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: Dumbledore has a different childhood which will be explained soon.
**ODD**
Welcome to the fireside.
**ODD**
Scorecard of what has happened so far:
This story is AU: More of Dumbledore's past will be revealed in bits and pieces.
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 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, ie 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.
Remus Lupin worked hard for Charlus Lord Potter, and has been working as the manor's Seneschal since his death. 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 are in 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 3 Preparation and First Day of School
**ODD**
Black Keep, Salem
Harry put the sad looking baby pufflepod seedlings in a far too big pot. "Are you sure about this Nev?"
The Longbottom Heir looked up from his own work across from him. It was a fine day, and they were working outside in the sun on a long table.
"Oh yes! A bit of the right fertilizer, and it will need a new pot in a week. But you don't want to put it in too big a pot, or it won't nap well and be cranky all the time. Where did you get such wonderful fresh dragon dung?"
"We have a private reserve. Welsh Greens. They are so beautiful! I have pictures. I can't visit anytime soon. Dan wouldn't…I mean, apparently the British Ministry net is now set to identify me. Individually. Like I was kidnapped or something. It's ridiculous. I can't even say hi to dragons that have grown up on Potter lands."
Harry had been about to reveal more about Dan's mission than should be said so openly here.
"Well, at least we get the scat." Neville tried to look at the bright side.
"And egg shells and scales and lots of other potion ingredients." Harry agreed.
Neville didn't snap when one of the shoots tried to bite him. He was so patient with these plants that were crankier than some animals.
"I just wanted to say thank you. You know. For getting the rose clippings planted." Harry gave his godbrother a small smile.
Lily Potter was Neville's godmother, and had planted several different flowering shrubs around Cherry Hill when Alice was with child, knowing she was to be the godparent. Someone had mistakenly told her Neville was a witch, hence the lovely shades of roses. Still. Neville liked them, and they were from plants that Lily had cultivated herself. Both boys felt like they honored her with their efforts.
It wasn't just food plants they were planting.
Livy came and got Harry and Neville when it was time to clean up for lunch.
The work crews noted that both Lord Potter and Heir Longbottom spent a good deal of time working on planting the new grounds.
Moving the shrubbery from Wales just wasn't feasible, but planting new was. Along with food crops. The boys were also busy putting in new plants in the greenhouse that was just built.
For those who held a grudge against Heir James, they were withholding judgment for the time being about their young Arglwydd (lord).
As for Harry? His life had completely gone upside down. He went from doing chores all the time when at home or being locked up, and being the lowest of the low, to now. He went from no parents to at least five; and his godmother was healing! He felt respected and loved, and he got to pick out what he wanted to do from a list of chores. How awesome was that?
He wasn't doing so to 'make up' for James or anything else. He didn't understand why, but from the moment he walked into the manor the first time, he felt it. Potter family magic? Something. He was the new Lord Potter, and he had the right, no, the duty, to be the best Lord he could.
For himself, and his people.
Having a friend his own age had to be one of the best changes.
"Nev? Wanna race, well, at least to the mudroom door?" Harry offered.
The boy hadn't done much running before, but Remus wanted them both walking and running for their health.
"Sure, but I'm going to be waaay behind you." The Longbottom boy claimed.
Neville ran as fast as he dared; Harry didn't go as fast as he could. It wasn't about winning for him; but being free to run.
Laughing, they tumbled into the mudroom, leaving their work clothes and dirt behind. They quickly washed up. The two hungry boys joined the adults for the early afternoon meal.
**ODD**
Gringotts, London
The goblin team was having issues. They had found several of the soul jars in dark objects, and knew, by arithmancy, just how much was left. Or how little.
There was one other bit that couldn't be pinned down as it kept moving. Kept moving wherever Albus Dumbledore was. This unwanted news was now in the goblin king's hands.
"Blast! Have the scryers do a check randomly. We can't waste resources on this. If the goblin nation were to put one toe towards the so called 'Light' lord, we'd be facing the worst war ever." Ragnok ordered.
"Sire?" One of the clerks had been waiting for just this moment. It was wonderful news, and on top of his current despair, should earn him a nice bonus.
"What is it?" The king snapped.
"Lord Potter, with his regent's permission, is starting up a new enterprise. They humbly request your review, and sent you five hundred galleons for your time."
Ragnok cast at the gold, not that a teller would dare give him anything made by the little people.
The king read, and the clerk could see the goblin leader's interest rise. Wonderful!
"You idiot! This is days old! Days we could have been making profit. We'll see how quickly you get important documents to me after you sweat in the mines for a month! Guard! Send for Spurnik, then take this piece of filth for some real work. He'll learn to appreciate his cushy job. Or he'll lose it!"
The guard bowed, dragging the whimpering clerk, while sending the message.
One did not mess with the goblin king. Especially when he was in a foul mood. Sitting on important documents for days for the sake of personal gain? Not wise!
The king wrestled to get his temper under control in order to give the right impression to the Potter Account Manager that he approved of this venture.
**ODD**
Chief Warlock Dumbledore was not in the mood to take 'no' for an answer. The woman had no clue where the boy was! The wards weren't down at Privet Drive, at least according to his instruments. Why had that Figg woman failed him like that? Well, the acromantulas weren't that fussy, and if she chose to go walking into the forest at night, alone, who was he to stop her?
He was back from the last international portkey point. How dare they say he was no longer welcome in America? This was all Black's fault for complaining about a lack of trial. As if he was the only one sent to Azkaban without a trial. Sirius deserved it for defying him and trying to take Harry to Potter Manor after what happened to poor James, poor Lily.
He was ALBUS DUMBLEDORE! He wanted to track down the Dursleys and get them back to Privet Drive before their hovel sold. Of course, the little curse he'd placed on the house would ensure no muggle would purchase the home. As soon as a Dursley moved back into the home, it would dissipate: only to reappear if they dared attempt to sell the house before Harry's seventeenth birthday.
He wasn't evil, after all.
He had to get to them before they registered the boy for Salem! That was the completely wrong school for Harry! The healers there weren't under his protection like Poppy was. They would see things they shouldn't…no! It had to stop, and stop now!
Hagrid had best do some soul searching about failing him before Albus forgave the man and gave him another chance. Albus completely forgot that it was he, himself, who had sent the half-giant on an errand before returning the boy to Privet Drive.
Wait, where was Professor Quirrell?
**ODD**
The Grangers had one of several family suites in the large manor. There were four bedrooms that connected to a small common living room.
Emma was helping Sally-Anne go through her clothes. Helpful elves had recovered everything of hers from her old house. The fancy dance clothes made sense, but some of them were far too 'adult' for Emma's comfort. All such things were going into a box for a local charity shop.
Sally-Anne nodded permission, and into the cardboard box it went.
Hermione came in, and saw her new sister's upset face, and came over to give her a gentle hug.
"When we're done here, we'll get you some new jeans." Emma stated. This whole exercise started when it came out that all of Sally-Anne's clothes were dresses and skirts. She didn't own just casual trousers.
"I'm fine with used clothes - we can even go to the same shop these discards are headed for. The healer said that now I'm allowed to eat normally, I'll be growing."
Both Harry and Sally-Anne were seeing healers for body and spirit.
"Well, if we save money on your clothes, then we'll just have to spend some extra on ice cream, right?" Hermione teased.
Sally-Anne liked said frozen confection, but had not been allowed sugar, fats or much of anything besides air and water in her old life.
All three ladies voted for that option with their laughter.
**ODD**
Spurnik laughed at the simplicity of the plan to create a new balance of muggle money. The best part was, with this new plan, 'currency exchange' booths would be everywhere!
And only muggleborn parents would know which ones had goblin gold at the currency carts in the muggle world. The lightning bolt of the Boy-who-Lived might decorate every single magical cart, but would only be on certain ones in the muggle world.
For the magicals, a new home delivery opened, offering prepared food, groceries including fruits and vegetables. All available via catalog or local markets provided in adorable carts set up in Hogsmeade, Diagon, and little hamlets all over. And they accepted gold, just like a pureblood business should.
And every single person working those booths was accepted as working for a pureblood family. These little home carts were staffed by exceptionally friendly people, and everyone knew that they were owned by House Potter. Quality guaranteed.
They were also taught to be very adept at gathering intel; able to spy on pureblood clients.
All the while, making friends with Gringotts by reducing their imbalance of pounds. Far too much paper money hanging about. And the boy had paid the king and asked humbly for permission. A child had shown him more respect than any adult magical since Lady Potter! Oh, what a pair those two would have made if the mother had lived as well.
As gold poured into Gringotts, the economy became one of the best since the fall of the dark lord.
There was really nothing to complain about.
**ODD**
Albus seemed to have much to complain about. Harry Potter was missing. He hadn't accepted the offer to attend Hogwarts in his own writing. No contract was started.
For now, the Wizengamot was pushing back on some of his 'suggestions' for new laws. And now this! Albus picked up a sherbet lemon to calm himself. Vapid, foolish, twit!
How dare he fail like that? Lucius had hundreds of students to choose from but no. He had to pick Arthur's son. At least the Weasley patriarch was loyal to him, but alas, the diary was already destroyed before it was brought to him. How could he forget the Malfoy/Weasley blood feud? Bah!
Bill needed another 'treatment' soon, it appeared. His 'loyalty' had him send the letter about the goblins searching for horcruxes along with a copy listing everything they had scryed for so far. And what they had in hand. But then, just when Albus needed him most, Bill hadn't turned over the diary before it had been destroyed. This was Malfoy's fault!
At least Albus had been in time to collect the most important trinket Riddle left behind. Hidden in his mother's broken down shack of a home. Hidden with magics most foul. He'd come close to losing his life to the curse on the ring.
Close, but he hadn't succumbed.
Now he had all three Hallows. Not that he was going to use the cloak again anytime soon. He'd tried again just the day before, and wound up with a fierce rash, as though the item rejected him. Again.
He had no idea that Juniper had replaced all of the Potter summoned objects with good copies, all of which had been pranked.
Pranked, pranked, prankety pranked.
Albus thought he was the Master of Death now, and he was. In a way. But it was nothing related to any fairy tale.
People needed to listen to him more, respect him more. He got out his linked journal. He needed the support of a friend right now during these trying times. One that understood what it was to take the responsibility of being the true leader of the country.
**ODD**
Black Keep
Harry's research was done. With Remus' and Sirius' help, Lord Potter now had the ritual to open up a blood locked door. The incantations were practiced. He was ready to open the pottery workshop that had been in business for centuries before Lady Dorea's sudden death.
Harry had his small notebook at hand. He'd made good notes for this, but wasn't alone. Sirius was there, looking somber, and wearing House Potter working robes. Harry wore a miniature version. The pair looked adorable, and Emma snapped a picture or three.
One elderly woman murmured about Harry being 'dwd'.
Hermione, Sally-Anne and Neville were attending, but as spectators. Hermione was fascinated by ritual magic. And the ability to compare how it differed from goblin rituals. This was going to be interesting!
The people who used to work in the place came at the invitation. Others showed up out of curiosity or to support their young lord. Soon, most of the village was there.
They stood in front of the old red building with the Potter coat of arms above the locked double doors. The size was deceptive, as was its appearance. It was a strong and sturdy place. Magic swirled around the two sons of the House of Potter.
Sirius handed Harry the clean and sharpened knife, as the boy took a calming breath.
"I call upon Family Magic to release the seals of this workshop. Let it be dedicated unto Magic; let it be used to assist others for good. Let no one corrupt the works within for any evil. So I swear! Harry, Lord Potter!" The lad swiped his bloodied hand on the door as he spoke.
Sirius took up his own prepared athame, and repeated the oath, only ending it with "So I swear, Sirius, Lord Black, son of the House of Potter!"
It was now the workers' turn to pledge to Magic that the works would be used for good, not ill. The power of the magic was heady, and Harry was swaying by the time it was done. Sirius noted, but Harry did not, that their hands were healed well before the ceremony was complete.
The double doors rolled to the sides on oiled rails dramatically as a swirling wind blew; Sirius cast a shield to protect the ritual food that was about to be served.
Harry had the table prepared with the traditional breads, cheeses, and low-alcohol ale used in this ceremony.
Lord Potter directed the elves to serve small plates of homemade bread and Caerphilly cheese. He was told that their own cheese was far nicer and far more moist with a natural rind than what the locals back home were forced to buy. That white cheese did nothing but crumble. Harry offered it now more for form than true sustenance. A proper feast would be served tonight. The meeting hall wasn't finished yet, so an open air pavilion would be set up. The house-elves were roasting something over there. The smell was so amazing.
As Harry led the progression into the workshop, he looked around. He hadn't known what to expect, but the place was huge! Various sizes of pottery wheels were on the left; cupboards of prepared clay ready to hand. The worktables in the middle had been left as they were the day that Lady Dorea was brutally murdered. All sorts of works were in process; templates for runes were in organized stacking trays. Decorative templates were in another. Paint pots, some that still had brushes next to them were everywhere.
No wonder Mr Elam had been so upset! His wife had worked there, and was working on a 'masterpiece' of some kind. Would her initials or something be on the work so it could be given to him? Harry hoped so.
He then wandered over to the kilns lining the right wall of the workshop, where workers were already discussing the problems with getting them ready for use.
"Four hundred years or more, and they'd never been turned off until then! What are we to do?" One of the women despaired.
Harry went over to see if he could help figure it out in case it was family magic. Oh! The directions were tiny, and likely, the others hadn't seen them.
He read them aloud, and one of the women fainted. Several people went to her aid immediately, but one older woman in a kerchief just rolled her eyes.
Harry stopped, and asked what was wrong with her.
The older goodwife curtseyed to Harry, "English! This gentle wife was raised in England. Ye startled her with the parseltongue. Just memorize a bit, line by line, and I'll write it down. Lord Charlus was a parselmouth. I thought everyone knew it. Sorry, my lord."
She clearly wasn't bothered by it, and Harry did as she instructed. The people there all appreciated his help; the ovens really shouldn't have been shut down as they were. On the other hand, Seneschal Lupin had made it clear that anyone who bothered the heir again with how childish his father had been was going to be headed back to Wales without reference.
Harry didn't need to be bullied for the sins of his father. He'd been bullied enough in his young life.
Now having the proper instructions, the work crew were able to get the kilns back humming along, and coming up to temperature.
"My lord, I know it's not my place, but please. Be careful around here once these get hot. This won't be a place for roughhousin' or playin'. Boys could get really hurt here."
Harry nodded, "I do understand, ma'am. Thank you for the warning. I have to ask. Do you know how to work clay? I mean, I did a bit in school in art class; I always loved it."
And his ever so 'kind' and 'patient' auntie had made sure that Dudley destroyed each beloved creation that he was forced to take back to Number 4 too. Although, he had managed to hide some of his creations in the school library amongst the shelves.
"You want to work? But Llwelyn said, well. Nevermind the old curmudgeon. I'd be proud to teach ye some basics. Oh, I know she's lost right now, but if ye can find Lady Dorea's portrait. Or Lady Gwendolyn's. Lord Fleamont may have been outstanding in potions, but he was a dab hand at pottery too."
She said all this while getting out some child-size aprons, pots of water, and several nice portions of deep red clay.
"Now, yer past the age of eatin' everything right? As this would not taste nice at all!" Harry grinned as he sat down; not taking offense at the lady's good-natured jibe, while Neville, Hermione and Sally-Anne were added to the impromptu class.
"This is Mrs…um. I didn't catch your name, ma'am."
"Morris, but I prefer Mrs Helena to Mrs Morris, if ye please."
Harry introduced everyone else while they were given protective wear and slabs of clay. Neville in particular looked ready to dive in. Hermione looked eager as well. Sally-Anne was the only one dubious about becoming dirty, no doubt due to consequences for getting her too-fancy clothes messy as a young child.
"Well, one way to work clay without a wheel is…"
**ODD**
Leaving Salem Academy of Magical Learning (also called SAM by the locals)
All four students were now officially registered at Salem. They had missed the summer orientation and open house, so other than a map, they really didn't get much out of the trip. Well, other than at the main doors.
What a surprise it had been to see the American statesman, Ben Franklin's, smiling face greet them at the school. His great-great-grandson was even the principal here. Everyone else there seemed to know he was a wizard. Harry and Hermione hadn't!
Sally-Anne shook her head, "It was logical. Look at all of his inventions."
Neville was the only one who had read anything at all about the statesmen in a magical sense. "Since history is kind of a joke at Hogwarts, I was tutored in real magical history. We can read about him. Maybe we can get some books to add to your library, Harry."
Sally-Anne gave Neville a look. Great! Now they were going to lose another hour. She had just found out that the manor had ballrooms. Plural! Surely, one would be suitable for practice.
Just because she didn't want to dance ballet didn't mean the talented girl didn't want to dance!
Emma took pity seeing the look on the girl's face. "Why don't Sally-Anne and I head home."
"Can I come with you?" Both Neville and Harry asked at the same time, then giggled.
Dan laughed, "Well, Hermione. It looks like it's just you and me. Did you know there's a hobby store near here that serves both sides?"
"DAAAD! Not your st…miniatures!" She stopped herself calling them stupid.
His grin was pure innocence. "We'll trade. We'll only spend as long in there as we do in the magical bookstore. Oh, and you'll have a budget limit."
Hermione could see this was only fair. "Fine!"
Harry almost felt guilty for abandoning her, but he really did want to get busy at home. He gave her a small bag of Franklins, since that's what the mall required and wished her good luck.
**ODD**
Hogwarts
Severus didn't tell Lucius that the Dark Lord's central soul piece had been contained. After destroying all of the horcruxes they would have a choice: Hope that sending the in-stasis Quirrelmort through the veil would work in destroying the Dark Lord completely. Or do the dark ritual that would gain him a body, and then try to kill him.
Due to the nature of the prophecy, that meant potentially relying on the Potter lad. Not going to happen until he was of age!
One other piece remained in play. They'd concentrate on taking that out.
Severus was not sharing that news in the next ODD meeting. Besides, it really had nothing to do with Albus at all.
He had no idea that Albus had everything to do with the solution of the dark lord problem. Problems. Destroying the ring horcrux he was protecting was just merely one of them.
**ODD**
Black Keep
Widow Beddew clapped her hands. As a senior worker there, she had taken on certain responsibilities since Lady Dorea had passed away. Overseeing the children's schooling was but one.
There were only a handful of older teens that were of the right age to have to attend school. And this wasn't Hogwarts. Tuition was provided by the government.
"I have book bags with all the needed school supplies provided for by Lord Potter. If ye need more, yer to come to me, not bother him at school. Keep an eye out for our young Arglwydd, most assuredly. Agreed?"
A variety of 'yes mums' was heard.
"You older boys! Have any of ye taken the oath yet?" She then asked.
"Nay, mum." One of the boys shared, "Seneschal Lupin refused. When Lord Potter is fifteen, then we can take our oaths. But no worries. Our families are bound to the Potters, and will be. They are an honorable lot."
Nods all around showed they were in agreement on that score.
She smiled at them, "Ye are all an honorable lot. This is an unprecedented opportunity. I hope you understand that. Pob bendith i chi." She slipped into Welsh a bit, and blessed them properly.
They were dismissed to collect up their supplies. The bags were black with the Potter coat of arms on the upper left. They were part of the Potter legacy and proud to be so.
**ODD**
Albus made it as far as Japan, but was stopped from entering Hawaii.
"Are you saying the Supreme Mugwump can't go sailing or learn how to surf?" His disappointed look was getting a workout.
"You do not have the proper documentation to enter the United States. So sorry, sir. Next!"
Dumbledore didn't like being ignored, but magical travel was highly regulated. He went towards the portkey points with his own portkey.
He never saw the security guard, and by the time he arrived back at the gates of Hogwarts, he was just waking up from the stunner.
The note on his chest couldn't be clearer. 'Don't travel to Japan anytime soon, or you'll be facing justice. We are not part of your ICW and could care less if you are Mudwart or not. Supreme or not. Stay away from Magical Japan and leave Harry Potter alone!'
Oh, right. Japan had been a member of the ICW until the second world war. That country really didn't like him. His title was Supreme Mugwump!
He almost took it personally.
**ODD**
The Grangers, now officially part of the Black family, properly and formally inducted by Lord Black, never did get their own home. Dan had immediately accepted the invitation to stay; Easier to mentor the boy if they lived here. He'd teach Harry with his own daughters, Neville too, with his gran's permission.
Harry's only complaint about it all was that he had to wear the dress yet again.
Augusta had her own suite of rooms, but made sure to have dinner with the extended 'family' every night. Neville sometimes spent the night sleeping in an adjoining room, but he had his own in what Harry called 'the boy's wing'.
Unlike Hogwarts, most people attending were day students at Salem. Even those commuting from New York, Chicago and other cities.
It had been years since they'd had any British born students attending due to the laws of the land there. Students attended from around the United States, and even some foreign countries. Some students were wealthy, some poor. Some from families who had thousands of years of magical history. Some were brand new to magic.
The one thing made clear at school was that everyone could learn, but some things were harder than others. Some wanded subjects needed more magic than a student had. This was fact, measurable. Definable.
Calling someone a squib was treated the same as calling someone a racial epithet. It was an immediate detention and receiving of points. Since this was like golf, getting points was bad and to be avoided. Breaking minor rules, playing harmless pranks were worthy of detentions.
The principal's Saturday detentions were renowned. Lots of public works, community service with worse penalties for trying to skip out.
Any bullying would be stopped immediately. Any. And gain the offender magic points. And Salem was such an exclusive school, they weren't afraid to expel people for bad behavior.
Harry wasn't worried. His guardians might be sad that he couldn't pull pranks at school, but he wasn't. He was going there to make friends and learn magic. Not cause mayhem.
If he had gone to Hogwarts and been sorted fairly on September first, he would have gone to Hufflepuff.
**ODD**
Smallest Ballroom, Black Keep
The girls were thrilled at the idea of these new lessons, but while Neville groaned and said he already knew this, Harry was standing there. Nonplussed.
He looked up at his godfather, "Dancing? But Remus was going to show me that de-feathering spell."
America had different rules about underage magic. All four of them now had magic-permits. They were supposed to be supervised when practicing, but Hermione had been doing spells for almost a year!
"You can learn to collect potions ingredients later. Dancing is an important social grace. You don't want to embarrass yourself. Besides, I promise to take all of you flying afterwards."
That treat didn't appeal to seventy-five percent of them. Neville spoke up, "I get punished? Twice? What did I do wrong?"
Sally-Anne walked over to the Victrola and turned it off, clearly upset. She sat down on one of the elegant chairs lined up against the wall of the small ballroom and folded her arms. She kicked out the full skirts of the pink practice outfit she wore.
Neville immediately apologized, "I didn't mean anything against you! I just want to be working in the greenhouse during the daylight, is all."
She brightened up at that. "How about a half-hour now, and more lessons after dinner?"
Sirius nodded at the logical proposal and wasted no more time getting started. Dan and Emma were there to demonstrate proper form, even if in casual clothes.
"The waltz looks hard but really isn't. Dan and Emma, can you please go slowly through the steps?" Sirius asked.
Harry didn't think he would ever use this, but taking turns dancing with Hermione and Sally-Anne, he found his objections fading. He even danced with Emma!
This might not be his favorite lesson, but it was better doing this than anything at the Dursleys.
**ODD**
Dining Room, Black Keep
The family got together the night before school started. This year, it started on the third; Tuesday after Labor Day, an American holiday.
"Frank and Alice are doing much better, and will likely be coming home on the weekend if not before," Remus let the young ones cheer. "So, I just wanted you to know that if someone should ask, Sirius Black and Alice Longbottom are Harry's official guardians. No secret there. Neville's guardians are going to be his parents.
"You all have lunch, snacks, and pocket money. If you ever feel threatened in the least, call Oddment or Sculls. They are our security elves.
"We've ordered the hoverboards, but they are still on backorder. Don't pout Padfoot! But they are a popular item. There's a park nearby to practice on them, but there should be space here to learn that doesn't annoy the villagers.
"Any questions?" Remus looked so pale!
"Moony? We're going to be together. And you know that others will be joining us." Harry pointed out.
The werewolf nodded, but remained anxious.
Harry didn't look at Dan, but Emma did. She knew that many muggleborns and possibly their families would be relocated starting soon. It was a shame, but with the current policy of turning a blind eye to the 'unwanted' being stripped of their inheritances, if not outright hunted, what was the normal government supposed to do to protect their people?
**ODD**
Tuesday, September 3rd, London
Dan was called in for a briefing, and to be thanked for sponsoring a magical child. He was given a surprise benefit. One given to foster parents to help take care of a child.
Bradley was waiting for him, along with Serena Hooch. She had some memories to share to give background for their cause.
A much younger Albus Dumbledore was giving a speech in German to a crowd of magical youth. This was a memory from the mid 1930's. At his side, a Nazi in uniform beamed.
It was Gellert Grindelwald.
"Here is a different picture of Dumbledore and Grindelwald as young men, dressed in wizarding fashion, setting off on their world tour in 1898." Bradley passed around a picture of two young men, obviously in lust if not love with one another.
"We believe that these two started their hatred towards muggles when a group of youths were caught killing Arianna Dumbledore, Albus' sister. Percival, their father, was too late to save his little girl, and killed them all in retaliation. If he had used curses other than the cruciatus and the killing curse, he might have gotten away with it. That left two boys, Abeforth and Albus to be raised by their muggleborn mother, Kendra.
"Money was tight, and many was the time that Albus felt cursed to be stuck with a less than pureblood mother who had no social connections, no help in the wizarding world. Percival's family were not really in a position to help, and apparently the murders made them withdraw from the rest of the family. Unfair, but there it was."
"How did they have money to go on a world tour if they were so poor?" Dan asked.
"Apparently one of their first stops were casinos in Monte Carlo. They were excellent gamblers, and made their first fortune there." Serena shared. "How much was made cheating? I couldn't say. They weren't arrested for it, that is known."
Bradley slapped down a different picture of the two men, taken from a pensieve memory that he was about to show them. "This was from 1937: Chancellor Hitler was obsessed with the paranormal. I wonder just how much about the magical world was shared with him."
The message had been translated but it was clear from context. Dumbledore was telling these people how they were the master race, and meant to be leaders of the world.
It was a similar message to what he shared yearly in the Wizengamot. They had a memory of that as well. That they were magicals and deserved to be the rulers of Britain. The style was the same; the message practically indistinguishable.
"There are species of magical people that have the ability to ensnare people with their voice. We aren't sure what it is; certainly not the power of rhetoric or we'd become enthralled as well. No, something more. We have the magical breakdown of some of the school books, and that alchemical mixture was a strong loyalty formula." Madam Hooch shared. "Finding ways to overcome this is just part of our mission."
"Sometime in 1944 or early 1945, Dumbledore was persuaded to use his influence to 'stop' Grindelwald. The world believes he killed him in the conflict, helping to put an end to World War II. He then became very popular in Britain. He's been Chief Warlock since just after the war.
"With the low crime rate, and seeing people considered 'undesirable' unwelcome in the magical world there will be a real pushback against changing the status quo." Bradley informed them.
Great! It was Nazi Germany all over again, only instead of a religious group, those with the wrong skin color, or people with mental issues, it was against those with muggle parents. And Dumbledore's program was insidious! Drain the muggles accounts with high fees for tuition, books, clothes, etc. Then make sure to chase these people away once they were done at school! And if the odd Death Eater attacked them? Killed them? They were punished with a disappointed look, a slap on the wrist and didn't get dessert after dinner.
"So, the program for us is to keep as many mundane born magicals alive, while coming up with ways to overcome mind control. What monsters these men are! Do we have confirmation that Grindelwald is dead?" Dan asked.
That old manipulator was dangerous. Charlus Potter had written much against him over the years. And when Lord Potter was killed in the late 1970's, he died believing Grindelwald was free and influencing people like this Voldemort person.
The magicals all shook their heads, "We think so, but no one knows for sure. The man was last seen alive in Germany, so until he becomes a threat to us, we leave that mystery alone."
Dan nodded, "So, we now have our people monitoring their magical net? That's good news. Good for Lord Greengrass."
A new picture was slipped to him. "Someone else we want to bring in. Xenophilius Lovegood. Runs a newsletter called the Quibbler. Don't know if you've seen it. His articles are in code, and very much against the Ministry and Albus in particular. Your wife likes puzzles. You should subscribe."
"Understood. Lovegood. I think the goblins mentioned that last name, but it was a young witch they planned to recruit when she was older. Lune? Luna? Something."
"Yes, Luna Lovegood. If the goblins are interested, and they let you know that? They were asking you to rescue her as well. Perhaps she's another Seer. The Gift is part of her lineage. The headmaster has one in captivity at Hogwarts." Hooch informed.
Dan promised, "I'll start corresponding with them. Make sure she has a scholarship to Salem, that sort of thing."
Serena interjected, "We'll need to get her father to emigrate if you want her to legally attend there."
Dan would make sure not to mention any of this to Hermione. At least she liked Harry for himself. There was an unspoken agreement in the House to allow the children to be children for just as long as possible; no dating until they were sixteen, and then group dates, like school dances. No wandering off alone until college. The children hadn't fought these rules yet and likely wouldn't until they were a bit older.
Pulled from his musing, Dan countered, "That or sign one of those open-ended betrothal contracts between her and Harry. I was so upset learning about those! Harry must have a hundred in his vault. He's waiting for Guy Fawkes day, and we'll have a nice bonfire."
Bradley chuckled, "That will start a nice tradition for the Yanks. So, the next bit of information we have is…"
**ODD**
Same day, Salem
Dan was back in time to join as the whole family walked to school as a huge group. Pictures were taken on the front steps before the parents and guardians returned to the manor.
Any mundane walking into the Sixth Grade hall, would recognize a school. Homerooms had student names listed on the doors. Students using blood-bonded portkeys would arrive there; inside their assigned homerooms. Students walking, using hoverboards or even being dropped off by a vehicle, come in through security at the front doors.
Harry had to leave behind his goblin boot knife that BloodRage had sold him. For a knut! That showed it was a gift.
What was it with goblin values?
It was a present, plain and simple, and Harry had to make it clear in his will it was to be returned to Gringotts upon his death, which Spurnik said would be near the three century mark. Provided BloodRage didn't kill him as a teenager.
Harry and Neville, likely due to being in the middle of the alphabet, shared a homeroom. Sally-Anne and Hermione shared a different homeroom down the hall. Harry knew he'd be seeing her soon in some of their classes. They already had their schedules. Books were being delivered to the classrooms. For those who didn't have the resources to buy their own, they could borrow. No one could tell which: From the standpoint of everyone there, all students were treated the same.
It was a magical textbook, so if notes were taken in it, it could be cleansed. Harry had decided to buy his books, Hermione and Sally-Anne were playing it by ear. As in, Hermione wanted to buy anything printed; Sally-Anne, not so much. She would buy texts that continued to have value for her later.
For now, it was time to go in. With one last worried glance, Harry stepped into his new destiny.
**ODD**
Severus tried. He tried to be nice to the new Gryffindors, but there was a Weasley. Food from breakfast on his chest! His temper, always difficult to control in this classroom, exploded.
The boy was red-faced, and that was when Finnegan decided to blow up his cauldron. Lovely. Just lovely.
At least the Potter lad wasn't here to spill vitriol all over. Moody had shared a picture of him at the meeting with Albus when he finally broke down and let others know that Potter was missing. Hard to hide after the sorting and no Harry Potter. People were looking for him, so of course, the old auror had managed to find a color photo.
A waif of eight or so. Skinny, bruises peeking out of the too large shirt. And those eyes. Those sad green eyes. Lily's eyes; Lily's eyes should never display that much despair!
Severus hated this. He had his occlumency shields going full-force in this room, and yet he was still compelled to spew forth this verbal abuse. Oh, not by the magic in the room, but by his very mission as spy. Someday, he'd be able to 'control' this anger and 'overcome' the compulsion to abuse others.
Just as soon as the dark lord was gone. No, the dark lords were dead.
Until then, he had a job to attempt to do as well as he could.
**ODD**
Harry and Neville entered potions class together. They were nervous, as the only examples of potions teachers they had heard about were from older students in Diagon complaining about the current professor, and from the guardians, sharing stories of Professor Slughorn.
"Welcome class to beginning potions. For today, you are going to be getting a lecture about the equipment, and given some reading to do for tomorrow's quiz. It's all about safety! Until you can pass that quiz, no brewing for you. This term, we will be brewing fourteen different potions. Unlike some classes, you can rebrew until you get an A. When you're older, any brews good enough for the school to use, you'll get school Franklin bucks. Not usable in the mall, just the school store or cafeteria. And no, don't try to duplicate them, or they'll disappear.
"Now. The first tool you all need is your personal apron. Put it on immediately coming into class, or I will deduct points from your daily participation grade. The house-elves will keep them clean. The pegs are numbered - your student number for this class is in your apron. If you wish to buy one for home brewing or any other equipment, you may do so at a discount through our supplier. Catalogs will be in the handout. Can I get a volunteer to help?"
Hermione raised her hand, and as names and assigned numbers were called out, she delivered the apron and information packets to the students raising hands.
The teacher smiled at her as she took her seat, then stared pointedly at the students. Only a few had put on their aprons; Harry, Hermione, Neville and Sally-Anne. The rest took the hint, and opened their packets to comply before they too lost class points.
Once everyone was ready, the teacher gave them a brief smile before going on with their introduction to safety in potions.
"Before we next meet, please do the reading and be ready for the quiz. All equipment is pictured in the catalog with its name on the very front page. Handy. Put your aprons on the appropriate pegs. They await you when we next meet. Dismissed."
The bell rang, and Harry was very impressed with the teacher's timing to finish up like that. Experience? Or magic?
**ODD**
Professor McGonagall looked tired. And stressed. She'd tried to tell Albus years ago the Dursleys were the worst muggles ever. Now, they had moved to the colonies of all places! Was Harry even attending magical classes? Such a pity he wasn't here.
"Transfiguration is one of the most dangerous magics one could ever use. Messing around in my class will not be tolerated, and you'll be out of here before you can say quidditch."
Ron knew from his brothers she was a huge fan of the sport and had advocated for Charlie to start from year one on the team. Their mother had prevented him from becoming the youngest seeker in a century.
Maybe, just maybe, if he could prove his flying skills to this professor, he'd get on the team. Too bad he was stuck with Charlie's old wand; he was never going to impress her with his spells.
She went on to have everyone repeat the incantation over and over then do the same with the wand movements.
**ODD**
"Transfiguration and later conjuration is some of the most useful magic you can do. Say you're thirsty. Turn a sheet of notebook paper into a cup, drink and turn it back. You can even use a charm to create water. Has anyone learned it?"
Hermione started to eagerly raise her hand, but Harry, next to her, put his hand on her knee for a moment. Neville, shyer than most, raised his hand and was called upon. "The aguamenti charm. It's a very important charm for plants."
With a smile to Hermione, the teacher nodded at Neville, "That's exactly right! So today, we're going to learn how to create a cup from a piece of paper. If you didn't bring paper with you, you may borrow one of mine. Leave your right shoe behind until you return it.
"I have a stock of paper, pens, pencils and so forth. If you need school supplies, come after school: A bit of straightening or other work earns what you might not have. Now, the generic incantation is 'transferto'. The wand motion can be a swoop, wave, point or jab. What's important is your focus. Your intent. Now, before we get started, any questions?"
The witch looked at a room of eager faces. This was likely their first attempt at wanded magic.
"Take out a sheet of paper. You, Hermione was it? Will you help me pass out the 'Magic of Intent'. I wrote a book this summer, and you all get to be the first to read it.
Hermione did so, as she already had paper on her desk. She noticed one small boy behind her who didn't have paper, but hadn't asked to borrow some.
She quietly picked up hers while passing out books, and dropped it and the new book at his desk.
He gave her a small smile in thanks, and pulled out a wand that looked like one of the dogs at the manor had gotten it.
Old it might be, but it was a match for the boy, since after the third attempt, he got the spell.
He returned the favor to come over as she struggled. This wasn't what she had read! The wand movement was different, the spell was different.
"See in your mind the cup you want. See it. Feel the surface. Is it a teacup or a glass?" The boy who had been introduced as Ricardo instructed in a quiet whisper.
Hermione shut her eyes, and tried again. Harry, listening next to her, also tried again. They both made white tea cups. Hermione's even had little vines decorating the lip of the cup.
The boy helping her gasped and clapped, causing the other students to do so.
The teacher beamed at the small boy. "Very nice, Ricardo. Well done. Well done. Please students, once you understand, feel free to move to help another who hasn't gotten it. We have forty two different projects over the term. Please use the classroom camera to document your project with the project number, your class number and last name. Use the cards given you in the packet. I will demonstrate. Hermione? Can you please bring up your name card? It goes like this…"
Harry slipped up to the teacher at one point, and whispered in her ear. She nodded, and a small amount of coins was left in a little cup on her desk.
The young Ricardo may have entered the class with no school supplies, but the teacher held him back when he started to leave. He was provided with a sturdy used but in good shape book bag, a slightly crumpled binder with some paper, and a nice pen and pencil set for his help in class. It was the least Harry could do for the needed tutoring.
**ODD**
Neville had saved seats for everyone at lunch. Ricardo joined them, as did a few students from the other classes. Amanda rushed in to sit directly across from Harry, edging between Sally-Anne and Ricardo. Harry missed the looks that both Hermione and her new sister gave the red-headed chit.
"So, what's your favorite sport?" The Cordero boy asked, truly curious about these Brits.
Harry was still getting food out, and the only one able to talk without making a mess, "I loved football at school, and was a decent striker. The coach even recruited me, but my aunt wouldn't pay the fees to join or for the uniform. Too expensive. What about you?"
The Billingsley girl curled her nose at that. She wanted to move away now, but was stuck there.
Ricardo replied, "Striker? I don't know that position in football. We don't have a football team here. There's quodpot. First years aren't allowed to play on the varsity team, but can join the junior varsity. I like baggit, as I love to fly. I really like watching the hippogriff races too, though that's only for the upper years as well."
Hermione waited for him to finish, "What we call football, I think you call soccer?"
The boy nodded, "Oh, oh! No, it's too mundane, and not all students remember the rules about magic in public. So the school only offers magical sports."
Neville shyly inquired, "Is there a club for those who like plants?"
"Oh sure. Herbology, Astronomy, Flying. All sorts." Ricardo smiled.
"We were enrolled too late for the normal summer orientation. Thanks for answering our questions." Sally-Anne shared.
"So, you all came together? From England?" Amanda now asked.
Harry didn't want to say why, so stayed quiet. Neville spoke up, "My mum is Harry's godmother, so we all moved here. Salem is our induction school."
The students around them nodded. "You are so lucky to get away from Hogwarts. That school is the worst!" A nearby eighth-grader averred.
"Really? The Deputy Headmistress told me it was the best. She implied it was the best in the world." Hermione shared. And then she had to be uncursed from a schoolbook before even entering said school. Not that she was sharing that information!
She was her father's daughter.
"Well, if your 'world' is the size of Scotland. Maybe. But there's King's College in London. Sure, it's a trade school, but the best choice for many who don't have a lot of resources. And no, I wasn't picking on you, Ricardo." Amanda sneered.
Harry glared at the girl who just said that. She had a snooty tone of voice that reminded him of Piers' sister.
Harry saw that Ricardo wasn't eating. Very quietly, he put the second sandwich and a few crisps in a napkin and handed it over, under the table.
Harry whispered, "Please, take it and act casual. I will explain why later."
Then, the Potter lad 'accidentally' spilled the girl's soda who had sat too close to him in the first place.
"I'm sorry. May I get you a replacement?" Harry offered.
Some of the soda splashed a bit on her trousers, and she started to shout. A monitor came over, and escorted the girl to the 'quiet table' as a house-elf, that Harry had quietly summoned, cleaned up. Oddment, one of the security elves. He just couldn't help himself. Harry gave the monitor coins for the replacement soda which they accepted with thanks.
Harry looked at Ricardo who provided the explanation. "My father rides hippogriffs professionally, but sadly works for her father's stable. Billingsley Farms. The whole family is…"
Ricardo shared that the redhead had banished his lunch with his school supplies, before school, that morning; but he had dared not complain about it as his father worked for them.
While their new friend took a bite of the shared sandwich, he refused to say more,
Harry got the picture. "Do you think your father knows how to get hippogriffs registered and ready for racing?"
Ricardo nodded, "Sure does! He was promised a huge bonus for switching colors to Amanda's father.. It's been two years with still no payment."
Ricardo took another bite, savoring the flavor.
"Can my Seneschal call your father? You know. Ask him questions." Harry asked.
Ricardo shook his head, swallowing the last bit, "We don't have our own phone, but if you gave me your number, he could call you."
"Here's my phone number, can you or your father call us later this afternoon? Around five? I don't want to promise anything, but I have an idea." Harry had several fast flyers in his barn. Very fast. Were they fast enough? Wouldn't a professional be able to tell them that?
Ricardo thanked Harry for the food. Having finished the sandwich, he asked, "What kind of chips are these? They're very good."
Neville perked up, "You got chips? I didn't. Only the crisps Juniper found."
Ricardo held up a piece of fried thin-sliced potato. "Chip"
Neville and Harry held up small bits of the leftovers "Crisp!"
"I think we need to learn the language, Harry. I wonder if there's a potion for it." Neville teased, and handed over his carrots and sliced cheese to the young boy without a word.
From that day forward, Harry had a lunch box with two lunches, with more food than either he or Ricardo could eat. But it gave his friend a good snack when he got home.
**ODD**
ODD (Order Defying Dumbledore)
A/N: Story recommended by our friend Millie072 HOW? by Lab12. So fun!
A/N: Story recommended lab12's Fifth-Year-Rebooted. Also fun! Twenty-eight year old Harry is tossed back in time to his fifteen year old self. This is still being posted, but the author is posting a finished story.
www. Fanfiction s /14276236/ 3/Fifth-Year-Rebooted
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
**ODD**
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language
O.D.D. (Order Defying Dumbledore)