"Human/English"
£ Cat Tongue £
$ Snake/ Serpent Tongue $
: Mind Speech :
SPRB
Early morning of Saturday, it was still dark outside, when Harry, Hermione, Tish, and Rhal had gathered in the Courtyard waiting for the Headmistress and Ward to arrive.
"You do know that the Old Fool thinks that you are returning to attend his School." The Headmistress said as a greeting.
"Yes Ma'am. I am returning as Lord Potter, not as Mister Potter. He needs to learn that he is not the most powerful anymore. He needs to be warned before he does something stupid."
"While he might be second to you in power, he has almost a Century of experience. And beware the Spider versus the Elephant."
"Yes… I have heard of that one." Harry grinned. "That's why Hermione is going to. Tish is going as my recorder, but Rhal is keeping an eye on my … guest."
"And how are you travelling?" Ward approached from the infirmary.
Harry drew the staff as he knelt, so Hermione could lift Rhal into the back pouch before stuffing the Kyree into the front Pouch. With their heads poking out of the pouches, Tish's head and forehead paws over the ridge, and Rhal, head resting on his shoulder.
"One minute." Ward pulled out a Polaroid, and fired off a shot. "Okay." He tapped the four of them. "You are no longer tied to our Wards. If you are not back in a month, we will consider that you never made it here."
"So… we would have to try the test again. Great." Harry Snarled, as he stepped out of the air wall, pulled Hermione close, and raised the Staff over his head….
Hermione smiled as she reached up with her free hand to grab the Staff…
Just as Fawkes appeared in a bloom of flame… clutched the staff in her talons, and carried them away.
"He was here for a week and he had half of his Instructors asking for special access to him." The Headmistress grinned. "I think I will ask the Council to list his Home Office here."
"You really think that they would really allow him to stay here?"
"No… but If I don't try…"
"Legal has him listed as a War Mage, of Master Level… if you hurry… and list the fact that he is Smythe's Apprentice…" Ward chuckled as he walked away fanning the picture he shot of the boy after they loaded up.
SPRB
Barchoke, Ashraq, Gripsaq, and the head of the Harvesters Guild arrived at the Gate of the Hogwarts, just past noon.
Barchoke knocked on the gate with a walking stick given to him by Charles Potter when he had taken over the Account, twenty years ago.
Shortly, Professor Flitwick arrived. "Oh… and what brings you to Hogwarts."
Ashraq adjusted the wire rimmed glasses perched on his beaky nose.
Gripsaq sneered as he opened his jacket, allowing the dagger to show. "Business Boy. House Business. We are here at the Invite of Lord Potter."
Filius scanned the group before him. "As a Professor, I will need your words that you won't provoke any trouble. As a Child of the Nation…" he showed him Goblin's grin. "This is going to be good." He flicked his wand to let them in.
As the five Goblins walked into the Castle, Barchoke sneered, "what is your opinion of the Boy?"
"Mister Potter… he is a good Slytherin. Hiding in the skin of a Gryffindor and jumping on the back of the dragon." The half breed grinned. He couldn't quite get the Goblin sneer. "But he plays the dumb warrior too well. He chose a female that should have been one of mine as his brains."
Barchoke nodded. "I noticed that he would lay in wait, before charging across the field to attack. He is a dangerous foe."
"I heard a rumour… he declared war on the Chief?"
"A war of Gifts. First was an Axe from his Vaults, centuries old. When the chief confirmed the bond of Friendship and All that, with a wizard tent… the boy declared war and decided to gift the Chief with a war trophy, but until he could deliver he sent a personally Crafted blade."
"Yes, I saw Miss Greengrass' Blade. And if the Chief's blade…"
"He had a Thestral Head carved into the bone hilt. Potter is descended from the Peverels." Barchoke sneered as they turned into the Great Hall.
"Gentlemen, can I help you?" Albus asked from his throne at the high table.
Gripsaq sneered as he drew open his coat, displaying his dagger, as he fished out his pocket watch. "Three… two… one…"
A flash of fire, and Fawkes dropped off his load, and flew to sit on McGonagall's shoulder opposite of Albus.
Hermione squeaked, slapped Harry, as she danced away from him. "No pinching!" She rubbed her leather covered butt.
Harry looked innocent. "Sorry…not sorry.
Rhal swatted his head. "Out. Cold."
"Let me," Hermione drew her wand, and rapped it on the bone helm, before she levitated the creature from his back pouch.
The wolf looked quite happy to stay where it was.
"Ah, Mister Potter, Miss Granger, welcome back. Now let's get you settled in and we can get you your class schedules." Albus was overjoyed.
"Three things wrong Mister Dumbledore." Harry grinned. "I am not going to be getting settled. I have some House Business to take care of, then I am returning to Rio. Two…" He drew the War-Staff up and set it on end in the hall. "I am at least Lord Potter… if Not Lord Black…"
"No! I am the next Lord Black!" Draco Malfoy stood, drawing his wand. "And I will take it back! I Challenge you!"
"Master Flitwick." Hermione spoke up as she pulled out a pair of folded papers. "These were registered with the ICW three days ago. As the Dueling Master of Hogwarts, and a copy for the Headmistress, we are presenting the paperwork for the change of Potter's Status in the view of the…"
McGonagall appeared at Filius's side. She took her copy. She read it quickly, growling to herself, "Mister Malfoy. You will shut your mouth, sit down, or I will sit you down and mute you before I expel you under Tickling the Dragon." Half of Ravenclaw hissed as did a handful of Slytherin.
"Potter!" Snape Sneered at the lad as he floated down the aisle to confront the boy. "Just like your Father…"
The Ruby on the top of the Staff glowed with an inner flame. "Watch it, Potion Master. You are on thin ice… and the thaw is coming. "
"Potter." Susan Bones approached from the side. "We have House Business."
"Black." Greengrass mirrored her, "We have House Business."
"Potter. My office!" Albus roared.
"Greengrass, Bones. When I leave, it is going to be abrupt, and most likely explosive. Are you coming with me?"
"Yes." Hissed Daphne. She patted her pocket. "All packed. My father has been warned, my sister has been recalled home for medical reasons."
"Same." Bones hissed as well.
Then do me a favour, escort Rhal and the Goblins to Myrtle's loo and wait. I should be there quickly, and most likely pissed and in a hurry." He said as he walked the two witches, four Goblins and the Hertasi out of the Great Hall.
Snape Sneered at the lad's back… and grabbed the black and yellowed grained wood… and spasmed like someone had put a pair of cattle prods to his nipples.
Harry sniffed the air, before he turned to look at the man with smoking hair. "I gotta remember to tell others to not touch her, she doesn't like to be touched."
"Potter." McGonagall Frowned at the lad, "You did that on purpose."
"Maybe…Aunt Minnie." He held out his hand and the staff jumped to his hand, and he spun it and slung it into the back pouch. "Will you join us, Headmistress, as we are not Students… besides, you might be able to prevent the Headmaster from doing something stupid. Besides, we have something to show you."
Outside the Great Hall, Harry scratched the head of the 'wolf' in the forward pouch. "Are you going to ride or are you wanting to sniff the place over?"
With a yip, the large wolf scrambled from the pouch, as Harry took a knee.
By the time She was out, He was a black Puma.
Hermione shook her head and shimmered into Her Main Coon-Lynx-Kneasle crossbreed form, before rubbing against McGonagall's shins. Harry just headbutted the older Witch. Both were purring.
"I see that you have picked up a new trick." The Deputy Headmistress smirked. "Twenty points, each." She took three steps towards the Great Stairs… before she was a tabby.
: Is it Common for everyone to just become an Animal?: Tish's voice held it's jiggle.
£ And This One is?£ The Tabby Queen inspected the wolf-like creature.
£ (Eager Chronicler) is watching (Reckless Storm) for his Story. If One has the Time, She would like to learn something of his past…£
Puma Harry coughed… scaring a pair of second years somewhere they shouldn't be. The two Slytherin wizards in training ran, as Harry Frowned. He glared at the Kyree…
:Oh!: a shock ball Flashed from the Canine's chest plate to burst along the hallway, dung bombs, dye packs, and other items of a prank nature, went off just as Lavender and Ron exited a broom closet.
£ One swears, (Carrot Buck) is worse than One's Progenitor. At Least (Mischief Chaser) avoided breeding cupboards.£
"Shit… I think I will have to threaten those Snakes again, or they will never learn their places." Ron sneered.
Harry Roared.
The hall was filled with a high pitched girlish screaming.
"Oh… hi Kitty." The big breasted blonde leaned forward, as if to rub her cleavage in his face.
: How Dim is this Female?:
£ Thick. £ Mynx strutted up to the Blond. £ The word is Thick. And she isn't. Just when she plays the Part, she goes all in.£ the brown Cheshire hybrid queen stropped the Black Puma's chest. £ One hoped that she had better taste. £
"Careful Lavender… that's a dangerous animal!" Ron was still squeaky voiced.
"No, you adorable moron, it's not." Lavender shifted to an upright squat. "It's Good to see you Potter. I would give this a read." She pulled a selection of Witch Weekly and Teen Witch Weekly magazines from her book bag on her hip, and held them out.
Puma Harry stepped forward to allow the bubbly blonde tuck them into the pouch nearest her. He stopped over the downed wizard, and raised his leg as wizzed on him.
£ (Reckless Storm)!£ the Tabby Queen swatted his ear.
Harry cowed under the house cat's ire.
Lavender stood, brushed out her skirts. "Won-won. Go shower and change your clothes. You have a Quidditch practice to get to. I will handle the clean up." As the Ginger scrambled away, the blond witch shook her head. She gathered her hair up into a ponytail. Once the boy was gone, "Can I get an Elf?"
A pop announced the arrival of the Elf. "Oh… Miss Busty always has the best Work!" The little guy squealed in rapture.
Mynx hissed in disapproval, before she strolled past.
Harry headbutted Lavender, before he followed the two smaller cats.
: And this is Your old School?: Tish was bright eyed as she pranced at Harry's side as they threaded through the Halls towards the Headmaster's Office.
Harry hacked a cough.
As they approached the Gargoyle, almost as one, three cats became human. Harry missed the password as he was placing the helm on the Kyree.
:Is there a reason you are preparing for a fight?:
"Because the old Bastard is going to try to get me to stay." Harry scowled. "By hook, crook, or curse, he will do everything in his Power to get me to stay. It is even possible that he will try to blackmail, bribe, and Leverage me across the board." He tightened her harness. "Be ready."
They followed McGonagall and Hermione into the office.
"Harry, my boy, it is good to see you again." Albus was behind the Desk. "You can go, Minerva."
The Scot looked at Harry.
"Your call, Professor." Harry smiled at her. "How badly do you want your promotion?"
"He holds the position for life." McGonagall Frowned, before she paled. "I see." She crossed it the bookcases, "I think I need to stay, Albus."
Albus looked sourly at the Witch, before turning back to the lad. "I was expecting you last week. Why didn't you return once you received the letter I sent?"
"Never received a letter." Harry grinned. "But then, Our Headmistress makes this place look like a public park."
"It is a public park." Hermione snorted. "The last five years… threats to and from the students and staff strolled the Halls like they owned the place."
"That's no way to speak to your Headmaster!" Molly Weasley appeared out of the shadows… of the Office…
Hermione spun, her hand clutching her peacemaker…
But Harry was faster. And his Blackthorn was out, and sending a 'Dueler's Hello' at the angry then surprised witch… before the stunner hit.
"What was that?" Albus yelled, as Harry's wand snapped back to point at his nose.
"That's what I was trying to prevent you from triggering." McGonagall scowled. "Lord Potter is a Registered War Mage… not Wizard, but Mage. As he is Registered with not only the Council but also the ICW… he has the right to kill those who attack him."
"Kill? But how can you show them a better way…"
"If they need to be shown a better way, then I will show them a better way." Harry sneered. "Follow the Law, Follow the Light. It's one thing to profit but, on the suffering and exploitation of others is another. When you start infringing on the freedoms of others… " Harry scowled at the old man. "And before you start trying to put me in my place… be sure of where you stand, that you have no sins outstanding."
"Harry." Hermione spoke up, as she placed her hand on his wrist "We have business. The Headmaster has been warned. We are exiting the Office."
Harry allowed her to push him backwards out of the Office, the wolf following.
As the door closed behind them, Albus rushed to Molly's side and checked her condition. "And you just stood there!"
"Harry was declared a Master class Mage, The only way you are going to beat him is with everything you learned in the last century. Most of your spells, he will just smash and blast through. The Only thing you did right with him, is train him to respond to Granger. She called him to heel. She put him back in his cage. Don't shake it, don't kick it, and Merlin, whatever you do, don't target her… you won't survive." She followed her grown cubs from the office.
Laughter filled the Office."I told you old man… The Boy is not to be messed with." The Sorting hat leered from above.
SPRB
In Myrtle's Loo, Harry found Rhal chatting with Myrtle on the subject of being a ghost.
"Time is money, boy." The Harvester Growled.
"Of course." He drew the Blackthorn wand and twirled her into the wanking cane form. "Now, the primary Access has…"
"How bad?" Hermione huffed.
"Slime, sludge, and muck. What you would find at the bottom of a drain pipe… after nine centuries…"
"Give me the Blackthorn." Hermione held her hand out.
"Maggie. From the Thorn birds." Harry passed the shillelagh to the witch.
:Hello Beautiful.: Maggie's voice purred in Harry's mind, and judging by her face, Hermione's. : I see why you gave her Command. I accept her as Overlord.: All five eyes 'widened' :Admin status granted.:
:Damn… Thanks Harry. You know how much that means to me."
Gripsaq cleared her throat.
"Oh right." Hermione [Impervius] stomping Maggie on the floor. "That should do it"
$Open.$
Myrtle screamed and dove into the loo.
Hermione, still holding Maggie, looked at Harry and stepped into the void.
Tish ran to edge and peered into the depths. :Wow… the Trust.: She too dove into the darkness.
Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass followed.
Rhal blinked at the Goblins. "Don't tell me that you are afraid." She stepped out into the void.
Barchoke sneered, "I was not wanting to seem above my station…"
"You are the youngest, but it is also a Potter business…" Ashraq grinned.
The Harvester snorted and jumped. And the rest followed.
Harry dropped away… missing the door opening as Malfoy with Nott following him, peeked in.
Seeing the sinks sliding back into place, both boys jumped in too.
TBC