Chapter 3
"You know Sirius this is almost becoming fun." I snickered and we took a seat at our table. "Oh! and thank you Lady Hogwarts, for the help and such a nice table." I mentally sent to the castle. I received a response by a roast duck in orange sauce, with a rather fabulous Pavlova for dessert, appearing along with a bottle of champagne from my favorite year. I also received a pleasant feeling and smoothing comfort.
I could see that many students noticed the unusual meal appearing on my table. That's when a snowy white bird landed in front of me and started to stare. It was like she was trying to look into my sole. That's when I felt Lady Hogwarts telling me that the bird, named Hedwig, was my familiar. As I petted Hedwig I felt she was already not happy with me as she glared from the roast duck and then to me.
As I had sipped from my first glass of Champaign, in this unusual school, my normal relaxing glass of Champaign was distracted. (I was only allowed one) An unusual individual with a wooden leg was crossing in front of the long teachers table as he had just arrived. I suddenly felt a mental attack, which I sent it back with the force of ten. This caused one of the professors, with a large nose and greasy hair, to slam backwards, sending him and his chair abruptly to the floor behind the staff's table.
"Thanks Harry, I always wanted to do that in some way to Snape." Sirius whispered as started to cut into his steak
The Professor with the peg leg had his wand out in a flash and pointed out towards the students and my area. Hedwig departed with haste.
With a wave of my hand his wand flew toward the back wall. He however drew another wand which caused me to repeat my wave.
Dumbledore immediately drew his wand and sent a spell in my direction.
Waving both my hands caused Moody to be summoned into Dumbledore's spell and made Dumbledore's wand to fly into my hand. I felt energy from Dumbledore wand. I was kind of laughing to myself as to when they would figure out that I didn't have a wand of my own. Pandemonium broke out!
Using Dumbledore's wand I fired a large BANG into the air. In the moment following the bang, I made my thoughts known in the sudden silence…"That is not who he appears to be, that is an imposter. We are further insulted at the treatment you have demonstrated to an unwilling entrant and his entourage that have been forced into your stupid attacks and tournament."
"Harry I still say you're going to catch hell trying to explain how you knew all of this." Sirius whispered to me.
"How about I just say that you told me?" I broke out in laughter while Sirius scowled but then he broke into uncontrollable laughter. "That has to be one of the better prank I've seen kiddo."
The noise level in the Great Hall rose significantly. Minister officials were having a word with Dumbledore while the house nurse was attending to Snape. Additional Aurors had arrived to escort Peter Pettigrew and the now identified phony Alastair Moody to the Ministry holding cells. Moody was carted off over Dumbledore's objection even though the Aurors confirmed his flask contain a poly juice potion.
I wondered what kind of nut house Dumbledore was running as I finally got to address my meal..
Dumbledore was now insisting that we all adjourn to his office to continue our discussion. However, Professor McGonagall suggested that our meeting take place after all the students had finished eating.
What a novel idea I thought.
/Scene Break/
Headmaster Dumbledore's office:
The shouting and asking questions by everyone at the same time finally came to an end. And so Dumbledore started…" Mr. Potter, where have you been?"
"With my godfather, who is my guardian!"
"And exactly where have you two been living?"
"In our little piece of heaven, and far, far away." I found it hard not to start laughing. Sirius was again laughing uncontrollably.
Sirius was not that serious in many things. He was very loyal and tried to do good for me. He however still was a Marauder at heart. He also was raised as a Black which meant he knew a lot of dark magic and his mind was protected by Occlumency. It was almost funny when Dumbledore found out why Snape needed medical help. His soft probe of me was sent back with a mild probe of my own. Who in my class of instructors would not have trained me in an art that could hurt or damage my mind? It was obvious Dumbledore had developed a headache as his hands started rubbing his forehead.
"Very well since you will not answer our questions Harry you may head off to your dorm room. Lord Black, thank you for your time you're excused, my deputy will escort you from the castle."
"I am sorry headmaster you are misunderstanding the situation. Lord Black is my trainer as authorized under the tri-wizard tournament rules. He will be residing in my private quarters which will consist of at least three bedrooms."
"No Mr. Potter, as a student you will occupy one of the dorm rooms."
"Again headmaster you are under a misconception, I am not a Hogwarts student, nor will I be a Hogwarts student. I am your fourth tri-wizard competitor and demand my rights under the tri-wizard tournament rules."
But then Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge tried his power…"As a minor and British magical citizen you fall under the Ministry's control…"
I smiled and turned to Sirius…" Lord Black if you will provide the minister with the paperwork to answer his questions."
"What is this poppycock?" The Minister yelled.
"As the other two schools are not part of Hogwarts neither is mine. Those Goblin documents show I have diplomatic immunity as part of my school which is in a foreign country."
"Where is this school located?" Fudge demanded.
"Minister can you tell me where Durmstrang is located? I'm giving you the same answer as if you asked any Durmstrang student or official."
While Fudge was sputtering… "Minerva, would you please see in providing the requested quarters for Lord Black and Mr. Potter." Dumbledore was not looking happy.
"While Professor McGonagall is welcome come to accompany us, Lady Hogwarts has established our quarters on the seventh floor by the Gryffindor common room."
"I do have a question Lord Potter." A lady that had set in the back of the office and had nothing to say up to this point spoke. She wore a Monocle and had the Etiquette to introduce herself, "I am Madam Bones of the DMLE and have a few questions."
"What can I do for you Madam Bones?"
How did you know that the rat was who he was and that Alaster was not who he was?"
The castle, that is, Lady Hogwarts informed me. "While that was a lie it was better than telling the truth that no one would ever believe up to this point. Where I was trained and by whom was bad enough but at least they should accept that as a Lord Gryffindor I could communicate with the castle. I am most laughed at the thought of them finding out my other information such as me being an Animagus or a Parselmouth.
"Thank you Mr. Potter I will take you up on your offer to company you. I would like to ensure that your quarters are adequate for your needs." McGonagall stated.
I was wondering when someone would ask…'Lady Hogwarts talks to you?' But we were already walking out the door.
/Scene Break/
The longer we walked, the more sconces I noticed decorated with snake etchings, or even little sculptures, interesting.
We had arrived on the seventh floor when professor McGonagall exclaimed… "Where did that portrait come from?"
I figured that we had found the right place so I approached the portrait.
"Lord Gryffindor, I and the Lady Hogwarts joyously welcome the current heir back to our fold." The portrait stated. "Beside yourself who do you wish to have access?"
"Merlin, at this point in time just Lord Black" I was surprised that the professor did not react as I was not using an expression but the actual person name who resided in the portrait.
"Welcome Lord Gryffindor" the portrait swung open to reveal a very opulent common room. A quick survey showed three bedrooms each containing their own bathrooms.
"Mr. Potter I wish to express my displeasure with you having to participate in this tournament. I have come to the conclusion that I am not Seeing Eye to eye with many decisions since your birth. Please feel free consult me on any matters with the knowledge that it will be completely confidential." Professor McGonagall seemed quite sincere.
"Thank you Professor I may indeed take you up on your offer in the near future."
At that moment two house elves popped into the common room in front of me.
"I am Twinkie."
"I am Dinky."
"Lady Hogwarts has assigned us as your personal elves." Said an excited Twinkie.
"What can we do for you now Lord Gryffindor? We have already unpacked your belongings." Dinky stated.
"You two are quite kind and your assistance is most welcome. Please let me know if there's anything I can help or assist you with. There will be much work in the near future." I stated and which seem to make both elves extremely happy before they popped away.
"Mr. Potter you don't mind me asking why they are they calling you Lord Gryffindor.
"Professor McGonagall I happen to be the last surviving descendent of Gryffindor along with a couple of other lordships."
"Oh, well than I'll be just the heading off to grades more papers. I wish you good evening." She appeared to shake her head as if confused but departed.
After Professor McGonagall left Sirius tried to verbally poke me.. "You know you're going to catch hell tomorrow don't you? All the girls will be looking to catch your attention, and then there's the school rumor mill which of course is helped along by the portraits adding their opinions to the mix."
"Sirius why don't you just shut the hell up and leave and go chase after Mooney? After all your philandering I have had other more levelheaded people explaining to me the facts of life. Besides, there is going to be more problems when he tries to make me attend classes not to mention getting a wand. Furthermore don't forget the death eaters spawn which will be sure to attempt to make my life miserable."
I was still not happy being here and I was not aware of how right I was.