Turning Up

Ron sighed and continued to pack everything in their proper compartments. While he could have waited until the last minute to finish packing like his family was known to do when heading to Hogwarts, he was sadly actually looking forward to leaving home. His dad was coming with him for orientation tomorrow as was Bill. He was glad to have stayed in contact with his older brother as he along with Charlie were the only ones besides his dad to actually care about Ron. When he had told his brothers (Bill and Charlie) via letter that he had been accepted at Phoenix Academy and had his school supplies for the year as well as an amazing familiar they had written back that they were ecstatic for him and what an amazing opportunity he had awaiting him. Bill told him he would be more than happy to come with Ron and their dad for orientation and would be there at 6 pm since the phoenix would arrive to bring them to they school at 8 and it was funny to think that despite leaving at 8 pm they would arrive at 9 am at the school gates due to the time difference.

Ron closed the lid on his trunk and ran his hand over the lid. He was still amazed that he owned something so beautiful and elegant. Had he gone to Hogwarts this year he had no doubt that he would have had to use either Bill or Charlie's old school trunk. He was so glad not to have any hand me downs. He loved wearing clothes that were his and his alone. He pulled his trunk quietly down the stairs Nicalago following calmly behind him. Ron breathed a silent sigh of relief at seeing his mother absent from the kitchen. He quickly walked out through the back door and sat his trunk down next to the small porch off to the side. He sat on the porch railing surprisingly comfortable in his school uniform. He wore the dark green leggings, dark green long-sleeved undershirt and a golden leather tunic with a crimson phoenix on the left breast. He also wore his black Horntail Hide boots which came up to his knee's. Ron also wore his cloak so that the gold side was facing out leaving the silver side against Ron. He loved the uniforms they were so different compared to whats Hogwarts students had to wear.

It was technically August 14th but it would be the 15th when they arrived at the school. Ron was lost in thought petting Spectre who had jumped onto the railing beside Ron wanting to be petted by his human, as such he missed seeing his brother land just outside the wards and stumble slightly due to the effects of international portkeys.

"Hey kiddo this must be Spectre?" Ron heard a deep voice ask and upon seeing his brother promptly launched himself off the railings at his older brother. Ron always felt better whenever Bill was around, he felt safe. He stayed still enjoying the hug though he knew most boys his age wouldn't and just tried to calm some of his frazzled nerves. Not only was he worried that his mother would cause some last minute issue he was also nervous about attending such a prestigious school where none of his family had been. He felt Spectre start to twine between his legs and reluctantly let go of his older brother. Stepping back he smiled and laughed quietly, Spectre was now standing on Bill's shoulders having jumped up there and was batting at the tail that Bill's hair was pulled into.

"Yeah that's Spectre, he's amazing isn't he?" Ron said affection clear in his voice. Bill huffed a laugh and nodded gently.

"That he is. Did you know that the Nicalago Cat were actually a huge part of Egypt? The Pharaohs actually considered them to be the Lord of the Cat Families. They are incredibly intelligent and loyal and can actually use some minor elemental magic when they are fully grown. They rarely bond to humans though, I think the last bonding was just over 650 years ago." Bill said and Ron stared in even more amazement at his familiar. Oh he knew Spectre was phenomenal but not to this extent. He smiled softly, incredibly grateful to have this amazing animal as a familiar and friend. He smiled wider when he got a rush of possessive love and happiness that Ron recognized as coming from Spectre.

"How are you doing kiddo? I imagine that this must be fairly nerve-wracking for you..." Bill asked. Ron sighed and shook his head.

"I don't understand Bill why mother cannot just be happy for me. It's like nothing I do is ever good enough. A little while ago Percy stole one of my letters from Silay and went on a rant about how I was friends with beasts and animals and that he thought that I couldn't sink any lower. It hurt, it really did and then when dad punished him mother actually tried to get dad to lessen the punishment. It's just sometimes I feel it's like she almost hates me. Percy I can somewhat understand, he jealous but mother… what's wrong with me when my own mother doesn't care?" Ron asked. Bill sighed and crouched down in front of Ron.

"Ah Ronnie I know it hurts and I do think that mum cares very deeply for you, but mum tends to want to always be the one in control. When that doesn't happen she tends to lash out at the one causing the issue. In this case it's not your fault and you are more than entitled to wanting to do whats best for you. But mum had everything planned out for everyone of her kids, Charlie and I may have made it worse as neither of us wanted to work at the ministry, she got so bad that when we were offered the chance to work abroad both of us accepted. She is doing the same thing right now. But I will tell you what Ronnie, if when you return next summer and she is still doing the same thing let me know and I will talk to dad to see if you can come stay with me alright?" Bill said and pulled Ron into a hug. Ron let out a sigh of relief that he would have somewhere else to go next summer if his mother continued to be unbearable.

They both looked up when they heard a throat clear behind them. Turning they breathed a sigh of relief when they saw it was just their dad.

"Ron, Bill's right your mother has never done well when people tell her no or that they have other plans. She does love you and she worries for you deeply that's why she always wants to be the one in charge, as to her if she's not the one making the calls then someone is going to wind up hurt due to bad decisions. And yes if next summer if she is continuing to be so...combative over this you are more than welcome to stay with Bill. I want you to be happy Ron and if that means keeping your mother away from you then that's what we'll do." Arthur stated and saw his son's nod. They looked up in surprise when they saw a flash of fire and realized they had spent the entire time talking. Exchanging a sheepish looks Arthur grabbed Ron's trunk while Bill continued to let Spectre rest on his shoulders. Together the trio walked over to the bright red and gold phoenix and linked their hands. The phoenix landed on Ron's shoulder and with that warm flash of color the Burrow vanished and when the bright golden flame vanished they found themselves in front of a massive gate. (Gate Of Belcourt Castle; Google Images).

There was two massive stone columns that each had a black iron lantern attached to the front with a bright flame burning within. That same black iron formed the gates themselves as they formed intricate designs that formed the 12' gates. Looking around they saw that there was 18 students; noticeable due to the uniforms. Some waved at their trio, and Ron realized they were the Potter's, Longbottom's and the Lupin-Black families. Bill was staring in amazement at the area past the gates.

"Bill? What's the matter?" Their dad asked. Bill shook himself lightly and replied, amazement clear in his voice.

"The wards I can just sense them, but their so deep… it's like when you see a cave from a hundred feet away and think its a small shallow hole, but in reality its a 70' colossal cavern. There is so much tied into the wards, so many different kinds of magic that are all woven together, I have never seen anything like this not even in Egypt.

"That is because the ones who are weaving those wards are the trees themselves Mr. Weasley." A female voice spoke from behind them and turning they saw that it was Perenelle Flamel. Bill spoke curiosity and awe clear in his voice.

"What do you mean Madam Flamel?"

"When Headmaster Asher formed the wards centuries ago he did so while tying them into the tree's themselves as anchors. The trees he tied them to are Mallorn's they are in actuality mildly sentient and when they sensed the purpose of the wards; that of protection, sanctuary, security they took that intent and proceeded to do exactly that. When other species were brought here for their protection they themselves gave their own unique magic into the wards allowing them to change and deepen even further. Now even Headmaster Asher is unaware of the full scope of the wards, there are simply to many of them, too well tied together to ever separate them enough to identify all the bits a pieces." She told them with the rest of the group listening in in awe. She smiled at them.

"There is a reason that the Academy is the safest in the world. Now if you will follow me we can begin orientation." With that she walked up to the gate and laid her wand against the center point. There was a pulse of magic that grew to cover everyone on the group it sank into the skin though the glow lasted noticeably longer on the 18 students. The gates opened and the group moved along the path and watched as the trees changed from normal everyday trees in magnificent, gigantic trees with silver leaves. (The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway; Google Images).

They took a half an hour to make their way along the pathway between massive trunks. They arrived at a large building that blended in with the trees. They walked though the large double doors and entered into what Ron realized was the Great Hall. The ceiling was about 20' high with massive dark wooden beams that wove across it in an x formation. The walls were a light sanded cream color that contrasted with the dark ebony floor. There were circular tables that had enough room to seat five people spread across the 150' long hall. Along the walls were massive floor to ceiling windows that had dark brown curtains pulled to the side to allow light into the Hall. At the very end of the large room were three tables in a horseshoe shape that had 29 people seated with one empty chair next to a man that seemed to be in his forties with long red hair pulled back into a tail and light green eyes. He wore a green tunic over a silvery blue undershirt and judging from the happy look traded between Madam Flamel and the Gentlemen they assumed he was Nicholas Flamel, the famed Alchemist.

At the center of the Head Table sat a man with long dark blue hair and emerald eyes. His hair looked like it was pulled into a lose braid and Ron noticed the man seemed very… well feminine without lousing masculinity as there was no doubt he was male he was just well gorgeous. As they entered the Hall the man stood drawing the attention of everyone else in the group.

"Welcome students and family members to Phoenix Academy of Magical Arts. My name is Hadrian Angelus Asher and yes I am the one who started the Academy. To my left descending down the table are the following; Jamie Allens who teaches Herbology, Rein who teaches Astronomy, Amanda Cour who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts, Gunther Shultz who teaches The Dark Arts, Astrid Meran who teaches Warding, Manuel Zandar who teaches Magical Theory, Nicholas Flamel who teaches Alchemy, Perenelle Flamel who stands with you sits next to him and teaches Transfiguration, Amy Wheatherspoon who teaches Household Magic, Riptounge who teaches Business, John Powell who teaches Chemistry, Tenmaru Kenshin who teaches Mind Magics, Henri LeBau who teaches Healing, Carlisle Soven who teaches History and Brom Stresson who teaches Flying." As Headmaster Asher spoke he had each of the teachers stand at their introduction. Then the Headmaster turned to his right and continued.

"This is Adaline Novent who teaches Music, Samuelanar Vorten who teaches Language, Battleaxe who teaches Forging, Rosaline Vorece who teaches Elemental Magic, Corriandar Sevell who teaches Soul Magic, Alexandar Hywell who teaches Charms, Emmaline Verace who teaches Potions, Joseph Cambell who teaches Battle Magic, Johnathan Evearstarr who teaches Combat, Samuel Darkov who teaches Blood Magic, Alice Noir who teaches Runes, Susan Cartwright who teaches Arithmancy, Laevenir who teaches Divination, Seraph Lunaris who teaches Creatures, and Jackson Overland who teaches Death Magic. They are your teachers and should they ask you to do something we ask that while you may ask questions if it is an emergency please follow their orders first and then ask your questions. Asking questions will never get you in trouble here." Here the Headmaster paused to make sure everyone was following along.

"The rules here at the Academy are simple yet absolute. First, any attempt at bullying will be met with harsh reprisals. Second, Theft is not tolerated at all, if you are caught stealing or being in possession of stolen property it will see you suspended and/or expelled. Third, Language we ask that you refrain from using profanity as it is seen as a sign of low education and control. Fourth, Talan's are shared between you and one other person each with your own room, though there is a shared kitchen. The only exception to this are the mating dorms for couples who are mated or in the process of courting. Fifth, we ask that you respect your teachers and fellow students and avoid instigating fights or being disrespectful. Sixth, any detention given will result in a letter home. Meals are taken here in the Great Hall however you do have Kitchens in your Talan's should you wish to remain in your Talan. Seventh, the wards here are advanced and should anyone try to enter any area they are not supposed to the wards will refuse you entry. Persistence in trying to gain access to a forbidden area will see you frozen in place and a teacher responded to your location. Eighth, Trips off campus are forbidden unless escorted by a teacher, mail order is available if you want to purchase something from Greece or Japan. Ninth, Sexual Contact is forbidden unless you are in a mating dorm. Lastly, there is an area a few miles from campus where the creature sanctuary begins. It extends 20,000 miles across in a pocket dimension and is warded to keep all but a few from entering it for your safety. The creatures inside are in no way domesticated, they are wild in every way possible." As Hadrian finished his introduction there was polite clapping for the small group before Hadrian spoke once more.

"For now, before we continue with the orientation please take a seat and feel free to eat. Simply tap the section on the menus under what country's food you want and from there it will change to provided meals known in that country. So please enjoy." With that the Headmaster sat back down and Professor Flamel went to join her husband at the table. Ron sat at a table will his dad and Bill and they looked at the menus. There were numerous countries listed from England to Japan to Africa. Ron feeling curious selected Japan and looked at the dozens of options available. In the end Ron decided on Tonkatsu Ramen and tapped it along with Sparkling Peach Water. His menu vanished and a large bowl about 12" across appeared in front of him along with a tall glass of a light caramel colored liquid hat had fizzy bubbles running through it. He looked at his Dad and Bill and his dad had chosen Pizza; a dish well known in America while Bill had chosen what look like a stuffed piece of hollow flat bread. At Ron's curious look Bill explained his choice.

"This is a common dish in Egypt as bread is considered the most important staple item. In fact there is a law saying that all citizens get a certain amount of bread per day. If not the citizens would riot in the streets. If you walk down any food court, ¾'s of them would be making bread of some kind. Since bread is where the Egyptians shine, having food stuffed in a bread pocket is extremely common as it tastes good, is inexpensive and is easy to carry." Bill spoke and Ron eagerly took in the information. He loved hearing the tidbits of information about the other countries. Ron took a few tries before he was able to successfully eat using the shop sticks but once he had he proceeded to devour the Ramen in front of him. It was absolutely delicious. Arthur loved the pizza and resolved to find a way to eat it more often. Ron also tried a bit of Bill's...pocket sandwich and loved the taste. The spices on the meat and vegetables were incredible despite the heat, which was cut by the sauce. The hall was mostly silent as everyone seemed to be more focused on eating than anything else. It was almost an hour later that conversation started up as people finished their meals and introductions began.

Ron took his Dad and Bill over to meet his friends, though his dad had already met them, and smiled as they came together for the first time since their shopping trip. Seeing his friends hesitation Ron decided to take the initiative.

"Hello, My name is Ronald Weasley, Son of the House Weasley this as my father Arthur Weasley Head of the House Weasley and My Oldest Brother William Weasley Heir of the House of Weasley." Ron recited remembering that two of the parents here were royalty they were probably more used to formal greetings and it wouldn't do to shun protocol. He saw them nod and the adults proceeded to shake hands with his dad and bill while also exchanging their own greetings. Ron upon seeing the adults descend into an in depth conversation turned to his friends.

"So how has your time been since the shopping trip? I know I've spent nearly all of my time studying." Ron asked, genuinely curious. Hermione responded first.

"Well, like you Ron I spent most of the time in books as I so want to do well. This is a brilliant school and I cannot wait until the classes start. I think my favorite may be Charms or Runes as they looked so fascinating when I was reading the books. I wonder who we will be sharing the Talan's with?" She spoke somewhat quickly but was still well within the range of understandable.

"Well I've spent quite a bit of time reading our books but not as much as I wished due to still having duties to attend to at home. I think the two classes I'm looking forward to are Battle Magic and Soul Magic. They look to be a challenge but very interesting." Silay said and they nodded in both agreement and sympathy at him not having as much time as he wanted to read over his books.

"Well like Silay I wanted more time to read over my books but that I think is life you never seem to have as much free time as you wish to do the things that you want to. I have to say like Hermione I am looking forward to Runes as well but Elemental Magic seems like it is going to be phenomenal. I to am wondering who we will be sharing with although I don't think I will be using the kitchen all that often as cooking just doesn't really interest me all that much. Do any of you like to cook, or want to learn?" Emily asked and they all thought for a few minutes unaware that the adults were smiling, happy to see that their children and siblings were already making good friends.

"Yeah I do think I want to learn to cook, I may send out a mail order for some cook books as well so I can learn the basics first." Ron said. Hermione nodded as well.

"Yes I think it would be so fascinating to learn to cook so many types of food." She said.

Silay and Emily just shook their heads. It was obvious neither held a desire to learn to cook. Their conversation was derailed when a throat cleared and everyone turned as Headmaster Asher spoke once more.

"Alright, now that we've all had our fill shall we begin the rest of the tour?"

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Hadrian's POV

"Alright, now that we've all had our fill shall we begin the rest of the tour?" He asked happy to see everyone getting along. It was still somewhat heart wrenching to see his parents alive and happy, knowing what could have happened. He had though many times about interfering with Voldemort and Grindlewald's rise but had been convinced by Fawkes not to. The phoenix made several valid points; one, that by changing the outcome of the wars who knew how history would twist and change. It could lead to a whole new slew of dark wizards and witches to contend with, so better the devil you know. So Hadrian had quietly made sure that most of the deaths that he knew about were replaced with followers of which ever wizard was targeting them. Also they dark lords must have thought they had spies in their groups as Hadrian had leaked information on their plans, groups and fighting styles to the military and other governments. As such they found themselves struggling just trying to keep control over their own people. The second reason Fawkes gave was that they didn't want Dumbledore slipping through and causing more damage. When they brought him down it had to be from a high standing position so that he would never regain his popularity with the people, he would be the very adage of the higher they are the harder they fall.

Right now though the main thing worrying Hadrian was who ever was being pulled through the timeline, as this had never happened in the original reality. Not only that but who ever they were they locus point had shifted that Hadrian knew they would arrive within the next week. He had followed the stabilizing locus point and knew that the time-travelers were due to land in the outback of Australia. Why there Hadrian didn't know but at least it was close by. He shook himself from his thoughts as for whatever reasons his mind was slowly focusing more and more on the travelers to the point that even his sleep was filled with dreams about who they could possibly be. Fawkes and Hedwig knew but refused to say anything seeming to find his confusion amusing on some level.

Hadrian looked around the room at so many familiar and unfamiliar faces and smiled. Now was not the time for dark thought he had happy business to conduct.

"If you would follow me we can begin." Hadrian stated and swept from the table down to the floor and began leading the crowd out of the Great Hall. He took one of the longer winding pathways to the left and began to speak as he lead them to their next destination.

"We are currently headed for the Library where I imagine many of you will spend your time. We ask that if you need to take out a book take it over to one of our duplicators where it will make a copy that will last 30 days before vanishing, this way the original always remains in the library for students to access. There is no limit on how many books you may have, well beside the available space in your Talan's." Hadrian stated and heard several in the group chuckle. Hadrian knew that the main reason he had created the duplicators was actually due to Hermione. He had loved her dearly as a friend but the girl had a habit of checking out all the relative books to an assignment the day it was given leaving the rest of the students out of luck. So he made the duplicators in such a way as the students also couldn't get around the copyright charms on the books as the copies only lasted 30 days.

It took about ten minutes at a descent clip before the came upon a building that was even larger than that of the Great Hall. He pushed open the revolving door and smiled as several sets of eyes glazed over at the numerous amount of books, many of which were rare, out of print and near impossible to come by. Such as the books Hadrian had brought to the library that were written by the Founding Four of Hogwarts. He didn't think they wanted their knowledge trapped and hidden in a secret vault. If that was the case then they never would have built a school. The Library was six stories tall and was well over 500' long and 100' wide. There was several areas scattered though out for studying and reading, though most just made use of the duplicators and read in their Talan's. The floor was made from polished cherry wood the same as the bookcases. The little bits of exposed walls was painted a light yellow color that seemed to absorb the sunlight let in through numerous skylights and windows. It truly was a magnificent library. The duplicator station were set up directly in front of the doors and simply consisted of a six foot long table with three boxes on it made from Hickory. There was about two feet of extra space beside on of the boxes to stack books on. Hadrian led them over to one of the stations so he could show them how to use it.

"Alright, using one of these is extremely simple all you need to do is open the lid of the box on the left and place the original copy of the book inside. Close the lid and tap the top with your hand and wait as it will glow dimly for 5 seconds before fading. Once that glow fades open both boxes, remove the original from the box on the left and your copy from the box on the right. Set the copy in the empty space on the table and place the original in the last box where it will be returned to the shelf. After that you simply repeat with any other books." Hadrian told them Showing them how it worked using a map of the school. Once he had each student use it he let them keep the maps and pocketed the original as he knew the school without the map.

"So that was the Library, let me show you where the infirmary is, though hopefully you never have to visit. While there our healer will give each of you an exam to make sure that there are no health issues and make sure that you have all had your inoculations." Hadrian told them and could see several of the parents nod a respectful look in their eyes as they appreciated the effort the school was making to keep their children healthy. Merlin knows Hadrian would have suffered a lot less had something like this been done at Hogwarts. It was a half hours walk from the Library to the Infirmary though no one minded as the gigantic Mallorn trees were simply stunning to walk through.

The Infirmary was not even close to the size of the Library and was half the size of the Great Hall. It was a bright white color so that it stood out from the trees making it easier to spot. It was a one story building with several large windows that let in the numerous amounts of sunlight coming through the trees. Hadrian led them inside and held the door open as they all filed in. He walked back to the front of the group to see the staring and Halvor who was a high elf with long bright blue hair and purple eyes staring back. Smirking Hadrian shook his head as the man always loved the reactions his appearance invoked from new comers.

"Everyone this is Halvor he is the healer in charge of the Infirmary though he is joined on occasion by Henri LeBau our healing instructor. For those of you wishing to learn healing while the first half of your time learning it will be in the class room the rest of your time will be spent here as assistants. Halvor we are here for the new student check ups and inoculations." Hadrian said and saw Halvor nod.

"Alrighty everyone the process is simple I need a scan for a base line so that if Merlin forbid I ever need to treat you I can do so. Though I hope you are never hurt bad enough to warrant my care, I do not like seeing children hurt or sick. So when I call your name please step forward and follow me behind this curtain where I will preform a simple scan and then make sure you take any necessary potions. So first up is Emily Venerre." With that Healer Halvor led Emily and her parents behind the screen and Hadrian took the time to observe the Infirmary. It was much better than Hogwarts in his opinion simply because is was painted a light sea foam green color rather than the stark white. There was also tables next to each bed so that students could keep books and notebooks on hand so they weren't bored. Hadrian looked up as Ms. Venerre and her parents rejoined the group and saw Halvor give him a smile. Hadrian was always present for this part so that should they come across an abused student he could help calm them down and begin the process of removing them from their home. Thankfully this had only been necessary four times since the founding of the school.

"Mr. Orion Lupin-Black." Halvor called and Hadrian watched as Mr. Lupin-Black was joined by Remus and Sirius though they looked like they were in much better shape compared to how they were in Hadrian's time. It took only 2 minutes generally for each student and it was shortly after that the small group of three rejoined the larger group.

"Ms. Hermione Granger." Hadrian watched as the young version of one of his closest friends bounced forwards in excitement her parents following behind. The examinations for the entire group lasted another forty minutes with only two needing some inoculations and thankfully no abuse cases.

"Thank you Halvor you are efficient as always." Hadrian said and Halvor simply smiled in return before shooing them out of the Infirmary closing the doors behind the group.

"Well shall I show you to your Talan's so you can get settled in? Once you have done so feel free to explore using the maps to find your classrooms." Hadrian asked and at the excited nods chuckled and led them up and to the right of the Infirmary. The Talan's were located halfway between the library and the Infirmary for ease of access to both. As it was it was a ten minute walk to reach the first of the housing Talan's. There was a staircase woven from the trees branches that spiraled upwards ending at a platform that was about 60' above the walkway.

"Well this is the first Mallorn and there are two Talan's per tree and four students total, two per Talan. Now in this tree are Sam Vorrell who is sharing with Rosaline Trouver it the highest Talan and Soren Ameal who is sharing with Kludd Satchen in the Talan directly above us." Here Hadrian paused as the four students took off in excitement followed by their parents. Chuckling Hadrian waited a minute to make sure the small group of four made it up the stairs fine before moving on. Hadrian walked for another minute before stopping once more.

"In this tree is Ivanna Potter and Sandra Borney in the highest Talan and Neville Longbottom with Evan Chambers in the lowest." Hadrian paused as four more students left the group followed by their parents. Hadrian turned to the left as the path branched and stopped a minute later.

"The top Talan here will be shared by Pavel Natare and Tristan Vox in the highest Talan and Alice Emmers and Esme Daniels in the lowest." Once the group was on their way up the tree they moved on. At the next Talan Hadrian again announced the occupants.

"In the upmost Talan is Ronald Weasley and Silay Veras." Here Hadrian paused and watched amused as the two traded high fives.

"In the lowest Talan is Orion Lupin-Black and Eli Ramirez." Hadrian watched as Ron led the way with Bill and Arthur trailed behind followed by young Mr. Veras as well as the Lupin-Black family and the Ramirez's. With them off on their way Hadrian turned to the last pair of Hermione Granger and Emily Venerre.

"You two will be sharing with two second year students in the Talan across from us. You will be in the lowest Talan." With that the last of the group took off though Miss Venerre and her parents managed to do so with some gracefulness. Chuckling Hadrian headed back to his office to finish up some paperwork as the newest students set up their homes. He looked forward to seeing how they blossomed here compared to Hogwarts and the though kept a permanent smile on his face as he meandered back along the pathways.

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Ron's POV

Ron pretty much ran up the winding staircase loving the smooth wooden finish on the railings. It took about 2 minutes to make it to the highest Talan and Ron stepped onto the landing with a sense of awe. The outside had two chairs and end tables set up for outside reading or any other activity and the front door was a solid, sturdy wooden door with a diamond cut out at just the right height for Ron and Silay to see anyone who came to the door. The door knob was an oil rubbed bronze color and was a smooth lever action handle. Ron placed his hand on the door handle and felt a slight tingle run up his arm for a second before the door clicked open. Turning to bill with a curious look, the older red-head elaborated easily guessing what had occurred.

"That was the door recognizing you as an authorized occupant. Silay will need to do the same thing." Bill told him, so Ron stepped to the side and closed the door as Silay stepped forward and let himself be keyed to the wards on the door. Once that was taken care of the small group of six entered the Talan and their eyes widened. They were in a large, yet cozy living room that had polished redwood floors, light blue walls and exposed beams on the ceiling above. There was a large slate fireplace against the left hand wall with two couches arm chairs on either side of it, both with end tables on the other side. The chairs were a light blue with dark blue trim which matched the L-shaped couch that also faced the fire place and separated the two chairs. There was a large deep blue rug under the couch and chairs and according to Bill there was a ward around the fireplace to prevent sparks from escaping the fireplace.

Connected to the Living Room was a medium sized kitchen that was fully stocked. The cabinets were made from a rustic Hickory with Slate counter tops. There was a small entry into the kitchen from the living room about 36" wide as the rest of the opening was taken up by a bar top with four redwood bar stools under the extended edge of the counter. There was a single oven, Refrigerator and Range made from black stainless steel. The upper cabinets were made from the same wood as the lowers and contained food and spices of many different types. Upon checking the fridge was fully stocked as well. The lower cabinets held cooking and eating utensils as well as pots, pans and storage containers for left over food. They opened the door to the right wall next to the entry way and saw that it contained the water closet, which was done in the same woods as the kitchen with a toilet and sink.

Turning the went next to the fire place to the other door and saw that it led to a small hallway with two doors. Opening them, they saw it was the two bedrooms. Ron looked at Silay and shrugging they both entered the doors they had opened. The room that was to be Ron's was about 12' long by 15' wide. It contained a twin sized, redwood four poster bed with light blue hangings and a dark blue comforter. There was a redwood wardrobe on the left wall and a medium sized desk under the window to the right also made from redwood. Next to the desk was a set of three floor to ceiling redwood book cases. There was a door to the right of the bedroom door and opening it revealed a full bathroom with a hickory cabinet under the single sink. There was a 12 in mirror above the sink and a large sunken tub with a rain style shower head across from the sink. The toilet was between the sink and the tub.

Ron went back into his room and setting down his trunk opened it to the storage compartment. He first pulled out his bedding and changed the blue comforter for his black one with gold trim and winged unicorn. The sheets were replaced with ones that were a light green color. He replaced the pillowcases with the ones that matched his comforter minus the unicorn and placed the black and gold rug on the floor. His books were put in the bookcases courtesy of Bill though they only filled half of one bookcase. His drawing supplies were placed in his desk along with his parchment and ink supply. He placed his black and gold towels in the bathroom and his bathroom supplies like his shampoo, conditioner, body wash, wash cloth, tooth paste, tooth brush and hair brush. Entering back into his bedroom he saw that his dad had finished putting away his clothes into the wardrobe. He sat on the bed feeling a sense of familiarity with the room and watched a Spectre laid down on the large cat bed Bill had set down beside the bed.

Ron smiled and felt his future was finally turning up.