A/N: Yeah, I have my computer back. Missed it so much. I wanted to take a moment and thank the reviewers. I have to admit, I appreciate your thoughts, comments and theories. Some of your ideas are better than what I planned and have incorporated some of the ideas. So keep it up. :)
As always, thanks for the favorites, follows and reviews. Let's see what we find out about Blaise's mother...
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Blaise, thankful for Severus calling him from the dorms, realized during the train ride needed to talk to someone, but didn't want it to seem like a big deal. He didn't know what to think other than if his mother returned then he'd be sent to her and force him to lose another family. While Blaise thought about all he could lose, Severus watched the boy's expressions and realized not only was the boy upset about something, he was incredibly worried as well. "What is it Blaise?"
The boy looked up and opened his mouth before closing it just as quickly. He tried again and found some words with his second attempt. "I'm not sure how to explain it. Maybe, can I just tell you and then talk about it?" Severus, noting how timid the boy acted, found himself even more concerned as Blaise's confidence appeared shortly after the Yule break in his first year. With his nod Blaise's shoulders dropped and a small bit of tension left him as well.
"We were leaving Kings Cross today and waving at everyone as the train pulled away. After we moved past the Malfoys and Grangers, I was just watching the people there and I saw. Well, that is, I think I saw. I mean, I should know what she looks like she's my mum…" Severus quickly stood. Blaise, not understanding his reaction went to continue but was stopped with Severus's hand.
"Blaise, you saw your mother on the platform today?" The boy nodded a bit more unsure than before. "That is more than worrisome. I need you to stay here while I make a few calls. Do not leave." Blaise heard Severus's side of multiple conversations, but only heard the same thing repeated each time. "Blaise saw his mother on the platform today." Pause. "Yes, he is here with me." Pause. "We will wait here."
When it appeared the calls Severus finished the calls, he returned to his chair. Blaise asked the question burning in his mind. "Professor, what's wrong?" Severus seemed to have momentarily forgotten he wasn't alone and watched Blaise carefully.
"We will tell you the complete story when the others arrive. Needless to say if that was your mother, something believed to be impossible happened." Blaise thought about the last time he'd heard anything about his mother and realized it'd been over a year. The last discussion was how Lucius and Narcissa were named his permanent guardians and he would live with them until he came of age. That was when Narcissa said he would always have a home with them regardless of his age. Blaise watched Severus with a bit a worry and nodded.
After a surprisingly short wait, a knock sounded on the door. Severus admitted Professor McGonagall when the fireplace blazed to life and Lucius stepped through. Narcissa followed and she immediately went to Blaise and pulled him into her arms.
Blaise pulled tightly into her hug and felt his fears bleed away, when he heard the Scottish voice of his Transfiguration professor. "We are waiting for a few more people, Sophie is meeting them at the gates. We should move to her office." Blaise smiled at Lucius when he squeezed the boy shoulder before acknowledging Minerva's comment. The stern witch watched the boy with a bit a pride, she saw a bit of Gryffindor in him over the summer and this trial would only cement her belief. "We will get through this Blaise. Your family is behind you and remember family isn't always blood, it's who we choose to love." Spinning she left.
Sophie Mathews did not understand what it was about Hogwarts and the school's odd ability to have something go wrong each year. Starting her second year and she didn't get to the first night without having to call the DMLE. Shaking her head Sophie heard twin pops, looking up she saw Amelia Bones and Frank Longbottom walk toward the castle. Frank was a surprise, Sophie heard he moved to a different department after recovering his petrification the year before.
"Madam Bones, Frank, thank you for coming so quickly." Sophie waved her hand toward the gates and they opened to allow the visitors access. "I've asked everyone to move to my office since it has more space than Severus's quarters." The trio moved quickly through the school and soon entered the headmistress's office. "Hello Blaise, —" Sophie looked at the boy who seemed a bit confused and bordering on scared at the sight of the DMLE head.
Lucius interrupted whatever else Sophie planned to say. "Sophie, we withheld a bit of information from Blaise last year. If you'd give Narcissa and I a moment, we need to tell him everything." The other adults, who all seemed to be in on the secret, settled themselves in the seats around room while Narcissa sat next to Blaise and grabbed his hand. After settling her nerves, Narcissa spoke.
"I made the decision to not tell you everything Blaise. At the time I worried it would be too much and planned on discussing it this summer. But then we had the issue with the wards and well, I honestly forgot about it. You're part of my family and by the time we returned home, I didn't think about it again. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." Narcissa held his gaze and Blaise watched as tears began to form in the eyes of the woman who took him in without a second thought.
"I don't know what the secret is, but you're my family. When I saw her, I was scared she was coming back for me and that I'd lose another family. I'd lose you." Narcissa looked hopelessly at Lucius while pulling the boy back into her arms.
"You aren't going nowhere. You belong with us, you'll understand soon. But you are ours forever and by Merlin I will protect you as I do my own son." There was a fierceness in the way she claimed Blaise and in her expression that gave him more than a measure of hope. Lucius cleared his throat and gained both Narcissa and Blaise's attention.
"When the Wizengamot reviewed your case they found more than probable cause for you to be in danger and because of that single fact we were given custody of you. You know this. But what we didn't tell you and what was not released publicly was the rest of the case brought against your mother." Lucius looked a bit uncomfortable before looking to Amelia once.
"There are aspects of what we will discuss that are highly confidential and that is why Amelia is here. She will provide the information that can be shared and I'm sure nothing else." The woman in question snorted but didn't disagree. "After we brought your case to light, the Wizengamot required evidence to support the claim you were at risk. The DMLE reviewed your mother's actions before and after your father's death, the letter Marco left you, and evidence he provided to Luca. In the end, the Wizengamot was left with no other choice but to remove you from her."
Amelia stepped forward and set her hand on Lucius's shoulder. "Mr. Zabini, in the midst of the investigation my aurors came across additional evidence proving your mother's role in the death of multiple wizards over the last decade." The witch paused wondering how much this young boy needed to know, "Those wizards included your father and uncle. The Italian Ministry also convicted her but allowed the Wizengamot to sentence her. With that evidence, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to Azkaban." Blaise sat very still and listened to what he was being told.
"But how did I see her. I mean she's my mum, I may not want to live with her, but I do recognize her."
"We know Blaise, it's the other reason Amelia is here. We need to figure out if who you saw was your mother or someone who resembled her. Do you think she realized you saw her?" Blaise thought back on it and didn't know.
"It was really quick. I was just looking across the sea of people and as the train moved she appeared from behind someone and almost immediately was blocked by the next person. I don't think I even realized who she was until a moment or two later." This pleased Amelia.
"That is very good. I requested Mr. Longbottom's presence for two reasons. The first, I prefer to have at least two Regents on premise while the DMLE is at Hogwarts. But the more important reason, Frank is a master at legilimency and memory extraction. If you and your guardians authorize it, I'd like to obtain a copy of your memory. You may have seen something else, something you don't know the importance of, but is vital." Blaise looked to Narcissa and Lucius and shrugged a little.
"Amelia, I am only leery of this as Blaise is so young and has never had legilimency performed on him. I worry he might try to shut his memories without realizing it." Lucius knew the children were almost at the age where teaching them mind magic would be appropriate, but he didn't think they were quite there yet.
"Lucius?" Blaise, looked at the blond man, while trying to get his attention. "I've had it done on me. Mum used to read my memories after Dad died. She wanted to know what Luca told me in confidence. I don't think she was able to see them because she always got upset." The gasps heard around the room surprised the boy. None of the adults quite knew how to handle this situation.
"Blaise, using legilimency on children is not allowed until they reach fifteen years old. It's believed the child's magical core is stable enough and their emotional understanding allows for access to safely be performed. Frank is a master and there are cases when a child's memories are needed but the process is very specific and controlled." Lucius seemed on the edge of rage while trying to keep a calm façade.
"If my mother is supposed to be in Azkaban and I saw her, I want them to have the memory. She's not right Lucius." Blaise turned to Narcissa in almost a manic state. "I can't go back to her. I know what a mum is supposed to be and she isn't one. You have shown me what a mum is supposed to be. Please don't make me go back. Please Cissy." It seemed as his plea broke something in Narcissa and she looked wildly between the others in the room before Lucius nodded to Amelia and Frank.
Frank Longbottom found himself confused, he watched Maria Zabini be taken to Azkaban. He participated in one of the auror patrols doing a random review of prisoners, but Blaise really should be able to recognize his mother. "Ok Blaise I'll do it. I want you to think about the memory, keep it in the front of your mind." Frank knelt in front of the boy and whispered the incantation. As Frank watched the memory repeat he was confident Maria Zabini escaped. A quick flick of his wand removed a copy of the memory and poured it into a vial.
The expression on Frank's face was enough for everyone to know someone escaped the prison and no one was the wiser.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
Hours after leaving Hogwarts and Amelia Bones was livid, she had no idea what happened but it appeared Azkaban had a weakness and multiple individuals took advantage of it. None of the guards seemed to notice the empty cells, but the newly arrived aurors immediately identified them. Amelia arrived a couple of hours after the initial aurors and discovered those same aurors starting to not recognize the empty cells either. Very quickly she called for reinforcements to review the prison's security and replacement guards.
After the guards returned to the mainland they didn't remember the empty cells, but they were more lucid. Her unspeakables, protected by an internally designed mental shield, seemed immune to whatever at the prison impacted the guards and aurors. The unspeakables assigned to the prison completed multiple scans and found not only were those cells specifically charmed, the wards surrounding the entire prison complex were disabled for the missing prisoners' magical signatures.
The most uncomfortable part in the highly uncomfortable situation was the magical signature over the whole mess at Azkaban was the same as what they found on the young Abbott girl. With a furious growl Amelia threw a paperweight across the room and into the wall. Now she had to figure out who was cursing people and how that person related to her escapees. "Get Lucius Malfoy here as soon as possible." The assistant stationed at the desk outside of Amelia's office shuddered when something hit the wall and left after receiving the directive.
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While Amelia discovered what occurred at the island prison, the Malfoy parents remained at Hogwarts discussing the situation with Sophie, Minerva and Severus. Blaise, sent back to his dorm with explicit instructions to not tell anyone what occurred, balked slightly. Severus, acknowledging Draco would not let the situation lie, stated the meeting related to his extra potion class and leave it at that. Not that Blaise thought the story would be sufficient, he was friends with Draco after all.
Once Blaise vacated the office, Lucius started the discussion. "The school is secure, the enchantments have never been breached in the millennia since the founders placed them. In addition, we added the required new enchantments when Sophie came on board last year. I think all the children are safe within the boundaries of the school. The question becomes Hogsmeade. Blaise and the rest are third years, they can go now."
The first option, to not allow Blaise to leave campus, seemed like an overreaction but at the same time, if something happened none of the adults would be able to forgive themselves. It was Minerva who had an idea. "The first weekend is still more than two months out, let's see where this is after Halloween and make the decision then. I would like to discuss the school's enchantments." Lucius cocked his head to the side as he had no idea what else needed to be said.
"Over the years I've become quite attuned to the protections surrounding the castle, once I became the deputy head I gained more knowledge of the security enchantments. At first I didn't understand but this last year and spending the majority of the summer working with the children on their studies in the area, I realize Albus manipulated the enchantments while he was headmaster. It's something the role allows to happen; however, it's supposed to only occur after approval from the Regents. I am going to believe none of his changes were ever put in front of the Regents." Lucius growled himself.
"No Minerva you are correct, in all my years as a Regent I've never had a request from him to update the enchantments. I assume any records of the security measures prior to Albus's reign have gone conveniently missing as well." A passing thought, one Lucius would ponder later, why were there so many problems with wards suddenly. After not coming to any conclusion, Lucius and Narcissa returned home while the professors returned to their private quarters. Tomorrow was the first day of classes and that was always a tiresome day.
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Sophie and her husband, Alfonso, sat discussing the most pressing concern, the security of the castle and her grounds. If they were weak the entire school was at risk. Knowing it would take more time than she probably had, but also knowing the information would be vital, she made a note to discuss documenting the current enchantments with Filius and Mitchell in the morning.
Over the prior year, Alfonso found himself interested in the history of the school and spent many hours sequestered in the library finding interesting books on the school's establishment beyond the mythical stories of the founders. He found some glaring inaccuracies in Hogwarts: A History, if the old journals and books were accurate. It seemed to him, if the options were a recent book made to highlight the wonders of the school or old, personal documents detailing daily life, he'd go with the ancient records.
"You know Soph, some of those older documents I found in the depths of the library mentioned reinforcing what the founders did to protect the grounds. They also referenced some other books I've found, but yet to read. Maybe those could help as well. What do you think?" Sophie jumped up and soundly kissed her husband.
"I'm lucky to have you Alfonso. Tomorrow, after breakfast, I think you and I should spent some time in the library." Sophie then started to make a list of things she'd not worried about when accepting the job and taken for granted given the school's status, once she ensured the school was again protected she'd discuss the list with the Regents.
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Draco waited for Blaise to return to the dorm and immediately pulled him into their room. After adding a few silencing charms, the work over the summer was good for more than just protecting property, he asked what was going on. "Nothing Mate, Professor Snape wanted to talk about my test results and how this year will work. All good, promise." Blaise did hate to lie to Draco, but he'd been told to not tell anyone and that included Draco, Harry and Hermione.
"I don't believe you but I won't press the issue. You've been off since the train, I hoped it was just the chance to relax a little after the stresses of the summer. But it's not, I can see that much. I'm sure Harry and Hermione noticed as well. You'd better come up with a better excuse because Hermione will dig into what Severus wanted and unless you've built out a very elaborate story, she won't buy it." Draco stepped back and dropped the enchantment. "I'm going to bed, see you in the morning."
"It's not that I don't want to tell you Draco. I just can't ok. Can you leave it at that for now and help me with Hermione tomorrow?" Draco leaned on his bed and gave Blaise a telling look. "You and your parents and Harry and Hermione and even her parents, you're all my family. I lived in a world of secrets before Hogwarts, I don't like it. I was told I couldn't say anything just yet. But I'll fill you all in later." Draco nodded.
"I just wanted to make sure you knew I'm here."
"I know Mate. I know."
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"What do you mean there were multiple escapes?" Lucius question bounced off the walls. The shock registered first but quickly followed with dismay and most importantly fear. "Do you know how many? Who?"
Amelia Bones didn't appreciate the yelling, not that she hadn't done it earlier. "Two people have been confirmed as missing. The rest of the prison remained secure." Lucius, not blinking, stared at the diminutive but powerful witch until she continued. "As we expected, Maria Zabini was found to be missing. The second was Sirius Black."
The silence in the room became almost stifling. "What do you mean Black?"
Amelia ignored the question and continued to give the man the basic information. "Their cells were charmed to ensure the guards didn't notice they were empty meaning the DMLE cannot say when the escape occurred. All we now is they were there at the beginning of the summer. One of the final activities Frank performed was an inspection. He documented their presence. After his visit there is no mention of their presence."
Lucius froze in fear. Two of his boys were in danger and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. Last year he could use the excuse the entire school was in danger in order to pull everyone out of the castle and onto Malfoy property. Since they fortified the Malfoy property it was more secure now than before. But in this case he couldn't justify moving the entire population out of Scotland because there was a chance two convicts could make their way to Hogwarts.
"Minerva mentioned her belief Albus illegally modified the security surrounding Hogwarts. Sophie said she had some ideas and we are going to meet again in a few days but this changes things Amelia. If the school is not protected as it should, the Ministry and Regents have a very large problem on their hands. This time it isn't some beast, it's a pair of felons who have proven they have little regard for life."
"I'm aware of their crimes Lucius. I have more information on both of them than you do. Regardless until there is a credible threat to either Blaise or Hogwarts there isn't anything the Ministry can or will do." Amelia didn't disagree with Lucius, in theory at least, but there were rules and regulations on when the Ministry was allowed to interfere with the day to day operations of the school.
"It's more than Blaise now. Black will be looking for Harry and Hermione. Harry is the only way he can access the Potter vaults. Hermione is the heir to the Black House. All four of the children would sacrifice themselves for the other, including my son. Draco would throw himself in front of an avada if it would save Hermione. In this regard Draco and Blaise would be just as much a Gryffindor as Harry or Hermione."
Amelia didn't know how to respond. "I will work with the office in Scotland and see what we can do. Let's just hope we are overreacting."
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Unsurprisingly Hermione was the first wake on the first day of classes. She quietly dressed and looked out of the window for a bit of time. She forgot the beauty her tower window showcased. After the sun rose above the horizon, Hermione packed her parchment and quills and debated what to do with her books. As the years progressed the number of books needed increased and Hermione found it difficult to carry all her books to every class. In the end she decided to wait until the timetables were distributed to figure out what classes she had and then return to pick up those books.
Picking up her packed bag, Hermione left the dorm room and quietly shut the door. Her roommates were still sound asleep. She settled on one of the couches in the common room and waited for Harry to appear. She didn't have to wait long until he arrived with Dean and Seamus. "They were awake and we figured we'd go down together." The four Gryffindors passed through the portal and waved to the Fat Lady as the portrait closed.
They weren't the first group to enter the hall, but they were early so it was easy to find a spot at the Gryffindor table. As the group sat, a group of third year Slytherins entered the Hall and Hermione immediately jumped up to meet them. Draco gave Hermione a hug and happily accepted her chaste kiss. Some students, those who hadn't seen them recently, were slightly surprised at the display. Before Hermione veered off and returned the Gryffindor table, she faced Blaise. The young wizard raised an eyebrow in askance.
"You were off yesterday. Harry and I both noticed it. What's wrong?" She wasn't going to let him be if there was something she could do. She just had to figure out what it was.
"I was just really tired. I went to bed early and feel great today. I swear." Hermione wasn't sure if she believed him but Draco hadn't said anything she decided to let it be for now. Her eyes moved between the two boys in green telling Draco and Blaise she had her doubts. After a few moments she turned her attention back to the room and waved them off before making her way back to Harry. "Thanks for the warning. You're right she wouldn't let it go." Draco grunted in agreement.
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After everyone finished breakfast, the house heads and deputy heads began the task of distributing timetables. "Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, please remain here and we will discuss your individual timetables with Professors Snape and Flitwick." The inclusion of the Charms professor made Hermione internally excited, she hoped she masked it, but doubted it when Harry snorted at her. After sticking her tongue out at him, Hermione wondered if they would get extra tutelage in that as well.
Harry saw the glimmer in his friend's eye and shook his head waiting for Draco and Blaise. "Hey, what did Blaise say. I know you wouldn't have been able to resist asking him." Harry continued to look over his schedule, the electives really blocked up his week.
"He said he was just tired. Don't believe him, but Draco didn't say anything. I'll ask him again later. Oh, look at this, Charms and then Ancient Runes back to back. That's great!" Hermione continued to look at the positive side of the increased workload ignoring Harry's muttering.
"Looks like we aren't getting any extra free time this year. Merlin's pants did you see how we have Charms and then Ancient Runes? Harry and I then have Potions all afternoon which is NEWT level." Draco's shock at how difficult his Tuesdays and Thursdays were going to be was only met with a light slap by his girlfriend.
"I'm excited about those mornings. Think about all the ways we can combine the classes. It doesn't have to be about what we've been doing all summer either. I mean I was thinking about it…"
"Miss Granger, before you begin your soliloquy on the various ways to combine Charms and Runes, I would like to discuss how this year will be handled." Hermione smiled and noticed Professors McGonagall and Flitwick making their way toward them.
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Severus shook his head at the young witch and her incessant need to document conversations. "Draco and Harry starting next week you will both meet with me on Wednesdays after dinner until curfew. I suspect this will conflict with quidditch practice, assuming you will both be playing this year. I'll work with Marcus and Minerva will discuss things with Mr. Wood. We'll work it out as this isn't the only class where you'll have an evening booked."
The boys dutifully noted the time and continued to watch their Professor. "Hermione and Blaise, you will be meeting with me on Tuesday nights. Again after dinner until curfew, Blaise I know you were concerned about being behind Hermione on the fourth year work." The boy blinked, it was a valid point. He liked potions well enough, but he didn't see himself going down that path after school. He found other topics to be much more interesting, but he wasn't going to miss an opportunity for private lessons from a master in the field. It was the Slytherin in him.
Slowly Blaise returned his focus to Severus, "I'm not overly worried, but would like to meet with you for a couple of hours each Saturday before lunch. I believe by the New Year you should be caught up to where Hermione will be." Blaise hadn't thought about how Hermione started her fourth year work over the summer but this could be used if Hermione dug in on Blaise's problem.
Professor McGonagall stood next to Snape and watched as the children nodded in understanding before speaking. "Now, as for Transfiguration, you'll continue with your individual projects and meet with me once a week for one hour. This can be a floating meeting but I'd like to be relatively consistent with it. You are all in the advanced track with the fourth year class. I feel you will all be successful, but it's going to take work on your part. Aurora and I will be available for questions."
Aurora popped up by Severus and spoke next. "The fourth year class that worked the best with your other classes is with Slytherin and Hufflepuff. See you in class!" The bubbly witch gave Severus a smile before leaving the hall, presumably for her classroom.
Severus watched Aurora for a moment and smiled to himself, Aurora's disposition constantly amazed him. Her warmth and general happiness hadn't rubbed off on him, but it lessened his rough edges a bit. As he turned back to the students, their attention returned to him. "Now as to why Professor Flitwick is with us. You were all successful over the summer picking up the advanced protective charms and we've decided it would be best for you to continue in this vein."
Hermione's eagerness couldn't be masked as she bounced a bit in her seat making Severus want to roll his eyes. Instead, he continued as if the girl wasn't vibrating like a hummingbird, "As you've noticed you have Charms and Ancient Runes back to back. This was done on purpose and, as much as this will give precedent, Miss Granger is correct. Having the classes like this will allow you to gain more practical knowledge." The small professor nodded his head almost as excitedly as Hermione in agreement before breaking into his own little speech.
"Yes, now I won't ask you about your family enchantments, that would never do. No, it would never be right to ask such things. In addition to your regular class, I will meet with you as a group to discuss the theory of protective enchantments once a week. I think you all need a more thorough grounding in what exists before we can expect you to design your own. This time will be theory only and we will discuss questions you may have. Now, I won't schedule a set time like Severus, but would like you to look at your schedules and determine when would work best for you as a group. I will work my schedule to fit yours in this case."
It had been a long time since Filius had students this interested in protection enchantments. He detested the term wards, but it had taken it on its own life and many students believed wards were the only way to protect property. "Now, I will also pull Professor Babbage or Upthrall into our meetings as necessary. I don't believe we are near a point where you will be ready to combine the two disciplines, but since you are all taking Runes, it's good to make sure your understanding of how they can be combined is understood."
By this time Hermione was nearly beside herself with excitement. When she had completed her first ward she was giddy, but now she had multiple masters willing to help her, she was going to take advantage of that fact. "Thank you Professors. I know we all are grateful for the extra time you give us." Hermione returned her focus to her schedule and began to map out when she could meet with Professor McGonagall and also when the group could meet with Professor Flitwick. After a quick farewell, the professors went on their way.
"We've already lost Hermione to the world of timetables. She and I have the same classes, what about you guys." While the wizards compared classes it was determined yet again they would have different Herbology classes but otherwise were identical. Hermione marked the Slytherin Herbology time on her timetable and when Draco and Harry would have their Potions meeting.
"For quidditch practice, do you think they will be before or after dinner?"
"Not really sure, it depends on what's available when the captains get there. We should know in the next week or so but until then, let's just get a time down and if we have to adjust we will."
"I need to go up to the tower and get my books for today." Unsurprisingly all three boys needed to do the same and split at the stairs. Harry and Hermione quickly grabbed what they would need for the first bit of the day and rushed toward the Transfiguration classroom. They were all interested in seeing what sort of teacher Aurora was.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
The fourth year Slytherin and Hufflepuffs were surprised when a group of third years entered the classroom. One of the more obnoxious Slytherins was about to open his mouth when the group found four seats and settled. Aurora also appeared and smiled at the quartet. It was only a few minutes before the start of class so everyone pulled out what they would need and at the top of the hour Aurora stood.
"Good morning and welcome back. I suspect a few of you are confused as to why there are some third years in the fourth year class. As with the basic and advanced tracks, the Headmistress and Regents agreed if a student or students excelled in a discipline to the point where they needed to advance beyond their grade, it would be allowable. So I expect everyone to get along as these aren't the only students who have been advanced in one class or another." The rest of the class nodded, most of Slytherin was aware the Malfoy heir took advanced classes over the summer.
"Now, George —" Aurora pointed to one of the Hufflepuffs, "— please pass out the syllabus for me. We will be covering a few different topics but will spend a good portion of this month on transfiguration of living things. This includes a review of spells you've learned in your first three years and the introduction of cross-species transfiguration." Aurora paced around the room as she gave the introduction. With a wave of her wand, multiple cages appeared in front of each student.
"Now the rest of class will be a practical review, as this is the advanced track, I do have rather lofty expectations for all you. There are three spells I want to see everyone perform. They are to turn the mouse to a snuffbox and back, transfigure the porcupine to a pin cushion back, and finally the tortoise to a teapot and back. Begin."
As the students stood Hermione happily worked on the assignment. Originally, she had some difficulty with the porcupine when she learned the spell. Apparently porcupines didn't care to be turned into pin cushions, but eventually she prevailed.
Aurora was quite pleased with the results of the fourth year class. A few of the students needed to be reminded of one spell or another but all in all, most remembered the incantation and wand movements well enough to complete the assignment.
"Before you all leave, I've discussed it with the Headmistress and I'd like to introduce a bit of cross class competition. Not so much competition as a way to ensure everyone learns. At the end of each practical class I will award stars based on how well everyone completed the assigned work. These stars will be added to those from the basic track class and house points will be awarded."
On the back wall four pieces of parchment appeared, one for each house. The pages had two columns, one for advanced and the other basic. The rows were the class years. A fifth piece, hanging to the side also appeared after the other four.
"Now as you see on the key, ten stars will give your house one point. Stars will be awarded by person, one star when the spell is performed correctly and one for proficiency, that is to say how well it is performed. I will interrupt myself and admit the proficiency rating is very subjective so I will not award those points until all the fourth year classes are complete and I'm able to compare everyone at the same time. The final way to earn stars is by helping your fellow students. You will earn more stars helping those in other houses. This is another way to promote house unity. The decision to help other students, in your house or another, is entirely up to you."
When Aurora finished the explanation she awarded Gryffindor six stars (three each for Harry and Hermione as they performed all three spells) and Hufflepuff was awarded thirty-six stars as the twelve students were successful in the task. Finally Slytherin received forty-two stars since the twelve students in fourth year and two in third year also completed the assignment. The extra six stars from Draco and Blaise were celebrated by the others in green. "You'll see how the other classes performed in our next class. Remember helping each other is important." The group of students quickly left the room, the Slytherins still overly pleased with their lead.
Aurora chuckled to herself. Severus warned her saying it may not work as well as she'd hoped. He also called her a Hufflepuff for using house loyalty and the point system to force students to get along. Aurora shrugged and said she thought it was a cunning plan. The couple had their own bet on the success or failure of this endeavor.
*TGE*TGE*TGE*
A/N2 - Hmmm wonder who thought releasing those two would be a good idea...
