A/N - Okay so another chapter of character development really, I would apologise but to be honest if Harry and Draco jumped straight into it, it wouldn't be very believable. Right now I'm editing like a mad woman trying to get these chapters to make sense before I post them. No I'm not writing any new chapters yet and I don't plan to unless the ones I've written get a good response and since I've got a few followers that's looking good.
Disclaimer - The themes and most characters belong to my queen, JK Rowling, author of the true Harry Potter books.
Harry managed to make it out of the first floor teacher's lounge and out into the cold drizzle.
Whatever he'd been expecting for his first day of training hadn't come near the grueling all-day experience. It had taken almost two hours only on disabling and replacing the security charms on and around the broom shed. The rain had decided to pelt down during the practical instruction and so by the time the sun had set Harry was shivering and drenched through.
Hooch had given him a stiff farewell as she finally hurried off to catch the last train out of Hogsmeade. Though by now the rain had stopped, a menacing breeze was storming through the Forbidden Forest and thunder boomed from overhead.
Harry was feeling the absence of company as he quickened his pace toward the school. His whole body felt unbearably tired and his stomach growled in time to the monstrous weather.
"Lumos."
The wand tip didn't make much difference, holding it to the soggy ground he could only see a little way in front of himself and by no means wished to slow down enough for it to be of any use, it was only by some miracle he had yet to fall over.
Howling, the wind picked up, throwing the first shards of a new shower at him through the dark. He moved into a jog, focusing on the warm glow of the many Hogwart's windows.
Finally the reached the light as he came into sight of the front door, stomach now rumbling in rhythm. Since becoming acquainted with food again he didn't fare well missing any meals. He needed to find this new place McGonagall mentioned and quickly, which meant he needed to find another professor. It wouldn't be any good for him to go back to his quarters and hope Kreature had packed his map. McGonagall would question how he'd found his way on his own, beside the point, he'd never actually seen the Little Hall on the map, which lead him to believe it was expertly hidden. Under shelter of the stone memorial's marquis Harry shook off. Suddenly his nerves jolted as he realized he wasn't alone.
He calmed down as he figured the figure wasn't an enemy, the only other people in Hogwarts were the professor's and that was exactly who he was looking for.
"Evening." He held up his wand to light to the other person but they were further away now, walking to the castle, Harry headed after them.
"Hello! Sorry, I just need a minute…"
He froze, the figure had turned to face him but he'd already seen whom it was. The light had hit the perfectly impervius charmed hair, revealing aristocratic white-blond that was unmistakable. Harry tried to say sorry but nothing came out.
Malfoy was looking at him as if he was insane, and he would be insane had he been talking to Malfoy on purpose.
Again he tried to apologize, opening his mouth to make a choking sound, and then quickly closing it again.
Malfoy cleared his throat and spoke calmly. "A minute for what exactly Potter?"
"I'm sorry." Harry blurted, oh crap now what did Malfoy think he was apologizing for?
"I mean-"
Malfoy was beginning to look pissed and McGonagall's words of warning crept back with each shade his face darkened.
"Uh, I mean sorry for stopping you."
Malfoy looked up at the castle, then back to Harry.
This is where he kills me. Harry thought.
"You need escorting to the Little Hall?" Malfoy asked with a sigh.
"How did you know?"
The blond shook his head and began to walk regally toward the front entrance.
"Follow me or stay out here and get struck by lightning."
Harry hurried after Malfoy quicker than necessary as somehow when he'd said 'lighting' a bolt of the stuff had cracked across the sky.
Malfoy glanced at Potter whose hair hung like a wet mop and made him look like a drowned pigmy puff. The paleness of his skin made the blasted scar stand out, the scar that reminded Draco exactly who he was escorting and caused his blood to run hot.
Harry sensed the animosity and backed off, he didn't feel comfortable around Malfoy and probably never would, he could never condone Malfoy's beliefs and he knew the other wizard would never forgive him anyway, as they walked on Harry realized his appearance at the trials had probably made things all the worse.
It must have been all the blonde could do not to curse Harry, the Malfoy was doing what he could to survive as all the smart purebloods would, that wouldn't change them on the inside though.
The front doors opened and they walked inside. By now Harry was regretting running into Malfoy with all his being, not only was the silence painful but he had questions about where they were going he'd be able to ask anyone else. And not forgetting the feeling of his presence being resented brought back his child hood memories and that just depressed him.
Malfoy cleared his throat and Harry looked to see a pained expression on his face.
"You'll need to know about the room…for the rest of the staff meetings." He stated in a voice that conveyed indifference.
"The little Hall?" Harry confirmed, "Um I've never heard of it before actually, I didn't know it existed."
Draco kept looking forward as if there was no way he'd acknowledge what he was doing.
"You haven't heard of the age of builders?"
Harry shook his head.
"So you know nothing about the height of wiziarchitectural magic and the first renovations of Hogwarts?"
Harry didn't respond.
"You should learn this." He spat out and Harry dropped back with his momentary shock. Then he realized, he didn't know these things because he'd been raised by muggles.
They'd made it up a set of marble stairs across the Great Hall; Harry hadn't failed to notice they had been hidden behind an alcove.
They were walking down a hall toward the lounge and Malfoy jabbed his finger at a polished silver plaque, placed between two empty paintings. At first it seemed like any ordinary wall ornament decorating the walls of Hogwarts but then harry figured he should read it.
The Professor's Floor was built by the Munitoria in the age of Aedificatoria in the year 1872 with the finest Aedificatoria Magik, only those with the privilege of providing services to the school should be introduced to the many wonders of the floor and upon induction will find the space and utilities to aid their era of students to the utmost.
It raised new questions; Harry's mind did gymnastics as he tried to figure what was going on, so the floor was constructed differently to the rest of the school, like it had been renovated.
"How does the…Aedif-ica-toria magic hide the floor?"
"It doesn't hide the floor, it just wraps it in upon itself so it takes up a small amount of space."
Malfoy shook his head as they re-commenced walking.
Harry had the deepest feeling that he'd missed the point.
"So the Little hall will be all wrapped up with the teacher's lounge and living quarters?"
"Yes, if your mind could take it I would explain to you how my quarters are simultaneously connected to my office in the dungeons and the lounge and how you probably have some sad office in the towers you'll have access to but I'm afraid you might faint again."
Harry blushed, how was he meant to know these things? It wasn't just that he'd been raised by muggles but he'd had to do the best he could with the war and Voldemort's looming threat over his life and that in fact was Malfoy's pureblood-supremacy's fault.
He thought over the plaque some more, he thought he understood, the magic on the floor was unique and complicated, giving the teachers a large space that was only accessible by them and gave them quick, easy access to the rest of the castle. What else was there? Was it about the age of builders in particular? Was it the year? 1870-something what was it about the 17th century, something about that era seemed familiar but Harry needed to look it up.
"Is there anything more about the Hall in particular?" Harry asked "Is it used like a conference room?"
Malfoy gave him a look that suggested he should shut up.
"It's less the room then what's in it and yes it's like a conference room."
Harry figured 'conference room' was probably a bit muggle and felt even more embarrassed, in fact this level of embarrassment was beginning to border on unnatural, it was probably the fact he still expected Malfoy to curse him.
They reached the doors of the teacher's lounge and Malfoy opened it to show a hexagonal room that was walled with doors and stairs Harry recognized from the Lounge, his own was there but they weren't staying still, slowly they shifted sideways so one door might me replaced with a staircase and re-appear on the other side of the room or disappear completely. It was exactly like the spinning room in the Ministry and Harry decided it must have been the same building magic.
Malfoy had pulled out his wand with a scowl.
"Black Atrium." He told the spinning room, the movement stopped but then recommenced. Malfoy put his wand away, a polished ebony device with a pretty gold design; it was too feminine for the wizard.
"You'll need to do it." Malfoy told him angrily.
"Why?"
"Well Potter my aunt's wand has decided to be extra temperamental today, it seems it gets worse the longer it's been since she was killed."
"But why don't you just use your…oh."
Harry realized what he was about to say and so had Malfoy, the blonde was murderous, Bellatrix's wand had come back out and pointed at Harry's throat. With effort Malfoy lowered his arm.
"Just do it."
Quickly Harry pointed his own holly with phoenix feather and repeated the demand "Black Atrium"
The spinning stopped and all doors and staircases disappeared, except one made of polished wood. Without looking at him Draco went in ahead and Harry decided to follow at a distance. Did he even still have Malfoy's wand? He must have, he hoped he hadn't allowed himself to lose something like that. He needed to find out if Kreature had packed it and if it hadn't been he needed to go back to Grimmauld to get it. It wasn't like he thought it was a good idea to re-arm the acquitted death eater but it was the right thing to do and Malfoy seemed creative enough to find other ways to kill him.
Inside everyone else was already seated and staring at them in utter shock, mouths open, eyebrows at their hairline. A magnificent table that was pure black took up most the high-ceiled room; Harry noticed it seemed made of glass molded into little details and shapes. Around it were high-backed chairs made of iron, Harry needed to find an empty one, Malfoy already had, the only one left it seemed was one furthest away, next to McGonagall at the head. Rushing he made it around, the chair slid out by itself and Harry sat in it.
"How nice for you to join us." McGonagall reprimanded.
"I do believe that under the school's employment that acting like students will cease. Others have managed it."
At this point Harry noticed Neville seated next to Professor Sprout and he gave Harry a small, awkward wave. Harry waved back and received a deadly glare from the headmistress.
"I thought I told you to keep away from Mr. Malfoy." She hissed in a whisper. Harry looked at her apologetically but she gave him no time to explain.
"Never changes." She muttered before turning to the staff.
"Wands out please and we'll commence."
There was a clatter as everyone put their wands on the glass table, Harry went to glance at Bellatrix's again and noticed Malfoy was already glaring at him, quickly he looked away.
"For our first staff meeting before the start of term I'll run through the staff positions and who will be filling them, due to complications and many unprecedented circumstances we have ended up with dual holds in some of our positions, such as we have already experienced in Divination. There are also new faces and I hope those familiar with the school will be able to help these colleagues with learning our system."
Harry looked around and became shocked by the amount new faces, he was even more shocked to see Luna, at first he thought she was looking back at him but them he realized she was staring at a spot above his head. Unable to stop himself he looked up too and saw nothing.
"Replacing myself in the teaching of transfiguration is the renowned transfiguration master Genevieve Nightingale." An extremely attractive woman bowed her head and Harry's heart stopped; he wondered how he had not noticed her when he entered with Malfoy. She was young for a master, still in her twenties by the looks of her fresh, olive skin and lustrous black hair. Bright blue eyes sparkled and she winked. Harry's heart picked up pace again, was that at him?
"Miss Nightingale is the youngest to master transfiguration, it is an honor to have you teaching here Genevieve." McGonagall stated.
"Also a new face to some of us is Dorian Grossly, Dorian I believe you'll not be as much a celebrity with our staff as you will be with the students."
A handsome chap chuckled at this, he was middle-aged with greying temples but the rest of his hair was a thick brown and framed his chiseled face.
"You know me Minerva, I couldn't care less."
His voice was as rich as his laugh and he flashed a warm smile around the table.
"Dorian's our new defense against the dark arts professor and I must say will be the first competent one we've had in a while. You've had experience in the Salem Witch institute haven't you?"
"You could call ten years as their NEWT's professor experience Minerva, but I think I'll get by here."
McGonagall gave a small smile.
"Returning to us for his place as Charms professor and head of Ravenclaw house will be professor Flitwick, don't be causing me too much trouble Filius."
"Try and stop me Minerva."
"We have arrangements within potions this year, Horace Slughorn who can't be here until term commencement will be new head of Slytherin house, replacing the late Headmaster Snape, he'll also take on NEWT level potions classes, helping his workload we will have Draco Malfoy who has completed his NEWTS with near perfect scores." This last statement she said sharply and with a meaningful glare.
"Also in the school will be highly acclaimed Swedish Witch Maligna Winesap who is here to complete Malfoy's mastery training he was receiving from professor Snape."
Everyone was quiet, except for Luna who was humming.
"Professor Rubeus Hagrid is continuing on with care of magical creatures and I'm pleased to add Grawp, who we've come to know and trust will be assisting him whilst acting as grounds keeper."
The giant wasn't present of course but Hagrid was, for once supported on his large iron chair.
"Unfortunately Sibil has decided to leave us to further her career and so Firenze will be taking full-time place of Divination."
The centaur was there, standing by the table in between Dorian Grossly and Arthur Weasley; Harry figured the Aedificatoria magic was something to do with how he was able to get to the first floor.
"Professor Sinstra is returning as Astronomy professor, Professor Babbling to ancient Runes, Professor Vector to Arithmancy and the late professor Binns to the History of Magic."
Harry had seen these professors before and had been in professor Sinstra's classes but now he'd need to get to know them as colleagues.
"Professor Sprout will be remaining in her position as head of Hufflepuff and Herbology Professor, however this will be her last year."
There were sad remarks made from around the table.
"For this year she will be taking on an apprentice, ex-student Neville Longbottom."
Everyone looked at Neville who gave an uncomfortable smile.
"And lastly we have Muggle studies professor Arthur Weasley."
Harry grinned at the Weasley father who was absolutely beaming with joy.
"He has also agreed to take up the responsibility as head of Gryffindor house, having been an outstanding member in his school days."
"I think my children have far surpassed me Minerva."
"No doubt due to example Arthur."
It seemed a queue to begin idle chatter as Sprout quickly turned and introduced herself to Nightingale, Harry wanted to talk to Neville but he was engaged with Arthur and Firenze. Unfortunately for Harry, he was in between McGonagall and Binns and the ghost was shutting out the room to go over what looked like class plans, Harry was sure though that Binns hadn't needed to change those since he was alive. Next to Binns was Luna; Harry wondered why she hadn't been introduced and on that note, what she was even doing there.
"Luna." Calling her name failed to get her attention so Harry cleared his throat and tried again.
"Luna!"
She looked over, startled to see he was there.
"Oh hello Harry, did you enjoy the rain?"
Harry realized he was still damp.
"It was a bit cold actually."
"I find it's best to stay out of showers in this season, it's prime for Mokes, I know they're rare but you can find them here once in a while."
Harry's mind clicked, he'd heard of a Moke before, there was something familiar about that word.
"Harry knows about Mokes, don't ya Harry?" Hagrid asked from across the table, then he said to Luna.
"I got 'im a wallet made o' their skin fer his birthday din' I?"
"Oh yeah he did, it's brilliant." Harry remarked remembering the birthday gift from the previous year, a wallet that shrank if a stranger tried to pick it up, he needed to find it.
So it seemed Luna was finally talking about creatures that existed. The girl began talking to Hagrid more about Mokes and the fact she had seemed to have discovered a new strain that were bearing characteristics of dragons.
"Headmistress?"
Harry could have kicked himself as the polite conversation all but ceased and the professors turned their attention on to him and McGonagall.
"Yes, Potter?"
Harry blushed, he'd been about to ask why Luna was there but in the new situation it didn't seem right, he also didn't see how he could blow it off without seeming childish.
Dropping his voice to a near whisper he asked.
"Are, are you going to introduce Luna?"
McGonagall pierced him with a sharp look.
"And not Filch or Madam Prince?"
Argus Filch was sitting down the other end of the table near where Malfoy had taken a seat and had been looking around with a morose expression; he looked up sharply as soon as his name had been uttered.
"Luna found her way in here on the start of her third year and has attended meetings as she pleases, this is the first pre-term meeting she's showed up to."
Harry processed the information.
"But how on earth could she get by the Aedificatoria magic?"
"When on earth did you start paying attention?"
Several of the Hogwart's staff chuckled including Arthur. Reminding Harry that he was in a professional setting.
"I thought at first that a Nargle had used it's thief magic to let me through…"
Luna commented from her seat, she didn't complete the sentence and Harry wondered whether she had intended to.
"It wasn't?"
"Oh no, there are no Nargles in Hogwarts, they really only infest small rooms that are rarely frequented, I find they prefer shops that sell hats, wigs and laundry detergent."
Harry felt a bit off, the way she talked about Nargles was as if they were a known phenomenon.
"Sorry Luna but was a Nargle discovered?"
"Oh yes!" She smiled "You can read about it in the Prophet."
At this point Arthur interrupted.
"But it was the Quibbler that wrote the real expose, you should send Harry a copy Luna."
She gave a little nod.
"I suppose but it wont do him much good if the Wackspurts don't let him pay attention."
"Wackspurts?"
"Yes, I can't be sure because I don't have my glasses but your infestation seems recent, who did you walk here with? Didn't you come in with Malfoy? That would explain it."
Harry wished Luna would shut up all of a sudden.
"Yes you should really read the article Harry, the Quibbler's becoming increasingly popular, the Department of Magical Beast protection was able to classify them as a known endangered and magical species and apply those they found with a trace so any witch or wizard who harms one will be immediately indicted."
"I came up with the charm myself." Professor Flitwick piped up from halfway down the table. "Charlie's been doing an excellent job Arthur, you must be proud."
Arthur beamed.
"Charlie's working at the ministry?"
Arthur nodded.
"Head of the department, they've been working non stop investigating the Gringott's vaults, they found the goblins had caught a new dragon."
"Oh no!" Said Firenze, looking over from his conversation.
"What kind was it?" Hagrid asked.
"Another Opaleye." Arthur informed. "And this one just a hatchling, seemed they were going to train it."
"Makes me sick." Hagrid growled
"Dinner?" McGonagall asked
Suits of armor that had stood idly by the walls placed silver plates down in front of them, in seconds food began to appear and drink began being passed around, coming from Godrick knows where.
"Were we going to discuss school business?"
"We already have." Binns said icily from beside him, looking disdainfully at the food.
Harry had to admit that the potatoes he had grabbed had a beautiful golden glisten; he was going to stop himself from seizing some thick crackling but the ghost left, whooshing through the wall behind them.
"Yes you may be excused Professor Binns." McGonagall called after him.
"Could you pass me some of that?" The woman asked from across the table, Harry stopped and past the best bit of crackling he'd picked up for himself, to the stranger.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Potter, do you have much interest in transfiguration?"
Harry felt offended by the headmistress' snort of laughter.
"Not really."
Nightingale's eyes flashed and she gave out a laugh that sounded like music; Harry's heart beat a little faster again, making his face heat up.
"Well I've always adored honesty. How long are you planning on staying?"
"Until Mungo's gives me the all-clear."
She laughed again as McGonagall choked on the soup she'd been sipping, Harry smiled as he realized Nightingale thought he was joking.
He felt eyes on him and noticed Malfoy had directed another glare at him, the blonde was next to the foot of the table, by Filch who was opposite McGonagall, on his left was the blond witch, Malia-something, whom McGonagall had introduced as his mentor, a potions master. Harry didn't like her, she was older than professor Nightingale but in many ways just as pretty, only her prettiness had coldness about it. Instead of glaring at Malfoy Harry feigned a look with the perfect blend of surprise, subtle hurt and a hint of disappointment, to his astonishment it worked, the blond quickly schooled his own looks and became rather embarrassed with himself, looking down at his untouched dinner.
Nightingale asked him a question about Quidditch and Harry turned back to her as if nothing had happened, he could almost imagine what was going on in his old rival's head. Bloody Harry Potter, being more mature than me, I know we're not school rivals anymore, it's not like I was glaring at him, I didn't even realize what I was looking at! How dare he be high and mighty! Blah blah blah.
Harry smiled at his inner musings and Nightingale who was gushing about Gwenog Jones paused to throw him a funny look.
"Sorry." Harry said, dropping the smile. "I suppose she's a good captain, what did you think of her Luna?"
"I agree with Hermione." Luna said, midway her conversation with Hagrid, which confused the half-giant who wondered what Hermione had said about the crumple-horned snorlack.
"You've met her?" Nightingale asked, raising a manicured eyebrow.
Harry nodded, chewing some potato.
"What's she like."
"Full of herself." Luna and Harry said together, throwing Hagrid into confusion again and making Nightingale blush.
"Sorry." Harry said again and Nightingale shook her head.
"No, it's alright, as I said, honesty."
Harry smiled and finished eating his dinner. An assortment of cheeses and finger cakes had been supplied for desert before McGonagall excused herself to bed and everyone left soon after with minimal lingering.
Harry on leaving the room remembered briefly something Malfoy had said.
"It's not the room, it's what's in it."
Quickly he looked around for another plaque or sign but found none. He looked at who was filing out of the room and figured his best bet was Flitwick.
"Professor?"
Everyone turned around.
"Er, Flitwick?"
"Yes dear boy?"
"What's special about this room?"
"Nothing despite the Aedificatoria magic, that whole era was special."
"Then what about what's in it?"
"You mean the table?"
Harry nodded, he supposed that had to be it.
"Oh well that's the Black-Fang table." Began Flitwick with an excited squeak. "They built it during the longest allegiance between Wizarding families and non-Wizarding communities, of course it was before Newt Scamander's time so the definitions of beast and being weren't clear cut."
"So it's a non-wizarding creation?"
"Yes it was a joint effort of Vampires, Goblins and Wizard craftsmen, and donated to the headmaster of the time whose family financed this whole floor and the table."
Harry was trying to remember the year, 1870-something. He paled, he knew that year and he knew that headmaster. The least popular headmaster the school had ever had, rumoured to have banned muggle borns from enrolling. Phineas Nigellus Black.
Harry didn't need to make it all the way back to the lounge entrance, his doors appeared in front of him, with a feeling of doom he realized he'd already forgotten his password. Tiredly ringing the bell he waited for a House Elf to appear.
"Good, evening, I hope I didn't wake you, I seem to have forgotten my password."
The Elf backed away.
"You needs to be proving you are Harry Potter sir."
Harry became painfully reminded of Dobby, he just wanted to get inside and go to bed, closing his eyes and taking a breath he asked.
"How?"
"You be showing Tippy your wand."
Harry pulled out his wand and went to pass it to the elf who backed away until it was against the furthest wall.
"That's Okay, your password is Pegasus."
The memory of it came back to Harry as the Elf abruptly vanished.
"Pegasus." He told the door and it opened.