Disclaimer:
I do not own the world and characters featured in this Harry Potter fanfiction. This honor belongs to JK Rowling and the many licensors of her work. I do not make money from writing this.
.:/*\:.
Hermione sighed as she let her head fall back as far as it would go then bending her neck this and that way, rolling her shoulders as went. Anything to ease the tension she felt along her spine and across her shoulders and the back of her neck. She'd spent the last four hours hunched over the piles of books spread on Madam Pince's desk. It was amazing how one single, lousy year spent running around the countryside with two hormonal boys could nearly destroy a lifetime of excellent study habits.
Her mind didn't seem to want to settle on the runes she was supposed to be translating. Instead, arithmantic equations of power versus stability, hook layer designs, runic warding codes, and potion and curse-based trap layers seemed to vie for domination over her thoughts. The various elements of the potential ward swam around in her mind, arranging themselves in various patterns again and again. The young witch's head finally came to rest with her chin against her chest, her hair falling around her head and obscuring her entire field of vision. Her elbows against the desk, she pressed her fingers hard into the muscles in her neck groaning at the pain-relief she felt.
"You look almost as bad as I feel, Miss Granger."
The smooth baritone of Professor Snape's voice brought a little smile to her lips where she would have run away screaming just twelve months ago. She wiped said smile off her face before she lifted her head to look at her Professor, pushing her hair back away from her face.
"Have you somehow managed to escape the Headmistress, Deputy Headmaster?" Hermione said with a greeting nod.
Snape scoffed at the title, and the younger witch had to bite her lip to stop herself from smiling again. With a lazy flick of his wand, the dark wizard summoned tea for three, and Hermione flicked Quebracho to clear the desk of her mess and summon an additional seat.
"Come join us, Irma. I think you deserve a real break."
Hermione exchanged a look with the Librarian, both women arching their eyebrows at Severus Snape's display of gallantry.
"Out with it, Slytherin," Pince finally said as she took her seat.
"I need to know if you need help to get the Library back in order before the beginning of the school year, Irma."
"Yes, but from the staff. Not from a bunch of dunderheads, as you are so fond of saying. So unless you have come to tell me that you have managed to secure the help of the British Library…"
"Sadly not, although trust me, the request has been made."
Irma Pince took a sip from her drink as she nodded.
"If you expect the Library to be fully open come September, I will need help. If you and the Headmistress are happy with me providing a reduced service, I can do that with a minimum of support from the teachers."
"How reduced?"
"I have most of the basic research tomes for all the years repaired or replaced. What we haven't got yet, I have ordered, and it should be with us within the next couple of weeks. The advanced tomes are a bit more delicate. Given we were housing a great many rare books in the Restricted Section, it is more difficult to find replacements. When it comes to physical damages, all the bookshelves are standing, although some could do with being replaced. Desks, tables and chairs can be brought in from other parts of the castle. However, if I have to continue repairing books while school is in session, I will have to reduce the amount of time the Library is open to the students so I have time to concentrate on said repairs. If the teachers understand that the level of research possible will not be as high for at least the first trimester, we should be fine."
Hermione sipped at her tea at the two older magicals discussed and planned a way forward to allow the student body as long as possible in the way of time in the library while giving Madam Pince enough time to do her job.
The tinkling that told of the Master Ward's attempt to communicate with her had Hermione frowning at her bag. But Snape and Pince carried on talking without interruption, and Hermione discreetly reached for the thin journal.
More delays in the rebuilding?
Hermione frowned and she reached for a quill.
How on earth do you know that?
Hermione watched her inked words sink into the page as the Master Ward formulated an answer.
Request the Ministry's help.
Hermione shook her head and wrote, They won't help.
They have to. Review the Charter.
"Miss Granger?"
Snape's voice had Hermione lifting her eyes to see both the Deputy Headmaster and the Librarian watching her.
"He says 'review the Charter'," Hermione explained as she waved her quill over the Master Ward. "Apparently, the Ministry cannot refuse to help Hogwarts."
"The Charter has long since been abandoned," Pince said with a sigh, "or we would be using it."
Hermione looked back to the journal, but saw only a long line across the page. She had learned by now it meant the Master Ward had nothing else to say. Hermione closed the journal and placed it back in her bag, shrugging at the questioning look in Snape's eyes. The younger witch took a sip of her tea as her elders returned to the discussion at hand.
The Gryffindor had learned over the past couple of weeks that the Master Ward did not speak up for no reason. In its encoded reasoning, it was the duty of the Ministry to provide aid to Hogwarts in this situation. The question was why, and what did the Charter have to do with it? For that matter, what was the Charter?
.:/*\:.
Hermione knocked at the door and smiled at the happy sound of her Runes Master bidding her enter.
"I see you have already started your first assignment, Hermione."
"Finished it, actually, Master."
"Oh please, none of that Master and Apprentice business. In private, you are Hermione and I am Bathsheba. Decorum should be maintained in front of the students or in official situations, but I can assure you the rest of the staff will not mind the familiarity in the slightest. I wouldn't be surprised if most of them went and offered to be on a first name basis with you before the holidays are over."
The younger witch smiled and nodded slightly as she deposited her half-a-dozen scrolls on the desk.
"Alright, I have the first translations you gave me and a list of the runes books I own," Hermione said as she pushed the first four scrolls towards her teacher. "I've also got my copy of the Third-Year lesson plan, and the timetable Minerva made for us."
"Good. I do plan to get you to take over the Third Years before Halloween. I think that there is nothing they should learn that you don't know, and they'll be young enough to not give you too much trouble at first."
Hermione nodded once then sat on the chair facing her Runes Master's. She watched as Bathsheba glanced at her translations.
"Any trouble with these?"
"Nope, they felt pretty basic."
"They were. I have had only one apprentice before you, but my own Master always made it a point to start at Seventh Year level. He said it was a way to judge if there were any glaring gap in knowledge that needed to be remedied before we started on the real apprenticeship. I'm pretty sure you are well above that level, but I will follow in my Master's footsteps."
Hermione smiled and nodded once more. Bathsheba slid across another two scrolls for the Gryffindor witch.
"These are slightly more advanced, academic text extracts. One in Elder Futhark and the other in Younger Futhark. I'd like you to translate them and analyze the differences in meaning between the two."
"Are the runes from the same text, originally?"
"Yes, they are translations of an Egyptian work about potions used during the mummification process of powerful witches and wizards of the time."
Hermione looked up at her teacher, surprised at the subject matter and Bathsheba smiled.
"I thought you'd enjoy reading about it, although I'm afraid some things were lost in translation. I believe these extracts are translations of translations. I do have the original text somewhere, if you decide to make Ancient Glyphs a specialty."
"Actually, I was wondering if it would be possible for me to study the Lagaz, the Goblin runic system. Hagdar has mentioned he would introduce me to the Lagaz eventually as part of my warding apprenticeship. And I thought I could combine my studies on this point."
The Runes Master nodded slowly.
"I know of the Lagaz, and I suppose that if your other Master is willing to teach them to you, it will make you a truly unique Rune Master. I do not think anyone knows enough about the Lagaz to make more than a few educated guesses when it comes to translation. And as such, no one - or at least, no one human - has ever used them in any capacity in the wizarding world."
Hermione smiled and shrugged, her hand absently toying with her seldra. Goblins were a secretive people by nature and necessity. And Hermione was still quietly amazed she had been accepted into the ranks so easily. Her formal introduction to the Ukerim Clan had been one long and exhausting party, hosted in the tall caverns of Uzugarg. Even now, nearly two days after, Hermione still could feel the after-effects of too much Goblin-distilled alcohol.
To be fair, so many things had happened to her in the space of just a few weeks that Hermione sometimes wished she could disappear for the rest of the summer. She had handled the last will of her friend-come-brother, testified to save a spy, been railroaded by the Ministry, been adopted by the Goblins, made a few friends among the Merpeople and the Centaurs, and finally, she had started two apprenticeships all the while studying for her NEWTs. And not long before that chain of events, she'd fought a mad wizard and been tortured…
"Are you all right, Hermione?"
The young witch looked up at her mentor, her eyebrows raised in enquiry.
"You looked a bit lost to the world there, for a minute."
"Just thinking about everything that's happened since May."
Bathsheba hummed as she gathered the scrolls on her desk. "Do you think you will be able to handle everything?"
"Pretty sure," Hermione replied with a shrug.
Bathsheba smiled and waved at the numerous pieces of parchment on her desk.
"Let's review the curriculum together. Then we'll see if you have any question about your NEWT."
.:/*\:.
Hermione had spent most of day reviewing the lesson plan for the Third Years. During that year, students were expected to learn Younger Futhark and were introduced only in passing to the older set of runes. She had migrated back to her own study, in the Blue Quarters. The Headmistress had already agreed to keep her in those quarters through her apprenticeship at Hogwarts. They were on the same level and in the same wing of the Castle as the Ancient Runes classrooms. So it was quite advantageous for her: she would be close by to teach, and she was already settled so she didn't have to go through the whole 'moving' thing again.
Do you have some time for me?
Hermione looked at the Master Ward.
"Are you going to tell me what it is you didn't want to say in front of the Deputy Headmaster?"
Hermione knew that a book could not laugh. And neither could a castle or a ward construct. But she had the distinct impression that it was exactly what the castle-ward construct was doing.
Have you checked the Charter?
"I don't need to. Like Madam Pince said, it's been abandoned."
The Charter can't be abandoned, Miss Granger. It is a legally binding contract that was drawn between the Founders and the High Council, to be kept between whoever and whatever succeeds the signees, and to be continued until Castle is reduced to an unrepairable pile of rubbles.
"Which it has."
No, it hasn't. It's repairable. You, the staff, the alumni of Hogwarts, you are all trying to do just that. And succeeding. But the Ministry of Magic, the succeeding body to the High Council, is reneging on the Charter.
Hermione frowned as she took this in.
"Do you think they know? The Ministry, about their obligations to Hogwarts?"
From what I have seen of the leadership of the current Ministry of Magic, they either know exactly what they're doing or they refuse to help because they simply enjoy being contrary. The end result is the same in my point of view. They want greater control over the education of the next generation of witches and wizards.
"Why?"
Because if you can control what people learn, you have a better chance at controlling their entire lives.
Hermione shook her head. She had heard of similar things happening in the Muggle world as well, even now. It wasn't exactly a new concept. But she hadn't thought it would happen here, to her…
The Charter was drawn to insure Hogwarts remained an entirely separate entity to whatever form of government would be around it.
"What, like the magical equivalent to Switzerland?"
The Master Ward did not reply for a moment.
Define Switzerland.
Hermione threw a look at the notebook beside her. But she supposed that it was a bit after its time.
"Switzerland is a small country in Europe, well-known to be a neutral territory. They prefer not to get involved in any conflict. For example, despite the small size of the country which would have made it relatively easy to conquer, they did not take part in the two World Wars. They are also well-known for the secrecy with which they operate their banking system. Many people, whether simply rich or doing something illegal, attempt to hide their money there."
The Master Ward processed her answer for a minute. I suppose that the situation is somewhat similar. The Founders wanted to insure that education in the magical arts would always to the people that showed the greatest talent for it. Of course, Castle is not big enough to welcome everyone with even the slightest magical talent. And the School was never meant to welcome everyone. Just the most powerful witches and wizards of each generation.
Hermione pursed her lips for a minutes, wondering how exactly the school chose the students. But this was not the time to ask, really.
"So how do I get to check the Charter? Because by the sound of it, no one has for a long time."
I can show it to you here. Or you can go to the Headmistress's office so we can take a look at the real thing.
"No disrespect, but you're too Slytherin by half. I'll take a look myself."
Very well. Leave me here, so I cannot influence your views. But given the reactions of Madam Pince and our Deputy Head, you will have to suffer Slytherin tactics. The Headmistress is currently out and about. I will unlock the office from here and ward off the portraits. No need to have them report on your actions.
Hermione shrugged, both uneasy and excited about sneaking about the castle. Ron and Harry had obviously been very bad influences on her. But she did as she was told and made her way quickly to the office of one Minerva McGonagall. The gargoyle guarding the entrance jumped aside as soon as it saw her then jumped back into place, barring the way for anyone else. As she made her way across the room, Hermione felt rather disconcerted that the picture frames of the old heads of the school were all deserted. They weren't all always here, but they never left the school completely unattended.
A shimmer of magic caught her attention, and she felt the Wards move around her. They shifted to reveal a small hidden alcove behind the Headmistress's desk. Inside was only a roll of parchment, and Hermione guessed this was what she was here for. The tingle of magic over the roll was slightly unpleasant and Hermione decided there and then that she would spend the least amount of time possible reading the document. Luckily, it was only very short and she was done in less than five minutes. She returned the parchment to its hiding place and hurried back to her own rooms.
"Hogwarts is basically an independent nation," she said to herself. "But yes, the Ministry is supposed to help if we ask."
It is and they are, the Master Ward chimed.
"So you're right. The Ministry is trying to completely take over the school."
It is the most logical conclusion.
"Even after everything we've just been through with Voldemort…"
Corrupt people in power will usually do whatever it takes to stay in power. And people who once were in power are much the same. However, just as the Ministry is not supposed to meddle with Hogwarts, Hogwarts does not meddle with the Ministry.
"Hang on. If the school and the Ministry are supposed to keep out of each other's business, why are they supposed to help?"
It is a mutual close. When the Charter was written, the Founders and Draconis were all members of the High Council who did not like the direction things were headed. They would not renounce the Council. But they also refuse to have political minds have a say in the education of young minds, for fear that the politicians would create either mindless slaves or fanatical soldiers.
"I could see both happening with the people in charge right now…"
Exactly. However, the Founders were loyal. All five of them. As such, in exchange for sovereignty over the Hogwarts lands, it was agreed that if the need arose the most powerful inhabitants of the Castle would render aid to the Council. The final decision would fall to the Dragon, the person in charge of the school's safety, with the Board and the staff acting as their council.
"Only, Hogwarts does not have a Dragon."
No, we did not.
Hermione shook her head then let herself dropped in her couch.
Care to work the wards?
"How?"
Have you not been researching the fundamentals, since very nearly the end of the war.
"I have no practical knowledge."
Then it's about time we change that.
Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt the Wards shift. They settled around her and the Master Ward then shimmered into view. Hermione watched the swirls of colors and runes glowing in the air.
Are we right to assume you are a visual learner?
"Yes." Hermione's reply was barely whispered. And then she frowned, turning to the Master Ward. "I can't see your pages from here."
Right at this moment, you are the Wards and they are you. We are one. Why should you not know what I intend for you to know?
"You're sending me your thoughts? Directly in my mind?"
I am a construct. I do not think. However, I am capable of intent - as far as this school's safety and future are concerned. And I can communicate that intent directly to you because you have been brought within the Wards. Or rather, the Wards have been brought within you at this moment.
Hermione looked around the swirling colors.
"Is there a reason for the different colors?"
Organization. Certain colors and color combinations mean different things. This particular code was developed by Draconis as a way to make maintenance easier and confuse curse breakers.
"Confuse them how?"
Many wards masters learn to do this as apprentices, using colors to mark different layers of wards. For example, green for grounding, yellow for hook, white for stabilizing, red for curse…
"Are they the same colors for everyone?"
Once upon a time, the first thing wards apprentices were asked was to choose between adopting their master's system, or creating a code cypher to hand over to their master. And the last task they were given was to recreate their color code from the ground up, so it would be unique to them.
"So, what are we doing now?"
We… will start your wards apprenticeship. Our first task will be for you to learn the basics of the Draconis color code. We will then study the Wards Map and finish breaking down the wards to the bare essentials. I will coach you through the steps to recast them, and you will do so right before the beginning of term.
Hermione smiled. With a bit of luck, Hogwarts would be ready for the new First Years.
.:/*\:.
Author's Note: Well, I'm back. Even if this is a rather chort chapter...
This was the longest few months I've lived in my adult life. Strangely, part of it was probably the most fun time I've had in a while. Although my children took over the computer so much that I could not type for fun. Although you'll be happy to know that just because I haven't been typing, doesn't mean I haven't been writing. I have refined the outline for Path of Power, since a few things happened that I had not planned but I very much want to play with if I get the chance. I've also handwritten a few chapters. I just need to type them now.
Also, kudos to spudcld for his mail which reminded me you guys had been waiting for an update for a while. This chapter is dedicated to you!