So, this is the actual part where I write my stuff. Any feedback would be nice and let's get back to the show.
Chapter 9.
Hogwarts
"What trouble you have gone through just to find a place to rest," McGonagall remarked as she led John-117 to his new bedroom.
"Please be aware that you will be next to the Gryffindor house dormitory. They can be rowdy at times, especially that young Potter boy and his friends."
"It won't bother me, ma'am. But I am curious, what is it about Potter and this Dark Lord?"
"You mean you don't know who He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is?" McGonagall said, surprised. "I thought someone would have informed you."
"No, ma'am," replied the Chief.
"Well, I suppose I ought to tell you then, if no one else will."
McGonagall took a couple of minutes to explain the rise of the Dark Lord and his subsequent downfall.
"So, what happened to him?" Cortana asked curiously.
"After Potter, some, including myself, believe that he went into hiding. But recently, he regained his power after the death of Cedric last year," said McGonagall somberly. "Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic denies that he ever returned. They have chosen to bury their heads in the sand and even sent that Umbridge woman to control us."
"I see," the Chief commented as they finally reached his bedroom.
As McGonagall opened the door, she turned back to the Chief. "Well, this is it. Good luck, I suppose."
She left the bedroom, leaving Chief for a well-deserved rest as he finally took off his suit. "Goodnight, Chief."
"Goodnight, Cortana."
The Next Morning
"Chief?" said Cortana, appearing as a hologram on the desk.
"What time is it?" asked John.
"It's quite late. If you want to grab something to eat, you'll have to hurry to the Great Hall."
"That late?"
"Well, you needed the sleep."
Chief got out of bed and picked up his armor from the ground, swiftly putting it on. He finally donned his helmet and looked for the fastest route possible... Straight down.
"Again, John?" Cortana questioned as Chief jumped over the railing, landing gracefully on the floor below.
Great Hall
The entire school was abuzz with recent events. After the dramatic arrival, many tried to figure out who he was. Most attempted to eavesdrop on Dumbledore in his quarters, but to no avail. Fred and George had some limited success with their extendable ears, but Umbridge spoiled their attempts. The only information came from outside sources like ghosts, who had heard very little. All that was known was that he was a soldier from the future.
The Chief dropped down just outside the great hall, landing with a bit more finesse using his thrusters, where Professor Dumbledore happened to be walking.
Dumbledore looked unsurprised and smiled at the Chief. "Welcome back, Master Chief. It's delightful to see you awake." Then he nodded at Cortana, who appeared alongside Chief.
"Ma'am." He smiled.
"Professor." She smiled back.
"Now then, I'm sure you're here for our delightful breakfast," Dumbledore asked. "Yes, but I still need to return to my ship soon and salvage anything that is still operational," Master Chief said.
"I understand. I'll have several professors assist you. Normally, I would have my gamekeeper, Hagrid, help you, but he is currently unavailable." Then, Dumbledore paused.
"That reminds me, after you're finished, I would like to discuss something with you in my office. That wouldn't be too much trouble, would it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not at all," Cortana said, causing the Chief to look at her.
"Wonderful. The food is magnificent, after all!" Dumbledore smiled as Cortana was inserted back into Master Chief's helmet.
"Harry, look who's here!" Hermione whispered, nudging him and Ron.
"It's the guy who kicked Snape's ass!" Ron whispered with a grin.
"Anyone who does that deserves my respect," Fred whispered with a grin. Then Dumbledore raised his hands, silencing the hall.
"Many of you may be wondering about our guest here, who certainly made an entrance the other day. He prefers to be called the Master Chief. He will be staying with us for now. Also, while I'm on the topic, I need all prefects, as well as the head boy and head girl, to accompany our guest and your heads of houses into the Forbidden Forest for an expedition," Dumbledore announced, causing murmurs among the students.
"What does he want us for?" Ron whispered to Hermione, who frowned.
"Just look at Umbridge!" Hermione hissed. Indeed, the High Inquisitor was glaring at Dumbledore.
"But we can discuss all that later. For now, let's eat!" Dumbledore waved his wand, conjuring food on everyone's plates.
"Now that's food! None of that UNSC ration rubbish!" Cortana laughed, causing Master Chief to blink in surprise.
"Cortana?" Master Chief asked, bewildered.
"Well, what are you waiting for? That food won't eat itself! And that means taking off your helmet," Cortana said. With a sigh, Master Chief reached up and removed his helmet. Whispers erupted throughout the hall.
"Harry, look!" Hermione whispered, nudging him. He turned to see Master Chief sitting next to Dumbledore. The man had short blond hair, very pale skin that seemed untouched by the sun, and piercing blue eyes that sent shivers down Harry's spine.
"Good heavens... I was expecting a robot!" George whispered. Master Chief finished his meal and put his helmet back on.
"Keep an eye on that Harry Potter kid, John. There's something suspicious about him," Cortana said. "Noted," Master Chief replied.
