Hi guys! I'm really sorry for the long wait, but, as I explained on my profile, I have been awfully busy and was plagued by a writer's block. But here I am, back with a new chapter and scheduled updated for once every other week.
I'm not sure what to do with some loose ends like Umbridge and how to couple several people. I'm always open to suggestions though and if you'd like to recommend certain pairings, I promise to give them serious consideration.
Prepare for lots of feels and leave a review on your way out!
Chapter 19: The road ahead
"Lord Slytherin, backed by Lord Prince, Lord Black and Lord Malfoy, has requested this meeting of the full Wizengamot, because he has gotten information that requires an immediate decision. Lord Slytherin, you have the floor." Dumbledore opened the Wizengamot meeting and then sat down to listen to Tom's proposal.
Marvolo stood, elegant as always, and inclined his head towards Dumbledore.
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, after our last meeting I asked Lord Prince on a report of Hogwarts's education. It is, after all, my wish that by bringing all magical children under eleven to the same level of education we can bring Hogwarts to standard where she truly deserves to be called the best magical school.
I'm sorry to say that two wars in one century have done much damage to the one institute we thought safe. Among other problems is the fact that You-know-who cursed the position of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher in the late fifties. No professor has managed to teach that course for more than a year, often meeting an untimely end around the period of exams. I propose that the members of the Wizarding Examinations Authority inspect every course and its professor. For the cursed position, curse-breakers from Gringotts might be employed."
Mr Burke, Head of the Department of Magical Education protested, "Lord Slytherin! I wish to point out that our Department consists of more that just the WEA. I'm sure I can create an inspection team who will be just as good at the job!"
"That may be so, Mr Burke, but I still prefer Professor Marchbanks and her group. They have all spend much of their lives dedicated to testing students on their knowledge and all of them started out as teachers themselves. Your staff consists of bureaucrats. They design the forms involved in every aspect of education, but they do so based on recommendations of the WEA," Marvolo finished his tongue-lashing with a smirk on his face.
Burke sat down again, eyes narrowed in anger at being treated like a fool who didn't know his own people or their skills. Which he was of course, but no one likes to be told so. Fortunately the growing tension was diffused by Dumbledore, who cleared his throat.
"I have to admit that Lord Slytherin's information is correct, to my eternal shame. As Headmaster of Hogwarts I'd be pleased to welcome Madame Marchbanks and her team. I'll see to it that appropriate arrangements are made to make their visit as comfortable as possible, though I'd like our Yule-celebrations to be undisturbed if possible."
After seeing Dumbledore approve of the idea himself, the other Light members of the Wizengamot were quickly swayed to vote in favour. Many of them had either children or nieces and nephews at Hogwarts and they wished for the best possible education for them. With two successful and most important good ideas for the improvement of the Wizarding World, while keep the Old Traditions in tact, the Light side of the Wizengamot began to believe that Lord Slytherin wasn't at all like his father and might prove an influential ally in the future.
Dumbledore himself disliked the idea of the inspection, but he knew that his many jobs had prevented him from being as good a headmaster as he wanted to be. At least he knew Madame Marchbanks to be correct and fair. She would give advise with only the future generation in mind. Ah well at least he had prove now that Tom had truly changed for the better. A couple more years and he might even allow Tom to take over his more political jobs. Not Hogwarts though, Hogwarts moulded the minds of Magical Britain's population. Such a job was far too delicate too leave to someone else!
"I hope Draco behaved yesterday. You seemed quite flustered at dinner last night." Severus remarked slyly as a lull fell into the conversation.
Harry's blush and his shouted "Sev!" brought a smile to Severus's otherwise dour face. They were enjoying lunch in his quarters, as had become their habit on Sunday. It gave them some private time to bond and go over the past week. Today however some important decisions and events had to be discussed.
"Relax, little one. I know Draco and I doubt he would have been anything but the perfect gentleman, even with the chaperones. Now, Harry, I have some news of my own. Some you will be excited about, something neutral and something you won't like at first. What do you wish to hear first?"
Harry nibbled on his bottom lip as he thought about that. In the end, he decided he wanted the bad news first and then the better news.
"Very well. I spoke to Sirius yesterday, please wait with your questions, and he told me his cousin Andromeda, who had also been disinherited, is a mind healer specialized in abuse cases." Here Harry did interrupt Severus.
"I don't really want to go, but I spoke with Luna some time ago and she thought it prudent to seek help. It's just, if I go, will you go as well? I mean… I know my own symptoms and I think I recognize some of it with you, except you don't often show yourself…" Harry stammered this last part. He wasn't truly scared Severus would be angry, but his first reaction when he did something impertinent was still anticipation for rejection. It was a reflex left over from years with the Dursleys, who punished him if he only looked at them or breathed too loud.
Severus understood this. He had trained his tells away, but he still had leftover habits from the abuse inflicted by his muggle father. Therefore he did the only sensible thing in his mind and drew Harry into a hug to show him he hadn't mind the impertinence. "Shall I make the first preliminary appointment for both of us, then?"
Harry looked up through his lashes. "Preliminary?" he asked.
Severus nodded. "Yes, Andromeda works with people whose trust has been broken, like us, and before she accepts someone as a patient, she wants to know whether they can work together. Not many use this principle, but it works for her apparently."
Harry liked that. This way he could first meet her and get some notion of what she was like as a person. Decision made and topic closed, he asked about the other news.
"Somewhere next week an inspection team will arrive. They will decide which professors are actually able to teach and whether the classes are up to standard. Afterwards they will present their findings to the Wizengamot and Board of Governors and give advice on to the teachers they have inspected. It is likely that they will present options for the positions that will need to be filled. They have many teaching contacts, both old and experienced as well as young and innovative." Severus said.
"So it's a good thing you decided to your best this year." Harry dared to be cheeky, because they had discussed Severus's teaching method before. Now the Dark Lord was back and sane, Severus dared to let go of his bat of the dungeon – persona. He was still very strict, because potion's accidents could be so incredibly dangerous, but he actually taught what were they meant to do and how to do it. He had even given extra lessons for those who needed it, namely the fifth and seventh years who needed to prepare for their OWLs and NEWTs.
"Indeed," Severus smiled indulgingly, "as for the good news, the Headmaster has decided to hold a Yule ball on Christmas Day. Though only those of fourth year and up can attend, unless they are an older student's date. As champion you are obliged to ask someone to open the ball with, but since you are betrothed you have a permanent date ready."
Harry blushed again, excited at the prospect of dancing with Draco. Perhaps practicing together could count as an official date? He had begun learning formal dances from Severus, along with several other necessary things Heirs should know, but he imagined it would be quite different with someone who actually was the right height for him. The nutrient potions had done their job well, but the malnutrition from such a young age had permanently stunted his growth. Still where Draco was only six inches taller than Harry, Severus had more that foot on him. That did make formal dances more difficult.
A thought occurred to him. "Wait didn't you say you spoke to Sirius yesterday? I thought you had Hogsmeade duty yesterday."
This time it were Severus' cheeks that coloured. Ever so slightly, but his pale complexion did nothing to hide the blush. He floundered for several moments before finding his words.
"I did meet Sirius, and Remus as well. We had lunch together in the Three Broomsticks. (How appropriate that name suddenly seems. Or am I the only one perverted enough to grasp the innuendo?) They… Well I haven't had the chance to tell you yet, but Tuesday evening they… approached me with a … proposal. They are interested in pursuing a three-way-bond with me and wish to woo me into accepting," Severus stammered several times during his explanation, but Harry just smiled encouragingly.
"I'm really glad for you. You deserve to be loved and I'm sure Remus and Sirius will be very good for you. I admit that I suspect something of the kind and was hoping for it. Though finding the right name for you all will be difficult. James was my father and you are my papa of course and Sirius is my dogfather, so I suppose Remus will be my daddy."
Harry pondered this for a little while longer, while Severus was trying (and failing) to hold back his tears at the unconditional love he received from his son. He had come to see Harry as his son very quickly and somewhere in his mind he knew that Harry returned this love, but hearing his child discuss names for him and his suitors so confidently was enough to make his heart swell with love and happiness.
When a group of elderly witches and wizards marched into the Great Hall on Monday morning, several older students nearly had an apoplexy. Especially the sixth years, who still vividly remembered the horror otherwise named as OWLs and the seventh years, most of whom were already nose deep in books to prepare for their NEWTs. Some of the fifth years recognized Madame Marchbanks as the feared (but respected) head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority and they were in no better condition. Thankfully, Dumbledore rose before mass panic could break out and he addressed the witches and wizards.
"Members of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, I welcome you to Hogwarts. Would you prefer to join us at breakfast or would you like to see your rooms before you start your task of inspecting Hogwarts?"
The student population calmed somewhat, though furious whispering started up. Those with parents in the Wizengamot were quickly found and interrogated about their inside knowledge. The teachers remained remarkably calm, having already been informed by both the Headmaster and Professor Snape.
"No thank you, Headmaster," Madame Marchbanks's voice (extraordinarily powerful for a witch her age) rung through the hall, "we would prefer a private room and every professor's schedule so we can adequately divide ourselves over all classes."
Dumbledore nodded congenially, blue eyes twinkling, and gestured for them to follow him. They marched straight out of the Great Hall again and no sooner had the great doors closed behind the last wizard, did the hall veritably explode with noise. It was only when Professor McGonagall launched some crackers that they calmed down again.
"Madame Marchbanks and her team are here on request of the Wizengamot. They wish to ascertain Hogwarts's current level, as there are reports that things have slid with two wars hitting us hard, so soon after each other. I strongly encourage you to be on your best behaviour. Some pranks will no longer be given to leeway they had before and might even result in suspension. If you have opinions about certain matters to do with Hogwarts, you are free to approach the inspecting team, but I suggest you keep personal vengeances out of this. It will not reflect well on you and Madame Marchbanks chooses her colleagues for their outstanding memory."
All students were excited at the sudden turn of events. Since the First task things had slowed down again to the usual everyday routine, which disappointed many as they had hoped a more interesting year. It was a nervous sort of excitement: no one expected the questioning of Hogwarts's standards and many wondered what kind of change this new development would bring.
Hermione was outraged at first that Hogwarts's educational level was doubted, but as soon as Ron reminded her of Trelawney and Harry brought up the many incompetent DADA teachers through the years she saw potential of a complete investigation. And she had to admit that though Professor Snape had severely improved this teaching method they had been substandard in the previous years.
They didn't have time to chat long as classes were about to start. The fourth years said goodbye to Luna and the other three Champions before making their way to the greenhouses. They were all quite nervous and debated whether an inspector would show up, though it was deemed unlikely. The WEA would probably take the morning or even the whole day to divided themselves over all the years and professors. All subjects per year had to be evaluated by three different inspectors on three different times.
As they arrived at Greenhouse two, Justin greeted them. He had become a friendly acquaintance ever since he had showed his support that first Herbology lesson after the Halloween fiasco. Of course Harry had practically adopted by all of Hufflepuff after Cedric's declaration, but he preferred to keep them at a friendly distance. They were quite nice, but their large groups tended to overwhelm Harry slightly. Not to mention that he remembered second year rather well. Back then his last belief in forced authority and institutions had crumbled only to be replaced by a fierce loyalty to his precious people.
The hufflepuffs had picked up his asocial tendencies fast and respected the distance placed between them. He was thick as thieves with Cedric, friendly with Justin and Professor Sprout mothered him at every chance she got. That connection was enough for them. That's why it came as a surprise to Harry to see the two witches standing behind Cedric. He recognized the blond as Hannah Abbott and the redhead as Susan Bones. They hadn't been very nice to him in second year, nor had they ever apologized for it.
Susan spoke first, shame burning her cheeks. "As Heir of the House of Bones I apologize for any and all slurs made to Harry Potter, Heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Potter and of the Ancient and most Noble House of Prince. I understand if reparations need to made. I should have known better than to spout unproven accusations against your person."
The whole process repeated with Hannah. Harry had to blink a few times before he regained his countenance enough to make an adequate reply. "I forgive you both for the things you said. You were young and scared and all the evidence was against you. You didn't know me at all so I'm not angry for believing what you thought to be the truth." He smiled gently at the two girls, which nearly took their breath away. Harry had in the past weeks matured into a lovely young man with the face of an angel (Though Hermione called it bishie, while muttering about enriching the yaoi-community and making all fujioshis drool.)
They had no further chance to talk as Professor Sprout arrived and shooed them inside.
Hagrid had been replaced by Professor Grubbly-Plank, but they still needed to put the Skrewts in boxes to ship them away. And as the Beasts were impervious to magic this needed to happen by hand. The amount of Skrewts had been drastically reduced in the past few weeks as they got more and more aggressive, so each Skrewt was surrounded by about two to three students. Nonetheless, the lesson ended with signed and even burned students. Harry was slightly worse off than Ron and Hermione. The reason … well he did have a very handsome suitor attending the same class. A suitor who was, completely accidental of course, also bit more burned than his friends. Alas sneak peaks and Skrewts didn't mix well.
After lunch Hermione dragged Harry to the seventh floor for Arithmancy, while Neville and Ron trudged up to Trelawney's classroom. This time they were in luck as an elderly wizard was already waiting there. He introduced himself as Professor Tofty and encouraged them to be as natural as possible so he could get a good reading of the usual atmosphere.
The lesson did indeed go as it normally would. Professor Vector had been a teacher for several years already and was too professional to let an inspection disturb her class. The students were swiftly called to order and they settled in their groups of last time to work on the group assignment they had been given. Professor softly talked with Professor Vector for a few moments, before walking through the classroom once to take some notes, all the while being careful so as not to disturb the engrossed students.
Soon the lesson ended and they left for Ancient Runes, a floor below. Again an inspector was already present, an elderly witch in deep conversation with Professor Babbling. When they noticed the students, they ended the conversation and moved to he classroom.
Professor Babbling was a master of her subject, but a bit of chaotic. She hadn't had her mastery and subsequent teaching possession for very long, only three years in fact. On days she felt like it, she was marvellous; on others she gave an assignment for independent study. Thankfully today was a good one, though she did spring a surprise on the students.
"The Wizard Examinations Authority has decided to up the level of current non-OWL or NEWT classes. They feel that simply knowing the incantations and basic chaining is challenging enough and from next year on OWL students will have to do a practical as well. You will have to be able to draw and activate a rune correctly. The fifth year are starting to learn this as well, but to give them some leeway, they will only do it for extra credit on their OWL."
Most of the class grumbled at the even faster pace, but Harry was almost bouncing in his chair from anticipation. The current curriculum was way too easy for him, as they only touched on single and chained runes of no more than two. Harry on the other hand had little to no problems anymore with his pentagrams and was dying to begin using Runes in his daily life.
Before they could begin on this new interesting course, Professor Babbling quizzed them on Runes and their incantations. They had to be able to recall them perfectly as a botched incantation was much like a botched spell, the results could be devastating. As such dinner couldn't come fast enough for Harry, who was bored to death within the first few minutes of the quiz and spend most of his time doodling his latest finished pentagram on the back of his test papers, complete with all the necessary calculations.
At dinner they were regaled by stories of Madame Marchbanks giving Trelawney the lashing of the century for allowing just about anybody into her class, without testing them on their ability to See; her awful taste in headache inducing perfume and her inability to properly guide gifted students to their true instruments. After ten minutes Trelawney had gotten hysteric, ranted on how she had seniority and was given the position by the Headmaster himself before storming out of the classroom and, according to the rumour mill, packing her bags. Madame Marchbanks had then taken over the classroom, and after several improvements to the setting and the summoning of several delicate objects, begun testing each student on their Gift. Not one student had some enough promise for full training. Madame Marchbanks had reassured them that it was a normal occurrence and that she estimated only one student per year might have the Gift. At this statement Harry glanced at Luna, who smiled and shook her head. She was fine now Harry had broken the curse. Seeing wasn't a gift to boast with after all. And most natural Seers didn't need the education anyway.
I figured that Hermione, as a fervent reader, had as good a chance as any to stumble on anime and manga and thus the whole boys love community. I like giving her a naughtier side beyond her bookish facade and who knows what she's reading? A book can be easily disguised and most people aren't very interest in dry textbooks or literature.
I mostly made up the curriculum for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes and went with what I myself have read in fan fiction before, coupled with some logic thinking. If you have any suggestions, please let me know and I see how I can use that in later chapters.