Exploring Options.
Severus Snape would not have too many fond memories of Hogwarts, both as a teacher and most certainly as a student. Over a decade as a Potions Master, and seven years as a student, around half of his life had been dedicated to this place.
With Dumbledore gone, he would finally be free. And Snape figured with the school being closed for the Ministry's investigation, it was time to disappear quietly into the night and make himslef unavailable.
So many of Dumbledore's questionable decisions Snape was an accomplice in.
"You brought this upon yourself," a voice taunted Snape.
Snape shook off the voice. Hopefully with him out of Hogwarts, the voice which showed up this year would be finally silenced. Snape prepared to gather up his few meager possessions and disappear directly into the night.
Finally, free.
The door of Snape's office swung open, and Rufus Scrimgeour stepped in, with two Aurors. Who bared down at Snape with thinly veiled disgust. A brunette woman and an asian woman with dark-silken hair, who seemed disgusted.
"Going someone, Snape?" Scrimgeour asked.
Snape found Scrimgeour to be much like the Muggle fictional character, Ahab, which would make Snape his White Whale. Scrimgeour presented a case for Snape to be arrested and thrown into Azkaban years ago, and it got thrown out due to Dumbledore's say.
Another favor Snape owed the old man.
Scrimgeour did not get over it any time soon.
Snape felt some people should really let go of the past.
"I'm no longer a teacher," Snape said. "I was about to depart."
"Then it looks like we caught you just in time," the dark-haired woman said. "My name is Zara Li."
"And I'm Kayla Dunbar," the brunette woman said.
Li and Dunbar, Snape was pretty sure there was a couple of students out of the latest batch of dunderheads who went by those surnames.
"And we're here on officially Ministry of Magic business," Scrimgeour said. "To search your office."
"I wasn't informed of this."
"It's a surprise inspection," Scrimgeour said. "I requested you personally. And Director Bones and Cornelius Fudge, they signed off on it."
Unfortunately, the warrant was on the level. Snape did wonder what they expected to find. Snape made sure to keep his wand where they could see it at all times, not trusting one of them to be trigger happy.
"Let's go," Zara told them. "My daughter has told me all about you, Severus Snape."
"Mine has too."
"Whatever lies they're telling…."
"You have the right to remain silent," Zara said. "And if necessary, we will force both silence and compliance."
Snape wisely kept his mouth shut and Scrimgeour kept his eyes and his wand locked on Snape.
"The fact you've gone free for over a decade with what you've done," Scrimgeour said.
"Dumbledore said I was innocent of all charges," Snape said.
"Dumbledore's not here anymore, Snape," Scrimgeour said.
Snape had been brought out to see them tearing up his well organized office. They levitated the Potions ingredients.
"Well, several of these ingredients are heavily restricted by the Ministry," Zara said. "We'll see if your permits are in order and believe me, I will be going over them with a fine-tooth comb."
"I have no doubt you'll do what you have to," Snape said. "Those are merely just old schoolbooks…."
Regardless, the Aurors went through the books and Dunbar stopped instantly, frowning. Snape recognized the book and his heart just went completely cold.
Why did he have to keep that book in his office? Why?"
"Interesting," Kayla said. "Look at this, Lieutenant Li."
Zara flipped through the book, and looked at Snape.
"The Property of the Half Blood Prince," Zara said.
"It's a…name I called myself when I was at Hogwarts," Snape said. "My mother was Eileen Prince…."
"Who was married to a man called Tobias Snape, a Muggle," Scrimgeour said. "Interesting the Head of the Slytherin House is a mere half-blood. Which is not a problem with me, more your conduct, but I'm sure many of the members of the Wizengamot will find it extremely interesting that you have been misrepresenting yourself as a pureblood this entire time."
"At least he hasn't committed line theft, as far as we can tell," Dunbar said.
"But, he has committed other theft," Li said. "Read this note."
Oh, the note, which no matter how Snape tried, he could not scrub from the book by any means.
"Well, are you illiterate?" Li asked. "Read now!"
"Dear Lily," Snape read in a droning voice. "Congratulations on your OWLs. I hope this book is a help to you when you achieve your Potions NEWTs. You are Slughorn's favorite for a reason. I've complied some of the research notes we had during our work. And I am certain you will have more modifications to add to yourself. And also, well done on finally dumping that greasy stalker of yours. Sincerely Yours, Patricia."
Snape's mouth grew completely thin.
"Did you change your name to Lily, perhaps, and not inform the Ministry?" Scrimgeour asked.
"This belonged to Lily Evans," Snape said.
"Yes, it belonged to Lily Evans-Potter," Scrimgeour said roughly.
He just had to add the Potter, to rub salt into Snape's wounds. Scrimgeour enjoyed Snape's wounds.
"When did you get this book?" Li asked.
"From…Godric's Hallow…after…." Snape said.
"Speak, Marbles!" Li yelled.
"After the Dark Lord attacked the Potters, I was….I visited the place, and informed Dumbledore that…the boy lived," Snape said. "He send McGonagall to scout the Dursley residence and Hagrid to collect the child."
Snape knew he was going down, and he cared little about throwing McGonagall and Hagrid under the Knight Bus, in their part of Dumbledore's questionable placement of Potter with Petunia and her oafish husband.
"Right after you helped yourself to a dead woman's personal possessions," Scrimgeour said. "And thus you tampered with a crime scene."
"I'll make a note of that," Kayla said.
"I will as well," Zara said.
More Aurors appeared.
"Auror Proudfoot?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Thief! Liar! Coward!"
Snape's head began to throb.
"Thief! Liar! Coward!"
"We found several items, along with the missing wedding ring of Lily Evans-Potter," Proudfoot said. "And several of the items at Spinner's End were in a box, along with a journal that belonged to Lily, that she wrote it."
"Did you look at it?" Scrimgeour asked.
"The last entry mentioned that they switched secret keepers, from Sirius Black to Peter Pettigrew."
Well, that was not encouraging news.
"And in it, we found the Potter Will which had been lost."
"Well, that's going to be investigated," Scrimgeour said. 'So, you've been stealing items belonging to a dead woman."
"Dumbledore told me to hold onto the Will," Snape admitted. "He didn't want anyone to interfere with Potter's placement at the Dursley residence."
If Snape could throw a dead man under a bus to save his own flesh, he would.
"And he told you to steal a woman's journal, did he?" Li asked.
"I swear upon my mother's grave, that I didn't read a word inside of it!" Snape yelled. "But, you had no right to search my…."
Snape's head began to throb again.
"LIAR! THIEF! COWARD!"
"We have a right," Li said. "I would not be surprised if you kept her body as some kind of sick trophy."
"We checked," Proudfoot said.
"LIAR! THIEF! COWARD!"
"Enough," Scrimgeour said. "Dumbledore really slipped thinking you could be any kind of good person."
"LIAR! THIEF! COWARD!"
"COWARD!"
"COWARD!"
"COWARD!"
"I'M NOT A COWARD!"
Snape whipped out his wand in a frenzy, which proved to be a mistake. Several of the Aurors knocked Snape, disarming and stunning him.
The next thing Snape knew when they revived him, he had been restrained and his wand had been secured by Scrimgeour.
"There's other crimes we'll be looking into, but this is more than sufficient," Scrimgeour said. "Along with your dealings in Knockturn Alley."
"What is going on?"
Minerva McGonagall stepped into the office. The sight of Snape in handcuffs, blood dripping from his oversized nose showed just how rattled he was.
"Minerva, you were tasked by Dumbledore to keep an eye on the Dursley residence before Harry Potter's placement there, were you not?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Yes," McGonagall said.
"And Hagrid took him there."
"Yes," McGonagall said. "But how did you…."
"Snape was oh so happy to inform us of your part in that nasty little business."
Snape just did not make eye contact with McGonagall.
"Come with us to the Ministry, please," Dunbar told her. "For questioning."
"And Dawlish, make yourself useful, and send word that we're going to need a team to bring Hagrid in as well," Scrimgeour said.
"I'm supposed to assist Madam Bones in her investigation of Hogwarts," McGonagall said.
"That will no longer be necessary, Minerva. And your services will no longer be necessary."
Narcissa Malfoy appeared behind her.
"Perhaps you haven't seen the Prophet this morning, but the Board of Governors have named me the new Hogwarts Headmistress," Narcissa said. "So, you did watch the Dursleys?"
"I had concerns with the type of people they were…."
"Well, you still let Dumbledore get away with placing him there and did not inform the proper authorities of your concern," Narcissa said. "I'm afraid that won't do. My daughter's betrothed was harmed due to his placement with his magic hating Muggle relatives. Which I'm certain you knew about Petunia's disdain for magic, did you not, Severus?"
Snape nodded.
"Of course you did, because you were in no small part responsible for it, but perhaps it's time to take responsibility for your actions," Narcissa said. "As for you, Minerva, once your business at the Ministry concludes, I have some retirement papers for you to sign. Despite the fact you are a substandard Head of House and an even worse Deputy Headmistress, you were remarkable as a Transfiguration Teacher, so I am allowing you to retire with dignity."
Minerva nodded in response.
"I'm disappointed in you," Narcissa said. "I thought you would be better. But, your blind spot towards Dumbledore has caused much grief."
Narcissa let out a small sigh.
"You've pined for a gay man for over forty years," Narcissa said. "What a waste."
Minerva walked with the Aurors, as Snape had been dragged off.
Flitwick and Sprout waited outside. Scrimgeour stopped to talk to them.
"We will be discussing your part in the Philosopher's Stone fiasco at a later date," Scrimgeour said.
"I'll give you any information I can," Flitwick said. "And I would like to offer my resignation as Head of Ravenclaw house. I will gladly stay out to teach Charms, until you find an adequate replacement."
"Professor Flitwick, I would like to allow you to stay on to teach Charms, at NEWT level, and also be the head of the newly reinstated Hogwarts Dueling Club," Narcissa said.
"I'll give the matter some consideration," Flitwick said.
"I wish to resign as well," Sprout said. "I'm a disappointment to Helga Hufflepuff."
"Well, you're an adequate teacher," Narcissa said. "But, I'm certain if you wish to leave, we can find someone better. If you have any recommendations, I will look into them."
Sprout nodded. There was a lot of work to be done.
Harry sat front in center in the midst of a large, spacious room in the midst of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. The first of many schools he would be touring and seeing what they had to offer, while Narcissa and Katerina were busy at work, fixing the problems at Hogwarts. Harry was joined by Lyra, Blaise, Daphne, and Susan. Also, Penny and Gemma, decided to tag along for the trip. Daphne's younger sister Astoria, and Blaise's younger sister, Carmen were there. And chaperoning the trip was Merula, Cassie, and the Greengrass mother, Anastasia.
One thing Harry would say about Professor Olympe Maxime was she certainly cast a presence. If Hagrid was the tallest man Harry ever saw, than Madam Maxime was the tallest woman.
"While it is rare for us to take transfers, but is not completely unheard of," Maxime said. "Recent events over in Hogwarts have mandated that we take transfers."
Everyone nodded and Madam Maxime had their attention.
"Beauxbatons was founded centuries after Hogwarts," Maxime said. "While we do not have the centuries, but we are fairly distinguished in our own ways."
"It's remarked how everyone can be understood clearly, without any communication barriers," Daphne said to Blaise. "I mean I know a little French…."
"And Lyra is pretty much fluent," Harry said.
"And Harry picks it up quite nicely," Lyra said.
"Mmm, French," Carmen mewled.
"That's the translation runes," Harry said. "Rakepick mentioned them to me."
"And highly advanced runes they are," Penny said.
"Although they do take quite a lot of magical skill and power to keep them active," Gemma said. "You are not all of the time."
"And as you have noticed, for today, we have activated the Translation Runes," Maxime said. "While many of our students are quite proficient with their English, along with other languages, there are others who stick to hard French. Therefore, should you choose to go to Beauxbatons, you will be tested with your proficiency in speaking and understanding French."
Fair enough, Harry thought.
"We have many witches and wizards who have passed through these halls, and a very impressive magical heritage," Maxime said. "To tell you more about that, I would like to introduce the Magical Studies teacher, Marie Dormer."
"Hey, Blaise, she teaches the same subject as your mother will be teaching," Daphne said.
"Yay," Blaise said dryly.
Perhaps it was Harry's imagination, but Harry felt that Blaise did not seem too excited about his mother being a teacher at Hogwarts.
"Well, she's also the Deputy Headmistress," Lyra said.
"And Beauxbatons looks better and better," Blaise commented.
Carmen just patted her brother on the head, in a slightly condescending way. Harry turned his attentions to a gorgeous stunner with curly blonde hair.
"Hello, I am Professor Dormer," she said. "There's a few distinct differences between Hogwarts and Beauxbatons other than the language and the location. For one, we require mandatory Muggle Studies and Magical Heritage classes, depending on what kind of home you have given. Hogwarts had these classes up to a century ago, but they dropped the Magical Heritage Class, and made the Muggle Studies class a third-year elective and stopped updating the textbook."
"Boy did they ever," Penny grumbled.
"But, while Professor Malfoy intends to make those changes to Hogwarts, we have a system here at Beauxbatons which will allow us to teach you a proper understanding on either subject, depending on the house you grew up in," Dormer said. "Other differences will be you take the equivalent of your OWLs, during your sixth year rather than your fifth year. Your final year is dedicated to preparing for your final exams, our NEWTs, which will be taken during the summer, as opposed during the school year. And while we have many of the same courses that Hogwarts does, you will be selecting your electives prior to your second year, as opposed to your third year. I will warn you that first year generally allows students to get a firm grasp of what their strengths are and you will have a student advisor which you will meet with."
"That's something that's needed at Hogwarts," Penny murmured.
"Agreed," Gemma said.
"We have classes like Study of Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Care of Magical Creatures," Professor Dormer said. "And there are other studies like Alchemy. Magical Culinary Arts and Housekeeping, and Demonlogy after your second year."
"Demonology?" Harry asked.
Well his interest was piqued.
"And Divination…is not a common subject at this school, are those with the gifts are encouraged to explore that option, should they be capable of it," Dormer said. "But, we do not recommend you take course of study unless you wish to explore it seriously."
"Makes sense," Gemma murmured.
"And there are advanced spells in Spellcrafting and Wand crafting offered in fifth year, although they require a special skill set and top marks in the main subjects," Professor Dormer responded. "And one thing you will notice, is History of Magic is taught by a living breathing teacher who has a passion for their chosen subject."
The Hogwarts students and alumni laughed.
"Professor Perenelle Flamel."
A stunning dark-haired woman who looked like she aged quite nicely appeared on the stage. And a rather eccentric old man followed, looking around and waving.
"And her husband Nicholas, who gives lectures on a number of subjects," Professor Dormer. "Especially the subject of Alchemy."
"Good afternoon," Nicholas said. "Or morning…when you're my age, the time of day tends to get a little mixed up. Although, for your sakes, I doubt any of you will make it that long. But, there's one passion I have and that's statistics, and I want to share a few with our guests, just to illustration the differences between Beauxbatons and Hogwarts."
Harry had a feeling this would be something.
"He's certainly a character," Cassie said.
"The number of students who died at this school," Nicholas said. "Zero."
Harry had a pretty good feeling where this is gone.
"The number of trolls who have been let in on Halloween," Nicolas said. "Also zero."
Flamel caused a giant neon "0" to appear in the air, much to the exasperation of the staff, and his wife. Especially his wife.
"The number of fake Philosopher's Stones put in behind a dangerous enchanted mirror which has also mindscrewed adult wizards," Nicholas said. "Also…well zero, but that one I'll accept partial blame for. I thought Albus would have more sense than that, to actually believe that I would keep my most prized possession at Gringotts."
Nicolas lowered his voice into a stage whisper.
"Goblins, they have started rebellions at a drop of an hat," Nicolas said. "Fickle as fuck."
"They likely would start a rebellion over being called fickle as fuck, and they have in the past," Perenelle said.
"Well, yes but…"
Perenelle cleared her throat.
"Pro-tip, when your wife does that or husband, or significant other, or mother, that's your cue to shut up," Nicolas said.
"And I'm disappointed that learning magical history has turned in a chore for the students over in Britain," Perenelle Flamel said. "There's been people who showed interest, but for some reason, they want to keep a teacher like Binns who was not that dynamic when he was alive and somehow got even less so during death."
"Should call Ghostbusters."
And with that, Flamel started humming a tune. Astoria started to bop her head to it until Daphne rolled her eyes.
"What?" Astoria asked. "Catchy."
"Good movie, should see it," Flamel said. "And that look also means it's my cue to shut up, dear students."
Perenelle cleared her thoughts.
"With a new Headmistress and deputy, and new teaching staff, Hogwarts could return to what it always had the potential to be," Perenelle said. "But, only time will tell."
"I agree," Maxime said.
"Yes, it would be best for the students," Professor Dormer said.
"May I share one more statistic?" Flamel asked. "Number of teachers who have been arrested at Beauxbatons…also zero!"
Flamel flashed the number, with an air-horn affect going off. Harry just frowned deeply, because he knew who Flamel was talking about.
"Was only a matter of time with Snape," Flamel said. "Also, the number of teachers who had a supposed dead dark lord growing out of the back of their head like an oversized pimple, also zero."
Flamel flashed his zero up again.
"The number of letters that Dolores Umbridge sent me for spreading misinformation for that last fact, that's one," Flamel said. "One letter…ah, ha, ha, ha, ha."
Perenelle introduced her palm into her face.
"He's in quite the mood," Maxime said.
"You get used to it over the centuries," Perenelle said.
Harry thought about how Snape had been arrested, with several of his dead mother's possessions. He knew Snape was a bit of a prick, but a thief was not something he expected.
"Snape really hit a new low with what he did," Lyra told him. "And Mum warned him to play nice."
"Well, he got what he deserved," Daphne said.
"Auntie Amelia told me you couldn't sign the papers to press charges on Snape past enough," Susan said.
"And McGonagall and Hagrid are both in a lot of trouble for the part they played sending me to the Dursleys," Harry said.
"You're going to press charges on them?"Daphne asked.
Harry just nodded. The Dursleys were the ones that he really wanted to see suffer. The scandal of his placement caused a lot of controversy and from what Harry heard Lucius say, there were even more questions whether stronger laws about where magical children are placed should be in the Wizengamot.
"Goblin audit is almost done on the Dursleys as well," Harry said. "I'll be having a meeting with Gringotts next week."
"Well, that should be delightful," Daphne said.
"Hopefully Flamel didn't spark a rebellion by then," Blaise said.
"Just listen to Rakepick, she knows how to deal with them," Cassie said.
"She's coming with," Harry said. "And Andromeda as well."
"Good, best to have someone who knows how to deal with the goblins," Merula said.
There was a bit more talk about the subjects Beauxbatons had to offer.
"It's time for you all to see what our school has to offer," Maxime said. "Several upper year students have been requested and have agreed to take you all on a tour of the grounds."
They had been paired up with some students. Professor Dormer reached Harry first.
"Harry Potter," Professor Dormer said while giving him a good looking over. "This is Juliet Leroux. She will be taking you on a tour of Hogwarts."
A stunningly beautiful dark-skinned girl, with curly hair, dressed in a nice tight blouse and a skirt which showed off her gorgeous dark-legs appeared in front of Harry. Her violet eyes liked onto Harry's.
"Of course, you get the hot older girl," Blaise said, when he looked at his aide, a rather homely looking young man.
"No refunds," Harry said. "Hello, Ms. Leroux."
"Hello, Mr. Potter," she told him. "It's a pleasure to meet you. But, please, call me Juliet."
"Call me, Harry," he told her. "So, shall we lead the way?"
Juliet flashed him a smile. Something about her gaze was almost hypnotic. Harry took her by the arm and walked off with her.
The tour of the school and some of the classes gave Harry a lot to think about it. Juliet talked in an extremely animated way about all of the classes.
"But, it's just like Madam Maxime and Professor Dormer said, you know all of your strengths and what's best for you," Juliet said. "And here we have the library."
"Wow," Harry said. "Really impressive."
"Well, it's not as monumental as the Hogwarts Library although it does have a few books that are missing from the library," Juliet said. "There's been a lot of books banned in Magical Britain, with the Ministry of Magic leading the charge."
"Phineas Black lead a wide ban of several books," Harry said. "Penny told me."
"Right," Juliet told him. "And a lot of books were destroyed. The International Confederation of Wizard keeps leaning up Beauxbatons to make us follow suit. When Dumbledore came to power, he suggested more books be taken out of public circulation due to the fact that the magic in them was questionable. And there are certain historical books who have been removed because there's parts of history that some people would rather avoid."
"But, that's history!" Harry yelled. "It should be known, no matter how much it makes people uncomfortable."
"I agree, the triumphs and the tragedies," Juliet said. "Dumbledore hid a lot of books. And there were rumors that Grindelwald had a massive library which never had been found, dating back to the time of Merlin. But, if it's out there, it's never been found."
"Is there a restricted section?' Harry asked.
"We feel that knowledge should be free, although those misusing the knowledge will be under an inquiry," Juliet said. "There's books which are more advanced and it's highly recommend you don't try any of the magic in it, without a teacher or an upper year student."
"So many books, gone," Harry said.
"I'm part of a magical restoration project, which is run by Professor Flamel," Juliet said. "She's seen over the centuries so many books which have the lost, so many branches of magic being hidden away, and so much potential has been lost. And the number of skilled magical users has shrunk over the last couple of centuries."
Harry understood.
"Mostly because people fear what they don't understand," Juliet said. "But, instead of promoting understanding, fear is encouraged. We should have stepped out into the light a long time ago."
"There seems to be a lot of problems hiding our world away," Harry said.
"The Statute of Secrecy is very outdated and has problems which grow with each passing year, the more advancements Muggles make with their technology," Juliet said. "Ignorance will end up causing extinction if we're not careful."
Juliet motioned for Harry to follow her through the corridors.
"Of course, anyone who speaks out against the Statute of Secrecy is still looked at with suspicion."
Harry understood.
"And on a lighter note, the Quidditch pitch."
Harry looked at the Pitch and it was magnificent. Lyra just come out with her guide.
"Maybe not as good as Hogwarts or big," Juliet said.
"But, you have better brooms!" Lyra shouted.
"They do," Harry agreed.
"There are days where students are flying around on break and there's an honor system here," Juliet said. "Personally, I love to fly."
"It's pretty liberating," Harry said.
Juliet just flashed him a grin.
"Damn right it is. I love to fly. I think I'm more comfortable in the air and on the ground. It's a good way to blow off steam. And while Quidditch is okay, I just like the fly."
"Nimbus is the best," Lyra said.
"Cleansweeps are not too bad either," Juliet said. "But, the question is, how does the famous Harry Potter take to the air?"
"Well, I've enjoyed the few flying lessons I've had," Harry said.
Lyra just laughed.
"Are you kidding? Show her how amazing you are…Cleansweep…better than the brooms Hogwarts has given us."
"Here," Juliet said. "Race you. If you're up for it."
Harry just smiled.
"You're on."
The broomstick had been passed on and Juliet and Harry hit the skies. The two raced around the broomstick. Harry felt liberated.
Juliet almost screamed as Harry took a hard turn, as smooth as butter. Lyra and her guide, along with several other students watched. They whipped around the pitch and then with another few laps, touched down onto the ground.
"That was amazing," Juliet said.
"It's pretty fun," Harry said. "Just to blow off steam."
"It gives you freedom," Juliet said.
"Oh, that's nothing," Lyra said. "He does things on a Shooting Star which defy explanation."
Juliet blinked and looked astonished.
"Really? I didn't know Hogwarts brooms were that outdated."
"They are," Lyra said. "You would think he was on a Nimbus 2000 on one of those things."
"Don't exaggerate," Harry said.
"I'm not!" Lyra said when crossing her arms.
"You could be a star of any Quidditch Team," Juliet remarked with a small smile on her face.
Harry just shrugged.
"I just enjoy flying."
"Fair enough," Juliet said before her watch beeped. "Shit, time already."
Juliet reached into her bag and fished out a potion of a red liquid. She uncorked that and bottomed it.
"Still a bit tasteless, but it will do," Juliet said.
"Are you sick?" Harry asked. "Sorry if I'm…"
"Not exactly," Juliet said. "This potion is a blood-based substitute which keeps my natural urges at bay."
"What urges?" Lyra asked.
"Well, I'm a vampire."
Harry just looked intrigued, but Lyra looked a bit anxious.
"You are?" Lyra asked.
"Is that a problem?" Juliet asked.
"Well, I've never seen one out in the open," Lyra admitted.
"Neither have I," Harry told her.
"I thought you couldn't be out in the sun," Lyra said.
"Well, we couldn't until this potion was created a few years ago, which allows us to be out in the sunlight," Juliet said. "Although, there's a couple of nasty side effects. It doesn't agree with everyone. And if I start sparkling, I should see a healer."
Harry broke out into laughter. Lyra just shivered.
"So many things Muggles think about vampires are totally wrong," Juliet said. "I love garlic, eat it a lot. I'm pretty sure a stake in the heart could kill me, but it would kill anyone."
"I see," Harry said.
"And the lack of reflection is a problem," Juliet said. "Can't even see my own hair when I get ready in the morning and a girl has to look her best."
"Well, you look good," Harry said. "Wouldn't you agree?"
"Oh, yes, she does," Lyra said. "She's just….I never would have expected it."
Juliet just gave her one of those looks.
"I know you grew up with a lot of prejudice against magical creatures, and while a lot of it's warranted, there's a lot of us who just want to live our lives," Juliet said. "And your Ministry's stance against dark creatures is laughable when they use the most depraved, darkest creatures of them all to guard their prisoners. You know, the Dementors."
Harry shivered. The more he knew about Dementors, the less he liked it. If it was possible, he would like to stamp out the lot of them.
"And it's everyone from the smallest misdemeanors to crazed dark wizard murderers," Juliet said. "Even a few months with those things, people are never the same again."
"I get your point, I guess," Lyra said.
"Princess, you shouldn't judge people from what other vampires have done. Outside of a few extreme cases, most of them want to be left alone."
Lyra turned her attention toMerula.
"Werewolves are the same way," Lyra said. "You've met Chiara."
"She's pretty nice," Lyra said.
"And a werewolf," Merula said. "And she can't be a Healer like she wants to, because of the Ministry's stupid laws. People like Greyback don't help, they let people like Umbridge run wild."
"That woman's more of a menace than any dark creature," Juliet said. "Sorry."
"Don't be, I agree," Merula said.
"I've met her once, and I would have to agree too," Harry said.
"She's pretty bad," Lyra said. "I guess it's just hard to see these people…unless you know them. I grew up fearing those things."
"Juliet is a person, not a thing," Harry told her firmly. "Apologize."
"Sorry, it's just…I have…I've just heard stories about what they could do," Lyra said. "Not you, obviously, but….other vampires. I'm sorry if you were offended."
"Apology taken," Juliet said.
"You just think before you speak," Merula said.
Lyra answered with a nod.
"She's not wrong about the Dementors," Merula said.
Harry turned away from the situation and saw Penny walking out, with Perenelle Flamel following her.
"What's up?" Harry asked.
"Well, Mrs. Malfoy, Professor Malfoy, she's asked me to help write an updated Muggle Studies textbook," Penny said. "And Professor Flamel has been telling me some of the things from the Muggle World, is confusing from a Wizarding perspective. It's gotten me thinking and I'm going to send some things that confused me to Professor Zabini, to help her figure out how to best teach the Magical Heritage class."
"I'm sure she'll appreciate the help," Harry said.
"I've learned a lot of things, but it would help and limit on the miscommunication, if we knew where each side was coming from," Penny said.
"And there would be no excuses," Harry said.
Penny nodded.
"Right, no excuses."
"A class like that is a necessity," Juliet said. "We all have magic. And we all should be on the same team, no matter where we come from."
"Right, I agree," Penny said.
"Of course, I agree too," Harry said.
"HEM, HEM!"
Merula spun around instantly and came face to face with Nicolas Flamel.
"Don't ever do that again," Merula said.
"Noted," Nicolas said.
Cassie joined them.
"Is there a problem?" Perenelle asked her husband.
"Well, I wish to borrow Mr. Potter for a few minutes," Nicolas said. "I endeavor to return with him in one piece."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Although, given I nearly put you in the crossfire with that entire fake Philosopher's Stone thing, I can understand how you're a bit reluctant," Nicolas said. "Perhaps, Ms Snyde and Ms. Jacobs would like to join us?"
"Fair enough," Harry said.
"You don't have a problem with that?" Cassie asked.
Nicolas just responded with a toothless smile.
"My dear, when you're as old as I am, you've long since run out of fucks to give."
Nicolas Flamel's office was about as eccentric as he was. Various things scattered about erratically, things which seemed to be just shoved wherever he could find a space. It looked like a Hoarder's wet dream.
"First of all, I would like to apologize for Dumbledore putting that fake Philosopher's Stone in the school, I never thought he would make such a public spectacle out of it. And the traps…I really hope that was lulling someone into a false sense of security, with that mirror being the main trap. Otherwise…"
Flamel took a long drink of tea while Cassie, Merula, and Harry settled around.
"Dumbledore kept pestering me about the Stone being in danger from the Hypenated one," Flamel said. "You know, Voldemort."
"His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle," Harry said.
"I would have stuck with that name, myself," Flamel said. "But, despite the fact I successfully protected the Stone for years, he thought it was in danger. And to get him off of my back, I pointed him to the decoy."
"Dumbledore could never take no for an answer," Cassie said.
"You're telling me," Flamel said. "Insufferable young punk."
Harry supposed that Flamel would be one of the few people alive who could call Dumbledore young.
"I have a feeling this was one of his little hero tests," Flamel said.
"I wouldn't doubt it," Cassie said dryly.
"He does it all of the time and then feigns disappointment when people have to get involved in a situation where it could have been avoided if the Headmaster had not spread himself too thin or had not neglected in his duties," MErula said.
"So, if the Philosopher's Stone is not at Gringotts, then where is it?" Harry asked.
"It's…nice try," Flamel said. "I might have been born at night, but I was not certainly born last night. And besides, all of the gold and immortality you ever wanted, seems like a good idea when you're trying to woo an immortal fae queen. But when you live for a lot of centuries, you see a lot of things that make you wish you had the ability to check out a long time ago."
Flamel took another swig of his tea.
"But, my wife has aged like a fine wine, while I've aged like milk," Flamel said. "Each use of the Elixir of Life, well it used to be a once a century thing, but it's been going to decades, and then yearly, and now it's twice a year. I have a feeling I've got another five years before Death hurls me into the pit of damnation. So, I want to bust some skulls on my way down."
Harry just raised his eyebrow.
"I've heard of your question, through some rather reliable sources," Flamel said. "And if the Ministry and the International Confederation of Wizards bothered to take my advice, I would have told them what a monumentally stupid idea the age gate spell is. Only because a few people had their feelings hurt that their magic did not progress at the rate of other people's magic, and thus everyone needs to be held down."
Flamel said.
"Although, once you put something like that into play, breaking it at this point, could have a backfire, unless you know what you're doing," Flamel said. "Although a powerful wizard like you should not be subject to it. Especially being the last of the Potters and your situation to…preserve the bloodline being more time sensitive."
"It's like a wolverine, scratching and biting," Harry said. "It's power I can't quite reach."
"Mine was like that too," Cassie said. "And Merula's too. She was quite insufferable and moody when she was younger."
"I was not!" Merula snapped. "Okay, maybe a little bit."
"But, I've got another problem."
Harry told Flamel about the Horcrux. He just whistled.
"Dumbledore would be woefully blind if he did not have at least an idea," Flamel said. "Getting that out of you should be top priority, in my honest opinion. Granted, I'm no Healer, but I've encountered a few Horcruxes in my day. The fact you're as stable as you are, well it defies all explanation. But, not too many people survive a killing curse."
Harry thought Dumbledore would have had to know as well. He may have put him at the Dursleys, due to the fact they were expendable should the Horcrux overwhelm Harry. At least that's what Harry thought.
"Celeste Ravencroft was creating a spell to purge dark magic," Harry said. "You know of her."
"We've met, in passing, but then again, I've met a lot of people," Flamel said. "Her research could have been groundbreaking, had the Ministry not had their collective heads wedged up their own arses."
"Shocking," Cassie murmured.
"And they took a grand thing and used it to go on a power trip," Flamel said. "To further bury themselves into the shadows, instead of facing the world. And countless died. The first being the people who thought they could perform a magical ritual which they barely grasped the fundamentals on. And then they doubled down. Celeste's notes, her journals, they all vanished, and so did she, at the turn of the century."
Flamel just took another sip.
"Even Elle's restoration process, that being my wife, the aforementioned immortal fae queen, uncovered precious little on Celeste and her brand of magic," Flamel said. "And the International Confederation of Wizard has put a ban on Ancient Magic and any talk of it. Students who manifest late, like Celeste, are intercepted by the various Ministry's in the ICW controlled countries and go into that Ministry's Department of Mysteries. I have no idea what happened to them, but I would bet a Philosopher's Stone they never see the light a day again."
"What is Ancient Magic?" Harry asked.
"Well, see, that's the funny thing, I've lived longer than everyone I know, and I still haven't seen it adequately defined," Flamel said. "And I've meet several people, who manifested and understood it. The best I could tell is that everything you know of magic is thrown out the window when one is able to tap into ancient magic. There are no defined limits."
"Anyone who could use something like that could be…impressive," Harry said.
"Yes, and terrifying, hence why people don't talk about it," Flamel said. "All of the cases I've seen, it's happened in those who have manifested magic at the age of fifteen. Of course, given the high mortality rate of squibs, it could be possible that there are ancient magic users who are believed to be squibs who do not make it see their fifteenth birthday."
"And with anything else, rules are bent and exceptions are made," Cassie said.
"Correct," Flamel said. "I believe the fact you survived the Killing Curse has something to do with your mother tapping into some form of ancient magic. Thankfully, the soft-brains at the Ministry have not made the connection, although I would not be surprised if someone at the Department of Mysteries is closely watching you."
"I know people, I can…ask," Cassie said.
"Careful, not to stir up a hornet's nest," Flamel said. "I might have run out of fucks to give, hence why I'm not afraid to share information which could put me through the Veil. It's one of the few ways someone has not tried to execute me. Elle wouldn't talk to me for twenty years over the entire French Revolution thing."
Flamel just responded with a small smile.
"I don't know if you noticed, but I'm a bit of a hoarder."
Harry just gave him a look.
"Really?"
"Shocking, I know," Flamel said. "It drives my wife mad…hang on it's here somewhere….I found this the other day, somewhere underneath the used cat food tins, the old newspapers, and Hitler's brain…."
Harry turned to Cassie and Merula who just shook their heads. Flamel found it, several worn pages of what looked like a diary.
"I met this woman in passing, a long time ago," Flamel said. "But, she took a turn, and the group she ran around with did not approve of how she used her gifts. And they took painstaking efforts to destroy evidence she existed, as those did with Celeste a long time ago."
He handed Harry the papers.
"Blank," Harry said.
"That's the issue, isn't it?" Flamel asked. "The right wizard could unlock their secrets. And Hogwarts hides many secrets, and I doubt I've even found them all during their many visits. The Curse Vaults thing was a revelation. They've been sealed."
"According to Dumbledore, yes," Cassie said.
"Hmmm, might want to double check that," Flamel said. "But, regardless, you could find information there and can unlock on power which could save the world."
Flamel just gave Harry a look.
"Or destroy it," Flamel said.
"So who do the pages belong to?" Harry asked.
"Mmm, you should ask Patricia Rakepick about this one," Flamel said. "Rakepick, always liked that name. It's no wonder she became a Cursebreaker. Goblins would have to hire her with a surname like that, really no choice."
Flamel shook his head.
"Rambling again, happens when you approach your eighth century of life," Flamel said. "Damn, I'm old."
Flamel took another drink.
"Ask Rakepick what she knows about Isidora Morganach."
Harry wondered what kind of rabbit hole Flamel sent him down now. He turned to Cassie and Merula who looked confused.
"Never heard of her," Cassie said.
"Me either,' Merula said.
"You know who she is," Harry said.
"I've met her in passing," Flamel said. "And historians, before that information was censured during the nineteenth century, debated on who she was, as there was very little go on, even back then. People don't want to acknowledge that brand of magic as it's something that people cannot control. As they learned with the age-gate slowly crippling wizards and witches with each passing generation, but that's not their fault, it never is."
"I'll ask Rakepick what she knows," Harry said.
"Yes, and I've got…someone I can ask at the Department of Mysteries," Cassie said.
"Good cause trouble, life's too short for most of you not to," Flamel said. "The Minsteries of the World despise me because I'm a meddling old man with a memory and I don't have any fucks to give."
Flamel finished his tea
"And I know you like causing upheaval, you remind me of a less eccentric me," Flamel said. "I'm going to pass this information on you. And if you can find Celeste's notes, if they still exist, then the world is going to change."
Harry had been focused on dealing with the Horcrux, but now he wondered if this information Flamel gave him, might end up sending him down an interesting road.
"Well, I won't keep you any longer, Ms. Leroux still needs to show you a few things," Flamel said. "Remember what I said about the Cursed Vaults."
"We will," Cassie said.
"Give them Hell from me," Flamel said.
Harry had a lot to think about. He was going to try and push it off to the side. Cassie and Merula just looked at him.
"The older the wizard, the more he makes my head hurt," Merula said.
"Well, he's more straight forward than Dumbledore, but vague in some respects," Cassie said.
"And he's offering me a potential solution for my problem," Harry said. "All I have to do is…."
Suddenly, something hit Harry. He looked down at what appeared to be a small girl, of around seven or eight years old running into him. And Harry thought he was tiny.
She spoke in fast French, but Harry knew enough to know it was rude, even if they were slightly out of the scope of the translation runes.
"I beg your pardon, little girl."
The girl's eyes widened, from both Harry speaking to her clear French and what she called her.
"How dare you! I am not a little girl. I am a fourth year!"
She stamped her feet. Cassie shook her head and Merula just broke out into fits of laughter.
"So precious, trying to be a little bad ass," Merula cooed. "Where is your mother, little girl?"
The young girl started fuming and she practically glowed. Harry could see her fingertips sparking with fire of some sort.
"Calm down, Flower. She didn't mean anything. That's just Merula being Merula."
An attractive brunette witch appeared in front of them.
"Hello, Aurélie," Cassie said.
"Well, the famous Cursebreaker and Heroine of Hogwarts…who somehow got betrothed to Harry Potter," the woman, Aurélie, said with a smile. "And Merula, you're always…interesting to be around."
"Hello, Dumont," Merula said.
"And the famous Harry Potter, an honor as well," Aurélie said. "My name is Aurélie Dumont. New Assistant Potion Teacher of Beuxbatons this year."
"And congratulations for that," Cassie said.
"An honor to meet you," Harry said.
"Oh, the honor is all mine."
Aurélie planted a kiss on Harry's hand.
"Wait, Harry Potter?" the young girl asked.
"Wow, Fleur, that he is."
Another girl, much taller, who appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years ago, with silvery blonde hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful face, along with long legs appeared next to Harry. She moved closer towards him.
"Sorry about Fleur, she's a bit salty her maturity hasn't triggered," the older girl said. "Therefore, she's a little salty."
"I'm due," Fleur said. "It's not fair how I'm the last person in my year."
"Yes," the other girl said with a smile. "Our little flower hasn't sprouted yet."
Fleur spoke some sass in French, although she seemed to avoid looking at Harry. She was a bit miffed
"Still, Harry Potter," Fleur's friend told her.
"You don't seem French," Harry said. "No offense."
"I'm actually from Norway, exiled from a small magical kingdom," she said. "My name is Elsa. I was displaced with my mother and sister. It was quite the nasty coup. Some really dangerous people involved."
Fleur's boo-boo face on the fact she just mocked Harry Potter was one of the most adorable things.
"Chin up, Flower," Aurélie told her.
"She's just made a brat of herself around Harry Potter," Elsa said. "Oh, and nice to meet you, by the way."
"I better be going, Juliet's expecting me back soon," Harry said.
"Actually, we should be getting to class," Elsa said. "Professor Sinclair, she's fair, and treats everyone the same, but she doesn't respect tardiness. Defensive Magic, main teacher."
"Right, I won't keep you waiting," Harry said. "See you, Elsa, Fleur."
"Goodbye little girl!" Merula called after Fleur.
"You can't help yourself, can you?" Cassie asked.
"She needs to grow a thicker skin," Merula said. "And I think she's Veela. They have later maturity."
"Fleur is," Aurélie said. "And if her cousins, aunt, and mother and grandmother are any indication, she will be extremely powerful. Her sister is Harry's age, but she looks even younger."
"There you are."
Juliet walks down and notices the retreating forms of Fleur and Elsa.
"So, you've met our Princess Pair," Juliet said. "Very nice."
From the direction of a library, came a very short, but extremely stacked, redheaded woman, dressed in a pair of tight leather pants and a matching leather top. Which her breasts were amount to break out of it. She had a thick book in her hands.
"Juliet, darling, hello," she said.
"Hello, did you find what you were looking for?" Juliet asked.
"Oh, yes, you put me on the right track, that's exactly what I need," she said. "You deserve a treat…but maybe we'll wait until later. Madam Maxime and Professor Dormer will tell me it's not professional."
The redhaired short stack locked her eyes on the ground.
"Fresh meat," she said. "Oh, it's Cassandra Jacobs, the Heroine of Hogwarts and the Apprentice of the Patricia Rakepick. And there's Merula Snyde, the most powerful witch of her age. Greatest witch too. Or something."
Merula just smirked.
"And…the famous Harry Potter," she said. "Well, that's interesting. And a little birdie told me you were a Parselmouth. That tongue will come in handy once that silly, inane age gate is broken."
"And you are?" Harry asked.
"Amunet and the pleasure is mine."
Blaise Zabini came up the steps behind Harry, and then he ran headlong into a wall when he caught sight of Amunet.
"Nice," Merula said.
"That's how my mother's third husband met her, he died when he fell asleep on some train tracks," Blaise said. "Hope that's not an omen."
Cassie healed his nose and mouth.
"Healing spells are useful to learn when you get into as much trouble as I do," Cassie said.
"Yes, noted," Blaise said. "Is that a bloody succubus?"
"Well, who better to teach Demonology, then a demon," Amunet said. "But, don't worry, I don't bite without consent."
Well, Harry found himself rather intrigued.
"I'll let you continue the tour," Amunet said.
"Right, a few more things to show you," Juliet said. "Sorry, she's always like that. She does have high standards for who she lets in her class. She can smell out people who take the class for less than acceptable reasons."
Harry and Juliet continued the tour, although he could feel Amunet's gaze watching him, when he departed. And he could not help and shiver a little bit.
To Be Continued.