Lightning Lord
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz. Look, MelJ, We wrote your Snape fan story. Now, well, we're writing a new one that might appear to be the opposite. But it's not. I promise?
A/N: There are many nods to some of my favorite authors here, Robst, OldCrow, Dunnelos, Dennisud and others. These are not meant to be anything other than an homage. And a thank you for all of their wonderful stories.
Happy Father's day to all of our manly readers out there; your contributions to families are true treasure, whether you have children of your own or not. Bless you.
**OO**
Welcome to the fireside.
Chapter 2: New Destinies
Moody came for dinner that night, and Harry got Dobby talking about his former master and his slimy friends. Tonks set up a recording quill, as her eyes got wider and wider.
Alastor explained, "The shopgirl that got detained wanted a mastery in Potions, and took a job just shy of slave wages in order to get it. The shop owner is convinced that she had something to do with Malfoy's sudden disability. Nay, don't bother defending her with your own observations. She testified under Veritaserum. This wasn't their first run in. Don't look at me like that Tonks! The boy needs to know the reality of the situation, as he's rich enough to become part of the solution. Below here is an empty shop. You should buy or rent it, and put people like her to work. Real work."
"A fix-it shop, maybe? I like fixing things. And my reparo worked on my glasses." Taking them off and showing both of them the repairs. "See?"
"Indeed ye did. Good job. And don't think I noticed the improvements ye made inside with yer wand. Smart lad. You'd be surprised how many weak wizards are out there, Potter. Muggleborns and half-bloods like you and Tonks here have far more magic. Even Snape for all that the evil git is evil. Powerful."
"MOODY!" There was a shout in the floo "Trouble at Azkaban. Snape escaped, and somehow put Barty Crouch Junior in his cell there."
"What?" Moody's magical eye whirled. He snapped his fingers, and shouted back. "Gather a team, and inform Bones we have a huge problem." The man started cussing.
"What's wrong, Moody? I thought he was dead?" Tonks asked.
"Get yer dancing shoes on, Missy. This is gonna cause waves. We're about to arrest Crouch. Barty Crouch Senior that is."
Waving thanks for dinner, the aurors left, and Jam was looking at Harry, questions of what was happening in his eyes.
"I have no idea. I hope that Tonks explains when she gets back." Harry stated worriedly, Hedwig flying down to his shoulder to comfort him.
When Tonks returned, she did share her adventures. The short version was that the real Snape was imprisoned in Crouch's basement using an experimental polyjuice potion. Crouch Jr had been impersonating him very well. Barty Crouch Senior was in deep trouble for helping his son escape prison a decade earlier. He didn't think he'd be caught. Only Moody acting as he did put the boy back into prison.
Leaving poor Severus Snape in the lurch.
But Professor McGonagall refused to give Snape his job back. His contract ran year to year, and she had signed Miss Clearwater in good faith.
Dumbledore was cursing himself for saving the money. If he had signed Severus through say, the year 2000, it would have cost him far more than what he paid, and now he was paying, and paying.
And paying.
**OO**
"Is Potter alright?" Snape demanded again. He had made a vow to protect him, and apparently Junior decided to try to kill Potter and frame Severus for it. He'd been held prisoner in Crouch's basement until Mad-eye's rescue. After Moody's forced oath, he'd had to use muggle minions. Thankfully, ineffective ones.
Severus was now in an interrogation room at the Ministry, being questioned by his rescuer. And Moody had one big question. Why didn't the Headmaster notice the switch?
"Snape, when were you last in the castle?"
"Two, no three nights ago. I had left for the apothecary and woke up in a basement in a place I didn't recognize. Dark. There was an unknown house-elf…no, her name was Winky. I was questioned about myself, Potter, my plans for the boy. I shared the oaths I was under. I had the clear impression he wanted to empty the Potter vaults, kill the child and try to take revenge against me for going against the Dark Lord by framing me for his murder.
"If I had been the actual one to put Potter in danger, or get him killed in some indirect way, I still would have lost my magic due to broken oaths.
"When I was awake, which wasn't often, I was very distressed for the boy's health. I didn't want to lose my magic. He asked about my loyalties: Junior learned I had left the Dark Lord's service and had been actively working against the dark for over a year before the Dark Lord was destroyed. He decided to kill Potter and destroy me. You captured him much quicker than I expected. Well done, Master Auror Moody. So does the boy still live? Where is he?"
Severus gratefully accepted the cuppa the old auror offered. Different spices than his usual blend, but not unpleasant.
Moody refused to answer that question, as he was acting as if he didn't know just where Potter was. They had a plan for that.
"Not sure where he is, but he'll live. Let me ask you a different question, since you lost your job during this plot. Your name will be cleared and you'll be able to sell some of this adventure to the Daily Prophet. You might want to keep some of the information private. Junior's been in prison, and the only one he can tell anything to is other captured Death Eaters. You should look to your own future.
"You're a good brewer, and just need a shop. If you take on a muggleborn apprentice or three, I know where you could set up."
"I don't have that kind of gold! I earn a pittance, and have been trying to save up for years." The wizard was not happy, and now he'd lost his post as spy.
The old auror's next inquiry threw the young potions master for a loop:
"What do ye mean a pittance? I have been offered the DADA post more than once, and even if you've only a yearly contract and without a mastery, it would be good money. And yer likely brewin' on the side for people. Don't deny it, lad!"
"I don'tdeny brewing on the side, but my salary wasn't much. And I don't fritter my knuts. I didn't have much growing up, and I learned how to be frugal." Severus was quite adamant, "Albus feels that he kept me from Azkaban, as I had unwisely joined the Death Eaters. But I never killed anyone directly even if I feel responsible for Lily's death. Potter…wait. Did you drug me?"
"A little, but I needed to know you wouldn't try to kill Potter. I'll look into yer salary issues. I can promise you better."
At least he wouldn't be around young brats. "As long as I could brew, I would be willing to work in a shop and teach others. Other adults that is."
"You'll swear a magical oath not to attack or reveal who lives in the shop above you should you discover it. She values her privacy. We can add an extension to the back of the shop to give you a bit of living space, at least a cot or something. A shower too. You want a real bath, pay for one at the Leaky." Moody stated tersely. He wasn't here to make friends.
Snape nodded, relieved. Clearly, Moody started the interview wanting to gut him, but he wasn't the one sent out to pick up Potter. Fortunately, Junior had never had a chance to steal from Potter.
Moody worked at the details, offering Snape a much better salary than he made at Hogwarts with far less work. And doing work he adored doing.
And promised bonuses for inventing new brews that were patented.
Moody knew that Crouch Sr had given Winky a glove based on all this, and Potter likely had picked up a new friend.
**OO**
Lady Malfoy made her way to Saint Mungos. What in the world had happened to Lucius, and why had they let his attacker go? Rumors were rife that some jumped up daughter of a muggle had attacked her husband.
She was more than willing to believe that. And it was likely in retaliation for something he did. But it didn't make it right!
Narcissa wanted to hold her nose as a goblin came out of the hospital chief's office.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Healer Brightblade. I'd heard you'd dealt with this sort of injury before." The hospital administrator stated sincerely.
"Your gold is all the thanks I need. Only time will tell if your patient recovers. Magic herself seems to have judged him, in my opinion. Good day." Brightblade stated before heading to the floo.
The wizard actually bowed to the creature before turning to Narcissa.
"Ah, Lady Malfoy. I expect you are here for answers. I have only questions at this point, but I assure you, I am investigating other avenues." Administer Braithewaite shared.
"So it's true, Edmund? Lucius has lost his…he's…"
"Come in, my lady, and let me call for tea. He's not dead, madam."
The woman took his terrible hospital tea, and listened to him ramble on about Merlin indexes and how her husband had less magic now than a squib. His core was shattered in the 'incident'.
"Well, I can cause incidents too!" The woman jumped to her feet. "I need to visit the DMLE next."
"For what? Revenge against Merlin himself? No one cast at your husband, madam. The goblin healer that was just here examined him, and declared him hit by natural lightning. That is something that Merlin himself could control and maybe a handful of other people since. I would think that if there was a Lightning Lord or Lady amongst us, we would have heard about them before now." He scoffed. "The last Lightning Lord I heard of was that Russian? Armenian? Anyway, that Tesla fellow. Powerful mage. Insane, but powerful. I am quite sure he really is dead after that last incident with Grindelwald. So young, only eighty six. Too many wizards have died fighting the dark lords of this century."
Narcissa was ready to pull her wand at that remark, but he was pressing on.
"And before taking revenge against the woman that your husband pushed down, she was indeed tested for the talent. No. She is a powerful witch, far higher on the Merlin index than most but not powerful enough to do this! Her powers lie elsewhere." He wasn't about to divulge that her interests were in potions. Or that she'd found a sponsor. No need to flame any fires. "The last few spells on her wand were all cleaning and organizing magic. What a waste! Shopkeeper's assistant since her parents were muggles. Now there's a crime you could help fight. Powerful magicals should have access to better jobs."
The look on her face! The woman was clearly incensed by that notion, so he dropped it as well. She pulled parchment and quill from her small bag and wrote a quick note. She was clearly using this time to try and quiet her turmoil.
Lady Malfoy was herself a force of nature, but much more gently she asked, "What are you doing to repair this damage?! I can't be married to a…a…" She couldn't bring herself to say it.
"He's still alive. He's just without magic. He might need help using the floo. If your home has muggle protection wards, he might get lost if he goes for a walk…"
"Are you truly suggesting that he be allowed to leave the hospital before he's back to normal? Do you know how much money I generate for this facility?"
Edmund sighed, "Of course I do." The man didn't comment on how she droned on about her importance every time they met. It wasn't…polite. "And if you want him to be housed in long-term spell damage, you'll have to convince him to stay. And no offense, but a fund will have to be set up to pay for long-term care."
"I will gladly do so if there's a chance…"
An owl came through the magical window carrying a black envelope. It was for Lady Malfoy.
"Oh dear. It appears that Lucius passed away." The woman shed not one tear, but the concerned healer dashed from the room, only to return to the witch reading the letter.
She used that time he was gone to summon her personal elf to deliver the note later that night when the subject was alone.
"It's a mistake, my lady. He's fine. Well, not yet healed from his malady, but he's alive." Braithewaite shared.
"I have the notice here. My husband is dead, and his Will is going to be read. Good day." The woman started to leave, leaving the wizard gaping.
"But, what do we do about your husband?"
"I don't understand the question. As for what you do with a muggle who looks like him? That is your concern, and none of mine. I need to return home and break this sad news to my son. He'll be the next Lord Malfoy."
The woman left, ignoring the calls from the blond former wizard as she passed his room. He followed her to the floo, but she acted as though she was deaf to his pleas for help.
To the other purebloods around him, he was less than a muggle now, and they too ignored him.
Unsure of what to do, the administrator sent a letter to Arthur Weasley. Maybe he would be kind enough to show Mr Malfoy around London. The hospital really couldn't afford to house someone who was otherwise just fine without financial support. The Longbottoms and others in that ward all had wealthy patrons supporting them.
He'd take up a collection himself to exchange for muggle money to get him started out in a flat. Poor man.
**OO**
Harry wanted to laugh at the whole thing, but Tonks couldn't hold a grudge against the wrong Death Eater. It wasn't Snape who'd done all those mean things, but Crouch Junior, disguised as Snape. How would she have known? And Mad-eye didn't know him well enough to know his aura. But Dumbledore should have known though, but he wasn't talking.
Mad-eye shared his ideas with them for extra protection for them both by having Snape in the shop below. They quickly agreed, especially if he were to accept muggleborn apprentices.
Despite Moody's earlier talk with Severus, where he offered a mere cot and toilet, Harry wanted to sponsor funds to add a full bedroom and bath to the place if the owners approved.
"What do you want to call the shop?" Harry asked the trainee,
Tonks laughed and laughed, and made two signs for the shop. One real, and one, not so much.
**OO**
"POTTTTERRRR! I'm going to…" Snape stared at the sign. Tonks, in disguise, was wearing Harry's appearance.
"Don't have a fit, man, it was just a little joke." 'Harry' stated, practicing for her role at Hogwarts, coming up from behind him.
A cloth sign said 'Potter's Potente Potions coming soon'.
Harry thought it was funny, as did Tonks and the elves.
That was put away, and 'Evans & Snape Apothecary' was levitated into place. A permanent sign would be ordered if he liked it.
Severus was blind-sided. "What? How?" Rage showed on his face for a moment, and the boy before him tripped and turned into the auror trainee who was Lily's son's new guardian.
She pulled her wand, and went from laughing to deadly menace in a moment. "If that had really been Harry he would be halfway to Hyde Park by now. Don't you ever threaten him!"
Then she saw the tears on his face. Confused at his countenance, she softened. "Why? Why were you so angry a moment ago?"
"Because no one knew! Only Lily and I knew our plans for after school." Snape shared reluctantly. "I felt like I was being mocked."
"Well, Lily didn't forget. She left you money for your shop, and hoped the world would change enough to be able to brew there.
"Come man. Why don't we talk about what you would like to call the shop. Come and meet Destiny. No, that's really her name. No last name." Tonks invited him into the shop.
Destiny's parents hadn't been too happy with her choosing to stay a witch. Her mother wanted her to be an actress or model. Unfortunately, she'd caught the attention of the previous Lord Malfoy. Now, she was safe from him. And she really was beautiful. Severus wondered if there were Veela in her ancestry somewhere.
Veela bred true - you either were or weren't. One could have a grandmother who was, and have the abilities skip a generation. But those who were Veela were always magical.
Harry listened in as they decided on a shop name, and Destiny became Severus' first apprentice. The usual fees were being waived, since the shop would provide the materials, and Severus was getting to brew and not having to worry about customers. Another muggleborn witch was going to be in charge of that, and making sure they had supplies.
Moody laughed and laughed. Dumbledore had vouched for Snape repeatedly. Now, no Death Eater would attack this shop, not even Riddle would, and no one knew anyone lived above the shop. Moody implied that Potter's mother had left money for Severus to brew, then Dumbledore sealed the Will.
Harry didn't know about that. He just knew that his account manager wanted him to make wise investments, and had signed off on everything for the potions shop, rubbing his hands.
Harry's goblin account manager's nose twitched. That was supposed to be lucky, he'd been told. He immediately approved the funds to buy the shop from the current owner.
So Harry went to buy the shop as directed. That was when he found out it belonged to the Black family, and the Heir could be petitioned as the Lord was unavailable. After two goblins named Spurnik and Goldrub met with him (the Potter and Black Account Managers, respectively), Harry was asked if he wanted to sell it to himself.
Harry looked to the guard he'd recently met. BloodRage was clearly trying not to laugh, so he was no help at all. Harry took up one of the 'treats' the guard had brought him. A delicacy called conde lumbra, he'd said. To an eleven year old boy, the squirmy worm dish was irresistible, if a little spicy. What to do about the shop?
Getting a headache, he decided to rent it at the normal rate. From himself. And gave himself permission for the addition of a suite of living quarters at his own cost. At least, he didn't have to actually move the gold. That was something the goblins handled for him.
For a reasonable fee of course. Goblins.
**OO**
Arthur Weasley had a small fund for these sorts of situations. They didn't happen often, thank goodness, but when they did, it was always sad for the person involved. The Ministry owned the building that had retraining facilities for squibs and flats to house them.
"You expect me to live in this hovel?" Lucius looked around at the plain but clean room. It was a small studio that had a television, a microwave, sink and a few cabinets, a small loo with a shower.
The bed came out of the wall, and went up to make more room.
"Why can't I just go home?" Lucius demanded. Again. How many times did that make it?
"I tried to talk to your wife about the situation. Apparently with your will reading, you are officially dead in our society. You don't have any magic. You'd have difficulty flooing anywhere as wards are based on magical signatures. Something you no longer have. Now, here's the brochure for the squib retraining program. Most of the class will have eleven year olds who didn't get their letter. The teacher is expecting you, so don't worry about it. I've a map here, and some muggle money. Be careful with budgeting, as it may take awhile to find yourself a job. At least your only expense is food."
"Job? Me? I'm a Malfoy! What do you expect me to do?" He was wearing the muggle suit he'd been given in the hospital. Someone had 'helped' him by exchanging all of his gold in his purse for muggle money and it was tucked into a leather wallet. His fine robes had disappeared; he knew not where.
A small little part of Arthur's mind was reveling in the take-down of this man. He was suspected of killing Molly's brothers and had never faced a trial for it. Revenge served cold by Merlin himself. But Director Weasley took his duties seriously, and was trying to help.
"You're not in the muggle system yet. With children, it's a bit easier. For you, we'll have to come up with a backstory, and have papers made. Several people are going through a lot of work to help you. At least you're not in a bed in Saint Mungos with purple tentacles. Or suffering from overexposure to the cruciatus curse."
"I didn't help torture the Longbottoms!" Malfoy spat.
Calmly, the red head stated, "I never claimed you did. Now, let me show you how to turn on the lights and shower and such. Oh, and use the microwave. I want one of these so badly, but Molly won't…well, never mind that. The cold box, I mean, the refrigerator has been stocked with several ready to heat meals for you, and there's a little grocery nearby. I'll show you that later. Now, to operate this, you read the instructions on the box, put it in, and set the time. There's a very nice 'ding' when your dinner is ready. Now, let me show you how to turn on the lights…"
**OO**
Lucius missed his snake headed cane, and wanted to whip out his wand during the lecture. He'd always heard at the ministry what a bumbling fool this man was. How clueless he was. And yet, they had traveled from Saint Mungos to here on their transportation, and he was teaching him how to use their money. Base ten? How…simplistic!
There simply had to be a way of making money in this world that didn't involve manual labor.
After Weasley had left, he looked at himself in the mirror in the small bath. Someone had dared cut his hair off. He looked like a soldier from Grindelwald's time; tall, handsome, blond with a near shaven head. Arthur had shown him how to use the razor and other toiletries. His mirror said not one complimentary thing to him.
Then it dawned on him. This was a muggle mirror. It would never talk to him.
He was very hungry, and took out the meal that had been 'sitting for at least two minutes' out, and burned himself lightly trying to remove the odd cover.
He took it over to the tiny table, setting a napkin and odd white silverware, that clearly wasn't metal, down. The wobbly table was at the window, and he was able to watch the muggles walking by down below. So many of them! So many!
As he ate food that was too cold in places, and too hot in others, he tried to kick his brain into gear of how he was going to get out of this mess.
**OO**
Setting up the potion shop went surprisingly quickly with the competent help of three house-elves, two muggle-born witches, and a nice budget.
Now that Severus was free to be his own master, he began brewing the sorts of potions he always wanted to make. First, he started with potions that he knew he could brew inexpensively and put galleons in his pocket for his research. It was a bit of a blow to his ego, but it would give him the resources for other, less lucrative but more challenging potions.
Beauty potions for witches, as well as body washes and other masculine hygiene potions were his ticket to financial freedom. There was a dearth of products for wizards available, and the items from Madame Pimpernel were far too perfumy for even most witches.
His products had natural lavender, sage, and other herbal and citrus scents, and he was a walking advertisement for his own creations.
And they were priced to make a fair markup, so that the average witch or wizard didn't have to take out a loan to look or smell nice.
Perhaps he'd done a little too well; his apprentice and shop clerk were eyeing him most disconcertingly.
It was a necessary evil. Soon, very soon, he could do true magic. Subtle magic. The kind of magic that was subtle, clever. He was the master of his own destiny now.
**OO**
"Mercedes? Can you please come here for a minute?" The headmistress was anxious, she always was the day before the start of the fall term. Mercedes had her hot chocolate ready just the way she liked it.
The young assistant adored her mentor. Her raven hair flowed to her waist when unbound, framing her heart shaped face. She was petite and pretty, but had had a rough childhood until rescued by the woman who was then in the planning stages of this school. It had been a blessing to them both.
The headmistress had seen many things over many years, yet was still strong and vital. Mercedes was the daughter she had always wanted and shared her vision of a better school for magical children; one that would actually benefit them with a real education.
Mercedes brought the tray in, and there she was. Appropriate for a duchess, the elderly woman had her long locks, grey and white, in braids making a crown. She wore custom robes that the designer called 'Victorian Tech'. Practical for a school like this yet still elegant. She still taught and mentored students, but was also a good administrator.
The headmistress rarely drank much aside from water, never taking coffee or tea. But this treat was the soothing she needed.
"Ma'am?" Mercedes prompted.
"I want you to keep this in confidence, but please read this correspondence." The headmistress handed over a letter. The student's guardian was going to be unavailable for two months due to working in a remote area. And the backup person wasn't human.
"A goblin? A goblin guard? Have we ever had that before?" the secretary asked. Her job description was a bit fluid. Helping to shepherd first years was not an uncommon request.
"I think it would be prudent for you to make an appointment at Gringotts and meet this BloodRage in advance. Get your measure of him."
"I will ma'am." turning to leave, she softly added, "Ada? It's going to be alright."
"I worry that Dumbledore will turn his attention to us. I do appreciate Potter's guardian's candor about the situation with her earlier missives. I hope the plan will keep us safe from such. For a long time."
The headmistress felt it had been such an unexpected boon to their school to land Harry Potter. But the application coming from a muggle school of all places? The magic in those applications meant only muggleborns could see them. Well, magicals. But his academics and recommendations were all real. Just for the publicity, she would have accepted him and offered a scholarship. But he had earned every penny of it, and would likely continue to do so.
She took out the letter he'd written and reviewed it. The magic he'd accidentally imbued with the imploring for help. If he didn't have a new guardian already who was kind, she'd be looking to place him with someone here. Or take him on herself! It certainly didn't match common gossip or what the newspaper said about the lad.
How dare Dumbledore put a magical child into a situation like that! It was unconscionable. She had already left Hogwarts before Albie Dumbledore was a firstie. She had seen the arrogant boy grow up to be a dangerously powerful political manipulator, and she didn't like him.
"I'll ask about boosting the wards while I'm there. Just in case." Mercedes proceeded to her desk. Goblins. Something new everyday in this school.
"Thank you, my dear. Yes, I should have thought of that earlier. Please do." Ada nodded her head, turning to her tasks as her assistant turned to hers.
**OO**
Gringotts
"I'm pleased that you took my request for a meeting so quickly, sir." Mercedes sat in the offered chair at the table.
She had started to introduce herself, but the female goblin had shook her head. There were three goblins there - the female guard, BloodRage, and Spurnik the account manager for the lad.
BloodRage looked at the contract. Simple enough. He had to swear on his magic that he wouldn't use his access to the school to slaughter anyone. No goblin with any honor would attack younglings. It was an easy request and he quickly complied.
"Will you be attending any of Harry's school functions?" The secretary asked curiously.
"Not until his location is known publicly." BloodRage averred. "But I am available in an emergency. That is the point of this."
Mercedes was balancing tact with discretion, "I don't want you to be blindsided. Our offer was meant to be transparent with Mr Potter. A scholarship in exchange for him attending."
"Your people wanted to use him for recruiting? Good plan." Spurnik nodded. "Please know that funds are available if needed for any extras. I would not want my client to go without just because he is used to doing so."
Mercedes nodded in appreciation of his understanding, "His safety is more important to us than the publicity. As is the security of the school. We might lose out now, but his safety is paramount. If you are ever called out, I need to know what you will charge the school for your time so I can let the accountant know."
Spurnik spoke up, "I assure you, madam. If help is ever needed, the Potter account will provide. I do understand why this charade is being done. It shouldn't be necessary."
"I think you also need to be wary of Death Eaters who bought their freedom." BloodRage opined.
"Yes, that was the second appointment for me here. We'd like to hire Gringotts to assess our wards, and perhaps offer some improvements."
BloodRage chuckled, "Charlus Potter was brilliant from the stories I've heard. Betrayal was the only way to bring down the old Potter Keep wards. You train up his young grandson, and he might return to ward your school very well."
Spurnik had a quiet word with the team going out to Wimborne. Half of the cost would be met by the Potters if Miss Tonks approved. He had recently recouped ten years of back support payments. This would be a good use for that gold.
James and Lily were responsible parents who would have done so if they were still here. BloodRage gave Mercedes a way to contact him quickly in case of emergency and assembled a few faithful friends to take the same oath he had.
After all, if Death Eaters ever attacked the school, would he exclude his comrades from the party?
**OO**
Sunday, 1 September 1991
The first day of school came far too quickly and too slowly for Harry. Part of him had been anxious for school to start, but part had reveled in this new world of having a loving home. Learning everything he could from Moody and Tonks. Harry prepared for Wimborne, his new school, just as his doppelganger prepared for the trip to Hogwarts.
"I wish you the best of luck." Harry warned. "Don't let him hurt you. Again."
Dumbledore! His enemy from his earliest memories of Vernon's ranting and Petunia's sneers. He was dangerous. Of course, so was Tonks.
Cautionary tales of 'don't take sweets from strangers' came to his mind. Dudley was constantly being told that and given lots of lollies at home so he wouldn't be tempted.
Harry pulled out a beautiful carry-all sack that had a shrunken luncheon basket, along with an assortment of fine chocolates, and some homemade treats.
"I'm going to miss you. I know you have your own family for Yule, but I was hoping…" Harry broke off, blushing.
"By then, it should be safe to bring you to my mum's house. If not, we'll celebrate here. You've got your portkey, and I have Moody waiting. He's worried he's going to be stuck as a muggle after this, even though we tested it on Barty Junior first." Tonks opined.
Harry shook his head, "How's Junior doing? Bet he's mad at Snape!"
"Just fine, He and his father are in cells far too close to people like Bellatrix Lestrange. Moody has teasingly suggested we poison her food. If she ever got out –and she apparently rants all the time about how the dark lord isn't dead– it would be very scary. She's very scary.
Tonks gave him a warm hug, and sent him off with a kiss on the cheek. How she was going to miss him, but she had a train to catch. Harry snuggled her back. His crush had quickly been replaced by a different and deep affection for this witch. He was going to miss her so much.
He needed to activate his portkey and get going to Wimborne.
**OO**
Muggles were treated to a spectacle of a bespectacled boy in rags getting shouted at before the rotund man waddled off.
Moody would be swearing off whiskey and sweets for months after wearing Vernon's weight. He ducked into a loo, took the antidote, and apparated to the stationary train. He landed, patting himself down. It worked! He wasn't stuck being a muggle!
Mission accomplished: Tonks, in the guise of Harry Potter, made her way to an empty compartment.
Not long afterwards, Lee Jordan came in and asked to sit there. She nodded and eeped at his spider. She'd never seen such a big one, well, outside of the acromantulas the size of a carriage in the Forbidden Forest. But she wasn't supposed to know about those.
They chatted amicably about muggle music when Fred and George, and their little brother joined them.
She had a difficult moment, as she loved the twins. Had pranked them and with them. And now, it was essential to not break cover. The headmaster would be able to read either of their thoughts like the morning news. She had to be careful.
"So, do you really have it?" Ron demanded, clearly star-struck about the Harry Potter in the compartment.
Tonks was wearing a hat. Makeup could approximate the small scar, but she wasn't anxious for people to be staring at her forehead. The muggle henna she used was supposed to last for weeks before needing to be renewed.
She moved closer to the window and imitated Harry, "I got this when the car crashed. It killed my parents, and left me without them and only this scar. I don't like having people stare at me, if it's all the same."
"That's not what happened!" The youngest Weasley shouted.
Fred and George and Lee left to go see friends, uncomfortable with Ron's shouting. That left Tonks alone in the carriage with the Potter obsessed child.
Ron went on a rant of Light Lord Harry Potter wielding his father's wand (apparently James had forgotten it when getting into a fight with Moldy) that finished with lightning killing off the dark one, and leaving Harry with the mark forevermore of his victory.
"So, where's my dad's wand then? Shouldn't it be in a museum?" Tonks asked.
"I dunno. Maybe in your old house, or in one of the many Potter vaults. You're supposed to be super rich. Wish we were. All I have is Charlie's old wand and Percy's old rat. He's had him since he was five I think."
Moody came in just then, and Tonks almost gave the game away, but Moody had been listening in.
"Where's your pet's cage?" Moody asked. "I need some help getting treats from the cart, if you don't mind putting him down."
Ron admitted he had no cage, but heard treats and wanted to help. Moody had been warned about how careless people were with pets and had been conjuring cages earlier that day in preparation. He pulled one from his pocket. "Here ye go, lad."
Ron quickly got said rat into said cage next to the window and was ready to go.
Moody palmed a second one to Tonks, and she knew exactly what he wanted. The auror left with a very happy firstie rattling off all the things he wanted from the cart.
As soon as the door shut, Tonks put a portkey on the cage, and sent it to Moody's desk. The man could see auras and was clearly troubled here.
Then she put the new cage on the sill, and left the door slightly ajar, as if the rat had escaped.
She petted the owl that Hagrid had sent Harry. He was a nondescript owl with pointedly long ears. He had written an apology that the snowy owl he'd wanted to buy was gone. Harry had in turn given it to her.
Tonks liked the anonymity.
The disguised witch reached into her bag, and had given her owl, Tuvok, several owl treats, and pulled out a beginning alchemy book. She knew nothing about the subject, and was genuinely curious. She hoped that if Dumbledore caught her alone, she could quiz him about it. Vehemently. Hehehe.
The troops were back, loaded with snacks, and Ron walked in just as Tuvok slurped down an unfrozen mouse, tail just disappearing. Oops.
"Hey! Your owl just ate my rat!"
Ron went over to see if he could rescue said rat by throttling the bird, but Moody was right there.
"Now, now lad. That's a shame. I should have shown you how to latch the cage better. It's nobody's fault."
"I'm really sorry Ron. Hey, I know! Let me buy you a new pet. Or I can give you the gold, and you can buy your own." 'Harry' offered.
Tonks pulled out a ten galleon coin and offered it to him. Fred, who had returned to snag a treat, nudged him. Percy had found the rat, and he was really old, so the boy took it.
"No hard feelings, please? I'm sorry I wasn't watching better." Tonks pleaded.
"Yeah, okay. It wasn't like you fed him to the owl." Ron accepted.
"No way. Gross!"
The boys all chuckled at that. Tonks headed to the door.
"Hey, where are you going?" Ron demanded, stuffing another licorice wand into his mouth.
Tonks stifled her urge to glare, "I need to whiz, okay?"
Moody offered, "Potter, let me escort you to the loo, just in case some of the Slytherins decide to try anything." He took up guarding in the hallway, but everyone respected the one-legged man. Especially the death eater children.
Tonks nodded. Coming out of the private WC, Moody cast a privacy charm, "That rat was no rat. Animagus, I'm positive."
"Ooh, like Skeeter?"
Moody had recently found out that Rita Skeeter was an animagus, but was waiting for her to do something illegal with it. He'd already warded several offices in the DMLE including his own against her.
"Exactly. He said he'd had him for the last ten years. I think the placement is highly suspicious. A death eater animagus hanging around a light family, hoping to hear word if you-know-who showed up again?"
Dumbledore had preached time and again the dark one was coming back.
"Too bad Auntie Walburga won't let me visit the library. I bet there's a resurrection method in there." Tonks whispered. "I want to derail it before anything can get started."
"Aye, I know. Dreadful woman. But the last time you asked, she was on death's door. And now we know Harry's the Heir. If we can get in soon, it's a good idea."
Tonks chuckled, picturing a very confused Kreacher trying to figure out if he wanted to serve the great Harry Potter sir – or lock him up in the dungeons of Grimmauld Place. Or a bit of both. Poor mad thing.
The rest of the house-elves they had collected all loved him.
**OO**
Draco Malfoy was wearing mourning robes, but that didn't stop him from coming in to introduce himself.
"Potter? I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
Tonks stood and shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, cousin."
Ron objected to that. "WHAT?! You can't be."
"You should meet my muggle cousin." Tonks refrained from winking, but felt that Dudley and Draco had far more in common than most.
Ron jibed, "Well, now you have two. Muggle cousins that is. What with Malfoy's daddy being a muggle and all."
"My father died. There's some muggle who looks like him trying to claim my father's place. He died in an attack in Diagon."
Tonks laughed at that. "Um, Draco? No offense, but I was there. Your dad was hit by lightning, not killed. He lost his magic. But he's still alive."
"And that makes you a half-blood." Ron mocked. "Half-blood Heir."
"Shut it, Ron. That's not very nice…" Tonks was trying to prevent a fight.
"You'd better watch it, Weasel. Red-hair, and too many children to afford, I recognized your stench when I came on the train. You'd best mind your manners."
"Or what? You'll teach me?" Ron retorted.
"When my mother hears about…" Draco started, but stopped, seeing the only auror that scared said mother at the door.
Mad-eye came in, and stared at the baby death eater and the youngest Weasley wizard. With different eyes. Draco wisely decided to retreat, leaving Tonks to glare at Ron. Moody followed him for aways.
Tonks waited for the door to shut.
"If we want him to be better than his father, we should be nice to him. Recruit him to our side. Make friends."
"You sound like a 'Puff. Be a duffer for all I care. I'll never be friends with a half-blood like him." Ron promised.
"I'm a half-blood you know, only my parents are a witch and wizard. Odd that someone can have a squib and muggle for parents and still be considered half. You think I should be three-quarters or something more, right?"
Ron laughed and the mood turned back to relaxed. Tonks saw Mad-eye stop and wink as he continued his patrol.
The man missed nothing.
**OO**
Wimborne School of Computing Wizardry was far different from Hogwarts. Harry had purchased Hogwarts: A History, so had seen many views of both outside and inside the school.
This school was new; only a decade old, and was built to educate the wizards of the future.
Not that classes in basic potions, charms and transfiguration weren't required, they were. Harry was interested in the computer track, and planned on going to uni. Unlike the preparation available (or lack thereof), very few graduates from Hogwarts went on to muggle university, to Harry's great shock. An education seemed to be the key to a bright future.
They had a tour of the school with one of the Prefects from their pod. Harry's room wasn't much more than a cupboard, really. Wardrobe built into the wall, a small press for folded clothes, a single bed that took up one half of the built-in room with space underneath for a trunk. A small window overlooking a lovely garden and pond with white geese and a desk with a built-in bookshelf to the left. It was a very smart configuration.
Plus it was not ten people to a room like Hogwarts either, though Harry didn't know that the last two wizarding wars had seriously reduced those numbers.
They were given time to unpack. Their pod had twenty one boys and eight girls, and had two prefects. The school was set up for fifty total students per pod. They all had their own rooms, and the girls were on the floor above them. In addition to their prefects, they had a rotating schedule of paid adults who were assigned tutors and mentors.
Harry saw a small rune next to the window and following directions, took his temporary wand and tapped the rune. It cycled through a selection of windows, including a view from the Hogwarts Headmaster's office that was in real time. Wow! There really was a giant squid that swam in the lake, as a huge man with a scraggly beard just fed it. An oversized tentacle snapped the treat out of the air. So cool.
Tapping the rune again, he cycled back to the view of the pond and left it there.
Harry had unpacked all of his books, when he heard a soft chime. That meant fifteen minutes to lunch, but he was almost done.
They had plenty of time later, but they would be getting fitted for custom wands and given their schedules and most class syllabi after lunch.
Then it was a follow on health check for Harry, as the very private healer had forwarded his notes to the school. Healer Brightblade had been amazing, and he felt truly healthy for the first time in his life.
At least none of his peers would know about it. He hoped. Harry had been told the abuse wasn't his fault, but he didn't want to talk about it either. He felt he should have been able to do more to protect himself.
He left to follow the signs back to the cafeteria, when a fellow podmate came out of his door nearby at the same time.
"Hi! I'm Baljeet Pancholy." the boy said, extending his hand.
"Hi, I'm Harry Potter, nice to meet you."
The boy tilted his head, "That's so funny that you have the same name as some wizarding hero. I bet you get teased. I won't though."
Harry grinned, "Brilliant. So, what kind of computers do you think we'll be using in classes? I wrote to ask questions, but all I got was a form letter saying they would be the latest, greatest."
Baljeet smiled, his English very good, but he was clearly not from Surrey. "I hope we find out today."
Entering the cafeteria queue, which wasn't long due to the staggered lunch times, the boys took trays and plates and went through the line. There were a few traditional British dishes on offer, but a wide variety of Indian food as well. Looking around, Harry could see that maybe a little over half of the students appeared to be from that country.
"The magical schools in India don't offer computers. This is the best one for mixed." Baljeet shared, as if hearing Harry's thoughts. "My cousins are interested in Herbology so are attending Hogwarts."
Harry smiled and asked questions about the food. He took a small portion of all of the foreign dishes. Vernon couldn't abide such, so Harry had never had saag paneer or even butter chicken before. The chicken tikka masala proved to be very good, but very spicy. Harry was glad that he'd taken a glass of milk.
A couple of girls walked over and introduced themselves, and all enjoyed lunch together. An older student from Manchester glared at overhearing Harry's last name and challenged him.
"Well, if you're Harry Potter, show us your infamous lightning bolt."
Harry startled at first, thinking this was no place for lightning then recognized he was referring to his scar. The boy shrugged, as someone chided the older boy for his tone. Harry couldn't help but notice several curious people staring.
Manners had clashed with security. He felt he really should have already taken the hat off earlier. Now, he pushed up the ball-cap that Tonks had given him, declaring himself forever faithful to the Ballycastle Bats. It exposed his faded scar, to which the older boy scoffed.
"That's nothing but henna. You're a ringer. Everyone knows the real Harry Potter is going to Hogwarts. It's in the papers."
Harry shrugged, "I never claimed to be any kind of hero that rode his first hippogriff when he was seven." In a scathing tone that got him a look from the Prefect. "Just don't go looking for me to protect you."
The other students around him clapped and cheered for Harry standing up to the boy who was a bit of a bully.
Only one petite blonde girl kept looking at Harry. Or rather, Harry's forehead.
Harry glanced at her name badge, something all of them were wearing. Only hers had her family name as well.
"Miss Lovegood?" Harry asked when they were taking their trays to the kitchen window, much like a muggle school cafeteria. Only they had very solid plates and silverware here. Glassware was glass, not plastic.
"I don't know why he thinks there's someone living in your brow. It's a protection rune and a memorial of your victory. You are fully you, you know. And please, call me Luna." The pretty blonde girl invited. "He's going to be very angry to find out you are really here, but I won't tell."
"Thank you. Um…I have no idea what you meant to say except that last bit. Come on, the Orientation lecture is starting."
Luna grabbed his arm, which shocked Harry. Only Tonks had ever touched him with affection before, but this was nice. Almost like having a friend.
"Oh, Harry. I am now, and always will be your friend." Luna promised.
Harry looked and checked, but her hair was covering her ears. He'd be on the lookout.
They made their way to the auditorium, where a wise looking Indian woman was set up on one side of the room with clearly wand making materials. Prefects were scuttling about, arranging boxes of something printed.
Luna clapped her hands with glee, "Hogwarts wouldn't let me come early, even though my birthday is September 20th. I didn't want to wait a whole other year before starting."
A Prefect stopped by to give both Luna and Harry punch cards, stating, "Get this stamped each time you go to the healer. You get a treat every week it's full. They'll issue you a new one until it's no longer needed. Yeah, it makes it sound like you're six, but it's the system." The Prefect moved on. They weren't the only ones getting cards.
Harry looked at the blonde waif beside him. Had she been abused? She looked far too thin.
Luna blushed, "My father sometimes forgets to make dinner, our only meal. Which wouldn't be so bad if there was food I could make. I grow some things in the garden, but…"
Harry patted her arm, "My so-called family doesn't like magic. They took every chance to keep me away from food. They knew I needed it to have power."
Every time Vernon had successfully beaten him was after a week of no food. Never again!
Luna reached over and kissed his cheek unexpectedly. "Thank you for sharing that, Harry Potter. They should be very afraid of you, but I don't think you'd hurt them in revenge. No, but if they try to hurt your friends, you would act to protect them."
"Please, just call me Harry," he requested. "And you're right." Harry didn't want revenge, just to never have to be under their roof again was enough.
"Thank you, that is most kind of you, Harry Potter. Harry. I might make mistakes for a while. You're an important person to me. You make me feel safe. Protected."
Harry reached out and squeezed her hand.
"Definitely."
**OO**
Hogwarts Express
Hermione Granger was a witch on a mission. She knew that later that day, she would need to prove herself for the sorting. She had been sharing a carriage with a shy boy named Neville when he discovered his amphibian was missing. She had a cage in her hand to put it in once she found it. An auror gave it to her. She met her first auror!
Hermione hoped that by helping find it, it would prove she was worthy. Of magic, of being there.
A red-headed boy was just coming out of the loo, and knocked into her.
"Watch where you're going! Or does your nightmare hair interfere with your eyesight?" The boy yelled, rubbing his elbow.
Hermione rubbed her arm where he had connected, "Me? I was walking and you came rushing out of nowhere."
"Well, lunch is waiting, no time for people like you."
"If you were washing up, you missed the dirt on your nose!" Hermione called out.
That wasn't very nice, but he had never apologized either.
**OO**
After orientation, Harry and Luna decided to just take care of the first of the healer trips. They were the first ones there.
A handsome blond wizard was sorting some kind of cards, clearly getting organized.
"Well, hello you two! I'm Healer Marius Greengrass. Since that's a mouthful, please call me Healer Marius. My assistant gets Sundays off, the cheeky girl. And that leaves me trying to pretend I know her system. As if!"
Luna laughed at that, and he smiled reassuringly at them both.
"Well, who's first?" the kind man asked, as both children held up their cards.
Harry pointed at Luna, but Luna ducked around Harry.
"Can we please go together?" Harry asked, somehow knowing that Luna wasn't afraid of him necessarily, but what the healer represented.
"If you don't mind the other hearing what I say." Healer Marius stated, "I don't mind."
He took their cards, and he complimented Luna on what a fine boy she was, making her giggle again. He then switched to the correct card. He recorded several things on it, and had her hold a glowing orb.
"Well, well. Not Merlin high but for someone who's just turning eleven? You're going to be a Sorceress or Grand Sorceress I imagine." The healer stated, again jotting notes. "They'll be recruiting people to power crystals for magical programming projects. You should participate if you want to help tone your magic."
Harry was next with a similar check up. Harry liked this wizard very much. While he used humor, he never made fun of him or Luna. That was so very nice, and different.
When it was Harry's turn with the orb, it glowed very brightly indeed. Luna clapped her hands in delight. Healer Marius gaped a bit, but recorded the number after storing the orb on its stand. Then he looked at the number he'd written down, and gave Harry the orb back.
"No, he really is an Heir, Healer Marius. Isn't it wonderful?" Luna clapped again. Marius gave her a weak smile in return.
He then took a small stamp suspended on his keychain and used it to mark a little miniature caduceus on each of their cards.
"Your morning potions will be waiting for you on the table out front. Get your card punched by me or my assistant when you take them. If you ever have issues with aftereffects, come here immediately, or call for an elf to pop you here. Breakfast and lunch at school are required meals for everyone. Don't ask me why. Just don't get in trouble for skipping them. If you ever start as a day student, this is especially important for you. You can ask for a snack in the cafeteria at any time of the day they aren't serving food. I encourage you to have several small snacks and small meals rather than two big meals. Any questions?"
"Why are your robes so much nicer than the ones at Saint Mungos?" Luna asked.
"The Headmistress used this as a recruiting device," He shared conspiratorially. "Who wouldn't go for having their own design? Who could continue to work for the Ministry after that? That horrid green makes my skin look sallow, don't cha know?" Marius stated so seriously, Harry wondered if there wasn't some truth in the tale. He then winked, and they all laughed.
His perfectly coiffed hair reminded him of a poncy author, Harry couldn't think of who, but without the arrogance. This man was warmth and kindness embodied. His pale dove grey robes were very elegant, but just brushed the tops of his matching leather boots. Not sweeping like Harry had seen some of the robes worn.
After they said goodbye, Luna noted, "Not leather, Harry. Algerian Sand Wyrm."
Harry started to ask and stopped. He'd look it up later.
**OO**
Hogwarts, dinner
'Well, well. Hello, again Miss Tonks. Hufflepuff to the core, you are. You do know that the current headmaster demanded I sort Mr Potter into Gryffindor?'
'Part of me wants to ask for Slytherin for him, but I'm only here for a month or two. The plan is to wait for something bad to happen, then storm off.'
'I see, and while Albus asked about new students enrolling elsewhere, he would ignore students who had been there the whole time. Clever.'
'He needs to leave Harry alone.'
'Ah! Family. Protective of him, are you? Well, good for you. I approve.' The hat removed himself from her mind.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Albus clapped and smiled benignly and the sorting went along until the Zabini boy was sent to the snakes. No surprise there.
He watched as Quirrell watched the boy, but there was no reaction. Interesting.
Dumbledore would keep vigilant. Odd that the wards didn't recognize that bit of Tom in Potter's brow. Likely something to do with the mother's protection. Nothing to worry about.
**OO**
Amelia Bones was supposed to be at home on a Sunday night, maybe having a chat with her friends about the children, and the upcoming sorting.
Now, she was at the Ministry with a ten year old problem.
"If this is Peter Pettigrew, then how was Sirius Black convicted of his murder? Get me that file! Now! I don't care if you have to drag people here."
An hour later, the Minister was in her office. "Amelia! What in the world are you doing?"
Black would be there shortly. With no conviction, he wasn't staying there in Azkaban one minute more. Why hadn't she known? Or checked?
"Cleaning up messes. Not yours. Bagnold's and Crouch's." The most guilty party was not said. Mentioning Dumbledore in a negative way was specifically banned by this man. As was mentioning Lucius in anything less than a complimentary tone.
"Pettigrew is dead!" Fudge declared. Amelia beckoned him over to a window where a goblin was performing the identity ritual.
"You're wasting Ministry funds for nothing! That can't be him, as he's dead!"
"He was caught on the Hogwarts Express, disguised as a child's pet. Would you like me to return him to Hogwarts? Let him do whatever mischief he had planned? And look at this bag. He had You-Know-Who's wand in it."
Fudge was not stupid. "He's the one who betrayed the Potters? Well, well. Get Black out of prison. Let's hold a quick and quiet tribunal if he's had no trial before. Then, get Black to a private clinic far away until he's certified sane. Ten years? Do you know how many death eaters have already died in Azkaban? I think there are six or ten left."
"What about Pettigrew?" Amelia asked gently.
"Umm. It would be an embarrassment to Arthur to have a Death Eater living under his roof. We could just throw him in Azkaban…" Fudge started to say then stopped at her harsh look. "Have a small quiet tribunal for him as well. And then off to Azkaban."
"Very good, sir. I'll get started on that right away."
Amelia wanted to wilt in relief. If Malfoy had been here, Fudge would not have given in so easily. Clearly, he was hoping that Sirius would become his new best friend and show his gratitude. With gold.
And she knew he would wait to make an announcement until Sirius was ready to be seen in public. The capture of Pettigrew now just added to Moody's count: Another Death Eater off the street.
The next few hours were busy, but Amelia had Remus Lupin there by the time Sirius arrived.
She was only a few years older than the pair. Sirius had been an auror. What happened? She couldn't remember that time well. One minute, she'd been betrothed, then acting as a single mother to orphaned Susan. Then Sirius had…well. She shouldn't have lost track.
She stood as the man in plain robes was dragged into her office.
"Ami? Is this real?" Sirius asked in a gravelly voice unused to talking.
"It is. Your cousin, disguised as Harry, and Auror Moody caught a rat on the train. Oh, Siri! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you'd never had a trial."
At his look of confusion, she explained a bit about Tonks, and how Harry was attending Wimborne. She would make sure that he had his godson's post address.
"With everything going on. I don't know if you can forgive me, but please? Think about it?" Amelia begged.
"I already have. I knew you couldn't be a part of this. Your healer says I need a year or more to recover. May I write you?" Sirius looked half dead, but was using his strength to reassure her!
"Of course! And I will write to Harry to let him know about you. He's so brilliant. I've had friends keeping an eye on him this summer." Amelia informed the animagus.
"Oh, I missed so much! He was just a tot, and now a first year." The grey eyes looked lost, and Amelia wasn't sure how much he truly understood of their conversation. But she would write this all down for him.
"Maybe by summer holiday, you might be up for a visit. I could bring him." Amelia offered.
Sirius squeezed her hand, clearly exhausted by the brief exchange. "That sounds very nice."
After a quick tribunal with three Heads of Houses, and without Dumbledore interference, Sirius was soon exonerated. Pettigrew, who was tried first, was sentenced to Azkaban. His confession led to a very quick trial for Black.
Amelia was thrilled with the far too bony hug she received afterwards. Remus bowed in farewell, and took his friend off to Gringotts. He would get seen by a goblin healer, and Remus would get set up as Sirius' regent/conservator while he was recuperating. Then it was on to the Zanadu Health Clinic Amelia found near Isla de Negre.
Director Bones stayed late that night, sleeping on her cot in the back of her office.
Her world might have turned upside down for a bit, but it was looking far brighter now. The man she loved, the man she thought lost forever had betrayed no one. Murdered no one. And better, he wasn't angry with her about it all.
She thought she could fly without a broom in her joy.
**OO**
After dinner, the pod settled in their comfortable lounge. It had study cubicles on one side, with silencing charms so they could listen to their own music, and not be bothered by conversation. On the other was a communal area, with a selection of chairs and couches that were very inviting.
There were even bean bag chairs in the middle of the floor for comfortable sprawling and reading.
Something about the acoustics made everything seem soft. Noise didn't travel far without magical amplification.
The lighting was fantastic. After years of trying to study under one yellow bulb or by weak torchlight, when locked in his cupboard, this place was fabulous.
After dinner, they had a short pod meeting. The prefects were taking turns talking. Adam Samuels had encouraged them to get to know one another a bit. Most everyone had name tags displaying their first names.
Sally Fortescue next took the floor, "You have to understand. Your pod can accommodate up to fifty students. If tradition holds, we'll get most of the muggleborn from Hogwarts before Halloween. The Ministry only allows us to contact families after people have declined Hogwarts – or applied to us directly – a rule that some of you might be able to change in the future.
"Now, find two people to introduce yourself to, and socialize for a time. Snacks will be served. At the chime, please start the reading or review it if you've done it, for your first classes tomorrow. All assignments are on the board."
The board, which appeared to be a normal whiteboard, was updated weekly.
"Are you on the three year or five year track for magical courses?" Luna asked Harry, now they were dismissed. "Oh, I'm really looking forward to getting to know you and our other…her…our other friend better. Drat. I don't know her name."
Harry blinked, wanting to help, but unsure of what she meant. But Luna was continuing.
"Don't worry about Hedwig, she'll drop off mail in the bin in the owlery. Since she's diurnal, she'll be hunting in the morning. You can see her out on the footfall…ball pitch."
Harry smiled warmly and shook her hand. She had said most of that very quickly. "Yes, the three year OWL. I want wand rights just as soon as I can."
"I want to try and get my mastery in Magizoology before I'm twenty, so I want to go on the fast track too. While I will miss the charming professor, I won't miss being cold at Hogwarts." Luna had tears in her eyes. Not for herself, but someone else being bullied there that night.
Baljeet walked up and introduced two more people to them. The pod was mixing for about a half-hour, then there was a chime.
Prefect Fortescue was just finishing up one tale. "...and then he banished my potion and gave me a zero! My adoptive father was so angry at him, and wrote several letters; to Hogwarts, the Wizengamot, and the Board of Governors. I'm just happy to be here. Well, I'll share more another time."
It was time to study. The school had curfew to be in this area by 8:00 pm every night for those boarding. A roll was taken at the classroom, floos and outside doors that was updated automatically.
Trying to sneak out or magically tamper with either your own, or anyone else's badge or the monitoring system was punishable by being expelled and no tuition refunded. Since that meant attending Hogwarts for half of the students, or someplace in India, neither of which had any computers; no one was that stupid to do such a thing.
Tales of woe from older siblings, and the prefects themselves were enough to make sure they all did what they needed to do to stay a student in good standing here.
Luna dragged Harry over to a bean bag chair and proceeded to flop down on her stomach, a book appearing in her hand.
Baljeet and Harry laughed, and took up positions near her. They all read together quite peacefully until ice cream was served. Then it was time for bed.
**OO**
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
A/N: Story recommend: Old Crow's Changing the Balance of Power. Old Crow and his apprentice Tom are making story magic for us. Starts after the Chamber of Secrets.
s/14223029/1/Changing-the-Balance-of-Power
**OO**