Chapter 3: Gilderoy Lockhart and the Sorting:
While Harry and Hermione continued to dabble in projects to generally improve humanity, their students continued to keep themselves busy. A total automation of all product production had occurred. Now merely taking a walk was enough to ensure everything ran smoothly. Revisions of all the products were being made, and the visitors at Peverell Manor were learning new skills. For the group of students, the last three weeks had been spent at Peverell Manor, as the frequency of the obstacle course attempts and the classes had decreased. Most of the people got busy with some type of job and everyone earned a handsome amount of pocket change. This also allowed Harry and Hermione to stock up on newer items as they prepared for release dates that would occur later this year, and early next year.
This was the famed "rush hour" production. After they stockpiled for the next three weeks, then the classes and training would resume, on weekends.
The kitchen had expanded and Molly had reached out to some of the older witches who were lonely. She attempted to get them involved in cooking not as a subservient task, but as a commercial operation that was prestigious. By the time Albus had arrived at the kitchen in late August for an extended visit, he was surprised. He was carried to a small V.I.P. room and he ran into many magicals that he knew, who were doing far better, economically. Molly and Amba continued to present the usual front to the non-magical public and Augusta now had many of the grandmothers and even the wives of the smaller light-sided houses working with her. Owls were delivering meals to certain people, and the service was a hit with the Wizards who were lazy. Other people sent their elves, and Authur generally hosted them in a specifically enclosed and warded room, where the food appeared through a conveyor belt.
Ernie Macmillan was surprised when he ran into the Patil twins and their father along with Terry Boot. The word had gotten around about the wizarding kitchen. He was not even aware of the name, but he had been guided via his dataslate. Upon seeing the name, Ernie had laughed his head off.
"A lot of things make sense now. Hello Ron! This is your mother's place?" Ernie asked.
"Yes. And like a good Hufflepuff, I work long hours here. And I work for free. Well, I probably eat my entire salary in any case. Come in, the twins and Terry are here today!" Ronald laughed.
After getting his housemate seated and having a small chat, Luna and Neville revealed themselves. Priya had finally gotten that bite to eat in with Madam Pomfrey, and the healer was still loitering around. She observed the magical refrigerator and the other clever commercial grade kitchenware and appliances that Harry and Hermione had designed. Those items would sell well, in the magical world. And if they could survive her mother and Molly? They had to be rugged. These incidentally, were the rush projects that were being manufactured the old fashioned way, until Harry and Hermione could design automated assembly lines.
Ronald decided to surprise his friends.
"Hey, I have someone that I would like you to meet," Ronald explained.
"Sure?" Terry had responded. Ernie also seemed interested, and Ronald was grinning.
When Ronald had popped out of the kitchen and had brought along none other than Master Healer Priya Singh, the group were dead surprised. As the conversations continued, the two Indian twins found someone they could relate to, as Priya talked about being an immigrant muggleborn Indian who had to attend Hogwarts. Ernie and Terry were flabbergasted until she explained that 'my muggle mother cooks right across there, and she has been making the magical world even more magical with only her hands and her experiences.'
"Anyway girls, I understand the Desi girl problems. Hogwarts is predominantly Western, and you have to deal with that, as it comes. Keep pushing and do not forget who you are, and you will be fine. If you are ever interested in healing as a profession, see Madam Pomfrey. She will give you a year as her helper and from there, you start formally in year three. I do thank you for the offer of meeting someone in India to guide me around the temples and for the admission into the dance academy."
"Madam Pomfrey has a picture of you in the hospital wing!" Parvati remarked.
"Yes, that is rather flattering. I begged her to take it down when I had coffee with her this morning and she insisted that I was much too beautiful. A lot of young girls have shown a great deal of interest in healing recently. I guess that is one other great thing I contributed?" Priya replied.
"I would like my daughters to follow in your footsteps. I think what you have done is rather admirable?" Mr Patil commented.
"And that is a noble sentiment, Lord Patel. But they have to be sure, that they want this path. I think that the hospital wing is a good chance for them to get exposure. Part of my job is witnessing death, and seeing those who I cannot save. The job has its burden and is not as glamorous as people make it out to be – I understand these things intimately, and I have accepted this fully." Priya explained, gently.
"Then I will do that Ms Singh. Your mother's cooking is as good as my Mother-in-law's. I do like that there are some regional Indian dishes on the menu, along with the standard restaurant items. I honestly came for the scratch prepared chai tea."
"Thank you Lord Patel. I don't run the kitchen - that is Mr Padfoot and his investor. They have been chasing the variety that they have been exposed to, and the move to bring that to magical England was a large risk. And yet, it is succeeding. I was a bit nervous about the thing. Indian items on the menu? Cornish Pasties with Curry Chicken filling? Some of these things break tradition and are very experimental. I was…surprised at the positive reception."
"Maybe the traditional items have become normality within the magical world, I suppose? And the world is hungry for new things too. Your mother explained that samosas with mango chutney are now made at their dedicated station in the kitchen. We as Indians, never really thought that they were anything particularly special," Mr Patel commented, as she scratched his magnificent black beard.
"Well, Molly and my mother love to experiment. I heard pasta, sandwiches and a fresh juice bar are coming soon. If it wasn't for the magical appliances, everything would have been a total pandemonium." Priya commented as Kitchen-Aids that Harry had retrofitted were a bread and butter piece of equipment in the kitchen.
"Are the appliances coming to the market? Did the Guild create them?" Mr Patel asked.
"Yes. We signed a contract to test new 'prototype' items. Anyway, my portkey is due soon. This was nice. I know this three very well, and I was happy to meet some of his year group. Hogwarts is a special place to me. It was good to speak to you, Lord Patel." Priya replied.
"I consider myself privileged to meet you, Master Healer Singh. Namaste, and may Lord Dhanvantari guide those hands." Lord Patel replied. Priya then left the room, and Ronald smiled as he realised that much good would come from the causal visit. Luna had a good relationship with Padma, and this was an easy way to rope Parvati into their little club for what was coming in the later years when the war arrived.
Mr Patel was happy that he had met Ronald – after all he had saved the Padma and a life debt was owed. He asked what would suit Ronald, in repayment for his actions as both of them had a private discussion in a separate room.
"I have heard you are intelligent and hard working. By English standards, a marriage contract would not be unreasonable?" Mr Patel asked. Ronald laughed and was quite uncomfortable. However, he took it in good stride.
"Mr Patel, I am flattered. The boys often say that your two daughters are the best looking witches in the school. Not necessarily with that much decency, but the general sentiment is there after you strip out the perversion from their statements. So yes, I am quite surprised you would consider me acceptable. I understand how arranged marriages in India work…."
Mr Patel smiled. Ronald had become quite articulate and knowledgeable with all the reading he had done. He would often pause and think before he said anything. It was something that Harry did regularly, and Ronald had adopted the attitude.
Ronald continued, "I will only ask that you take a magical oath to keep a particular piece of information secret. I do happen to know something, because of Dame Augusta and Lord Black. I want you to know, but we can't have this spread out as common news. Do this for me, and that is repayment for me…"
"Besides the information, is there anything else you require from me?" Mr Patel asked.
"Not really. I think you will want to tell your daughters. You will have to decide what you are doing, concerning your missus?" Ronald explained. Mr Patel took the oath out of curiosity – the agreed oath had no agreements or conditions that could coerce him in any case, when Ronald laid out the conditions. He could even tell his wife and children freely – this secret had to be something important. He was surprised when Ronald gave him an oath, and upon his magic.
"Upon my magic, I swear that I am speaking only the truth, as I know it. Augusta and Lord Black have reason to suspect that Lord Voldemort is not dead. He did a piece of magic that was so foul, that he lives on. He already plans to make his way back to the world of the living."
Mr Patel became white with fear.
"Some of the other parties I am involved with, figured out his method and they are working on dealing with it. So no, he is not immortal. He used to be called Tom Riddle before he took on his current moniker as the Dark Lord. He was born to a womb like any other. Former Hogwarts student. Headboy too. 1942 or 43, somewhere about there."
Mr Patel relaxed somewhat. This was already a sledgehammer of a revelation. They knew his name? He continued to listen to Ronald's information:
"Plans are being made to fight him and his Death Eaters directly. You will have the choice to keep your children out of the war. If you need a safe place to stay contact me. Our network consists of Ms Singh, her parents, the Weasleys, the Longbottoms, the Lovegoods, the Greengrasses, and the Davises. We also silently have the support of Lord Black.
If you decide you want to fight, let me know. You will find that things this time will not be like the last time. The war will be waged not by the Ministry of Magic, but by an independent private-sector company. That is the only way to eliminate incompetence. The trump card, I cannot discuss. But we won't be unprepared. Financial backing, weapons and everything else we need – we will have. It will be up to you to decide how Parvati and Padma get the news. And yes, this discussion with the missus and the girls, is up to you. Lumos!"
Mr Patel was now silent.
"I am happy you shared this with me. You carry terrible secrets. But suddenly a lot of the Wizengamot politics makes sense." Lord Patel wondered aloud.
"It is complicated. I only asked for the oath because of what we are dealing with. If you decided you want into the operation fully, you will have to take additional oaths. We are not tolerating those morons, this time around." Ronald reiterated, firmly but softly.
"I will consider the possibilities, Ronald"
"That is all I ask Mr Patel."
"Just Ashok, Ronald. I think I will finish my tea and consider the news. We could always move to India if things get heated. We have a residence there. I might also decide that I want to see what facilities you possess and if we have a good chance, I will join your operation. I will let you know." the Indian man replied, as he outstretched his hand. Lord Ashok Patel shook Ronald's hand and left the room.
Harry whispered into Ronald's ear, via the communicator, "Good going. We will see what they decide to do."
Ernie was pretty happy to meet the famed Hufflepuff, and Neville and Luna's presence had solidified their entrepreneurial stories. Neville gave out free samples of his hot sauce and Luna's art decorated the walls.
"No Ernie, no tab for you. Have it on me. This was nice that you arrived here. I take it was a bit difficult to get around initially?" Ronald asked kindly.
"Yes, first time in the Muggle world. I like it here and the rumours are rubbish! And then we can't get this type of variety in magical England. I liked the Indian items and the tea! That curry chicken filling is something else!" Ernie explained.
"The Croissants are fantastic. I went to France two years ago. I am not an expert on the thing, but I can somehow tell that this is quite good?" Terry explained.
"They are shipped from France. And we send our stuff there. The Guild's dataslate has opened up trade and communication. We are hoping to get someone who is an expert in Asian cooking. As for Parv and Padma, they get a little bit of home here." Ronald replied.
"I never considered that your culture is much different. I always assumed that we were all English. But the explanation of the finer details by Ms Singh was insightful. Opened my eyes even? As a claw, I appreciate that very much." Terry explained.
"Thanks. We have dual identities I guess. One for whether we are home, and another for public life. Most people do not truly know Indian Padma and Parvati. You better pray that the Indian doesn't come out when we get angry. When we start to yell in Marathi, well…" Padma explained with a little smile.
"That is noted, although you seem quiet at school. As you say, we haven't seen everything yet. I hope that when that is revealed that the circumstances will be….deserving?" Terry laughed.
"So this is where the contraband food comes from. Everybody suspects that Fred and George are the ringleaders, but nobody wants the convenience to go away. So they all stay quiet. They are Hogwarts legends now! Everybody buys booze from them!" Ernie laughed.
"I ain't saying anything about the two of them. If you want something from here, you check with me at school. Our prices are low too. Grandma Amba believes in stuffing people full. She has become our favourite with the three of us, even though we aren't related to her." Ronald explained.
"Is it true that you are the new keeper for the English Quidditch team?" Ernie asked.
"Yes, the current keeper is a bit old and he isn't as fast anymore. But he has massive experience. I am being taught by him, and the exercise regime is brutal. I break bones regularly. I attend practice every day for four hours, every other day." Ronald replied.
"Ouch. There are a lot of rumours about it so I asked. And yes, you look like a big fourth year. Those arms look bigger than I remember them?" Ernie joked.
"Yeah, I have made some significant gains on the muscles," Ronald replied. "I do the whole Muggle weightlifting thing, it is useful. Kickboxing too. I am not saying all this because I want to show off – rather, I just want England to win the World Cup I guess," Ronald continued.
Terry Boot interjected, "The Cannons are smashing their way through and everybody wants the new gear and the Typhoon broom. Charlie has become well known. Many of us are wondering if he might make the seeker too?"
"It is being considered. The current coach wants younger folks to take over. Poults is a psychopath, but a good one. Curses like a sailor, but I think that has been good for toughening me up." Ronald explained.
"This was fantastic. I am going to tell everybody to come here during the holidays. Great prices, nice environment and I think people should see for themselves what we know is wrong. And meeting Ms Priya Singh was great too! And I will have to tell everyone that Ms Weasley and Ms Singh's mother are fantastic cooks!" Ernie laughed.
"Thank you dears!" was heard in stereo through the walls.
"Damn, their ears are sharp. I have to admit you three are the oddest group ever. One member in each house. Think the Slytherins might join in?" asked Ernie jokingly.
"The joke is on you. We have Slytherin friends." Neville replied nonchalantly.
"Seriously?" asked Parvati.
"Indeed Parv. We have two great friends who can't show their faces, because of politics. They are neutrals and their families are surrounded by vultures. One slip, and it will be trouble. They believe that something is brewing in Hogwarts and they have been happy to let us in on the details. We got help from them during the troll attack…" Neville explained.
"That is good I think. Ismelda and Merula have always been nice to me!" Padma commented.
"Yes, they are. Please don't ask us to say who they are, as their privacy is important. Yes, Slytherin has a high percentage of nutters but, there are good folks there too. Don't let Draco spoil it for everyone." Ronald insisted. Ernie, Terry and both of the Indian twins began to suspect that it was Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis, although they were not sure. It seemed logical to Terry that the best of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were friends with the font line snakes, and the Slytherin girls often had cordial interactions with everyone.
"I was happy when both of you beat the snot out of Draco and his goons a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping that Ravenclaw would have gotten some of the action?" Terry explained as he looked at Luna.
"I had gone to the loo. I don't fight with my fists as my hands are for painting dainty things. However the next time they come around, I will let them have the end of my wand if these two leave anything alive." Luna replied, with mirth in her voice.
The entire group sniggered.
"Well, the final match for the English League is soon. I hope Charlie gets that snitch early for the Cannons. The rumour is that the Guild has gotten foreign companies to use their artefacts. In early August we should have access to all the other Quidditch leagues across the world. I am wondering if this might cause disruptions at Hogwarts?" Ernie asked.
"They might lock us out of it during class time. They seem to know exactly how we think, which is kind of annoying. But they are brilliant, so no surprise there." Terry replied.
After the visitors left, Ronald and Neville began to rub their hands gleefully, as they considered that they would be rolling in millions of galleons by the time next year had arrived. Currently, there were 120, 000 dataslates in active use throughout Europe. It was estimated that by Christmas that the number would double. The final match slated for next week with the Cannons playing against the Montrose Magpies heavyweights, would earn them sixty thousand galleons each. And that did not include the sale of Quidditch gear if the Cannons won. All of the English Quidditch teams had approached the Guild for new drag-reduced uniforms, and Madam Malkin had gotten a nice cut out of Luna's revised designs, which she had done for an astronomical price. Many of the teams were pleased with her designs and had offered for Luna and Madam Malkin to continue with their yearly uniforms.
Harry and Hermione had licenced the broadcast technology and built an ecosystem where companies could use the dataslate for their purposes, as long as the magical governments allowed Black Holdings to have the sole rights to Quidditch broadcasts. They were also expected to make their local standard bookstore offerings available. Earnings from the Quidditch broadcasts were paid out to the various Quidditch authorities, and it seemed to be a fair compromise. Many local companies in foreign countries were now using the platform to advertise their indigenous products and Hermione continued to stockpiled unique potion ingredients, as Harry got access to thunderbird feathers and all sorts of unusual wand cores.
It was business as usual. But now, it was international business.
Findlay and Tonks had become a rather high-powered retainer firm, as they went aggressively behind the darker houses that could not repay the loans to house Black. When the houses were threatened with a buy over of their public assets, Lucius attempted to buy time.
"You think you can threaten the smaller houses with buying over their businesses?" Malfoy yelled.
"No. Threaten implies that I might do it. I am telling you I can buy over everyone on the side of the bench right now. Including you. But I fail to see the return on the investment. I might as well put it in the Mundane Stock Market?"
That alone was such a great insult at the Wizengamot, that many people had an "Ouch" expression on their faces.
"At least with the S&P 500 index fund I can get a ten per cent compounded, every year even with the fluctuations and occasional dips. The repayment of your loan probably came at the cost of making Malfoy Manor very bare. I might come for your kitchen tablecloth next if I am in the mood to waste my money…" Sirius threatened. The entire Wizengamot had gotten dead silent, and Albus Dumbledore had insisted that the participants break for recess. Albus approached Lord Black one more time, as he hoped to convince Lord Black to give him a conversation with the Storm-Lord.
"Headmaster, the issue is that the Storm Lord doesn't want to talk to you. And he said that if he is interested, he will deliver a few new couplets for Christmas this year. He honestly does not care about the Guild, the Wizengamot, Amelia or Fudge. He also finds your practice of wandless Legillimency crude and ineffective. He says that your traditions will be the death of you. You are powerful, but you fail to push the barrier."
Albus winced. How did he even know that? That implied that Lord Black had probably already caught him attempting the practice. This alone was frightening – it was grounds for a possible Blood War. And Lord Black seemed amused!
"Is he really set on bloodshed?" Albus asked, realising that he had been made.
"Only if you supported Dork Voldycunt deliberately. Besides look at what has been happening? The people love his brooms and his conveniences. Although the Guild has been giving him competition." Sirius remarked.
"What is his quarrel between himself and the Guild?" Albus asked.
"When he assumed his post, he promised to leave his old identity behind. That meant leaving his enemies behind too. But he and the Priestess decided he wanted revenge. However, there have been some talks recently. They are considering a pardon because they were dismayed to find out that many of the 'upstanding wizards' here are disgusting criminals, racist, classist pigs. You will find that they don't like that type of people."
Albus relaxed. So the Guild were not necessarily supporters of the Dark Lord.
"Can you elaborate Lord Black?" Albus asked.
"Lord Nott raped and killed Marlene McKinnon. Lucius raped and killed Eleanor Bones and her husband. And there is open rape occurring within many of the sixth and seventh year groups at Hogwarts? Particularly within the pureblood sections of every house. Lord Parkinson has no problem funding chattel markets. Cassius Agamenon's biggest financier. Death Eaters must rape or kill to take the mark…."
"Society is slow to change…" Albus commented.
"Exactly. The Storm-Lord is going to kill them all, and if you interfere he will bomb you with guided Cyclonic missiles from halfway across the planet." Sirius laughed.
"Cyclonic missiles?" Albus asked as he became concerned. Lord Peverell had missiles? When Alex had explained ICBMs to the group of teachers at Hogwarts, they had quaked with fear.
"You only get to find out what they are, when you get in his way." Lord Black answered, amusedly.
"Very well," Albus replied, in a resigned manner. The situation was already out of control.
"One more thing, Headmaster," Sirius continued.
"Yes, Lord Black?" Albus asked curiously, as he sensed that the punch line was coming.
"My associate wants his wand back when the magical war arrives. The Deathstick is not yours to keep. You may use it until the war arrives. And if you decide to keep it…"
Sirius paused.
"Oh, he won't duel you for it. He will send one hundred retainers after you, and he will ask Gringotts to verify his claims. And that excludes what the Goblins might do when they are done with you?"
"The Storm Lord enjoys this, doesn't he?" Albus asked as he considered that the Storm Lord had the financial backing to do such a thing.
"He does!" Sirius replied as he considered that he also enjoyed the deception. Sirius realised that Harry had equipped him to jostle the most powerful wizard in the world. The session resumed, and Sirius continued to take apart bills that he and Lorna and Andromeda had discussed for many evenings. Lord Black, according to the public observation, continued to muzzle the darker houses and he openly supported any fair bills and promoted justice. Many of the darker houses had heard about the Manticore incident, and suddenly they were not sure about sending assassins. Sirius began to push for the open employment of Werewolfs in Magical society as long as their health and their adherence to the Wolfsbane schedule could be verified.
"And how do you suggest we verify this information? " Lord Nott asked, during the second part of the Wizengamot session.
"Why, we ask Master Healer Priya Singh to get involved. She can build artefacts to verify if the Wolfsbane schedule is being observed. Coincidently, she has been doing research into the cure. Other professionals are working with her. I have spoken to the I.C.W Potions guild. She is my personal healer after all, so I am informed about what is cutting edge within the healing profession. She is the best. I can afford the best, Lord Nott."
House Black began to flex the type of power they had in the old days, and everybody remembered Arcturus Black.
Harry who had caught Sirius and Priya snuggling on the couch in her flat one night had butted in and commented, "Sirius, you are aware that you will be required to have an Indian wedding and you might have to dance a Bollywood number? Ah, the perks of marrying an Indian woman eh…"
"Joke is on you pup, I love to dance. Makes me forget all those damned dementor cloaks." Sirius joked, although there was a slightly haunted look in his eye. Priya's face had become a tomato.
"How long have you known?" the dusky coloured woman asked.
"I was sneaking around Valentine's day, and I saw. But I think everyone knows and nobody is bothered. I kinda like this. I feel like a normal person now. I have a mum and dad of sorts. Maybe we need some love in the air to cheer me up. I cherish such small things now." he replied, as his voice seemed sad. Priya adjusted herself and Harry sat in the middle, almost as if he was in the middle of his real biological family. He seemed distressed by something else. She nodded at Sirius before she explored the situation a little further.
"What has you upset? I guess you still get nightmares from the two operations?" Priya asked.
"Not so much. We have been tracking the narcotics and weapons. International child trafficking ring. All magical. Organ trade. Kidnapping. An unknown mafia in Europe – not sure if they are locals or it is an international operation. International politics are complicated, and we are looking at at least eighteen months of mindless banter. And you already know, what I am going to do when they send us.
My world is very dark, but little jokes like right now make it bright for a bit." Harry replied.
"You will find Harry, and there will be no you and Hermione on the next mission, whatever it is. Remus and I will be coming. And we are prepared to do what we must. We trust William to have it handled. He told us that we are ready." Sirus replied.
"You sure about that?" Harry asked.
"Yes. This is what is right. I have been deployed on Auror missions before and James and I were very good at sneaking around. And as much as I wish he was here with me to put the scum down, this time after the experiences I have had, Remus and I will be there. And we will not hesitate to kill." Sirius insisted.
"And I will be waiting to patch up all of you, no matter how bad the injury. No, we will fight all of them to all to the end. Yes, sweetie, the badger has found her teeth." Priya replied as she played with Harry's hair.
"Good. Hug me like I was your biological child, and hug me as if both of you have been married for twelve years." Harry replied. As he leaned back into the couch. Harry spent the next hour and had seen a movie.
Lilly and James who had been looking on were pleased.
"I think not attending their future wedding is something I will miss. We will have to look on, won't we husband?" Lilly insisted.
"I think so. I have to say that while you have warned me about his activities, he manages well by himself enough. Hermione keeps an eye on him?" James grinned.
"Our boy deserves what he has down there. He, Hermione and the rest? They deserve it all, husband." Lilly replied.
Gringotts had taken an unusual position concerning their upgraded transportation system. They had sent the Daily Prophet a retaining order - any article published about Gringotts without their express permission, would result in the full extent of the law being brought down on the media house. And any involved parties would be stripped of their Gringotts accounts worldwide. That alone had put the fear of God into the Daily Prophet, and they had not bothered to pursue the matter. Rita Skeeter immediately understood that she did not have any permission to publish anything, but she wondered what had occurred that was so significant. The new hover cart system had made itself known at Gringotts, and now people were spending less than two minutes for withdrawals. For many, the newly lit plastic tunnels were indications that the Artificing Guild had been contracted to build infrastructure. Of course, the ability to roll out the new system overnight was a result of the hard work of Harry, Hermione and the newest recruit, Daphne.
After Harry, Hermione and Daphne had worked on the solution for the segment production many almost ten weeks ago, the previous space was now operating at a far better production rate. The Goblins were manufacturing six hundred complete tunnel segments a day, and the payout had been adjusted to include Daphne. She was earning seven per cent on a project that would eventually cause her to earn more galleons than she could ever hope to count. From the middle to June early August had been fifty days of constant production. The thirty thousand units that had been sold to external parties had resulted in half a million galleons in her bank account.
Now Hogwarts would begin in one week, and the pair of girls were just chatting in the workshop.
"You know what Mione? I am not taking the scholarship. I am going to train and help you with personal research. I do not need to fuss." Daphne had explained to her friend.
"You might have to take over some of our things, as we deal with uni. It is going to be rough for us Daffy. We got greedy and decided on minors too, in challenging fields." Hermione ruefully related to the snake.
"I might enjoy the management. I don't spend irresponsibly, but I am going to buy all designer items for my Hogwarts wardrobe. I, unlike other people, have my closet in my Hogsmeade apartment. Love the salary from that tunnel project!" Daphne laughed.
"Space is important, for doing things. Gred and Forge bought heavy equipment. They have a small machine shop for their fabrication projects. Harry was too happy to expand the basement and to apparate the equipment. The shelter is complete too." Hermione explained.
"Just to get Hogwarts things now. Nobody visits bookstores in Diagon alley anymore for textbooks. Most of them are now selling unique titles, dataslates and Quidditch stuff. Only Gilderoy Lockhart's textbooks have to be bought in the store?"
"Oh Daffy, you should have seen the look on their faces, when Lorna told them that they would act as verification hubs for the Instant Messaging update and that they would get a commission on it. Between that and the sale from smaller publishers, it seems that they are making higher profits."
"So they won't be driven out of business then?" Daphne asked.
"No. Harry did not want to leave anyone in the cold. We have a line of accessories for the data slate, that only Diagon alley bookstores will sell. It is a digital ecosystem with things like House icons, themes, custom emotes and those types of things. We have extra front options, small embellishments and stickers? People will buy them, just like video game microtransactions.
As for Gilderoy Lockhart, the rumour is that he is a fraud. I cannot believe that his entire textbook line does not have a single actual written spell. Lockhart was angry when he was told that 'the Guild' found his seven textbooks to be substandard and that he would have to supply bookstores the traditional way. Harry and I were in utter shock that something like this could happen. It is like the Ministry doesn't even pay attention to the curriculum?" Hermione enquired, as the scandalous look plastered her facial expressions.
"The magical world is different – Dumbledore is the authority on what goes on at Hogwarts. And the rumour is that the DADA job is jinxed. Maybe Dumbledore could not get anyone else?" Daphne wondered – the Defense Against the Dark Arts jinx was now a truth that everyone had accepted.
"Harry and I will see if there is any kind of enchantment that was cast to accomplish that. It might be handy to turn that feature on and off when we need it. They already believe that the Killer Bunny Rabbit is real. How braindead can you get?" Hermione wondered as she looked at some of Daphne's work.
"Anyway Mione, this might be a good feature to have if we wanted to do any type of sensor blending. I can superimpose the predator vision and other stuff, and I figured this out by accident. I found this equation inside your camera module for the data slate and I tweaked it. Look at this here and…"
Both of the girls continued to work on the data slate, as they attempted to open the entire magical world to a safe form of instant messaging and video calling.
Later that day, Harry appeared in the workshop.
"Oi Private Greengrass, I have a solution to a problem that you and Tracey have, which is the adoring masses of ambitious young male scions of the….dastardly houses." Harry joked, with a grin on his face.
"Oh?" Daphne inquired.
"I have two rings that I found in the Peverell Vault. These were rings that were given to other allied Houses. Sadly the lines are dead. I would like both of you to use them as betrothal rings to fool the idiots."
"That is….…actually a good idea." Daphne pondered and asked, "Do you have them?"
Harry then opened his palm and then Daphne found herself looking at rings that were far gaudier than marriage rings.
"Wow. Nice pieces. Are you going to put that ring on my finger, Mr Potter?" Daphne asked cheekily. Hermione knew to a certain extent that she was probing the situation. She smiled and watched the interaction so she could get a laugh. Harry, on the other hand, did not seem to give off the vibe of a lovesick boy. He even seemed to give Daphne the 'best friend' treatment.
"Oh Daphne my sweet summer rose, will thoust grant me the privilege of thyst eternal, lifelong companionship? I promise thou to handle the housework, feed you trash food and rub your feet?" Harry said jokingly as he knelt on his knee.
"Slip that ring on my hand right now, Mr Potter," Daphne said, in a voice that was a little too excited. Harry slipped on the ring and then muttered, "Welcome to lifelong slavery, you are my lab partner now!" before he disapparated. Hermione and Daphne were now laughing.
Hermione leaned in and said, "So progress, huh?"
"I don't know. Harry knows I like him, and he thinks it is funny. He wasn't serious. All he ever thinks about is the war, and weapons and bombs. He doesn't even seem to have a big sex drive with all those muscles and development. And even if he did, have you seen my pubescent body?"
Hermione know exactly why this was the case. She and Harry were using a potion to suppress their sex drive, and they had even jokily named it 'the pacifier'. Without it, their sex drives were a distraction. Hermione decided to comfort Daphne, in any case.
"Relax you will grow into your figure with hard work. Just keep up with the exercise. And for the record, Harry digs the smart chicks. You are definitely on the way. A dumb slag gets him turned off quickly. A bimbo type had asked him for his number on campus, and Harry's face had frozen over! It was funny!" Hermione laughed.
"Good to know. I do like how this ring looks on my hand. You better believe I am going to show it off!" Daphne laughed.
With the changes that had been brought about by the dataslate, now most of the traditional bookstores sold the item. Hogwarts had been forced to change its equipment list. Professor McGonagall had considered that there was little choice in the matter, as nobody was interested in lugging around textbooks. And yet, it had worked out for the better, with her recent visits. Albus strangely enough was not upset.
"I guess the Guild has changed a lot of things. Now the school trunk is primarily for clothes and potions equipment." Albus commented.
"Albus, I visited some new muggleborn students who were not interested in learning magic. One of them asked me if they used tablets at school when they saw my data slate. I indicated that it was a recent change and that it was a magical version of the muggle item. The boy begged his mother to send him. It seems that only very expensive Muggle secondary schools use the muggle equivalents. Most muggle children are still using books. I was able to convince four others who were not planning to attend to come, because of this? I was pleased with the unexpected development." Minerva explained.
"Perhaps the guild desired for us to be ahead? Sadly I could not find anyone to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. I suspect that Gilderoy Lockhart is a fraud, but I invited him anyway. Not having a teacher for the post would cause a nationwide scandal. Then, the Guild banned his seven textbooks from their catalogue. I am already getting letters. Parents are complaining that their children do not want to lug around their textbooks, which have to be purchased via the traditional method. All seven of them." Albus replied.
"I cannot help but admire how thorough they are – I think they are what we need. As a private business, they have done much to increase educational outcomes. I don't know what issues are present between the Storm Lord and the Guild, but I honestly enjoyed his Christmas gift. I am waiting for a very special day to wear those robes too! Make no mistake, I would like to see some of the ideas from those textbooks implemented in our system. Those books were….something else. We are sadly behind for educational outcomes too." Minerva explained.
"I understand. Strangely enough, I got letters from our favourite five students, yesterday. As you know they are all friends, although Ms Davis and Ms Greengrass are careful in public. All of them are requesting to write the Transfiguration NEWT and other subjects directly. Will you be able to facilitate them? I have to speak to the other professors." Albus asked, with a smile on his face.
"Albus, I…...no student has ever requested such an arrangement before. Not for NEWT level exams. I will test them privately and if they are truly that competent, I will make the arrangements. Arent the seven core OWL subjects compulsory?" Minerva asked, shocked at the boldness of such a request.
"I can provide special arrangements if I so choose. And in any case, they are planning to write NEWT level exams for all of them. So the requirement that the OWLs must be met is automatically fulfilled. And they want to attempt three of them, Minerva."
"But how is this possible Albus? How can they be ready?"
"Private tuition. They can afford it. My last visit to Molly's business was to collect information. Molly, Ms Singh and even Mr Padfoot are not aware that the business is linked to the Storm-Lord. As for the three subjects…Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions."
"Did you find out exactly who are their tutors?" Minerva asked.
"Luna introduced the group to Master Painter Clementine Delacour's grandaughters, Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. Their father, Luis Delacour is the Head Auror of France. They visited the Delacour manor for the holidays, and cast spells all day for amusement. Then, it seems that Griz Arbanoz at the I.C.W Potioneering guild is teaching Ronald potions. That seems to be Augusta's involvement. They were even given a tour of Beauxbatons and they met Madam Maxine. They speak French somewhat well. Neville's letter was informative." Albus explained as he was happy that Neville was making progress and building contacts. After all, he would need these skills for the war.
"Oh Albus, how could I not enjoy the success of my students? Luna is becoming famous for beautiful paintings. How did the Greengrasses and the Davis family get involved?" the Transfiguration mistress asked.
"It seems Minerva, that the Storm-Priestess uses the Greengrass and the Davis family to acquire potion ingredients and other miscellaneous items. The Storm-Lord also sells mining gear to the Goblins. Arthur was given a job, along with Lord Greengrass and Lord Davis. The Storm Bringers use large amounts of resources and they are networking suppliers. And I cannot say how that is related to the Guild – I have to admit that the Gringotts experience is quite efficient. The Goblins have no problem purchasing whatever they need, as a neutral party from both sides."
"Have you uncovered any more information, that could be useful to understand the new players?" Minerva queried.
"Arthur was able to provide a mining cannon and the other implements that they sell, for my examination. It seems that the same spell that was used in the Diagon Alley attack also can shatter rock, and melt steel. I now have an understanding of how the Azkaban door hinge was melted beyond repair. I do not understand the materials. All I can tell you is that its structure is exquisite. Permanent transfiguration not to convert one item into another, but to weave different materials together in new ways. Alex had to assist us with the disassembly. The entire thing was mostly built out of high quality steel. And halfway through the disassembly, the device destroyed itself to prevent its secrets from being revealed. All we have now is a melted mess." Albus explained, totally dismayed.
"Albus do not lie to me. You enjoy these excursions very much. These new people, whether it is the Guild or the Storm-Bringers, they keep you challenged!" the lioness insisted.
"Perhaps Minerva, perhaps. I will speak to the Professors. If our star students are focusing on their studies and they are doing well, perhaps this will be good for us." Albus commented, as he stroked his beard.
"You are hoping that they might join the Order of the Phoenix if he…returns?" Minerva asked.
"That could be the other reason why they are pushing themselves. If the Storm Lord knows of the Dark Lord's return, he could be preparing them indirectly. He has given Augusta anonymous information. Lord Black might be involved too. I spoke to Lord Black, and the Storm Lord does not want to meet me. He thinks I should have dealt with the last war, with mass amounts of bloodshed." Albus explained, with a disapproving tone in his voice.
"What should we do, Albus?" Minerva asked, torn between the decisions that Albus had to balance. She had not forgiven him for Snape's involvement in Lilly's death. However, she considered her students her children. And nobody would touch her children, as far as she was concerned.
"Why, we allow our students to acquire resources and to learn magic to the best of their capability. We play their game, and we wait until the Storm-Bringers play their hand?" Albus replied. Minerva frowned, before nodding uneasily. She did not like this, but the cooperation toward long term goals was important.
"No games here Dumbles. This is my stage, and I am the puppet master" Harry replied, as he began to review his wine sales, which he had handed off to some of the new employees at the kitchen.
Gilderoy Lockhart stood in Flourish and Botts, and a particular type of crowd had arrived to meet him. The majority were women, who were not getting much attention at home from their husbands. Of course, perhaps his marketing campaign had worked well into tricking the unsuspecting females. He was well dressed by wizarding standards, and he seemed to be charming in a very victorian fashion.
Hermione and Harry had accompanied Lorna under their cloak, as she made arrangements for the sale of the attachments for the data slate, while the flamboyant man pranced up and down. When Neville and the rest had been given special arrangements to pursue their subjects, their booklist items had changed and now included only seventh year supplies. However, it seemed that every single year of the Defense Against the Dark Arts utilised the same seven textbooks, and Lorna made arrangements for a business-to-business transaction that would send five sets of the textbook via portkey, only to upkeep appearances.
"He looks like a rapist with that hairstyle" Hermione commented, over the silenced communicator.
"He does. He also looks like a con-man to me. Probably a narcissist. Can you feel it, there is going to be some funny shit at Hogwarts this year. Oh look! Shirley Temple and Legally Blond are here!" Harry replied.
As they observed the commotion, the man revealed himself, and introduced his publication 'Magical Me', along with his entire line of books. Most of the clapping came from the older witches – students were the minority crowd in the store. Then, the man observed the presence of Draco Malfoy and was only too happy to shake the boy's hand as he smiled for the Daily Prophet picture. Now Gilderoy was hugging Draco across the shoulder, as he explained to the rest of the people in the store:
"When the young scion, Draco Malfoy stepped into Flourish and Botts to purchase my autobiography, Magical Me, which incidentally is celebrating its 27th week in second place, on the Daily Prophet bestseller list, he had no idea that he, in fact, would be leaving with my entire collected works, free of charge. Now….ladies?"
Now the witches were swarming to get his autograph. As Harry and Hermione were preparing to leave the store, they observed when Amelia Bones and Susan Bones arrived, and ran into the father and son pair.
"Lady Bones." Lucius greeted the woman, with every word dripping with disdain.
"Lord Malfoy," Amelia replied, very neutrally.
"I find it strange that a pureblood witch like yourself, has been very receptive to some of the recent policies," Lucius asked.
"More inclusive olicies? My duty is to uphold the law and to treat everyone fairly! What type of idiotic question is that?" Amelia asked crossly. Harry and Hermione already liked her. She was a totally no-nonsense witch.
"Merely a question about our cultural preservation. My job is to make the law. Do you think you are setting a good example for young Susan over here?" Lucius asked. Susan was now nervous, as Draco watched her. Lucius shifted his body and leaned into Amelia. Then the father and son pair began to trot towards the door of the bookstore.
"See you at school," Draco replied before they pushed their way through the front door.
The journey to Hogwarts on September the 1st had been uneventful. Fred and George were selling posters with the slogan, "Support our Lord and Saviour, The Killer Bunny Rabbit." They had sold at least six hundred copies easily. Charlie and Nymphadora were no longer students. Percy was now a year six student and was the oldest Weasley at the school. The new students in Harry's corner at Hogwarts were Astoria and Ginny. They had chosen a compartment and had locked it with a forcefield lock and a proximity sensor.
Draco Malfoy was now looking for Astoria, and he attempted to barge into the compartment that contained Daphne and Tracey. Daphne decided to entertain him, as she opened the door with her wand pointed to Malfoy's chest. Malfoy looked a bit scared, but Daphne lowered the wand and invited Draco and his gang. As the midday beams of sunlight passed through the window, it glinted off the huge topaz in Tracey's ring and the sapphire gem in Daphne's ring. Suddenly Draco was very shocked.
"Afternoon Draco. Sorry about that, I like quiet when I am reading. How can I help you this afternoon?" Daphne asked cordially, with an easygoing smile.
"I was looking for your sister. I thought she would be here?" Draco asked.
"She decided to go off on her own. Draco, I have no quarrel with you. As I explained, my sister was there at Diagon alley last year, and she was traumatized by the incident. She will not take kindly to the presence of Vincent and Gregory." Daphne explained, as she idly waved her hand. The entire group was still standing, and the refracted light caused a kaleidoscope of colours.
"And what is she going to do?" Pansy asked, as she openly stared at the ring.
"She has been attacking trees all day with swords and bows. And then she stole my father's wand and began to fire off Bombardas, Stunners and Incendios. Yes, she can cast them reliably. Honestly, she could just skip three years of Defense Against the Dark Arts, at this point." Daphne explained, humorously.
"Your lying!" Pansy replied.
"Try your luck. I have always been honest with the lot of you?" Daphne replied. Now the snakes were silent – Daphne had always been honest with the group, and everyone else in House Slytherin. This admission infuriated the pug.
"Pans, relax. I could not help but notice your nice shiny rings. Did somebody sign a marriage contract?" Blaise asked.
"Correct. Blaise why don't you and the rest sit down with the rest, and I can tell you about it?" Daphne suggested.
"Why not? You had an eventful summer, it seems?" the dark-skinned boy replied, as he grinned. Blaise and Theodore sat down. Draco waved his hand, and Gregory and Vincent left. Now Draco and Pansy were on the other side of the compartment.
"So what happened?" Blaise asked.
"I was invited to France to participate in a runes competition. I met someone and he was better than me. His mother and father also qualify to join a guild, but they haven't taken their oaths of silence yet. That is where they forgo their identities, by the way. And yes, he wasn't French. He was an international participant like myself." Daphne explained.
"And the reason for not taking the oath is?" Draco asked.
"Well if they took the oaths, they would not be able to interact with their son. And if their son took the oath along with his parents, he will not be able to continue the line, as they would all be cut off from public interaction. So the way the system works is that they generally will only consider a witch who also has the same talent, for their son. And then you marry into the family and everyone takes the oath. That way they continue to be a family. That is how the primary and secondary thing works if you remember from the Quidditch broadcasts." Tracey explained.
Draco and Pansy were not pleased about Tracey being involved in the explanation but then they wanted to find out her story also.
"That seems sensible enough?" Blaise replied.
"Oh, there are sacrifices to be made. If I take the oath, my parents and my sister will never see my face again. Daphne Greengrass will be dead. And I will live in France and you will never see me in magical England ever again." Daphne replied cooly. Draco and the rest became white with fear, as they considered that she had already said yes.
"You took the offer? What did your father say?" Balise asked.
"He said that if it made me happy, he would support me. And then the guy, well he is razor smart, is tall, has a lot of muscles and is very kind. And genuinely funny! I signed on the spot because I want him for myself! Took oaths and I was a happy girl. I have to prove myself and keep their secrets. And I have to prove myself by sitting all my NEWTs before the end of year five. And I have to get all Outstandings."
"What if you don't succeed?" Blaise asked.
"Oh, I will lose my magic?" Daphne replied as she grinned. And this confused the rest of the visiting snakes in the compartment.
"Loose your…magic? Write all your NEWTs before year five?" Pansy shrieked.
"Yes, their rules are simple. Either you are ambitious and you can perform, or you are not capable. That is the stakes you are playing for. Fail and be stripped of your gift. No magic." Daphne replied.
"What about you Tracey? What is your story?" Blaise asked.
"I was promised for a favour that was owed to a foreign house. Our arrangement isn't for love, it's political. A French House serves the guild as a proxy. I have to marry, but I am allowed a sidepiece. But I got a handsome one and he might be interested in another. He likes variety and he can afford two witches. And you know, I just might decide I want some of the other woman too?" Tracey replied as she tried to be perverted as possible.
"If that floats your boat, why not?" Blaise laughed. Draco and Pansy became uncomfortable. Many purebloods did not approve of same-sex relationships or anything that wasn't traditional. Tracey continued to paste on the narrative.
"The funniest bit was when Daphne and I ran into each other at the same competition. Seems they all know each other, but then that isn't too different from magical England, isn't it? I think you Draco appreciate that, as you understand that everyone important knows your father." Tracey replied, as she patronised the boy and his face took on an approving look. While he considered Tracey to be scum, he would never pass on a free compliment.
"And what if someone was to harm you?" Pansy asked.
"Any move or assault made against me will bring down the wrath of the entire guild. Tracey has the same protection as a bride to a guild proxy. And these people do not negotiate. Nor do they care about blood war. Touch us, and they are coming to kill first. And if you have allies, they are killing them too. The French do not mess around with this sort of thing, one bit." Tracey replied, with amusement. The revelation of the last Christmas article written by Skeeter hung in the air. The Malfoys had run away from France for the same reason. She then continued:
"Do you think it is a coincidence that these promise rings are far more intricate than wedding rings? Married women in England aren't packing these kinds of beauties. You will also notice that both of us are wearing only the finest French Designer pieces with our uniforms. We received some nice gifts. And pure Acromantula uniforms too. Can't let the others get one up on us…." Daphne replied.
"I guess that is…acceptable. They are purebloods?" Draco asked.
"They are. One more thing Draco. Your family, they aren't welcome in France. They asked if I knew you as a Hogwarts student, and I lied because I didn't want to participate in the conversation. They did not say nice things about your family. I only mention this because if Astoria gets an offer from someone at the Guild, your job is to leave the issue alone. Otherwise, they are coming for you." Daphne continued, as suddenly the boy became distressed. This angered Pansy, and Daphne was satisfied with her mental volley for the afternoon. Draco was now deathly pale, as he sealed his lips and he said nothing.
"I think you should announce your situation Triumvirate. That way we won't have any incidents. Congratulations to both of you. Those are nice statement pieces, I have to admit." Balise responded, with a smile on his face.
"Thanks, Blaise. Look for the rest of you, I have to score top grades in my NEWT exams or the contract becomes null and void, and I lose my magic. That is the penalty," the ice princess reiterated.
"Sounds risky? Is it worth it?" Theodore yelled. Daphne understood that he disapproved.
"Yes? Their application of magic is far beyond mastery level magic. Their motto is simple. Swim or Sink. If you can't swim, you lose everything. The most ambitious should have everything. They are the most Slytherin people I have ever met." Daphne reiterated – she knew that Draco and Pansy would make a beeline for her eventually when they got bored.
"Well shit. But I think that you will succeed. And if you bring glory to House Slytherin, all the better for us. I hope you give the golden trio competition." Blaise replied.
"Why thank you, Blaise. You understand what matters. Tracey has decided to attempt the exams with me to keep me company. And while I have no quarrel with the trio either, you bet I am going to parade this ring in their faces.
Look Draco, I don't have time to play politics. Both of us are leaving in four years, and our families are leaving too. While they will not be able to speak to us, our families have been offered millions of galleons as compensation. I can't say how much, but it is more than the entire wealth of many local Houses here. More than your family's wealth, probably.
I have my work cut out for me, and if anyone interferes with me, whether directly or indirectly, be careful that they don't come for you. Yes we can talk, yes we are friends, and yes I will provide intel, but ultimately England doesn't have anything for us. As for my sister Draco, you will have to change her mind, if you want to be friends. And then if she is leaving because she found a match, it might not matter anyway."
"This was informative, Daphne. Congratulations?" Draco replied in a forced manner. He realised that his recruitment of Daphne and Tracey did not matter. The Greengrass and Davis families would leave England. He wondered if he could convince Astoria to stay. Theodore looked completely defeated – he had a date with a bottle of scotch, in a couple of hours. After Draco and his group of goons left, Daphne and Tracey were laughing. Harry's idea had been brilliant, but Lorna's suggestions had been the icing on the cake.
"I think we have bought ourselves some peace?" Daphne giggled, as soon as the security measures were in place once again.
"Sure. All we have to do is escape the yearly death traps and play them all for fools. And who knows maybe you will get the guy after all. He did put a ring on your finger!" Tracey teased.
"Look who is talking. Is Hannah Abbott the intended sidepiece?" Daphne asked.
"Maybe? And who said anything about a sidepiece? That is the main course for dinner!" Tracey replied as she stuck her tongue out.
The train had arrived at the Hogsmeade Station and Astoria and Ginny sat in a boat all by themselves, as they looked at the castle, with the other first years. For them, the experience was not brand new. They had watched enough drone footage. According to them, they were hunting for 'great places to launch rockets'. Their ALB or Anti Occulumency Band had protected them from the Sorting Hat Enchantment – They knew exactly what would happen. The rest of the students had taken carriages to Hogwarts. When they arrived, they unpacked their belongings at Hogwarts. As the other students filtered into the Great Hall, the new year one students waited for Minerva's signature yearly address. Eventually, the new students walked from the reception building into the Great Hall, and the Sorting Hat carried out its duty as the names were called one by one.
"Astoria Greengrass?" Professor McGonagall announced.
The sorting was in progress, and the Sorting Hat already had a faint idea of the general shenanigans of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. As the hat was placed on the girl's head, he was excited to see what he would find:
"Ah, Hello Ms Greengrass. So the prank continues, and it only gets better." the Sorting Hat commented.
"I am a gryff. If you tell me otherwise you are going to explode, right now. I have fucking grenades in my pocket!" Astoria replied as she summoned the basic occulumentic barriers that Harry had thought her.
"Excellent mental mindscape for a first year student. But Neville and Luna were no different. Best not to tempt fate then? Oh, I like your spunk! Did you learn how to speak sailor from Harry eh? At least you are exciting. I do hope you cause some impressive explosions around the castle. Oh, it was rewarding to get an update on Harry and Hermione's progress. Your group is being trained far beyond the capability of Aurors. And I am seeing a deliberate attempt to cast wandless magic. Not many children can say that they have played hide and seek with a dragon. And you might be the first to be cured of a blood curse?"
"Thank you. Daffodil is like our youngest sister, I guess. Maybe I might bring my go-kart to Hogwarts. It has the right kind of tracks for a fun time." Astoria laughed.
"Let the chaos continue then. Have fun at your apartment. Off you go!" the Sorting Hat replied.
Professor McGonagall was very surprised when the hat roared:
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Draco and the rest of the Slytherins were looking at Daphne, but she didn't seem troubled. She seemed quite pleased with her sister's placement. She clapped loudly for her sister, and there was much whispering at the Slytherin table. Albus Dumbledore began to suspect that Astoria and Ginny were good friends, as they had talked animatedly with each other, before the sorting.
"Ginny Weasley?" Professor McGonagall announced after a great deal of the other students were sorted. The Sorting Hat began its usual background checks.
"Ah Hello to you too. You are fascinating Ginny. I already know all the plans, and you know this. You could easily qualify for Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. I take it you prefer to stay with Astoria?" the Sorting Hat asked.
"Yes. It is better for Harry like that. I want to make the Ravenclaws in my year suffer. Harry lent me his mum's journal and sometimes I feel like she speaks to me, through the pages. I do see the value of being a Claw, camping in the Lion's common room. How about a prank?" Ginny suggested.
"As Harry Potter would say, DONE! Have fun, and keep me entertained Ginny Weasley. I am waiting for the second deathtrap any day now. I do hope I meet that dragon!"
"We can sneak her in? And if you want to hang out with us, we can steal you and you can take a walk with us in Hogsmeade. It must get boring in the Headmaster's office, all he does is plot?" Ginny suggested to the Sorting Hat.
"I think I will like that very much Ginny! Perhaps I should meet Grace Storm-Talon indeed. I will ask Albus for you and the other one to take me for a walk. He will be pleased, and he will think that you and Astoria are special."
"Excuse me, I am very special?" Ginny replied humorously.
"Yes, you are Ginny Weasley! Off you go!" the Sorting Hat replied.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Ginny sat next to Astoria and the other pureblood Gryffindors seemed weary until Percy personally welcomed Astoria openly in front of everyone. Next, Gilderoy Lockhart was introduced as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and many of the younger students were eager to be taught by the rockstar wizard. Older students who knew better wondered how long he would last. No defence teacher had ever lasted more than a year at a time. The NEWT level students were concerned about the quality of their lessons – all seven of the Defense Against the Dark Arts books did not contain anything substantial, and many of them were wondering how they could teach themselves. As conversations about self-study occurred, Astoria began cracking jokes that the other purebloods did not understand.
"I am telling you, the new teacher is going to be as good as Jar Jar Binks!" Astoria joked as she ate a disproportionate amount of food, complete with all the dainty manners she had learnt for Delacour Manor.
"Are you a muggleborn?" Colin Creevy asked.
"Worse buddy. I am a pureblood who loves Star Wars. I eat Big Macs and I think bombs and missiles are cool. My goal in life is to own my personal Warthog and Scorpion tank from the Halo games." Astoria replied, without a single pause.
"Hey, she knows about Halo!" a boy brightly explained.
"Wort! Wort! Wort! AAAAWUBADUGH!" Astoria replied, and suddenly she was hit with the muggleborn wizards. You had to be one of the boys to know the characteristic sound of the elites in the Halo games. Another Gryffindor boy asked, "Do you know Ginny?"
"Sure. We built a potato cannon and then a go-kart, earlier this year, at my house. With no magical bits. Yes, we are that cool." Astoria replied.
"How did you build a muggle item?" one of the other pureblood first year students asked.
"With an Angle Grinder, a Welder, help from a big strong machinist and a lot of bloody fingers? Oh, and a hardware visit?" Astoria replied casually.
"But you know magic too right?" the boy asked.
"No, I don't. That is why we all come here, Captain Obvious!" Astoria cheekily answered, as Minerva walked by and smiled. The girl reminded her of Sirius Black very much – the odd one out in a traditionally Slytherin family, although the Greengrass family was not dark.
The first month in the seventh year was spent reviewing previous material, as the final curriculum content was best executed when students knew the fundamentals. Minerva along with Horace had discussed how they would test their new students. It was expected that Gilderoy Lockhart would not produce any concrete, dependable information. Horace made his way to the Slytherin common room, to supervise the first Triumvirate meeting of the term, for Slytherin house.
The talk had gotten around in the staff room. Neville and the other four were doing Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Transfiguration at the NEWT level. As a result, the other professors were not expecting to see them until they were ready to attempt their subjects.