-1Chapter 2

Next morning, the two brothers found themselves in the Headmaster's Office for their testing. Breakfast had been a silent affair as they had theirs long before most of the other students even woke up, which was a perhaps a good thing as both brothers sat together in the Gryffindor table, which was empty save the two of them. After finishing, the Headmaster had joined them with a twinkle in his eyes, and led them to his office where several other teachers were waiting for them. The brothers' entry to the office had been dramatic to say the least, for the moment they entered, a striking red and gold bird burst into the room in a flash of flames and handed a letter to the old Headmaster. Then suddenly whirling, the bird gazed straight into the eyes of the brothers and with an almost surprised trill, did a loop around them, before settling in Galen's shoulder.

Chuckling, the boy ignored the startled expressions around him as he stroked the red and gold plumes of the bird. "An honor to see you as well, Servant of Nienna." The bird trilled joyfully before stretching its magnificent wings and returning to its perch.

The Headmaster was the first to break the reverie and he smiled serenely at the boys. "Marvelous, simply marvelous. Fawkes hardly ever shows such joy at meeting people these days. May I ask what you meant by the title you gave her?"

Galen raised his eyebrow. He looked at the faces of the people around him and observed a wide array of emotions ranging from the cautious stare of the Deputy Headmistress, a pleased look on Professor Snape and something akin to jealousy on James Potter. Lily Potter had a neutral and curious look as her gaze lingered on Galen. Professor Flitwick was rubbing his fingers.

"Nienna, the Lady of Tears, sent several spirits in the form of avian creatures to heal the pains in the world. This is one of them."

"Religious drivel," James Potter said in an irritated tone. Turning to the Headmaster, he added "Can we get on, Albus? I have a class with First Years this morning."

"Of course, James," the Headmaster twinkled brightly from behind his moon spectacles. "So, have you boys decided what subjects you wish to take?"

Eldarion drew himself forward. "Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Defense, Herbology and Astronomy for me."

"Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Defense, Runes and Magical Creatures for me," Galen added.

"Very well," the Headmaster said. "I have assurance from Severus that you are both more than adept at Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Defense. Since you boys are here only for the knowledge and have no intention of taking the NEWTs, there is no need for OWLs qualifications." Turning to the teachers, he added, "I myself will vouch for their abilities in the core subjects and so we will keep the testing for the remainder of the subjects. If that's all right with the rest of you?" he asked the other teachers, most of whom returned with a nod. Except one.

"With all due respect, Albus," James Potter interposed. "I must protest. I can't blindly trust the judgment of Severus and show impartiality to some students over the rest. A certain level is necessary for students to attend the NEWTs Defense class and I will not break that rule."

Dumbledore nodded in resignation. The rivalry between Snape and Potter had often surfaced in affecting innocent students even with his best efforts to prevent it. But the Defense Professor was fully within his rights to require an adequate testing of his new students' abilities, especially with the lack of any OWLs.

"Do you have any objections?" He looked at the brothers, who shook their heads disinterestedly after exchanging a look with the Potions Master. "Very well, we shall begin then. Lily and Hagrid, you can have first go with Mr. Galenel Greenstar while Pomona and Sylvia take Mr. Eldarion Greenstar. In the meantime, I will talk with James and Severus on how best to test them for Defense. Is everything clear?"

Galen nodded, and was soon on his way behind the two professors to an inner room. Lily Potter was the first to test him. Schooling his expression to one of neutrality, Galen braced himself.

Lily Potter smiled reassuringly at Galen and said, "In Hogwarts, Runes is one of the most complex class full of intricate patterns and deep theory. We work with the runes used by several ancient and forgotten cultures. While I am pleased you want to pursue this subject, I have to ensure you will be able to handle the workload. What experience do you have with Runes?"

Galen fixed his gaze on her and for an instant both were shocked by the intensity of the green eyes in the other, before Galen hurriedly answered, "I have read through the course books set by you and am fairly well versed with some of what will be taught in these two years, I'm more advanced in the older runes, such as the Dwarvish and the Elvish ones and those originating from them, but less familiar with those of Asian and Egyptian origins."

Lily looked at him in wonder. "This is surprising, Mr. Greenstar. Not many students actually go back to the roots and learn runes in their purest and most magical form. If your claim is correct, you wouldn't be averse to displaying your skills. Show me what you are capable of, I will leave the details to you."

Galen nodded and brought out his wand, a silver stick with a black stone on its end. He ignored the Professors' look of surprise at the magnificence of his wand and instead, focused his attention at the wall connecting the room to the outer passageway and drew an intricate pattern in the air. Extending his wand, he sent the pattern to the wall which manifested as the outline of a door with a bright and shining border. Then, getting up, he walked towards the wall and traced the initial pattern he had drawn in air, but this time on the wood. The light fused and slowly diffused, as if nothing had happened.

"Well done!" Lily exclaimed in surprise. "A hidden door. That is a most advanced and rarely known use of the rune of secrecy. Would you mind telling me how you came across it and have become such an expert in it?"

Galen shrugged. "A friend of my father knows many runes made by the Dwarves and taught me some of them. The true form doesn't just hide the door but makes it visible, though only in moonlight. The rune for that however, is much more complex and I wasn't sure if I could do it. This door will always be present, only hidden from sight"

Lily nodded, noticing his subtle change of topics. "Very well, you have basic knowledge and the finesse to draw complex structures. You can join my class. Hagrid, do you want to take Mr. Greenstar now?"

The giant Professor looked at Galen keenly and with a jovial look asked, "What animals are yeh used to, Mr. Greenstar, if yeh dun mind me askin'?"

Galen shook his head. "Many birds, including phoenix and eagles. Horses, wolves, snakes including some of the magical kinds of each. I once met a giant scorpion and a chimera," he stopped to see the bulging eyes of the two professors and grinned. "I'm used to traveling a lot. Oh, I have met several dragons as well. But one more than the others, a Chinese Fireball is what you call it. Show-offs, if you ask me."

Hagrid, who had been gaping at Galen all along finally gave a chuckle. "I say much the same abou' the Fireball. Never could abide those bigheads. Now a Norwegian Ridgeback… that's more," he stopped abruptly when Lily coughed pointedly. "Well yes, anyways. Looks like yeh'll be joinin' the Magical Creatures class this year, Mister Greenstar."

Soon, Galen was back in Dumbledore's office and saw Eldarion had already returned with his testers. With a nod, the brothers revealed their success to each other and set their faces towards the Headmaster.

"Excellent, boys," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Now for your final test, we shall see your prowess in a duel. Now, we don't expect you to beat any of your opponents, but your dueling ability will indicate whether you will join the Defense class." When the boys nodded, Dumbledore continued, "For impartiality, it has been decided that Mr. Eldarion Greenstar shall face Professor Potter and Mr. Galenel Greenstar shall face Professor Flitwick."

The brothers exchanged a curious glance with each other and Snape, who was smirking openly in anticipation of the duel. He stood up and led the boys to another inner chamber, followed swiftly by their opponents and some of the other professors including Lily Potter, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall.

Harry and Flitwick went first. A duel circle had been drawn in the middle of the chamber, while all the onlookers stood above in a viewing gallery.

When Snape flashed the flag, Harry bowed before his tinier opponent who returned it, pleased to observe the proper formalities with the young student. The very next instant, Harry turned to his right and yelled, "Stupefy." Flitwick jumped above the jet of light and sent three similar jets at the same time at Galen. Seeing his predicament, the boy dropped to the floor and felt another spell with immaculate aim inches away, and he flashed his wand forward, changing it to a shield, shining in white and blue colors. The spell came in contact with the sword and was absorbed.

Seeing Flitwick in a daze at this strange tactic, he jumped up reverting his wand back. He yelled three spells at the same time in a similar pattern as his opponent had done earlier. Flitwick dodged them with ease and sent a couple of curses towards his pupil. Galen avoided the first narrowly and jumping to his right, ran straight for his opponent in a zigzag, avoiding several stunners and sending some of his own. Finally, when he was a few feet away, he jumped and sent a stunner, before all went black.

Moments later, he was roused from the floor, feeling a heavy bump on his head. Opening his eyes, he saw, Flitwick in a similar position. The champion duelist stared at Galen in awe after his confusion cleared.

"That was not your first duel, Mr. Greenstar, and for some reason I feel as if you were holding back your true potential."

Inclining his head, Galen bowed again, before walking out in silence, passing his brother.

Eldarion took the stage next and bowed before his opponent, who merely inclined his head in a slight movement to acknowledge his opponent. Then as the flag was raised and the Defense Professor yelled, "Stupefy. Expelliarmus. Stupefy. Stupefy. Expelliarmus," in amazing speed and precision. Eldarion however, dodged each curse with even greater speed and grace. Moving lithely, as if blending into the very air around him, Eldarion showed no interest in sending any spell of his own until finally the Defense Professor tired of his incessant volley. He paused for a moment to catch his breath and that was all his adversary needed. Instantly, his wand transformed into a blue and white bow, not of wood but of pure magical electricity. He drew the string of magic back and a flaming arrow appeared out of nowhere, strung on the bow. Within a fraction of a second, the arrow was aimed and released, followed by another and another. His opponent dodged the first but was hit by the other two, one pushing him backwards like a heavy blow to his stomach, and the second tying him in ropes.

Walking calmly to his adversary, he picked up the fallen wand and turned to the silent audience. "Do we qualify?"

Snape chortled, a sound which surprised the rest of the professors assembled. "You most certainly do, both of you. And if anyone tries to say otherwise," he sneered, and shot a dirty look at the tied adversary of his young ward, "I will resign from my post under protest of bias."

"That will not be necessary, Severus," Dumbledore stated firmly, as he undid the ropes around his Defense Professor. "If you will be kind enough to take these two most excellent duelists to my office, I will settle things here and soon be with you."

Back at the office, Galen grinned at his brother and turned cheekily to the Potions Master. "Father sends his regards, Uncle Severus, and apologizes for not being able to come himself. He was a bit occupied with an Orc tribe that had been up to some mischief. And mother wants to know if you have used the herbs she gave you to wash your hair."

Snape narrowed his eyes at Galen. "Anybody else," he drawled, "and they would not have lasted five seconds after that last remark. But you boys did well today." Then his expression darkened. "How are you, Galen? I know it could not have been easy to meet them."

Galen sighed. "It wasn't. But I will survive. I wish I didn't love Runes so much and could avoid the class altogether. Would have been much simpler," his voice lowered in volume. Then he smiled again. "But we have made a few friends."

"I noticed," Snape nodded his head. "Weasley, Longbottom and Granger… perhaps as tolerable as Gryffindors could get if at all. With the female Weasley and Granger's influence, Longbottom is no longer the stuttering idiot he once used to be. A pity he didn't take my class for NEWTs. He would have rivaled even your father as a healer." Turning to Eldarion, he said, "Draco's my godson but I must warn you against his family. The Malfoys are firmly in the Dark Lord's camp. Miss Greengrass, however, with whom I saw you in sitting last night is from a less radical family."

"And rather pleasing to the eye too, eh Eldarion?" Galen smirked at his reddening brother, who pointedly ignored him, muttering something that sounded like 'Weasley' under his breath.

Just then the Headmaster appeared alone. He sunk in his chair with a sigh and faced the brothers.

"Severus has informed me of the special situation surrounding your family, boys," the Headmaster twinkled brightly. "It is indeed a pleasure to have the royal family in our midst. I also applaud your desire to conceal your identities."

"It was necessary," Galen said with a shrug. "Few are even aware of the hidden realm of New Numenor. We are not yet ready to reveal our existence, and I don't think we ever will."

"Then why do you leave the safety of your lands?" Dumbledore asked in bemusement. "Surely, you have adequate tutors in your island."

"Several reasons, Professor, not least of which is the upcoming war against Voldemort," Galen said seriously. "We don't usually meddle in affairs beyond our lands but the threat of Voldemort is not limited to Britain alone. We are here to gauge the situation and send reports back to our father, King Isildur the Third, and to lend our services if required."

The Headmaster gaped at them, startled by their words. "Surely you don't expect to fight? You are mere children. I couldn't in good conscience let you…"

Eldarion raised his hand to silence the Headmaster. "We may not be of age in your jurisdiction but our experiences are beyond those of any other in this school or perhaps even this country, save you and perhaps a few others. Together with our father, we killed the Black Chimera that plagued the people of Namibia. We have fought renegade Orcs for over a year. You call them Goblins in Britain. Trolls, Giants, Werewolves… we have faced them all." Seeing the Headmaster's startled expression, he continued, "We may be princes, but our life has not been that of silks and palaces. Father was most insistent on us being able to look after ourselves and be able to lead our people when the time came."

"I see," Dumbledore nodded. Turning to Snape, he asked, "I forget, Severus. How did you meet King Isildur the Third?"

"You didn't forget, Albus," Snape sneered. "I never told you." He glanced at the boys and after Galen nodded, he continued, "It was a month after I started spying for you. A young Death Eater discovered my secret and nearly killed me. Fortunately for me, King Isildur happened to be nearby and had heard enough to save my life. I spent the next month in Numenor, recovering. Since then, we have been good friends and I often visit him during summer."

"Oh, and I thought it was the Lady Delia whom you came to see each year. She will be so disappointed to know it was only our father who made you come every year, Uncle Severus," Galen sighed mischievously.

Dumbledore observed the interaction between his Potions Master and the two boys with amusement. Galen, in his own special way, had managed to find his way into his heart in less than a day. And seeing how freely his dour Potions Master allowed him the boy to get away with his teasing, Dumbledore realized he wasn't the only one to feel that way. There was something about the boy that felt familiar, but Dumbledore couldn't quite place what. Ultimately, he gave up and looked at Snape.

"Lady Delia?" he smiled. For a long time, he had been concerned about his Potions Master. The man was so dedicated to his research, his teaching and his duties in the war, that he afforded little time to his own self. This was something that greatly plagued Dumbledore's mind for he felt it was his fault. By making him spy against the Dark Lord, Severus Snape could hardly allow himself to be weakened by human emotions and that was perhaps what made him keep distance from everyone else. Even Lily Potter, who had once been his best friend when they were younger, could hardly get him at ease.

Snape ignored the question and glared at Galen. "I will thank you to abstain from gossiping about my personal life," he said sharply, but then his expression relaxed. "How is she?"

"Lady Delia sends her regards and expresses her regret at your absence this year. She understands that the return of Voldemort," he paused as he noted Dumbledore's interest at his free use of the name, "has kept you busy, but honestly Uncle Severus, if you value your health, you will visit her as soon as you are able to. If not she, then father will barge up to Hogwarts, wards notwithstanding, and take you in binds back to the Hidden Realm. He cannot stand his sister being unhappy."

"That will not be necessary," Snape said frostily. "Albus, do I still have the weekend off for Christmas?"

With an amused twinkle, the Headmaster smiled at Snape. "Of course, my boy. And now that I know your reasons, I'm giving you the entire week off." Seeing Snape protest, he held his hand up, "No, no… I shall hear no words from you. If you do not take this, then I fear I will have to ask Mr. Greenstar here to tell his father's sister of your decision."