POTTER v AUTHOR – First Year
JKR is the acknowledged IPR owner of PotterUniVerse.
My scribbles are rated mature. 2 reasons, I don't write for young children and the subjects are veering towards borderline adult. Comments are welcome, especially if I fumble something.
Be warned, I have a lengthy detailed style, not to everyone's preference, if it's fast action you prefer, you'll probably be better served elsewhere. I appreciate the comments, reading them, may, affect my scribblings, who knows.
Chapter 2 Founders Meet
"Heir Gryffindor, Heir Ravenclaw; might I intrude a moment. Headmistress McGonagall doth request entry via Hogwarts reception hall. She entreats entry to discuss a matter of some grave import. Though the Headmistress is aware of how she may gain entry; I did instruct her some time ago when first we met. I assume that she doth not care to intrude if inconvenient as she has a companion, a Madame Bones who attends her." Lady Hogwarts manner of speech was strange to modern children and adult alike, but the gist of the message was understood.
"Yes please, let her in. Or do I need to go and bring her in myself. I'm sorry, this is all very new to me and M'ione, sorry, Heir Ravenclaw. Lady Hogwarts, how would you suggest that I do that ? Should I go down to the entrance hall, open the door and bring them here into this tower ?" Harry was unsure, Hermione shrugged her shoulders ever so slightly and then Gryph and Hermes words were added, silently, unheard by the others.
{We're unsure too Harry, we don't know anything about the protocol in greeting or allowing visitors to the Founders tower. This tower had not been entered for over a thousand years when we were at Hogwarts, at school. We've only ever been in the lower rooms, as the upper part of the tower is destroyed in our time. Best option we think is to ask the ghost, Lady Hogwarts to guide you in the manner she suggests. She will probably use the old traditional methods, and then we'll all know what they are. Of course, you can change traditions as well. You two are the owners after all. Well, two, or maybe three out of four. Don't keep the ladies waiting Harry, our form of mind speech is fast, but you are standing there with your mouth open like a goldfish.} Hermes, for the first time it seems, didn't have the answer to the question raised. It was something that she had no experience of.
Harry, more self-confident now in himself, took charge, made his decision. "Hermione, take everyone downstairs, sit in your Ravenclaw chair, move Slytherin's chair to the wall behind. Call for 'service' from the house elves to get the furniture moved. Move one of the benches up to the table between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor chairs. That will have dad and both mums facing the entrance passage. Get another bench to the table opposite our parents for Minerva and Amelia. That way we'll all be seated at the table, dad and mums will be part of our meeting, but with our two founders chairs and us sitting in them, I think that will give our visitors the sense of importance that we now have. Do you agree ?" Harry had thought fast, he was already on his feet and moving towards the spiral staircase. Hermione was nodding and Dan, Emma and Liz found themselves all following his instructions without comment. It was an odd feeling, from less than six weeks ago, being at the Dursley's beck and call, to here and now; part owner of a huge castle and being head of house Potter, giving directions to others. Adults, ghost and bonded spouse, quite a wind change in just about everything. As he hurried down the stairs, he heard Hermione call out. 'Service'
Hastening along the short corridor to the entrance, Harry wondered if he looked the part to be greeting visitors, bringing them into this, their own tower ? The castle was sentient, this part especially, it responded, a length of corridor wall on his left shimmered and became a reflective, mirror like surface. Slowing, glancing carefully at himself, he noted that his Hogwarts uniform was visible, worn under his travelling cloak, with prominently displayed on his left breast, three embroidered crests, Potter atop Gryffindor and Hogwarts coat of arms. Yes, striding along, holding himself erect, proud of how he looked, he turned to face the heavy iron-banded door. There was no handle ! He had no idea on how to open it ! Hang on, the mirror appeared at his thought, his unspoken request at least. He glanced back, the mirror had gone.
He made a leap of faith and simply waved his right hand, the door vanished, the statue had moved and there stood Headmistress McGonagall and the Head of the DMLE, Madam Amelia Bones. There was no-one else in sight, Harry glanced around, saw no-one, both ladies smiled ever so slightly.
"Minerva, Amelia, come on in, we've been expecting you. Welcome to Hogwarts Founders tower, It's full of surprises, we've been having a quick look around whilst we waited for you." Harry had dropped all airs and grace of head of household, founder heir or whatever other eminence he might have, both here, and in relationships to these two allied house members. As they stepped forward, he waved the door back into existence, further dropping any form or formality. "This is all so very exciting for Hermione and me, and our parents, this is a brilliant place, we are going to so enjoy being here." Taking hands from each of them, he was after all said and done, just 11-years old; in his childish exuberance, he urged them forward into the meeting room and it's round table.
Minerva smiled, remembering the sheer joy she had felt when she had got her first glimpse inside this famously historic place. Amelia was mouth open surprised, she had spent seven years in this castle and never once had she been inside this tower. In fact, It's very existence was just a rumour; Harry Potter had promised that things were going to be changing. With the future knowledge that he had access to, both he and Hermione were determined that they were going to make significant changes to the whole of magical Britain. Whilst she had been looking around her at the wealth and sheer opulence of the corridor, she'd still not been prepared for the balconied magnificence of the meeting room. Harry had released her hand and taken his seat at the table, there was a bench at the fourth cardinal point and that's where Minerva was already seating herself. Minerva's glance back at Amelia, awestruck at the entrance still, a short light laugh and she patted the bench alongside her.
Harry had set this scene well, as Amelia sat herself, he continued to play the host. "Service. May we have refreshments served here please. Tea, juice and perhaps coffee asGryph if you have it. It's been a momentous day, and I don't believe that It's over by any means." Gryph had re-joined Harry again, he had sat back and watched his younger self give him a tour of the founders chambers, it simply did not exist in his time, wrecked in one of the many battles at Hogwarts in his timeline. Now however, this was a time when guidance would help change that morbid future.
In moments, several house elves popped into view, placing trays of tea and coffee pots, stacks of cup, saucers and small plates on the table. Their smart quartered tabards showing all four of the Hogwarts house colours, fast service saw pots, cups, and saucers and plates spread out around them, then at indicated choice, poured and placed biscuits to hand. "Will that be all my Lord ?" At a nod, a snap of fingers and all elves popped away.
"I forgot that Harry, sorry, I know that you are a student here, but also have a pre-eminence that should be respected; my Lord." Amelia gave a can small, seated bow to the young lad who she had chosen to also be allied with.
"Amelia, even here, in this place of power, when we are just family and allied family members present, I am still just Harry to you, and if you would permit ? Amelia, can we keep to first names, if we were to use full titles, then this conversation is going last long into the night. Gryph and Hermes have joined us so that we don't create any difficulties or end up flat on our faces. With Albus Dumblydore absent from the Wizarding powerbase of Hogwarts, we should have less obstacles and of course there would concerns on his actions. But simply put, it wasn't his powerbased, to do with as he choose, there are a couple of things I would like to make you aware of.
I know that you have been unsuccessful in arresting Dumblydore, currently he is in a cave, high on the mountains around us. He threw a bit of his anger issues into casting violent spells and was in danger of hurting himself and causing damage to the cave itself. The mountains have absorbed a significant amount of magic over the years and together with this Glen and the castle herself, have a form of life, Gryph calls it sentience. In consequence, Hogwarts has isolated Dumbledore to protect the castle, him and the mountain itself, she has created a stasis field around the cave area. For him, time has halted, he is safe, so we are also safe from any reaction he might otherwise do. I believe that I can instruct Hogwarts to release him at need, bring him back to life to face any investigation whenever you are ready. He also can not continue any machinations that he would otherwise plan."
The adults in the room found that both a surprise and importantly a relief from the fears that they had. Minerva and Amelia knew how powerful Albus was, put him in his powerbase of Hogwarts and there were concerns on his actions. But simply put, it wasn't his powerbase anymore, the founders heirs, all three of them, they had countered him, Harry had deflected his attack and co-operatively they had ejected him from castle and seemingly the glen itself. An added bonus, he was now incarcerated, and kept 'out of mischief'. The adults considered that a good win-win situation. Amelia would deal with Albus when she had all the evidence lined up and witness statements all ready for his Wizengamot trial. Amelia relaxed, went to sit back and relax, but it was a bench seat ! A quick wave from Harry's hand and the benches gained comfortable backs. All the adults took advantage, both of the backrests and the relief gained from Dumblydore's incarceration.
"Heirs Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, prithy, may I inform you that Heir Hufflepuff is heading through the great hall, I believe she is headed for this tower. If thou wilt confirm, I would like to greet her myself and bid her welcome. In all her student years, she declined to take up her heirdom and directed that she be treated as a pupil. She knows not on how to enter this tower." Lady Hogwarts, the ghost herself seemed to be excited in going to meet and welcoming another heir. There was a smile immediately visible when both Harry and Hermione simply nodded. It was also the fastest they had seen the ghost move; normally sedate her long train and veil literally floated mid-air behind her as she turned and sprinted to the tower entrance.
"Oh wow, this is wonderful, fabulous, it's everything that Xenophilius and I imagined it would be, both he and Luna will so want to see this soon, It's something I promised them at the earliest opportunity. Please, do carry on, I'll catch up later on 'stuff". Serena was like a child in a sweetshop, her infectious enthusiasm bubbled away and brought smiles to all, even Minerva and Amelia smiled. Things were going well for the conspiracy, even on day one back at school, where their plans were subject to change due to the other unknown actions from Dumblydore and perhaps others, even Minerva and Amelia smiled.
"Lady Hogwarts, forgive my lack of information, is there a way of allowing you to take a seat, I feel uncomfortable in being seated whilst you, a lady remain seated ?" Harry, despite his youth wanted to be polite to all their guests.
"Bless you m'lord. Thus 'ist the first that my comfort hath 'ere been considered. Nay, worry not, for me to appear standing suffices, for as strange as it may be, I hath never considered sitting before. I will need to divert some thought to that position. But worry not for the nonce, I am as I hath ever been, comfortable in mine own presence and appearance. Thou I will give it some thought. I am conscious that my appearance, my style of clothing and mode of speech is somewhat dated. I will endeavour to bring myself more up to date. It is kind of thee; of you, to consider myself. I wilt; I will consult the library here to consider the matter." The ghost exhibited a smile and moved gently back against one of the rounded walls.
Amelia looked to Minerva, received a nod of approval, then looking towards each of the founder heirs in turn, Harry, Hermione and then Serena, each smiling and nodding approval. Amelia set her shoulders, sat forward and began.
"The action in the great hall, that was very well-done Harry, deflecting that complex spell cast from Albus, have you still got his wand safe and unused. I'd like to take that back to the Unspeakables in the Department of mysteries and determine exactly what spell he cast if you will allow. As the new rightful owner of Dumblydore's wand it will of course be returned to you intact. You have my promise on that." Amelia was still collecting evidence to 'bury' Albus it seemed.
Time for another shock from the future it seemed thought Gryph. "Amelia and you too Minerva, this information is not for general disclosure, but it is important that Dumblydore's wand is returned to me, for an appropriate time in the future. Gryph tells me It's had many names, the Deathstick is probably one of the worst, so called when a dark wizard named Grindlewardown carried it in the great Wizarding war. Its been known throughout history as the Elder wand. Gryph tells me It's had many names.
A question that I think you might want to ask soon, the spell I used to protect myself. I used Protego but added Maximus. I t was my family wrist bracelet that made it so powerful I think, there was a stinging sensation that I felt at the time. The hall seemed to squeeze me in some way too, and it felt that the air around me was surging with power. I don't know what Dumblydore was trying to do or what spell, but I just reacted. I hope there won't be any issues with defending myself ?" Harry felt sure it was going to be self-defence after all said and done, but this was the first time he'd used magic in anything other than practice.
"Of course you're not in trouble. Simple case of self-defence." Dan was quick to defend Harry. Forestalling Emma and even Elizabeth who both seemed ready to react to defend a newly adopted son. Up till now, they had been observers mostly to the days events and especially so, this evenings interaction. In part, the calming drafts taken were responsible, but they were still the parents, sort of, of two pre-teen children, despite all the experience, knowledge and skills that the children otherwise exhibited. It was grounding in a way, the Dagworth-Grangers were moderators that otherwise magical society would conduct themselves in.
"No issues as far as I'm concerned". Amelia was just as quick to answer. "Clear case of self-defence. Even though, historically, spell use in the Hogwarts halls and corridors is banned, self-defence is always acceptable. The aggressor would be punished though. Albus should know better than to use spells or charms on students under any circumstances; you being the heir of an ANS28 house makes you almost untouchable, beyond physical discipline. In our magical society, even Albus himself, in spite of his status as headmaster, he must respect our social hierarchy. He is a member of an Ancient house, though neither Noble nor one of the Sacred-28. Effectively you outrank him, though of course as he was your headmaster, he was deserving of your respect, well, sort of. He's not yet aware of your conferred adult status due to your soul-bond, and having researched the matter of your parents will and magical guardian status, he had declared you, his ward. Totally wrong ! and when it can be corrected officially, when your soul-bond is publicly declared before the Wizengamot, then any form of magical guardianship would be negated.
Whatever added features he added to his spell use will be determined and he will atone for his misuse of it. I t helps that he is currently suspended from any form of mitigating actions he would otherwise initiate. Being held in stasis, It's a prosecutors dream come true, well sort of. Not one that I think is appropriate in any other circumstances of course, but it will allow me to carefully adjudge all his previous actions and with Minerva's assistance, we'll be looking into his management, or lack of, in this educational establishment. For too long he has run this castle as his personal domain and ignored outside direction or advice."
Minerva gently redirected the conversation; Amelia was getting a little forceful and abrasive in her words. These were 11-year olds, well, in body so to speak, they had 20-ish year old support, but this was day one of a new school life. "Your niece, Susan. Have you visited her in the Hufflepuff common room this evening as I allowed other visiting parents ?"
"Oh Merlin, no I haven't, Minerva thank you for reminding me. What must she think, I've put my job first, again. Poor Susan, that happens so very often, she is such a forgiving child and puts up with so much from her distracted aunt. May I go visit her briefly this evening please Headmistress ?" Amelia pouted and pleaded as if she were back at school herself.
Minerva laughed, cut short. "Well, seeing as how it was your suggestion that has promoted me, temporarily to this position of headmistress, it would be churlish to refuse would it not. I need to strive to show good management skills in front of the castle's newly declared owners if I would seek to retain the position." It was good to see Minerva smile and even laugh, too often in the future, Harry and Hermione, Gryph and Hermes now known as, only got to see a dour austere façade.
"We've no more important issues to talk about, our plans are going to need constant attention and modification to keep to our goals, but for now, let's call it a night. Amelia, go see your niece, then come find me in the head's office. I've a good deal of house clearing to do, what with all of Albus's magpie collection of trinkets. You may have an interest in some of the devices Albus has left unintentionally in his former office ? I need to remove all those old portraits too, they'll be the first to go. Harry and Hermione, I'll escort you to your house common rooms. I don't doubt that those students there will not go to bed until they have greeted their new celebrity members. Remember 'KISS', keep it simple student, limit the information that you give out tonight, let them think that you are as surprised by this evenings events with the former headmaster. About your heir status, keep the information to a minimum, let your housemates know that your status as Hogwarts heirs has recently come to light, something that is being settled slowly. That's the element that helps keep information truthful, and from there, keep what you say mindful of how others might react. As agreed, we'll develop your elevated status over the next few weeks and months. We need to keep to our authors storyline as much as we can to prevent any major re-writes."
Hermione had a wistful look about her. "I'm going to miss having someone to cuddle tonight, but it'll only be until the weekend, we'll be back here in the Founders tower for the weekend, and the weekend starts Friday evening. Monday to Thursday nights in the house quarters, then weekends back here in the founders tower. Although it's a Sunday night, but the first night here at Hogwarts, we'd better go claim a bed in the house dormitories. When we get the Hogwarts Heir status firmly established. Thats when we move full-time into this tower, Harry, you'll be keeping me warm snuggling again every night." Harry lit up with a bright smile, ever since leaving the Dursley's, life had been getting better, day by day. This was just a temporary lull.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dan was having the time of his life, dentistry put firmly behind him, he'd now moved into project management; he was building a new home and career with their herbology production project. With two wives now openly living with him, life was exciting and quite frankly, magical. He stood, giving a hand to each wife, Emma circled around the table, giving her daughter a brief hug, Liz giving Harry a quick squeeze.
"Come on ladies, let's leave the children in Minerva's capable hands, work awaits us tomorrow, but what say we start with an early bedtime?" That met with instant approval, laughing they followed Amelia away down the short entrance hall.
"Prithy, simply hold up your house rings as you approach the vestibule and the tower doorway will open for thee". Lady Hogwarts gave a short curtesy to each heir and then gently drifted down through the floor. " I'll be waiting your call, Heirs Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. I'll be resting in the Heart stone chamber below."
"Let's go meet your fellow house students then shall we." Minerva gave one last look around the meeting chamber, It's round table, three quarters of the heavy material cover now coloured, with Serena's Hufflepuff segment now also aglow. Hoping that at some time soon, that the heirs would invite her into the lower chambers of this tower, wanting to see the Heart stone chamber, where, it was reputed the magical centre of Hogwarts lay.
"I'll join you later Minerva, I want to have a brief look around my quarters here, see what I might find. I think that until Snape leaves Hogwarts, I might stay here, that way I will have security and safety, even from a professor who might well have ill-intent towards his replacement." Serena had an odd quirky look about her, both serious and then considering that she had kept this part of her life hidden whilst a student here, now was the time that she could find out what she had missed. This towers potions and the preparation area was something she was determined to explore tonight, even if only briefly.
~~~~~~~~~~
Upon reaching the great tower with It's many staircases, gently moving at random it seemed, Minerva gazed upwards. "Of course, your two houses would be in towers would they not, I fear that my legs tonight will ache; up to Ravenclaw, back to here and then up to Gryffindor to deliver the two of you."
Gryph, still riding along, caused Harry to laugh. "Headmistress, may I remind you of a privilege reserved for the head-mistress, only you are able to apparate within Hogwarts castle and grounds. Oh, that facility is also available to the heirs of course. I believe that the term 'side-along-apparate' is perhaps an option ? "
It was but a moment later that the three stood outside Ravenclaws common room door.
"Wish me luck Harry". Stepping forward answering a simple riddle, the eagle motif allowed Hermione to enter. There was a great cheer went up as the students within welcomed their new celebrity.
A flicker and then they were opposite a portrait of the fat lady.
"There is a password used to access Gryffindor house." The headmistress announced.
"No need, for I am heir to this house. Open". The fat lady gave the best curtesy she was able too, maturity had given her a certain rotundity. The cheer he was greeted with startled Harry, fortunately Gryph was prepared and lent his support, holding upright as he received the acclamation of so many.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione and Harry both had awkward and troubled early school years. Marginalised by intelligence and also in Harry's case, by shoddy and ragged clothing, neither had made school friends. This was the other extreme, being the centre of attention brought equally unpleasant feelings. They sought refuge in each other.
{Harry, this is a bit much isn't it. So many questions ! I'm simply telling everyone that the DMLE are investigating and that we have been advised to say nothing about the sorting ceremony. So, I'm just going to talk about myself and simply say that you have been living with us, adopted once your own family could no longer look after you. Keeping it very vague about just when they might have been. A month or a decade, they don't need to know about your early difficulties. Are you OK with that ?}
{ I agree, I'm putting off answering questions about being heir of Gryffindor, simply saying that yes, I knew beforehand. But that it will be some time before we settle how that will affect my time here as a student. You should hear what some of the students want me to do, the Weasley twins in particular. Co-ed dormitories probably the least controversial ! Some of the older students have past issues with professor Snape though and the ghost professor Binns seems to be ridiculed by most everyone. I think Minerva's changes sweeping across the old traditions will be welcome by most of this house at least. What is the general feeling in Ravenclaw ? Any hostility being seen as founder heir from an almost unknown magical family ?}
{Not really, there are a couple of second year students who seem put out, a Mandy and a Cho, I didn't get their family names. Oddly my status was confirmed as soon as I reached the common room. The ghost, the Grey Lady, Helena Ravenclaw, welcomed me with a very formal bow, hand over heart and then extended to me. No spoken word, but unexpected, there was a moment of extreme silence, then as soon as she dissipated, then questions come in thick and fast.}
{Hmm, same as me then, our house ghost, Nearly Headless Nick gave me a short welcome greeting, so again I have no questions raised about being the heir. But I hope to get to my dormitory soon, being centre of attention is not yet something I am comfortable with. I know that will change, but It's only been a couple of months when I used to respond to 'hey-boy'.}
{Keep your cool Harry. Get to bed and then we'll mind-chat further. Chin up lad.}
There was a curious mixing of personalities here, It had felt to Harry that it was Hermes talking to him in his head, in his mind, but there was the enthusiasm of Hermione there too, mixed in. Well, there were both the same person, just a decade or so apart in time and experiences.
Harry in early school and home life had learnt that by keeping it brief, was easier to avoid angst. Hence his reply was brief. {Ditto, ditto}. {! Laughter} He was busy meeting so many garrulous individuals that he could easily avoid answering any individual. Even amongst so many differing ages, Neville's broad frame and height was being employed as he made his way through the throng around him.
"Harry, hi, let me show you up to our dormitory, your trunk is already there. I'm sure that you'd like the opportunity to take a breather after the events in the great hall tonight." Taking Harry through the crowd, like an overlarge tug escorting a ship into harbour, Seamus and Dean following closely, helping push the two of them through the press of students. A red-haired Ron Weasley trailing along behind, still trying to establish the friendship that an absent headmaster had instilled into him.
A staircase led them finally to a room with four-poster beds, trunks at the foot of the bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers each side. Neville guided Harry to the bed against the far wall, Neville had the next bed, Seamus and then Dean till finally Ron reached his bed, nearest the door and furthest from Ron's. Harry smiled to himself, Nev' had obviously planned this well, protecting Harry from Ron's attentive friend seeking.
Harry lain full stretch on his bed, kicked his shoes off and spread arm wide, yes this was a comfortable bed, shame he'd be sleeping alone, but that wouldn't last for long.