Disclaimerus: see Prelude.
To our reviewers – Thank you for your reviews. I always love to hear that people like the stories that I write. And I'm glad that some of you thought that us making Snape human from the start was a good idea. With the way we have the beginning of the story line figured out it was for the best that we started it off with Severus showing that he's a real honest to goodness human being. We're going to have a bit of fun with him though, so I hope your ready for a Snape that's not your typical bah humbug kind of guy. Not to mention that we are always open to creative criticism as it can only help in improving our writing styles, and so that is why after a very well written review that I received the other day I have gone through and made several revisions to the previous two chapters and posted the house profession list at the end of the welcome letter. This is going to be long and very detailed story, so feel free to include ideas for future events or characters. I always welcome the chance to give cameo appearances to favored readers. If you want to be included in one of the future chapters, leave me your character name, a brief description, and preferred occupation, and we'll get you sorted and placed into one of the houses of Hogwarts University. And now without further ado…
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Chapter Three – Dueling Leads to War
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"Well, this year is certainly going to be fun," Feiffer Goodwin chuckled, again toying with his long blonde hair. The Hufflepuff prefect had been flaunting the dance his house was putting on for the past half hour as they waited for the Britholden prefect to arrive. "The dance is going to be the talk of the university for weeks, if not all year."
"I'm sure it will be," Vesdemort agreed, flying into the room via the open western window.
"Do you not know how to walk, Britholden?" the Hufflepuff sneered.
"You just wish you could control your broom well enough to get off the ground, Goodwin," Richard Jannen shot back, quick to defend the prefect of his sister house and friend of his girlfriend, Jemma.
"Do we have to get into these arguments at every meeting?" Cleo groaned, placing her head in her hands.
"Don't worry Cleo, Goodwin will be put in his place shortly, as usual." Frances remarked. The Gryffindor prefect would've indulged in smirking at the Hufflepuff prefect had Feiffer not drawn his wand, preparing to duel the next wizard or witch who crossed him.
"You shouldn't make such threats in safe grounds such as these, Goodwin, but if you are so adamant about being beaten into the ground, I'll happily oblige after the meeting. My first years could use a good laugh." Vesdemort took out her wand and raised it in salute to Feiffer, accepting the duel she knew he craved.
"Vesdemort, this is not the way we should be starting a new year!" Cleo admonished.
"But a wizard's duel is always the best way to start a year, particularly one of Miss Vesdemort's. They always prove so educational." Richard grinned at Cleo then turned his calm chocolate eyes gloatingly toward Feiffer.
"Though I am loathe to condone any rivalries between houses," Frances began, "I must admit that I find Miss Vesdemort's dueling style unique and I always learn something from watching her."
"I really appreciate the vote of confidence there Frances," Feiffer grumbled. "I've won my share of duels, as any of you will remember."
"Enough talk of duels, we have actual business to discuss," Vesdemort called, leaning back in her chair. I wonder how Rhaja is doing? She should've gotten that message to Professor Dragnon by now. As if in response to her thoughts the phoenix glided through the window and landed on the table before her. The other prefects, now long used to the bird's antics, moved their papers and continued to read the amendments to the school regulations that had been passed that summer. Vesdemort took the letter that Rhaja held in her beak and opened it.
Miss Vesdemort,
I am pleased to hear that all plans for this year's prank are in order. I look forward to witnessing what you and the other girls have come up with. I have explained several of the house rules to our three new girls, though I have left the inner workings for you to detail. I will be taking Professor Snape out to dinner later that we might discuss some important issues we will be facing during the school year. Please see that the girls are tended to in my absence.
Yours,
Alendi Dragnon
Vesdemort handed the letter back to Rhaja and it quickly burst into flame. Having already read the amendments earlier that week, Vesdemort waited for the other prefects to finish, humming contentedly all the while.
"What's got you so happy, good news from Dragnon?" Richard whispered. He knew that Britholden house wouldn't stand for the subtle insult Hufflepuff had cast them, he just didn't know how they would retaliate.
"She was just giving me a synopsis of the day's agenda, making sure I knew what the first years needed to be briefed on, the usual." The Britholden prefect grinned and leaned forward to scratch Rhaja's chin. "Go on and check on the girls Rhaja, I'll be here for a while. Make sure you're back in time for the duel though." With that the fiery bird lofted off and flew out of the room.
"You make out as if that bird can actually understand you," Frances observed.
"That's because she can Mr. Kuiper. You'd be amazed what animals can understand." Vesdemort turned to face the eastern window that Rhaja had flown out of. "The magical creatures are especially keen on our human goings on. Never underestimate their intelligence because they speak in a tongue few understand."
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"Rhaja, what's the matter?" Luna asked the phoenix as she flew in circles above the main meeting table in the lower common room. The bird gave a cry and shook two feathers off to rest on the tabletop at her master's seat. The two feathers sat still for a moment then the one farthest from Vesdemort's chair erupted in flame. "Not another one!" the redheaded Britholden grumbled, ringing the bell on the table to call all the housemates into the room.
"What's wrong Luna?" Jemma asked as she entered, the first years following her.
"Vesdemort's dueling again," Luna sighed. It was mind boggling how many duels the prefect got into or, more often than not, instigated.
"It will be a good experience for the first years," Melinda Bulstrode remarked, striding into the room with bolts of fabric in hand. "I picked up the material for our house dresses."
"I don't think Sprik will be able to handle that many dresses in one night," Luna whimpered, sympathizing with the house elf.
"Sprik has more power in her pinky than you have in your entire family, Jinxy. I think twelve dresses are well within her grasp," Marisol laughed. "Besides, we do pay her rather richly for her services.
"You'd have to pay an elf to listen to Professor Dragon yelp when she's woken up," Jemma chuckled.
"So, who's the duel against?" Severa asked, eager to see what her prefect could do.
"Dunno, but I hope it's that Gryffindor prefect," Luna scowled. Luna could still recall the embarrassment she'd suffered her first year at the University when she'd found out that the object of her crush had been a blasted Gryffindor. True, Frances had come from Slytherin's brother house at Beauxbatons school in France, but his professional interests fell under the house of Gryffindor at Hogwarts University, a continual source of annoyance to the Gryffindor prefect, though he bared the burden with admirable grace.
"It's probably that Hufflepuff idiot," Melinda commented, dropping the fabric into a corner. "That house has been asking for it since they insulted Professor Dragnon last term."
"Of course, if we want to get back, all we have to do is tell everyone about Feiffer and Cleo's little 'relationship,' but that would be far too easy," Indiga yawned, taking her seat. "Why don't we do a See You, See Me and ask Her who she's battling?"
"She should be back soon, no use wasting..."Luna was interrupted when Rhaja squawked and flew to the door, waiting for the others to follow.
"That solves that problem," Jemma chuckled, grabbing her cloak and following the bird. "Come girls, it's time for the duel."
"That bird gives me the creeps," Sabina whispered to Severa.
"I think it's supposed to," the blonde replied.
"Oh, of course!" Sabina chirped brightly before running after the others.
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Vesdemort stood staring at Feiffer Goodwin, a sinister smile playing across her features. She'd been waiting three years for this duel and she was going to take much delight in beating Goodwin into the ground...repeatedly. A crowd had begun to gather around the two students who, in moments, would be dueling to settle a long-standing grudge between their houses.
"Crush him into the bloody ground!" came a shout from behind Vesdemort. Looks like Jemma and the girls are here. Vesdemort's eyes lit up with joy- the whole house had come to give their support.
"Put the whores in their place!" a Hufflepuff cheered, raising her fist into the air.
"Quiet!" Richard shouted, raising his hands to silence the mob. "Everyone spread out three more paces, this isn't some grade-school duel here!" Turning, Richard spared a wink for Jemma who was smiling at him knowingly.
The two duelists raised their wands in salute before pacing backward. At the tenth pace both spun around and took a fighting stance though neither moved to attack first. The crowd was silent as they watched the two glare at one another.
"Expelliarmus!" Feiffer cried.
"Finite Incantum!" Vesdemort cast back, effectively blocking the attack. "You shouldn't smile before you attack, it gives you away."
"Flipendo!" Feiffer grinned as a badly aimed ball of energy grazed Vesdemort's left arm, rendering it useless and her wand dropped from her fingers. Snarling, Vesdemort picked up her wand with her right hand. "Perhaps you shouldn't distract so easily Britholden, it makes you careless."
Vesdemort gripped her wand tightly. "Ocularis Obscurus!"
Feiffer started when he blinked and faced, not Vesdemort but Cleo Zilbergeld with a very sinister grin. "This a new trick of yours Miss Vesdemort?" A very unHufflepuff-like sneer crossed Feiffer Goodwin's angelic face. "Or should I say Miss Lucinda Riddle?"
Vesdemort shook in rage. "Where did you hear that name?" she whispered.
"Any knowledge can be uncovered if you're persistent enough," Goodwin replied. "Lucinda Riddle, a pureblood unlike her most infamous cousin..."
"Rigor Mortis!" Vesdemort screamed, launching a blue-black mass at Feiffer who, upon impact, froze and fell backward.
"She didn't just use one of the Unforgivable, did she?" a student whispered.
"I've never heard of it before," another replied.
"Riddle?" Harry Potter whispered to Ron.
"Wasn't that You Know Who's real name?" Hermione murmured, walking up to her two friends.
"It's an evil spell, should be considered Dark Arts but barely escapes it because it can be cured with Mandrake." a whisper behind them echoed.
"Freezes everything up, you're heart doesn't even beat! You're alive, but no one can tell, people've been buried alive cuz of that curse," a shrill squeak continued.
"Miss Vesdemort!" came Professor McGaver's pinched shriek. "What have you done this time?"
"She used Rigor Mortis, professor," Cleo explained, staring at the frozen form of Feiffer Goodwin in half horror, half amazement.
"Never repeat those words on this campus," McGaver warned, casting an icy glare to the still seething Britholden prefect. "We do not teach the Shadow charms here and we will not tolerate their use on this campus, is that understood? Were the curse not so easily curable, Miss Vesdemort, you would be expelled immediately."
"Yes professor. However, I suggest you keep closer watch on your records as it seems some students have been meddling in them." Clear green eyes locked with startled hazel and held them. "And as to the curse, let it be known that the same awaits any who would dare speak that name."
"He couldn't possibly..." McGaver began.
"He did," Vesdemort grimaced.
"I will speak to Mr. Goodwin upon his awakening and I will overlook your involvement in this incident." With that, McGaver turned to Feiffer's frozen form. "Wingardium Leviosa!" Feiffer Goodwin's body floated cheerily behind a fuming Eleanor McGaver.
"Bloody awful thing for that rat Hufflepuff to say," Jemma said, coming to stand behind her prefect.
"They'll pay for that one," Indiga promised, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at the mass of Hufflepuffs who stood across the duel space from them.
"You bloody Britholden whores deserved it," Elaine Cronk replied, leading Ravenclaw house to stand next to Hufflepuff.
"Watch your tongue Cronk or I'll knock you into next Quidditch season," Richard snarled, leading Slytherin to stand with Britholden.
"If Britholden hadn't provoked this duel then none of this would be transpiring," Cleo sniffled between tears. The sight of her beloved being floated behind the Cadaver had been too much for her to bear. Quietly she lead Piagera house to stand with Hufflepuff. "Miss Granger!" she snapped when Hermione began to lag behind, still standing next to her Gryffindor friends. Hermione moved a little closer to her housemates but continued to wait for Harry and Ron's decisions. Harry and Ron were currently watching their house prefect, Frances Kuiper, who was silently arguing with himself.
"Well Gryffindor, what's it going to be?" Elaine asked, stepping forward. "Are you going to side with the whores and the snakes, or are you going to do the sensible thing and side with decency?"
"I..." Frances looked back at his fellow Gryffindors who also seemed to be split on the issue. "I...I need to discuss this with my house for a moment please. Gryffindors, follow me." Once they were clear of the other houses Frances took out his wand. "Silencio!" A shimmering bubble surrounded the housemates, keeping all sound from traveling outside of its barriers. "I will not pull Gryffindor into an interhouse conflict without a consensus, though I should make it known that Hufflepuff did, in fact, start this particular conflict."
"It's a simple matter of numbers, really," first year Vale Keys piped in, pointing a freshly polished nail towards the assembled groups. "Right now it's two against three, so it's only logical that we side with Slytherin and Britholden and even matters up. After all, Hufflepuff did start it."
"Listen to yourself! You're saying we should side with Slytherin and Britholden. There aren't two more evil houses." Mat Adler argued.
"Having been something like a former Slytherin myself, I resent that Mr. Adler and will ask that you not assert such prejudices in my presence. I'll remind you that University houses are based on professional interests, not personal character." Kuiper's piercing glare cut down the unruly second year and reduced him to an immobile, murmuring statue.
"Side with Hufflepuff!"
"Britholden!"
"Quiet!" Frances bellowed, raising his hands in the air.
"In all honesty Frances," Ron said, stepping up to stand before his prefect, "if we side with Hufflepuff we're going to lose. Britholden's packed with former Hogwarts Slytherins and there's but a few stray houses in Slytherin itself, and if anyone knows how to plot revenge, it's a Slytherin. If we go against those two we're setting ourselves up to be destroyed."
A grim expression settled itself onto Harry's features and he stared out at Hufflepuff's supporters.
"Poor Hermione," Ron whispered, sensing his friend's thoughts. "She can't very well go against the whole of Piagera house."
"Maybe we can talk to Britholden and ask them to go easy on her," Harry sighed.
"Mr. Weasley's right, though I'll not say nothing more to sway you. A show of hands, who's for Hufflepuff?" Three trembling hands quickly raised and lowered when they perceived they were alone in their decision. Frances quickly noted the owners of the hands and made a note to watch them, they could likely become traitors or spies. "Who's for Britholden?" A lively cheer was raised, though it sounded more like a cheer for the salvation of Gryffindor than hope for Britholden's victory. With a flick of his wand Frances released the sound trap and lead his house to stand next to Britholden.
"I never thought I'd see the day that Gryffindor and Slytherin were on the same team," Cleo mused.
"Even Slytherin can fight for a righteous cause now and again," Frances laughed, casting a look over to Richard, who raised a streamlined eyebrow in inquiry. What the Hell is Kuiper doing, he should be with Hufflepuff. A small grin made it's way across the Slytherin's thin lips. You can take the Slytherin out of the house, but you can't take the house out of the Slytherin...or whatever house he was in at that blasted school of his. In a show of camaraderie Richard walked over and grasped Frances hand, though he noted that Frances' attentions were elsewhere. Following his gaze Richard smirked. Good luck Kuiper, you're fighting a losing battle.
"Don't you have a ball to prepare for?" Draco Malfoy asked the Hufflepuff side. Severa could be heard a few meters away, groaning at her cousin's lack of social finesse.
"Come girls, we have things to discuss back at the house," Vesdemort called, turning in a flourish of robes and heading toward Britholden house.
"This is going to be the best year ever," Jemma told Richard as she gave him a quick hug goodbye.
"If I get expelled because of you ladies I'm going to be very agitated," he laughed, waving farewell then turning to lead his own house back.
"I don't have a good feeling about this ball," Ron whispered to Harry as they waited for Frances to snap out of his daydream and take them back to the house that they still couldn't locate on their own.
"Hold on a minute," Harry said, walking up to Frances and following his line of sight towards the prefect of Britholden as she was walking away from the grassy knoll.
"Bloody Hell," Ron gasped, pulling Harry away from the dazed prefect. "You don't suppose he's…" He let the sentence trail off so that their housemates wouldn't catch onto their conversation.
"I think he is, and that could mean loads of trouble for Gryffindor if anyone finds out, especially Miss Vesdemort."
"She'll kill him," Ron squeaked, his face lighting with fright. "Do you...do you think she'd use one of the Unforgivable?"
"She's a Riddle, I wouldn't put anything past her. She doesn't exactly have the best family history." Harry's eyes lit with suspicion and malice.
"Do you think she'll come after you?"
"I don't know Ron, I don't know."
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