Harry eyed their fellow first-year suspiciously, "And what do you want in return? Nobody ever does anything for free at least not in my experience."
Draco looked between them unsure for several long seconds before replying. "Should things take a turn out for the worse then I will require your aid, some among my House do not take kindly to those who turn against what they believe to be the correct path."
Callian looked to Harry who hesitantly nodded his head in agreement.
"It seems we have an agreement, Lord Malfoy." Callian noticed the boys' cool mask of aloofness slip slightly as his seemed to shoulders sag with relief now that he had gained a tentative alliance with them. "Is there anyone that we should be wary of currently?" Callian asked once the silence had dragged on long enough.
Draco nodded his head. "The loudest voice belongs to Marcus Flint. A lumbering oaf from a merchant family, common-born but rich and well connected if my mother's sources are correct. He keeps trying to gain favour with the High born, something that the older members of Slytherin take advantage of when they require a little muscle."
Harry snorted as he was reminded of his cousin and Draco's remark.
"Is this Flint just noise or does he actually mean to come after us?" Harry asked as he moved to stand beside Callian.
Draco seemed to chew over his answer before he spoke once more. "As far as I am aware he is just making noise, he won't act until he has enough support from the rest of the House...However, I think that the one to watch is Theron Nott..."
"Nott?!" Callian asked in alarm, a fellow noble could be more trouble than he wanted to deal with right now.
Draco raised his hands and motioned for him to calm. "Theron is a cousin to the main branch and according to Theo, Theron's father disgraced the family years ago. Theo wouldn't say what, only that it nearly caused a blood feud with another prominent House."
Draco paused as he turned to look at Harry. "After asking around it seems that Theron's father had several altercations with a Charlus Potter, one of which resulted in a fight that resulted in your great grandfather's demise."
That gave the two Ravenclaws pause, for Harry it was another reminder that he knew next to nothing of his family or its History but for Callian it was a small nugget of information his mother had not known.
"I take it the Potter's did not take kindly to the death of one of their own?" Callian asked the Slytherin.
A small grim smile tugged at the boy's lips, "No. For the death of the then heir of the Potter family, they demanded a wergild of twenty thousand galleons. Something the mainline of the Nott family refused to aid with."
Callian let out a low whistle at the hefty sum, the money alone would be enough to beggar a family but the fact that it had caused a rift and that it still lingered was truly telling.
A loud, rumbling purr sounded then, causing all three to freeze in place as they spotted the glimmering eyes of the Caretakers cat in the moonlight. Soon enough they heard the shuffling steps and rattling wheeze of the caretaker as he came in search of students out of bed.
"Damn!" Draco hissed. "I will try to find out if there are any more that you need to be careful of, but I must not be caught with you."
Callian nodded and grabbing hold of Harry's arm pushed his friend into the deeper shadows of the room, looking back he caught sight of Draco making for a small doorway that led into an antechamber but he did not know if there was another exit through there.
Giving a soft curse that he had learned from Ironmane he began to quickly weave a spell into being, it was nothing strenuous and his grandfather would have criticized him for the shoddy spell construction. Launching it towards the furthest corner of the room, he watched in satisfaction as a small pall of pure force knocked a large golden cup with two brooms for handles off its perch with a resounding ~CLANG~
A shambling shadow moved in the darkness, rapidly hurrying towards the noise. They could hear the horrid caretaker Filch muttering about thumbscrew and wasted no time in fleeing through the open door of the room, their flight through the school was thankfully free of any other encounters and they soon found themselves safely back within their room. They fell onto their beds with weary sighs, both nearly asleep before their heads hit the pillow.
Callian's last thought before sleep claimed him.
It had been one hell of a long day!
