A/N: First I just want to say that I love you guys. Thank you for reading, and continuing to read. I'm blown away by how many tell me that they've reread the whole series.

Secondly, this chapter mostly feels like filler to me but that's just me. The upcoming chapters will be more action orientated instead of being dialog heavy; I'm hoping but my writing has a tendency to do its own thing and then speeches happen.

I do not own Harry Potter nor any Easter Egg herein.

P.S. next chapter will have flying horses and maybe baby dragons…oh my!

Chapter Three: So Begins Another Year…

I was happy when I entered Dumbledore's office; a strange concept as I'd never felt happiness in relation to this particular office before. Thanks to Gran we arrived early and found only Dumbledore and Auror Danvers were present. The redheaded woman scowled at me as she left her chair to come and personally greet me.

"You're looking better," the American stated bluntly. Her arms moving to fold across her chest.

"I feel better too, thank you." I let her ire roll right off me, not bothering me one bit. "Are you here early ahead of your school or are you assigned here for the year?"

Auror Danvers scowled. "For the year and I've been asked to work with you as your liaison. Seems that MACUSA are very aware of who the Knights of Camelot are and what they meant to your government." If I didn't know better I would say the woman was pouting.

"Yes, well, that's weird." I shook my head. "Have you been assigned quarters yet? If not I have like a whole dorm that's empty and I highly doubt that I'm going to have a whole house seek Sanctuary." That would be a very bad day if that happened.

Auror Danvers glanced at Dumbledore, who was chatting with Gran lowly. She looked back to me and nodded. "That would probably be for the best, actually. Your Headmaster wasn't very happy to hear about my posting though it was already agreed upon with your ministry. He wanted to find me a room after the meeting was over."

"Well, now you have a whole dorm room to yourself." I grinned, pleased to have helped. "Winky!" I called softly and the little elf popped into the room. Her little sundress was pressed and her belt highly polished. She looked up with eager eyes and quivering ears. "Winky, this is Auror Danvers. She's going to be staying in the Knight's dorm with us, in one of the girls' dorm rooms. Could you please make one ready for her?"

Winky nodded. "Yes, Winky can, any room?"

I nodded quickly. "Whichever one you pick first, Winky. Thank you."

Winky blushed and quivered happily as she popped away. Auror Danvers gave me a strange look as she followed me to empty chairs near Dimitri, Helena and Kaylee. Interestingly enough, the conversation turned to Quidditch. I told them of my idea to keep Quidditch for the year and let the other schools have their teams.

In the little time that we had, we carved out a plan for the seven teams; keeping the house teams. The games would be limited to a two hour time frame and ties were possible. Ties and wins would receive points and the top four teams would compete for a trophy at the end of the season. We were deciding upon a game type schedule when the other teachers started to trickle in for the meeting.

It was very strange to see more teachers than the ones I'd gotten used to over the past three years. Now all the core classes had double, except potions as Professor Rosenberg as she was starting to show. Gran had explained at Rosenberg would actually split her classes with another teacher for the practical portion of her class so that way there was no chance of fumes harming her fetus. All I could think was that that fetus had been fathered by Snape…totally didn't hear who was going to be helping Rosenberg; fully body shiver induced at the thought.

Auror Danvers, in her auror trench coat with the MACUSA patch on the shoulder, myself and Dimitri got some curious looks from the teaching masses. To be fair, Dimitri and I were rather visible with our colors and manner of dress. I ignored the looks and focused on Dumbledore.

When everyone had gathered, Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes, gave a low trill to get their attention. Dumbledore have the phoenix a little pat on the head and smiled that little smile he always had. He looked out over the crowd before his desk.

"Welcome to the last staff meeting before the year begins. I hope that you are all prepared?" he asked but left no room for response. "For those of you who are new to Hogwarts, welcome. I hope that you find working here to be a joyful experience." I tried not to grimace because that was unlikely given the school's past; I think this is what is called pessimism. "When the children arrive for dinner, the older children will be ushered into to the Great Hall. The first years and transfer students will be kept back for the sorting ceremony."

Gran took up then and pointed to the snoozing sorting hat. "Each student will place the hat upon their heads and it will tell them which house they are," she explained as she'd been the Mistress of Ceremonies for…actually, I'm not sure how long she's been doing the sorting. "Then they will go to that house's table."

"The feast will begin," Dumbledore took the conversation back. "Afterwards, Lady Black," there was an almost unperceivable scowl to his lips as he looked at me, "will talk about the Knights of Camelot and then I will announce the Triwizard Tournament. Yes, Professor Mills?" Dumbledore called on the brunette woman three chairs away who had her hand raised.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," the woman cooed in a raspy but very pleasant voice. The she glared at me and I wasn't sure she was so pleasant any more. "What exactly are the Knights of Camelot?"

I sighed when Dumbledore looked to me to explain. "We are the protectors of the Kingdome of Camelot," I explained trying not to sound exasperated. "We also have an agreement with Hogwarts that while we are attending the school we are also its protectors as well. Umm…I would suggest requesting books from the library if you want to know more because otherwise, it's sort of a long conversation otherwise. Suffice to say though, we are here as guards."

"How old are you?" Professor Mills demanded with a deep scowl.

"Well…I'm not sure anymore." I really wasn't sure; Gran grimaced and buried her face in her hands. "I'm either fifteen or I'm sixteen. I blame pesky time travel for the discrepancy."

Gran interjected then before Mills could speak a second time; her hands now in her lap. "Athena and Dimitri are not up for discussion, Professor," she stated pointedly. "Moving on…yes, Athena?" Gran gave me a small frown when I raised my hand.

"Quidditch is back on," I stated firmly. Gran groaned and Dumbledore's expression didn't change. "I think that is unfair to cancel something that only happens a handful times a year for something that's only going to happen thrice. That being said, and I've had help with this, I think that we should invite the other schools to join a tournament against the Hogwarts houses in a sort of winner take all sort of deal…thingy. I have a chart!" I held up the piece of parchment that Kaylee had had one her. "It allows the schools more interaction and gets Illvermorny a chance to do more than be on the sideline. Isn't that the whole point of this little venture?"

I passed the chart up to Gran when she beckoned for it, passing it to Kaylee and then to Gran. The foreign teachers were abuzz at the idea, especially the couple that'd come from the states. Dumbledore glared at me over his half-moon spectacles; he'd have to have a really good excuse for canceling Quidditch. He'd have to have a basilisk sized excuse because Quidditch is only called off because of giant ass nope ropes.

"It would seem that you have given this some thought," Dumbledore stated politely as he refused to take the scribbled chart from Gran. I nodded and the Headmaster looked back over his teachers. "Alright then. We will keep Quidditch."

With that Dumbledore continued on with the meeting and refused to look at me or Dimitri. Thankfully the meeting didn't last much longer after that. It was only last minute items being addressed. When the other teachers started to clear the room, Gran stayed and kept our Quidditch chart.

**A**

"Is Dumbledore always like that?" Alex, as she'd requested us to call her, asked as we headed back towards the Knight's dorm.

I nodded. "Pretty much. Dumbledore and I sort of have a rocky relationship. Sort of started my second year when Lockhart was a teacher here and I called him a fraud."

"But he was a fraud," Alex stated with a frown. "His disgrace even made the papers in the States."

I'd forgotten that. "Yes, but before that he was every middle-aged witch's fantasy and I was still protesting him being a teacher. I was eventually kicked out of his DADA class and I had Dumbledore as a teacher," I explained, both Alex and Dimitri looked shocked. "What's worse is that he tried to kill me at the end of the year. Also, please don't mention that student he slept with; she's like a sister to me and I consider her son my nephew." I frowned then as Angie and her son were another set that I hadn't gotten to spend time with since my return.

Alex shook her head. "But that still doesn't explain why you and the Headmaster are hostile towards each other."

"I think he's reckless and negligent and he thinks that I'm disrespectful and probably the spitting image of my mother…I mean besides looks because I really do look like my mother." I amended with a sigh. I had to add, "My mother is Bellatrix Lestange," when I noticed Alex looking even more confused. "For simplicities' sake, my mother is Bellatrix and my grandmother is Minerva McGonagall. It's complicated beyond that."

"Gottcha," Alex just nodded as she shoved her hands into her pockets.

The rest of the trip the dorms were done in silence. Once again I cringed at the drunk monks guarding the portrait. They kept trying to flirt with Alex before I slapped the painting and told them to open. Alex whistled softly when she enter the Knight's common room.

"Dorms are this way, umm…no boys in the girls dorms." I explained as I started to lead Alex to her rooms.

Alex just smirked. "I'm sure that my wife would object to me having a boy in my dorm so…"

"Oh, well, guess you don't have to worry then." I grinned and led on.

Alex poked my shoulder. "Are boys allowed in the Knight's rooms?"

"I think so because I mean Dimitri is a boy, unless there's something he's failed to mention," I shrugged, pausing at the stairs. "But I'm pretty sure that all boys in Hogwarts are scared of my girlfriend, Hermione, and they'd rather chew of their own testicle than, ya know, try to get into my rooms. Only other boys who'd brave entering my nest are related to me by blood or adoption."

"Nest?" Alex asked frowning.

I actually started laughing. "All that and the only thing you took away was that I'm a bird animagus."

Alex blinked owlishly. "Apparently, so. How are you an animagus at such a young age? Oh, wait…didn't Hogwarts have like, a lot of students, young students become animagi?"

I nodded. "Yes, which was sort of my fault. I transformed after I fell off my broom at some two hundred feet in the air because of dementors. Everyone else followed so…yea."

With that I started up the stairs as I heard Alex cry, "What do you mean DEMENTORS!" she quickly caught up with me and asked, "What were you doing to come in contact with dementors?"

"Playing Quidditch against Hufflepuff." I shrugged and headed for the dorm door that was open.

Poor Alex gave a strangled noise as she followed me into the dorm room. There was only one bed in the room, the others had been removed and part of the space had been filled with a desk. The yellow and black of Hufflepuff had been removed and left the room unadorned.

"I would guess that if you were to ask Winky she could set the colors the way you'd like," I pointed out the drab colored curtains. "She's the official house elf of the Knight's dorm. You can call on her if you need. Also, if ya know, your wife wants to visit she's more than welcome to stay here with you. I've no problem with that." I had no idea what Dumbledore's stance on that would be. "I think it's sucky that you're half a world away for so long."

"Thank you, but she's pretty busy herself. She works with Lena Luthor," Alex admitted taking what looked like little pieces of toy luggage out of her pocket. "Our daughter Ruby is still in muggle schools. She starts at Illvermorny in a few years."

I smiled at the pride that was in Alex's voice. "Well, then, they are both welcome to stay here as my guests. For a weekend or whatever holiday. Just so you know that you have that option. Hopefully this year will go smoothly and pass quickly."

**A**

The rest of the day passed so freaking slowly. I would have gone flying but the weather turned for the worst and started pouring rain. So, I went to my rooms and started exploring. Found the glasses that Hooch gave me, wondered if I should return those. Even found a draw in my wardrobe that was dedicated to my hand wraps; which I changed because the one I wore was starting to look grungy.

That took all of thirty minutes. So I called Jubilee and asked if she'd gotten those supplies that I wanted for Hermione's gift. I may have gone overboard and asked her to retrieve some of my things from Dorcha Clagh. Just to fill in the space. When she felt I put on a random record. Next year, I'm taking the train.

When Alex came to find me, it was time to head to the Great Hall, I'd got so bored that I shifted to my animagus anyways. Things were muted this way and napping was easier. I was hardly dozing when she knocked on my open door. It was sort of comical to see her start at the sight of a big black bird roosting on my footboard.

"Ugh…Athena?" she asked questioning, glancing around the room as if to find my human form. She squealed and ducked slightly when I jumped off the end of the bed, flapping to gain height and then shifted. Lightly landing on the ground. "Nice," she nodded appreciatorily. "I know only a handful who can shift that easily. Is it true that Hogwarts offers classes to the younger years?"

I nodded as I said, "yep," but then frowned, "I thought we'd talked about that?"

Alex shook her head as we headed out the door. "No, we didn't. Just that a bunch of students had become animagi."

"You know if you want, I bet Gran would let you join the class. Bunch of little Illvermorny students should be there." I pointed out as we caught up with Dimitri by the Portrait Door.

I wanted to hang out with Gran to greet everyone at the door; well, she was ticking names off on a list. She told me no and the scowled at the pouring rain drenching the castle grounds. I grimaced and cast a spell over the entrance so that those coming in would be instantly dry and warm. Grams merely smiled and kept a look out for the carriages to start arriving.

**A**

I was nervous as the sea of black robes started to flood the Great Hall. There were happy faces amongst the crowd but that was all I got to notice before Madam Hooch was smacking my shoulder. Hooch was on one side and Gran's empty chair was on the other; Dimitri was sitting down the row with his brother-in-law, Helena and Kaylee.

"Stop twitching, fledgling," Hooch chided and smacked me again. "You're making me nervous and I don't do nervous. I've already experienced my wedding day, used up all my reserves of nervousness then and I'm not going back."

I smirked at the yellowed eye woman and then remembered something. "Oh, look what I found," I dug in my coat for the inner pocket. Hooch grinned when I held up her purple tinted sunglasses. "Thank you for these but I think they should go home." I held them out to her and Hooch happily took them, slipping them on rather quickly.

"Thanks, fledgling." Hooch cooed happily. The purple glasses went well with her still electric blue hair. I grunted when she elbowed me. "Say, little bird, when are we going to go flying again?"

I rubbed at my side. "When it stops raining. You could drown a cat out there!"

"Nah," Hooch shook her head, "I saw your granny milling around by the doors. She's fine."

My laugh took several of the teachers next to us by surprise. Hooch looked mighty proud of herself as we were glared at by Professor Mills. I have the feeling that woman doesn't like people very easily.

"So, if mine memory is correct, shouldn't there be a mini-Hooch attending this year?" I asked, sudden thought brought on by the sight of my cousins ambling in just ahead of Hermione and the others. They seemed shocked to see me at the teacher's table.

Hooch nodded eagerly, the grin on her face could have lit up the whole hall. "Si, si, there is miniature Hooch child attending and she's named after me. Rolanda Hooch, just different middle name begin Matilda. We all call her Mattie."

"Can Hogwarts survive having a second Hooch at the school?" I teased. "Are her fellow first years safe? I mean, Hermione still has nightmares that you're going to bury her in the pumpkin patch down at Hagrid's."

Hooch cackled evilly, and loudly. The Hall went quiet and all attention was drawn the flying instructors. The cackle turned to a glare that was leveled at the whole room. "What are you all staring at?" she demanded, her tone made a shiver go down my spine. "If you all don't staring I'm going to ask Dumbledore to expand my flying lessons to the upper years…mandatory attendance."

There were a few gasps of horror and the host of Hogwarts quickly turned away. I gap in awe of the older woman next to me with blue tipped hair. Hooch noticed, put her hand over my face and turned me away from her.

"No, I will not tell you my secrets for terrorizing the puny ankle bitters," Hooch said sounded exasperated. "Find your own method of madness, fledgling."

I frowned at her as I knocked her hand away. "But I got in trouble when I did that."

"Yes," Hooch nodded as she said, "that's because you were terrorizing the first years. Once again, black bird, that's my job and I don't take to interference." Hooch turned then and glared at the woman next to her. "Make you a deal, queenie," Hooch said and an eyebrow shot on Professor Mills. "You terrorize your students from that dank hovel you lot call a school and leave my first years alone, because they're mine, and I'll leave yours alone. Deal? Otherwise, I'll be for roaming the halls after Halloween."

Mills sneered. "Fine, old woman, but I find out you've broken the deal and you will find out what I'm capable of; I will ruin your precious first year's happiness."

"HA!" I cried softly and leaned forward to look at the woman. "You'll lose because that happiness dies within the first day when they realize there are no maps of the castle and they have to find their classes on their own!"

Mills looked taken aback. "Why wouldn't you give them maps?"

Hooch shrugged. "Builds character and if they're smart they ask for directions. Means mostly the girls get to class on time."

"That's true," I added. "Only people I've ever heard Gran threaten to turn into a pocket watch were boys. Even a broken watch is on time at least twice a day."

"Your Gran is a devilish puddy-cat I'll give her that." Hooch grinned.

Mills chuckled. "I think I'm going to like Hogwarts more than I thought."

"You don't teach DADA…right?" I asked worriedly, Hooch snorted in amusement.

Mills shook her head. "No," she said in that smoky, raspy voice, "I teach History of Magic. Bridget Holmes is teaching DADA with an Alastair Moody."

I winced. "Oh, crap, we get Mad-Eye. Also, poor, poor Aunt Bridget. Should have realized that's what she was teaching as the Charms posts were filled." I looked back to Hooch. "Whatcha think, birdie, should we have the infirmary on standby?"

Hooch grinned and started counting on her fingers. "Mental breakdown, Weasley Twins, Weasley Twins, Blown up, memory wiped; which, honestly, wasn't quite fitting enough for that sack of shite, and then last year was a werewolf," she started nodding; I can only assume those first three were before my time. "Yea, I think Poppy should stay on standby for more than just certain Gryffindors."

"What?" Professor Mills looked confused.

Before we got the chance to explain, Dumbledore stood and called the Hall to silence. The first years had arrived and it was time for them to start the sorting ceremony. Hooch practically wiggled in her seat starting at the door. If she'd had laser vision instead of hawk vision she would have set the door ablaze.

Gran looked like a giant compared the pintsized beings that followed behind her. I couldn't help but smirk at the looks of fear, awe and nausea that were littered amongst the little First Years. At the back of the group were three older boys, two I knew and one who wave a small wave towards the teacher's table; to which Professor Mills had returned.

It was almost at the same time that Hooch elbowed me with a little too much enthusiasm and I swear I heard a rib crack. My pain was ignored as Hooch was too busy pointing out a little girl near the front of the group that slowly marched their way towards the front like a flock of skittish penguins.

"Geez," I growled lowly when Hooch went to get me a second time. I blocked the hit with a little shield between us. "I get it, I get it, birdie. She's yours. Congrats, you got laid at some point in your life; should I sent a fruit basket to your wife?"

Hooch did a double take at me and Professor Mills nearly chocked on her drink. I'm sure there was a retort to be had but it was halted by Gran starting to call the miniature people up to the stool; that hat that should be bird cage lining in her hand. Hooch forgot about me as Gran started to call names.

Little Malcom Baddock went into Slytherin; I was going to have to remind Gryffindor that just because they were lions didn't mean that they actually had to hiss at people. A trembling Eleanor Branstone was ushered off to Hufflepuff to tremendous applause. I wasn't surprised when Denis Creevy joined his brother at the Gryffindor table. Emma Dobbs all but sprinted to Hufflepuff after the hat was off her head.

I tried to scoot away from Hooch when little Rolanda was called. The bird-woman as freaking out, cheering loudly. Her granddaughter turned red when my Gran turned and shushed little Ro's granny. It would have been funny and I'm sure there would have been more than myself laughing if people weren't actually afraid they'd wind up on fertilizer for the Quidditch pitch.

"Rolanda Hooch!" Gran cried again, glaring over her shoulder to dare the older Hooch to utter a sound.

There was as shuddering gasp that echoed throughout the Hall as the calling of the name because it really hadn't been heard the first time over the flying instructor's excitement. If I didn't know better I would say that many of the students were horrified that Madam Hooch had reproduced. Mini-Hooch proudly strutted up the stool, gave her granny a little wave and then plopped herself upon the stool. When Gran put the hat down upon the girl's head, the little girl did not jump or react at all. Seems that mini-Hooch was having a conversation with hat that didn't last very long before the hat cried 'HUFFLEPUFF!' and the table under the badger banner went crazy.

"Sweet!" Hooch gave a little cheer, grinning. "Now she can be herself without all that extra garbage."

I was a little shocked that Hooch would say that but I understood what she meant. As a whole, Hufflepuff was overlooked but I wouldn't try a one of the Hufflepuffs that I knew. With Hooch finally settled down, the rest of the sorting passed quickly.

Then came the transfer students at the back of the group. My cousins and the dark haired boy who'd waved to Professor Mills. The dark haired boy turned out to be named Henry and he became a Ravenclaw. Professor Flitwick gave Professor Mills a little wave in acknowledgment.

That only left the elder Holmes twins. In my heart of hearts I knew what was going to happen next. The feeling that those boys would end up in silver and green was overwhelming. Hated the fact that Gran's beaming smile didn't quite reach her eyes as she called for Damien.

The hat had barely sat on his head before Damien growled and folded his arms across his chest. Gran gulped hard when the hat yelled 'SLYTHERIN!' quite loudly. While the Slytherin table went nuts, Draco looked worriedly up at me because this was trouble in the making.

Next, and last of all, was Samuel. The boy had watch his brother stride with a bounce in his step to the green clad table. He hesitated when Gran called his name. I noticed he was a bit pale before he turned to sit. The hat debated for several moments before crying 'HUFFLEPUFF' and I could swear that Samuel looked down right relieved and failed to notice the glare his twin was sending him.

**A**

The feast was delicious or maybe I was just hungry. I ended up switching spots with Hooch so she and Gran could talk with left me with Professor Mills. To be honest, I rather preferred her when she was being surly to her demanding to know about Camelot; seems the history professor had done some digging since this afternoon to refresh her memory.

That longing to be sitting at the Gryffindor table was almost all consuming that it wasn't funny. Hermione and I kept stealing glances at each other. Between Hermione and Professor Mills was it easy to ignore the curious stares that was getting from near everyone who wasn't upon the council or a teacher.

"Hello and for those of you are just joining us, welcome to Hogwarts!" Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the Hall. "Those of you returning, welcome back. As always, the Forbidden Forest is named thusly because it is forbidden!" the man laughed at his own joke. "Our caretaker, Mr. Flich, has asked me to remind all of you that there are certain items that are banned from Hogwarts. Please reference his office door where there is a full list of contraband items; ignorance of such items will not count as an excuse if you are caught with them. Before I get to my announcements, as I'm sure that you're all curious as to why we have such a full teacher's table, I must see to protocol first."

I'm not sure I liked the way that Dumbledore said that word 'protocol'. I know he was talking about me because the man glanced back at me a spilt second after the word had left his mouth. There was a low mummer throughout the hall before Dumbledore turned back to face the sea of students.

"Long has Hogwarts had an agreement with the Knights of Camelot, and if you are unawares as who they are don't worry. I'm sure that History of Magic will cover that subject this year for all years." The man stated; I really hoped that was already the plan instead of a random command. "The last Knight to stay at Hogwarts over two hundred years ago. We know have two, Athena Black and Dimitri Horvath."

The hall erupted into a crescendo of mingled voices. Much like happened in my head but louder and had echoes because of the stone walls. It was only after Dumbledore had broadcasted his voice, wand to his throat, basically screaming over the crowd that order was restored.

Then the man said, "For more, I leave to Lady Black." That fucking asshole.

I schooled my features as I stood, my heavy wooden chair making loud scraping noises as it was pushed backwards. "Right," my voice echoed a little as I was speaking loudly, "for those of you who don't know me, I am Athena Black. Last year, my cousin Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban. I'm going to assume you all know this because it was like in every paper the wizdarding world seems to have." There was some chuckles in the crowd and a lot of people were nodding. "In the end it was proven that he was not the murderer that he'd be painted and it was in fact, Peter Pettigrew. That is also well known, if not then I can't help you. However, what is not known is that while apprehending Pettigrew I encountered a Knight Statue of Camelot, Sir Lancelot to be exact. It wouldn't have mattered who I was when I encountered the knight. As long as I was magical the Knight would have taken me." I explained hoping to alleviate those condensing disbelievers. "Through the Trails of the Knight, I survived and was became Sir Lancelot. Now, what that entails for Hogwarts is this, I am now your protector. In accordance with ancient treaties Dimitri and I are bound by oath to protect Hogwarts from not only external threats but internals ones as well."

"WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL?" came a cry from the Ravenclaw table, I didn't see who'd spoken.

I shook my head. "Nothing," I called out, "besides the fact that I didn't die. Those of you who know me know that I take my promises seriously. Which means that I have to say this; WE ARE HOGWARTS!" my voices resonated throughout the room. Those with sensitive hearing winced. "We are more than our houses. We are more than the colors we wear. Ambition and cunning are nothing to be ashamed of Slytherin but temper them and you will find success. When the Battle of Heather Valley was waged, it was Slytherins who stood to protect Hogwarts and the village of Hogsmeade."

That caused a low rumble from the students. The Slytherin table looked shocked that I, or anyone else, would praise them as such. I really had to wonder when that stupid feud with Gryffindor had begun.

"Ravenclaw, you are more than smarts and books." I shifted my gaze to those I'd just named. "Just because you are smart and clever does not mean that you have to prove it at every turn. It is alright to be a jack of all trades but a master of none. Knowledge is meant to be shared, my friends, and we all look to you because being smart is your trademark. Be proud of that but be humble too."

Not sure that those in the Claw house were really responsive to that sentiment. I wasn't meaning it as insult. At least Su Li was grinning as I'm sure she thought I had meant it as an insult; I have to wonder if she remembers she is a Claw.

"Hufflepuff," again my gaze shifted. "Loyal and hardworking, those are the traits that are associated with you but you are more than just diligent workers who stick together. I know amongst your ranks are leaders. I know that amongst your ranks are those who are brave and selfless. There are Hufflepuffs that I'd follow to hell and back. Why, because you can inspire loyalty instead of just giving it away." Professor Sprout was blushing, I could see her out of the corner of my eye. "That being said, you also let yourself blend in and be overshadowed. There is no shame in wearing Hufflepuff yellow. Badgers, wear it with pride."

Susan gave me a nod of thanks before I turned to the Gryffindor table. Each member, expect the first years, looked ready for what I was about to say. Even Ronald had his shoulders squared and wasn't scowling death at me.

"Gryffindors, brave and courageous." I smiled at my former house. "Those who can be counted amongst the first to run into a fight. Those who, in one way or another, represent what Godric wanted in those who wore his name but where is courage and bravery tested the most? Is it in being the first on the front lines or is when you stop yourself from engaging? Courage is more than fighting." I knew this and I was still learning. "Bravery is sometimes counted in walking away or not engaging. Courage is sometimes turning the other cheek. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to do nothing. Sometimes, it's merely telling your best friend to shut it because they're being the problem. Gryffindors, it is alright to be small and non-boisterous; to be the one at the back of the crowd. Thinking, studying and starving for good marks in class is not shameful. Gryffindors should be brave enough to know themselves in that you can be smart and brave. You can be courageous and not have to keep retaliating."

The murmurs returned and both Slytherin and Gryffindor were glaring at each other. "Yes, I am talking about the feud between houses because honestly, it's old and stupid because WE ARE HOGWARTS!" I cried for a second time. Strange how adults want us to be individuals but dress us all the same and let us take up the anger and prejudices of our forbearers. "WE ARE MORE THAN OUR HOUSES! WE DEFINE WHO WE ARE!" I had to pause because that hurt to cry out so loudly. I took a moment, pretending it was a dramatic pause. "Do I make myself clear?" I asked. There were just mummers, well that just wouldn't do whatsoever. "WHO ARE WE?"

"HOGWARTS!" I grinned, the cry was lead from Gryffindor but I could see the other tables give that shot too.

I leveled the Hall with a steely glare. One I hoped was reminiscent of Gran's. "WHO ARE WE?"

This time the whole Hall echoed with one word. "HOGWARTS!"

"Good," I nodded, "because I expect better of you lot. You are magicals, not some monkey in the jungles of Africa who hasn't figured how to wipe his own ass with a tree leaf." At least I made Hooch snigger. "I know I have my own reputation with fighting but if I can starve to improve myself and be better than so can every single one of you. We are not our parents, we are not the ones who came before. We are Hogwarts and we can be better because if we don't then we've already failed." I cleared my throat then and started to sit down when Hooch nudged me and mouthed 'sanctuary'. Right, I'd forgotten that with the pure BS that'd just poured out of my mouth. "Right," I was trying my hardest not to blush. "One last thing that the Knights offer Hogwarts is something called 'Sanctuary'. We've an old house dorm that is open to any student who doesn't not fit within their own house. The weary and beleaguered who need a port in the storm even if it's for a night. This service is determined on a case to case basis and does not reflect upon the person wanting sanctuary. If you feel you need this you can talk to Dimitri or myself or your Head of House. You will still be in your house, go to class with your house-mates, you just won't be in their dorms."

With that I sat down. I have no idea where the hell that speech just came from. Maybe next time I should make note cards. Wonder if Madam Bones knows someone who can write speeches? I was trying to ignore the heaviness that'd been left by what I said; now would be the time for lightning to flash across that magical roof the Great Hall lays claim too.

However, that was not to be as Dumbledore cleared his throat and the doors to the Great Hall crashed open admitting a soggy and grumpy looking Mad-Eye Moody. There were some startled cries but nary was a word spoken as the peg-legged man clunked his way down the center of the room. His enchanted eye whirling and swirling to take in everyone. I couldn't watch the eye move because that was wrong on so many levels and…also… revolting and nauseating.

**A**

The rest of the Welcoming Feast took forever! I really wish Gran would have let Dumbledore finish his joke that he was telling the Weasley twins. To me, at least, I got the feeling they didn't know about the age limit for the Triwizard Tournament or they were hoping it was poor hearing on Malcom's part.

Could have done without Dumbledore taking credit for keeping Quidditch and creating a tournament with the other three schools that were coming. Aunt Bridget looked downright murderous when Dumbledore did that and I thought for a second that Aunt Bridget was going to be the shortest lived DADA. I would have bet galleons that she was going to take the man out right then and there.

Then came the introduction of teachers and then everyone was sent off; expect four who left their tables and made a beeline for me. Draco and Luna I expected but not Izzy or Su Li; though Su Li did make sense. I think that girl lived to take the piss out of her housemates. So it was either because of that or the Ravenclaw Quidditch team found out who was behind their baldness last year.

Gran frowned as her Ravenclaw granddaughter boldly asked for sanctuary; Flitwick looked confused. I was slow to stand, recalling everything that I'd been told last year about the girls' trouble. When I looked towards the Ravenclaw house I noticed that Cho Chang was glaring at my friends and cousin. Her look wasn't much different from the one coming from Crabbe and Goyle aimed at Draco.

"I grant you, Isobel Holmes, Su Li, Luna Lovegood and Draco Black, sanctuary," I told the three Ravenclaws and Draco; I wasn't willing to find out what would happen to them if they returned to their dorms. There was a shudder throughout the castle, the stones creaked as the clouds were chased out of the ceiling. "You will follow Dimitri and me to the Knight's dorms and your things will be retrieved for you," I said before looking to Gran. "Perhaps tomorrow morning before breakfast we can have a meeting with you, me, Professor Flitwick and Professor Snape as to why they sought the Knight's dorm?"

Gran nodded and then gave a little nod of her chin. Hermione was waiting by the Hall doors and was watching me intently. As Gran moved to leave the table, she promised that we'd talk about Hermione as well.

"Feel important yet?" Hooch asked as we made our way around the table following Gran.

I sputtered at the woman, "n-no!" I didn't feel important whatsoever. "I feel weird and out of place and sort of like that time that Fraser used me for bait when he was after a manticore." Hooch face drew dark as I admitted that. "I was small and squishy and bite-sized according to him. All I can remember is the mantra of 'don't pee your pants, don't throw up, don't pee your pants, don't throw up' running through my head."