Harry Potter and the Odd Rebellion
**ODD**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
A/N: If I didn't say it before, this is AU: Harry's allies wanted him away from Dumbledore and his machinations so they fled to the land of liberty. The Potter family tree may be down to a leaf or two, but seems to have survived the trip.
A/N: Welsh translations in the story now added to the notes at the end of the chapter.
Hey MelJ? Did you know that one of the stars from the Harry Potter films is going to be in Dr Who?
B/N: Dr Who? What do you mean? You don't mean You-know-who, because he was no doctor.
**ODD**
Welcome to the fireside.
Jackhammer909 pointed out an ambiguous bit in Chapter 3 when discussing various pictures and memories being shown during Dan's SAS briefing. The first memory was of Albus speaking to a group of youths, and standing next to him was a Nazi-uniformed Gellert Grindelwald. This memory was not dated, but assumed to be mid to late 1930's.
The second picture was of Gellert and Albus from 1898 getting ready to head out on their 'World Tour'. They are in wizarding fashion, not any sort of Nazi uniform.
Hope that clears that confusion up. No time traveling involved here.
**ODD**
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: More of Dumbledore's past will be revealed in bits and pieces. Yes, he was indeed in love with Gellert, and thought the Germans had some of the right ideas. Until it was clear they were about to lose. Whatever House Dumbells was in wasn't Hufflepuff.
There is a group of magicals that have created an order not unlike the Order of the Phoenix. It is called O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore) Meetings will be held, and ex parte communications held outside those meetings. Glimpses have been and will be shown. No friends of Dumbledore here.
The goal of this order is to save all muggleborns and as many half-bloods as possible from any and all who want to enslave them for any purpose. They also are trying to make sure that all pureblood youth are kept free of any mind magics or ensorcellment that Dumbledore is using to keep the general populace under control.
There are contacts within the British Ministry (normal people, i.e. muggles) that are also involved. Dan Black, aka Dan Granger, is an active agent for this cause. He has been given the remit to teach Harry basic self defense and be a mentor for him. He accepts this gladly. Harry knows about this openly and accepts Dan as a mentor and pseudo father figure. We'll see him interacting with another British Agent, Serena Hooch, who is Rolanda Hooch's sister.
Remus Lupin worked hard for Charlus Lord Potter, and has been working as the manor's Seneschal since the deaths of Charlus and Dorea. Yes, he is a werewolf, and most of the villagers know about it. As long as he is elsewhere in a warded forest, while they are in warded houses on the night of the full moon, there are no issues.
Alice and Frank Longbottom have been transferred to an American hospital that is treating them rather than just housing them. Who was behind this plot to keep them sick? That is still a mystery. To solve it, one might look for who benefits from them being out of the picture.
Vernon Dursley was transferred to New York so Harry could now be registered at Salem without any legal interference from Dumbledore. Well, yet. He doesn't like his minions making mistakes. Poor Hagrid is in Azkaban for letting Harry move to America. That really wasn't his fault, now was it?
Back to the story.
**ODD**
Chapter 4 Welcome to…
**ODD**
Still Tuesday, Sept 3rd
After school, Harry searched out and found Remus working in one of the barns.
Nearly all the villagers nearby tugged forelocks in greeting, and Harry gave them a shy wave. He wished they wouldn't do that, or the ones not doing that wouldn't scowl.
"Harry! How was school?" Moony greeted warmly.
"I made a new friend. His father is a hippogriff jockey. Ricardo is smaller than me! He's going to call later. I think he'll know how to get our flyers into racing here. Please, Remus? I would really like to get involved with this."
The workers close by all looked up and started offering opinions. The friendlier folk spoke softly, "Hippogriffs?" "Racing?" "What a waste".
The more aggrieved folks shared, "These are naught but potion ingredients." "They aren't pets! They're fer makin' feathers, and sh…leavings. Not out racing!"
The tone was clear; Harry was being an idiot!
Harry hung his head, and started to leave. Remus gave the worst one a pointed look. Harry was only a few months past being hungry and abused all of the time. Not that he was going to tell a bunch of supposedly Potter loyal Welshmen that a child of their House had been abused.
That was the path to murder and worse of any muggles involved. No. Just no.
"Harry, wait!" Remus pulled his cleaning cloth. The man was tired, but wasn't going to let the people working here push Harry around again. Even if he was only eleven. He needed to talk to Sirius about a mind healer for the boy. He just seemed so cheerful most of the time.
Moony shared, "I'd be happy to talk to your friend's father. Are you willing to pay him out of your own vault to come here and consult for us?"
"Yes, sir. I would really like that." Harry still felt embarrassed. The young lord was a natural flyer, and had been taught how to approach the creatures that could be dangerous when moody or proddy.
His first flight had him screaming in delight, arms widespread.
No saddle, bridle or any safety equipment. Remus had waited to have the panic attack after the boy was safely down. Every prank he'd ever pulled on Charlus and Dorea had been repaid in spades in that moment.
Livy popped in, "Master Harry? You's be having a phone call."
Harry grabbed her hand and Remus, ignoring the complaining, asked Livy to pop them to the formal living room.
The youngster did have plans to have phones installed in the barns and other outbuildings sometime soon, but this was funny!
The phone that Lady Lily had transformed from an antique had had an experimental number pad added to replace the old rotary dial. There were actually three or four phones more scattered across the manor. Some were still the rotary kind. He needed to find her instructions. She'd taught James, Moony, Peter, and Padfoot how to make them.
Harry was indeed the son of a Marauder, getting Lupin into minor trouble with the house-elves over dirt dragged into the house. But a plan to meet with Alejandro Cordero was made quickly before ringing off.
Livy didn't scold Remus too much though. She waited until he left to return to his work, "Master Harry thinking he be funning with his prankses. Not funny. Now, does he remember his cleaning charms?"
She made HIM clean up the mess. The prank was turned back on him as a teaching moment.
Girl house-elves were bossy!
**ODD**
Harry met Hermione in the library. He wasn't sure where the other two were, but he wanted to get a start on all of his assignments right away.
Hermione had her homework planner out. She spent longer logging her English assignment than Harry spent finishing it.
"What foreign language are you going to take next year?" Harry asked. "Since I don't have a preference, I thought it would be fun. You know. To take it with you."
"I'd like that, Harry. I was thinking about French. We used to travel to Paris, and I was interested in learning. We're not that far from Canada. It would be interesting…"
"Canada? I can't visit there right now, Hermione. ICW country. They have me as 'being a kidnap victim, detain me and all with me for my own welfare' sort of deal. Not that it would stop me from learning French with you! And you could travel there with your family."
"Maybe not. I wouldn't want to be held captive as ransom against you." Hermione bit her lip cutely.
"Locked up in a tall tower? Don't worry! I would rescue you. Aquila and I would fly to your rescue!" Harry mimed pulling a huge sword, and the preteen witch laughed. More calmly, he stated, "Dumbles had better not hurt you. I don't know of any way to really hurt anyone right now. But for him? I'd make up a way. He'd best leave you, leave us, alone."
Hermione nodded agreement with that, and turned to her work. Harry decided to make a list of the spells he was supposed to be learning, and set himself a task to use each one against the evil headmaster should it ever be needed.
**ODD**
Wednesday of that week, they hosted a new family, changing the family dynamic yet again. Harry didn't know it yet, but one of his childhood dreams was about to come true.
Visitors arrived just after they all arrived home from school.
"MUUMMM! DAADD!" Neville barrelled into the newcomers, and couldn't control his tears.
Neville had shared a bit with them at meals about his parents, Remus had too. And now they were here! The herbology prodigy had dreamed of this day, many times, but would wake to a nightmare where they were absent. No longer - not from this day forth!
Augusta had taken an extra strength calming draught, and was still in a flood of tears seeing the newcomers at the door. They had come home by Potter carriage, escorted by Sirius who had escorted them into the foyer.
The healers were very firm about a nap schedule, and the couple not overdoing it, but had allowed them early release since they had extra help at home.
Before Remus could escort them to their suite of rooms though, Alice broke away. "Harry? We've been shown pictures, of course, but is that really you?"
Harry nodded, "It's very nice to meet you, Lady Longbottom." Harry bowed, only a bit awkwardly.
"Very nice. And I'm glad to see you have nice manners. But now, how about a hug? Oh, how I would dream of you!"
Harry felt exactly the same. How could he miss someone he didn't remember? But he did.
She was so petite, it felt like a puff of air would knock her down. Remus offered a steading arm.
"We'll be in physiotherapy for a time, but walking and working in the garden will be good for me." Alice told the boys. "I hope to spend time with you both there."
Harry grinned as Neville's smile grew even brighter. "You like plants?"
Alice nodded, "I was the Head Aurors go-to person for magical plants. Oh, please tell me that you like to putter at least a little in the greenhouse, Harry? I know my Neville is a prodigy."
How could he say that he saw greenhouses as a refuge? Dudley never came in there as Petunia didn't want anything messed up.
"Yes, I like plants, ma'am. Do you really want to, I mean… Do you really think we could? Work together?" Harry asked hesitantly.
Alice stroked her soft hand on Harry's cheek, before cupping it there, leaning forward to kiss his forehead gently. "Yes, godson. I look forward to getting to know you."
Gran Crouch interrupted, "We'll be seeing each other every day from now on. Let's get my son and Alice to bed. We'll talk more at dinner. Maybe with you here Frank, we can talk these savages into dressing up a bit."
Augusta had started to lead them to her suite, but Harry shook his head and pointed to the Seneschal. Remus led them to their own wing. This was the Lord's godmother, when he was still a minor! She'd be the maternal force for good in his life. It was only right and proper, even if it startled the matron of their clan.
And Frank didn't object to the privacy in the least.
Both Harry and Neville wished them sweet dreams from there, but Harry had an appointment in the library, and was going to be late if he didn't hustle a bit.
**ODD**
Thomas Jeffries, sophomore, had a knack for seeing where a person was struggling. And an ability to help them overcome it, if they cooperated with the process.
The Jeffries family had lovely mocha skin and was descended from an American Founding Father. His ancestors had changed their name as it was safer back then. Also, they had wanted to gain their own acclaim. But the 'legacy families' in the area knew very well who they were, and watched this up and comer.
He was well liked in their community. Well liked, and sought after. He was the family's eldest, and so far, only boy. One of his younger sisters, Elizabeth, was in the seventh grade at Salem, his other sister was in fourth grade and was also a witch. They had all gone to the local grade school. Did those teachers know about magic or what?
Remus had engaged Thomas immediately when he discovered that Harry had never been taught how to structure an essay. Or had never had help with maths.
The young man was invited over to the manor, and the boy shown to the library where Harry met up with him just barely on time.
"Oh wow! Harry? Can I live with you?" was out of his mouth before he realized what he was saying.
Sally-Anne giggled, but Harry just nodded, "Of course you'd be welcomed. If you ever have a need. There's empty rooms in the boy's wing.
Even though the others knew the subject, they still listened to the tutor explain how to structure a good essay. And all were edified. He then gave them some practice games for math, giving both Harry and Sally-Anne some helpful insights into the mysteries of mathematics. Hermione was impressed with how he taught.
And when Thomas left, he was a bit richer, in both gold and a new friendship.
**ODD**
Alice, Lady Longbottom might still be a bit underfed and pale, but she was strong of spirit, and wanted to be involved not just in Neville's but with Harry's life as well.
After their nap, and a nice dinner, Alice spent some time talking with Harry about what projects he was working on, and finding out his interests. She wasn't surprised to learn of a love of magical creatures. Lord Charlus had had that in spades. She was, however, surprised that the child was interested in branching out to racing.
Harry might not understand it, but this had the potential, depending on the costs involved, to be yet another Potter business. As Harry's godmother, she saw it as part of her duty to help him in any way that she could, and prevent him from being taken advantage of for those seeking their own gain.
She would make sure, with magical oaths if necessary, that no one betrayed her godson - never again!
**ODD**
Alice joined Sirius and Harry for the discussion of various fees when Alejandro Cordero, Ricardo's father, arrived for the appointment. Harry was taking notes, with a pencil she noted. Lily favored such tools. Less messy than quills and wonderful for arithmancy.
Cordero was very knowledgeable about getting registered as a "racing farm"; it was Alejandro's dream to race his own hippogriffs one day. When Ricardo was nine, his wife, who he would not name, disappeared from their home in Colorado, leaving him to raise Ricardo alone. Since Ricardo had her wand, and it was more than a bit mangled, they all knew she hadn't just run away. And there was too much love there to suspect the father of anything nefarious.
Alice was whispering questions to Harry under a bubble. They could still hear Sirius and Alejandro, "So, is Buckbeak really fast?"
Harry nodded, "So is Fleetwing, one of his mates. Apparently, their grandsires have legacy hippogriffs here. We could sell their babies for good money if we wanted to. Ricardo is worried that Amanda Billingsley is going to be mean to him at school when all this comes out. Well, meaner."
"But aren't they going to move into the barn if you hire them?" Alice was appalled. Who raised a child in a barn? She would personally make sure a home addition was put next to the office if Alejandro insisted on being close to the beasts. Or a cottage - that's what Lily would have done, just as Dorea had done before her.
"What colors do you want for your stable, Mr Potter?" Alejandro asked.
Harry and Alice shared a look. House Potter had red and gold for its colors. Sally-Anne, playing with different designs based on the Potter crest, held up a suggestion. Everyone there clapped.
Parti colored red and gold, with a pot in the middle. More of a cauldron shape, but Harry liked it.
"Will that work?" Harry asked.
Mr Cordero laughed and clapped as well, "Since this is based on your House heraldry, it will have no problem passing. Others cannot use such emblems as it is reserved in the College of Heralds. Others of the older families will treat you as upstarts, but your family line goes back to Peverell and beyond. No, they won't be happy, but honestly? There is no way to break into racing and make them happy."
Alice laughed, remembering Lily's attempts at socializing before they went into hiding. It was painful to watch at times with some of the pureblood elite. And she had done nothing wrong except have the 'wrong' sort of parents.
"When does your current contract expire?" Alice interjected, with a look of apology to Sirius. But she was Harry's godmother, and looking after his interests were part of the job description.
"Contract? I have never had a contract," Alejandro confusedly stated.
Sirius looked first at Harry, then Alice. "Well, then. I see nothing stopping us from proceeding immediately."
"Can we send security with you to turn in your notice?" Alice was looking at his current salary at Billingsley Farms. He was getting slave wages, and was promised a percentage of the purses he won. But then they subtracted the total yearly cost of taking care of the animals, all fees at the races, entrance fees, even his own salary that came out of the purse to come up with a net that was small, and then gAve him a portion of that!
With no contract, they couldn't get him a solicitor to sue, but the man was not staying there one minute more.
"You'll have to tell us what kind of course we need to make. Maybe we can go visit some of the larger farms. We've just bought the park next door to have a place for temporary housing." Sirius declared, pointing to a map.
"We can use the local stadium for practice. It's a short flight there. There's an annual fee, but we'd have to pay that just to race. But you have enough space here to do a bit of steeplechase if you want." Alejandro shared.
"That sounds amazing. Thank you, sir!" Harry shook his hand.
Alice and Sirius looked at the young man. They knew it could take years to get up and running. But with Harry's natural flying skills, why not try?
Sirius shook the jockey's hand as well, "I'll contact Harry's solicitor. You deserve to have a decent contract that benefits us both. That is the right way to do these things. We'll have it ready when you get back."
Harry offered to let Mr Cordero use Hedwig to send his resignation in. No one else seemed to use owls much. Odd that. They'd time it so she was arriving when he was ready to leave.
Sirius headed to the floo to call Gringotts, forgetting the local branch had a phone. He had a contract to write.
Alice waited for their guest to leave as Remus arranged for a pair of house-elves to go with them to pack.
"You are going to be careful with this flying, right?" Alice asked a bit worriedly.
"Oh yes. But I love it so." Harry affirmed.
"Well, I know moving has likely strained the normal budget, but I for one, want to put in a few more cottages. We'll have to see what's the best kind for the area. My family always had cute little stone cottages for their workers. But then, we were in Scotland."
Harry loved her soft burr, and had said so, "I'm just glad for all of us. Alejandro gets to pursue his dream. And Ricardo gets away from Amanda! Even if we aren't successful, that alone is worth the cost."
Alice gave Harry a brief hug. What a kind child who helped others attain their dreams. He was his mother's son.
**ODD**
Alejandro was one very happy wizard. He arrived back at the barn where he had worked very hard for the last two years with little reward. He had taken this chance to give his son a world class education that was Salem as the school was within walking distance.
He then looked at his son who was saying goodbye to the 'griffs there. "You've had a good first week of school, yes?"
Ricardo nodded, "Yes, sir. Neville and Harry and I have been working together. And eating lunch together. We want to get together to play soccer."
"I think that will be easier for you now. Oh son! Meals, real meals, come with this job. You won't be starving any more."
"We haven't been starving." Ricardo lied, his grumbling stomach sounding loud enough for Earnest to hear. The house-elves knew they'd be serving leftovers of the family meal to these two new people of the household until the communal kitchen got going.
The community hall was going to serve food not just to the nobles within the manor, but to the local workers, as well. Alejandro and Ricardo would be able to eat there.
They were quickly packed and gone, with only a letter left behind. Security at the gate made sure that nothing of the Billingsleys was taken, but did nothing to stop the man and son from leaving peacefully.
A beautiful white owl flew in as they walked out.
**ODD**
While Alice and Sirius worked with Dharma Briokz over the employment contract, Augusta took Harry aside to explain something that no one had before. "With Mr Cordero coming to work for the House, the boy will likely also be taken on to do some small chores as well. They will be part of the village. Not part of the family. He will not live with us inside the manor. You may not have such people visiting. You saw that Mr Cordero didn't even try to bring the young man tonight."
"What about the library? The villagers use it for the younger children too young for Hogwarts or Salem. Not all parents signed up for Salem Elementary school."
"I suppose that, what was his name? Ricardo? Yes, he could use the library with permission, just like the villagers, but don't allow him liberties with you. That isn't done."
Her meaning was clear. Harry was the Lord of the manor, and Ricardo was a servant.
"Do you understand?" Gran Crouch had demanded.
"Oh, yes ma'am. I understand you precisely. You don't want me to embarrass the house by inviting Ricardo to my rooms to play a game or anything like that."
"Precisely. What a bright boy. I'm glad that Neville has someone his age and station to socialize with."
Harry bowed, hiding his true feelings as the matron swept away in her overly ornate dress.
Her values were as Victorian as her clothes. No wonder Neville was so shy if this she-dragon was his only guardian growing up. What a monster! No, she wasn't the problem, but a symptom of one. He'd get Sirius and Remus alone. Wasn't this HIS house?
If he wanted to make friends, what right did they have to make the rules about something so stupid as status! If it were up to them, he'd be friends with Matt Felton and Amanda Billingsley. NO!
**ODD**
Remus' sharp ears had heard everything coming back in, and Harry excused himself to talk to his Seneschal. They went out to the barn to check on the 'griffs.
Lupin proceeded to explain that Harry just had to watch his step around her. It didn't mean that Harry couldn't be friends with Ricardo. He'd just have to wait to be a bit older before he decided on who was brought into the manor. When he was fifteen, things would change for Harry's status.
"But what about the new gym? I can't play basketball by myself, and Neville doesn't like sports. Ricardo promised to teach me!" Harry was trying to control his whinging, but was having trouble. Neville was his first male friend his own age. But Ricardo was so magical! Harry wanted to be friends with him because of that, and his character.
Remus stopped. Hadn't James and Sirius fought for Remus' acceptance in their home? A place at their table that he still held today. Despite some of the funny looks from Augusta.
Harry continued his campaign, "And what about the library? Widow Beddew asked me permission to hold school there for the children not going to one of the Salem schools. It isn't right to withhold knowledge from our people, Moony. It just isn't. And Ricardo is now one of us!"
"This is your home, your library. I completely agree with you. We need to have the parents sign a contract about not taking any books out of the library." But at Harry's rebellious look, Remus relented with a sigh, "Okay, we make it so some books can be copied for the children to take home. Maybe make some rules about behavior in that room. There's an outside door to the manor just off the library. We set up a mudroom. We could have a station for shoes and boots inside that room so no mud or dirt is tracked in." Remus suggested.
"YES!" Harry focused on his father's friend's face, "Will you support me in this new arrangement for the sharing of Potter resources fairly to all who are part of our House, Seneschal Lupin?"
Magic, Family Magics; no, Potter Family Magic settled heavily on the man who had yet to wear the tabard of Seneschal in any ceremony. Perhaps it was time to do so with this magical lord.
Remus knelt right there, and took both of Harry's hands in his, "I do support you my lord. In all you do. So I do aver."
Harry nodded, and went to find his godmother.
**ODD**
Harry understood clearly what Gran, no, Madam Crouch wanted, how she wanted him to act, but he would be his own man in regards to his life. The Dursleys couldn't break him, and he wouldn't let her change who he was.
One little thing would be to make sure he had lunch for his new friend. He would make sure no one there at the manor went hungry!
**ODD**
A plan for the racing farm was quickly put together, and the employment contract for five years was ready.
Starting a new racing team was going to be expensive. Sirius wanted to offer to pay for it, but Remus had shaken his head. He knew in depth what resources the Potter family had and knew that Harry could afford this. Alice immediately offered her expertise with accounts. And it was not a physical job, so her healer couldn't complain.
No one wanted Harry to stop from pursuing his dreams, and this was an opportunity to try something that no Potter had done before.
**ODD**
Same time, Billingsley Farms
Amanda's father, Roman, looked at the letter that had been delivered by an owl of all things. A beautiful white owl that looked more intelligent than most of his workers.
"Did anything happen at school? You weren't mean to Ricardo again, were you?" Mr Billingsley demanded of his youngest.
Amanda turned her face. One the first day of school, she'd tripped the smaller boy coming in the entrance, scattering his limited school supplies and meager lunch, then banished them being 'helpful'. She'd made fun of his mother's much scarred wand, and called him poor several times. Oh, and insulted his large nose.
"Nothing I can think of, Father."
"Well, it's probably just a coincidence. How I'm going to find as talented a flyer as Alejandro on such a tiny budget, I don't know. If I find out you had anything to do with this, you'll find you have no allowance for the rest of the year. At all. I mean it. You need to learn how to be nice to people to get what you want. Niceness costs nothing!"
Roman then called his wife with a magically enhanced voice, "Emelia! Emelia! Didn't you have Alejandro on contract? Please, darling? He's packing to leave right now! I can't lose him." Roman called.
"This is what you get for cheating him out of that last purse. I told you he was going to find other colors to wear." Changing the subject to divert her husband's current ire, she turned the conversation to her youngest, "Amanda? Is your homework done yet? If you think you can bring home B's and C's from Salem like you did last year from elementary, think again. Do you want me to get Jeffries here?"
The newly turned sophomore was the strictest tutor in the school, and the best. He'd made Gloria, their eldest, cry several times making her learn. But she got A's in the subjects he taught.
After searching for something that might look like a contract to try to scare the jockey into staying, Roman went outside to try and talk sense into the man.
He was too late. Everything was gone.
There was a note asking for ten dollars to replace the school supplies ruined by Amanda, and asked for his wages owed to date. Roman, not wanting to get a bad reputation, put a hundred Franklins in an envelope and put it in the pneumatic tube that served as post between the houses of magical Salem.
What was he going to do? What was he going to do?
First off, he told Amanda's mother to dock Amanda fifty Franklins, and then send it to Ricardo. No, have Amanda send it with an apology note.
If he was going to build bridges, it had to begin with common courtesy.
He just had to get his jockey back, even if he had to do so by giving him a living wage, and a fair share of any winnings.
Or there wouldn't be any winnings for Billingsley Farms.
**ODD**
The barn that Alejandro moved into was ten times better than his old quarters. For right now, father and son were camped in an old 'safe house' tent that Lady Lily had purchased as proof of concept. The company, who had been in business before the Egyptian archaeology boom, guaranteed these beauties for fifty years. It still looked brand new.
Harry was a bit miffed that these were in his family vault, inaccessible to him when he was kidnapped to live at Privet Drive. If he'd had money and a tent like this? He would never have gone hungry. Well, once he was old enough to fend for himself. It had a full kitchen, full bath, four bedrooms, and even a small study with books. Too bad they were in Egyptian and Arabic. Curse-breaking for the most part. But still, what wasn't to love about it?
Ricardo had his own portkey for school, and so could either take that or walk with the kids from the village.
The next day, all witnessed Amanda's 'apology'. She dumped fifty Franklin's worth of paper money, some of which fell into a mud puddle, and some started to blow away.
"I'm sorry your father got tired of being a loser for our House, and found a place pathetic enough to take him and you in." She gave Harry a pointed look. Well, he had spilled some soda on her, but she was acting like it was acid or something. Like he attacked her.
Harry, Neville and the others were trying to catch five dollar bills on the wing. Harry was rather good at it.
An older student, monitoring the students coming in, quickly summoned the money for Ricardo, casting a quick cleansing charm. He then gave Amanda a point for bullying, and detention for the next day after school.
When she objected, he doubled it, and she was sent to the office. From there, she'd have to call her parents and tell them why she was getting detention. At least it wasn't the public one the principal held.
The monitor had written a paper airplane note too, so she couldn't get away with trying to twist the truth. She tried to snatch it from the air, but it darted to the office.
**ODD**
Ricardo didn't know what to do with the money everyone was putting into his hands, so Harry concentrated and made a paper billfold out of notebook paper.
The monitor complimented the boy, "Nice work, um…"
"Potter, sir. Harry Potter."
The boy was the first one to goggle over his name, and look at Harry's forehead, but he recovered quickly. The scar was nearly gone since his healing at Gringotts and he no longer wore glasses.
Ricardo put the money away carefully. He knew that, managed well, fifty franklins could feed him and his father for weeks. And his father had gotten a hundred the night before in the mail!
"Thank you, Mr Potter." Ricardo tugged his forelock like he'd seen the others do.
"Ricardo? I'm going to tell you the story of a little orphan boy on the way to homeroom. Neville needs to hear this too. We're early. Can we get a bit more brekky? I'm hungry."
Harry fed his friends, and told him the true story of his last year, not so Ricardo would feel sad for him, but just to show him that he was new to all the social things. But at school? Away from adults? Harry thought of them all as equals.
Wasn't this America?
The handsome blond Matthew Felton, Matt to his friends, had been about to try and offer friendship to the Potter lad. Neville Longbottom, and the girls, both Blacks, were all acceptable people. But if he was going to be hanging around servants? Why bother!
**ODD**
On Friday of that first week of school, they had a special program to introduce all sixth graders to the most popular electives available as freshmen. They were going to get to visit the high school, themselves! And even get to eat lunch there, as provided by the school just for this tour.
They were divided up into sections. Harry was in the same section as Neville and Sally-Anne; for some reason, Hermione was pulled into a different one. She later explained that it had been full of others like her who were a bit older than the norm, and most of whom had shown academic excellence. Many of the students in her section had even skipped a grade in mundane when younger.
Sigh. They were 'blessed' since they didn't have Hermione; they got Amanda. Why did these things happen to him? Hermione had advised ignoring her. Harry was fine with that idea.
Their section started with healing, then went to Intro to Enchanting. Several options held interest for him. Magical Art? Classical Dance? Not so much. But Sally-Anne left those classes drooling.
They spent ten minutes in each room before rotating, collecting up syllabi and ideas for books to read before their first day of that elective in High School, that sort of thing. Several of the electives had prerequisites that had to be done in seventh and eighth grade in order to participate. The whole point behind this preview of coming attractions was to get the children thinking about what they wanted to study when they were older so they didn't miss out for lack of preparation.
The end of the tour was eating in the huge cafeteria of the high school. They were given vouchers for the day, and allowed a choice of one of the main meals. Harry waved at the busy house-elves, levitating more food to the student workers serving who waved back.
All house-elves seemed to like the Potter lad. It was a little eerie; they all knew his name, rank and likely a cereal number, but Harry had no clue what that was. Oatmeal? With blueberries when he could have them? Sirius usually stole them all.
When Neville and he went to find seats, he saw some of the older teens from the village, who'd just started at the High School, eating together. He noticed they were eating homemade lunches, and not a single one had a beverage from the school. Not even one of the American sodas!
Calling for Oddment, Harry had him pop to the bank for a small sack of local coins for the machines that were perfectly mundane.
He saw Sarah Miller, one of the soft spoken girls who had held up her hand at his nod earlier. He tried to sneak over, quickly sitting in the seat next to her.
"My lord, how can I serve ye?" she whispered.
He put the bag into her left hand, and shook her right, "Please? Will you buy a soda for everyone after school to enjoy on the way home? As a treat?"
"I'd be happy ta. Yer kind, Lord Harry." Sarah bowed her head - clearly he was trying to stay out of sight, but her motion caught Colin's eye, and soon all six of the teens stood as he did.
"Please, enjoy the rest of lunch." Harry waved awkwardly, and made it back to his seat.
He watched Amanda's face turn to a sneer.
"Slumming with the help?" Amanda started to say, then stopped as their guide came over.
Harry narrowed his eyes, "Amanda? I want to ask you a very serious question. If your father lost all of his money, and your family had to live, I don't know, in a small cottage or tent. Would it change who you were? Would it change how you felt about your family? Would you have lost everything that meant something to you?"
This time the guide stood right behind her; the girl had received four points so far this week. One more, and she would be sent to the principals for Saturday detention. They did community service and whatnot; it was supposed to teach the students unity and fellowship.
"I don't understand what you mean," The mean girl stated.
"My people have their families; they are hard working. Honest. Helpful. Brilliant at all sorts of magical tasks, and our family business has stayed in business for centuries. They are a part of that family magic. Without them, the Potters wouldn't be the same at all." Harry thought to himself, 'My family tree isn't what it once was. One sad little leaf on a dying tree.'
"You see your people as lesser beings. I saw how you treated your father's jockey's son. If these people are part of your legacy, why do you act as though you don't need them? And why treat them with such disrespect?"
Amanda turned to their monitor, "Can he say these things to me without getting into trouble? He's being mean to me!"
The Prefect huffed, "Mean? To you? For what? Asking questions about your observed behavior? He didn't call you any names, and his tone is respectful. I too would love to hear your answer. If you are willing to share."
Everyone was looking at her.
"I'm not the one breaking the rules to talk with…workers. He is. I would like to head back."
The monitor mouthed the word, "rules? Making the rest of the group laugh. He allowed the girl to switch seats, and gave Harry a few school Franklin bucks. "I saw what you did. That was kind."
The monitor didn't see Harry pass those off to Sarah as well. The Elam boy did though. When the group met after school, they bought a few supplies to share out with the money, and did buy sodas. They bought different flavors and shared sips.
Their group may have grown up 'poor' in terms of not having a lot of coin, but they had each other. They would break a pencil in twain to share if someone else had none. That is who they were.
They were also beginning to see that maybe that's who 'm'lord Potter' was too.
For the Lord to give up his pocket money for his people? That made the teens feel a bit closer to the boy, and that was before the feast that night.
**ODD**
Emelia Billingsley stepped out of her coach and adjusted her Bridget Bishop designer dress and smoothed out non-existent wrinkles. How embarrassing! Her husband had best come up with something appropriate as a punishment. Amanda had already had her allowance docked for the week.
Why couldn't the girl stay out of trouble!
Listening to Amanda while they waited for Principal Franklin had the witch steaming. This was all the Potter boy's fault! She didn't want to discipline her daughter.
"Mrs Billingsley? You may go in." the secretary informed the matron.
"Thank you, Lucy." Emelia stated.
"I prefer Lucille if you don't use Ms Davis, ma'am."
"Of course. Lucille." The women intoned insincerely.
The secretary had no hope the snooty witch would remember the next time; their daughter Gloria was now in high school, and they had interacted for years. Great. Another daughter. This one appeared even worse than the last!
The woman wove into the office on spiked heels. The principal had to wonder about just how much magic the woman was wearing between her false hair, false eyelashes, designer dress that had 'slimming' charms, and her stiletto heels.
The girl started to follow her mother in, but a look was enough to send her back to her chair.
"You talked with Amanda's counselor, and now have her side of the story. What you don't know is that we have a family of newcomers to our little community that are trying to fit in as best they can.
"Lord Potter could have been rude to your child. He wasn't. He talked to one of your servants. I'm sure that your lawyers would never let you sign something that you haven't read. Am I right?"
The woman rolled her eyes. "Of course not." She lied gracefully.
"Then perhaps you just forgot. Banishing someone's food is against the rules, as is banishing their school supplies. Bullying is also against the rules." He gave her a printed copy of the school rules. It was a slim book, and had several items highlighted and tabbed.
The woman put it aside, brushing it off as unimportant. "She paid him fifty Franklins when he'd asked for ten dollars! That is a huge difference."
The principal was ready, and showed the security memory for her of the event. From two different angles. With sound.
The woman winced.
He then showed her the memory of the conversation at lunch that day. This is what had Amanda upset? Oh dear.
"There are many wealthy people going to this school. Lord Potter is trying to find his way socially in this new environment. He is going to be a leader, for his own family, and possibly in the community. I think you might want to talk to your daughter now before she does something so egregious that she is forever banned from their home.
"Can you imagine a Christmas ball, and she is the only one of her peer group not invited? I cannot force children to be friends, but I will enforce the rules of respect.
"Do you have any questions for me? Amanda will be at the town square in front of the fountain at 10 am tomorrow. We'll be banishing trash, clearing up the weeds from the flower beds, and other work until noon. She can bring a lunch if you wish. At 12:30, the children will be working on more of the park until 2:30. Water will be provided."
"Four hours?!"
"Each detention is two hours, ma'am, and she declined to attend them during the week. This is why you were called in."
"Well, we've had a busy week, and I'm sure she just forgot. Please! What will people think?"
'That everyone has to follow the same rules.' the principal thought. Then said aloud, "Likely that you are being a good parent in not trying to bribe me to allow your daughter to get out of going."
The look she gave him should have caused damage.
She stood and started to head for the door. "I'll let my husband deal with you. Expect his call when he gets home from the office."
"Oh? On the phone earlier today, you made it clear that he didn't have the capacity to understand the situation. I do believe I asked for him first."
"Well…I…We'll make a decision, and let you know."
"Madam? It's 4:00 on a Friday afternoon. I will be here for another hour and a half. You have only two choices. Have Amanda there tomorrow, or enroll her in a different school. Plain and simple. Have a nice day."
She put the rulebook into her tiny purse that 'ate' it with a delicate burp.
"Well!" She exited the office, and commanded her daughter, "Come Amanda!"
The woman took her daughter by the hand and escorted her to the carriage. What were they going to do?
As they pulled away, the coach veered to avoid hitting a puddle that would have soaked the students walking on the sidewalk.
"Driver! How dare you! Do you know who pays your salary?" The woman had noted it was 'just' the teens from the village at Black Keep. No one of importance.
From that point on, he made sure to hit every single puddle and pothole and bounced his passengers all the way home.
**ODD**
Friday, September 6th, newly completed Community Hall
Harry was put into House Potter dress robes that had been his father's. When James had been eight. Ugh! He tried not to squirm, but he felt like he was wearing a dress. Sirius didn't help, as he showed up in jeans, a Queen t-shirt, dragonhide motorcycle boots and vest, and an authentic black beaver felt cowboy hat.
"Hey! Why can't I wear something like that?" Harry complained.
"Don't think of it as a dress, but powerful sorcerer's robes, Harry. Powerful." Sirius banished the hat and vest back to his room and donned his own House Potter robes over the jeans. It was what he'd done since he was a teen. His bit of rebellion against wearing such.
But he wasn't going to tell Harry that!
The community hall was finished, and Seneschal Lupin wanted to have a formal opening ceremony. He had pulled out the formal Seneschal tabard and had it repaired and cleaned for this occasion.
The kitchen was perfect! A nice, large, professional kitchen was tucked into the back corner. So deceptive; that something that appeared to be the size of his old cupboard was HUGE. Harry itched to cook in the wonderful space.
The house-elves had been busy all day, making a nice feast for everyone in the village. The great hall was decorated with red and gold banners with a cauldron in the middle - just like Harry's badge for racing. He was very touched by the thoughtfulness. The high table was set up with the fanciest of dishes. The goblets had wine for the adults, water for the children.
The long tables for the villagers were laid out perpendicular to the high table, and the procession started from the back. Hermione and Sally-Anne were a bit nervous, but the rest of the family were all there, and dressed up in noble fashion.
The villagers, dressed in their best, had assembled at the tables; no food had yet been served. This was the blessing of the hall. Seneschal Lupin led the way. The two Potter wizards walked up the middle, the two girls right behind them with their parents, and the Longbottoms behind them. As they passed, the people bowed or curtseyed. Then, as planned, Remus stayed put, and Sirius went left as Harry went right. The rest split off left and right following the person in front, which meant Harry wound up next to Hermione at the high table. After everyone was in place in front of their chairs, but not sitting, it was time for the ceremony.
Harry raised his crystal goblet of water in a toast.
"Be welcome, all ye within this hall. I beg a blessing from Magic upon ye all. Upon this hall. Let it be a place of peace, of rest, of refreshment. Let this be a place of peace. Blessings be!"
"Blessings be!" Everyone else intoned.
They all took a sip of liquid.
"Welcome all on behalf of Arglwydd Potter!" Remus shouted.
"Arglwydd Potter!" And everyone toasted Harry, who felt a bit overwhelmed at that moment. All of the villagers had toasted him, even the ones who seemed disappointed or wary of him.
Then Harry shared a short blessing in Welsh. The language was originally Celtic, but had evolved over time. It was something that would take years to learn most likely, but Harry was trying.
Then prepared Celtic music started to play and dinner was served. Everyone sat, and the cooks made a procession with the meal to the head table first, and then served the villagers. The same delicious homemade Caerphilly cheese was waiting on the table with homemade bread as had been served at the opening of the pottery workshop.
It was a delicious meal, yet simple. In addition to the bread and cheese, roasted chicken with sausage, onion and mushroom stuffing, with roasted sprouts, salads and roasted potatoes as sides. But the rolls were warm and delicious, the butter homemade, and there was plenty to eat.
Even if Harry did eat very carefully in front of so many people. Ricardo had caught his eye, and raised his glass in a toast that Harry returned. He looked happier, and was clearly being well fed.
Harry knew that when it got colder, plans were in place to house a large number of magical tents within the hall. They were not able to handle extremely cold weather.
Dessert was served, a simple spice cake with a light cream frosting that had Hermione wanting seconds. And she wasn't much of one for sweets.
It was starting to get late, so Alice began signaling others it was time. At her wave, the family all stood, giving time for the villagers to stand.
The leaving procession was just in reverse, but Harry and Sirius had stopped to greet individuals on the way out, so the line broke down very quickly.
As Harry was getting ready to slip away, their pottery teacher, Mrs Morris, grabbed his arm. "Ye are doing fine, my lord. Just fine. Thank ye for this wonderful hall. How we've missed it. We can have dances and such again if we wish. Thank ye."
Harry didn't know what happened to their old hall, but planned to ask. For now, the villagers who had emigrated with them were a happy crew, and only a few still had complaints against Harry. And he thought it was for pretty spurious reasons.
Harry was glad to see Ricardo and his father gain acceptance and a place at the table. Good. No one should be mean to them just because Alejandro was originally from Magical Guatemala or that Ricardo was born in America.
They were all Americans now.
**ODD**
The next morning, after working with Neville and Alice in the greenhouse at dawn planting a finicky healing plant, Harry was allowed to clean up and put on his flying clothes.
He was getting his very first racing lesson.
Alejandro loved both Buckbeak and Fleetwing, but thought Harry should start with a mount both slower and older. Aquila was the perfect choice. She had a yearling who had just been weaned. Her cries as they left the barn were sad, but the mother was completely content.
As if she felt it were good for Marmalade to learn to get along without her mother all of the time. The foal was called that due to her orange and brown coloring. Harry promised himself to find some nice rats or something to feed her later.
In the meantime, Alejandro was showing him some of the basics. They wound up flying over the town square, and seeing an interesting sight. Students were working on the village green, doing a bit of cleanup.
Harry waved to no one in particular, but it was Amanda's voice, no doubt enhanced with a charm, who shouted, "POTTERRRR!"
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Story recommended by our friend Millie072 Fairywm-The Near-sighted Basilisk. Complete with warning for lots of swears.
A/N: Story recommended by our friend csheila, the classic Rune Master by Tigerman
s/5077573/1/RuneMaster
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
Welsh translation:
Arglwydd - Lord
Pob bendith i chi - Blessings to you
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)