A Tale of Life and Death
Dark Lord Rising; Year 1 | Masquerade of Snakes
Chapter 6 | Family Discord
"We're not here to coexist. I'm here to win. So you'd better have some divine intervention, buddy. You're gonna need it."
― Carroll Oerstadt
- POV NERMAIUS -
Nermaius was pleasantly surprised that he was Sorted into Ravenclaw, though he knew it was the greatest possibility, it still eased his mind knowing he wouldn't ever be in Slytherin. At least that's what he thought right before his first night in Ravenclaw's dorms that were hidden in the Grand Library.
While some of the Ravenclaws did not play the Great Game, most of them did, and they did so with very malicious intentions. Nermaius knew that being associated with Historia Grindelwald meant that he'd have a target on his back, but he never knew just how big it was until he was in Ravenclaw's Common Room. And it came in the form of a fellow First Year named Cho Chang, a foreign student from Magical China, who was also the Heiress of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Change. She had quickly established a hierarchy with all the First Years, putting herself at the top of it.
While Cho didn't try anything the first night, Nermaius was still felt a little uneased with the way she constantly eyed him and Historia while speaking with the other First Years. And while he and Historia were protected because of their tarnished yet still respectful status in society, it wouldn't protect them in the long run if they didn't use it to instill and demand their respect. Still, most Ravenclaws, save for Chang, were quite respectful, and welcoming to him and Historia.
The day after the night of Sorting was a pleasant one in Nermaius' opinion, he had spent most of his morning touring around the castle with Ravenclaw's Head of House and Charms Professor, Filius Flitwick. The man was of small stature, about three and a half feet tall, mustached with a well-combed head of brown hair, wearing a monocle on his right eye. He was a descendant of Goblin ancestry, a former three-time World Dueling Champion, and a world-renowned Spellmaster, which was a Wizard, or Witch, who held a Mastery in creating Spells as well as deconstructing them in battle.
Nermaius' favorite part of the tour was seeing the Colosseum of Champions was around a quarter-mile wide large, it was a stadium shaped in a perfect circle. The area took most of the space and was around a thousand feet large, the remaining space was used as a seating arrangement, able to host nearly ten thousand spectators. It was almost a perfect replica and restored version of The Colosseum of Rome, only it was about twice its size, except for the fact that it was built out of smooth, beautiful, multilayer sandstone that was reinforced with Magic.
After the tour, he and Tracey had gone to the Owlery together, each needing an owl to send a letter to their family. The two ended up talking about small, unimportant matters, future goals, aspirations, and such. Their conversation ranged from topics of family life, school subjects, and how each other was doing, to what possible drama could happen during their First Year.
It was only when the two were about to go out into the Courtyard, did they see Lord Potter and his wife arguing. They looked at each other and nodded, turning their heels, they burst into a run for the Great Hall first, hoping that Harry, or anyone, really, was there or was able to point them to where he would be. What happened next was something Nermaius would have never expected. What followed next during the night was incessant gossip and theories as to why Lord Potter would brazenly commit several crimes in front of more than a hundred witnesses by striking his Heir.
It wasn't the gossip that bothered Nermaius so, it was the way the other Ravenclaws talked of the Potter Heir as if he were a thing to study that made him so uncomfortable. It annoyed him that the other students of the house of wisdom went to him the moment their silly notions and ideas did not make sense, hammering him for information, no matter how insignificant. However, that didn't mean that he gave them any, much to the annoyance and grumbling insistence of the Heiress Chang and several others.
Other than the incident involving Potter and his twin brother, the rest of the week went fairly well. Of course, he along with many other First Years were bummed out that flying lessons weren't happening the first week, but rather when studies actually started, something about making sure their schedules didn't conflict with learning.
Their class schedules were given near the end of the week, some got them on Saturday, others received theirs on Sunday. The First Years were given priority since they were new and were more anxious than the older years.
Professor Flitwick had handed him and the other First Years their schedule during breakfast on Saturday, they, along with some other students in the older years were the first to get their timetables. Nermaius suspected he did the Fifth Years and Seventh Years along with First Years because those were the years when students were to take their O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. Exams. Exams that were sometimes extremely competitive, a Witch or Wizard needed to take their N.E.W.T.s to be even considered for certain jobs.
When Nermaius checked his schedule, it was rather simple, yet it was probably so complex because the professors also had six other years to teach. He was a little disappointed that First Years, as well as Second Years, weren't allowed to take any electives until Third Year.
~Monday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m., Charms - 9:30 a.m. (Gryffindor)
Mid-Morning; Muggle Studies - 10:45 a.m. (Hufflepuff)
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m., Break Time 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Afternoon; History of Magic - 2:30 p.m. (Grand Library, Self-taught, First Years)
Evening; Free Time 4:35-6:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Free Time 7:00-9:00 p.m.
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Tuesday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m., Transfiguration - 9:15 a.m. (Slytherin)
Mid-Morning; Potions - 10:30 a.m. (Hufflepuff)
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m., Break Time 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Afternoon; Defense Against Dark Arts - 2:15 p.m. (First Years)
Evening; Free Time 4:30-6:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Free Time 7:00-9:00 p.m.
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Wednesday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m., Muggle Studies - 9:30 a.m. (Hufflepuff)
Mid-Morning; Transfigurations - 10:45 a.m. (Gryffindor)
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m., Break Time 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Afternoon; History of Magic - 3:15 p.m. (Grand Library, First Years)
Evening; Free Time 4:30-6:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Free Time 7:00-9:00 p.m.
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Thursday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m., Charms - 9:15 a.m. (1 Hour, Slytherin)
Mid-Morning; Potions - 10:30 a.m. (1 Hour, Hufflepuff)
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m., Break Time 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Afternoon; Defense Against Dark Arts - 2:15 p.m. (2 Hours, First Years)
Evening; Arithmancy - 4:30 a.m. (1 Hour), Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Free Time 7:00-9:00 p.m.
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Friday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m., Transfiguration - 9:30 a.m. (2 Hours, Hufflepuff)
Midday; Lunch 11:45-1:00 p.m., Break Time 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Afternoon; Charms - 2:30 p.m. (Hufflepuff), Potions - 3:40 p.m. (Slytherin)
Evening; Free Time 5:00-6:00 p.m., Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Free Time 7:00-9:00 p.m.
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Saturday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Mid-Morning; Detention Makeup/Free Time
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Afternoon; Detention Makeup/Free Time
Evening; Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Detention Makeup/Free Time
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
~Sunday~
Morning; Breakfast 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Mid-Morning; Detention Makeup/Free Time
Midday; Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Afternoon; Detention Makeup/Free Time
Evening; Dinner 6:00-7:00 p.m., Detention Makeup/Free Time
~Bed 9:30 p.m.~
"So Charms are our first class," Historia said, looking at her schedule as she took a bite out of some buttered toast. Her plate was dished with some sausages and eggs with a side of a bowl of oatmeal, buttered toast, and pumpkin juice.
"So it seems," Nermaius answered, replying to her open statement. He was sitting next to her, right near the end of the table. Taking a bite of scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancake, he gathered on his fork. "I'm surprised they have the Snakes and Lions in so many classes together."
Historia scoffed lightly. "Yeah, no kidding, Lord Malfoy told us that, apparently, the rivalry between the two has only gotten worse." She commented, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "Wouldn't be surprised if Potter and The-Boy-Who-Lived," she sneered at Charles' moniker, "went at it every once in a while. Though it'll probably be Draco and Charles at each other's throats, those two can't stand each other. Two idiots fighting for third place."
"Well, here's to one of those idiots, hopefully getting expelled later on. Hopefully." Nermaius replied while raising a glass in feigned celebration. He then turned to her. "So, are you going to be taking any flying lessons on Wednesday or Friday?" He asked.
"No. Maybe, I'm not sure, Quidditch is more of a man's sport than a woman's." Historia plainly stated. She seemed to be displeased with the fact.
"It's as much of a man's sport as dueling, and many of the fairer gender have come to dominate it as well as Quidditch," Nermaius pointed out. "I could have sworn last season's winner for the Youth World Dueling Tournament was the Crown Princess of France, and the winner of this year's International Quidditch Cup was the Holyhead Harpies."
"Yeah, yeah, and that was after how many years of it being dominated by men?" Historia remarked pointedly, receiving no response. "Exactly, and besides I'm quite sure it's the Crown Prince of France. Apparently she's a he, at least that's the running rumor. That and they're a degenerate." She made a face of disgust.
"Really?" Asked Nermaius' confused and uncertain voice, that was news to him. "Isn't the monarchy also made up of Veela?"
"Yeah, apparently, don't quote me on that, my guess is as good as yours. But that's not the point, I really don't want to try out for something I'll clearly be outmatched at." Historia admittedly said, she had a somber face, one that had a longing look to it. "Unlike Slytherin, Lord Malfoy told me that Ravenclaws don't really go about gambling their positions of power. Besides, public opinion of my name isn't really so great, so I doubt they'd even let me play for the team, and there's also Chang. Don't know what her problem is."
"Me neither, but I'll deal with Chang when that time comes," Nermaius answered darkly. "And since when did you care about public opinion? If you want to play Quidditch, the only real thing stopping you is being terrible at flying."
She scoffed at his blunt words. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." Historia smiled as she lifted her cup to her lips and drank its contents. The two laughed quietly at each other and at themselves, later spending their day together in quiet comfort, hidden in a corner of the Grand Library. It was their little safe spot, hidden in a once dusty corner, away from the tragedies and evils of the world.
"Why is Greengrass so intent on talking with you in private?" Historia asked suddenly, placing the book she was reading on the table.
Nermaius looked up from the book he was reading. He tsked and sighed. "Greengrass supposedly found some crap between our family, been avoiding her since she told me before school." He rubbed his eyes. "And since I'm first in line to the Lovegood name, it falls to me to deal with it."
"Why can't your uncle do it for you?" Historia asked.
Nermaius grimaced. "Uncle Xenophilius is a bit… mad. Wait, I thought I told you this already, didn't I?" He pondered with a confused face.
Historia frowned in thought. "I don't think so, it's news to me." She told him.
"Huh, well anyways, Xeno is kinda crazy." Nermaius said offhandedly. "I'd rather not have him and someone as opportunistic as Greengrass in the same room."
"That's fair," Historia conceded.
***ATOLAD***
The first week of school came rolling like an impending tide that had been held back by a flimsy dam, anxiety quickly built up in every student, old and new. For who didn't get nervous at starting another year of school? Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Years, that's who, the students who'll instead be on the verge of suffering a mental breakdown before the year is even halfway through. Fifth and Sixth Years because they transitioned from taking and finishing their O.W.L.s to studying intensively for their N.E.W.T.s in order to graduate, and Seventh Years because they actually have to take their N.E.W.T.s.
After waking up and doing a small morning routine, putting on his school robes, having a sneering and staring contest with Chang in Ravenclaw's Common Room, eating a hearty breakfast on a crisp Monday morning, Nermaius found himself and Historia seats in the Charms classroom they were also taking with Gryffindor.
The classroom could be akin to a sloping, two-sided valley, with four rows of chairs on each side, ten seats to each row, and a low, wide walkway, ten feet wide and twenty long, for the Professor to stroll and lecture between. Though on the outside it looked like a small train cart, made of simply carved wood architecture, on the inside, it was anything but that. The woodwork of the classroom looked to be done by either hand or expert use of Magic, and the seats for the students, while old, were amazing to sit and relax on. The Charms classroom had two exits, one on each side in the corner of the room across the room from each other, one at the bottom pointing towards the west entrance to the Courtyard and the other pointing towards the bottom of the stairs which led to the Divination Tower.
Professor Flitwick stood on the top of his large desk, that was at the north side of his class, made of a dark, polished wood, littered with books and paper all around it that made a spiraling stairway from the side to the front, acting likea staircase, allowing him to proceed up and down his work area whenever he pleased.
"Welcome to Charms class, students," the happy, high-sounding voice of Professor Flitwick said boisterously. "Take a seat wherever you want, we are to begin in but a minute." As the clock above his desk and across the opposite side of it, struck the time his class was to begin, nearly ten students were trying to quietly enter. He cleared his throat rather gruffly, catching the attention of his quiet classroom, who were waiting for him to begin their first lesson of the school year. His voice was professional and courteous, even as he seemed to glare at those who were late coming in. "Three points from Ravenclaw, four from Gryffindor. Let's begin attendance, Terry Boot."
Nermaius, in his mind, had the unfortunate pleasure of sitting next to Charlemagne Potter. It was actually The-Boy-Who-Lived that had sat next to him, along with his friends, and not him next to Charles. Nermaius, unlike most of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and the rest of the world, did not find Charles to be all that great, his opinion of the Savior was that he was horribly arrogant and naive. Two traits he cared little for, and somewhat loathed whoever had such qualities, granted they are needed at times in life, but not every minute of one's existence.
"Historia Grindelwald."
"Present, sir."
Nermaius eyed Historia, who was seated on his left, she seemed to be ignoring Charles' presence altogether, he noticed that the seat to her left was empty, as no one wanted to sit by her. Just as he was about to stand and switch seats, wanting to get away from the Potter Scion who was to his right, Charles chose that moment to open his mouth.
"Hey Lovegood?" Charles' voice caused Nermaius to pause, freeze in his spot, and position, of almost standing up. Nermaius hummed in response as he lowered himself back onto his seat, they were in the front row, so having a conversation required them to have their voices lowered quite moderately. Those in the back could be heard rambling on, yet their talking rarely reached the front. "Why are you sitting next to her?"
His question was ignored as Nermaius did not want to give him an answer only to have him rant. Instead, he pulled his textbook from his leather bag and placed it in front of him.
Charles' friend Ron sneered and opened his mouth to give Nermaius a piece of his mind. "Hey, Lovegood, someone's talking to you." Still, Charles and his friends were ignored. "You should learn to answer your betters, Lovegood. That means now." Ron's lecture was cut off when Flitwick announced Nermaius' name.
"Ner-Nermaius Lovegood? I do hope I pronounced that correctly."
"Present, and you did pronounce it right, sir." Professor Flitwick nodded with thanks to Nermaius' answer. "Also, sir, Potter and his friend are harassing and threatening me." Charles and Ron now both looked at Nermaius with loathing. Being a Professor who did not tolerate bullying, he was quick to punish them. Evidently, having heard Ron's remarks was going to punish him, even if his comments weren't brought to light.
"Five points from Gryffindor." Filius said with a hard, stern voice. Practically a growl. "Students, your attention, now, …I will not tolerate bullying, harassing, or threatening fellow students in any way, shape, or form, do you all understand that?" His voice cut through all ongoing conversations. "If you are caught or reported to me, lose of points will be the least of your concerns." He left the unknown threat of punishment to linger in the air for a while before continuing. "Now, is there a Kester Fawley present?"
Nermaius stood to switch seats, something Flitwick made no comment on as he continued listing off names. Class began minutes later with Professor Flitwick diving into the first chapter of their textbook, which was simple explanations of what Charms were, the book giving some examples, what they were generally used for and such, and then practical application. They were all given feathers and were then shown the Levitation Charm by the Professor and told of its practicality. He showed and told them how to go about casting and saying its incantation for the Spell, and then put them to work practicing it for the remainder of class, which was less than twenty minutes.
Nermaius along with Historia, Charles, and several others were the only ones who were able to cast the Spell on their first try, earning them points to their Hogwarts House. He saw that some girl from Gryffindor was trying to help the Weasley Scion with the Spell and was then promptly chewed out for doing so by him. Rolling his eyes at Weasley's childish actions, he lowered his head and went on reading the next chapter Flitwick assigned to those who were able to cast the Levitation Charm.
While Nermaius felt sorry for the girl who tried helping the Weasley Scion, she shouldn't have been so pushy, that and the fact that she was a Maji trying to show someone born of the Wizarding World how to do Magic was also a poor decision. Nermaius was all for Maji and incorporating them into their society and culture, but he wasn't, like Weasley, going to allow them to try and make him seem incompetent.
Charms class ended minutes later, a bit later than it was supposed, the students leaving caused a stir of noises, a mixture of stomps, chattering, and rustling of books and bags. Their homework was just to practice the Levitation Charm in their free time as well as to read the next chapter in their textbook. Nermaius and Historia quickly made their way out of the classroom, they needed to be on the third floor for Muggle Studies. As they were walking, a voice called out to them, well, Nermaius.
"Lovegood, hey Lovegood!" Charles' voice yelled to the retreating figure. Nermaius kept walking, hoping that if he did so, he wouldn't have to talk to the Potter Scion. "Lovegood wait up!"
Nermaius groans aloud, and Historia just smiled. "I'll save a seat for you." She whispered to him kindly before walking off for Muggle Studies. Nermaius sighed and turned around, seeing the nearing, smiling face of Charles Potter approaching.
"What? I'm going to be late for class, make it quick." Nermaius told Charles sharply. He really didn't want to have a mark on his records before the first day was even over.
"I uh, just wanted to ask you about the Grindelwald girl, actually." Nermaius squinted his eyes at the response he received from Charles, even more so when his friends came up from behind him. It made him suspicious and wary of the Potter Scion, causing Nermaius to take a stern voice.
"Why?"
"Well, because-"
"Because of what, Potter?"
"Because House Lovegood was part of the Great Alliance." Charles said as if it was supposed to mean something to Nermaius. It did, though it wasn't as if he cared. Charles seemed to believe that the past his and Nermaius' Noble House shared was supposed to mean something and that they were meant to uphold its legacy or something along the lines.
Nermaius scoffed. "So." He said, uncaring of House Lovegood's and House Potter's past together. "So were House Bones, House Abbot, Falkner, Shacklebolt, Scrimgeour, and many more. What's your point?"
"Why are you associating and friends with Grindelwald?" Charles asked, genuinely confused, something that caused Nermaius to sigh.
"Who I'm friends with is none of your concern, nor is our ancestor's past with each other, I couldn't care less of that."
"But we were allies!"
"And that means absolutely nothing to me," Nermaius deadpanned, he was getting annoyed now he sighed to himself, knowing he was sure to be late for his next class. Though he figured he could just tell Lady Potter that her son was bothering him, and was holding him up by pestering and belittling him in his choice of friends. It was worth a shot in his mind.
"But she's the granddaughter of a Dark Lord!" Charles protested.
"And your grandfather was just as bad, seeing as he butchered thousands of innocents to avenge his wife. And just because my grandfather swore fealty to yours, doesn't me I will to you." Nermaius retorted with a hard tone. "Besides, I have no desire to play the Great Game." A half-truth as Gerrod had told him about, at least gave him a vague rundown, of what happened with Renѐea Selwyn.
"But if your families were allies and friends, why aren't you and Charles friends?" It was the Maji girl who spoke, finally causing Nermaius to lose his patience. "Sorry, I'm Maria Vance, by the way." She extended her hand for a shake, and all she got was a displeased look, which caused her to retract it.
Nermaius eyed the Maji with a sense of loathing. "Watch your manners, you're speaking to an Heir of the Noble Centuria, learn to address me and others properly, or there will be consequences."
"Are you threatening her," Ron boldly challenged.
Lovegood turned his head. "No, and be quiet, Scion. Your opinion is not needed in our discussion." Nermaius told Ron, who instantly became red in the face but grudgingly kept his mouth shut. "And I could have sworn you were telling her off for trying to help you. What changed?" He stared at Emily Vance. "This is a warning, others of the Nobility will not be as forgiving as I am. I suggest you and the other Maji, what's your name-"
"Colin. Colin Creevey."
"-, you and Creevey, should go to the Grand Library when you have time and check out Etiquette and Traditions by Atwood Fowler and Blood and Nobility by Terrence Goodwin, it'll save you a lot of trouble in the future. Especially since you're friends with Potter."
"She's under House Potter's protection, watch it," Charles warned fiercely.
Nermaius rolled his eyes, "No she isn't, if she was, she'd have House Potter's crest sewn on her robes, like yours and mine." He pointed out before scoffing. "Besides you're only a Second Son, you can't claim others under House Potter's protection, only Heirs, your Lord Father, and Lady Mother can. And I think they're a little preoccupied at the moment, and I hardly doubt your brother will give you his blessing."
"I don't need their permission, my dad always encourages me to help anyone I can." Charles declared. "Besides, it's not like we really follow traditions."
"And did you even think what could happen to Miss Vance?" Nermaius asked. "Do you even know if she wants to play the Great Game?"
"Um, pardon me?" Maria hesitantly uttered, she received a nod from Nermaius to continue. "What exactly is this 'Great Game?' Like, what's it for?"
'She's going to die.' Nemaius said to himself.
"In simple terms, it's a way for those who want power to get it." He answered swiftly. "In more vague terms, it's politics, a game of it anyway. Though in this game, if you lose, your life is forfeit" Maria gasped. Lovegood to Charles with a vicious look. "Are you prepared to for that? And are you? …Vance? …Creevey? Are you both prepared for the horrors that await you? Thought as much. I suggest three of you have a talk, Potter, I bid you all a good day, I need to get to my next class." And with the last word, he left.
And though late, he, much to his relief, did not receive detention.
- POV HARRY -
The past week was interesting for Harry, his and Gerrod's meeting with the Den had caused a major change in power amongst the Slytherins, something many of whom noticed, from his mother to even the Headmaster. They all saw that Harry now sat with Renѐea, particularly to her right, whether it was at Slytherin's table in the Great Hall or to the front of the seating arrangement in Slytherin's Common Room, a fact which surprised, concerned, and antagonized a lot of the older students in House of Snakes. One specific and clear change that shocked quite a bit of the older years was that Asher, the person Harry decided to save in the Den, no longer sat with Renѐea and no one could find him. Harry never did find out his surname.
Such changes brought about the foolishly bold. So much so, that many thought to challenge Renѐea of her position, wanting to make a play for a better position within Slytherin.
Harry remembered one particular student, one of the older years of the name of Airistole Hillbrook who challenged Renѐea in front of nearly half of the entire Slytherin student body. Needless to say, she showed them why she was at the top of the well-established hierarchy, taking and breaking their wand, one of the greatest insults a Witch or Wizard could do to another, after beating them effortlessly in a very quick, and easy-looking duel.
Besides the acquisition of their wand, she also broke their hand as a form of punishment, and seeing as the dominant hand of a Wizard or Witch was their wand hand, that caused quite a bit of trouble, especially since it wasn't healing from Potions.
Selwyn used a Spell, a Curse, that Harry believed was made to be lethal, he didn't know what it was as Renѐea silently cast it, many of the older years seemed to recognize it and winced at its nature. She had stated that their broken hands were 'punishment' for their 'arrogance and stupidity,' and she was sparing them only because of the fact they were a Pureblood and an Heir of the Nobility. Making Harry silently question and wonder what she would have done if they were anything but.
After the incident that happened in Slytherin's Common Room, the remaining days went by without any incidents, leading to a quick coming of the beginning of school and classes. His first class, Muggle Studies, was an absolute bore seeing as he knew everything that was being taught. It didn't help the fact that he hated the class since it was his mother teaching him, the Slytherins, and the Hufflepuffs. Being stared at for being called upon to give practically all the answers about the Muggle World, even though there were several Majis and Halfbloods who grew up living the culture and society, didn't do much to improve his opinion of his mother's class.
After the seemingly unending hour of Muggle Studies, Harry and the rest of the Slytherins made their way downstairs for Transfigurations. Having to listen to Draco make fun of him and also inquire about the culture he grew up in, actually served to lighten his mood, having asked him genuine questions about Muggle society and not things like the use of a toothbrush or a toaster.
The other Slytherins, those who played the Game, wisely chose not to speak of their less-than-kind opinion on Muggle Studies. Though they realized Harry probably wouldn't care, they didn't want to take the chance of offending him, and by association, Renѐea Selwyn. Though that didn't mean there were a few who made their thoughts on Muggles known, demeaning them without so much as a second thought on whether they were offending the Potter Heir.
Many of the Slytherins realized he now held quite a bit of influence, being Renѐea Selwyn's favorite, at the moment at least. And while they, some of them anyway, could speak their mind, others knew they did not carry the amount of power, protection, or influence the more outspoken had, so they refrained from speaking.
Harry and Gerrod were amongst the first to enter the Transfiguration classroom. The room was carved into the walls of the castle, and like the Charms classroom, had two entrances on each side to accommodate the separate corridors. They entered the classroom talking about what they could possibly be taught their First Year with the others also gave their opinions as well, stating their likes and dislikes of Transfiguration. Pansy didn't like the subject, even though they haven't even had a class yet, because she knew she wasn't creative enough, she had told Harry that Transfiguration was all about creativity and that hers was practically non-existent. Ironic considering she loved fashion.
Draco groaned at his sister's enthusiasm for learning, and while he liked to learn things, it was generally only things that interested him, Transfiguration, not so much, but he was willing to give it a shot. Daphne, Tracey, Crabbe, and Goyle, stayed silent as they were indifferent to the subject.
The inside of the classroom for Transfiguration was configured just like the Charms classroom, with stacks of chairs and tables on top of each other in levels, facing a narrow valley that would allow the Professor to walk back and forth between as they lectured. Though, unlike Professor Flitwick's desk, whoever was teaching had theirs pristine and clean, the only thing in it was a small, brown, and black cat, that had traits similar to a European Shorthair.
The Slytherins and some Gryffindors began to take their seats. Harry decided that he wanted to sit up front, and so he was joined by Gerrod, Hermione, and Daphne who wanted to keep him company, the Grindelwald Heir sat to his right while Granger sat to his right, and Daphne to Harry's left. The four sat at the table closest to the Professor's desk. But so far, there was no sign or indication that their Transfiguration's' Professor was anywhere in sight, causing a stir of comments.
"Do we just leave? Class is supposed to literally start in like a minute."
"Maybe the Professor is just running late?"
"Let's just wait and see guys, maybe they're waiting for everyone, I mean Potter isn't even here yet."
"What you mean, he's sitting up front!"
"The Scion, you idiot, of course I know the Heir is here, he was the one of the first to enter the room."
"Of course, the bloody Boy-Who-Lived gets special privileges."
While some of the students bickered, argued, and whined at each other, Harry was taking in the room, much different from the classroom for Muggle Studies, a lot of the students sat on the floor during his Mother's class. Pillows and blankets were littered all around her classroom, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. Though it didn't do much when class started, and a lot of Slytherins began to try and demean the Maji with unpleasant comments about Muggles and their way of life. It was completely opposite to the Transfigurations classroom, having an almost bleak yet homely atmosphere.
Harry looked at the Professor's desk in curiosity, Transfiguration meant a change in form, so he wondered, perhaps the Professor changed into the desk or perhaps the chair? Studying it, he didn't notice anything unusual with them, but it was worth investigating. Examining the cat that was laying on the desk also intrigued him, it seemed to understand the happenings of the classroom.
The animal seemed to hold a human-like intelligence to it as it twitched its neck and head in small movements as if it were listening to the chatter. Studying it more intensely, Harry saw that its face had very white specific streaks and curves around its eyes, …glasses. Just like Professor McGonagall.
"Hello Professor," Harry said quietly with a smirk. Even with the loud chattering, the cat jerked its head to the voice, its face was full of wide-eyed surprise as it looked in Harry's direction. He waved a hand to catch the cat's attention.
"Who are you waving at?" Gerrod asked, seeing Harry wave to no one in front of him. Daphne looked at him with a raised brow.
"Just the cat." Harry said calmly, putting his emotionless mask back on, though his voice gave away a tone of arrogance, causing Gerrod to squint at him before looking to where his eyes were directed at, in turn directing Daphne's attention as well to what he was looking at
After nearly a minute of staring, Gerrod looked back at Harry. "That who I think it is?" He asked quietly, surprised and impressed at Harry's quick observations. "Cool." He commented, while the Greengrass Heiress stayed quiet.
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked, leaning forward, craning her neck to stare at the two.
"Nothing," Gerrod replied with a cheeky, small smile, he wanted to keep what he learned a secret, but also for fun. He looked at one of the four clocks and noticed that class was supposed to be starting. Seems like Other Potter wasn't present yet, such a shame, though in Gerrod's mind, if Charles Potter didn't want an education, he could by all means go and play Quidditch all year long for all he cared. "Looks like your idiot twin brother isn't here yet."
"I doubt he's an idiot, he's alive, so that must mean there's some form of intelligence in his minuscule skull." Harry remarked with an emotionless drawl. Gerrod open his mouth but was interrupted before he could do so.
Just then, Charles and his friends came bursting in through the doors, they had all been running as indicated by their heavy breathing and pink faces from exertion. And as if by coincidence or irony, Harry realized that some of the only open seats were those of the table to his right as it seems no one else, save for his group, had wanted to sit up front, on Slytherin's claimed side of the room anyway.
Charles laughed quietly along with Ron as the two made their way to their seats in the front, oblivious to the many eyes staring at them in contempt as they sat down.
"Man, good thing Professor McGonagall didn't see us." Charles said smiling. "She'd have our hides if she saw we were late." Harry saw that Charles' redhead friend laugh at that, and the two Maji grimaced at the thought of it. He rolled his eyes at their idiocy, and at that moment the cat on the Professor's table got up and jump down, transforming into the stern and rigid form of Professor McGonagall.
"Yes, it would be quite a shame, if I did so happen to catch you late." The two boys frozen in fright and turned red-faced at being caught, the Maji turned pale and wide-eyed at the idea that they were in trouble. "And pray tell, whatever caused you to be late?" The stern Scottish voice of the Professor asked quite vehemently.
"We, ah, got lost?" Ron offered rather unconvincingly. Harry sighed and groaned at the pathetic attempt, there was much snickering from others as well.
"I hardly doubt that, Nister Weasley, as there is a map to the sides of the Great Hall for a reason." Professor McGonagall replied, she sounded offended that he would think she would be that gullible. "Now, why were you late?"
"He was talking with someone named Lovegood." Maria Vance said, causing an intake of offended-sounding gasps, and then mutters of disdain began. "What?" The girl asked as she looked around to see the horrified face of the people she came with, save for Colin, as well as some other students, particularly those of powerful and influential Noble Houses. Professor McGonagall was almost too stunned to speak but she was able to gather her bearings after several moments.
"Detention." She said in almost an instant. "For the next two weekends."
"What? That's not fair," Charles protested immediately after his own moment of surprise. "She was only answering your question!" McGonagall looked at The-Boy-Who-Lived as if he'd gone mad.
"Your question, Scion," She replied with great emphasis. "Your friend spoke out of turn. We have rules of engagement in our society for a reason." McGonagall lectured sternly.
"So," Charles said, uncaring of the proper way he was supposed to act or conduct himself.
"So?" McGonagall's voice rose, she was offended. "She did it in front of your Noble House's Heir. She committed an offense to our society by speaking out of turn and also in a conversation she wasn't privy to speak in." The Professor's tone of voice was hard and unyielding, she looked to Harry as did Charles, and many others for that matter, for his response.
Harry looked to Gerrod, Hermione, Daphne, and the others in his group for their opinion and what he got were nods of affirmation. Sighing, Harry stood to speak and the whole room quieted. Charles stared hopefully at his brother but was promptly ignored as Harry eyed Maria and then stared at Professor McGonagall before speaking.
"On behalf of House Potter, I, Hadrian Potter, Heir of House Potter, find the given punishment, acceptable." Harry's statement was satisfactory to those of the other Noble Houses and to McGonagall, who gave her thanks. Charles on the other hand voiced his displeasure and opposition greatly.
"Are you kidding me, she made a mistake that wasn't her fault, and you're punishing her for that?" He yelled furiously, standing up in anger. Glaring at his twin brother in hatred, for in his eyes, it was Harry's fault that his friend got in trouble. "C'mon, Harry, it wasn't her fault." When Harry didn't answer, Charles resorted to insulting him. "Fine, I see how it is, you Snakes are all the same."
"Twenty points from Gryffindor," McGonagall's voice cut Charles off as she announced a deduction of points. There were several whispers of indignation from the other Gryffindors. "For being late, disruption of class, backtalk, insulting another student, and creating unnecessary drama. Now sit down, Scion Potter, before I take more House Points from Gryffindor." Charles' throat grumbled as he reluctantly did as he was told. Professor McGonagall then looked at all the students present, exhaling a deep breath to calm herself before continuing. "Now, I assume you are all here, we've already wasted enough time, now, please take out your Transfiguration textbook and turn to the first chapter."
The first class for Transfigurations was on theory and its specific uses for the unique branch of Magic. Professor McGonagall taught the students of the Magic's limitations and strengths, as well as what it would take for a Wizard or Witch to be proficient with it and its subbranch, Carnomancy. When she was asked what the difference was between the two were, the Professor excitedly explained that Transfiguration focused only on inanimate and non-living objects while Carnomancy focused on changing the flesh and body of a being, something which piqued the interest of every student in the room.
After the explanation, McGonagall went on to lecture about her expectations and to let them all know of what they were expected to do by the end of the year, which was a final project in which they were to use Transfiguration to create something artistic to be judged.
Eventually, her lecture ended and Harry, along with everyone else, found themselves doing practical application, after a quick demonstration, during the remaining fifteen minutes. Professor McGonagall gave them a decently simple task, which was to perform simple Transfiguration on a needle and a feather, whose vanes were messed up, like someone had run their fingers against the grain, breaking its connection and orderly shape.
McGonagall had explained to them that Transfiguration was all about imposing their will onto the object they wanted to fix or change and that they were going to be spending several weeks practicing doing it, with different objects, before moving on to more advanced Magics.
Apparently, a surprise mainly to Harry and Maji, Transfiguration had no Spells to perform, and be that as it may, performing Transfiguration wasn't considered wandless or wordless Magic. As McGonagall explained, Transfiguration and Carnomancy were a manipulation of what was already existing, it wasn't creating new Magic, but rather changing old and already existing Magic. But since there were no Spells in transfiguration, getting hurt was much more dangerous, though that only happened during the Carnomancy section that they would begin learning in Third Year.
McGonagall had told them that enlarging a needle and fixing a feather was the easiest thing to transfigure and would give them experience with learning restraint as well as precision. As later on with Transfiguration, especially in Carnomancy, which McGonagall only taught to those she deemed exceptional, it required absolute focus, skill, precision, and an ungodly amount of patience.
For Harry it was easy to 'impose his will,' but his Magic was weak, and it wasn't easy to change and fix his objects, it was much harder to actually use his Magic given that he'd only learned and had been practicing Magic for a little over a month. He, much to his own relief, finally managed on his fifth try.
So while he successfully transfigured the needle larger and fixed the ruffled feather, he felt a bit weighed down from doing so. Something he knew he'd have to rectify. What was unsurprising to him was that a lot of the Slytherins, especially those of more prestigious Noble Houses, were able to complete the assignment McGonagall had given them within a couple of tries, the most being five. For Gryffindor, they also were a major hit or miss, some got it and some didn't, most of the time it took them, the few who were successful, three to ten tries, other times nothing happened for the said students of the House of Lions.
Class ended without any assigned homework, to many's joy, and points awarded to the students who were able to successfully transfigure their items. After that, Harry and those in his group all banded together before heading out for the Great Hall for lunch. Their short walk was interrupted by the one person, none of them wanted or wished to speak to.
"Harry!" Charles yelled furiously from behind, Harry groaned and rolled his eyes before turning around, causing the rest who were with him to stop and turn around as well, forming a unified front.
"What," Harry coldly uttered in contempt. He stared at his twin brother in wonder of his lack of decorum, and stupidly loud outburst. Frankly, Charles was getting on his nerves. Seeing him and his band of merry misfits did little to quell that annoyance.
"What. Was. That." Charles demanded, referring to the scene that happened in the Transfigurations involving Maria Vance. "We're supposed to have each other's backs, I thought we were family!" Charles' outburst caught the attention of many passersby, some of whom stopped to watch and listen. "You humiliated my friend!"
Harry narrowed his eyes at his brother and decided that he wasn't going to be polite to him, seeing as Charles wasn't going to at least have some form of self-awareness of who he was around. "It's not my fault that your friend decided she could do whatever she wanted in a society she knows nothing about." He said in a condescending way. "And that's rich coming from you, seeing as you're the reason our dear old father hit me."
"Augh, would you drop that already?" Charles exclaimed with an annoyed groan.
Harry and the others just looked at him incredulously. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Harry deadpanned, completely speechless.
Completely ignoring Harry's question entirely, The-Boy-Who-Lived continued on his self-righteousness rant. "What's your problem, anyway? It's not like you know everything about the Wizarding World, you've only been here a week!" Charles retorted with equal spite.
Harry scoffed. "I don't, but I at least had the decency to study up on our culture and learn its etiquette. You've lived as a Wizard your whole life and every time I see you, you're acting like an idiot." He said in a cold remark. Looking over his brother, he spoke directly to the Maji girl. "I'd suggest you start reading up on etiquette, Maji, it would be a shame if you offended someone who is less understanding than me."
Charles gave a defiant look. "She's under House Potter's protection, I'd like to see them try." He said challengingly, Harry was surprised at his brother's declaration, clearly, he was a lot dumber than he thought. He was about to say something before another voice cut him off, one that put everyone on edge.
"Is that a challenge, Scion Potter?" Many students stiffened and went rigid at the sound of Renѐea Selwyn's calm and amused voice, many of them parted a path for her as she made her towards where Harry and Charles were arguing. Originally, Renѐea was heading towards the Great Hall when she caught sight of the crowd gathering around the shouting she heard. "Hello Hadrian." She said lowly with an affectionate tone, smug even. Creepy.
Harry gave a strained smile, attempting to be polite. "Heiress Selwyn, how are you?" He said as he nodded to her presence. She smiled at that.
"I am fine. Would you care to join me for lunch? I have something I wish to speak to you about." She told him with an even voice, it was more of a subtle command than a suggestion or request. There was a funny feeling Harry got when she said it, he felt excitement coupled with nervousness and uncertainty, and a little hesitance, a very odd combination of emotions.
"I would be honored, My Lady," Harry said. And just like that, he switched to a more professional and even tone, as well as a more rigid and straight posture.
"Hey, I'm talking to-" Charles' voice was silenced when Renѐea flicked her hand in his direction, having seemed to have cast a Spell silently and wandlessly that made The-Boy-Who-Lived mute, as silent as death, at the very least, it took away his voice. The Selwyn Heiress looked at House Potter's Scion in disgust.
"Much better." Renѐea mused with a satisfied smile.
To Harry, it was quite amusing and nice to see his brother scream and not have to even hear a single syllable come out of his obnoxious mouth as he turned and walked away. It was so quiet and pleasant now.
The rest of Harry's group did not move with him as he walked alongside Renѐea Selwyn, knowing that they would not be welcomed, and from her wording, they knew that she would most likely dismiss her inner circle to speak to Harry privately. So they waited for them to walk ahead before following their path to the Great Hall for lunch.
As the two walked side by side on their way to the Great Hall at an even pace, ignoring the curious and judgmental looks they received from older students, Harry initiated a question to Renѐea. "What did you want to speak about?" He asked her as they entered the Great Hall, approaching the head of Slytherin's table, as he did so, Harry caught the eyes of his mother staring at him. He saw, noticed, …judgment in her eyes, and felt the disapproval and sadness radiate off her body.
"Leave us," she told Marcus and the others with him, Harry assumed they were the other members of her inner circle, but they didn't fit the hidden faces and bodies he saw in the Den. They all looked at her apprehensively, leaving as she told them to do, but with great reluctance. "Sit," she told Harry, taking a seat right next to him as he did so, waving her hand to cast another Spell Harry had no idea what it was.
"What was that?" He asked.
"Just something to keep people from eavesdropping and such." She answered with a smile. Lunch then started appearing before them. There were racks of lamb, veal, chicken, and roast beef among others, there were many different and plentiful portions of meat. Mashed potatoes, boiled and seasoned vegetables, some of them were fried or charred for those who liked them cooked that specific way, there were also assortments of fruits as well. Milk, pumpkin juice, orange juice, and water were what the hungry students were offered as drinks. "What I wanted to talk to you about involves your Lord Father, and also your plans in the future."
That caused Harry to pause as he was reaching for a piece of roast beef with his fork. The topics obviously bothered him, but he was determined not to let it get under his skin, and so he continued to plate his lunch.
"Why's that?" Harry asked.
"Seems the investigation into your assault and negligence has uncovered some dissent amongst the Auror Corps." Renѐea said, her voice was playful, but it was deadly playfulness that seemed to hide an ulterior motive. She poured herself a cup of pumpkin juice and had taken a sip from it before continuing. "And apparently with such revelation, Rufus Scrimgeour has been pushing for your Lord Father's demotion as Head Auror. And things have gotten quite unstable in the Wizengamot because of it, or so my Lord Father says."
"And this is supposed to interest me, because?"
"Well, I just thought you'd be interested in the chaos and the situation you've created."
"What I created? And just what did I exactly create?"
"You mean you don't know?"
"Know what exactly? Will you just tell me already instead of being pointlessly vague?"
Renѐea groaned. "Fine, you're no fun." The smile she put on turned severe. "Lord Orion Black is now active." She uttered with a grim tone.
He frowned, that is interesting. "Why?" Harry asked, he began mentally recalling all he read about on House Black, which wasn't much, just their vague history and family line. They were quite the secretive bunch. "From what I've read of them, which isn't really much, they stopped playing the Great Game decades ago."
Selwyn gave a contemplating look before she answered. "Don't know, truly, even my sources aren't able to find anything, my guess it that it has to do with your Godfather and you, probably about the Line of Succession." She said, uncertain about why House Black only now started coming back into the fold of the Great Game. "I'd suggest getting in contact with Lady Malfoy, she was a Black before her marriage, she'll know how to navigate the proper channels to reach Lord Black."
"Alright, I will do that, thank you for the advice." Harry kindly said.
"Of course," Renѐea answered back in equal kindness. Her demeanor changed after that, becoming stern and grim. "And… when will you be dealing with that, Lord Heir?"
"Oh my bloody word," Harry demeanor changed instantly, going from relaxed to exasperated with a roll of his eyes and a sigh of annoyance. "Can you drop that, I'd rather not deal with that until I'm older."
"It is, by right, yours to claim." She replied calmly. "And I thought you wanted power to change the Wizarding World and our, what was it you said? Ah yes, 'Backwatered thinking?'" Renѐea coyly smiled and teased.
"Yeah, sue me. I'd rather not do anything drastic, at leats not until I'm fully prepared to do so," Harry rebuked. "I still haven't integrated or gotten used to the Wizarding World. Don't really want to add more to my plate, you know." Renѐea conceded to his point by dipping her head in agreement and understanding.
"Understandable." She conceded. There was a pregnant pause. "By the way, I took the liberty to see why you would have such an… ability. Interestingly enough, …there's information missing of the Line of Potter." She said, perplexed. "I don't know why, nor how, but in every book I had searched, there was Magic blocking me from seeing and reading certain passages of the Line of Potter. It was quite powerful Magics, it kept me from finding out what it was hiding as well as others when I tried to see if they could access the information."
"What does that mean?" Harry asked inquisitively.
"Someone," Renѐea began, "I don't think your Lord Father, in your line created, or casted, some Magics of sorts to hide some very vital information about your ancestors. My guess is that it's information about why you can… that." She implied, still weary of people listening in or trying to read lips.
"Well, anyways, if you want to learn how to spread your influence in the Wizengamot, I'd suggest reading up on-" She stopped and looked up to see flocks of owls flying into the Great Hall, landing in front of many of the students, some dropped off wrapped gifts, some letters, others bundles of paper, which Harry deduced was the morning news. It was late, and that was odd, it was never late.
A gray owl with spotted wings dropped a newspaper and a letter in front of Renѐea, prompting her to hold up several Knuts, to which the owl swooped up dutifully, hooting in appreciation. Renѐea picked up the letter, it was sealed with the mark of her Noble House which was a crown made of entwining snakes, some of which ate each other, some bit, and some hissed. She opened the letter and began to quietly read it.
"Do you mind if I read the news?" Harry asked, she muttered her approval dismissively, and he reached over to grab the bundle of papers. Unfolding it, he began to read the front cover story, which surprised him mildly what was written on it.
~Hogwarts' Drama?!~
It has come to the attention of the Daily Prophet and the Ministry of Magic through very reliable sources, though they wish to remain anonymous for their own safety, that those of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter are suffering from family drama.
And what could that drama possibly be, dear readers?
Why it seems that the famous Potter Family has not one, but two children, twins in fact! And if that weren't shocking enough, it seems that the assumed Heir, Charlemagne 'Charles' Jean Potter, isn't the Heir at all, rather he is the Scion and the Spare!
The Heir Apparent and future Lord of House Potter is none other than the eldest of the two, Hadrian James Orion Potter. From what the sources tell us, it seems that Lord Potter and his wife abandoned their eldest child and gave him to Lady Potter's relatives, who happened to be Muggles. An irresponsible decision in this journalist's opinion.
The drama between the Potter Family and Hadrian got so heated, which stemmed from the Heir Potter's return to our world, that Lord Potter actually struck his Son in front of the student body of Hogwarts!
Lord Potter has since not made a comment on this, and we can only guess what he is thinking and up to.
Furthermore, it seems that the incident has reached many prominent members of the Wizengamot and that a session is going to be held during Christmas break. We have legitimateconfirmation that the upcoming session is to discuss these very matters, this being confirmed to us by Lord Darius Selwyn of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Selwyn.
Charges Lord Potter could face in light of him striking his Heir, very illegal to do so, include Second-degree Assault of Minor, Second-degree Assault of Noble Heir, and Third-degree of Negligence of Heir. A First-degree of Negligence of Heir would be added in the case of any evidence found against Lord Potter which proves that he knew what he was abandoning his Son and Heir to, which would be a life of, lack of, proper care.
Should any of these charges stick, he will face a minimum of at least two years for any one charge in the terrible and infamous prison, Azkaban. Lord Potter has been hounded by many of the officials and Aurors he's worked with to abdicate his position as Head Auror and retire, or at the very least, step down and give it to someone else.
Aside from that, there are also several interesting tidbits of information about the new First Years of Hogwarts.
As many know, The-Boy-Who-Lived has just begun his education, and much to the surprise of everyone, his enigma brother as well. But they aren't the only ones, the sole survivor of the main Noble House of Lovegood, Lord Heir Nermaius Lovegood, is also attending. It has been nearly nine years since the fateful night that claimed almost the entirety of the main Line of Lovegood and those of the cadet branch as well. As many know, the only known survivors of the Manchester Purge are Lord Heir Nermaius Lovegood of the main branch, and of the cadet branch, the Lovegoods of St. Catchpole, Lord Xenophilius Lovegood, and his daughter, the Lady Luna Lovegood.
In addition to the Lord Heir of House Lovegood, the Grandchildren of the infamous and powerful Dark Lord, and known terrorist, Gellert Grindelwald, are attending Hogwarts as well. Not much is known about them, only their names, Gerrod and Historia. Sources can confirm that the former had been Sorted in Slytherin and the latter, Ravenclaw. The Daily Prophet had reached out to Headmaster Dumbledore for a statement, which he kindly provided;
"I cannot say of their character, only time may tell what they shall make themselves to be. I offer them a second chance at life, which was stolen from them by the deeds of their ancestors. I am a firm believer in change, and I can only hope I can guide them to the right path, and by doing so, advert another catastrophe."
- Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Supreme Mugwump, Grand Sorcerer, etc.
Parents have to wonder if the Ministry has gone off rails, why are they allowing the blood of Dark Wizards to educate themselves at our illustrious Hogwarts? One has to wonder if Minister Fudge is losing his touch and that a new Minister should be appointed, as there's reason to believe his public ratings and standings will drop significantly due to this unfortunate and unseen blunder.
Many also have to wonder what in the world is Headmaster Dumbledore thinking?!
The sources say that the Grindewald Children, much to my and most likely your devastation and agony, that the Lord Heir of House Grindelwald is supposedly FRIENDS with the Lord Potter's eldest Son! That's right, folks, the sources claim that Grindelwald's Grandchildren are friends with Hadrian Potter! What has our illustrious society fallen to? But more importantly, what will Headmaster Dumbledore do?
More detail on Hadrian and Charles Potter on Pages 2-3.
More details of Nermaius Lovegood on Page 4-5.
More details on the Grindelwalds on Page 6.
Thoughts of the Lords and Ladies on Pages 7-9.
More stories and news on Pages 10-16
Weekly Puzzles and Riddles on Pages 17-18
Daily News on 19-25
By Rita Skeeter,
Head Journalist of the Daily Prophet.
Harry finished reading the first page with much interest in whom the sources were. He had a little trepidation of what his irrational family was going to do, now that the secret of their idiocy was out and about, surely they were going to do some press work, damage control, or something similar to negate any public backlash? He wouldn't be surprised if they try to spin the story or even get him to spin it for them, and if they didn't, well he wouldn't care either way.
"What are you thinking about?" Renѐea asked as she leaned on her propped-up elbow and hand, looking at him, this caused Harry to lift his head up from the newspaper.
"Here, you'll want to read this." Harry said as he handed the bundle of paper to her, she frowned and took the newspaper.
"What's so interesting about the news?" She said as she looked at the first page. "Oh Merlin, that is… interesting." She said lowly as she scanned the entirety of the first page. Renѐea put the paper down and stared at Harry, catching his attention, but before she could say anything, she caught a figure out of the corner of her eye. And before anyone could even react, Harry was pulled from his seat and slammed into the ground. The back of his head smashed against the stone floor from the unprepared for whiplash.
Chaos ensued, screams were heard as a fist viciously punched landed blows on Harry's blooding face. His senses were garbled, blurry, and foggy as he felt a hot liquid run down the sides of his mouth and cheeks, and puddle under his head. Several blurry figures pulled the person punching him off his body.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Charles screamed off the top of his lungs as he fought those trying to restrain him. What he didn't see was his mother storming over to the scene. The Lady Potter was beyond furious, she grabbed Charles by the ear and violently twisted it, dragging him away as he shouted in pain and stumbled backward in an effort to keep up with whoever was dragging him away.
Harry was slowly lifted from the floor, his vision was still blurred, and his orientation was all out of sorts. His sense of awareness was practically non-existent as the ringing in his head seemed to blind his sense.
"...walk?" He heard a muffled voice ask him.
"Huh?" He dizzily replied with a slur.
"Okay, …looks …concussion… taking him… Pomfrey." And Harry was dragged away too, though it wasn't as if he had a choice, as delirium became to overcome him.
To be continued…
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