A/N Still not recovered so here is another chapter. Thank you all for the reviews and PMs. Also just to be clear, I am the only one of my household still having Covid symptoms.. so im isolated from the Wife unit and kiddo. Joy. :(
But at least I know they love me in their own unique ways.
Now on to the Madness...
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Chapter 12
The biggest event of the year for magicals, well one of them. The Quidditch Cup, and of course Harry was asked to come. Asha had gotten better with her legs but still needed to rest a bit. Lord Black had arrived with his wife much to the odd looks from Ministry members around them. Asha however greeted her respectfully, The way Starma Black greeted Asha Back as Lady Potter And yet treated her like a royal was confusing to the older wand wavers.
Harry enjoyed the game even if he spotted the snitch seven times before the seekers did. He explained to Asha that the game is not to be won right away, thus the seekers were trying to aid their teams in getting more points. At the end Victor Krum caught the snitch but he lost the game as the other team had more points. The visiting Ministers had asked for Harry and his wife to join them for an after party get together, but they kindly refused, Asha was still not at ease with the wizards and knew this would not be a good time to slip up around their wives.
Harry did grin and explain that the Blacks had already asked for that honor as plans were made to socialize with the local allies. He did offer to arrange a meeting among them at a later date so they could enjoy the business and the relaxation longer. His words appeased even the hardlined Bulgarian minister.
Once back in their tent, Harry set up a glamored chair and table so Asha could let her tail out and anyone would think she was just resting her legs. He spoke with seven different Houses who wanted to be free of the taint of having deatheater family.
Asha had special contracts just for that and the wives all agreed that if their husbands were ever removed by death or prison then they would lead the house back to a neutral but reasonably traditional path. Harry smiled at them, "Tonight many of your husbands are going to be ...reliving their foolish Deatheater days. I tell you this so you can be seen anywhere they are not and be clear that they were not with you. Eliminate the false alibi and clear your names. Also we have known of this for a week now and have plenty of Aurors around the area. Welcome to the proper Wizarding World where we all work together to hold traditions and still improve ourselves."
They signed the Contracts to give the leadership and seat to the wives and thanked the pair for hearing them out. Asha looked worried when the first commotion was heard. Harry told her to head home and let him deal with it. She kissed him and left with a warning not to be late.
As he left the tent he dodged two stunners and a cutting curse. The foolish men wore deatheater robes but moved in stiff movements. Harry quickly disarmed, then stunned them but stepped right into the path of a silent blasting curse. As he picked himself up he saw three men all aiming wands at him and all of them glowed killing curse green. Harry grinned.
He was hurt, he was angry at the decoys, and he was not as helpless as they thought. He felt the magic building he felt the need to stop them and he felt his last regrets fade away when they commented on playing with the young 'muggle' girls they were to be paid with.
He closed his eyes to their laughter and grinned. When he opened them again the men had but a split second to see the green glow and the slitted pupils. They fell dead in that moment without any pain or idea of what happened. Harry wrapped his eyes quickly then used his training Asha insisted on to get to the aurors.
He told of the men attacking him, claiming they were hit when his eyes closed. Because it happened so fast the pensive would not discount his words. Bones knew better but agreed that his wand was clean and the last spells were disarm and stun. It also was clean of dark magic residue that few ever look for. A perfectly clean alibi.
They wanted him to go to St. Mungo's but he stated he trusted his wife's healers better. Harry also told them about the 'payment' the men spoke of. Soon the Aurors found the bodies and portkeys. In just 15 minutes one returned with news that the young girls were rescued and healed before being obliviated and returned to their homes.
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When he arrived at the Caverns Dobby led him to the kitchen where Asha was scowling. He had Dobby tell her what happened and to wait for him. She waited till Dobby left and slowly slid closer to him. "I Asked you to stay safe, and yet you come home hurt and with your eyes covered. Tell me dear husband what reason would justify this?"
"I saved the lives of 'Imperioused' puppets, and the lives and innocence of some non-magical girls being used as payment for assassins. I had to use the eyes as they already had 'killing curses' aimed at me."
Asha sighed as she slowly wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his shoulder. "That is why you are a good person Harry. You risked yourself to help those being used and still returned to me, knowing I would not be happy. Let's get you cleaned up and get some sleep. We have a lot to do this coming school year."
That night Harry felt his heart hurting as he thought about what would happen to his Asha if he did not come home. If he died. He needed to make plans and make better arrangements to ensure he no longer stands alone when these fools attack.
The Next morning held the news of the attack and how twelve Deatheaters were arrested and three assassins killed during the attack on the World Cup. Four of the arrested confessed under veritaserum that they kidnapped non magical teenage girls to pay the assassins to kill Lord Potter. It was also stated the assassins were killed by unknown parties before they could finish off Lord Potter.
Asha laughed at the report knowing the truth. Harry just smiled. They planned to discuss getting the allied Creatures together to look into a Private Security force so he would not be so open a target all the time. That was why he was writing out letters to the ambassadors and Gringotts. He had a plan but it was going to take a bit of work.
The day was spent doing his kingly duties and he even had some alone time with Asha for his Husbandly Duties. The night slowly rolled in as he lowered himself into the water of the bathing pits. A Familiar face approached and smiled. {My King, I thank you for your wisdom. I had asked of you a mighty favor but respected your wishes. I no longer need that favor as it seemed it was my own body that was not yet ready. I found love during that time and now I am with Clutch. Thank you for at least hearing me out and not out right denying me.}
Harry reached out and placed his hand on her stomach, {May these hatchlings bring happiness and wisdom to the nest.} The girl beamed as the others surrounded her talking of her plans for the children. Harry just smiled and did his best to show attention to all the women. He did notice one of the middle aged Lamia watching him closely but said nothing.
He was embarrassed as the older ones made hidden innuendos about how pleased the Queen had been lately, and how much his tail seems to be growing a bit. Asha however decided to make it worse when she claimed that his tail was just perfect for her.
That night he was finishing his plans for the TriWizard Tournament coming up in a month but first he had to meet with the Bulgarian Minister and the French Minister to approve of his new plan to get the British to see other races in a better light. His agreement with McGonagall was that he needed at least two of the three ministers to approve of having the other magical races on sight for the new events to keep the schools entertained during the tournament.
Harry was pleased to know the French were on board already, and the Bulgarians had seen a massive drop in Vampire and werewolf attacks thanks to the new treaties. Even a few weres had come to the Bulgarian DMLE to be placed in bunkers during full moons to protect others and themselves.
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The next week was already upon Harry as he entered the Bulgarian Ministry and was scowling at the large gathering of people. He sighed as Asha tightened her grip on his arm and stoked it. {My love, I sometimes wish I did not have to deal with this foolishness but for now let us get this over with.} His words were low enough no one overheard him but Asha kissed his cheek in agreement.
He waited as a very gruff looking man approached with a couple of reporters and a very familiar face. Victor Krum of the Bulgarian Quidditch team. "Ah Lord Potter, welcome. My English is not so good…."
Harry held his hand up, #Then let us speak the proper language of your people. I may be from Britain but I do respect other cultures and people. But I do ask for forgiveness if I slip on a word or two.#
The Minister looked shocked as did the others. Till Harry pointed to his wand in the holster at his wrist. Krum laughed as he explained that there were language spells for most wizards if one was willing to ask for them. That made the room look sheepish till Asha smiled and told the Minister that it took a week to find the right one as there are so many different dialects in each culture.
The reporters asked a couple questions but had to leave when it was time to discuss the real subject. Unlike The British, Bulgaria had just advisors and the minister. The advisors could vote on things but the Minister was the final say. He was also the uncle to a young girl who was attacked by a werewolf at the age of four. The beast was caught and wanted to be executed after he turned back when he heard what happened.
The girl was soon sponsored for the Wolfsholme woods and she made many friends there. Including One Remus Lupin and his girlfriend Marlene. When the girl slipped in telling them about her uncle, Remus told her about Harry Potter and his mission to bring the British wizards into a better light with other magicals.
The minister was not too pleased but he did give Harry a chance, and then he decided to think of the young man as an anomaly from Britain. The young lord spoke like a leader and listened to those around him. He asked questions if he did not fully understand something. Eventually the request for letting the other magicals be present during the tournament came up.
The Minister Frowned, #What is the guarantee that the children will be safe? If I was to bring my niece into Britain then would she be safe from the diehard 'wizard purity' crowd?#
Harry thought for a moment, #She can be given a portkey that works even in Hogwarts that will take her to a safe place protected by Goblins and/or Serpentine. I can personally get you the word of the Basilisk King of the Serpentine nation to protect her.#
That was a good statement but the conviction of the words had sold the man even before the offer of a King's word. #I believe you and I will be interested in your plans to educate the Witches and wizards of our three countries. Now for one last thing, I have a favor to ask of you. My niece has heard so much about you and when she heard you would come by to talk about the tournament… well she is my only niece and I can't say no…#
Harry chuckled and looked to Asha who looked at her legs and then nodded hesitantly. He turned to the Minister and then to the others. # I need a promise from you and everyone in this room, not to speak of what I am about to tell you.# The three men in the room looked at the boy but decided to agree and gave a vow. Asha walked to the side and released her tail, # I am married to the Queen of the Serpentine Nation meaning you're going to let your niece meet both Harry Potter and King and Queen Basilisk.#
The room was silent as the lamia slid next to Harry waiting for something. #So, Dinner with royalty and Famous young man, I am to be the best uncle ever.# The laughter eased the tension as she reapplied the glamor spell, #We do not discriminate but we do see why you want secrecy. So let's wrap up and head to dinner.#
The now 15 year old niece was in awe as she was sitting at her uncle's table having dinner with not only THE Harry Potter, but also a Real life Lamia who was also a Queen. The way her tail coiled under her while they ate and chatted like it was nothing was surreal to the poor girl but when Harry explained about getting laws changed throughout the Wizarding world in regards to Weres of any kind and other magical races, She was just overwhelmed.
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With the new school year starting Albus Dumbledore was ready to return to his castle, well Hogwarts anyways. He was not a fool and made plans to ensure he would be involved in the Tournament even if the Minister and the School board of governors removed him from being headmaster.
He was surprised when he was quickly detained upon entering the country but kept his grandfatherly act up. Madam Bones however was less than amused and had him placed in a cell as soon as he was brought to the ministry. The moment minister Scrimgoer stepped up to his cell smiling he knew something was not right.
"Welcome back to Britain Albus Dumbledor, you are hereby charged with multiple counts of child endangerment, multiple counts of child neglect, multiple counts of misuse of authority, several counts of treason, I really could go on but let's just say the evidence was more than enough to prove your guilt. You were tried in absentia since you chose to flee instead of doing the right thing and found guilty on all counts against you. Do you have anything to say in your defence before we send you to your sentence?"
Albus frowned as he heard that he would not be able to represent himself during a trial. "Well it seems that that will have to wait till after the school year as I am needed for the Tri-Wizard Tournament per the contract. So if you will, let me out of here so I can resume my place at Hogwarts..." The laughter from the minister was not what he expected.
The Man looked Albus right in the eye and shook his head. "We did see those lovely designs in the contract but we also saw a very useful loophole. Since you were removed as Headmaster you have no say in the scoring or the tasks, and if all three headmasters agree to it the contract can be edited to an extent. Your wording only states you are to be present for the tasks and the Ball. Albus, I Really enjoy telling you that Lord Potter has used your scheme and made you irrelevant. You see you will be escorted to the introduction of the Goblet of fire, While under guard and wearing magical suppression cuffs. You will remain in said cuffs through the choosing of the champions, and then be brought back here till the first task. I do hope you see the pattern."
The great Albus Dumbledor was glaring openly as his mind connected the words and his plans with the contract. He was so sure no one would realise the loopholes he left to get away from them if needed. He had to test Harry and to direct him to his inevitable death. They had to kill him to be rid of the Horcrux in his scar. He was pleased they did not use the three school agreement clause to remove his attendance from the events.
Dumbledor still felt he was missing something very important. In his travels looking into different places his followers had tracked Voldemort's activities outside Britain, he had heard of the new treaties and even the deal with the vampires. He was not sure how he felt as it was neither his plan nor was it completed with his input. He did not really care about the soulless shells but he did care about getting credit or connection to such an event. As he watched the minister leave he realized he needed to get Harry alone long enough to read the boy's mind and see what was really going on.
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The beginning of the year feast was its usual affair save for the appearance of some new teachers. One of them caused quite the stir. Sitting at the teachers table was none other than Lord Harry Potter with a gorgeous young woman beside him leaning on his arm. The allied houses in the know nodded to them as they took their seats.
Headmistress McGonagall watched as Professor Flitwick did the sorting. Terrance had been given free roam of the castle on the head of random house-elves and a flight with Fawkes now and then. All common rooms had a place reserved for the hat so it could share tales of the antics the founders got up to in the schools early years as well as the truth about 'Salazar Slytherin's distrust of Muggleborns'.
When the last child headed to his new house the hat was lifted up so all could see it. "Listen close and Listen well, Your house is not your destiny. These are like minded peers and future friends, those with friends in other houses need to keep those ties strong. We are not just our houses….WE ARE HOGWARTS!"
McGonagall just smiled as the hat was placed on the teacher's table to enjoy the feast like everyone else. "Those are wise words indeed, To all of you I see a new era of wizards and witches. Change has come and for the better of all Magicals, so leave your ideas of who is better for whatever reason and start living with the facts that everyone must work together or else the entire wizarding world will fall in time. You will understand these words better after your first year so for now please eat and chat among your fellow schoolmates."
As the food arrived the room started to buzz with chatter and even some asking Granger and Longbottom about Harry being there. They just grinned and told them to wait. Many girls gave pouty looks at the way Harry showed attention to the girl beside him but when certain friends spoke out saying she was already Lady Potter, they knew to back off. The story of the 'Great Mail debate' would be told by each house that week.
When the feast ended and much to Luna's pout the pudding disappeared, the headmistress stood again. "This year brings new changes and the return of old traditions. This year Hogwarts will host the TriWizard Tournament involving students from Durmstrang and from Beauxbaton. This will alter the Quidditch matches as we will be allowing their chosen School team to play against ours. Team captains are to get with Madam Hooch to plan for joint tryouts for those representing Hogwarts. We will be introducing the impartial selector for the champions that will represent the three schools. Only those of age and active students may be entered. Those of you not of age but wish to test your skills against the other schools will be allowed to enter other events between the tournament tasks… Now for the bad news. During the past year we all heard of the great misdeeds of Albus Dumbledor but we did not see all his schemes."
The room erupted in murmurs and outrage, when it quieted down she continued. "He was involved in the original contract to reinstate this tradition and had contracted his mandatory attendance during the events. However due to skilled work by certain legal minded parties we have him limited to being under Auror escort at all times, and under Magic suppression cuffs. Do not speak to him, do not acknowledge him, the best punishment to him is being ignored by the very children he tried to corrupt and endanger."
She turned and nodded at Harry as he smiled and stood. "I need no introduction but I do want to introduce my wife. Queen Asha Basilisk-Potter, Lady Potter while here in the Castle. Her ties to the Serpentin Nation and this Tournament will help to improve relations with the Magical Communities. Between the main events we will call Tasks there will be a collection of smaller events and even a special market/festival presented by various non-human magicals. Extra security will be in the form of goblin guards, Aurors from all three countries, Naga Royal guards on loan By Queen Asha. as well as a select few others. Now listen closely….These are not 'creatures', these are not 'lessers'. These races have been alive longer than even the founders, and I have personally asked the favor of the three ministries to allow this around their citizens. Please prove to me this year that you are not your ancestors. Prove to the wizarding world you are the future of your houses and your nation. Show the right example."
He sat down as the teachers were introduced And a few looked at the new Astronomy teacher in surprise when it was stated she was a vampire. It was also stated they would be assisted by Centaurs, after all who better to teach astronomy than the very beings who live by it.
The children filed out to their new rooms for the school, they talked a bit before being shown to their common rooms and were given the house speeches. The teachers however were told to wait before heading out. When the children were all out the doors shut and Harry stood and walked around the table to face all the teachers. "I meant what I said about putting my neck out for this. Not only is the House of Potter and the three Ministries being held accountable but I am the face they are working with. To you I am a child but to them I have been a light of change for Britain. They looked at us like your great grandparents looked at them. But it all comes down to knowledge. We need to understand the different races, not just assume and say we are right long enough to believe that lie."
He took a deep breath as he looked over the room. Remus Lupin, Werewolf, teacher, family friend. Professor Alania Darkmore, Vampire, daughter of local Coven Leader. Professor Flitwick and Assistant Professor Hagrid, Half-humans, all heart, and every one of them would put their lives on the line to protect these children and the ones coming. Tell me now if any of you have an issue with this and we can make arrangements to cover your classes and posts during the events, Tasks, and Festival."
As he sat down he was waiting for the outcry but he saw them actually thinking, actually listening to his words. McGonagall gave him a slight smile as she stood up, "I think you all need to sleep on those words and get back to me at the end of the week. We will have the guests arriving in early October to participate in the smaller events to get them to interact with the others. But this month we will have certain classes cut to allow a school wide introduction to the other races. More details will be given out tomorrow morning."
Harry led Asha to the Lord's quarters; she was pleased to see the bathroom had a deep floor pool big enough to let her tail out. And she did just that after Harry scanned the room for scrying spells. He sighed as they washed up and she curled around him in bed, "I want this to work but I see so many ways it could fall apart. The only thing I can be sure of is that the Serpentine will behave and Remus will keep a nose out for any cursed Children needing help. This will be the first big step and it may be too soon."
"Harry, I love you and the other Kings and Queens love your stubborn attitude on this, but what good are the changes you made if we don't see if it even matters. We can still cancel the Festival if the witches and wizards cannot accept us. We will do the introductions and get feedback from our allies in each house. Now quit being so uptight and kiss your wonderful wife."
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The next morning all the Students were present as the schedules were being handed out. Harry and Asha decided to sit with the Gryffindors and was letting the Girls chat (interrogate) Asha, he did remind them that she was a real Queen to her nation and they need to be very careful with their questions. Asha smiled then flicked his forehead and told him she could handle herself and would warn them if they got into dangerous topics.
The Slitherins were subdued after Snape and the fourth years had basically ripped apart every ideology of pureblood and wizard supremacy, He even went to the point of stating that Lord and Lady Longbottoms recovery was due to 'Non-human' spells. The fact that Harry Had allowed a pensive copy of the 'diary Tom' telling his origins helped break a few hold-outs. Harry was being honest and open but the Dark Lord was outright lying to his followers.
The news of meeting with other magical nations during the month came with mixed results but they decided to take a wait and see approach. Harry planned it out to be The Serpentine this Saturday to get the students used to them being around for the Tournament. He talked with Hemma and a Naga friend of hers to come with the Guards and show a perspective of someone closer to the school age. When the time came he took his place behind the lectern. During your classes this week you will be given the opportunity to sign up for the lesser events. small competitions in common subjects and a few more esoteric skills like reading rune schemes and star charts, even a couple challenges for budding artists. Now this is the most important part. Despite the fact this is a competition, we are also promoting good political relations for the future. Who knows, maybe one of those coming to the tournament will be the future minister of their country or ours. So just have fun and do your best. Don't act like we are the best, act like we are the people good at what we can do and want to work with those good at what they do."
That started the dull roar as they were led out to classes. The teachers laughed as Harry looked around at the room after his speech. The adults were hanging on every word and nodding in agreement. Flitwick stood and walked by him, "Lord Potter, I am proud to admit I am a halfling, and not feel it is an insult. Please keep going and let me know if any walls try to impede your mission."
As they all left Harry Noticed Asha looking to the side and followed her gaze to see Hagrid standing there looking like he was debating on asking something. "Hagrid, It's still me, just a bit more me than before. What's on your mind?"
The big fella smiled as wide as he could, " I was hoping you and your lady would bring over some of them serpentine Dragons again and let us do a class on them? I kinda realized my skills with the poor dears are not the same as the students. So I was hoping you might know a few calmer ones that wouldn't mind coming by for a class or two?"
Asha giggled and looked at the half giant, "I know two very friendly and very affectionate Occamy that would love to help with your class, I can see about the others but no promises." This made the man nearly cry as he headed out to prepare with the other professor.
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Saturday had finally arrived and all students were ready for the lunchtime event, the doors were closed as they all arrived and waited. Soon the doors opened enough for Flitwick to step out. "Children and staff. Please take your seats at any house tables as this does not have to be a separated house meal. Be quiet as we begin and hold all comments and questions till the end. Yes we will be allowed to ask questions but listen closely in case they answer it before you even ask. Staff is to sit with the students as the upper area will be used for the introduction."
They all slowly entered to see that even the enchanted ceiling was altered to look like a rock cavern. when they were all seated the door at the back of the room opened and Harry stepped out wearing strange wrappings and beads. He stopped and turned to bow as a female form slid out from the doorway. Her body also bore wraps and beads but her face was covered by a veil. Her lower body was like a snake as she slid along to the gasps of the students. She stopped beside Harry and bowed to the students then snapped her fingers. The doors to the side of the raised area opened and two half snake women in upper body wrappings slid out in an exotic dances as they slid around each other and waved ribbond with their arms and tails. Soon two males, as they were shirtless, slid out to join the dance. It lasted a couple minutes before ending in a bow to the audience.
Harry looked at the students and motioned to clapp causing it to crescendo in the great hall. He then waved the students to calm. A small girl shyly slid out of the back door waving then pulling a small boy with her. They slid just behind the first Snake woman and bowed to her. Harry walked to them as whispered before nodding. He turned to the audience. "I Lord Harry Potter, Present to you, Queen Asha Basilisk-Potter, and the Lamia, or female, and Naga, or Male, Serpentine dancers. I also present to you two of our young ambassadors in training, Hemma, and Okoby Stonescale. They are cousins of the same clan, or what we call Houses."
Asha slid forward. "We are all wearing translation bangles sold by the Draken Empire so we can hear and understand english and these stones at the edge of the platform will translate our Parseltongue to english so you can understand us. I have learned english but these six are still learning. On the first night and morning here I was sitting among you and only a select few knew this was my true form. You all treated me with respect and I thank you. But now we want the wizarding world to see the facts. I did not intend to hide myself forever, I intended to see if you would treat me differently when the truth was revealed and ask..What's the difference?"
The small girl slid up nervously but soon a white owl flew down and landed on her shoulder. The Snowy Owl everyone knew belonged to Harry Potter was nodding and barking at the girl. who nodded and straightened up. "My name is Hemma, I am 36 years old but we age slower than wizards, I am more like 12-13 years old in your mental terms. I befriended this wonderful being when I first met the King and Queen. And since then I was warned that the wizards were biased because they did not listen to the facts, they listened to whoever paid the most to get their ideas written. I have been asked to come to each common room with your head of house and help you learn about the Serpentine culture. Okoby will do the same. We want peace and we need the magical world to be unified in the future. No wars, no claiming who is best, unity. Oh and I also want to learn more about this sport called Quidditch, it looks so amazing." She blushed and slid back at that part as well at cheers from the hardcore fanatics.
The dancer slid forward and let their tails stretch out to show the length. One turned and smiled as a Naga cleared his throat. "We are serpents. You are not, you live as you live and we do as we do. We live in caverns where the energy of the land protects us and aids us. The tongue of the ancients was meant for great things. Bad wizards made you think the tongue of the ancient was bad, it is not. We can heal, we can grow,craft and as you see dance by the magic of the tongue. Do not let those of foul intent taint things far older than you realise."
Harry stepped up and looked at the faces deep in thought. "The gaze of a basilisk can kill on sight…. but how does it not kill its mate, its children? Wizards find a basilisk in its lair and think it will not attack? No It will defend itself, it will also use a secondary set of eyelids to keep the magic of the gaze from hurting everything it looks at. Asha has full control and you all sat here with her and ate and chatted, and embarrassed me, ( he smirked at the snicker) but she was no threat to you. We all signed contracts to only use our natural gifts to protect the students and not harm any of them. They are serpents, You are not. They are different but so are you, let's learn about each other."
The meal started as six more Naga and three more Lamia came out in armor tops and carrying wooden staffs. "These are the royal Guard, all full grown and fully trained to protect. They will treat you with respect if you treat them with it as well. I will be getting daily updates from the Serpentine as well as the Headmistress to ensure there are no issues. Hemma and Okoby will be around as will Queen Asha and myself to answer questions. But for now…" He hissed to the floor waving his wand and a table rose up. only one chair appeared as the others simply coiled up behind the table. ".. Let us eat and think of questions. We will answer a few as long as proper decorum is observed….No talking with your mouths full."
The room got quiet till one blond ravenclaw stood up and waited to be addressed. Asha looked at the girl and smiled. "Ms. Lovegood I believe, From the Quibbler, I do love your articles and the rune puzzle is very entertaining, what do you wish to ask?"
"Do you prefer Queen Asha or Just Asha when not in official capacity during events?"
"Just Asha will be fine, I must remind you young men I am happily Married to Harry here and do not take flirting lightly, Girls can try but if he could resist the allure of a full enclave of Veela and just turn around and kiss me then I'm not worried."
Harry was blushing at that and saw one of the Gryffindor chasers standing. "Ms. Spinnet what do you wish to know?" The girl smiled but pointed to Hemma.
"She was wanting to know about Quidditch and we got to wondering if the serpentin had any sports as well? Also do you fly on things like we do on brooms?"
Hemma looked at Harry who waved her on. "I.. We don't really fly but we have combat sports, swimming competitions. and even crafting competitions. I did get to ride on a flying carpet once, it was amazing but it was years ago. I was hoping to use my earnings to buy one for myself if I could find one. There are Dragons and Occamys that like to do aerial tricks to show off. Oh and Snip and Snap the Postal Occamys." The room had snicker as even Snape growled at that reminder.
Two girls that looked alike stood up at the same time and smiled, Harry held his hand out to them. "Hemma, those are the Patil twins and their family sales flying carpets. Now if we can just see what sports they have with those." This brought a smile to her face as she nodded to the girls who sat down.
A slytherin boy stood and took a regal pose. One of the Lamia Guards looked at him and grinned, "You italy or greek? Good bones, good stance, What you want to know?"
"Blaise Zabini, Italian with some Greek descent, Thank you for your words. I wish to know how you culture deals with feuds or direct disputes, do you allow duels or such options?"
The Lamia looked deep in thought. "AH that is a fool's way. Even the victim could be proven guilty that way. We have contests of power in different areas. King uses the strength of Venom. His blood has the venom of old Basilisk so he can be king. Warriors use skill and expertise, if it legal matter it goes before the King and Queen. You have scent when you lie to royals, it's like your truth serum but you make yourself. You look like a future warrior. Keep training."
The next question was a bit unexpected as a Hufflepuff girl stood up. She looked second or third year, "I was wondering, well my family works in the London zoo in the reptile areas. The snaked and others there are nice to me and I got to see a boa constrictor give birth. Do you have one child or many and is it live birth or eggs?"
Harry and Asha were turning red as Hemma hid her face behind the Queen. Okoby just put his head to the table as the guards and dancers just chuckled. one of the Lamia dancers shook her head at the girl and held her hand up to stop the teachers from reacting. "This is a good question but you are young. to answer best is…. It depends on the Clan. Some have eggs, others live. Some one or two, and some many small hatchlings no more than seven or eight though. Save those questions for not meal time." The girl nodded and sat down blushing as her friends comforted her.
That night many students went back to their rooms thinking hard on the things they saw. The last Question was from Poppy who had returned to her duties, She asked about the rumors of it being Parseltongue that healed the Longbottoms. Harry looked at Neville who stood and nodded back.
Asha and Harry stood and bowed to Neville before turning to the others. "We did indeed have a Naga healer look into the case of the Longbottoms under the request of Dowager Longbottom. When they determined the issue they found the old spells to heal that form of mind magic and did so at my request. So much has been lost to the healers abilities when the oldbloods tried to isolate the other magical races from Britain. We can have a healer come work with you if you wish this year and teach you a few easier healing spells."
The Serpents would wear translation stones as necklaces and the bangles as well, Harry was happy with the evening so far but he felt it would be a long first week.
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A/N Untill next time.
