Chapter 4: The Tour and new friends
On July 31st, 1989, Charlus Potter was sitting on the couch in the sitting room reading the morning newspaper. Yet his mind was on another topic. Ever since he and Harry moved to California, Charlus had been adamant about ensuring that his grandson learned how to defend himself. Arcturus had grudgingly proposed that the boy learn how to fight like a muggle should he not have his wand. So along with learning occlumency and how to control his magic, he hired some masters to teach him Taijutsu, Kung Fu, and Silat. Charlus was surprised to hear those words come out of his friend's mouth and was even more so when he learned that Arcturus had actually studied Wing Chun and Muay Thai in his youth.
His friend seemed like he would have had an aneurysm when he admitted it. However, contrary to what Arcturus thought, learning how to do a muggle fighting style had helped him in more ways than one, as they helped him refine his dueling abilities. By using the same aspects that helped make Boxing, Krav Maga, and Judo effective, he was able to defeat several of the world's deadliest opponents.
Charlus was pulled away from his thoughts when the wards alerted him that people were approaching the door. Fortunately, he knew who they were as they'd been keyed to the wards of the house. Rising to his feet, he went to let his guests inside. He opened the door and saw Arcturus and the Headmistress of Merlin's Magical Academy, Mariah Stone. A middle-aged woman in a formal business suit with dark brown hair and sharp black eyes. Mariah Stone is a descendant of the Ancient House of Stone. For centuries her family has either taught or been in charge of Merlin's Academy. They had a reputation for producing outstanding scholars and herbologists. The Stones and Potters have had a strong bond for centuries.
"It has been a long time, Charlus," she said with an American accent, a soft smile on her face. Despite being older and a couple of inches taller than him, she warmly greeted him.
"Sixteen years, Mariah. "Again, thank you for accepting my grandson into your school." He led them to the sitting room. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine," she took a seat on the couch. "It was my pleasure, as it will undoubtedly annoy Dumbledore when he finds out that the child will not be at Hogwarts after he turns eleven." Four years ago, Charlus sent her a letter requesting that she would allow his grandson to attend her magical school. His letter gave a general amount of information about why neither he nor Arcturus wanted the boy near Dumbledore.
Arcturus then grunted. "Speaking of which, where is the boy?"
In response, he got a wry grin from Charlus, "Master Shinichi left an hour and a half ago, and it's two o'clock. Where do you think he is?"
Clicking his tongue, Arcturus rolled his eyes. Harry was likely in his lab. "All right, I'll get him," taking his wand, he cast the patronus charm. "Expecto Patronum." The anaconda-like patronus emerged from his wand and left after Arcturus whispered a message. "He'll be here before long."
A minute later, a nine-year-old boy with jet-black hair and emerald-green eyes entered the room with a journal in his arms. The boy may be nine, but he looked more like an eleven-year-old when compared to a muggle child. The boy even showed characteristics from the Potters and Blacks with his high cheekbones and unruly hair. As soon as his eyes fell on Arcturus, he respectfully greeted the man like a proper heir. "Hello, Uncle. You summoned me?"
"Yes, Harry." Arcturus' tone was neutral, yet there was a subtle amount of warmth in his cold silver eyes. "I like to introduce you to the Headmistress of Merlin's Magical Academy, Mariah Stone," waving a hand at the woman who stood back on her feet.
Harry closed the distance between them until he was a couple inches away from her. "A good day to you, Headmistress Stone. My name is Harry Potter, and it's a pleasure to meet you," giving the woman a respectful bow.
"Well, aren't you a well-mannered young man," a smile crossed her face after giving him a once-over. "There's no mistaking where you're from, as you certainly have your father's looks, though with your mom's eyes and grandmother's high cheekbones." Even though she only met James once, when he was four years old, Charlus sent a picture of him and his wife Lily the day after the two announced they were getting married.
"Really. Here I thought I resembled my grandfather," he joked.
She looked a little amused, "to be fair, James did look like Charlus. Though all jokes aside, allow me to make my reasons for being here known." Her face then became neutral. "Since you are now officially nine years old, I would like to give you this," pulling out a sealed envelope with the seal of her Academy on it.
He happily accepted the letter he had been waiting for, for years. Quickly opening the envelope, he pulled out the letter and quickly read it:
Merlin's Magical Academy
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been granted a place at Merlin's Magical Academy. Enclosed inside is a list of all school necessities and equipment and a map of the Academy and its Halls.
The term begins on September 1st. If you choose to accept being a student, please press and hold down the black circle in the bottom right corner of the letter, and you will be given the date and time to come for a tour of the campus. Please give us your answer by July 31st.
Sincerely, Headmistress Mariah Stone
Harry did what was written on the letter and pressed his thumb against the dark circle, revealing a date and time.
Welcome to the Academy, Mr. Potter. Please arrive in the school's Auditorium no later than eight-thirty a.m. on August 15th.
"I will see you on August 15th, Mr. Potter. Oh, and happy birthday," said Mariah. She was about to turn away when she rounded on Charlus. "Hold on a minute. Before he came in, you mentioned Master Shinichi. You weren't, by any chance, talking about Shinichi Tokugawa, were you?"
"Yeah, the man is Harry's Taijutsu Master," Charlus answered. "I have to say the man's done a good job in training him to this point.
She looked between Charlus and Harry with wide eyes. Her mind was going a million miles an hour. Master Tokugawa rarely took pupils unless he saw something great in them, not to mention he was a real taskmaster when it came to training his disciples. The man was not only a Ninjutsu Master but was a highly respected wizard. Anyone who is anyone would kill to learn under him either at his shrine or at the Academy. However, the only catch was that he was very selective of his students and would not hesitate to turn those he felt unworthy away.
Regaining her composure, "your grandson must truly be something special, then if Sensei Tokugawa has agreed to train him. Though, it shouldn't surprise me, given your family's reputation," giving him a knowing look. "I believe we can expect great things from you, young man. But do not expect any special treatment, just for what happened years ago with Voldemort. Your education at Merlin's depends on how hard you work and your skill level. There is absolutely no pureblood propaganda where students believe they should score or rank better than their peers. So if you want to prove yourself, then do it through your work and magical abilities. Do you understand?"
"Yes!" Harry replied. "I do not want any special treatment or for people to kiss my backside. I am determined to prove my worth not only because of who I am but for the families I represent. There is no honor in achieving my goals if people just give me things that haven't properly been earned."
Mariah gave him an approving smile while Arcturus and Charlus looked at him with pride. Unlike several others, especially members from the prominent families in Britain who gave their heirs and heiress whatever they desired and allowed them unlimited freedom without instilling some humility. The duo made sure to drill that into Harry when he was younger, and they knew the boy would not be satisfied if he didn't work something he wanted. He loved facing challenges.
"Now, if you excuse me, I would like to return to my lab. Headmistress, Uncle, Grandfather," he gave them a respectful bow before taking his leave.
"The best of both worlds," Mariah commented when she was sure the boy was out of earshot. "I look forward to seeing that boy's future unravel."
"You will not be disappointed," a small smile appeared on Arcturus' face. "I better make sure he doesn't try anything dangerous." Charlus walked Mariah out of the house while Arcturus went to the basement.
Ever since Harry found out he was the heir to the Houses of Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Peverell, he had wanted to explore their old manors. More accurately, their libraries, there he found their grimoires and began reading through them. For an unknown reason, he preferred the Slytherins grimoire over the others, but that did not mean he refused to look into the others. Arcturus opened the door to see Harry sitting behind his desk with a quill in his hand and writing something in his journal. The Slytherin and Peverell grimoires were on the desk open. Arcturus had a theory of why the boy felt drawn to the Slytherin texts. Knowledge is power. Power comes in all shapes and forms.
When the boy was old enough, they refused to withhold any information about why he was so unique. Naturally, Sirius and Severus were not happy with the decision to tell Harry everything, fearing he was too young, but Arcturus and Charlus overruled them. It wasn't a debate as Harry would have needed to know sooner than later and by those who cared for him. This was a pragmatic decision—it would have been better if Harry found out from them than someone else.
"What are you working on?" Arcturus walked over to see what the boy was writing.
"I found something while reading through the Slytherin grimoire about magical orbs. Salazar had been experimenting with them during the later years of his life and even succeeded in creating some. Each has its own effects, like more powerful defenses than most modern wards and enchantments could provide, focus points for channeling ambient magic, dealing with dangerous magical creatures, etc." Showing the notes in his journal. "Granted, this is all theory on my part. But I wanted to see if they could be used for other means than what was written in the grimoire."
Arcturus read through the boy's notes and had to admit he was impressed by what he had in mind and aimed to accomplish. This could be considered an archaic branch of magic, given how old and more potent it was. Throughout his life, he learned many different branches of magic alongside Charlus. The two knew that the old mages, wizards, and witches were more skilled and adept at the different branches of magic. Especially the old archaic branches. However, channeling that type of magic was anything but easy and more dangerous than what most knew. As the centuries passed, witches and wizards became lazy and complacent, not wishing to evolve. The wizarding community in Britain was a good example of how lazy the people had become. They no longer pushed themselves, and the children from many prominent families have grown up to be spineless cowards who've proven to be unworthy of their ranks and statuses. One House, in particular, came to mind. The House of Malfoy.
He had never been a fan of those who came from that House and felt they were unworthy of marrying into his. Silently he cursed his son Cygnus for marrying his daughter off to Abraxas's son Lucius. That conniving scum should have never been allowed to marry into the House of Black. . .let alone taint their blood with his own. There was a chance that any offspring of Malfoy would grow up to be exceedingly arrogant and think he could get away with anything because of his family's station. Well, not if Arcturus had anything to say about it, as there was no way he would allow everything the Blacks built to be given to a spoiled brat, especially a child of the House of Malfoy. Already the boy in front of him. . .though a half-blood. . . was already showing the qualities of a true Black. Ingenuity, ability to problem solve and strategize, resourcefulness, and above all, honorable.
After looking through the last of the boy's notes, he closed the journal and gave it back to him. "Remember the rules. No experimenting with magic unless there is an adult present."
"I was only curious," Harry said with a sheepish smile. "Why do most witches and wizards only wish to strive for the bare minimum? Why not try to evolve and become better?"
"They lack the will and determination to become better. Striving to be the best is an admirable goal, but without principles, you will lose yourself." Arcturus gave him a knowing look. He then reached into the pocket of his robe, pulled out a nicely wrapped box, and waved his wand to return it to its proper size. "We're heading into the city in a half-hour. Happy birthday."
With that, he left the room with a small smile on his face. Harry removed the wrapping paper and the lid to find two new books: A Guide to Understanding Ancient Magic By Merlin and Master the Art of Elemental Magic By Kira Snowheart. "Thank you, uncle," he mentally said. These books would be of great help to him.
Twenty minutes later, after he put his things away, he went back upstairs to meet his grandfather and uncle.
The former smiled at him when he came into the room. "We will be stopping by Truman's wand shop first. . .he sent a letter saying that your order is finished."
A big smile appeared on the younger Potter's lips at the news. At long last, the time was finally right, as it had been over a month since the order was placed. Charlus grinned at his grandson's expression and knew what the boy was thinking. "After that, we'll get your other things."
The three exited the house, and Charlus locked the door with his key. They walked beyond the wards and then apparated to a city next to Beverly Hills, the sensation of being pulled through a tube was no loss to Harry as he was convinced that magical transportation hated him. Ignoring the shakiness in his legs, he managed to keep a grip on his grandfather's left arm. Then taking a breath, he followed into the city. It always amazed him that unlike in Britain, where they only had villages and small towns for witches and wizards, in the Macusa, they actually had magical cities. Three were in California, and best of all, the place actually looked like it belonged in the 20th century. Evolution is something the wizarding world needs; otherwise, how else would the people grow and become stronger.
Together the three walked the streets until they arrived at Truman's Wands shop. The place was two stories tall and one of the several stores in the Macusa where young witches and wizards would come to get their first wands. The Truman family has produced wands for centuries, which was considered an art to them. But more than that, they were very exceptionally proficient in making staves and custom wands if none of the ones they had shelved didn't suit the client. Already there were a couple people inside, likely parents with their kids waiting to get their first wands.
Moving to one side of the shop, the office door opened to reveal a familiar seventy-five-year-old man. His brown eyes soon fell onto one family. "Well, what do you know. . . My trickiest customer. Hello, Mr. Potter. I have your order right here." He seemed relatively proud of his creation. Placing the case on top of the counter, he removed the lid to reveal the wand he had made. "This is perhaps the most powerful wand I have created in years. The woods are of aspen, redwood, and a thousand-year-old elder tree. Your core is made of two different materials horned serpent horn and a dragon heartstring from an Ouroboros dragon. The silver ash and runes covering your wand were needed to stabilize everything I used to create a unique and powerful wand such as this. You, my young friend, will truly be something to behold."
He motioned for Harry to pick the wand up to see how it felt. To Harry's immense pleasure, the wand felt warm, like it had found the owner it had been waiting for. Then with a simple wave, red and gold sparks emerged from the tip.
"How much?" Charlus had a satisfied smile on his face.
"Normally, they would cost thirteen dragots. But customization and unique components built into the wand bring the price up to fifty- four dragots."
Charlus took his wallet out of his pocket and retrieved his card for the man. Truman ran it through the register and gave it back. The other customers, especially the children, looked at Harry with shocked and surprised expressions. There was something different about Potter as they found him to be curious and different from what was written in the books written by those authors in Britain. Whatever it was. . .he would no doubt be at the Academy's entrance ceremony.
Arcturus, Charlus, and Harry visited different shops for the next two hours to obtain the latter's school items before returning home for the day. All the while, Harry thought about looking forward to attending Merlin's Academy. If he could go right now, then he would. However, it looked like he would have to wait a bit longer before seeing the school in person.
(0^0)
A few weeks later, an eager Harry woke up at 7 a.m., did his morning workout, showered, and dressed in the school's uniform, while checking himself over with a full-length mirror. His academy uniform consisted of a white button up shirt with black linings on the collar, black tie, black trousers, the academy jacket. He finished it by putting on his forest green coat that has silver-black linings at the sides, collar and cuffs., the school's crest on his left sleeve, and dragonhide boots. Then after taking a breath, he left his room and went downstairs to have breakfast with his grandfather. Entering the dining room, he found the old man drinking some coffee and reading the morning paper from the Magical Press. "Someone is sure excited. . ." Charlus said, not looking up from the newspaper as he could feel the boy's excitement. "Do you have your wand on you?"
"I do," summoning his wand from the dragonhide holster hidden in his right sleeve. He then said, "lumos," the light creation spell, and a ball of bright white light appeared at the tip of his wand. It then vanished when he spoke the counter spell, "nox."
Harry sat beside the old man and began filling his plate with bacon, scrambled eggs, and some pancakes. Charlus put the paper down when he was done reading it. "Your Uncle Arcturus sends his best and apologizes that he couldn't be here— there was an issue in Oceania that required his presence." The representative had found some damaging evidence against the Minister of Magic, who had gone to great lengths to suppress. Things like illegal gambling, selling classified secrets to criminal syndicates, embezzlement, and possessing dark and illegal objects. While the wizard would have been removed from office years ago, no one could link him to the crimes. Anyone who tried to go against him would end up missing (likely killed), and all the evidence would disappear. When it came to gathering information. . .no matter how small or concealed they could get it. Despite their cold disposition, being members of the Dark faction, and the fact that some members of the family openly supported Voldemort, they were a lot that understood honor.
Charlus knew that Arcturus harbored many regrets, for he allowed his family too much free reign in deciding what to do. Had he known what might have happened with that murdering bastard Voldemort then there might have been more than a mere handful of Blacks still alive. This is why he had chosen to take a more active role in Lauren and Harry's lives. He wanted them to grow stronger magically, mentally, emotionally, and in character. Ones that represent the House of Black. Lauren might have been born from the main line, but Harry had a stronger claim to the family's heirship thanks to his grandmother Dorea and godfather Sirius, who named him his heir on the day he was born. Sirius might have been disowned, but any children from him would inherit the title of future Lord Black. Godchildren included. And since Harry was born before Lauren, that made his heirship all that more apparent. Also, there was no way in hell that Arcturus would allow the Malfoys to gain control over what his House had.
"Is it a serious matter or a boring meeting with the bureaucrats?" Harry was not a fan of politics and found it to be a pain in the arse and a headache. Yet, despite his annoyance with politics, his grandfather and uncle had educated him so he could learn how the systems worked.
"A little of both," Charlus answered before looking at his watch. "We leave in ten minutes."
Harry finished his breakfast and followed the old man outside, where he locked the door and apparated him to the entry point of the Academy. The security guards stationed were checking off who would be in attending the school's ceremony. Three families were already in front of the Potters, though, unlike Harry's forest green coat, some were either wearing blue, white, or dark grey. The primary colors of the Academy were black, green, dark grey, burgundy, and white.
"Name?" the guard asked when the Potters finally reached the front.
"Charlus Potter, here escorting my grandson Harry Potter to the entrance ceremony." Said Charlus.
"Potter, Potter," the guard looked through the list of names of those who were meant to be present. "All right, please submit your wand for evaluation."
Harry flicked his wand out and handed it to him. The man then checked it over. "Mm, an unusual yet impressive wand. Three kinds of wand woods fused together, covered in silver ash, and its cores contain an ouroboros dragon's heart string and a horned serpent's horn. Just received, correct?"
"Yes," Harry replied with a neutral voice. The man gave the wand back.
"You may proceed. Please follow your map to the Auditorium. If you require another, then there are plenty at the booth."
The two Potters moved through the gates and followed the map to the Auditorium. The Academy was big and looked modernized. It took a few minutes, but they entered one of the few buildings where the ceremony was supposed to be held. A voice from behind was heard just when they were about to walk through the double doors.
"Well, would you look at that. . . Lord Charlus Potter. It has been a long time." Both Potters turned around to see a Chinese-American man who appeared to be in his mid-forties dressed in a business suit. His hair was black, and his eyes were violet. Beside him was an American woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair and black eyes. Standing before them were two kids who seemed to be Harry's age. A boy with short black hair and brown eyes and a girl with shoulder-length brown hair and violet eyes.
"That it has Zhang," the two shook hands, and he then greeted the man's wife. "Amanda, it's good to see the two of you again."
"It has been years," she gave him a warm smile. "Honestly, this is the last place we'd expect to see you. Then again, anything is possible."
". . .True." Charlus said. "This my grandson, Harry," gesturing to the boy beside him. "Harry, this is. . ."
"Zhang Huang, you're the Representative for California in the MACUSA Wizengamot and the newly appointed Head of Office for Magic Relations and Education. Your wife, Mrs. Huang is a senior member of the Major Investigation Department," Harry finished, much to the Huangs' surprise. "I do my homework."
Mr. Huang chuckled, "wow, you are a bright young man." He looked the boy over, "you look exactly like your Dad, but you have your mom's eyes."
A sad sigh escaped his lips, "again, I would like to express my condolences for your loss. While I did not know your mother that well, I've known James since he was little. While he was a prankster, but also a good and honorable man."
"Thank you, sir," Harry gave a sad nod.
Mr. Huang's son stepped forward and extended his hand, "I'm Andrew, and this is my younger sister, Jade," her white coat contrasted with his dark-grey.
Jade playfully nudged her brother's arm after he and Harry shook hands. "Excuse my annoying brother. And actually, we're twins. I am Jade Huang; it's nice to meet you," she stuck out her hand, which he accepted.
"So, what subjects are you looking forward to taking?" Andrew excitedly asked. "Personally, I can't wait till we get to Charms and Dueling."
"Transfiguration, Charms, Dueling, and Defense Against the Dark Arts," replied Harry. "Though, if I get the chance would like to study the more archaic branches of magic."
"Nice," Jade complimented. "I prefer either Ancient Runes or Enchanting."
The three kids soon began talking more and more as they walked into the auditorium with their guardians following behind. Together they walked upstairs to the second floor after seeing that every seat on the first floor had been claimed.
"Seems like they're getting along," Zhang whispered to Charlus, who nodded in agreement.
"Harry could use some friends his own age," Charlus commented. "For the most part, he trains in martial arts, is in the library reading books about the different branches of magic, in his lab, or outside flying on his broom."
"You're interested in martial arts too?" Andrew's eyes lit up.
". . .If I ever don't have my wand, I need to find another way to defend myself."
"Very true," Jade nodded in agreement. "The majority of Witches and Wizards worldwide only know how to fight with their wands; once they're deprived of them, they're at their opponent's mercy because they don't know how else to defend themselves. Which is honestly kind of sad when you think about it."
Harry laughed as he agreed with her. "This idiot and I study Wing Chun and Taijutsu. What about you?"
"Taijutsu, Kung Fu, and Silat. Despite being muggle fighting styles, they can be applied to martial magic."
Andrew gave him a confused look when he said muggles. "Muggles? What are muggles?"
Jade slapped him on the shoulder, "he means No-Maj genius. Muggles are what they call those who cannot perform magic in Britain. Don't you read?"
Before the two could start arguing, Harry pointed to the stage, "look, they're about to begin."
Soon everyone's attention was on the Headmistress as she made it to the podium. "Good morning, everyone. My name is Mariah Stone, and I would like to welcome all the incoming students and their families to Merlin's Magical Academy. . ." She spent close to two hours explaining what the Academy was about, the different subjects that were taught, how the student's hard work and skills would determine if they were eligible to advance to the next year ahead of time, etc. Harry listened to every word she said, but what really got his attention was that there was something called the. . . International Magical Tournament. The Tournament occurs every year in May and has different divisions. Still, there are two major conditions: only 19 students could be chosen to represent their schools in each division, and only those who were eleven and up could compete. He was brought out of his thoughts when a note card appeared on his lap. On it was the word: Group B.
". . .Now, without further ado, the tour will soon commence. By now, all incoming students should have received a note card with a letter about which group they will be assigned to. The reason is that over two hundred students are present; thus, you will be divided into groups."
"When a professor calls your group letter, please follow them out, and they will show you around the campus."
A man in his early fifties called for Group A, and thirty incoming students and their guardians followed him out. The next person was someone Harry and the Huang twins were surprised to see. Master Shinichi Tokugawa. "Those in Group B, please follow me."
The Potters, Huangs, and the rest of the people in the group followed him out of the Auditorium. "Hey, Harry," Jade whispered. "When you said you've been studying Taijutsu. It wouldn't happen to be under Master Tokugawa, would it?"
". . .I was about to ask you guys the same thing. Though, it appears we've had the same mentor." Replied Harry. "Do you think he knew we'd be in his group?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know."
The Academy was built like a muggle University what with the multiple buildings. There were two workout buildings. One contained a muggle workout gym full of weight machines and an area to train in various forms of martial arts. The second was a round building with a bowl-shaped interior; the ground level was an extremely spacious training ground surrounded by rows of seats. Though this was one of the few training areas, it was built so the professors could teach the students dueling lessons, for them to train, and pick out candidates for the tournament. Next was the Quidditch Pitch. The school had six teams, and the students could try out for them if they wished.
Before they left the training room, Tokugawa smiled. "Well, if it isn't, some of my disciples," he looked at Harry, Jade, and Andrew. "I see that you three have already met. . . Good."
The three of them bowed respectfully at him. Andrew then said, "we just met today. Why didn't you tell us you were a teacher at the Academy?"
"Tch, tch," he clicked his tongue and waved a finger. "That would have been telling and spoiled the surprise. But since you are here. Why don't you and Mr. Potter have a sparring match?"
His proposal surprised everyone. Shinichi added, "I am most eager to see which of you is more skilled. What do you two say the first person to floor their opponent will be the winner?"
"Sure, I'm game," Andrew earnestly said. He then looked at Harry. "What do you say?"
"Let's have some fun," Harry responded with a smile. "After all, I can use a workout."
With them in agreement, the two walked onto the training field, with Shinichi following behind and the others sitting in the stands. Shinichi stood in the center while the two boys stood ten paces away from one another. "Face me and bow," the two did as they were told and bowed to him, then turned to each other. "Bow," they did the same to each other and took different combat stances. "Fight!" Jumping back.
Andrew slowly lunged toward an unmoving expressionless Harry, and just when he got close enough, he did a flying tornado kick which his opponent ducked under, then proceeded with a few quick yet powerful jabs, all of which Harry blocked with ease. The raven-haired boy caught a punch being thrown at him and delivered some fast yet debilitating strikes to Andrew's arm, solar plexus, collar bone, and a low sweep to his left leg before delivering a front kick to the chest.
Andrew almost fell on his back and would have had he not managed to catch himself by landing on his hands his hand and springing back onto his feet. He didn't get a chance to attack again and found himself on the defensive from Harry's attacks, but before he could deliver a counterstrike, Harry backflipped away. The best way to defeat your opponent is to outsmart them. Be unpredictable, efficient, and ruthless, and only apply the necessary amount of power needed to destabilize your foe before defeating them. That was what his Uncle Arcturus had been teaching him.
Relaxing his arms and muscles, Harry waited and watched as Andrew ran toward him and tried to deliver a punch to his face, but he countered by ducking under it and thrusting his elbow right into solar plexus knocking the wind out of him. He followed it up, grabbing his outstretched arm, throwing the boy over his shoulder and onto his back, and just as he was about to punch him in the chest, halted his movement with his fist and inch from his chest.
"That is enough. Disciple Potter is the winner!" Shinichi announced.
There were rounds of applause from the spectators as Harry gave Andrew a genuine smile and offered his hand to him. Andrew took his hand, and Harry pulled him to his feet. The two boys then burst out laughing.
"That was impressive skills you got," Andrew complimented.
"You're pretty good yourself," Harry returned. "Though, you might want to work on your transitioning skills."
"Sound advice," their Master approached. "The two of you displayed some excellent skills for your age. However, there is room for improvement for you both." He gave them a proud smile before sending them off with the others.
The tour continued with Shinichi taking them to the different buildings explaining where their classes would be held, where they'll eat, the library Research labs, and finally, the residents building.
". . .And that will conclude our tour for the day. You all are free to explore the campus at your leisure, but once the three o'clock bell rings, you will all have to return home." Then with that, the people began to disperse.
Harry then nudges Andrew and Jade's arms. "You guys want to head to the shore? It's still early?"
"No reason to end things just yet," Andrew replied with a smirk.
Jade looked at her parents. "Hey, Mom, Dad. Can we go to the shore?"
Zhang and Amanda looked at each other for a long minute like they were silently communicating. The former then nodded his head, granting them permission. Meanwhile, Harry gave his grandfather an innocent look, silently asking if he could join them. Charlus thought about it for a couple of seconds before replying. "Have fun, and I'll come get you at two o'clock. Remember what we practiced if things get out of control."
"Thanks, grandfather. Come on, guys," the adults watched as the kids ran off.
When they were out of earshot, the adults calmly spoke, though Zhang saw a momentary sad smile on Charlus' face. "Your grandson has had a hard life, hasn't he?"
"Fate can sometimes be cruel. It takes things and forces you to grow up fast," Charlus closed his eyes, thinking about what happened to his son and daughter-in-law and whatever future may be set for Harry. "What Voldemort did to him when he was only an infant has left him with an unseen scar."
"There's something else, isn't there?" Amanda softly asked.
Charlus took a breath, "some things are better left unsaid. . . But there are those who only view him as an object or wish to see him dead. I will do everything in my power to ensure that he is prepared."
He led them to the residence hall to get a cup of coffee.
(0^0)
Three and a half hours later, Harry, Jade, and Andrew were relaxing with three other incoming students in a shaded part of the beach. It was surprising, but they all got along famously and became fast friends.
". . .This is the most fun I've had in a long while," a girl with blonde hair and hazelnut eyes said. She was wearing a blue uniform, and her name was Natalie Dawson.
"Same," replied Harry. "Hopefully, we will be able to hang out before school starts. Still can't believe how great this place is."
The boy next to him had light brown hair, sky blue eyes, and wore glasses, agreed with him. His name was Jeremy Walker. "My mom would always speak highly of the Academy and be excited to learn that I chose to come here instead of where my dad went. . . Ilvermorny. I just hope the stories I've been told about this school are correct and that blood status doesn't matter."
"No worries," Harry pat him on the shoulder. "Believe it or not. You ain't the only half-blood at this school. Personally, I never bought into that whole purebloods being superior garbage. I may be a descendant of some powerful families and am proud of my heritage. But that will never define who or what I am, and I will not bow to the pureblood prejudice. There have been individuals throughout history who were either half-bloods or muggleborns, and their names have gone down in history. Why? Because they believed in themselves and wanted to do something they could be proud of and have better lives than their family's before them."
"Unafraid and determined." Said Sophie Newman. She had black hair and amber eyes. "However, we have to be careful when setting goals for ourselves as we will need principles and stay true to them. Otherwise. . ."
"Should we become too obsessed with pursuing our goals, then we will eventually lose ourselves in the process." Jade finished.
Andrew added, "some have become so power-hungry that they've left nothing but a trail of destruction in their paths."
"Indeed, because with great power comes great responsibilities," Harry began, "our world needs to evolve. It is time to show the power and resolve of the new generation. To start, we must pave the way for our own futures!"
"You know what," a smile grew on Jeremy's face. "I feel a change coming in the long run. Like maybe we were all fated to meet today."
"Perhaps." Harry lay on his back with his hands behind his head. "But for now, let's relax and enjoy the time we have left. There will be time to shoot for the stars later."
"Makes a point," Natalie giggled.
But unfortunately, a couple of minutes later, Charlus arrived with the Huangs. He was about to speak, though he stopped after seeing his grandson having fun with a few other incoming students. While he wanted Harry to have some friends his own age, he also wanted him to be smart about who he chose to associate with. He made a mental note to do a background check on the people around him. "Come along, Harry. It's time to go."
A quick wave of sadness washed over his face when he heard his grandfather call him. Despite wanting to stay longer, he complied. "See you guys later," he said before heading toward his grandfather. "I am ready."
The older Potter gave a curt nod and turned around with the boy. "Glad to see you had fun. So what did you think of the Academy? Pretty good, huh?"
"I think it's brilliant," Harry replied. "Though I would have liked to know more about the International tournament being held in May. It sounds like fun."
Charlus chuckled at his response, "you really do like challenges, don't you?" Ruffling the boy's hair. "However, I'm not that surprised as you are my grandson, and we Potters are a stubborn and competitive lot."
"What can I say. . . I'm a Potter as well as a Black," Harry quipped. "You and Uncle Arcturus have been teaching me the importance of ruthlessness and strategic planning. The best way to succeed in something is by knowing what you are getting involved in and thinking a few steps ahead."
". . . And to work smarter and harder," Charlus added as they walked past the gates. "You are indeed learning."
"I will prove who I am and show why the Potters and Blacks are not to be trifled with."
Charlus looked at him with pride, then grabbed his hand and apparated them back home. Neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort knew what was coming or what they had awoken. If they believed that the Potter family had become weak. Think that no retaliation would come. Then they had another thing coming as no one crosses them and lives to tell about it. By targeting them and the Blacks, they have already signed their death warrants. But that's not all, as they intended to have both of them ruined beyond all recognition.
A/N: I originally thought about getting Harry a staff, but then I figured he'd be better with a wand. Just a little FYI here. Overall the Academy will have seven years, meaning that Harry will be close to 16 by the time he takes his NEWT exams. In the Macusa, people who are 16 years old are considered of age. Just so we are clear here, I will try not to make this an OP. Harry will work hard to achieve his goals and understand the importance of having friends beside him. The children: Harry, Andrew, Jade, Sophie, Jeremy, and Natalie, will each specialize in a different field of magic.
I still intend to have Harry and Nymphadora be together, and Harry will eventually have to be sent to Hogwarts. But that won't mean he'll be what anyone expects. They are all going to be in for a real surprise as things will be shaking up in more ways than one. I, of course, will be bashing in this story as I'm sure many of you will be disappointed if there isn't any. As for the house he will be in? That's anyone's guess, as I will either put it to a vote or surprise you all. I haven't decided yet.
Next Chapter: Formation of a team