Note: The Harry Poter Series is owned by JK Rowling, and some other elements are owned by fellow authors.
Developments in July
Sirius was often with the Teens during their tutoring sessions. He was amazed by how much they were learning, and he too was learning many new things about magic that was never in the Hogwarts curriculum. The teens were being taught about magical history outside of Britain such as the problems with Grindelwald, the history of the last Dark Lord to attack North America, as well as a run-though of how the Department of Magical Affairs operated.
Magical Canada had a government structure that was fundamentally based on the British model, however, there were significant differences in how the departments actually worked. They too had a Wizengamot, but all members, including the chairperson, were elected every four years in a federal election. The Minister of Magic was technically appointed to office by the chair of the Wizengamot, but in reality was elected in a "referendum" by the people of Canada.
Otherwise, Sirius was often tagging along with Colonel Daniel Greengrass or in Ottawa at the Department of Magical Affairs. As he never received a trial in Britain about the alleged murder of Peter Pettigrew and multiple non-magics, he went to the head office of the RCMA on July for a quick interview. There he was survived to see another man, who the Commissioner of the RCMA identified as Director of the Canadian Magical Intelligence Service, which was somewhat akin to an Unspeakable back home in Britain.
It took less than fifteen minutes for the Canadians to clear Sirius Orion Black of all charges and accusations made by the British Ministry, and he also registered himself as an Animagi. In return for providing additional details on the inner workings of the Ministry of Magic and anything he knew about certain Death Eaters, he was offered employment as a reserve field agent of the CMIS.
Seeing as he needed something to do with the kids going to Orenda, Sirius accepted the offer on the condition of CMIS considering Remus Lupin as another candidate agent. Sirius now carried a special Para-Ordinance 14-45 pistol with him at all times as part of his plan to protect his Godson and friends by any means necessary. He was also going to get some military-style training and time on the shooting range, learning how to fire more powerful firearms like sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and sniper rifles. He was also designated as a part time RCMA officer, and thus had the power to arrest criminals as a side job.
Harry and his friends also visited the smaller city of Wesakechak, Ontario, which was centered around a strangely-shoe shaped island located on the remote Severn River. This city of 50,000 was far cry from the metropolis of Silvermoon, with mostly first nations magicals residing there. Even so, the teens went to purchase some special potions ingredients, mainly native herbs and other extracts, all stored in vials or special containers.
The teens continued to learn under their tutors who were pleased by the progress made so far. Mr. Darvill in particular was surprised by the knowledge and power Harry and his friends had in magical warfare. This included the introduction of martial arts, with a friend of his coming in August to teach.
He was also helping the teens attempt to learn basic occulumency; it was part of Orenda's defense curriculum and was usually taught in fifth year. During their first lesson, Harry commented on his previous failure to learn the skill while being taught by Professor Snape, leaving Mr. Darvill pondering.
"Hmm...what could prevent someone from making any mental shields unless...Of course! Riddle's connection must be preventing Mr. Potter here from forming occlumency shields!"
The teens looked at Mr. Darvill, awaiting his explanation.
"I'm guessing the connection is like having a little hole in the walls protecting your mind. As long as that hole is still open, any walls you try to create will be undermined by Legilimency.
Which bring up the reason why I think you could get your occlumency shields to work now. The connection is likely dependent on your proximity to Riddle, hence why you felt so much pain whenever you were close to the moron. Now that you're about 3,300 miles or so away from him, that link is probably very faint. You'll probably be unable to be a master at occlumency, but you'll be able to stop most mind-probing methods."
He then started to think, pacing in front of the teens, muttering rapidly.
"But why? What kind of connection is this? Is it something to do with Riddle's soul splitting?"
During another visit to Baldwin Street on July 27, Daphne decided to purchase a young snowy owl, which were in fact native to North America. The male owl, which she named David, took a liking of Hedwig as soon as he arrived home; Hedwig, on the other hand, looked exasperated at the rather hyperactive owl.
Harry and his Hogwarts friends also decided to purchase a second wand from a store called "Carver's," whose owner bore a slight resemblance to fellow eccentric wand-maker Mr. Ollivander. He was a bit more pleasant than the British wand-maker and a bit insightful about the wands he sold, managing to avoid staring weirdly at his customers.
Neville received a 9 1/2 inch long wand, made of Western Red Cedar and embedded with a hair from a Kermode bear or "Spirit bear". "I've found that Cedar wands typically are strong in character and posses great loyalty," Mr. Carver commented. "A well-matched cedar holder can become a frightening adversary, especially to those who try to harm their friends and loved ones. The Kermode bear is an important creature for the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. They are believed to have a symbiotic relationship with spirit of the rain forest, and serve as an important part of that ecosystem."
Tracy's second wand, 8 7/8 inches, was made of Coast Redwood and the heartstring of a Greater Canadian Thunderwing dragon. "Redwood, I found, chooses witches and wizards with the admirable ability to fall on their feet, to make the right choice, to snatch advantage from catastrophe. It is a very rare wand wood that I have rarely sold. The Great Canadian Thunderwings are cunning, but noble creatures, who use their skills and abilities to advance their families within the herd. They radiate power, but use it to help their future generations, and will do whatever they can to protect their young."
Hermione's new wand, 9 1/2 inches, was a made of Ontario Balsam Poplar and a strip of cartilage from the Dorsal fin of an Orca whale. "Poplar wands typically choose people with a clear moral vision." declared Mr. Carver. "They are usually people with consistency, strength, and integrity. Orcas are among the most intelligent beings in the ocean, and are cunning, intelligent, loyal, and brave. The piece of fin in your wand came from an ancient Orca whale that lived for over 120 years and and was part of a pod that our biologists had found possessing some magical abilities."
Daphne's was 10 inches long, made of Ebony and the feather of a Magical Raven. "Ebony wand users will hold fast to his or her beliefs, no matter what the external pressure, and will not be swayed lightly from their purpose. The Raven, of course, is a very prominent character in many Native American myths, as well as in Norse, Celtic, and Siberian mythology, though ravens are often seen as symbols of death and ill omens in other cultures. They are cunning, clever, mischievous, but also protective of their creations."
Harry's new wand was 10 3/4 inches long, made of a beautiful sugar maple and embedded with the feather of a Thunderbird. "Maple wands are used by those who rarely stay in one place and possess ambition, much like yourself Mr. Potter. Such wands desire new challenges and new environments, and favor wizards who push their magical power to the limit. The Thunderbird is one of the most powerful magical creature that features in First Nations Mythology. They are benevolent, strong, brilliant, and yet vengeful beings. They will help the helpless, defend the innocents, but will not tolerate grievances or evil. I have only sold have wands with a Thunderbird feather as it core to very powerful wizards and witches. I expect many things from you, Mr. Potter."
July 29, 1996
Pearson International Airport, Magical Arrivals
09:16:41 AM EDT
Harry, Daphne, Hermione, Michelle, Sirius, and the other teenagers living at the Greengrasses' residence were now waiting patiently for the only magical arrivals from Britain since they left. This time, there were no problems with Riddle sending anyone over to create trouble, and they soon saw four rather familiar faces come out.
"Harry! Sirius!"
Remus Lupin and surprisingly Nymphadoras Tonk were walking together, each pushing a cart with their luggage. Behind them were a certain pair of ginger-haired twins. All four had been looking around in awe of the inside of Canada's largest airport. As soon as they saw Harry and his friends, they quickly came over for a group hug.
"We're so glad to find you guys here." Tonks explained, her hair currently bubblegum pink.
The twins got a good look at everyone and began their usual twin-speak.
"I must say, Harry"
"It's far more cheerful here"
"Than being at home"
"Dad must definitely,"
"Get on an aeroplane,"
"One of these day."
"What are you two doing here?" Harry asked.
"Ahh our partner forgets something," One of them said.
"I'll say Gred, doesn't he know,"
"that only Zonkos,"
"operates here,"
"and there's so many,"
"many young Canucks"
"who tragically"
"miss out on our devious,"
"innovative WWW products"
"So we thought"
"we should bring the joy,"
"and wonder of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes,"
"to the youth of Magical Canada!"
"Since Remus will stay here"
"He's agreed to help us out."
Harry looked on at the werewolf wondering what was he doing here.
"Harry, Sirius phoned us about life at Daphne's relatives, and I really wanted to spend time bonding with the Son of Prongs and his friends. I also heard that the Canadians had create a more long term solution to my little furry problem, so here I am. Oh, and Tonks here apparently wanted to take a holiday from Auror duties. We'll talk a bit more later..."
The twins continued on.
"Still can't believe,"
"Moony was our fifth year DADA prof."
"The only one that we ever liked."
"Any Padfoot's your Godfather."
"And you're the son of Prongs."
"We are not worthy!" Both declared, bowing down in mock worship of their prankster role models; everyone was left in stitches.
Remus took his suitcase and opened it up.
"Which reminds me Harry, you've been getting plenty of letters from your friends back home. They all miss you and your friends, Prongslet."
The one real problem for Harry and his friends about living so far away from the troubles back in Britain was being unable to contact their friends overseas. No owl had the endurance to fly to Iceland, let alone to Canada, and only the muggleborns and few purebloods knew how to send non-magic mail.
Remus held out the letters to Harry and he pulled out one from one of the friends who stood with him during the mess in the Department of Mysteries, Luna Lovegood.
Dear Harry (and everyone of course),
I hope everyone is doing well in Canada. Father always wanted to see if we could make a trip over there to find some new critters. Hopefully the weather there is agreeable.
I'm sorry to say that the ministry is now infested with wrackspurts. The minister has declared that all references to Voldemort are to be censored, and you are being slandered again on the Prophet. Father is worried about the mess here, and is considering sending me to Canada. Umbridge is still a faculty at Hogwarts, and by the looks of it, the other members of the DA will have to go deep underground. Dumbledore's Order also is in hiding, though Shacklebolt is still working as an Auror, though under the close eye of the Ministry.
Someone tried to raid the home of Amelia Bones, but thankfully they ran off after someone began to fire on them. No one knows who they were and the Ministry is trying to cover it up. Susan told me that she saw some men in black clothing carrying what had to be muggle guns and they just swept in, killing most of the Death Eaters before disappearing again. They might also be thinking of going out of the country, especially with rumors that other places might come under Death Eater attacks.
Anyways, Cho is a complete mental wreck, or so I've heard. Her mind is overrun by wrackspurt. We'll have to watch out with her still around at Hogwarts and can only hope she doesn't cavort with Malfoy and his bunch again.
Ron's still feeling a bit put out by what happened last year. I've tried to talk to him to see if I can help, but he constantly clams up. I'm sure that he's feeling guilty about lashing out at you and Daphne. Hopefully the nargles will leave him alone.
To be fair, me and the other DA members are going to miss everyone over in Canada.
Best of luck,
Luna Lovegood
After looking through a few more letters from his friends left in Britain, Harry and his friends headed out to the Greengrass family vehicle, along with a rental van driven by Sirius Black, who had learned how to drive.
HMCS Silvermoon (FFH 700), Off the Coast of Scotland
08:27:13 PM UTC
Commander William Chan was sitting in the Captain's chair of his ship, sipping a cup of green tea as the morning broke. He was in charge of one of Magical Canada's three major warships and the 200 sailors who called this ship their home away from home. His Grandparents had landed in what was now British Columbia in the late 1840s, after many Wizards and Witches were expelled from China after the Opium Wars. Not wanting to live in Hong Kong, which was under the oppressive eye of the British Ministry of Magic, many magicals soon fled to North America, Australia, and South American. Chen had worked hard to reach this point in his naval career. He had served aboard the destroyer escort HMCS Severn during the first Riddle Crisis in Britain before becoming a senior department head on HMCS Sinixt, a modified Iroquois class helicopter destroyer and the current flagship of the Canadian Magical Navy.
The Silvermoon, commissioned on August 21, 1991 was the first of two modified Halifax class patrol frigates, built at CFB James Bay based on duplicated blueprints from Mil-Davie Shipbuilding in Levis, Quebec. The vessels, Silvermoon and Wesakechak, were heavily modified from the original designs, with the hull made from a special metal extracted from the Rocky Mountains. The hull interiors were given an expansion charm, increasing the vessels full and food stores, allowing the frigates to stay out at sea twice as long as their non-magical sister ships. Each ship's two gas turbine engines were charmed to improved their reliability and had diagnostic spells performed on them, allowing the engineers on board to remotely monitor the turbines. Each frigate's weapons were magically enhanced, with magically lengthened Mark 48 vertical missile launchers, capable of firing SM-2MR Standard missiles and BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, along with their forward 57mm Bofors cannon mounts capable of firing a wide variety of magical and standard rounds.
Each frigate also had a fully equipped CH-126 Sea King helicopter, ancient machines but had been charmed so they were immaculate and in perfectly condition, like they just came off the assembly line. Armed with torpedoes as well as a door mounted minigun, the helicopters operated independently from their parent ships, and had been used to hunt down rogue krakens, squid-like creatures that had been a menace off Canadian Waters.
All of Magical Canada's warships were in fact known to non-Magical Canada and NATO, the large non-magical military alliance of which Canada was a founding member. They were however, declared to be top secret testbeds, and thus did not officially exist in any records or reports. Even so, they were typically warded to avoid the notice of non-Magics and usually tried to avoid major shipping routes. Silvermoon was now on the lookout for any signs of trouble, with worries that Riddle's terrorist group is now ready to begin a takeover of Magical Britain. The ICW evidently had enough of the shenanigans with the Fudge Ministry, and did not trust Fudge's reassurances that there was no problems with the Death Eaters.
Author Notes:
For the purposes of the story, the Canadian magical education system has teachers, not professors for teaching. At the Orenda School of Magic, only the Headmaster/mistress is a Professor as they are actual Doctors, having a non-magical Ph.D. Thus the current headmaster at Orenda is officially titled Dr. Hezekiah M. W. Thompson Ph.D.
The fictional, magically hidden city of Wesakechak is roughly located at 55.434273,-88.177056. It's typically hidden from view of non-Magicals, and are charmed so that the area appears barren even on satellite photos.
The Halifax class frigates and Iroquois class destroyers are the current warship classes used by the Royal Canadian Navy.
The description of the wand woods are based on descriptions in Pottermore, while the cores from North American Magical/Mythological creatures are my speculation. The Twins will also be getting new wands. Cookies for anyone who guesses the types of wand wood they will use (hint: One bears a Province's symbolic flower, the other is the symbolic tree of another Province in Canada.) I made up the idea of a magical subspecies of the Orca Whale, considering that even now scientists believe that there might be significant biological differences between different Orca types.
