A/N: This chapter was evil. It did not want to work at all. I had to rewrite it a ridiculous amount before having to trash the last copy and rewrite it again. I'm a history buff, however, I have never been to Egypt and I ask that you allow for liberties. However, I did do research (I have a nice file) and had a hell of a time coming up with the school grounds, uniform, etc. I use a lot, and I mean a lot, of terms in this chapter. I'll try to footnote everything properly, but if you're interested and I missed something feel free to contact me, I do have some links saved. I just get sick of the whole make a space crap. (wow I'm grouchy at this time of night…)
I've also been trying to do a course register for MAGIC Alexandria. Which is freaking hard, ridiculously so if I may add. To make it better than Hogwarts there has to be more classes, which requires naming, outlines, and eventually syllabi and professors. Ouch. I've been coming up with electives, which is quite the extensive list, and if you have any suggestions feel free to leave a review with it. I've been trying to figure it all out on paper, which I hate to do. I just am terrible with notes of any sort. I wonder if I'm jinxed?
Also, for Bill's age… I have a bit of indecision over correcting it. Technically, Bill isn't 21 until November. Should I go back and change it? I feel very indecisive. It's annoying. Also, I think I figured out why Mrs. Weasley didn't want Bill to marry Fleur, the age difference. There's roughly seven years between them if my calculations are right. Comparatively, Tonks is much closer in age, and more known to Mrs. Weasley due to her being British as well. Plus, Andromeda Tonks and Mrs. Weasley would have gone to school together judging by their ages. It is likely they knew of each other unlike Fleur who knew almost unknown entirely.
Random trains of thought.
Why don't you ever properly map yourselves out?
Please Review btw~ I need some motivation if you're willing and able to give, please do so.
A Rational Child
Chapter 6: Hogwarts and Roommates
Harry and Marks, the older boy's first name was Delphinus(1) and Harry had immediately agreed that using the boy's last name was better than using his first, stepped off of the ship and painstakingly avoided the Zabini twins. Both girls, to Harry's horror and Marks' secret amusement, instantly proclaimed that they needed to take the 'cutie with the most adorable eyes and hair' under their wing, although they argued who got to snuggle with him first.
Harry put it down as one of his goals to never be subject to either girl every again if he could help it. And would make sure he could help it.
The ship landed at the dock of a secret and hidden, magical island and the students disembarked from their chosen vessels. Harry glanced a bit enviously at the others as they port-keyed in along a large embankment section of the shore while others appeared, rather intriguingly on flying horses, rugs and, in one memorable occasion, a boat with pink wings that changed into a camel bearing a rather ornate covered litter once it touched the ground.
Marks escorted his younger friend up the slightly sandy stone pathway carved into the cliff, both of them dressed in the school's white uniforms. The ankle length jalabiya(2) was white and made of thin, light cotton to keep them cool and simple silver buttons with the school's emblem embossed on it on the flat tops could be used to button the neckline smaller or tighten the loose, but narrow, sleeves. The trousers, or sserual(3), under the floor length white cotton shirts were just as thin and cool, and Harry knew some of his fellow students did not wear them at all since it wasn't a requirement. A silver and cream kaftan(4) went over the long shirt and was bound by a wrapped cloth belt, hizen(5), of dark brown, almost black; before a final overcoat called a binish(6) in dark silver with an equally dark gray matted color underlining went over it with wide open sleeves showing of the tightly buttoned narrowed sleeves of the jalabiya and kaftan under it. He'd forgone the headgear, though he was considering it now, the simple white skullcap or tarbush(7) would have deflected some of the heat bearing down on him.
Harry was pleased that he was, fortunately, not hot in the least.
He was even happier with the anti-tripping charms woven into the fabric and outfits.
He was minimally graceful, not godlike, and the fabric would have put him on his face when he stepped on it the first time or it wrapped unluckily around his ankle.
He was distracted from his inner musings however when they finally reached the top.
The cliff they stood on was one of the higher points of the island and looked down onto the sprawling campus and its surroundings. The campus was roughly rectangular and massive, surrounded by a barrio wall with paths and 'roadways' sprawling out like spokes on a wheel connecting to a few smaller buildings or leading away to different sights, one of which appeared to be a beach for the students. The rich blue color was inviting and he didn't doubt he'd join many an excursion to it, but Harry's eyes cut across the rest of the island in interest. To the furthest northern point, the dock being on the south-eastern end of the comma-shaped island, appeared to be a tower while a lighthouse appeared to be almost dead west to their current position. A massive obelisk to the east placed the trio of phallic-shaped monuments in a rough triangle and he momentarily wondered if that was purposeful. His gaze moved over the lush greenery, man-made waterworks, before he obediently followed Marks after he was nudged along. As they neared the school he examined it.
It brought images of the Mortuary Temple of Hapshepsut(8) to the forefront, even though the school was even more massive and impressive, not to mention older. There were no temples, at least he didn't think so, but a few smaller obelisks and sculptures denoting its ancient history scattered around. As they reached the barrier wall surrounding the school, Harry studied the massive sculptures of figures in similar outfits to those of students. The two largest figures that stood on either side to the massive gate, however, were different. They were dressed similarly to pictures he'd seen of older pictographs of pharaohs, before they were even called pharaohs.
"The two kings," Marks said as he noticed his friend intense study. "The original Imperial Mage-Kings of Lower and Upper Egypt supposedly," he said. "I have trouble remembering their names, but the one on the left with the Red Crown, or Deshret(9), is representative to the Mage-King of Lower Egypt, and the one on the right with the White Crown, or Hedjet(10), is the Mage-King of Upper Egypt."
"They created a long standing peace treaty right before the formation of this school stating as long as the school stands and the heir of each kingdom attends, neither country will go to war. It's a promise that's stood for approximate five thousand years, give or take."
"That doesn't mean they don't take potshots at each other though." The boy finished with a grimace. Unfortunately, he'd been placed in a three man room, as per usual, with one boy from each country. The fights with his roommates were infamous and no one was willing to switch out with him.
"I see," Harry said with a nod. "Well, at least we're getting a good education."
Well, at least I'm away from my sisters, Blaise commiserated as he ignored the blond prat Malfoy nattering on behind him. Really, the ponce never shut up. Rolling his eyes heavenward he could only hope to learn the silencing charm soon and quickly before crossing his arms over his chest. Currently the Zabini male heir was standing next to Theodore Nott, long-time friend and fellow pureblood heir, waiting for the hall's massive doors to open. In front of them was the long line of first years waiting to enter and be sorted. Several of his fellow students were anxiously quizzing one another over the sorting, a tradition here he found rather ridiculous. At other schools that he knew of there was no silly separation based on current mental states. They were properly divided by sex, age, and, in the case of organized curriculums that far exceeded Hogwarts, career option.
A minute sigh escaped him and Theo glanced at him in silent question.
'What are huffing and puffing about now,' it said with those cool green-gray eyes.
"Bothersome," he replied, "this entire affair is bothersome." Theo nodded in agreement and went back to staring forward, bored as well. They finally entered the hall and Blaise admitted, silently, to some mild astonishment and respect at the intricate spell work done on the ceiling. Ignoring the rather pointless babbles of his fellow students, he studied the Deputy Headmistress and current Head of Slytherin House. Both were renowned for their harsh and stern demeanors. Studying their current stances and the lines of their face he garnered something.
They look rather like the twins' kneazle after it got ahold of mother's bird, he thought silently. His gaze drifted to the headmaster who seemed to be absently humming, his gaze eagle-like as it skimmed over them searchingly. Sighing silently again, he listened absently as they went down the list. Being the last person to be sorted was going to be tedious. He watched motionlessly as they went down though the list, Theo leaving him when they reached the N's. His brow, however, arched in surprise when they went Perks and onto Thomas.
The room, which had been respectfully quiet, if for a few murmurs of chatter and conversation, seemed rather surprised and stunned.
It exploded into noise as people started whispering. While many had assumed that the famous Harry Potter was merely keeping his head low, something Blaise approved of; they never thought even once that he wasn't there.
Interesting, his mind supplied in an amused whisper as the headmaster's face went dramatically white, very interesting. The half-Italian wizard watched closely as the headmaster, with as much grace as he could afford at his old age, slowly straightened out of his seat, and stood behind the teachers' table. He cleared his throat pointedly and looked at the Deputy Headmistress in clear reprimand. The woman sneered back.
Blaise was suitably impressed.
Who knew a Gryffindor could look so… Menacing?
The headmaster, ignored it and queried, "My dear, Professor McGonagall… I do believe you skipped Mr. Potter, would you be so kind as to call him forward before we proceed on to the next student?" The woman's eyebrow slowly arched and the sneer was replaced with a look of mild reproof and faked confusion.
"Mr. Potter? Why, I don't believe we have a Mr. Potter joining us this year." She commented calmly. "We do, have a Mr. Thomas, so if would allow me t—"
"No, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore interrupted. "What do you mean? Harry Potter was put down to attend Hogwarts!"
"Aye," the deputy said sweetly, Blaise silently applauded the Transfiguration Mistress, it was a very evil look in his opinion, "he was also put down for a number of other schools. He should be in attendance at his school right this very minute if I am not correct. I believe MAGIC at Alexandria if my mind hasn't played with the details."
"WHAT?!" The headmaster hollered. His face which had been turning a rapid red immediately blanched before turning a pale green. "P-please repeat that, Minerva." He said rather shakily. She heaved out a rather put-upon sigh.
"Baron Potter," the headmaster flinched at the title and a new wave of whispers broke out, it was very surprising that he'd taken his title as many didn't until they were seventeen, last of their line or not, "Has accepted admittance to another school."
"Who allowed him to do so?!" Dumbledore demanded, hand coming down with an audible crack, "Why was I not informed?!"
"What does one student's admittance matter to you, Albus?" Was McGonagall's smooth rejoinder, "You didn't care when other students declined.
"This is the Boy-Who-Lived!" He exclaimed, "He must attend Hogwarts!"
"Not really, no," the Slytherin Head of House commented offhandedly. "The boy found another option more suitable to his tastes and pursued it. Good for him." The headmaster whirled on him, mouth agape.
"You knew of this Severus?" The man sound almost betrayed.
"I had the pleasure of introducing Mr. Potter, Harry, to the Wizarding World a few short months ago," was the almost brushed-off reply. The headmaster made a noise that sound not unlike a dying cat.
"Yes, Mr. Potter is quite the pleasure to speak with," McGonagall commented, "very handy at making tea as well."
"You had tea with him?!" The headmaster reminded Blaise of weathervane with the way he was flipping back and forth, his long white beard swishing through the air. The other members of the teachers' table seemed to be gawping as well.
The students were enthralled.
This was definitely going to be a Welcoming Feast to Remember.
And then the goblins stormed in.
Truly an attention-grabbing Welcoming Feast.
Albus Dumbledore was sweating, albeit secretly. His gaze shiftily moved over the students as he pondered where exactly his savior was. There was no familiar boy with the Potter black hair and Miss Lily's enchanting green eyes that he could see from his spot at the table. In fact, there didn't appear to be any black haired boys in this batch beside the African-descendent boy and the Corners' boy. Hiding his mounting tension he listened carefully as Minerva went through the list and nearly had a heart attack when he wasn't called. That prompted him into action.
Action, he immediately regretted.
In fact, the centenarian nearly met his maker via a dual aneurism-heart attack.
Harry Potter wasn't coming to Hogwarts!
Albus wanted to slap himself to wake himself from this nightmare.
Then he wanted to curse two of his staff when it turned out they knew about it already!
And then the goblins stepped in.
Or it would be better to say, they marched in.
He wished he had a bottle of firewhiskey on hand.
Or a barrel.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, we, by order of Gringotts' Goblin Lord, are here to arrest you on charges of embezzlement, obstruction of justice and obstruction of due lineage and inheritance. We would also like to inform you that your vaults have already been seized and the victims of your crimes have been repaid. At this time you will turn over all items belonging to the Baron of Little Wells, his graciousness Harry James Potter, or submit to further charges and escalation of punishment." The largest goblin said stepping forward.
The eruption that followed made Dumbledore wish the ground beneath his feet would just open up and swallow him whole.
How had this back fired on him?!
He needed a drink.
A few hours earlier in MAGIC…
Harry's eyes skimmed down the papyrus calmly. The list of classes was all 'core' subjects including: Basic Languages, Spell Theory, Potions & Alchemy basics, Beginning Spellwork, Astronomy and the World, Basics of Magical Defense, Beginners' Arithmancy, and History of Magic. They made up his first year schedule, and he passed the time table to read the information on his room as well as the location before finding it on the map he received with the key. The extensive compounds of the school were impressive and he'd split off from Marks after exchanging information and promises to meet up later after they both got settled in. His trunk, tucked safely into his pocket, would need to be unloaded as his desk needed to be set up for maximum efficiency for when he finally started school. Passing through the courtyards and beyond the largest reflection pond he'd seen yet he finally found his dorm house and climbed up the slight set of stairs to the door. His key went in the front door and he stepped into it leaving the front courtyard behind.
The house was massive and very impressive. It was two stories tall and made of more expensive stone before being covered by a thick mud plaster in a dark cream coloring. The gardens in the front were well maintained and Harry strode down the carefully laid stone pathway between a pair of manmade reflective ponds and up to the front door. It was key-shaped(11) and painted a soothing blue. The first of two keys opened it and he stepped in. The cool shadows enveloped him and he didn't bother with lighting any of the oil lamps as he glanced around. Large, deep comfortable looking sofas, ottomans, and pillow piles were strategically placed in the large wide room around the pillars holding up the roof and second floor. A curved stair case led to the first floor and a door lead to what Harry assumed was the back porch and/or gardens.
Glancing at his sheets of papyrus once more he headed up the stairs until he found a room with a door painted a serene white with simple ibis birds decorating the edges. Turning his key he entered his room with a sigh of relief. It was suitable, a bed with mosquito netting in thin pale white and made of a dark buttery-colored wood, a simple scroll top desk, currently open with a key lying on the center, and a matching cushioned chair. A wardrobe and dresser that matched the other furniture and a door, that upon further inspection, that lead to a bathroom already furnished.
Taking out his trunk and resizing it he settled into unpacking.
He wanted to reread the first chapters of the books for tomorrow's classes before the welcoming feast.
He didn't know he'd need a headache potion by then as well.
Harry prided himself on his calm and collected nature. It was difficult considering how ill-bred his 'adult' figures in life were. He, however, was inching perilously close to the end of his frayed temper and patience. Why you may ask. The answer was very simple.
"We do not wish to live with such an uncouth beast!" The first voice shrieked.
"Well, then do me a favor and get out!" Was the bellowed response followed by several Arabic and old Egyptian curse words.
His roommates.
Pinching his nose, the slender British-born lord stepped out of his room and strode to the banister that overlooked the open living room.
Oh goody, he thought tiredly, they also have entourages.
Standing in two rather fancily dressed groups could only be his new housemates. Sprawled across the sofas, having arrived earlier, was the taller of the two arguing. He was slender and had a clean shaven head with thick but well-shaped eyebrows over thickly lashed eyes. He wore a jalabiya of white with a rich green kaftan edged in gold and pearls over it, his binish tossed carelessly over the back of the seat he reclined on. He looked rather flighty, and far too self-assured, as if the world was to be laid at his feet and it would always be that way. A rather trim man with hair chopped in an efficient bob that ended at his cheeks, and rather cat like eyes framed by glasses Harry admired, seemed to be long suffering as he stood behind the youth.
His opponent, unlike the first boy, was standing and was much more muscular. Obviously militarily trained, he stood almost at an angry attention, his hands balled into tightly controlled fists at his side, and a knotted brow over glaring eyes. He had hair, a rather short do with the exception of two long hanks that dangled free from the headband tied across his forehead framing his face. While the other boy spoke in a smoother version of the language, his voice and word choice was rougher. His dress was also less extravagant. A knee length jalabiya that was well worn and pants that looked like they were well suited for riding, were supplemented by heavy sandals. He was accompanied by a man who towered over everyone, his face scared rather dramatically over his right eye as though a lion or some other great cat had raked its claws over it. His salt and pepper hair ran rather freely down his back although it was obviously oiled and semi-done in dreads that were tied back with a leather thong. He looked mostly amused, if bored with the antics.
Harry thought they were the worst of his irritating cousin and twice as spoiled.
Not wishing to listen on to the annoying prattle going on between them, he pointedly cleared his throat. Immediately all of their attention was focused on him.
"Hello," he said rather blandly, "splendid weather we're having, hm?"
Enna(12) wouldn't admit it, aloud at least, but the stranger's timing was impeccable and a god's send. His highness' argument was quickly coming to a boil with the other prince, something that would most likely result in a political nightmare. However, the interruption quickly derailed that.
Enna was very thankful, but took the moment to study the new figure.
The boy was slender and short for his age, which was likely eleven. His ink black hair was mercilessly tamed away from his face in a tight braid and a pair of slim glasses was perched on his nose. He wore the school uniform a bit awkwardly, clearly unused to the change of dress, but had excellent form and stature.
He was also frowning in a manner that made the Ta-Mehu Crown Prince's steward think he was fighting back a headache.
He probably was come to think of it, afterall, Enna himself was fighting back his own.
"And who are you, commoner?" His Prince, Altakhas demanded almost petulantly and the steward wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose under his glasses in aggravation.
There's no way he's a mere commoner, Prince! He wanted to shout. The already reserved expression on the boy's face darkened and the polite smile on his thin face thinned out of existence.
Enna breathed out of his nose silently to prevent the exasperated sigh from escaping.
Enna was correct.
"My name is Harry Potter," the collective wizards and witches blinked in surprise. While Harry Potter was famous mostly in Europe, both royal houses had enough dealings overseas to recognize the boy's political clout and even his lineage lines. The boy's almost dismissive glance over the reclining prince demonstrated how unimpressed and uninterested he was with them all.
"I suppose you should call me Baron Potter instead, princeling."
And if that wasn't an insult with veiled mockery, Enna wasn't sure what is.
If you saw the numbers earlier these are the correlating information. If you want or need to know more things, feel free to ask.
1. Delphnius: Is the Dolphin constellation. I figured a horrible Wizarding name was required. Lol.
2. Jalabiya: A long white 'shirt' that generally reaches ankle length with a wide bottom hem, and narrow sleeves.
3. Sserual: The pants that go under Jalabiya. Not always worn.
4. Kaftan: The over shirt that goes over the jalabiya. It usually is stripped.
5. Hizen: The belt that goes over the kaftan made up of cotton and wrapped around the waist.
6. Binish: Overcoat that covers the entire outfit with silver or gray inner lining.
7. Tarboush: The traditional cap that men wear. It is usually white and can be compared to a skullcap. It is sometimes covered by a turban or other hair accessories.
8. The Mortuary Temple of Hapshetsut: One of the many temples of ancient Egypt, this temple was built for the sole purpose of treating the Pharaoh Hapshetsut's body after death in preparation of the afterlife. It is speculated that the extensive grounds surrounding this roughly rectangular and two story temple were filled with remarkable gardens.
9. Deshret: Known as the Red Crown it is the ruling crown of Lower Egypt or Ta-Mehu.
10. Hedjet: Known as the White Crown it is the ruling crown of Upper Egypt or Ta-Shemau. It is speculated that it was once green and made of reeds.
11. Key-shaped doors: These doors are the rather fanciful shaped doors the Middle East is known for. They can be formed into a circular like top or a form reminiscent of properly formed whipped cream on a cupcake.
12. Enna: Was the name of a renowned scribe.
Please leave a Review! Thanks! :)