Quoth the Raven

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Reviews are welcomed, flames aren't. Frau and I are on a roll. Enjoy it while it lasts! -GF and the Frau

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Chapter 31: Tell Me What Thy Lordly Name Is

Severus Snape sat in the Staff Room next morning, still mulling over what he had learned last night in the Forbidden Forest. His first impressions of the spawn of Potter had been erroneous, it would seem. The boy may physically bear the likeness of his old rival, James bloody Potter, and he surely had his beloved Lily's eyes, but that was where it stopped. He did not know how to categorise their son. What qualities had he inherited from them? How had they been honed? It was clear from last night's performance at the Feast that the boy had been raised as a proper little lord, but there was an edge to him that James Potter never had.

Then there were was his patron goddess: The Morrigan. It seems She had taken a very active role in the boy's life. For Her to accept the boy's simple gifts spoke to him of Her understanding of a child's need for approval. She was, historically, a very demanding goddess who was usually very unforgiving of change to the rituals of Her worship.

And yet there was the fact that the boy had seemed very comfortable in Her presence. Severus knew that to question Her was to invite death. He was no fool, and had been very devoted to Her since his early years. His very Slytherin nature bade him to be cautious, so he would just have to take a wait-and-see attitude.

"Good morning, everyone," Albus said as he came into his office, merrily greeting the professors awaiting him. Breakfast would be starting soon in the Great Hall, but he had called for a quick emergency meeting of all the staff due to last night's events.

Dolores Umbridge sat immediately to the left of the headmaster with Minerva on his right. Severus shuddered, thinking about the pink-clad DADA Instructor. What was Fudge playing at, appointing that incompetent toady?

"Minerva, did you sort out Mr Potter's timetable as I asked?" Albus queried, forcing Severus to focus on the meeting.

"Yes, Albus. I went through his academic records, and they all point to him being in Ravenclaw, so I asked Filius to take over as his Head and arrange his studies."

"But surely, my dear, Harry would do well in Gryffindor?"

"He may in your eyes, Albus, but his records say otherwise. And Albus, if you want to get along with him, you need to drop your overly familiar tone. He does not seem to appreciate it," Minerva huffed. Glaring at him, she continued, "He won't match all of your expectations. His records are quite clear, and from them, he belongs in Ravenclaw! Also, since you were the one that dropped this mess into my lap, you will have to accept my decision. Now, Filius and I have discussed this, and his classes will be with the Ravenclaws."

Albus sighed, shooting her a disappointed look. Minerva had her back up and she was going to have her way, willy-nilly. He knew better than to prod her Scots temper.

"Let's face it, Headmaster: you just want him to befriend the Weasleys, your toadying sycophants," Severus sneered.

Everyone turned their attention to the snarky Potions Master, stunned looks on their faces. "You just can't stand the thought of not having the brat under your control, especially now that he's finally shown up."

"Now, Severus," a startled Albus sputtered, "I want you to keep a close eye on him." The aged headmaster brushed aside his Potions Master's accusations blithely. "We don't know how he was raised. There may be issues we have to address." He forced a chuckle, eyes twinkling benignly.

Severus shrugged. Damn Albus-too-many-names and his 'greater good!' The old fool can't see the forest for the trees!

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Dolores sniffed, sipping her morning tea as she listened to the conversations rippling through the room. Only time would tell if he was an enemy, a threat to her dear Cornelius, or not. She would see to it that this upstart lordling got his comeuppance if he did turn out to be a threat.

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Half-awake students were assembling for breakfast. Many were hoping to catch another glance of the mysterious Lord Potter. He had cut quite a figure at the feast last night. Several girls were already vying to get closer to him.

Unfortunately, everyone was waiting in vain. The object of their gossip was running with his mentor, as well as another student, around the Black Lake. Lord Potter's day had started more than two hours ago. Harry had sent a quick note by house-elf to Hermione, outlining what he and Wolf had planned, and soon their early morning training had been joined by their third member.

Later, at the tail end of breakfast, the trio strolled into the Great Hall, freshly showered and well groomed. Strangely enough, a full, fresh and steaming breakfast appeared when they sat, despite their late arrival.

Hermione had borrowed Harry's shower as she didn't have time to run back to her dorm. A simple refreshing spell on her robes made sure she was good to go. As they entered, she and Harry were in a discussion on an article in Potions Monthly.

"Lord Potter," Filius Flitwick called to him as he moved down the aisle. "I have your timetables. I am sure Miss Granger will be happy to show you around."

"I would love to, Professor," Hermione said as she looked at Harry's timetable over his shoulder. "Oh good, we have all the same classes!"

"Mr Wolfram..."

"Actually, sir, it's Sergeant-Major Wolfram, not Mister, Professor," Wolf corrected politely.

"Of course, Sergeant-Major, I was going to ask, are you going to attend Lord Potter's classes as well?"

"No, sir. I will be escorting him to and from most classes and, while I will oversee some of his training, I assure you, all of Lord Potter's school work will be his own."

"Lord Potter, which would you prefer to be called? Lord Potter or Mr Potter?" Filius asked respectfully. He was finding this young man more and more intriguing.

"I understand, from the Charter, that as a student I hold no rank. However, as a Founder's Heir, I can claim it. So, sir, it can go either way and unless circumstances dictate otherwise, Mr. Potter is fine."

"Very well, Mr. Potter. The headmaster wishes for you to meet with him before classes this morning." The diminutive professor started to move away.

"Sir, if you would, unless you have a class, could you accompany us for that meeting?" Harry asked respectfully. "I know that, as a Founder's Heir, I really don't have a Head of House, but since you are overseeing my scheduling, I would say that responsibility has fallen on you."

"I would be honored, Mr. Potter," Filius said with a smile as he stepped away. "Also, please come to my office before dinner, so that we can have a chat about some of your classes."

"It will be my pleasure, sir. I hope you can tell me more about my mother at that time as well."

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Several of the Ravenclaws had spent the night before wondering why Potter hadn't been in their dorm since he sat with them at the feast.

Of course, many of the older Ravenclaws, had immediately gone into research mode. They questioned why the Sorting Hat had called out that title and wondered what it entailed. What they found raised more questions than it answered.

The whole house was on hand for breakfast the next morning, eager to see what more could be learned about this new riddle. To see their Head of House talking with him had several nodding their heads in satisfaction. They got Potter! Take that, Gryffindors!

Draco Malfoy scowled as he noted Potter was sitting with a Mudblood at the Ravenclaw table! It was disgusting! His father would not be pleased.

Ron and Ginny Weasley glared over from the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore had wanted their help in bringing Potter over to the Light side.

Ginny was told she would have a chance of winning the handsome young lord for herself if they suceeded. And she had been promised the headmaster was on her side; he had arranged for the Weasleys to spend time with Harry at the end of summer. It hadn't happened however, Harry had refused their hospitality. He looks better in the morning light, she drooled.

Neville Longbottom glanced over at Harry and smiled. Harry wasn't what he thought the muggle raised teen would be. His gran was going to be very pleased that the headmaster's focus would now be directed off of him. When Harry Potter had been missing, Albus Dumbledore had begun to take an unhealthy interest in Neville, and Augusta Longbottom was not happy with it.

Harry knew that he was being weighed and measured by the various factions in the school. He had been trained for this since Wolf came into his life. Ben and Maggie had kept him sheltered at the Tower, but he'd also grown up playing on the Tower Green among the tourists. In doing so, Harry had met and watched all manner of people, which only helped to hone his observation skills. He helped himself to a very light but healthy breakfast and chatted with Hermione as he ate, as if he hadn't a care in the world - which was the whole point.

Dolores Umbridge scowled in disgust. That a powerful wizard from an ancient and noble family like the Potters would lower himself to associate with a Mud-blood. It was disgraceful! She quite lost her appetite.

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Harry entered the headmaster's office with Professor Flitwick and Wolf in tow. He took in everything in one glance, but wasn't really impressed with the overly decorated surroundings. A phoenix, perched by the window, seemed to be sleeping. Harry wondered what the magical bird thought about him being a Founder's Heir and not liking the headmaster.

"You may go, Professor. I wish to speak to Mr Potter. You may go as well, Mr Wolfram," the headmaster said, dismissing the adults off handedly, bringing Harry's attention back to what was going on around him.

"Headmaster, I know I probably will be saying this repeatedly, but it is Sergeant-Major Wolfram, and where Lord Potter goes, I go," Wolf said, standing by the door at parade rest. He was not moving.

"Lord Potter asked me to attend as his Head of House, Albus," Professor Flitwick said to the annoyed headmaster.

"Very well. Have a seat, Mr Potter. I understand you have received your timetable. I had hoped you would be paired with Gryffindors as your parents were in that House."

Albus sighed as he offered the boy a sherbert lemon, which was turned down with a brisk, "No, thank you."

Harry raised an eyebrow. At least the man wasn't addressing him so familiarly in this meeting. As he had stated to Flitwick earlier, according to the Charter, Harry had to give up his rank the moment he was Sorted; however, as a Founder's Heir, his titles were optional. But he would be Merlin-be-damned if he would allow the meddling old fool to use his first name so freely!

"Sir, I am quite comfortable with my schedule with the Ravenclaws," Harry said, giving the headmaster a cold smile.

Albus seemed to wilt before their eyes. There was a momentary pause before the aged headmaster blurted out, "Harry, my boy, could you tell me where you were? I was so worried and sure that your relatives would do right by you."

Harry's smile died as his relatives were mentioned. He stood abruptly. So much for hoping the man had learned his lesson.

"Albus! Show a bit of respect. He's repeatedly told you not to be so familiar with him!" Filius chided.

Albus leaned back as he watched the boy standing at the door ready to leave. "I am sorry, Lord Potter but, as an old wizard, I am afraid I find it hard to change my ways."

Harry turned and glared at the headmaster. "No, perhaps not. They do say it is hard for old dogs to learn new tricks. You placed me there with no regard to my parents' will." His eyes narrowed as he gauged the headmaster's reactions. "The goblins showed me it when I was eleven. My relatives should have never been allowed to keep a dog, let alone raise a magical child."

Wolf stepped forward and handed Harry a file.

"Here is my medical record, taken when I was first found." Harry placed it on the desk. "I personally do not like you, sir, nor do I trust you. I have no respect for someone who, if only through deliberate ignorance, promotes child abuse. However, you are the headmaster here and I must, for the moment, place myself under your jurisdiction. If that is all?"

"Mr Potter, may I have a copy of your medical records as well?" Filius asked.

'You may go, Lord Potter," Albus said dourly, looking resigned.

"I have extra records, sir," Harry said to the diminutive professor as he gave a slight bow.

Wolf waited until Harry exited, then turned and followed him briskly from the office.

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Thanks everyone for the reviews. Enjoy this writing spree while it lasts and thank you Phil for all your hard work.

Until next time. -GF and the Frau