Sword/Hogwarts
Before we start YES it was inspired by Sword and Stone, I IMMENSELY enjoy reading it, even if there are a bit of errors, such as in the names or small spelling mistakes, also, there is no pairing, EMIYA is a big boy in a small body at the moment, even he would find that BEYOND cringe. Also it is NOT wandcalibur… keep reading to find out
FYI this whole story is written on my smartphone, just in case, by the by, I have a sick dog that I am caring for, if anyone would care to help with a small donation I will put the website you can visit to help me care for her, my dog currently have a few tumors and is undergoing chemo, twice a week, plus medications that I have to get, it gets rather expensive, so I am asking for help, any bit helps, please look me up on ko-fi as haseosanimation0773. You may also help by subscribing to my YouTube channel. I am a new Vtuber Named Tsuki Haseo (channel name: Tsuki Haseo Ch.)
Chapter 2: Instigations.
After shopping was done Emiya decided to rest a bit, the wand he received gave him mixed feelings, he analyzed the wand… it was not what everyone thought, if people knew the REAL story of this wand…
It was not a wand, it was a staff that had shrunk to pass inadvertently and be inconspicuous, it was one that a certain philanderer flowery magus used.
The same who shaped a king.
To have a REAL arthurian legend relic in his hands just made him nervous, if anyone of his world knew of this, forget sealing designation, he would be prime target for assassination as to claim ownership of such thing.
Thankfully he was dead in his other world and a servant, perhaps it could become his noble phantasm in time? He doubted it, and had no desire to be a Hero of Justice.
There is a reason why the lady of justice is always depicted as blindfolded, and it's not to be impartial.
It is depicted as so, so she would not see… see the horrors committed in her name.
Justice is not fair nor kind.
He learned that too late.
Yet, eating an ice cream with the giant of a man and the young girl, those memories fell so far away now.
Since it was her birthday he decided to gift her something, thankfully while still undeveloped his circuits were enough to trace a perfect copy of a mystic code, it was a bracelet that had a function of purifying curses, it would not help with the parasitic entity in her, but any curses hoaxes dine to her, would have a buffer before reaching her, so they would be severely lowered. Obviously the killing curse would be exempted, as it was a mystic code its power was not that high, but 3 steps below that was fair game.
He excused himself to the bathroom and recreated the mystic code, however he noted that degradation had not started, no, it would be fair to say that the item made was as "real" as it can be.
Another difference in the laws of magic? Not important at the moment, but something that needed to be studied in due time.
He sneaked out and asked for it to be put in a small box and wrapped.
He came back and gave her the amulet, it was more of a bracelet, and she put it on, the brace snapped itself, not only it served for that but her healing would also be increased, so her malnutrition would be solved in due time, this item used a but of her magic energy and stored it, and then slowly begins to heal the body in a passive way.
She was so grateful and gave him a hug, Haggrid noted something odd, he waited till Iris left for the bathroom "Hey, young lad, that bracelet, it had sum magic properties right?"
Emiya nodded, "I am sure you know that she is suffering from malnutrition and as a 'celebrity' she us bound to get in trouble, regardless of her desire, the bracelet has a double function, if works as a buffer against curses and hexes, and provides a boost in passive healing by using a but if the users magic energy, as she grows the bracelet will become stronger, it will only break if someone tries to use a killing curse, giving her a chance to escape if possible" he said.
"You a good lad, but where did you get sumething like that? You are a muggleborn… and new to this world so how did ye get something like that?" He asked.
Emiya just smiled as he put a finger on his lips "Rather than questioning the gift, would it not be much better to have one thing less to worry about?"
Hagrid smiled. "Aye… that be true"
After all was done, there was only one thing left to do, and so they went to Madame Walkins store, Emiya had an instant distaste for the robes, but conceded once he saw the protection it gave, it was low, but it was still a mystic code, it made it so it didn't get dirty and was hard to damage, the materials were mundane, or, as mundane as it can get with the magical in this world, he deduced that with reinforcement, this could have a rather good protection for magic of C rank.
He asked if they had other more… "exotic" materials for robes…
He was not prepared for it..
Freaking dragon hide.
It was too much for his wallet, but he made note that dragons existed and that if possible he would hunt one and have an armor or something like that made of the materials… hopefully there was no dragon such as Fafnir or Ddraig in this world.
As they got their measures done a blond boy had come, Emiya instantly smelled trouble from him.
He didn't have many memories of his time as a human, just snippets really, but the blond boy reminded him of a blue seaweed haired kid he knew, he had the same arrogant and mightier than thou look on his face.
In short an arrogant brat and a braggart, in other words a boy who was a costume to all things going his way, if it wasn't clear by the way he acted, then the way he insulted Hagrid surely nailed the final nail in the coffin. He didn't even notice the cold and quite frankly, death glare Iris was giving him.
Still Emiya made sure to calm her down, as he figured that the boy would also mean trouble, he explained to her that the boy seems to be of an old and established magical family, and thus his lineage and blood ties would surely endanger her should she retaliate. And so, he advised her to wait till they are at school, where said things would mean little to nothing, and retaliate in kind.
He did, however, trace Medusa's chain and stake and used it to trip him. He might be a kid, but a brat is still a brat and thus should be disciplined.
Hagrid said said his farewells as he took Iris, "I have high hope of ye kid, I am sure you will 'ave a good time in 'ogwards"
And so Emiya went back to the orphanage , while the staff was informed of Emiya's leaving for boarding school, none knew the true nature of the place m, he had been given a ticket that allowed him entry, he was to go to 9 and station at kings roads.
It would be easy for him, he had asked the store owner if he could place a charm on his luggage, which he did, it would last at least a week.
He could carry it, should he chosen to reinforce his body, but seeing a child his age do that, it would make people look twice.
He waited till the day he was to leave for school, he decided to make a grand breakfast, and so he made a traditional Japanese breakfast. They had never eaten such a thing before, but knowing it came from him, it would undoubtedly be good.
As usual Emiya did not disappoint, a miso soup, with some fish and plain rice, a bit of ginger and lemon and some eggs, it made for a simple yet satisfying meal.
They all said their farewells as he took the bus to the train station.
Inside he saw young Iris, looking around, surely looking for the entrance of the station with such a weird number.
"Hello Iris, it seems you are looking for the entrance uh?" Emiya asked.
She nodded "I was worried that it was an elaborate prank from my uncle and aunt… thankfully you being here cleared a few things"
"Follow me, I think I sniffed out the entrance" Emiya said with a smirk.
"Snuffed ou-wait for me" Iris yelled as she followed behind.
"Uhmm yes it should be behind here, it seems it is heavily concealed, any non magical person would have their mind altered into ignoring anything 20 feet around it, excellent bounded field to hide from normal people, but I think it could use improvements" Emiya said to himself as Irish came pushing a trolley with her stuff.
In it her owl Hedwig laid dormant.
Emiya placed his hand on the wall and it phased trough, "come on in miss Iris"
Iris lightly blushed as Emiya gave a warm smile, even as a kid that smile still hit its target.
As they passed through a herd of red haired children and their mother and father passed moments after.
They were all chattering and a single one, the second youngest seemed a bit sad, he had a wand that seemed to have seen better days and his clothes were a bit worn, by the looks of it they were in serious economical straits, then again, with so many kids going to school… well better left unsaid. Still the pair of twins did seem excited to go back, and the one that looked like a stickler for rules was up in arms trying to control the twins.
There was also a small girl who seemed eager to meet young Iris, however they told her that she would if she allowed herself, as she had things to do, maybe on the return trip, she also complained about not going but was told to wait for next year.
And so they entered the train that moved using the mana from leylines, it was a very eco friendly train.
They decided to sit on the last wagon. They put their luggage away and sat down, Emiya opened a box container.
Iris gasped.
It was a perfectly made lunchbox, while most of the ingredients were unknown to her it looked quite tasty and it was made in such a way it looked luxurious.
"Would you care for some?" Emiya said as he gave a bit to Iris.
It was delicious, the breaded chicken had been marinated for a long time, so the meat had the flavor cooked in, while the breading served to seal the flavor in, even if it was a bit cold the flavor was amazing… wait, wouldn't that mean that if it was freshly made… wouldn't the flavor even be MORE amazing?!
Emiya chuckled "your face says it all, I appreciate you enjoying it, cooking is one of the few things that helps me be at peace and forget…" he said.
Iris was told by Hagrid that Emiya was an orphan living in the orphanage in the city, he was very beloved by staff and kids alike and they were sad to have him go, but they all cared for him. It was quite the contrast to her own life.
Strangers who would care more about you than your own flesh and blood.
In a way, she was envious, but she was happy that the boy was kind.
It was then when the compartment door opened up, it was the blonde brat, this time flanked by 2 overgrown hairless gorillas of boys.
"It seems the rumors are true… you are Potter, my name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, pleasure to make your acquaintance" he said.
Iris lifted an eyebrow, it seems this idiot of a child did not recognize her from the clothing store, no matter. "May I help you?" She asked with irritation, which went ignored by the boy.
"I am here to offer my services, to help you choose wisely to whom to ally yourself with and befriend" he said with the utmost arrogance.
"I see, but why should she accept such an offer when you have not insulted her not once but twice already?" Emiya said.
The blonde boy blinked and took a step back, taken aback "W-what?"
"Do you listen to yourself speak? No, obiously not, it would be too much to hope for," he said with a cynical and cruel smile "You basically called her stupid, insinuating she has no capacity on who to befriend AND insulted the people she had befriended up to this point, so with that said, WHY should she accept YOUR offer?" He said with a smile he had seen his previous master wear.
It was a smile that clearly said "you are saying something so outrageously stupid that this smile and this smile alone is the only thing standing between me beating the stupid out of you, and yourself"
Malfoy could TASTE the malevolence of said smile, even his two gorillas did a half step back as he approached with the same smile.
"So…? I am waiting?" Emiya said, capitalizing on their cowardness.
"T… this isn't over!" He said as he rushed out.
"He must have been a hellion, that brat is too spoiled, is he truly of old blood?" Emiya wondered out loud.
Iris was taken back by the way he handled that idiot, he was shamed and put in place quite thoroughly. She thought that it would come to blows, but he had made it end so effortlessly.
"Miss Iris, I would recommend we read up a bit of the books we have purchased so we have a bit of knowledge, I am quite sure there will be other kids that come from families of magic users who might have previous knowledge, it would be best if we read up, if not to learn, at least to pass the time" Emiya suggested.
Iris and Emiya took out their potions book she noted Emiya had a muggle notebook and was writing things down.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
"Ah, well there are some potions that I saw as interesting and I am writing them down as they seem quite useful" he said.
The pepper up potion is used to combat flu and flu like symptoms, however it can also be used in cold weather to enhance body heat and not freeze, or help someone who is in the beginning stages of hypothermia. Salves to close any non cursed wounds? And this is just school children's first year stuff? Magi would KILL for these.
As he begun reading other books he learned that they were not allowed to use magic, as it is against the law, until they come of age, it seems wands come with a tracker spell, however due to the sheer conceptual weight his "wand" had no such spell was ever placed, as it would just tune off like waters from the feather of a swan.
He had no intentions to use wand magic not until he at least got the basics down, as to be a magus is to walk with death. He had no knowledge that wand magic would be like his own world's magecraft.
An hour passed by and a girl with 4 boys, 3 of which were redheads came in.
They introduced themselves the lone girl was Hermione Granger, the red haired boys where Ron, Fred and George Weasley, and the last one was Nevile Longbottom, Hermione was helping Nevile look for his road that managed to escape.
Emiya told Hermione a simple solution "why not ask an upperclassman to use the summoning spell?"
Hermione slapped her forehead, how did she not think of that!
Hermione left with Neville and promptly came back, the boy smiling as he got his toad back.
Ron noticed Iris scar and was in awe, Iris felt a bit awkward at the attention.
"So that's where you-know-who… wicked,you are quite famous" Ron said.
Iris backed up a bit, as Ron was invading her personal space.
"I read a lot of about you in books, that you managed to deafeat a dark Lord at such an age" Hermione said
Neville did not say anything while the two spoke, Iris was a bit uncomfortable but couldn't voice it, thankfully Emiya did.
"Excuse me, but… do you really think is nice to talk about that?" He asked.
Both Hermione and Ron looked at each other, only Hermione getting the subtle hint and apologized for her insensitivity, while Ron didn't, the twins scoffed and smirked.
"Sorry about that our" Fred said, then the other twin picked up from there, "Little Ronny here is quite dense so,"George added
" " saying things in a subtle manner would just go over his little head "" both of them said at the same time.
Emiya nodded, "Ron, right? Imagine being famous for surviving what your parents couldnt, now imagine all that fame due to that tragic event, you are asking to remember something that she couldnt and if she could it could be traumatic, being famous because your family died? Would you like to be famous for something like that?" Emiya asked.
Ron's face blushed and stammered out "I am sorry, it was very insensitive of me".
Iris smiled at Emiya and said it was okay, she gushed that talking might actually be more cathartic, she explain the only thing she could remember, the screams of her mother and a bright green light.
Emiya noticed how Neville looked at him, he seemed thankful in a way.
They stayed in the compartment until the foodcsrt lady came in, Iris bought as many snacks as she could, not that Emiya was happy about it, but figured that due to her being malnourished her ne having access to some money, she would like to taste things she never had the chance to.
Enchanted chocolate frogs, never had Emiya seen magic used in such annidiotic way, but he supposed that it was entertaining for the kids, and it also came with collectible cards so it was also soemthing.
He noted that the images if the cards actually moved, as if they were alive, behind the card it contained facts about the wizard or witch.
They all enjoyed a pile of junk food, even Emiya took a bite a chocolate frog, a bag of Every flabor beans (he was shocked that m, in fact, it DID have every flavor, even ones best left out, so he had to use structural grasping just to be safe) and a few meat pies, which were actually quite decent.
The ride to school was uneventful as the twins excused themselves leaving Nevile, Ron and Hermione with them, Emiya saw that Hermione was bossy, and had a temperament that was perfect for an academic, however her social skills were lacking, she was a perfectionist and held herself to a high standard, and expected others to be the same, then Ron was in the other side of the spectrum, he was sociable, albeit he did have a few social faux pass, but he understood things, he wasn't as academically gifted as Hermione but he was not a complete idiot, then was Nevile, who looked like a bundle of frayed nerves. He was meek and friendly but buckled under pressure, he seemed to have something of a kindred spirit with Iris when he heard about her parents… possibly lost his parents too by the feel Emiya got from him.
Hermione begun to regale about Hogwarts history and told then about the houses and how it was divided. The school had 4 dorms, Griffindor, the house of the brave, Ravenclaw, the house of wisdom, Slitherin, the house of ambition which just so happens to have many dark lotds come from it, and thus held the reputation that dark lords come from it) and Hufflepuff, the house of loyalty.
She also said there was a test given to determine where each student would go.
Ron hopped it was not practicals, as he didn't know much, he was told by the twins they might have to fight a troll, but Emiya immediately shut that down, the school would suffer a LOT of backlash if they did that, it served to calm Ron's and Nevile's nerves.
"Maybe some sort of questionnaire, to get a feel of our personality?" Suggested Hermione.
It was then when 5heybheard that they were closing in and should change into their robes, Hermione took Iris to change while they changed.
As Emiya took off his clothes the boys saw the well defined muscles that were out of place for a kid his age, not to mention the MANY scars he had.
They noticed a particular one by his chest, it was starburst shaped and had a matching pair on the back, no one said anything as they changed in silence.
They arrived at their destination, they decided to leave last,that way it woukd be much easier to disembark, as they got out Emiya and iris heard a familiar voice.
"Wotcher Iris, and you have sum friends days nice to see, come get in we need to sail to the school, part of tradition and all that" Haggrid said as he sat the students down.
Emiya noticed that the bounded field was analyzing his magic signature and adding it to a list, it seems it was a ritual to key students into the field so that the defences will see them as part of the people that can be in the castle.
Hermione regaled them with more facts, such as the roof having a charm so that it reflected the sky above and things of that sort.
The ride was uneventful as Hagrid smiled at Hermione, she sure wa a little bookworm and said with her smarts Revenclaw was a sure thing, he was asked about the way they would be sorted but shot then down, as it would be an interesting experience and did not wish to spoil the surprise.
He had also recognized Ron, from the twins and asked him to not be as chaotic as his brothers to which he smiled awkwardly.
They disembarked and were meet by a female teacher, she looked like a rather serious and stern teacher, the complete opposite as his elder sister/ teacher… he drew a blank, as he could not remember her face, it has been too many lifetimes. But he knew she was irresponsible, chaotic and unable to cook, she was full of energy and clumsy as one can be. But he did remember that he was grateful to her.
This teacher is how the epitome of a perfect teacher, she allowed herself to smile as she introduced herself as the teacher of Transfiguration and deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall.
She escorted the children in and then left them in a hallway till they are called in for the sorting.
As they waited for proffessor McGonagall, a group of ghosts passed by, Emiya was half ready to trace a set of black keys to deal with them, but noted that they were in no way hostile. "I say we deal with Peeves once and for all, he gives us ghosts a bad reputation" a ghost said.
Another one, one of a jovial and fat friar said "come now, give the poor poltergeist a chance"
A 3rd ghost, this one with his head hanging by near a thin piece of skin replied, "have we not given him more than enough chances?"
Then they noticed the kids.
"Ah! Fresh batch of students! I hope to see you in Hufflepuff, my house you know?" Said the friar.
Then the headmistress came in and shooed the ghosts as the children entered a rather great hall. As Hermione had said the roof had an enchantment that allowed them to see the night sky unperturbed.
It was when the headmaster, a man who was rather elderly but with a lot of mana, stood up and introduced himself to the first years.
After introductions and some messages were in order the students were told to come sit on the stool and try a magical hat that would sort them out.
"It seems like you were right mate, thank Merlin, I was afraid of having to fight a Troll or something" Ron said.
Hermione was a tad disappointed as she wanted to show off her repertoire of spells she had learned (in theory) and use them, thinking they might be tested on knowledge.
Each individual student was called and sat down on the stool, the hat went onto their heads and in some cases it was an immediate response, while others it took a few seconds.
"Emiya, Shirou"
His name was called.
A professor with messy and oily hair raised an eyebrow, he looked at Emiya with curiosity.
As Emiya sat down and the hat placed….
" Uh? This is quite odd? This mind scape holds no memories but swords' ' the sorting hat said as he looked deeper into this mindscape.
Sword and steel as far as the eye could see, infinite in design and scope, one's inner world bare to the hat to see.
As he approached images began to surge.
A cursed fire and a boy in the mists of it.
A hole in the sky and the tainted mud, the gate saw the hell the boy was in.
"Being a hero is a time limited thing"
"Then I will be a hero for you"
A wish so pure and innocent, made by a boy that could feel nothing.
The fire had robbed him of the feelings that a normal human would have, he had to relearn them and this was awkward.
As he saw the memories they became muddier and unable to be perceived, this had never happened to the hat before.
"This is my mind, so get out" a voice said as a hail of swords rained down towards the hat to destroy his manifestation in his "reality"
The hate yelled " WAIT! I am here just to sort you, not to tell other what I have seen" a sword that was about to pierce the hat vanished a few millimeters away from him in motes of lights.
Emiya appeared in front of the hat, residing that using his real appearance would be a bit too much.
" I am amazed to see a person's mind palace so defined and defended, only wizards of great mastery could boast of that, and even then it would pale to this, however… this place lacks life, ah! Do forgive me. I am the sorting hat, my function in to go through your mind and try to see the type of person you are, according to your qualities I can send you to the house that would best suit you" the hat said.
"I see, however there are memories that I rather no one see… as you have seen from what little you have gleaned my life was not a normal one"
The hat nodded " do not worry mister Emiya, I can assure you anything seen by me in here will be kept secret, it is the enchantment that is part of my being that prevents me from divulging any information, it was done so no one could get information and abuse of it in order to protect the students from bad teachers and the like" said the hat.
Shirou analyzed the hat and found that it was true…
The hat saw then the events of what transpired having that part, while not ignored, put aside for later.
" There is a lot of bravery in you, so much so that Griffindor himself would pale in comparison, and the dream you had, that takes a lot of ambition that Slitherin seeks, yet according to yourself you let it go, as it was not realistic, that takes wisdom that Ravenclaw herself would approve of, you took care of your brothers and sisters that you made in the orphanage and helped out more than what could be expected for a bit your age, your loyalty and dedication is exemplar of Hufflepuff, you show qualities of all the houses, this is the first time, I admit, that I been stumped" the hat said.
"I do apologize, it was not my intention to be difficult" Emiya apologized.
The hat laughed it off, "I seen many minds, but yours is quite unique, it is a pity that is quite desolate even with all what you have gained, maybe this school will help put a semblance of life to this world of steel"
Emiya doubted it, he lived for so long that this is all he had, his world and his grave all in one.
" I see you are worried about young Potter, if so shall I indulge you?" The hat said.
Emiya was taken back "wasn't this to see where I should be sent?"
The hat nodded "indeed, but I am also to take into account the person's preference, even if they are ideal for a set house, it doesn't mean they will thrive if they didn't wish to go there in the first place"
Emiya saw the wisdom in there
"The girl will attract trouble and to be honest I worry for her, to be famous for something so tragic… do mages not have common sense?" Emiya said as he balled his fists.
The hat turned around " You must understand, the dark lord… he was horrible, he sent his followers to butcher kill his enemies as well as their families, making then watch as they killed then off one by one, or tortured to the point of insanity… it was dark times where you never could know that a friend was secretly in he-who-must-not-be named side, inunderstsnd your frustration, and I quite honestly agree with them, but they needed a symbol to rally to"
Emiya turned around, his eyes furious "I know that! But to expect a little girl to be a symbol of the light?! Do they believe that she will become a Jeanne D Arc? Only a symbol until she is not needed and becomes an inconvenience?"
The hat looked sad " that I do not know, but is my hope that it doesn't come to that"
"It is human nature to be like that, a hero is only a hero until it becomes an annoyance, many heroes died due to politics" Emiya said.
" You somewhat sound like you speak of experience" the hat half asked, half stated.
Emiya just gave a sad smile.
Steel is my body and crystal my heart…
The mind palace then began to burn… and the hat was back.
It felt like it was for hours yet only a few minutes had passed.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled.
The twins welcomed Emiya as they wrapped their arms around him and showed to a seat, they were impressed the way he handled the Malfoy brat who was sent to Slithering along with the other two gorillas.
Hermione got sent to Griffindor as well, same as Ron and for some reason Neville.
"Iris Potter" proffessor called her
She sat down and hat the sorting hat put on.
" Uhmm I see, no wonder he was worried and rightfully so, you are too green and this new world that has been shown has you in their sights, you been very brave, more brave than a child your age should have, to endures quite a lot, my poor child I hope that these hallowed halls serve to help heal the wounds that others can't see"
Iris gulped a bit and the hat smiled to her " don't worry nothing that happens here will be said, I am under a charm to protect the confidentiality of the student"
Iris relaxed.
Still you should be…
"GRIFFINDOR!" The hat said as the while table roared in jubilation "We got Potter!"
It was then after the sorting ended that the headmaster Dumbledore stood up.
"Before we begin, there is a special rule for this year, the hallway of the 3rd floor is prohibited and those who wish to avoid gruesome death should not go anywhere near" he said, many students even older ones took it as a joke but Percy, the eldest of the Wesley brothers and the prefect said that it was unlikely, but found it odd that he did not explain as the how, the forbidden forest was dangerous due to the creatures that inhabit it… so not explaining why the 3rd floor corridor was now off limits… well it felt odd to him.
Emiya could tell, that the headmaster was DEADLY serious.
Emiya then felt something brush his magic resistance… someone tried a spell on him, but due to him circulating his mana at all times, both as an exercise and as a precaution against things like thus rose an eyebrow. It was very subtle and thus could not pinpoint who, but one thing he knew….
It came from the teacher's table.
He was taken back when food had magically appeared in front of him, it seems that the feast he heard was exactly as grand as described…
After analyzing the food he took a bite.
Too greasy for his taste and the seasoning could use more work, the meat should been left to marinate for a day rather than hours and the vegetables were slightly overcooked, killing a large portion of their nutritional value.
He ate in silence, he vowed to find the kitchens first thing and fix this, as this would not do.
Elsewhere in the kitchens the house elves felt a cold shiver run down their spines and a small ember of competitive fire begun to blaze within… as they felt something threatening their place.
Chapter end