Author's Note: * cough cough * Ok here we are again.
Disclaimer: inquisitor Toth: WHERE ARE THE BLOODRAVENS?
I WON'T TELL YOU!
inquisitor Toth: FOOL! WE WILL FIND WHAT YOU HIDE! HERALDES WILL BE OURS!
NO! I WON'T RAT HIM OUT! HE IS MY OC, MY SON! IT'S ALIVE!
Inquisitor Toth: Oh, * swipes with a torch at me * SAY THAT AGAIN!
FUCK YOU!
Inquisitor Toth: HERESY! WHERE HAVE YOU TAKEN THE BLOODRAVENS TO?
I haven't taken them all! Game's Workshop has most of them! I only own my own creations!
Inquisitor Toth: Ah, the heretic finally gives some information, but * swipes another time with a torch at me * SAY IT AGAIN! LOUDER!
I OWN NOTHING! NOT HARRY POTTER NOR WARHAMMER!
"Normal Speech" 'Psionical Speech' thinking "recitations, litanies"
OmNomNomingNid: Thanks, and you are right, I should have kept Heraldes less...willing to give information. That problem has been rectified if you check chapter one, which has been replaced.
For everyone: If you have problems just spit it out, I will take care of it as soon as I can.
Pinto: Thank you, and I have absolutely no intentions of abandoning. And that Heraldes tells practically everyone about the Warp taint has been removed from the Chapter one, thus (hopefully) nullifying the problem. In the futue I will watch Heraldes not to give out too much information, however he could accidentaly say something, or just gain enough trust to someone. I intend to add a romance in the later books, maybe, as it would be interesting to see how an Astartes (even a not-yet-Astartes-but-soon-to-be-one) acts in such a situation.
And yet here is another note: does anyone know a page where all the litanies and prayers of the imperium are? Can anyone please give me a weblink or write some litanies down in a review? Thanks
oh, almost forgot: The Bloodravens have won both the Kronus and the Kaurava campaign, and former Captain Gabriel Angelos has overthrown the corrupt Azariah Kyras. As gratitude for saving the chapter from the ruinous powers, he was decreed to be the new chapter master. All Hail Gabriel Angelos!
Also note that thanks to the victory in the Kaurava-system, the Bloodravens now finally own a Chapter fortress.
The eagle and the hat
Heraldes had a boat for himself, as no on else appeared to take enough interest to accompany him. Like he cared. But then he reminded himself that it can be of prudence to create a circle of trusted individuals, enough to keep him up-to-date to any occurences. He would have to be more...nice in the future. Maybe even...what was that thing the civilians called?...'joke'? Probably.
The fleet of small boats had almost reached the castle. Its appearance calmed Heraldes a little, as it reminded him of the chapter's fortress to a certain degree, at least in one sense: It too was (even if in old times) built specifically to protect its inhabitants, but also a place of training and knowledge.
"Keep yer' heads down!" shouted Hagrid, when the first boats reached the foundation on which the castle was enthroned.
They entered a tunnel, Heraldes kept himself ready, as his training had taught him that tunnels were formidable locations for ambushes. The perfect place to get rid of him in case the Chaos had tainted this place.
Fortunately, no such thing happened, yet as an initiate he knew better than to leave his guard down. An Astartes expects the unexpected, always.
Heraldes felt uncomfortable with a tunnel leading directly to the heart of the castle, a massive flaw in the defense. Again, he had to remind himself that these were civilians, weak, undisciplined and had no knowledge of a proper military structure. He was able to accept that some of his species were more...reckless than others. However, that didn't mean he had to like it.
Finally they arrive at somekind of underground haven. Heraldes was one of the firsts to reach the 'shore', if that pathetic piece of rock even deserved such a name. He looked back, observed the rest of the 'first years' to climb out of their ridiculous boats.
Heraldes hated water, but liked fire for some reason, even though it had nearly killed him. Maybe it was because of its purifying 'abilities'. Heraldes smirked as he recitated what he once read in the chapter's library: Give a heretic a place at the fire and he will be warm for one day. Set a heretic ablaze with a flamer and he will be warm for the rest of his life.
That was maybe one of the reasons, however it was also because water was...calm, it had been...tamed thoroughly by humanity, today it was even deemed useless, as the ships of today were literally able to fly. Why bother with such useless restrictions as the 'laws of physic'?
Fire was a whole different story. It was a friend, as well as it was an enemy. It was wild, ate everything and was undying unless it ran out of food. And yet, the Emperor and his angels had been able to tame it either. Fire was a thing of beauty, why bother with water? Fight fire with fire!
As much as Heraldes loved to just stand and think, he realized he had to get going as the last first year managed to reach the shore.
Hagrid led up a long stair made out of stone. Heraldes saw sweat on some of the futur pupil's foreheads. Weak. Even if they were in bounds with the ruinous powers, they would pose no threat at all. Well, except for this pitiful copy of an ogryn. Heraldes smirked as he put his gaze on Hagrid.
But again, Heraldes had to remind himself of the possibility that they were not tainted by Chaos, which would cause him to stay at this...training encampment to learn the ways of this...society. He didn't know whether he liked that idea.
But he wouldn't complain, nor would he embaress the chapter by putting less than his best into learning. He could never embaress Father-librarian Archanit.
As they arrived at the massive gate of the castle, Hagrid turned around to the first years
"All here? Ye' there-" He pointed at the one Heraldes thought to be called 'Neville' "-ye' still have yer' toad?"
The boy nodded, causing Hagrid to turn back to the gate and knock three times, causing the massive wooden door to open...somehow. Again Heraldes hadn't felt anything that even remotely indicated the use of powers granted by mind and warp. Yet he had to keep his eyes open, he couldn't allow himself to be fooled by Tzeentch.
As they stepped through the gate, they were greeted by an old woman, clad in one of those ridiculous robes. Her eyes emitted wisdom and...was that courage? A powerful combination, if true.
Must be a female wizard. One of the...older sort. Heraldes smirked. The ordinary humans were so...fragile, their life-expectancy didn't even surpass that of twohundred years. But yet, humanity was destined to rule the galaxy and nobody would stop them, no eldar, no orks, no heretics!
Heraldes twin-hearts filled themselves with pride as he thought about the imperium again. Humanity will never be just a memory! It will always stay as a nightmare in the feeble minds of the xeno, the heretic, the mutant. And the nightmare will always be real.
Heraldes was pulled out of his galaxy-conquering thoughts as the old woman greeted Hagrid (who called her Professor McGonagall), said she would take care of the first years and began leading them through the castle.
Heraldes noticed that she also threw confused glances into his direction, may it be for his distuingishible clothing or figure, she stopped and turned to face him, speaking up with an authorical voice
"You!" She pointed at Heraldes "Who are you? I don't recall sending a letter to someone like you, or your family. And I am not so senile to begin forgetting things as easy as you younglings yet. Speak."
Heraldes, expecting something like that, tried to put one a disarming smile...or at least something he thought was a disarming smile. "I haven't received a letter, yes, but it would be most...fortunate for you to have someone like me attending to your...training encampment." or not, all depends on the question, doesn't it?
"Why would we be willing to- wait, if you didn't receive a letter, then how did you manage to find the entrance to the train?"
"I knew-where it was...how else would I be here?"
"But how? If you didn't receive a letter, then that means no magical blood runs through your vains. I ask you again, who are you, where are you from and why do you think we would be fortunate to have someone like you in our school?"
"Very well then, my name is Heraldes, initiate of the Astartes chapter called "The Bloodravens", descending from the glorious imperium of man. I am here to learn your way of life and the best way to do that is learning what you teach in school, as the society of a civilisation reflects itself on its teachings."
McGonagall sceptically raised a brow, indicating she either didn't care or didn't believe Heraldes, her anger over having a non-invited attendant-wannabe was so much higher
"You still haven't given an answer to the question why we would be fortunate to let someone like you attend on our school."
In the imperium, a teacher would have been drooling over the chance to teach a Space Marine, an angel of his god! The ignorant questions of this old hag almost caused Heraldes to invade her mind, ordering her to do his bidding. However, Heraldes had learned, like every initiate, to restrain his personal feelings. Anger was good, hate was even better with its purity and power, however on the battlefield it wasn't very clever to run directly into the enemy's gunfire, even nowadays a loud roar can't save you from a bullet to the head.
And also, Heraldes unfortunately wasn't yet able to invade her mind and control her...or, well he could invade her, but he couldn't control her...but maybe he could just put a little dent...stop it soldier! An Astartes learns to restrain his feelings, to unleash them at the right time, in the right place.
Now was neither and Heraldes knew that, so he decided to play along, sighing in exasperation
"Is there any kind of test where I can prove my worth?"
Her eyes narrowed, still angered by the fact that someone who shouldn't have managed to find his way to this place had a chance of staying, she answered "There is...the hat. He will be able to say that you are not able to attend. I am sure of it, however, if you are asking for a chance, I will not stop you from embaressing yourself."
Heraldes smirked, gotcha now old hag.
"Can I then please ask for a chance of being tested by this...wait did you say hat?"
"I did. And you will call me Professor McGonagall." without giving him an elaboration, she turned around and continued leading them through the hall. Meanwhile, the futur pupils whispered, many throwing curious glances at Heraldes. Again, the thought of damaging her mind (intentionally or not) crossed Heraldes's mind, and again he didn't give in. Intelligence can be such a burden at times...
They reached a small hall which looked like a waiting room for Heraldes. McGonagall turned around and spoke up "Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly but first, you must take your seats in the Great Hall. You will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because while you are here, your house will be something like your family within the school. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in the house dormitory, and spend free time in your house's common room.
So, a bit like the chapter. Looks like they are not a totally lost case.
"The four houses; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin; each have its own noble history and have all produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you art at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points while rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while waiting."
Her eyes tried to dart him, Heraldes knew that
"I shall return when we are ready. Please wait quietly." She left the chamber.
Immediately the first years began to speak loudly with eachother, some asked their friends how they would be sorted and which house they would join. Heraldes just stood straight, waiting for the...Professor's return.
He overheard Harry's and Ron's conversation about the test. Harry seemed to be nervous, while Ron kept himself calm.
That was, until Heraldes hear the pupils behind him cry out in surprise. Heraldes turned around, his fists raising up in a well-trained reflex, and almost gasped in unbelief.
Twenty...entities streamed through the back wall. They were slightly transparent and glided across the room talking to one another as if this was normal.
Heraldes wondered what these creatures were, but then he remembered sergeant Tarkus saying something about the necrons once. Especially their ability to change the phases. Were these things necrons? They looked nowhere metallic...nor were they killing anyone right now...
In fact, they were talking about trivial things, about a certain 'Peeves' and whether or not they should forgive him something. Until they noticed the pupils"
New students…about to be sorted I suppose?" causing a few nods.
Heraldes on the other hand couldn't keep quiet, drank the pictures of the...entities practically into his mind "Excuse me, but, what are you?"
A ghost wearing a ruff and tights turned to face Heraldes with an amused look on his face
"We are what you living call 'ghosts'. Specifically we are traces of souls left behind after our deaths."
Deaths? Were these some...new form of plaguezombies? Had the vile Nurgle invented a new plague? Heraldes eyed the ghosts suspiciousely. They were definitely not plaguezombies, for they were not mindless, nor were they looking for flesh...after all, in this hall was much of that not even able to defend itself.
"So...did you suffer from any kind of...plague before your deaths?"
"Some, maybe. I think I didn't."
Could he be lying? But on the other hand, if these things were spawns of chaos, then Heraldes would be able to see them in it. However, there were no traces, nothing even remotely indicated they were in bounds with Chaos in any way. But the entities themselves were...interesting.
"How did you...become what you are now? I take it that you were...normal humans before you died?"
"Oh it's a very easy spell, you will learn it in the sixth year, don't worry."
"What are 'spells'?"
The ghost looked at him with utter shock "You don't even-"
Their conversation was interrupted by the returning McGonagall, who dismissed the ghosts and turned to face the pupils again "Move along now. The Sorting Ceremony's about to start. Form a line and follow me."
Heraldes went to get into the line, but was stopped by McGonagall "You get to be the last, as punishment for being here without any real allowance."
Heraldes grunted and went to the end of the line.
McGonagall went to the front "Follow me."
They walked out of the chamber, across the hall, and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.
Not bad Heraldes thought as he entered and saw the interior of the hall. It was lit by thousands of candles floating in midair over four long tables where students sat. These tables lay with glittering golden plates and goblets. And yet, it was nothing compared to the praying hall in the chapter's fortress-monastery 'Borealum', or the Battle Barge 'Omnis Arcanum', the former home of the chapter. He missed the golden letters on the walls, praising the Emperor...
But here was he now, for the chapter.
At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers sat. McGonagall led the first years up there so they came to a halt in a line facing the other students with the teachers (who looked like the most ridiculous gathering of...funny-bad-attire-wearing-old-men-and-women) behind them. Heraldes noticed glances thrown at him from older students at the tables, probably because he was towering above all the other first years. And also the teachers stared at him. Heraldes felt a little uncomfortable. But yet, he held his head high, let the pride about his glorious membership in the Astartes glow in his eyes. For the chapter.
Holding his head high, he also saw that the ceiling seemed to be dotted with stars. Obviousely not real. Like any of these wizards would have any idea about what stars looked like. Why giving yourself the illusion of an open ceiling? A sturdy metal one was the real thing!
McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool an even more ridiculous looking...hat. Oh crap.
Heraldes was confused. That was until the hat the hat! Opened some kind of...mouthpiece to sing (making Heraldes wonder whether or not he was experiencing the first signs of Warp madness)
Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all!
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaws
If you're a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends,
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
A round of applause met the end of the song. The hat bowed to the four tables and went silent.
Heraldes decided that he was not suffering under Warp madness due to the possibility of a daemon possession, thus removing the necessity to shoot himself. The hat's...song (as ridiculous as it sounded, Heraldes decided that he would just invent a more extreme form of the word 'ridiculous' to sum everything in this training encampment up) had given him useful information about the training encampment's factions.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a long roll of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abott, Hannah!"
A girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell down over her eyes, and sat down. A moment of pause and then the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The table on the right cheered and clapped. Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table.
So here we have the procedure... thought Heraldes, his eyebrows narrowing in deep thought. He had to be honest, he found the talking hat intriguing he reminded him of a machine spirit, only that said spirit was in an...attire piece. Any noble machine spirit would be offended by hearing a comparison between them and this hat. Techmarine Sunael would probably scold him.
But Heraldes was also worried. In order to fittingly send the pupils into the factions, he had to read their minds, obviousely. Heraldes would have to pull up the defences around the more...delicate information. He would allow this hat to see a bit from his life, bits of his training, his earliest childhood and the knowledge of the imperium as a whole how the ordinary civilian sees it, however all the military information (like the ruinous powers, his orders, the fortress-monastery's interior, etc.) would be shielded, with only mind-damaging brute force able to tear it out.
In the middle of the sorting, McGonagall was going to call the next name. She hesitated, confused, but then regained her composture "Potter, Harry!"
Silence. Harry stepped forwards. Everywhere small conversations, held in hushed voices, started. Harry himself seemed uncomfortable, but yet set the hat over his head.
It took more than a minute for the hat to decide where to set Harry "GRYFFINDOR!" a storm of applause and joy came from the Gryffindor table. It took some time for the students to calm down again. Then the list of names continued.
Until the last one was finally sorted. Only Heraldes remained, gaining curious glances from the pupils and teachers. A tall old man, wearing the longest beard Heraldes had ever seen...even though he barely had seen any, stood up and turned to McGonagall
"Minerva, who is this?"
"He is a...special one, Dumbledore, his name is Heraldes. Although he hasn't received a letter, he managed to arrive here. He wishes to attend. Does he have your permission as headteacher to put on the sorting hat?"
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed in a thoughtful composture as he faced Heraldes, before nodding "Very well, if he wishes to learn and is compatible, we won't ignore his plead. You have my permission."
Heraldes nodded, even tried to make it look thankful, although they should be thankful, after all, repelling means admitting to be in bounds with the ruinous powers. And also they receive a unique honor: to teach an initiate of the Astartes. But he figured that some respect before the...old was in order.
Heraldes stepped forward, sat on the stool and put the hat on, keeping up the defences about the more delicate information in his mind all the while.
Heraldes felt how something touched his mind, searching through the information.
"Most interesting...the imperium of yours...your memories...ah, you are able to shield them and you are even able to decide which to shield. Most intriguing, being able to do wield such a powerful feat like occlumency. I can understand that you are not allowed to reveal to me this certain information, I can forgive you that."
'Very well, but the real question remains: am I compatible?'
"Yes, you are. The hard question is however," the hats voice rose up, rendering his speech to be heard by every student in the hall "-it is hard for me to sort you. You are truly magnificent, and yet you are not even an adult, but just a low initate! This school is truly lucky to be able to let someone like you attend, and I assure you, you will attend.
"You and your kin are the embodiement of wisdom, your thirst for knowledge, of strength, being able to stand where others fall, of courage, being able to stand before enemies, no matter how powerful, of loyalty, the ability to sacrifice yourself for your cause. You even possess a healthy amount of amibition, your will to success!
"It is hard for me to sort you, since you would fit to any of the four houses. I am granting you a chance I have never given to anyone before: I let you choose."
Another fanfare of whisper arose between the students and the teachers.
'Interesting, yet not surprising on my end. About the choice...I know what the different factions value, however, I don't wish to join the factions called 'Hufflepuff' and 'Slytherin', as they may value something also my kin values, but the faction's values alone don't make up my kin. I am currently pending between the factions 'Ravenclaw' and 'Gryffindor'. Can I ask for more information about those two?'
"There isn't much more to tell you but the animals they hold in their heraldry: Gryffindor the mighty winged lion, Ravenclaw the wise and proud eagle."
'The eagle...my choice falls on Ravenclaw.'
"RAVENCLAW!"
A hesitant applause slowly built up, until finally reaching to the maximum volume all the students of ravenclaw were able to accomplish together. Heraldes sat up, put the hat back onto the stool, and went to his faction's table.
Being the practical individual he was, he just took the first gap he found, not really caring about between whom he sat.
After the hall had calmed to an acceptable degree, Dumbledore got to his feet, and opened his arms wide.
"Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words and here they are….Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you."
Heraldes had once heard that ordinary humans of high age were getting a little...what was that word the citizens used? Senile?...Heraldes thought to remember his parents saying how his grandfather was becoming unable to support himself due to his old age. Was that what was happening with Dumbledore? Curious.
Suddenly huge amounts of different kinds of food appeared on the tables. A feast? Heraldes smirked, while the students began to eat. In the chapter, there was also a feast every day at 21:00, although that really deserved the term feast. More than this here in any case.
However, the will counts, right?
Of course it does. Heradles decided just to enjoy the meal, putting huge amounts of something that looked like flesh on his plate and began to eat, oblivious to the strange looks his neighbours gave him, due to the fact that he ate more than sixth years.
Heraldes used the time to really look at the students, not with his visible eyes, but his third eye, well hidden behind his forehead. No one in this hall was connected to the warp in any way. It was a relief...but also a bit...scary. Heraldes didn't know what to make of it. He needed to find out more.
Maybe take a sample from a wizard's genom? Only time would tell...
"So...where are you from?"
The question came from a boy sitting opposite to Heraldes, causing all the others around him to be silent and listen attentively.
Heraldes, well aware of the fact that the question was genuine, was very very quick to answer "I descend from the glorious imperium of man. Specifically I am an initiate of the Bloodravens, an Astartes chapter. The Astartes are revered as the best soldiers of the galaxy, if you have to know."
Heraldes received looks, scpetical ones and ones filled with awe. That's right, receive the news of your glorious race!
He was also able to see that McGonagall was talking frantically with the other teachers, probably filling them in about Heraldes.
"How old are you? You look way too old to be a first year."
"Oh, I am almost eleven years old. My growth comes from being an initiate of the Astartes."
"You mean, all of you grow rapidly?"
"Rapidly and tall."
The boy belonged to one of the more impressed and curious ones "What exactly is an Astartes?"
"The Astartes are the greatest soldiers ever to exist. No one can beat an Astartes one on one. The arrogant eldar had to pay greatly for underestimating us."
"What is an eldar?"
"It is a xenotic race, an enemy of our whole species. If you meet one, don't listen to it! For eldar are deceitful and scheming. They may look attractive to ordinary humans, even though they have pointy ears, however, they are also incredibly arrogant, see us humans for no more than pests and themselves as the destined rulers of the galaxy, making our victories against them all the sweeter."
"So, in short you are an initiate of an incredibly powerful warrior-chapter of an imperium that rules the galaxy?"
"That is precisely correct. Never forget you all: The humans are the divine race, only we are strong enough to rule! Destroy the xeno, burn the heretic, purge the unclean!"
Especially his last words earned him many looks of awe...but also confusion. He was talking about a humanity that had ascended to the stars, claiming millions of worlds for its own, pushing back any xeno who could pose a threat, fighting for its right to rule the galaxy, while so called "Angels of Death" fought supernatural entities, emerging victorious where others fall.
Heraldes smirked Yes, that is humanity. That is our destiny and legacy, as the holy God-Emperor made us able to.
"I suppose you are the newest addition to my house."
Heraldes turned around to face another one of those 'Ghost'-entities
"I...would assume so."
"I am the Grey Lady, Ravenclaw's house ghost. Your...story is quite interesting. May I ask, what does it mean to be an Astartes?"
Heraldes smiled what an interesting question. Heraldes loved to recitate what he had once read, this here in particular originated from the Chaplain Annaeus
"You are asking what it means to be an Astartes, an Angel of Death, a Space Marine? We are forged in blood, tempered in battle. We raise our swords and bare fists in defiance against all that stands against humanity. We are the living faith of our race, we are the angels that spread fear into the enemies of mankind and faith into our kinsmen.
"You are saying that we can't be pure, for we killed men, women and children? We remain pure, for these were not men, women and children, but xenos, heretics and mutants.
"We are never wrong, for we cleanse the xeno, purge the heretic and kill the mutant in His name.
"You are wondering how we can stand in so much harm's way, unscathed, unfazed, without fear? We are the Astartes! We don't know fear because we are fear incarnate!
"You are asking why we chose to become what we are, for we are not able to turn back, for it is an Astartes' destiny to die by the hands of the xeno, the heretic, the mutant? The Emperor chose to make us what we are, we are His will in flesh, His will is our will, for His goal is our goal.
"As long as we are able to serve the Emperor, we serve mankind.
It is better to die for the Emperor than live for yourself."
The Grey Lady didn't seem really impressed, but more...intrigued. Or shocked.
"You kill civilians?"
"Like I said, those are not civilians."
The ghost seemed to be...disturbed by Heraldes's views, too weak to do the necessary. Just as I thought. The Grey Lady floated away without any further elaboration, leaving Heraldes just to listen to the students. Learning by listening.
Soon, the feast disappeared and Dumbledore got up to his feet. The once loud hall fell silent.
"Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you all. First years, note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."
Dumbledore's eyes flashed to the direction of someone at the Gryffindor table and the continued, "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind everyone that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors."
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch."
"Finally, I must tell everyone that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a rather unpleasant death."
Heraldes had to hold onto himself not to burst out into laughter. Unpleasant death? He had already experienced that. As every Astartes did. Mostly they deliver it to their enemies.
"Now, before we get to bed, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore. The smiles on the other teachers' faces went from natural to fixed all too quickly. Dumbledore pulled at his wand as if he was going to conduct an orchestra. He flicked it, a golden ribbon flew out of it, rose above the tables and twisted itself into words.
"Everyone pick their favorite tune and off we go!"
The school bellowed.
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rots."
Heraldes was shocked by the lacking discipline! Almost nobody stopped together! How are these supposed to be productive students? Discipline! Discipline above all else!
The headmaster on the other hand didn't seem surprised, he even conducted the last few lines with his wand.
"Ah, music," he said as he wiped his eyes, "A magic of magic. Now, time for bed. Off you trot!"
The Ravenclaw first years followed a prefect called Penelope Clearwater to the Ravenclaw tower.
As they passed through the halls of the castle, Heraldes saw many paintings, the figures in it moving and even talking. It was ridic- Damnit, I still need to invent that more extreme form!
And again, he was wondering whether these were machine spirits. If they were, the adeptus mechanicus would gladly invade this planet and free them from their unworthy cages. But yet, Heraldes was not sure if these even were machine spirits...he would need to investigate that.
"Peeves!" Heraldes heard someone calling from somewhere in the corridor to the coloumns side.
His eyes narrowing he asked the female with the rank of 'prefect' "What was that?"
"That was Peeves, our...poltergeist. He is an annoying little pest. He disturbs anyone he can see or get hold of. Never trust him with anything...if you wish to survive that is." Without further elaboration, the prefect led on.
This should be an interesting...obstacle.
They continued until reaching a portrait of a woman dressed in blue that was so large it looked like a doorway.
Heraldes watched attentively as the portrait began to speak "The one who makes it doesn't need it. The one who buys it doesn't keep it. The one who sells it doesn't use it. The one who uses it, never knows that it's being used."*
The prefect was about to give the password when a voice arose from the group, filled with excitement "Ohoh, a riddle! I like riddles! Pick me, pick me!"
To the surprise of everyone, Heraldes rushed through the group directly to the front, an expression of excitement never leaving his face. Heraldes loved riddles. Epistolary-Librarian Archanit sometimes even gave him crosswordriddles he used to solve in his freetime (23:45-00:00), saying that they are formidable at training the young mind. Or just to use the free time effectively...
The prefect seemed to be surprised by Heraldes's sudden appearance, however, much to his delight, stepped aside and let him approach the picture.
"Hmhm is it...a mug?"
"No."
"A tank?"
"No...what's a tank?"
"A chainsword?"
"No! Again, what's a chainsword?"
"A rifle!"
"No..."
After several minutes Heraldes still wasn't able to find the answer "A plate?"
"NO!"
Finally the prefect took pity on him "A coffin."
The portrait seemed to sigh in relief "Exactly."
Heraldes stared blankly at the prefect, then at the portrait
"You don't get it?"
"A coffin...as in...an ancient?"
"What?"
"A dreadnought! A venerated hero of the Astartes, died in battle but thanks to the holy mercy of the Emperor was put into the dreadnought to serve after death! Glorious! Something every Astartes seeks to aspire."
Everyone to hear his words just looked at him blankly, making Heraldes sigh in exasperation "Just open this door before I kill you..."
In the portait the woman motioned with her hands and the portrait swung open, acting as a door, which now gave way to get inside.
The Common Room was large and dome shaped. The domed ceiling was painted with stars and the carpet a midnight blue. Tables, chairs, and bookshelves covered most of the floor space. For all intents and purposes, it was like being in a small library.*²
As they entered the room, the prefect turned around "Here we are, boys to the left, girls to the right."
Heraldes went without a world to the boy's dormitory, which were filled with four poster-beds, with each bed having a trunk at its foot where each individual student's luggage was located.
Heraldes sat down on what seemed to be his bed, took his suitcases, typed in the codes flawlessly. If he had typed one wrong number in, the suitcases had rigged themselves to explode. Nobody steals an Astartes's equipment.
Inside was his psyker-staff, issued to him earlier as for the danger of warp possession on his mission. He looked at the staff with pride, it was made out of massive gold, a doubleheaded eagle forming its head. He would also use it to pray to the Emperor. Another reason that it was issued to him for this mission.
Other than the staff, were also empty glass vials (part of his mission was to collect samples from indigenous animals and materials), needles and tubes with chemicals, all in the right dose to supply him with what his body needed to properly evolve into an Astartes.
Heraldes opened the second suitcase, in it were a sniper rifle and his trusty bolt pistol, along with several magazines of ammunition. He also had a knive, which he always wore with him. He like using his sniper rifle from afar, and the bolt pistol in addition to his knive in close combat.
In the suitcase was also his carapace armor, designed to protect the wearer from direct hits, unlike the standard imperial flak-vest.
All of his equipment was safe, making Heraldes sigh in relief. He had actually expected there to some kind of control, demanding him to open the suitcases in order to inspect the items it stored. Another indicator for the lack of discipline!
He took the staff and his armor out. By now, most of the boys were fast asleep, not noticing how Heraldes was inspecting his more than lethal weapons. Not that he cared of course. Heraldes changed into his carapace armor, took his staff and walked into the main room. There he looked for a fitting place for praying to the holy Emperor.
He found it in a small chamber (probably used to read and study apart from the other students), entered, closed the door behind him, leaned his staff against the wall and knelt before it, praying to the Savior of Mankind.
While he subconsciousely recitated different prayers, he reflected on what had happened this day.
The mission was one that could only be solved by...light treading. Again Heraldes asked himself why the chapter had deemed it necessary not to inform the inquisition and let them just investigate for signs of chaos. Why did the chapter care about this world so much?
And again, Heraldes scolded himself. He was not in the position to question the chapter. He had his duty, his duty was here, his duty was clear, so he would fulfill his duty. It was easy...wasn't it? But if it was, then why was he still so...nervous?
Heraldes was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't feel the presence by the door, listening attentively to his prayers.
By the time he was done praying, he just noticed the glimpse of something within the reaches of his mind, running away, impossible to identify, let alone catch. Someone has listened!
It couldn't have been a follower of the ruinous powers, as they were repulsed (or simply enraged to the point of mindless onslaught) by prayers to the Emperor. A daemon would have barged through the door, trying to silence the source of its pain.
What did that leave? A human? A mutant? A xeno?
Heraldes's inner clock told him that it was nigh midnight, the usual time for an Astartes to go to sleep. Deciding that he wouldn't find out about the presence tonight, Heraldes went to the dormitory and laid down in his bed ,which was uncomfortably soft until he couldn't take it anymore and went to sleep on the comfortable floor, never changing out of his carapace armor, as an Astartes often had to sleep in his suit in the short breaks between battles.
He prepared himself for another nightmare, as the darkness of the subconsciousness grabbed him.
*The riddle is from the famous custom warcraft 3 the frozen throne campaign "The chosen ones". I can only recommend you to download it if you have wc3 tft, look for it in .com
*²The ravenclaw houses' interior was copied from August Sonereal's HpxWarhammer fanfic called Harry and Warhammer 40k (probably abandoned, as nothing has been added to it in the last 5 months)
Ok folks, the pairing will develop slowly over the whole series of books. So yeah, don't expect anything drastic.
About Heraldes's love for riddles: I am trying to give him a personality other than just CLEANSE PURGE KILL, besides, imagine a Space Marine, a ton heavy behemoth, trained and modified to smite the most dangerous foes the whole universe has to offer, cracking his mind over the DAMN LAST WORD IN THE EMPEROR FORSAKEN CROSSWORDRIDDLE!
Done? Nope, if you guys can give me links or even write the litanies down yourselves in a review, I would be more than glad to implement them in my fanfic, other than just writing "...spitefully he recitated the litany of hate..." and instead writing the whole litany. Who doesn't love an Astartes's litanies?
GIMME YER LITANIES!