Chapter Two: Hogwarts
Cho was listlessly listening to Marietta Edgecombe, her best friend in Hogwarts prattle on about her summer, occasionally flicking her eyes to her unwelcome guest, who politely smiled and commented on a few of her lines, making Marietta blush.
Great.
Marietta, best friend she may be, was not that easy on the eyes, so she was in eager of some male attention for a change of pace. Looking out the window to gaze at the massive fields of Scotland agriculture, she wondered if Cedric would come by and chat for a few minutes...
I politely listen on to the girl's companion jabber on about how boring her summers were, and I am constantly being tested as she glances at me from time to time when she does not think I notice. Hearing footsteps, I politely excuse myself to drink a sip from my flask; the cool water extremely refreshing to my sore throat.
Honestly, how do children talk so much without having sore throats?
Hearing a knock, I glance upwards, to see a rather...ugly man, with a rather...unique hairstyle. Not to say it doesn't fit him, the hairstyle meshes well with his face; however he is the man that my main client informed of.
Cedric Diggory. Son of Amos Diggory, a well-known politician and worker in the British Ministry of Magic, and related to Eldritch Diggory, Minister of Magic from 1733 to 1747. From the information Ko Chang provided me with - a seeker, well-built, athletic, has charisma, popularity, and was chosen as the Prefect for Hufflepuff House. Indicates strong magical talent, in both academics and practical. Current 7th year.
Processing all the information in mere seconds, I am amused as Cho immediately flushes, and starts engaging him in small talk, so does the annoying girl, smoothing down her robes in order to appear presentable. It seems though that Cedric Diggory only has eyes for Miss Chang, eyes straying from her face to her body
Cho finally gestures to me. "Cedric, this is an exchange student that my father personally knows and the one I told you about. Xin, why don't you introduce yourself?"
So she is using the common tactic to scare me off - thinking I will be intimidated by such foolishness. Running through sixty strategies in a second, I decide on using reverse psychology. Blinking my eyes towards him, I am pleased to note that a flicker of annoyance settles over his face - No doubt he has never been ignored like this.
The boy nervously comes to me and shakes out his hand "Hi there. I'm Cedric Diggory, 7th year. You're Xin right? Cho's told me all about you."
So not even three days, and he has known of me. Information sure travels fast.
"Xin Chao, fifth year." I hadn't even bothered to stand up to talk to him. His face grimaces in annoyance again. I inwardly all children so emotionally unbalanced?
"Well Xin-"
The compartment door behind him slams open, and I force myself to not instinctively blast everyone in this compartment. Still, my right hand grips my wand tightly, as I am ready to call upon my magic.
In comes a duo of trolls and a single leader of a blonde vampire. The duo, on closer inspection are ugly, fat human beings. However, I sense the feeling of Dark Magic from them. So a pair of amateur Dark Wizards attending Hogwarts? The blonde on the other hand, is merely extremely pale, and by reading his body language I see that he is full of confidence in himself. Why? I do not know.
The girl's companion quickly excused herself, fearfully looking at the blonde boy's back before quickly leaving.
The pale blonde swaggers up to the girl. "Cho. I see you haven't been responding to my letters since the summer. Oh, and it's you, the half-blood Diggory."
Diggory wells up in silent anger, wand out, about to curse him. 12 inches and a quarter, Ash and Unicorn. Speaks of potential in protective magic, possibly healing magic, and a wand that will never change its allegiance. "Malfoy. I, unlike you, am a prefect, and can deduct points for harassment."
Malfoy, presumably Draco Malfoy, scion of Lucius Malfoy, the current head of the Malfoy House. Lucius Malfoy was prosecuted as a Death Eater, later released under the guise of being Imperiused. Holds considerable influence within the Wizengamot of Britain and hold great economical and magical power, similar to Ko Chang.
Both of their wands are out now, and I note down that Malfoy's wand is Hawthorn paired with Unicorn. Again, potential within defensive magic, healing magic and possibly curses, both about to scream out jinxes and hexes.
As I spot Malfoy let loose the Anteolucatia hex at Diggory but instead misdirects it at the girl, I whip out my wand, far faster than their eyes can see and deflect it right back at him.
Cho swallowed, as she witness the yellow bolt of magic that was originally aimed for Cedric go towards her. She instinctively knew that she wouldn't be able to whip her want out to either block or deflect it, and she hoped it wasn't anything too dangerous.
One. Two. Three seconds has passed before Cho dared opening her eyes, only to see Malfoy sprouting a pair of antler ears. Unable to control herself, she laughed hysterically as Malfoy quickly left, his antler ears glowing red. Meanwhile, Crabbe and Goyle, his goons just dumbly followed him around.
Cedric laughed together with her, and when Cedric had turned around to face Xin, Xin had already sat back down, wand already concealed. Before Cedric could open his mouth, Xin spoke first "Cedric Diggory. There is no need to thank me. Because I did not do it for you. I did it for the girl."
Cedric just uncomfortably rubbed his head "Well, thank you anyway. Anyway, Cho, I should be leaving now for the Prefect Meeting."
Cho just simply gaped at how her guard was scaring Cedric off!
She just mutely nodded, intending to have a word with Xin.
As soon as Cedric Diggory left the compartment, Cho brought out her wand and points it straight at me...again.
Has this girl already forgotten when I had disarmed her so easily? Or does she just have selective memory.
"I know father-"
"And I have already disarmed you again, Girl. Learn." It seems I will have to break her silly crush first, before teaching her.
As Talon would say, what a troublesome task...
"When will you stop referring to me as girl this, girl that!" It seems the girl was really odd.
By that, I mean incredibly stupid. Using her wand, I utter three words.
"Petrificus Totalus. Silencio. "
"Your father indeed hired me to protect you. That is all. Congratulations on thinking it out yourself, although if my sudden appearance did not hint at it, I would've been most disappointed in your apparent considerable intellect."
I am as usual, blunt, harsh and cold. Some call this arrogant and rude. I call it straight to the point.
"I have no time to deal with your nonsense. If you do not wish for me here, contact your father to terminate the contract. However, he has hired me for a reason. Do you trust your father? Finite."
She is too stunned to speak, only managing a slow nod.
"Then shut up and stop your pathetic whining." My voice now turns warm. "If you cannot trust me, then at least trust your father to keep you safe." She looks chastised now. Stage 3. "Now, leave, unless you want to see a strip dance." Cho's face turns red in an instant, and she quickly excuses herself.
The plan has been set in motion. Part 1, successfully accomplished. We now acknowledge each other and become mutual associates. Part 2, removing that attraction of Cedric Diggory.
"These robes are quite frankly, disgusting to wear in. I do not see why students have to wear this kind of garb." I comment softly.
Cho giggles "It's because robes are often seen as the traditional attire to perform magic in. I'm surprised that you prefer Muggle clothing."
"Anything would be better than this garb." So, it looks like she recognizes me in a positive matter now.
That was quicker than I expected.
"And your friends? You feel comfortable leaving them?"
"Well, Marietta and Cedric are together in a carriage and I'll join them soon, but I'm under orders to at least see you off in the boats with the First Years first."
"I'm surprised you weren't a prefect. Your father has often boasted of your academic skill." To my surprise, she turns slightly pink in the face, whether or not from embarrassment or anger, I do not know.
"Yes, well Professor Flitwick, that's my Head of House for Ravenclaw, did indeed contact me, but I declined it, because I don't really care, and I'm trying to focus more on studies, instead of a silly prefect badge." she speaks as though she was a princess. Well technically she is, but her body language as she speaks of her skill infers great pride in her accomplishments. "And here we are! Hagrid, the gatekeeper and Professor of the Care of Magical Creatures, will soon ask for the First Years to gather up, and you'll have to be with them!"
"I feel honored that you are jesting at me, although it will be eye-opening to see the grand castle of Hogwarts from a distance."
"Yep! Hogwarts is a really beautiful sight to see, Xin! I'm sure you'll love it here!"
Albus Dumbledore peered to his left, where Lily Potter nee Evans, his Professor for Muggle Studies was sitting, eagerly and nervously waiting for Minerva to call for the First Years, hoping Harry Potter, would turn up. Silently wishing for that hope to come true, yet knowing it would not, the powerful wizard turned his attention towards the First Years...and one soon to be Fifth Year.
Xin Chao. A boy of Asian descent. Confirmed by Ko Chang to be under his care, which meant under his protection.
There were not many cases of exchange students within Hogwarts, nearly over a hundred years since the last case. Who was Xin Chao indeed? At least, tonight was a Friday.
He'd need the weekends to adjust his plans accordingly after tonight's meeting.
Hearing Minerva call out the names, he prayed to Merlin, towards the Gods, towards Lady Fate and Lady Destiny that the one he hoped for would be here.
"Patterson, Samantha"
Ravenclaw!
"Peterson, Peter!"
Hufflepuff!
"Pilkins, Elaine!"
Hufflepuff!
"Rowley, Adam!"
Ravenclaw!
Beside him, he could feel Lily's magic drowning in misery. Patting her hand with his own, it did nothing to calm his own sadness. Another year with no news of Harry Potter.
Lily quickly wipes her eyes, knowing that the students, and especially the first years, must not know of this. Perhaps next year, Harry would come.
Perhaps.
Christopher Charles Potter, one of the two boys in the "Golden Trio" and was the main leader of it, or as he preferred to be known as "Chris", glances away from his tearing mother while muttering a 'tch' sound.
Hermione Jean Granger, the female in the "Golden Trio", was a highly intelligent person, and was always perceptive. "What's wrong, Chris?"
Chris glared at the table. "Its nothing...its just that when Mom gets like this, I always get angry at him, for tearing our family apart."
"Whose him?"
Ron, the final member of the Golden Trio, sympathetically patted Chris's back. "I forget sometimes you come from the muggle world, 'Mione, but Chris actually had an older brother. He got jealous of Chris hogging all the attention, and eventually ran away. Chris's parents, Mr and Mrs Potter grieved over it, but Chris was able to see that his brother was just an attention-seeking prat."
Hermione gasped in sadness. "That sounds terrible! So where is this brother of yours now?"
Chris just grunted. "He's gone, to Merlin knows where. Let's just forget about him, 'kay?"
Hermione just patted Chris's hand, while Ron was just lustfully fantasizing over Cho Chang.
Soon, all the first years have been introduced, and I am the only one left.
The witch in charge of calling out names, peered over her spectacles. "Ah, I remember. You are the exchange student from the Academy of Magicks, correct? Xin Chao, come up to be sorted into one of the four houses of Hogwarts."
Nodding, I sit on the stool and placed the dirty old hat right above my head.
"Ah, what's this? The missing potter boy?"
I startle in alarm, before recognizing the magic involved. This is Legillmens, but more advanced. Telepathy.
"I had no idea that the founders were able to recreate Telepathy of Lord Merlin's time. They truly are the most brilliant wizard and witches of their time.
"Of course, Mr Potter, but Dante is now the name you go by, eh?"
"I am to assume that you cannot betray anything you observe in a student's mind?"
"Naturally. Men and women more powerful than Dumbledore have tried, and all have been reduced to nothing more than brain mush. All headmasters know that the Sorting Hat is not to be tampered with."
"Kindly do sort me then. I do feel famished."
"Just like your...birth father. Very well. From what I can see...Hufflepuff no, your profession already denies that. A tossup between Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Salazar would kill to have you in his house. Your very nickname embodies all his traits. But I am a hat that chooses to put students where they will do best...and for you, that means..."
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat roared out. Not many students clapped, since I was still an unknown enigma.
I place the hat down gently on the tattered school, and I recognize the blue and bronze banner at the end of the table. Before I could leave, Albus Dumbledore steps up to speak.
Albus Dumbledore...a name that brings back many memories, some of them good, some of them bad. It matters not now.
"Today, is a grand day indeed. Hogwarts says farewell to the students of the past, and welcomes the new students of the future, while greeting the students of the present. Additionally, we have a transfer student from the Academy of Magicks, a highly prestigious school in Asia. And like all of you have witnessed, he has been placed into Ravenclaw of the wit! Let us welcome him!
A round of tentative applause begins. I nod to the witch and deftly found my client, perched in with her companion back at the train, Marietta Edgecombe. I sit in next to her and she greets me with a warm smile.
"We also have Alastor Moody, the previous Auror Captain, as our new Defense against the Art Professor." I note the scarred face, missing nose, and an eletric blue eye that was completely focused at me. I hear even more scattered clapping compared to me, since his entire figure was...horrifying, to say the least. "Additionally, this year there will be no Quidditch."
A chorus of gasps, shouts and protests immediately roared into existence, with Dumbledore merely smiling until the students calmed down.
"This year, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament. In three days, on Sunday afternoon, delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will appear among us, and I urge all of you to make new foreign friends." Everyone was surmising the Triwizard Tournament. A tournament that has high death tolls, with the prize being a thousand galleons. Quite a high prize money, but I doubt it was worth risking your life for. I have after all, risked my life for much much more.
"Now, three words for all of you. Let us eat!"
At the Gryffindor table, I hear a faint sound of "Hurrah!" before numerous laughter and conversation erupted.
I dig in, idly noting that the food was simple, only consisting of chicken meat, vegetables, and pumpkin juice of all things. It is lucky that I have brought my flask, which refills with water. I rebuff others that inquire about the Academy of Magicks with vague answers that seem useful but prove utterly useless. A skill that proves extremely amusing as I see the darkened looks on their faces.
Soon, dinner is finished, and I am led to the Ravenclaw Common Room, my living quarters as they would say.
The client's companion, Marietta, turned her eyes to me and gestured to the eagle knocker "This is the Eagle Knocker. It'll ask a riddle, and you'll have to answer the riddle correctly to get into. If you don't get it right, you have to get it right or wait for someone who does. Don't worry, if its a hard one, Professor Flitwick's down the corridor and he always gets it right, here have a try!"
This girl, beneath that false cheerful dumb exterior is subconsciously testing me. A worthy adversary, if only she was conscious of that fact. Probably going to spread rumors, regardless if I do well so on this little test or not.
Rapping on the eagle, the eagle open its mouth "What is reality?"
I answer coolly, that question striking too near. "An illusion."
The eagle folded upon itself to reveal a large tunnel, large enough to walk through. Going through it, I see a spacious living room, one side filled with desks and chairs and the other with soft comfy armchairs. In the middle of the room, was a fireplace, and several sofas in front of it. All in all, it made for a very comfortable sight.
Marietta told me that the left were the boy dorms and the right were the girl dorms. Thanking her politely, I move up the staircase into the room, where I weave an illusion to pretend I was deep in sleep before exiting to the Headmaster's office under a Notice-Me-Not.
Albus Dumbledore recalled the newcomer in his office, pacing. He had immediately sensed a glamour charm, being so attuned to the sense of magic after being in Hogwarts for so many year that he had immediately spotted an anomaly. The disguise was good, but Dumbledore could not remove the glamour for reasons. One being that he sensed that the glamour was tied to an object, thus without removing the object it would be impossible to remove the glamour.
But for what reasons did he have to hide himself though? Xin Chao. Was he a possible danger to Hogwarts? Dumbledore knew of Ko Chang, and by relation Cho Chang had great magical ties with Magical Asia. Was Xin Chao sent here to protect her? Ko would not easily endanger his daughter's life after all. Perhaps the boy may tell him in tonight's meeting.
Knocking on the door after uttering the ridiculous password that was "Cockroach Cocktails", I sensed a detecting rune on the floor panel.
So that's how he appears all-knowing and majestic.
Hearing a jovial "Come In", I pushed open the door to see a rectangular table, filled with little trinkets, and behind him, portraits of I recognize as previous Headmasters of Hogwarts. Inclining my head to Dumbledore, he motioned for me to sit. I sat.
"Now then, Xin, if you don't mind me of course calling you that?" I nod to signal it was fine. "It is rather odd for Ko Chang to suddenly appear out of the blue with an offer - In exchange for a student to apply to Hogwarts, he will supply 50,000 galleons each year to my own vault."
What is the ploy here?
"As headmaster, couldn't that be counted as a bribe? Additionally, I am here as his representative of sorts."
In exchange for Cho Chang to be safe, Magical Asia may offer support in the upcoming war.
"Ah, so I take it that you are his representative in every way?"
What help does Magical Asia offer?
"Yes. In exchange for me to be allowed here."
Everything that is within his abilities, provided that the condition is met.
"Well then, I gladly welcome you to Hogwarts, Xin. But before that, may I ask for that glamour charm, to be off? It is unsettling to see a fake face every day."
I need your face, in case this turns out to be trickery.
Hesitating, I lift the pendant over my neck before allowing the glamour charms to dissipate.
Albus Dumbledore was shocked.
For in front of him, was the missing Potter scion, the grandson which he thought of every day, the surrograte grandson of which he owed a thousand apologies to.
Straight obsidian black hair, bangs parted down, with striking green eyes, an angular face with a narrow nose and thin lips. The face of Harry James Potter.
He rose and stretched out his arms.
I rose and took a step backwards.
I could feel his magic wallow in misery rush over me, and I ignore the wince. For this was my illiterate grandfather, the grandfather that had shown me, even as little as it what was love, what was kindness before I had decided to leave.
"It would be for the best, if you did not do that, Headmaster." I feed every emotion I felt into Talon, and my tone comes out cold and cynical.
"Harry...?" Albus weakly intoned out, mind still coping with the fact that Harry Potter was standing in front of him.
"I do not go by that name anymore, Headmaster. Right now, I am only Xin Chao." I said calmly.
Albus looked crushed. Defeated. He had thought that after the apparent change of Potters, that I would come back, still innocent, still carefree. How wrong.
"Do you feel nothing for them? Nothing anymore?" Albus's tone was defeated, just like his posture.
"I cannot feel anything. There is only one thing I can truly feel from the year of abuse. Emptiness."
"Those moments of love? Those moments where you experienced some kind of bliss? Are they all nothing but ashes to you now?" Albus's tone now had turned nearly desperate.
"They are nothing but empty memories, devoid of love, or devoid of hate. I feel nothing." I understand his desire to care for me. But I find it empty. I have taken good care of myself for all these years.
"Harry..." Albus tried to reach out to me once again. "Can you try to reciprocate their feelings? They have truly changed. If not for your sake then for their sake!"
The temperature in the room immediately turned cold. "For...their...sake..?" I could not keep the sardonic tone out of my voice, but I did not want to in the first place. Tell me, Headmaster, why would I do it for their sake?"
"And you truly feel nothing? Even for me? Where has the boy that I love gone?" Albus tried to make a final stand. Alas, he would be disappointed...again.
"He has been replaced with me. Is there anything more headmaster? Or can I go get my timetable from my Head of House?" At this point I had already put my pendant on, my visage already morphed back into those of Xin Chao.
Albus gazed at me intently. "Promise me, Harry, or what name you go by now. That if you have any trouble. Any trouble of sorts, which you will promise to consider finding me for help. I promise, that this secret will never be betrayed to James and Lily."
"Thank you." my voice had now become utterly devoid of emotion. "By your leave, Headmaster."
One final look, glowing green clashing against electric blue, and the boy was gone, whirling back down through the corridor of Hogwarts.
Albus Dumbledore, one of the most powerful wizards in the world sighed, his power all for naught. "And may Lady Luck always smile upon you."
Alex Strike strolled into a room, around twenty people including him, all already lounged on comfy armchairs.
Lancer walked up to a burly looking German. "Heya Kaiser!"
"Lancer."
Lancer turned around to greet a Chinese man. "Yo, Scimitar!"
The Chinese wizard glared at Lancer. "Sit your tiny ass down before I make you."
"Alright, calm down Scimitar, I'm just joshing with you."
A trio apparated into the room, and evidently they were the ones to enlist the meeting. Lancer raised an eyebrow, they looked Chinese. Both him and Kaiser looked towards Scimitar, and Scimitar quickly whispered. "Chinese Federal Government."
The man in the middle, wearing a highly expensive robe cleared his throat before tapping his wand on a wall. An image of a hot Chinese babe was proudly displayed.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. I am Dong Zezhao, and I am from the Chinese Federal Government."
Kaiser merely inspected his nails before calling out clearly. "Get to the point. What about the girl?"
Dong Zezhao looked no less perturbed and even smiled, displaying two shining gold teeth. "She is the daughter of the Prime Minister of Taiwan, Ko Chang. Taiwan has been producing more and more powerful people, both muggle and magical, while China has not. To rectify this, we require her alive, gentlemen and ladies to use in our negotations against Taiwan."
Lancer narrowed his eyes. The man was presenting it too easily. He would've not called the A and B-ranked mercenaries here then. "What's the protection?"
Lancer was pleased to admit that Dong and his two lackeys had started to fidget. "A boy, but he should prove no-"
"Glowing green eyes that remind you of the Curse of the Absolute Death? Tattoo of a broadsword on his right shoulder? Maybe even some kind of purple aura?"
Dong Zezhao snorted. "An adequate description of him. Ko Chang must really be off his rocker if he hired a boy of all people to protect his wonderful daughter."
Lancer, Kaiser, Scimitar, and three other people in the room snorted out of the twenty. "You're the one off your rocker."
Dong frowned. "I do not see a problem. It is merely a boy."
Kaiser was the one to speak up. "He is no mere boy. He is something much more. Presumably, you know of our world, which is why you've contacted all the living A rank mercenaries and all B-ranks. That boy is an S-Rank."
Dong widened his eyes. "Impossible! There are only three left, the Spider and the Shark. Both we know of their real identity...so that boy is-"
"The Phantom." This time, it was a woman, one of those who had snorted alongside Lancer. She had brown hair tied up in a pony tail with emerald blue eyes, with a well-endowed bust and a faint scar running across her left eye.
"If you're skilled enough to be an A-Rank or above, you've probably got a call-name in recognition of your skills or because of a formidable achievement. You've got Lancer, Scimitar and Kaiser, the infamous deadly trio who have taken on a Giant Clan face-on and annihilated it. There's me, Seraphim, a girl who's tamed a Cerberus and a Nundu. You've got Zulu, destroying two legions of werewolves. And there's Hades, who's banished Dementors. The rest of us aren't here because they've already got jobs or not interested in your bullshit."
Dong still looked unperturbed. "So what? If all of you go, considering your formidable achievements, then-"
"An S-Rank is perhaps one of the most dangerous man or woman on the planet. There are four rules in the world of mercenaries. First, don't mouth off to anyone that's stronger than you. Two, to call yourself an A-Rank you need to be recognized by all the current A-Ranks. Third, to call yourself an S-Rank you need to have done something that can be recognized as 'legendary' or 'miracle'. Fourth, if you come across any S-Ranks, better hope they're on the same side as yours, because if you're on the opposite side, you're fucked." Scimitar explained.
"The fact that you've called upon B-ranks is that you probably thought in all your infinite stupidity that us A-Ranks would be stupid enough take the job. B-Ranks are just to be cannon fodder. But I'll have one advice for you, don't do it." Said Zulu, a large African who had a massive battleaxe beside him.
"An S-Rank probably can do everything that we all do. You've got the Trio, Zulu who are fighters. Seraphim and I are more mages in a sense, that we use arcane magic, magic of the old." Hades quietly said, his voice carrying over.
"An S-Rank would also be a specialist, but they can do everything that we can do. The Spider is speculated to be a succubi, having historical records over three hundred years old, known to have destroyed Lethifolds and her fortress being surrounded by legions of Inferi that somehow are impervious to fire and a pet dragon for herself, not to mention her Web. The Shark's vendetta are against Vampires, why do you think Vampires are now near extinct? And as for Phantom, he's brought down sixteen different worldwide terrorist organizations, magical and muggle single-handedly, and apparently has killed a Basilisk."
Dong laughed uneasily. "If he was that good then-"
"You would've heard about him? We like to keep our world secret, no need to let the public know that the most dangerous stuff aren't handled by Aurors but instead are handled by the trash. Now that Phantom now has accepted to protect the girl, there's no hope." Scimitar finished. "End of story. You go on this job; I'll just wish you a nice painless death."
"Phantom's got morals, more than half the pigs in this room at least." Seraphim mocked. "Doesn't kill children or women. Opposite job. Pay was good, fighting him wasn't. He's an absolute monster. I lasted about twenty seconds before he gave me this lil scar before healing me and dumped me in a hospital."
"You are all lying about this. Do not exaggerate." A Russian man, complete with unruly beard and a serrated blade by his side mocked loudly. "I will take the job, and see how good he is for himself."
Lancer smirked humorlessly. "Well I'd plan on writing that will if I were you then."