Chapter 6: Warm Welcome

Rubbing his eyes harshly, Kai rolled out of bed quickly, landing gracefully on his feet. That grace was short lived as he had to catch himself on the bedside table when his knees gave out. Cursing like an Auror, he sat back on the edge of the bed, getting his bearings.

Severus' rooms were a lot like the man, dark and proud but not attractive by any means. Severus was obviously a lonely and hardened man. The emerald-eyed teenager knew that, like Severus, his trust was extremely hard earned and easily lost and most people were held at a certain distance. He still remembered how hard Crystian had to try; Kai had been rock bottom when they first met. His mentor had shown him the memory of their meeting one day as Kai had been too far gone to remember it.

A stocky man walked confidently through the dark alley, unfazed by his dangerous location. It was cold out, even for a mid-October night and the man, Crystian Boudreau, discretely cast a wandless heating charm to ward off the chill. A sudden almost painful itch between his shoulder blades put the assassin on edge, his eyes darting right and left. That itch was a signal Crystian's magic gave him that a great power was nearby. This power was fresh, wild, untamed. He felt drawn to it, like a moth to a flame.

Kai paused in his remembrance of the memory. That was only one month after his magus awakening. One month after his relatives, terrified of the power they now sensed from him, threw him onto the streets of the London slums. The assassin thanked whatever gods were listening that he had not come across a vampire in the month he spent on the streets. He would never have survived.

The blonde warrior was pulled towards a set of garbage cans. Confused by this location, he stepped forward, only to stop suddenly in shock. There amongst a small pile of rags was a boy no older than 10. Eyes closed, the child was shaking from the cold, pulling the rags around him.

'Christ,' he thought, 'what kind of wizard child can put off that much power?'

'Not a wizard…' his inner voice whispered.

'Gods…have I come across a newly awakened mage? It can't be...,' he felt the magic radiating off the dark haired child once again. 'He is!''

The assassin took a hesitant step forward, stopping sharply once more when emerald eyes snapped open and landed on him. The eyes were frightened, but controlled; they were scanning him, sizing up the threat he offered. The boy moved away from him, traveling as fast as he could on limbs shaking violently from the cold. He only made it five steps before collapsing, his body tired and malnourished. Those mesmerizing emerald eyes locked onto him again, glaring in hatred of the helplessness their owner felt, radiating the acceptance of what they thought was to come. Obviously this child had not had a good life.

"Hello," Crystian whispered softly, not wanting to frighten the young mage any more that he already had. "My name is Crystian. I'm a magician, like you. I'm going to cast a spell to make you warm, is that alright?" Crystian didn't know if the boy knew that he was not a simple wizard, or if he even knew he was a magic wielder.

The boy's eye widened at the word 'magician,' but knowing he really had no choice, he nodded in acceptance.

Casting the charm, he watched the child take a deep breath, enjoying the feeling of being warm for the first time in a long time.

"Now, what's your name?"

The boy moved away again, mistrust projecting out from him. "Freak," he whispered.

Kai bowed his head for a moment, speaking the Rikerian words of mourning. He missed his mentor greatly. Something in Kai's heart told him to go with the assassin that day, despite his fears, and Kai had never once regretted the choice. Crystian had taken him from his personal hell and made him strong, made it so that no one could ever do to him like his family had.

Standing straight again, the youth looked down at himself and knew that a hot shower would do him wonders. He stepped outside the guest bedroom and was met by an inquisitive look from the potion master. A silent communication moved between the two and Severus inclined his head to the right, indicating which room the bathroom was. Nodding his thanks, Kai moved slowly but assuredly to the washroom, not wanting to show the weakness he was feeling.

The hot water of the shower felt godly as it cascaded down the sharp planes of his body, these planes even more sharp after his captivity. Kai stared down disgustedly at his ribs that were much too visible and his hip bones which were too defined. Removing the skin level glamour, the assassin scanned his eyes along his newest set of scars. In truth his body already had many scars crisscrossing it, but these new ones easily doubled his previous count. Thankfully, most on his front were the long precise stripes from Lord Malfoy's blades, most of the other torturers' damage had been internal, or had been healed in order to keep him alive. Unfortunately, one other had loved Muggle-like torture: Avery. The youth grimaced, not wanting to see his back, knowing how awful the scars there must be from that man's whips. How tender the skin on his back was told him how bad the damage must have been.

Pushing those negative thoughts from his mind, he ran his long fingers through his thick hair, reveling in the feeling of having it clean. Cleaning spells were fine, but actually showering was an entirely different thing, and Kai loved showers.

Reluctantly stepping out of the soothing water, the assassin dried himself and his hair with a quick wave of his hand. He shook his head sadly at the messy natural state of his hair. A wave of his hand and a carefully spoken phrase had his gleaming black locks straight and silky. Thanking the gods for his female friends, he tied his hair in a low ponytail with a conjured elastic. Noting the time, he quickly donned the clothes he had transfigured for himself. It was his usual black pants tucked neatly into knee high black dragon-hide boots. On top was a dark grey button down shirt layered simply over a stark white undershirt.

A cat call caught his attention.

"Well now, sweetheart, I don't get many tasty morsels like yourself in my bathroom often."

It was the mirror.

"Severus never struck me as the talking mirror type," Kai barked a dark laugh, picturing the broody potions master preening himself while the mirror yammered at him.

"He's not. I'm charmed to speak to anyone but him. Doesn't get many visitors, this fellow and well, you're certainly nicer to look at than the old guy in the flamboyant robes."

Kai shook his head; Dumbledore's robes were nothing if not flamboyant. He was hit with a strange sense of familiarity; the mirror's personality reminded him of someone.

Chami.

He rubbed his tired eyes, 'Don't think of her.'

Carefully using his now settled power, he morphed the slight hollowness out of his face and reapplied the glamour covering his scars. His curse scar, as he now knew it, was carefully moved to his right thigh, away from any threat of exposure.

After one last twirl to make sure all was right, he turned to the door.

"Oh by the way, you have a magnificent ass!" the young musical voice chimed, laughing as Kai shot her a charming smile and left, muttering to himself.

Severus suppressed a chuckle as he watched the assassin mutter to himself leaving the bathroom, after all, wouldn't want to ruin his reputation. Of course, he didn't have a reputation with Kai yet…

The youth - now that he thought about it, Severus had no idea how old the assassin was, probably about 20 - locked eyes with him, raising a solitary brow in both annoyance and curiosity, "Interesting mirror you've got there."

"I based that mirror's personality on a young Auror that's in the Order. As much as her personality grates on my every nerve, I find it a good source of amusement when her tongue is pointed at targets other than myself," Severus drawled with a sneer.

Kai just kept the shock pushed down, 'It couldn't be, the world does not hate me that much…does it?'

Sensing the assassin's unease and mistaking it for nervousness about dealing with the Order's many Aurors, Snape spoke, "It's about supper time now, and we should head to the Great Hall."

The pair walking into the hall had its occupants staring. The pair were obviously debating, but it was lively and amiable, though sarcasm seemed to be in abundance. The thing that struck the other teachers as remarkable was the way the professor treated the much younger man: as an equal. Severus Snape treated most everyone the same way, with an air of tolerant disdain; that he abhorred your presence but he would put up with you because he had to.

As they approached, their conversation became clear.

"Yes Boudreau, but insufficient amounts of gillyweed have the unfortunate side effect of…death," Severus drawled as he took a chair next to Minerva McGonagall.

"That is true, BUT, with the proper infusion of the African fire-lizard the transformation would be cancelled, leaving behind only the properties of the plant that make the transformation smooth and painless," his companion shot back as he took the chair next to the potion master.

"That would depend on whether or not the gillyweed change is an actual transformation or a transfiguration," Severus turned to the transfiguration professor. "Minerva, would you say that gillyweed causes a transformation or that it is more human transfiguration?"

Minerva was startled at being addressed by the usually dour man. Severus rarely spoke to them at meals, except to make a sarcastic comment. Clearing the shock from her face, she replied, "It's a transformation." She laughed as the other gave Severus a triumphant smirk, "Now Severus, are you going to introduce us to your friend?"

The young man then gave her a charismatic smile and offered his hand, "I apologize, Madame, for my friend's lack of manners. I am Kai Boudreau."

She shook it, noting his North American accent, "Minerva McGonagall, transfiguration professor. We don't see many visitors around the castle this time of year Mr. Boudreau, are you visiting Severus?"

"I am. I'm doing my potion mastery thesis on creating variations of the Wolfsbane potion for the different types of werewolves, so I wrote Severus and dropped by."

Severus hid a smirk in his teacup at Kai pulling that one out of his ass.

Minerva smiled at the youth, "Now I know you didn't go to Hogwarts, which magic school did you attend, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all, I'm a graduate of the LeFay Institute of Magic in Eastern Canada."

The other professors unsuccessfully tried to hold in their gasps. Kai, admittedly, thoroughly enjoyed the look of horror on Albus' face when he figured it out.

The LeFay Institute was recognized world-wide as being a remarkable school. Every student in 100 years had graduated already possessing a mastery and most held multiple. It only took the most brilliant and hardy youth. Hogwarts may have been lauded the best European school, but LeFay was considered the best school in the world. The Institute was also known for its secrecy. None, barring the instructors, students and alumni had ever even seen the place. It was run completely independent of the government as the alumni were so loyal to the school, their donations every year paid for its running.

While all that information was true, what most of the world didn't know was that LeFay was the public front for Riker. Most graduates did not follow Kai's path and so needed their masteries and schooling registered as real people from a real school. So was born the identity of LeFay.

"Oh, that's quite exciting!" a high voice squeaked from the other side of Dumbledore. A very small man, holding a cup of tea walked down and hopped up into the chair next to Kai, "What's your mastery, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm a ward master." It was the truth. Though Kai held many masteries, only this one plus two more were legal here in backwards UK.

"Ooh," he squeaked again, thrilled. "I'm Filius Flitwick, the resident charms master. If you have time, I'd love to have a chat with you. I do warding in my 7th year NEWT class and would love your perspective."

Kai took a deep breath, breathing in the wonderful intellectual atmosphere. One didn't get 7 masteries without being a scholar at heart. He could tell that he already liked this place, especially with Hogwarts gently wrapping her free magicks around him, trying to make him feel welcome.

It was sad that he had to leave so soon.

"I'd love to, Mr. Flitwick, but the rest of my evening has been stolen by Severus and then I must return home."

Severus cut in, "We'll be working into the night likely, feel free to use my guest room," the potion master gave him a look that clearly said he was an idiot if he thought about apparating tonight.

Kai nodded, accepting the concern for his safety.

"Thank you Severus, I think I will."

The assassin finished his dinner, talking lightly to the other professors that were there: the half giant Magical Creatures professor; the Runes professor, Bianca Davies; and the Herbology professor Pomona Sprout. Kai thanked all his luck that the medic was absent.

A half hour later, he found himself sitting next to Severus and across from Dumbledore. The man was smiling in his grandfatherly way, eyes twinkling.

"You made quite the impression on my staff, Mr. Boudreau. You're quite knowledgeable for someone your age."

Kai smirked, "Yes, the instructors at LeFay pushed us ruthlessly."

The twinkle dimmed a bit, "LeFay is truly Riker?"

The assassin knew the man was not pleased to find out that most of the top masters in the world, LeFay graduates, were from the top school of the dark arts in world. This was typical European bias, however. So many of these magics could work miracles and make major developments in the right hands - and Riker/LeFay graduates were the right hands. The improvements in technomagic and bloodmagic alone that came from the school and its graduates every year save thousands of lives. Even those that went the route of mercenary work did it for the challenge and then did research on the side or operated businesses. Kai was much more than just an assassin - for assassinations he only took the most difficult missions against the most dangerous people. Voldemort was not the first dark lord he'd tangled with.

"We're all very proud of the school's accomplishments," Kai said firmly, translating the headmaster's look. "No, Dumbledore, our achievements are not false. I have taken my mastery exams with the Canadian exam board under my legal name."

Dumbledore held up a hand, "It seems I've offended you. I forgot exactly how loyal you Rikers are to your school and it seems that, like Severus, you can read me like a book," he sighed. "It is my hope that you would be willing to join the Order, to help us work towards permanently defeating Voldemort."

"I'm sorry, headmaster, but I have no intention of becoming a member of the Order of the Phoenix." He held up a hand as the headmaster looked to speak, "That does now mean I am unwilling to work with the Order. You have to understand that while I am motivated to remove that creature from the planet, I am a leader amongst my people. I cannot be taking orders from anyone."

The headmaster looked a little like he'd eaten a lemon, processing the disagreement.

"Think of me as the general of an allied force, Dumbledore. I have a lot of resources at my disposal that I can bring to bare on this problem, but I refuse to put those resources in someone else's hands. My team would also not wish to be placed in that situation."

"What resources can you use to assist us?" the older man asked.

Kai resisted rolling his eyes at the phrasing. "Spies - there are Rikers that were on Riddle's payroll that will no longer be. They will report to me. Talented fighters to actually stop raids that we've been alerted to. Political players to push through necessary local legislation."

"Necessary legislation?" Albus frowned, eyes completely losing their twinkle.

Kai gave him a dry look, "Your government promotes looking down on others that they don't consider 'pure.' It endorses poor treatment of other magical beings by saying they're subhuman. It takes away their rights as sentient beings, while most have more knowledge of magic and the world then the average human. They treat werewolves themselves like they're some kind of plague, instead of people who only need a bit of help. They look down on, and refuse jobs, to normal-borns saying that they don't have enough knowledge of the Wizarding world, yet are unapologetic about knowing absolutely nothing about the non-magical world. This Wizarding world in Europe is living in the past age, you still use parchment and quills, for the love of the gods. And look at your term for non-magicals, 'Muggles,' how derogatory," Kai drawled in a calm icy voice.

He paused, taking in the slapped look on Dumbledore's face, "And you, the head of the Wizengamot, did not know this?" Kai would believe that when he met a vegetarian werewolf.

Dumbledore sighed, "I did, though there is nothing I can do about it. Like you said, it is the current political climate."

"Nothing you can do? You have the future of the British Wizarding world under your surveillance and leadership 10 months of the year. These are their most formative years, where best to influence them away from these discriminations? Make issue debate part of your curriculum, bring in public speakers from different races and cultures, there are so many things you could do. Other schools have taken the proper steps, why not Hogwarts?"

The headmaster's eyes suddenly brightened, like a light switch turned on, "Mr. Boudreau, exactly what masteries do you have?"

'That is a bit off topic.'

"Myself? Runes, Warding, Bloodmagic, and Defense, both Muggle and magical."

"Perfect," Dumbledore muttered, stroking his long white beard. "Mr. Boudreau, Hogwarts is the Order's current headquarters. Would you like to stay at Hogwarts? We can easily exchange information and you could still come and go as you please."

The assassin considered the offer. If he said yes it would only be temporary, until he had suceeded in destroying Riddle. He could easily shadow-stalk in and out of Hogwart - that method of transportation not blocked by the ward. Hogwarts, the home of the last War Mage (Godric Gryffindor) was just bubbling with untapped wild magic. Perhaps if he could discover a portrait or something it would help in his training. On top of all this, he could keep a close eye on Dumbledore and his Order and sit in on their meetings.

"Tentatively I am given it consideration," the raven-haired youth nodded coolly, "The real question is in what status would I be staying in the castle. I certainly cannot enroll as a student," Kai knew that he would technically be the same age as the 7th years at Hogwarts, but he was far too educated and proud to lower himself to such a status, "and I'm not an Auror, so you cannot claim I'm here for security. Nor does Hogwarts house random people."

The old man's eyes twinkled furiously, "What about as a professor?"

Kai raised an eyebrow, "And what, pray tell, do you teach in your academy, Headmaster, that I could instruct?"

Dumbledore looked at him strangely, "Mr. Boudreau, while your modesty is charming, you have many masteries."

"I do, Headmaster, but I do not use a wand. Therefore, I could not teach your students the proper wand movements or incantations that you deem necessary in your curriculum. Runes, do not require a wand but you already have a very competent runes professor."

The old wizard smiled knowingly, "What I had in mind was a complementary class to our Defense Against the Dark Arts class, a class in which the students take what they are learning in DADA and apply it in situations. They would learn the spells with Remus but use those spells in controlled situations with you. You could also give supplementary lectures that you told me we were missing - to set a blueprint for how such topics could be addressed at Hogwarts in the future."

Dumbledore smiled as he watched Kai leaned back and consider the option. The headmaster had watched him closely at dinner and thought he may have finally started to figure out the complexity of the man.

Kai nodded his acceptance. He had previously taught numerous courses at Riker, some of which he'd have to pass to other individuals this term by accepting this.

"That is acceptable."

"Now to just have this approved by the board," Severus chimed in. They often struggled with getting that group on board with any changes.

"Don't worry about the Board not approving me. I have extensive teaching credentials from teaching at LeFay - they would be foolish to refuse. I'll provide a file to submit to the board."

Dumbledore smiled even brighter, excited that they had found a workable situation that kept the younger man close by.

"I will come up with some class schemes and present them to the deputy for integration at my earliest chance," there were many many thoughts running through Kai's head, but he was much too weary to think about writing them now, so he stored them in his new 'Hogwarts' file in his memory.

"Thank you, Professor Boudreau. I'm sure it has been a long day for you and for Severus, please rest and I will see you in the morning."