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DucksRMagical
Joined: 28 December 2006
Posts: 2535
Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal
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Posted: Wednesday 28 October 2009 03 20 39 pm Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden |
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Thanks, Riley!
Chapter 7: Nightmare
After lunch, Albus, Rose, and Matt headed to Ancient Runes while John and Amanda went to Divination. Albus didn't really know what to expect from Ancient Runes, nor did he know anything about the teacher. Matt had told them that Amy said the teacher was nice enough.
Albus, Rose, and Matt sat down at one of the tables in the middle of the room and waited for the teacher. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front tables. Albus wondered how she always seemed to be the first to arrive to any class. There was also an assortment of Hufflepuffs in the room. Albus, Rose, Matt, and Linda appeared to be the only Gryffindors taking the class, though.
The professor walked in a few minutes later. She was a short woman with curly grey hair and a patient look on her face.
"Hello," she smiled, "I'm Professor Sturly."
She took attendance and then gave a lengthy lecture about what the study of Ancient Runes was. Albus kind of thought she could have condensed it and he found himself zoning out about halfway through. Rose was paying rapt attention and Albus had a feeling this would become one of her favorite classes.
Towards the end of the class, Sturly gave an overview of the first chapter in their book and then assigned the remainder of the chapter for homework. The chapter covered a variety of basic runes that Albus and the rest of the students would have to memorize.
Charms consisted of Rose and Linda alternatively answering every question Cedonia threw at them. Albus had a feeling it would become a regular occurrence in all the classes he had with both Rose and Linda.
"How was Divination?" Albus asked his friends after dinner as they were sitting around the Marauder's Den.
"Entertaining," John laughed, "I think it'll be my easiest class."
"So, who did Trelawney say would die this year?" Rose asked.
"What?!" Kaden exclaimed, "Someone's going to die?"
"No," Rose sighed, "Trelawney just predicts someone's death every year. The student in question has never actually died during that year."
"Oh," Kaden shrugged, "So she's not a real psychic?"
"You mean a Seer?" Rose asked, "Well, she has made a few real predictions. She's the one who spoke the prophecy about Albus's dad. But can she really predict the future with crystal balls and such? I doubt it. I really doubt anyone can do that. I'm sure there are real Seers out there, but they're extremely rare. Divination is a very obscure branch of magic that is difficult to interpret. My mum says we shouldn't put much faith in it."
"I still think it would be brilliant to know the future, though," Kaden grinned.
"I don't know," Matt shrugged, "I've always thought the future was best left unknown."
"I've always thought so, too," Albus agreed.
"So, who's going to snuff it?" Kaden asked.
"Carter Eubert," John replied, "That Ravenclaw we shared a boat with when we crossed the lake in first year. I have to say that I'm relieved it wasn't me."
"Me, too," Amanda agreed.
Rose groaned. "I've told you that it's not real! Trelawney has never accurately predicted a student's death. She predicted my Uncle Harry's death and he's still alive!"
"Yeah, but didn't he nearly die at the end of his third year?" John asked.
"Key word, nearly," Rose replied, "Plus, he faced death pretty much every year."
"Ok, ok," John said, "But I'm still glad she didn't predict my death, even if it's not a real prediction."
"So how was Ancient Runes?" Amanda asked.
"Really interesting!" Rose said excitedly and proceeded to give a commentary on how the class had went. However, Kaden seemed to be the only one really intrigued by it.
Albus and his friends spent the remainder of the evening in the Marauder's Den. Once they had exhausted the topic of their first two days of classes, they moved on to the Quidditch competition and Albus's chances of making the Hogwarts team. Everyone thought Albus had a good chance of making it, except Albus. Then they talked a bit about their upcoming Hogsmeade trips, although that topic kind of made Kaden jealous. John brought up the topic of Linda Morales, but both Rose and Matt didn't want to talk about her at all.
Eventually, they had to return to Gryffindor tower in order not to break curfew. On his way up to his dormitory, Albus noticed that Linda once again was surrounded by a group of admirers, but appeared not to be enjoying it at all.
******
"No! I don't want to go! Dad, don't make me go!"
Albus's eyes snapped open. He peered at the clock and saw that it was just after two in the morning. He could hear someone tossing and turning and mumbling in their sleep in the bed next to him.
"Please, I don't want to. Just let me go home."
Albus was wide awake now. The talking was coming from Matt's bed and Albus knew he was having a nightmare. Albus had been woken up by Matt's nightmares on numerous occasions, especially during first year. They always seemed to come around the full moon. Although, Albus was pretty sure that the full moon wasn't for a few weeks. This nightmare sounded worse anyway.
The mumbling continued for another few minutes and then stopped all of a sudden. Albus heard the bed creak and footsteps crossing the room until they disappeared altogether. Albus sat up and waited a few minutes before quietly getting out of bed. He stepped into his slippers and padded across the room and carefully shut the door behind him. None of the other boys had woken up.
The common room was dark and empty when Albus got there. The fire had long since died out and Albus shivered slightly as he stumbled around the room. There was faint wand light coming from one of the corners. Albus walked slowly towards it and saw Matt sitting curled up in one of the chairs, staring at the floor.
Matt startled when he saw Albus. "Oh, Albus," he sighed, "What are you doing up?"
Albus shrugged and sat down in the chair next to Matt's. "Followed you down here."
"Oh, did I wake you up?"
"Sort of," Albus replied, "But it's ok. I just came to see if you were all right. I mean, first the boggart and then that nightmare-"
"How do you know I had a nightmare?" Matt asked.
"I sort of heard you mumbling," Albus answered, "You were talking in your sleep."
"Oh."
"Listen," Albus paused, "You don't have to tell me, but I was sort of wondering who that bloke was that your boggart was. I mean, I kind of thought it would be a full moon."
"So did I," Matt said quietly, "Which is part of why I freaked out so much."
Albus nodded, wondering if Matt was going to continue or not.
"I know I haven't told you much about what happened when I lived in Australia," Matt began.
Albus nodded again. All he really knew about Matt's life in Australia was that he had lived in a mansion and his dad had been the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
"That bloke the boggart turned into is the current Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," Matt continued, "He replaced my dad. But before that, he was the Head of the Werewolf Control Unit."
Albus was still a bit confused about why he was Matt's boggart, but he figured it would be best to just not say anything.
"While my parents were in the process of finding out where to move, a law was passed that all werewolves had to transform in a Ministry approved center if their place of transformation failed an inspection. Mine failed."
"What?!" Albus gaped at him, "But your dad was-"
"The head of the department, I know. They passed the law while we were visiting New York. My parents refused to let me transform at one of the Ministry centers, so they broke the law and were fined. The first time that happened, my dad was fired over it.
"But that bloke, Ralph Lubar is his name, wouldn't give up until I transformed in one of the centers. My parents said it was because he hated my dad so much. The two of them had some sort of long term row going on or something. I don't know the details. But anyway," Matt paused, "Eventually, Lubar was able to pass a law that made it legal for the Ministry to take werewolves by force to one of the transformation centers. He flooed to our house, grabbed me, and flooed to the Ministry approved center before my parents had a chance to stop him."
Albus stared at Matt. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. What was even more unbelievable, was that it had been legal. How could it be legal to basically kidnap a kid for a night?
"I don't remember any of it," Matt said quietly, "Except for what happens in the nightmares I have. It was horrible, though. The other werewolves were all adults and they all sort of ganged up on me. I spent a day or so at the hospital in Australia and then my parents had me transferred to St. Mungo's because they wanted Healer Sterling to take care of me. I spent three weeks there."
"Well, it makes sense that you were so scared of that boggart," Albus said, "Lubar is one of the most horrible wizards I've ever heard of."
Matt nodded and shifted slightly. "I thought I was over it. I mean, it was over five years ago. I really thought that boggart would turn into a full moon. But I guess having Killigan here brought everything back. I thought all that stuff that happened in Australia was behind me, but I guess not."
"Nothing like that is going to happen here," Albus said quietly, "Lubar has no control over our Ministry. He's in Australia."
"I guess you're right," Matt sighed, "I think I'll go see if Madam Pomfrey will give me any dreamless sleep potion. Could I use the Invisibility Cloak?"
"Yeah, of course," Albus said as he stood up. He had a feeling that Madam Pomfrey would definitely give him the dreamless sleep and probably try and convince him to spend the night in the Hospital Wing as well.
Albus and Matt quietly walked back to the dormitory and Albus dug out the Cloak, as well as the second edition Marauder's Map, and handed them to Matt. Once Matt had left the room, Albus climbed back into bed.
Albus lay awake thinking about what Matt had told him for a while. His own boggart of not making the Hogwarts Quidditch team seemed very insignificant now that he knew the details about Matt's boggart. That didn't make Albus any less nervous about the try-outs, though.
******
Albus and the other Gryffindor third years, as well as the Ravenclaws, started out the next day with History of Magic. All Albus learned during the hour was that third year History of Magic was equally as boring as second year. Transfiguration consisted of another lecture on Animagi and Albus noticed that John paid a considerably more amount of attention than he usually did. Albus thought this was pointless, though, since they had already established the previous year that they would not become Animagi.
Care of Magical Creatures was after lunch and the class moved on to the slightly more interesting bowtruckles. Albus was very thankful for the break they had afterwards, when Rose went to Muggle Studies.
"It's only the third day and I'm already sick of homework," Albus muttered as they entered the Marauder's Den.
"So don't do it," John said as he pulled a Chocolate Frog out of his bag.
"You should do that Divination homework," Amanda said, "You know, the one where we predict what happens to us next Wednesday."
"Already did it," John announced.
Albus, Matt, and Amanda all stared in shock at John. John never ever did homework early. He was always the one finishing the last lines of an essay as the teacher took attendance.
"What?" John shrugged, "I occasionally do stuff before it's due."
"No, actually, you don't," Matt smirked.
"Divination's different. It's fun to make up fake predictions."
"So what's happening to you next Wednesday?" Amanda asked.
"I'm going to break my neck when I fall off my broom."
"John, you don't even play Quidditch," Albus pointed out.
"Trelawney won't care."
Albus personally thought it was a waste of time to come up with fake predictions for Divination, but that was probably why he hadn't signed up for the class.
"Oh, did we ever tell you what Balladanis's boggart was?" John asked Albus and Matt.
"Nope," Matt said.
Amanda burst out laughing. "You're going to love this."
"Yeah," John grinned, "When the two of you left, the boggart got a bit confused because no one was standing that close to it. Everyone was whispering and not paying an ounce of attention to it, so Balladanis stepped in front of it and you'll never guess what it turned into!"
"A werewolf?" Matt asked.
"No, but that would have been funny, too," John laughed, "Anyway, it turned into a woman."
"A woman?" Albus raised his eyebrows.
"Yeah," John said, "A tall, skinny, pale faced woman. Her skin was as pale as Linda's. Her hair was a bit lighter, but still a dark brown. The woman just sort of walked over to Balladanis with a smile on her face. She was kind of pretty in an odd sort of way."
"Now that is weird," Albus replied, "Why in the name of Merlin would he be afraid of women?"
"Maybe it was a specific woman," Matt pointed out.
That would make more sense. After all, Matt wasn't afraid of all men. His boggart had turned into a specific man. But Albus did think it was kind of odd that Balladanis, the stern man who hated Dark Arts, would be afraid of a witch. Albus would have thought he'd be afraid of some sort of scary dark creature.
"Who do you think she was?" Matt asked.
John shrugged. "His wife?"
Albus smirked. "Well, that would be funny."
"My dad jokes that he's afraid of my mum at times," John replied, "But I doubt his boggart would turn into her."
"Maybe she's some sort of dark witch that he's faced in the past," Amanda suggested.
"Good thinking!" Matt agreed, "Maybe she was a Death Eater."
"I don't know if he fought in the War or not, though," Albus said, "My dad's never mentioned his name before and he doesn't really seem like the kind of bloke to just stay in the background, does he?"
"I guess not," Matt replied, "She could still be an evil witch, though."
"That does make the most sense," John said, "She must be really evil. I mean, Balladanis doesn't seem like he'd be afraid of anything."
"Everyone's afraid of something," Albus pointed out, "But yeah, she must be evil."
"What did Balladanis do to make her funny?" Matt asked.
"Turned her into some sort of statue," John answered, "It was strange, like she was petrified. She just froze in place. And then Balladanis banished it to the trunk."
"How is that funny?" Albus asked.
"No idea," John shrugged, "Just adds to the mystery that is Balladanis."
"I'm still not sure I like him," Matt commented.
"Me, neither," Albus agreed.
"But hey, at least he didn't give us any homework on the first day," John pointed out.
******
The next day Albus found himself yet again sitting in the back of the Defense classroom in between Matt and John. Malfoy kept turning around in his seat and smirking at Matt. Albus was glaring at him, silently daring him to say anything about Matt's experience with the boggart.
Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later in a way that reminded Albus of Washburn. The class immediately quieted down and Malfoy faced forward in his seat. Balladanis quickly ran through attendance and then stared at his students.
"Well, some of you were successful with last class's boggart," Balladanis began, "However, there were quite a few of you who weren't."
Malfoy yet again turned around and looked at Matt, this time unable to stifle his laughter.
"Quiet, Mr. Malfoy," Balladanis growled, "Five points from Slytherin."
Albus couldn't help but grin at that. At least Balladanis wasn't favoring Slytherin.
"Therefore, we will continue battling the boggart until you all have success with the spell," Balldanis continued, "I do not want any of you to slip through the cracks and skate through this class on the tails of more successful students. That may work while at Hogwarts, but the moment you get out into the real world, it will abruptly end. Without a basic knowledge of defensive spells, you will meet an untimely end at the hands of dark wizards."
This teacher was making it seem like they were in the midst of a war. Albus knew it was important to be able to defend yourself, but he thought Balladanis was acting like everyone was out to get you. It kind of reminded him of what his parents, aunts, and uncles had said about Mad-Eye Moody.
"Dark wizards love finding victims with little knowledge of defensive spells. The students who skirt by with acceptable marks and just barely pass each exam, without really understanding anything. They also love people who read book after book and pretend to understand everything. And while these people may have a full knowledge of defensive spells, they may not possess the skills necessary to perform them," Balldanis's eyes rested on Rose and Linda.
"I want everyone in this room to have more than the basic skills needed to perform defensive skills. I want everyone to be able to come off better in a duel. I want everyone to be able to defend themselves against dark creatures and wizards alike.
"Starting with the boggart, I will not rest until every student is capable of performing every spell we learn in this class. I will assign extra lessons to those I deem it necessary. You will come in for extra help. I do not care if it interferes with clubs or Quidditch practice. Quidditch will be of little help when you are facing a dark wizard or creature.
"Stand up!" Balladanis ordered. The class scrambled to their feet and Balladanis moved the desks aside.
"Sir!" Malfoy called out, "What if we've already had success with the boggart?"
"Then you'll do it again," Balladanis replied, "Practice makes perfect."
The class lined up in front of the trunk. Albus and his friends wound up being in the back, and Albus didn't think Matt minded this in the least. He looked very nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lubar boggart again and Albus couldn't blame him.
The line moved much faster this time than the last class. Everyone who had had problems with the boggart during the previous class seemed to do a better job this time.
Albus stepped forward once it was his turn and the boggart once again turned into Oteski, who told him he did not make the team. Albus vaguely wondered what the boggart would turn into after the try-out, if they battled it after that. He shouted the spell and moved to the side to stand next to Rose and Amanda.
John was next and battled his clown boggart in the same way he had the other day. He stepped to the side and Matt walked slowly towards the boggart.
"Two Galleons says he runs again," Malfoy whispered in Albus's ear.
"Shut it, Malfoy," Albus and John said at the same time.
The boggart once again turned into Lubar and Matt slowly raised his wand, which was shaking.
"R-R-Ridikkulus," Matt whispered. Nothing happened and the boggart advanced towards Matt.
"Louder," Balladanis told him.
"R-Ridikkulus!" Matt shouted. Still nothing. His wand arm was shaking even harder.
"R-Ridikkulus!" he shouted once again.
This time, the boggart spun around and when it stopped, Lubar was decked out in a black and white striped prison outfit with a ball and chain attached to his right leg.
"Looks like you owe us two Galleons," John smirked at Malfoy.
"Not a chance, Brickston," Malfoy growled.
"Good job," Albus grinned as Matt joined the group.
Balladanis already had the boggart shut in the trunk when Albus looked back at his teacher.
"That's enough for today," Balladanis announced. "You," he pointed at Matt, "Come see me."
Matt glanced at Albus and then walked slowly towards Balldanis as the rest of the class left the room. Albus and his friends lingered near the doorway, but Balladanis gestured for them to leave. They reluctantly left, but waited just outside the doorway.
"What did he want?" Albus asked once Matt exited the room.
"I have to go in for extra help," Matt groaned, "Until I can face the boggart successfully."
"But you were successful," John pointed out.
"Not successful enough for Balladanis."
"Somehow, I don't think anyone would be successful enough for him," Rose muttered.
"Yeah," Albus agreed, "That was some speech he gave at the beginning of class."
Albus still didn't know what to think of their new Defense professor. He seemed very strict and Albus didn't really feel comfortable with him, but on the other hand, he seemed very knowledgeable in defensive spells. Albus had a feeling they'd learn a lot from him, and even though they weren't involved in a war at the moment, Albus knew defense skills were always important to have. That's what his father had told him ever since he could remember. Albus had grown up knowing the need for defense against the dark arts. He just had never had it taught to him in such a forceful strict way. |
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Ms. Elsewhere
Joined: 13 January 2008
Posts: 881
Location: In role play game of course!
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Posted: Wednesday 28 October 2009 08 39 33 am Post subject: Re: RPG: The Six Wizards in topic:RPG: The Six Wizards |
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Inu pointed his wand at the man and muttered "Somnus Lethargus." and an blast of fine dust exploded into the air, causing the man to cough for a moment, and then collapse to the floor. Buta swept him u and looked over at Inu, silently asking him where to put him. Inu gestured to a door at the back of the house.
"In there." he said. "Bind him, just in case he figures out how to wake up. I believe him, and the fact that he can get into the ministry but it's best to keep him weak." Buta knodded and carried the old man to the back room, put him on the floor and bound him, and then closed the door, leaving him in darkness. Inu looked around the room at the other five.
"We have everything we need here to be as deadly as we are skilled to be." Inu connected with each of their eyes. "Tomorrow, I will show you the plants that we have for potions and potions, the weapons we have and the tools to make more weapons. As it has been many years since some of you have been here, I have a few surprises for you. Yuki and I will arrange a proper tour. In the morning." Inu yawned. "A bloody pain, being human. Even if it is only half. " he smiled crookedly. He strolled over and extended his hand out to Neko. "I think now, I am tired enough not to be distracted again. Shall we sleep?" he invited. Neko reached up for his hand.
"Good night then." Ouki spoke out. "Damien and I have had quite a day. It is good to see everyone so enthusiastic about this." She cast a quiet, dark look at Damien, who had not spoken through much of what had happened with the old man. "To bed then." she took Damien's hand and dragged him to the stair case. Inu and Neko had already ascended. Inu turned and called down to Buta. "Yuki should have your room prepared Buta. Sweet dreams." and Inu's eyes drifted from over the balastrade to Ouki's eyes. He left them there for a moment, and Ouki stared curiously back. Neko looked up at Inu and followed his glare and back to Ouki. Her feline eyes narrowed slightly. Ouki looked at her and shrugged. Neko stepped down, a threatening look on her face, but Inu pulled her back up to him so swiftly that she pressed against him. He leaned down and pressed his lips into her hair. She closed her eyes, appreciating his touch. When her eyes opened again she looked bored to see Ouki still there. They both turned and continued on.
"What was that?!" Ouki scoffed as she and Damien entered their bed chamber once more. Damien didn't answer.
"And what's wrong with you?!" Ouki shoved Damien, and he fell backward onto the bed with an annoyed "hey!"
"You haven't said a word all night! I know u don't want to be here, I know you hate Inu, but this is who we are Damien. And only as the six can we be the kind of force that knows no limits. I'm tired of running and hiding Damien." Damien sat up and put his head in his hands. He still did not respond.
"What would you have me do?! Leave? What are you offering?!" Ouki collapsed at his feet, her hands on his knees. "Are you going ot marry me and sweep me away and we can have a normal life? Do you think I will be happy with children and a house and all the stuff good little girls dream about having one day?" Damien looked up into her face at this. Ouki brought her hands up to his face. "Oh Damien. I want to be that girl. But we are hunted. We cannot have freedom until we rule those who aim to harm us, who aim to stop us Damien.." she climbed up onto his lap. He welcomed her by holding her there. Her long, black hair hung down as she looked into Damien's face. "You have nothing to say? NOthing at all?" And to this Damien moved to kiss her. She kissed him back. |
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DucksRMagical
Joined: 28 December 2006
Posts: 2535
Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal
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Posted: Friday 23 October 2009 03 03 13 pm Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden |
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Chapter 6: Flobberworms and Boggarts
As it turned out, Albus didn't have to wait until classes to know if Linda Morales was his age or not. Rose and Amanda burst out of the girls' dormitory as Albus, Matt, and John were heading down to breakfast.
"Albus!" Rose caught up with him, "Linda is our age. She's in our dormitory."
"Really?" Albus replied, realizing that he hadn't really thought about which dormitory the new students would be in.
"Where is she now?" John asked.
"Still up there," Amanda said, "She's been in the bathroom for ages."
"Girls," John muttered, "I'll never understand them."
The group hurried down to the Great Hall and ate a quick breakfast before their first class. Neville handed out schedules and Albus saw that he had Care of Magical Creatures first.
"Blimey, this schedule is packed," John said as they headed out of the castle towards Hagrid's hut.
"Well, we are taking two extra classes now," Albus pointed out.
"Wonder who we'll have this class with," Matt said.
"With our luck, it'll be the Slytherins," Amanda groaned.
"Maybe Linda's taking this class," John said hopefully.
Amanda sighed, "You haven't even met her."
"Yeah, but this class would be the perfect time to do that!" John pointed out.
Amanda groaned and they continued their trek to Hagrid's hut. Once they got there, they saw that they were indeed with the Slytherins. Albus groaned inwardly and stood with his friends as everyone waited for Hagrid to appear.
"'Ello, everyone!" Hagrid said as he stepped out of his hut a few minutes later, "Welcome to Care o' Magical Creatures."
"Hi, Hagrid," Albus grinned.
"'Ello, Albus," Hagrid grinned back, "Now, today's lesson's abou' Flobberworms. Can anyone tell me anything abou' them?"
Flobberworms, Albus thought. Flobberworms were about the least exciting magical creatures in the world. Albus wished they were doing something a bit more exciting.
"Nobody?" Hagrid said, "Well, I know they aren't the most excitin' creatures, but we've got to start somewhere. Now, flobberworms are small white worms...."
Albus listened as Hagrid explained about flobberworms, but he didn't take any notes. Rose would have, but Albus didn't see the point. Flobberworms were pretty basic.
"Now, everyone can take a worm," Hagrid held up a box, "An' draw them into yer notes an' observe 'em."
Albus and his friends each took a worm and began the tedious task of recording the worms' every movement and sketching them. Albus thought the rest of the class was rather boring and was a bit disappointed. He had kind of been expecting Hagrid to bring in some sort of dangerous creature, like he had when his dad was at Hogwarts. Although, come to think of it, his cousins had said Hagrid had adopted a more normal curriculum.
"I wish Hagrid would bring in a dragon or something," John said as they made their way back to the castle for Transfiguration.
"He probably wishes that, too," Albus laughed.
The Transfiguration classroom was already filling up by the time Albus and his friends entered. Albus noticed that they had this class with the Hufflepuffs. Rose was already inside, sitting at her usual table in the front. Amanda quickly joined her. Linda was there as well, but she was sitting by herself at the other front desk.
"Let's go sit by Linda!" John said excitedly.
"Sure," Albus grinned and started to walk towards her table.
"Wait," Matt said, "There's only two seats. And do you really want to sit in the front?"
"Er, that's true," John said, "We'll sit behind her then."
Albus vaguely wondered why Matt so set on not sitting with Linda, but he didn't dwell on it and sat down at the table behind Linda. Patil walked in a moment later and everyone quieted down.
"For the first few classes we shall be learning about a very difficult branch of transfiguration," Patil said after she took attendance, "And it is called the Animagus Transfiguration. Can anyone tell me what that is?"
Albus smirked as Rose's hand shot into the air. Albus knew the answer, of course, but he was perfectly happy to let Rose answer.
"Yes, Miss Morales?" Patil pointed to Linda.
Albus turned away from Rose and saw that Linda had half-way raised her hand. The rest of the class was staring at her as well, probably because Rose always answered the preliminary questions in class.
"The Animagus Transfiguration is the act of transfiguring oneself into an animal," Linda answered.
"Yes, that is correct," Patil smiled.
Albus noticed that Rose was staring in shock at Linda. He had to stifle a laugh at this.
Patil went on to describe Animagi in more detail and Albus took a few notes.
"Can anyone name a registered Animagus they may have heard about in another class?" Patil asked.
Both Rose and Linda's hands shot up into the air. Patil called on Rose this time.
"Minerva McGonagall," Rose answered.
"Yes, she turns into a cat. She used to teach Transfiguration here and was the Headmistress for a few years. How about an illegal Animagus?"
Albus scribbled the words 'Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs' onto a piece of parchment and showed it to Matt and John. All three of them stifled laughter and then looked back up at Patil.
"Rita Skeeter," Rose grinned.
Patil smiled. "Yes, and it was your mother who discovered her."
The rest of the class passed by at a reasonably quick pace and once it was over, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall for lunch.
"You've got some competition, Rose," John grinned as they walked down the corridor.
"Shut up," Rose muttered.
"She might beat you on the next test," John laughed.
"And your point is?" Rose snapped.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, as no one wanted to set Rose off even more. Albus had no idea she would get that competitive about grades. Although after two years of easily being the smartest in their year, Rose hadn't previously had any competition.
Half the Gryffindor table was roaring with laughter when they arrived for lunch. James quickly filled Albus in on the fact that Hugo had exploded his first potion earlier in the morning and was apparently quite proud of it.
"Well, you'll have no competition from him," John muttered to Rose. Rose sent him a withered look and sat down to eat.
Albus spent lunch telling Kaden about Care of Magical Creatures. Despite the fact that they learned about flobberworms, Kaden was jealous.
The third year Gryffindors had double potions after lunch, with the Slytherins again. Slughorn started the class with a review of the previous year's potions. Once again, Rose and Linda both knew the answer to every question. Then, when Slughorn had them brew a new potion, both Rose and Linda tied for best potion. Slughorn gave them each a bar of Honeyduke's chocolate. Albus was quite surprised that Linda seemed as smart as Rose. He had never met anyone his age who could compete with Rose with grades. John was right. Rose did have some competition.
******
"Well, time to go meet the new Defense teacher," Albus said as he finished breakfast the next morning.
"I wish your dad was still teaching," Matt sighed.
"Yeah," John agreed, "The new teacher looks like the kind of bloke who gives a lot of homework."
"You really ought to just keep an open mind," Rose commented as they left the Great Hall.
"Easy for you to say," John muttered, "You're freakishly smart."
"You have got to be kidding me!" Albus groaned as they reached the classroom, "We're with the Slytherins, again!"
"Great," Matt sighed, "Three years in a row, what are the chances of that?"
Albus led the way into the classroom. Linda Morales was already seated at one of the front tables. Rose and Amanda immediately took the other front table.
"Let's sit in the back," Matt muttered.
Albus nodded. He really didn't want to sit near the front. The teacher was already there and was wearing an unreadable expression. If he turned out to be mean, Albus preferred to be as far away as possible.
The classroom looked exactly the same as it had the year before, except for a trunk that was sitting in front of the teacher's desk.
A few more students trickled in and once the bell rang, the teacher waved his wand and the door slammed loudly. Albus jumped in surprise and snapped his attention back to the new teacher.
He walked slowly from behind his desk and stood in front of it. He was holding a piece of parchment and a quill. Albus noticed that he was wearing the same black robes, except now he noticed that there were intricately designed silver fastenings on them.
"Please raise your hand and say 'present' when I call your name," he said in a stern voice. He ran through the list, fixing each student with a piercing gaze when he called on them.
"Brilliant," he said flatly, "All here. I am Professor Balladanis, as you all know from Professor Kendrick's speech. You will address me as Professor Balladanis, or Professor, or Sir. I will not tolerate speaking out of turn or misbehavior of any kind in my classroom. I expect all homework and other assignments to be completed on time, no excuses."
Professor Balladanis began to pace back and forth in front of his desk. "As you shall discover throughout the year, I take defensive magic very seriously." He paused and glared sharply at Linda and Janie Creevey, who had sat next to Linda.
"Defensive magic is a very very important branch of magic. I would make the argument that is the most important. It can save your life. It has saved my life on numerous occasions. I have no doubt that your previous two years of instruction were very extensive and I am sure you all have a basic knowledge of defensive spells courtesy of Professor Potter."
Balladanis stopped pacing and paused before continuing his speech. "However, the third year Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum focuses on defense against dark creatures." He turned to Albus's table and gave Albus, Matt, and John a piercing stare.
"I will be continuing the curriculum that has been used in this school since after the final battle," Balladanis continued, "I have looked over the curriculum and have deemed it satisfactory. I immensely approve of the first day's lesson for third years. I've always thought a practical approach was good for Defense, although I do expect you to carefully read your text book as well.
"In this box," Balladanis gestured to the trunk, which jumped a little as he touched it, "Lives a boggart. Can anyone tell me what a boggart is?"
Rose and Linda's hands shot up into the air. Balladanis smirked and pointed to Rose. "Yes, Miss...?"
"Weasley, sir," Rose replied, "A boggart is a shape shifter. It takes the form of whatever scares you most. No one knows what one really looks like."
Balladanis nodded. "Correct. 5 points to Gryffindor. Boggarts," he began pacing again, "Take the form of whatever scares us most. The boggart focuses on the nearest person and turns into whatever scares them.
"We will have an advantage over our boggart. There are a lot of us, which means the boggart will become confused about what to turn into. However, that is not enough. There is a necessary incantation for defeating boggarts. It is 'Riddikulus'. Repeat after me, 'Riddikulus'."
"Riddikulus," Albus said along with everyone else.
"Good," Balladanis said, although his voice wasn't exactly cheerful, "You'll also need to think of a way to turn whatever your most feared thing is into something funny. Laughter is what really finishes off a boggart. Then, think of that as you're saying the incantation. Now, take out your wands and stand up."
Albus pulled his wand out of his bag and stood up. He wasn't even sure what he was most afraid of. Snakes? No, he really didn't fear snakes. Spiders? Nope, not them either. He had no idea what that boggart was going to turn into, and that made it even scarier.
Balladanis waved his wand and all the tables and chairs moved to the sides of the classroom. "Form a line," he instructed.
Everyone pushed to be at the front of the line. Albus wound up being towards the back, behind John and in front of Matt.
"Miss Weasley," Balladanis motioned for Rose to step forward, "Perhaps you could go first."
Rose nodded and stepped out of the line. She stood in front of the trunk with her wand raised. Albus had no idea what the boggart would turn into for Rose either. Nor did he have a clue what John and Amanda's boggarts would be. He had an inkling about Matt's, though.
Balladanis stood off to the side and pointed his wand at the trunk. The lid slowly opened and out stepped...Neville. Albus gaped at the boggart.
The boggart Neville opened his mouth. "I'm sorry, Rose, you did not get the highest grades in your year. You've been beaten."
Oh, Albus thought, that kind of made sense. For a moment there, Albus actually thought Rose was afraid of Neville, which was ridiculous.
"Riddikulus!" Rose shouted.
The boggart Neville swayed, but didn't look any different. He opened his mouth again. "Rose, you have beaten everyone in the entire school! You have the best grades in the history of Hogwarts."
Albus smirked. It wasn't entirely funny, but it fit Rose perfectly.
"Interesting," Balladanis muttered, "Next!"
Rose stood off to the side and grinned as Amanda stepped forward. Albus watched as the boggart turned into a very large snake.
Amanda stared at it for a few moments and then shouted, "Riddikulus!" The snake twirled around and tied itself into a knot. Amanda, along with most of the rest of the class, burst out laughing. Amanda stepped to the side next to Rose and Janie Creevey stepped forward.
Janie's boggart turned into a giant rat, which then got transformed into tiny mouse. A few Slytherins were up after her, and then it was Linda Morales's turn.
Albus watched intently as the boggart that had previously been a dragon turn into a raging fire. Linda raised her wand and shouted, "Riddikulus!" The fire turned into a waterfall and Linda joined the growing group of students off to the side.
Marina Jordan-Bell was next, and her boggart turned into a spider, as did her sister, Karina's. Karina had a bit of trouble, but eventually managed to turn the spider rainbow colors. Ethan and a couple of the Slytherins had difficulty as well.
Leigh Montague charmed her mummy boggart into a strait jacket and then it was John's turn. He stepped forward and the mummy turned into a clown. A clown, complete with a big red nose and huge shoes.
Albus could hear a few of the other students snickering already. Albus wasn't exactly a fan of clowns, but he could think of at least ten things that were scarier than them.
"Riddikulus!" John shouted. The clown boggart started to walk forward, but it tripped over its ridiculously large feet, which were growing at an alarming rate. The entire class burst out in the loudest laughter yet as John joined Rose and Amanda.
Albus took a deep breath and stepped forward. The clown with the huge feet started spinning again and when it stopped, it looked like Professor Oteski. The Oteski boggart stepped towards Albus.
"You did not make the Hogwarts Quidditch team," it said.
Albus gulped. Come to think of it, that was what he was most afraid of at that moment. But how could he make it funny. He racked his brains as the Oteski boggart continued walking towards him.
"Riddikulus!" Albus shouted.
The boggart spun around again and then stopped. "You did make the team!" it said, "In fact, everyone is on the team! All of Hogwarts will play at once and therefore win the competition!"
Albus laughed at the thought of a Quidditch team consisting of over 200 people on it and joined John at the side of the classroom. Albus watched as Matt stepped forward.
"Hey, Potter," Scorpius whispered, "I bet the boggart won't know what to turn into with Eckerton. He's afraid of everything."
"Shut it, Malfoy," Albus growled.
"Quiet over there!" Balladanis shouted. Albus immediately shut his mouth and Scorpius didn't say anything else.
The boggart was spinning around again and when it stopped, it didn't turn into the bright full moon that Albus had been expecting. It had turned into a very sinister looking man. He was skinny and rather short and had a mop of untidy brown hair on his head. It wasn't like Roberts's hair, though. This bloke's hair was stringy and dirty looking. His eyes were piercing, not unlike Balladanis's, and he was sneering at Matt. Albus didn't recognize who it was. He hadn't seen anyone that resembled the boggart.
The boggart stepped slowly towards Matt, who looked frozen in place. Albus could see his wand shaking in his hand.
"Who's that bloke?" John whispered.
"No idea," Albus said.
Albus continued to watch as the boggart advanced towards Matt. Balladanis wasn't doing anything besides watching with an unreadable expression on his face.
The boggart was now only a couple feet away from Matt, who still wasn't doing anything. The boggart began to slowly raise its hands and muttered something that Albus couldn't quite catch.
At that moment, Matt seemed to unfreeze. He stepped back and all of a sudden ran towards the door. He wrenched it open and disappeared from the room. Everyone who had already faced the boggart started whispering amongst themselves
Albus turned to John, who shrugged. Albus couldn't even begin to imagine why Matt was afraid of that strange man, but he could sense that it went beyond a normal fear.
"I'm going after him," Albus whispered to John. John nodded and Albus ran from the room without asking Balladanis or even looking back at him.
Albus could hear Balladanis trying to quiet the rest of the students down as he walked quickly down the corridor. Matt wasn't anywhere to be found. Albus continued to walk down the corridor, not really knowing where he was going. Where would Matt go? The dormitory? Room of Requirement? Marauder's Den? That was it, Albus thought. That's where Matt would go. After all, only a few people knew about that.
Albus walked through the empty corridors, thankful that nobody else was wandering around. He glanced at his watch. There was only ten minutes left in class.
The fifth floor corridor was also deserted. Albus quickly pulled up the arm on the appropriate suit of armor and then searched the opposite wall for the tiny paw prints. He found them and glanced up and down the corridor once more before wrenching the door open.
The room looked empty when Albus stepped inside. In fact, it looked just like they left it at the end of the previous year. Albus hadn't been in it for months. He quietly walked further into the room and headed straight for Matt's alcove.
Matt was sitting on his four-poster bed, just staring directly at the wall in front of him. Albus wordlessly sat down on the bed, not sure of what to say. Matt didn't even acknowledge the fact that Albus was there. Either that or he didn't notice.
"Er, are you ok?" Albus asked after a few moments of awkward silence.
Matt looked over at him. He didn't look all right. His face was pale white. "I guess," he said quietly, "But everyone probably thinks I'm afraid of everything now. Nobody else ran out of the room."
"Maybe everyone else's boggarts weren't as scary," Albus suggested.
"Maybe," Matt muttered.
Albus heard the door open and he craned his head around to see that Rose, John, and Amanda had come inside. John and the girls walked over to where Albus and Matt were.
"We've got your bags," John said as he dropped Albus and Matt's bags on the floor.
"Thanks," Albus replied.
"Are you all right?" John asked Matt.
"Yeah," Matt sighed.
"What have we got next?" Albus asked.
"Herbology," Rose answered, "And we'd better go if we don't want to be late."
"Are you coming?" Albus asked Matt.
"Yeah," Matt got up off the bed, "Let's go. I just hope we don't have it with the Slytherins. I'd bet my last Galleon that Malfoy's going to make fun of me for this for rest of the year."
Albus would have been willing to bet that as well. Fortunately, the third year Gryffindors had Herbology with the Ravenclaws that year. A few of the other Gryffindors stole quick glances at Matt during the beginning part of the class, but nobody said anything to him. Neville quizzed them about a few plants they had learned about the previous year for a few minutes. Rose and Linda answered all of them. Then he gave a broad overview of what they'd be doing that year. |
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Alice5130
Joined: 9 October 2009
Posts: 45
Location: Hidding in your closset...
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Posted: Monday 19 October 2009 08 25 44 pm Post subject: Re: Something of Ravenclaw? in topic:Something of Ravenclaw? |
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SunsetG|rl wrote: The topic about Lily being related to Slytherin has been quite popular... But talking to a friend of mine made me think she might be connected to Ravenclaw.
Connected in this sense: my friend had this theory that the last horcrux might just be Lily's wand which in fact is none other than Rowena Ravenclaw's wand. He based his theory on the following statements from JKR's interviews:
(It might not be that accurate what she said cause I' not searching them right now):
"Something big, and I mean BIG will come out about Lily Potter, in the seventh book"
"in the seventh book, we will find out why Harry's mother was so good at charms" (like charms is the thing of ravenclaw...right?)
So what do you guys think? |
I think JK meant Lily's relationship concerning Snape. Just because someone is good at charms, doesn't mean that they're related to someone in Ravenclaw. Hermione is good at charms, and is very smart, yet she wound up in Gryffindor. And the wands seem to have specialties, too. Some are good at charms, others at hexes, etc. |
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DucksRMagical
Joined: 28 December 2006
Posts: 2535
Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal
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Posted: Thursday 15 October 2009 07 59 13 pm Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden |
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Chapter 5: Linda Morales
Professor Kendrick rose to his feet. "May I have your attention!" he shouted and the room quieted down, "Thank you. Now, I have a few rather boring announcements, two somewhat exciting ones, and one really exciting one. I shall start with the boring ones.
"As usual, the forest and Whomping Willow are out of bounds to everyone. If you wish to try-out for your house's Quidditch team, give your name to your head of house. The Dueling Club and Junior's Dueling Club will be starting up again and once meetings have been set up, I shall let you know.
"As for the somewhat exciting announcements, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Please welcome Professor Balladanis."
The stern looking professor stood up for a few seconds and received mediocre applause. He resumed his seat and Professor Kendrick turned back to the students.
"The other somewhat interesting announcement is that Hogwarts will be patrolled by Aurors a few days a week. After last year's incident, the Ministry has deemed this a necessary precaution to take. The Aurors are positive that Jarrett Willinson and Jameson Washburn will try to return to Hogwarts at some point this year. I do not tell you this to scare you, but to make you aware of the situation. If anyone sees any suspicious behavior or has any information regarding the whereabouts of either fugitive, please tell a teacher."
The entire Gryffindor table turned to Albus and his friends at this announcement. Albus felt his face turn red and he stared down at his plate. He really hated all the attention he got from what happened the previous two years.
"And now," Kendrick continued, "I have a very exciting announcement to make."
Albus grinned and turned to his friends, who were all wearing equal faces of excitement, and then turned back to the headmaster.
"First, I would like you all to remember the inter-house dueling from last year."
The entire hall groaned and people started whispering amongst themselves.
"Quiet down," Kendrick said, "There was a reason why I enacted that last year. More than just school unity, that is. I wanted the school to become more united because of an event that is taking place this year. An event that will put us into competition with other magical schools-"
"The Triwizard Tournament?!" Bradley exclaimed, "Is that it?"
"No," Kendrick replied, "This is not the Triwzard Tournament. It is a different competition that will involve more than just one student from each school.
"Tomorrow evening, shortly before dinner, a select group of students from the Adirondack Academy of Magic, which is in New York State, and the Australian School of Sorcery will travel to Hogwarts, where they will live and attend classes for the duration of the year."
Albus turned to look at Matt, who was gaping at Kendrick.
"The students from both schools will be Sorted into the four Hogwarts houses during a special Sorting ceremony tomorrow evening. They will live in whichever house they are Sorted into and attend classes with those in their year. I expect you all to treat them like they are fellow Hogwarts students.
"However, you will also be competing against them. There are two events. The first is Qudditch. Each of the schools has created a Quidditch team comprised of the best Quidditch players in their respective school. We will be doing the same thing here. The three teams will play each other throughout the year and whichever team wins shall receive the Quidditch Cup for Schools.
"The other event will be dueling. Each of the schools has also put together a team of the best duelers in their respective school. Again, we shall do the same. The tournaments will work much like the Dueling Club works here."
The entire school started talking at once. Albus thought the whole thing was brilliant. It was like the Triwizard Tournament, only less dangerous. Maybe he could even participate. He was a decent Chaser and dueler.
"Albus, you've got to try out for the Hogwarts Quidditch team!" John shouted.
"I will!" Albus grinned, "As long as they don't have an age limit or anything."
"I don't think they will," Rose said, "Quidditch isn't that dangerous."
"It kind of is," John laughed.
"Maybe I can duel," Kaden said, "I'm a second year now."
"I think it'll be great just to go to school with kids from Australia and New York!" Rose exclaimed, "Think of all we can learn from them!"
"Yeah," Amanda agreed.
"Quiet!" Kendrick shouted over the chatter and everyone settled down, "The Hogwarts Quidditch team is open to anyone who is currently on a House Quidditch team. I'm sorry if that upsets some of you, but it would be impossible to hold try-outs for the entire school, and I think it would be better if our team were comprised of those who have experience on a Quidditch team. If you have interest in trying out, please tell your head of house.
"Try-outs for the Hogwarts Dueling Team will be open to fifth through seventh years only."
"Crap," Kaden muttered.
"If you want to try out, give your name to your head of house. Try-outs for both teams will most likely be next weekend. I believe that is all I have to say for now. First years, please follow a prefect to your common room. Good night, everyone."
Albus got up from the table and walked to Gryffindor tower with his friends. They talked about the competition the entire time. Albus was incredibly excited about the prospect of playing for the Hogwarts Quidditch team, and a little nervous at the same time. Of course, his chances of getting picked were kind of slim. He was the youngest Chaser eligible to try out.
"Albus!" James pushed his way through the crowd of Gryffindors in the common room, "Are you trying out?"
"Of course!" Albus grinned, "You?"
"Yeah!" James exclaimed, "That's everybody! Everyone on the Gryffindor team is trying out! Wouldn't that be amazing if we were all picked?"
"You won't be," Rose said, "The whole point is to have a Hogwarts team, not a Gryffindor team."
"Albus and James will get picked," Kaden said adamantly, "You two are both great Quidditch players."
"Thanks, Kaden," Albus smiled, "But all the other Chasers are older than me."
"Doesn't matter," John assured him, "They'll be searching for skill, not age."
"Who's picking the team?" Amanda asked.
"Probably Professor Oteski," James said, "And maybe the heads of houses will help."
Albus and his friends talked about the Quidditch competition for another few minutes before retiring to their dormitories for the night. Albus climbed into his familiar four-poster bed, but found that he was too excited to sleep. The more he thought about the Hogwarts Quidditch team, the more he thought he actually had a chance of making it. He was also excited about having the Australian and American students at Hogwarts. He hadn't really met many foreign witches and wizards before, not including his Aunt Fleur's family. Matt and Amy and their parents were the closest he'd come, and they'd been living in England for a while. Matt didn't seem very excited about the whole thing, though. In fact, he had remained rather quiet ever since Kendrick made the announcement.
******
It was easy to feel the excitement at Hogwarts the next day. Since it was Sunday, classes weren't starting yet. Most people slept late, and the main topic of conversation in the Great Hall at lunchtime was the competition and the students from Australia and New York.
Georgia organized a spur of the moment Quidditch practice for the Gryffindor team in order to prepare for the Hogwarts Team try-outs. Albus and the rest of the team practiced for at least two hours that afternoon.
"You're a shoo-in, James," Albus told his brother as the two of them began to walk off the pitch, "Everyone knows you're the best Seeker in the school."
"Well, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are the only other houses that are keeping their Seekers from last year," James pointed out, "So I'll only be competing against Lisa Galivant and Miranda Corner."
"And you're better than both of them," Albus said, "I'll be competing against at least six other Chasers."
"Yeah, but you're a good Chaser," James assured him.
Albus nodded and shouldered his broom. He was already nervous about the try-out, and it was almost a week away. What if he was so nervous during the try-out that he completely messed up? He'd just have to be sure to calm down by then. Albus sighed and continued walking off the pitch. Just as he was getting close to the stands, he noticed someone sitting alone in the lower level. It was Matt.
"I'll see you back in the common room," Albus said to his brother as he detoured towards the stands. James nodded and continued back towards the castle.
Matt had hardly said a word the entire day. He was normally quiet, but it was never a good sign when he was completely silent. Albus knew better than to ask why, but he was still curious. He had a feeling it had to do with the Australian students.
"Hey," Albus sat down next to Matt.
"Hi," Matt mumbled.
"Where's everyone else?" Albus asked.
"Rose is in the library researching about the magical schools in Australia and New York," Matt explained, "Amanda is with her."
"Why does that not surprise me," Albus smirked, "I'm assuming John isn't with them?"
"No," Matt gave a half-hearted laugh, "He and Kaden are in the Marauder's Den. I was there with them, but they kept talking about Quidditch and Dueling competitions and I just got sick of it, so I came out here."
Albus nodded. Matt was going to have a hard time finding someplace in the school where no one was talking about the competitions.
"Er, are you ok?" Albus asked tentatively, "I mean, you've been kind of quiet."
Matt sighed. "I," he paused, "I'm just not that excited about the competition thing. Well, it's not that, it's the fact that we're doing it with Australia."
"Oh," Albus said, not sure what to say next.
"I was supposed to go to the Australian School of Sorcery," Matt continued, "That's where Amy went. Then the headmaster told my parents I couldn't. In fact, he said it in a downright cruel way. I never read that letter. I think Mum burned it. But she never told me what it said. She just said it was mean. The headmaster hates, well, people like me."
Albus hadn't even thought about that. He turned to look at Matt. He looked quite upset about the whole thing. Albus had no idea what to say.
"I don't want the headmaster to come here," Matt said quietly, "I know that's stupid, really. I mean, he's never met me. And we moved five years ago. He probably wouldn't even recognize my last name."
"It's not stupid," Albus assured him. Albus couldn't really imagine what this was like for Matt, though. He supposed the only thing close would be if Washburn came back to teach or something. "But I don't think you'll really come into contact with their headmaster much. You can't try out for the Quidditch team or the Dueling Team, so I don't think you'll do much more than pass him in the corridor."
"I guess," Matt sighed, "It's just going to be so weird."
"Yeah," Albus agreed, "But I don't think anything will happen. This is Kendrick's school. Even if the Australian headmaster is here, he can't really do anything. He's got no control over anything here."
Matt nodded. "That's true. I hadn't really thought about that."
Albus stood up. "Come on, let's go find John and Kaden. I'm sure we can convince them not to talk about the competition. We could ask them how their plans for swimming in the Black Lake are coming."
Matt laughed, "They're all ready to do it. They just didn't want to do it today since you were practicing Quidditch and Rose and Amanda were in the library."
The rest of the afternoon went by very quickly. Shortly before dinner, Albus and his friends made their way into the Great Hall. The entire room was buzzing with excitement. Albus noticed that nearly all of the professors were wearing dress robes. The only one who wasn't was Professor Balladanis, who as wearing the same black robes as the previous day.
Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table, where everyone was talking about the foreign schools.
"I heard that the Australian School of Sorcery is underground!" Hugo shouted excitedly.
Matt snorted. "It's not."
"Oh, maybe it was the Adirondack Academy of Magic," Hugo replied.
"That one's not underground either," Matt laughed.
"How do you know they're not?" Hugo asked.
"My sister used to go to the Australian School of Sorcery," Matt explained, "And my uncle lives in New York. I've seen that school, too."
"Well, that's boring," Hugo muttered, "Would have been better if one of them was underground."
"Hey, Hugo," Kaden grinned, "Guess what the initials of Australian School of Sorcery are?"
"A, S, S," Hugo shrugged and then a big grin appeared on his face, "Ass! That's brilliant!"
"Quiet, please!" Kendrick shouted over the crowd, "The students from the Adirondack Academy of Magic shall be arriving at any moment!"
No sooner had Kendrick finished his sentence, people began to whisper and turn their heads towards the door. Albus craned his head up and saw a tall man striding into the Great Hall. He was wearing navy blue robes and had a rather large amount of messy grey hair on his head. Behind him were a dozen or so students wearing identical blue robes. Most of the students looked to be a few years older than Albus. They all stared around at the Great Hall, a couple of them pointing excitedly at the ceiling.
The tall man (who Albus presumed to be their headmaster) led the students to the staff table. Kendrick greeted them and then looked up at his own students.
"Let me introduce Professor Marvin Roberts, headmaster of the Adirondack Academy of Magic, and his students," Kendrick announced, "Welcome to Hogwarts."
Albus and the rest of the Hogwarts student body burst into applause. Once it died down, Kendrick opened his mouth again.
"And now, if I'm not mistaken, the students from the Australian School of Sorcery are arriving at the very moment."
Albus turned back towards the door and saw another man entering the room. He wore emerald green robes and was completely bald. He made up for the lack of hair on his head by sporting a pointy mustache and goatee. He wasn't nearly as tall as Roberts, but not short either. He walked purposefully towards the staff table with his group of students clad in matching emerald green robes following him.
Albus noticed that Matt didn't take his eyes off the man. It was almost like he was frozen in place, except for his eyes, which followed the man to the staff table.
"Now I'll introduce Professor Addair Killigan," Kendrick said, "And the students of the Australian School of Sorcery."
Albus clapped along with everyone else, but it was more subdued. He took an immediate dislike to Killigan just because of what Matt had said. Albus noticed that Matt didn't really clap at all.
"Thank you," Kendrick said once the clapping stopped, "Now, we shall have a special Sorting ceremony in order to find out which house you belong in. The four houses are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. While you are here at Hogwarts, you will live in your house dormitories, spend free time in your house common rooms, and attend classes with the other students in your house."
"You know, it'll be interesting to see if they adopt the house prejudices like we have," Rose whispered, "What if two of them are really good friends and then one is sorted into Gryffindor and the other into Slytherin?"
"I dunno," Albus shrugged. Rose had a point, though.
"To be Sorted, all you have to do is put on the Sorting Hat," Kendrick continued, "It will tell you where you should be."
Professor Patil stood up and walked around to the other side of the staff table. She was holding the three-legged stool and the Sorting Hat. She set the hat down on the stool and it burst into song.
There were loud gasps from all of the students from the other two schools. A few of the Hogwarts students giggled at this. All the foreign students stared intently at the hat and whispered amongst themselves.
"When I call your name, come sit on the stool and put on the hat. It will tell you which house you're in and then you can go sit at the appropriate table," Patil said after the hat stopped singing. "Allen, Gregory."
A tall and lanky boy with messy brown hair stepped away from the group and sat down on the stool. He was wearing navy blue robes, so he must have been from New York.
"Slytherin!" the hat shouted. Gregory Allen took the hat off and went to join the Slytherin table.
The Sorting continued and Albus clapped loudly whenever anyone got Sorted into Gryffindor. So far, all the new Gryffindors looked at least two years older than Albus.
"I think that bloke is going to have to lose the green robes," John commented as one of the Australian students was Sorted into Gryffindor, "It's just not normal to wear green robes when you're a Gryffindor."
"I imagine they'll get Gryffindor robes soon," Rose said.
"Do they even have houses at the Australian School of Sorcery?" John wondered aloud, "I mean, all their robes look alike."
"They do," Matt told him, "But those are the plain school robes."
"I'm guessing they wanted to look unified," Rose suggested, "I doubt Albus will wear Gryffindor Quidditch robes when he plays on the house team. They'll probably have special Hogwarts robes."
"If I'm on the team, Rose," Albus sighed. Everyone seemed to think he was going to make the team. What if he didn't? Everyone would be disappointed. Albus didn't really like the pressure.
"Morales, Linda," Patil shouted.
Albus turned back to the Sorting and saw a rather short girl step forward. Albus watched as she walked towards the three-legged stool and he couldn't take his eyes off her. She was beautiful. There wasn't really any other way to describe her. Albus hadn't ever seen a girl as pretty as she was. Her dark brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves. It didn't quite match her surprisingly pale skin, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Her light skin went well with her emerald green robes. She looked a bit nervous as she sat down and Patil dropped the hat on her head.
Albus turned to look at his friends. Matt, John, and Kaden were all staring at the girl. So was James. In fact, all the boys at the Gryffindor table seemed to be staring at her. The girls were whispering to each other and glancing up at Linda Morales every so often.
The hat seemed to be taking forever to decide. The entire Great Hall had erupted in whispers. Finally, the brim of the hat burst open and shouted out, "Gryffindor!"
Linda Morales took off the hat and walked quickly towards the Gryffindor table.
"Bloody hell," John whispered as she took a seat a few places down from Albus.
Albus nodded and turned to look at the girl. She looked, if possible, even more nervous now that she was sitting down.
"Albus!" Rose seethed, "Don't stare at her!"
Albus shook his head to clear his thoughts and tried to turn his attention back to the Sorting. A little while later, the last student was Sorted into Hufflepuff and Patil and the other headmasters took seats behind the staff table.
Kendrick stood up. "I'm sure you are all quite famished by now, so without further ado, dinner is served." Kendrick waved his wand and the golden plates filled with food.
None of the new students had sat near Albus and his friends, so they didn't get a chance to really get to know any of them. Most of them were older anyway. Albus's cousins struck up conversations with a few of them, though. Albus did notice that Linda wasn't saying much, despite the fact that she had quite a few Gryffindors trying to talk to her.
"Well, I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the feast," Kendrick announced after the plates cleaned themselves of dessert, "I have just a few announcements. The new students need to take note of the fact that the forest and the Whomping Willow are out of bounds. There is also a rather large list of forbidden objects. The entire list can be viewed on the caretaker's door, which is located on this level. Or, you can ask your fellow students. Anyone with the last name of Weasley has a particularly extensive knowledge on the subject."
There was a large amount of laughter at this, mostly from the Gryffindor table.
"Also, try-outs for the Hogwarts Quidditch team will be held this Saturday at one in the afternoon. Dueling Team try-outs will be held a week from today, also at one in the afternoon. And with that, I suggest you all turn in early, as classes start tomorrow."
When Albus and his friends returned to the Gryffindor common room, Linda Morales was already there, surrounded by a rather large group of boys and a couple girls. She didn't appear to be enjoying it, though. She looked as nervous as she had been in the Great Hall and was mostly just nodding.
"I'll bet anything all those blokes have asked her out already," Rose muttered as they watched the group.
"Probably," Amanda agreed.
"They should just leave her alone," Rose went on, "It doesn't look like she wants all that attention. I'll bet she's overwhelmed by everything."
"I wonder how old she is," Albus said. He'd been trying to figure that out all evening.
"Dunno," Rose shrugged, "She looks our age, but older at the same time. It's kind of odd."
"Guess we'll find out tomorrow," Albus said, "She might be in our classes."
"Well, I'm going to bed," Matt turned away from Linda and stood up.
"He's been quiet all evening," John commented as Matt left.
Albus leaned over to John. "That Killigan bloke, the headmaster, is the reason he couldn't go to school in Australia," Albus whispered.
"Oh," John said, "Well, that would explain it."
Albus and his friends stayed up for a few more minutes before turning in for the night. Albus laid awake for a while, though, thinking about Linda Morales. |
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FawkesthePhoenix
Joined: 31 December 2006
Posts: 3534
Location: No idea, all I know is that there are a LOT of felt-tipped pens...
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Posted: Tuesday 13 October 2009 01 02 25 pm Post subject: Re: Something's not right! in topic:Something's not right! |
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No, the wand Harry took was Draco's original wand, not the Elder Wand. But since Harry disarmed him, all of his wands, even the ones he doesn't know he has(i.e., the Elder Wand), go to Harry. |
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Alice5130
Joined: 9 October 2009
Posts: 45
Location: Hidding in your closset...
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Posted: Monday 12 October 2009 11 32 10 pm Post subject: Re: Something's not right! in topic:Something's not right! |
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If I remember correctly, the wand Harry took from Draco [i]was[/i] the Elder Wand. So when Harry beat Draco, and took his wand, he really took the Eder Wand, gaining its ownership. Voldimort didn't know this. He thought Snape gained the wand's ownership because he killed Dumbledor, but that was after Draco dissarmed DD.
It has been a while since I read the book. >_< |
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Malfoyx14
Joined: 10 October 2009
Posts: 13
Location: Slytherin Common Room
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Posted: Sunday 11 October 2009 07 25 31 am Post subject: Re: Something's not right! in topic:Something's not right! |
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Can someone help me understand this?
So Draco won the Elder Wand from Dumbledore when he took it by force but Harry took Draco's wand from Draco, not the Elder Wand. So how his Harry the rightful owner of the Elder Wand? |
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DucksRMagical
Joined: 28 December 2006
Posts: 2535
Location: Going through LeakyCon withdrawal
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Posted: Friday 9 October 2009 08 20 43 am Post subject: Re: Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden in topic:Albus potter and the Path Left Untrodden |
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Chapter 4: Tipping the Boats
The remainder of the visit at Matt's house went by very fast for Albus. Albus and the other boys spent the next few days playing various games and doing some of the homework they had put off until the last minute. Amy visited for dinner one evening and let Kaden brew something in her potions room. Kaden was thrilled and after he and Amy had finished, he pronounced Amy the best potions brewer he'd met besides Slughorn. Albus, Matt, and John did not participate in the brewing since all three of them got enough of potions at Hogwarts.
Albus threw his bag over his shoulder and went downstairs with Matt, John, and Kaden. Mrs. Eckerton and Amy were waiting by the door.
"Are you boys ready?" Mrs. Eckerton asked.
"Yeah," Matt answered.
Mrs. Eckerton opened the door and Albus followed everyone outside. They walked a few meters away from the house and then Mrs. Eckerton put an arm around Matt and the other around Albus. Amy did the same with John and Kaden and all six of them disappeared with a crack.
They reappeared in the middle of the Leaky Cauldron, which was practically empty. Albus wasn't surprised since it was early afternoon on a weekday. Albus looked around the pub and saw his mum, Uncle Ron, James, Rose, Hugo, and Lily sitting at a nearby table. John's mum and sisters were sitting with them. James looked bored out of his mind and a little annoyed as John's sisters ran around the room.
The adults greeted each other while Lily, Hugo, and John's sister, Ashtyn, flew out of their seats and over to Albus and the other boys. Rose followed them and stood next to Albus.
"We're getting our wands today!" Lily announced.
"Yeah!" Ashtyn grinned, "And books and robes and cauldrons and-"
"We know, Ashtyn," John groaned, "You've been telling me about it since I got home from school."
"Me and Lily are going to be in Gryffindor," Ashtyn said proudly, "But Lily says Hugo is going to be in Hufflepuff."
"Am not," Hugo retorted.
"There's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff," John said, "My cousin is in Hufflepuff."
"Well, anything's better than Slytherin, right Albus?" Lily said.
"Er, right," Albus agreed.
"Kids!" Ginny shouted, "We're going to go to Flourish and Blotts first, then Madam Malkins. Al, you need new robes."
"So do you, Rose," Ron put in.
"As do you, Johnny," Mrs. Brickston said.
"I want my wand!" Lily whined.
"You'll get it," Ginny said, "But you need robes too. And your wand will be useless without books."
Lily pouted and folded her arms across her chest, but followed Ginny out of the pub. Albus and his friends followed the adults, James, and the girls out of the pub and into Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley was a bit more crowded than the Leaky Cauldron, but still rather deserted. Albus walked with the large group into Flourish and Blotts, where the salesman took one look at them and ran into the back room. He returned with a saleslady.
Ginny walked up to them. "Let's see, I have four Hogwarts book lists."
"And I have two," Ron rummaged around in his robes and pulled out two wrinkled pieces of parchment.
"I've got two as well," Mrs. Brickston said.
"And I have one," Mrs. Eckerton said.
"Ok, if you'll just give us a few minutes, we'll get them for you," the salesman took the lists and gave half the stack to the saleslady.
"So, what did you lot do at Matt's house?" Rose asked as they were waiting.
Albus looked at John and burst out laughing. "John had fun with the microwave," Albus smirked.
Rose groaned. "What did you do?"
"Microwaved an egg," John replied, "It made a nice explosion."
"Bet your mum wasn't happy," Rose said to Matt.
"She just made him clean it up. My dad did the same thing after we moved here. We didn't have a microwave in Australia," Matt said.
"Muggle studies ought to be mandatory," Rose sighed.
Albus spent a few more minutes telling Rose about what they had done at Matt's house, although he left out the part about the padded room. Matt could tell Rose that later if he wanted to.
"Here you go, Al," Ginny dumped a stack of books into Albus's arms.
Once everyone had a stack of books in their arms, the group left the book store. They walked down the street until they reached Madam Malkin's. Luckily, the shop was empty, although they'd have to wait a while until everyone was fitted for robes.
Lily and Ashtyn went first, since they were eager to get their new robes. Hugo was excited about going to Hogwarts, but he couldn't care less about robes.
Albus sat down on a chair as he waited for his turn. Matt and John sat down on either side of him. Albus glanced over and saw that Matt was staring wide eyed at his stack of books. Albus peered down at his own stack of books, but the one on top was [i]Intermediate Transfiguration[/i].
Albus looked over at Matt's stack of books and he gaped when he saw which book was on top. It was the exact same book that Kaden had found at Flourish and Blotts a year ago. The one entitled [i]Dark Creatures: How to Protect Yourself[/i].
"Interesting book choice," Albus muttered.
Matt looked up at Albus. "This doesn't bode well for the new defense teacher."
Albus shrugged. "Well, third year defense does focus on dark creatures."
"It does?" Matt groaned, "Great. That's just what I need, for everyone to learn about you know what."
"I doubt they will," Albus replied, "No one's going to pay that much attention in class. The only one in our year who would've put the clues together after learning it in class is Rose, and she already knows."
"I guess," Matt muttered, "I just hope the teacher is nice."
A half hour later, everyone had new robes who needed them and the large group exited Madam Malkin's. They made their way down the street and towards Olivander's. Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn arrived before anyone else did and couldn't wait to start trying out wands.
Albus watched as his sister waved numerous wands and subsequently broke everything on Olivander's desk. After she tried a few more, Lily found her wand and proudly held the box as carefully as she could. Hugo and Ashtyn found wands a few minutes later and the group set off to the Apothecary.
After a visit to the Apothecary, Eyelops, and Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, everyone had what they needed for the upcoming school year. Albus was rather tired by the time they finished, but Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn seemed to have endless energy. They kind of reminded Albus of the way Kaden had been the previous year. Granted, Kaden still had endless energy, but the three eleven-year-olds had surpassed him.
Albus said goodbye to his friends in the Leaky Cauldron and then Flooed back to Grimmauld Place with his mum, Kaden, James, and Lily. He and Kaden watched Lily try to perform spells with her new wand while they waited for Dudley to pick Kaden up. Lily was kind of frustrated that she was unable to do much of anything besides 'Lumos'.
******
In an effort to try and avoid nearly missing the train like they had the previous year, Ginny insisted that Albus, James, and Lily pack their trunks the night before. Despite this, Albus awoke to the shouts of his mother.
"Albus Severus Potter!" she shrieked, "Get up! We have to leave in ten minutes! I seriously hope you've got your trunk packed!"
Albus slowly got out of bed as he listened to the loud footsteps of his mother in the corridor. "James Sirius Potter! Get out of bed this instant!"
The door to his bedroom opened and Lily came bounding in, already dressed in her Hogwarts robes. "Al! We've got to leave!"
"I know, Lily!" Albus said in an annoyed tone, "Now get out so I can get dressed!"
Albus hurriedly threw on some clothes once his sister left. He grabbed his owl cage and school bag and quickly left the room. He was quite glad his trunk was packed and already downstairs.
Harry was sitting on top of Albus's trunk in the drawing room when Albus walked in. Lily was once again trying to perform spells with her wand.
"Hey, Al," Harry grinned, "Ready?"
"Yeah," Albus nodded, "We leaving soon?"
"As soon as James packs his trunk," Harry smirked.
"James Sirius Potter!" Ginny shouted from upstairs, "I told you to pack that last night! Hurry up!"
"Daddy, why can't you teach Defense this year?" Lily asked.
"Because I have too much work at the Ministry," Harry explained as he pulled her onto his lap.
"But it's not fair," Lily whined, "James and Al got to have you teach them for two years."
"The new teacher is very competent," Harry assured her.
"Is he nice?" Albus asked.
"Well, he's," Harry paused, "He's fair. That's a good way of putting it. He'll treat everyone the same."
At least he didn't sound like Washburn, Albus thought. But on the other hand, he didn't sound like Neville or Cedonia either.
"And just because I'm not teaching, doesn't mean I won't be around," Harry grinned.
"What do you mean?" Albus asked.
"I'm not giving anything away, but Hogwarts will be an exciting place to be this year," Harry said, "Plus, the Ministry decided that Hogwarts needs more protection in the form of Aurors after last year's incident. And the year before's."
That certainly spiked Albus's curiosity. What could be going on that would make Hogwarts more exciting than usual?
"Come on," Albus replied, "Can't you give us a hint?"
"Nope," Harry laughed, "I probably shouldn't have even said that."
Albus groaned. "Aw, just tell us."
"Tell us what?" James asked as he entered the room.
"Dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this year but he won't tell us what."
"Please, Dad?" James whined.
"No," Harry lifted Lily off his lap and stood up, "Now we'd better go or you'll miss the train."
The Potters arrived on Platform 9 3/4 with fifteen minutes to spare, which was actually earlier than they had arrived the previous year. They met Kaden and his family as well as Rose, Hugo and their parents. Harry and Ron loaded all the trunks onto the train and then returned to say goodbye.
"I'll see you soon, Al," Harry said as he gave Albus a hug.
"Be good, Albus," Ginny smiled, "And take care of Lily."
"I will," Albus replied, "Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad."
Once everyone had said goodbye, Albus headed to the train with Rose and Kaden. James immediately left to find his friends, and Lily and Hugo followed Albus and Rose. They climbed on just before the train started moving and waved to their parents until the train left the station.
Albus peered into all the compartments trying to find the one that his friends were in. He eventually found them halfway down the train and pulled the door open.
"Hey," Albus grinned as he sat down next to Matt.
"Hi, Albus, Rose, Kaden," Matt greeted them.
Kaden sat down next to John and Rose sat next to Amanda. Hugo and Lily sat down near Ashtyn and the three of them immediately started talking about the Sorting and the Hogwarts houses. Albus, who had been listening to Lily talk about that all summer, did not want to participate in that conversation.
He turned to Matt. "Guess what?"
"What?" Matt asked.
"My dad says something exciting is happening at Hogwarts this year, but he won't tell me what," Albus said.
"Really? Wish he'd tell you what it was," Matt replied.
"How could he say that and not tell you?" John groaned.
"Any ideas what it is?" Matt asked.
"Nope," Albus shook his head and then turned to Rose, "Has Uncle Ron said anything?"
"Just that it was something exciting," Rose sighed, "The only thing I can think of is the Triwizard Tournament."
"The what?" Matt, Amanda, and Kaden asked at the same time.
"Didn't someone die the last time they had that?" John asked.
Albus nodded. "The Triwizard Tournament is a contest that involves three wizarding schools: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion from each school participates in three magical tasks and whichever champion wins gets the Triwizard Cup.
"The last time they had it was in my dad's fourth year and a Death Eater tricked the cup into choosing my dad as a fourth champion. He won, but the other Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory, died during the final task."
"Whoa," Matt stared at him, "Do you really think they'd do that again?"
"No," Rose shook her head, "There's no way they'd do that again. At least not for years. Cedric's death is too fresh in a lot of people's minds to have that tournament again. So I have no idea what my dad and Uncle Harry were talking about."
"I wish they'd do the tournament again," John said, "I fancy myself as the Hogwarts champion."
"Me, too," Kaden grinned, "That would be brilliant."
"Not me," Albus shook his head. He hated being in the spotlight. "I bet James would do it, though."
"I wouldn't," Matt said.
"Me, either," Amanda agreed, "What about you, Rose?"
"I'd probably enter," Rose replied, "But last time they did it, you had to be seventeen. So even if that is what was going on this year, none of us would be able to enter."
"I bet Georgia would enter," Albus commented.
"No doubt about that," Rose agreed.
"Oh, and my dad knows who the new Defense teacher is," Albus announced.
"Is he nice?" Matt asked immediately.
"All my dad said was that he was fair," Albus sighed, "He kind of dodged the question when I asked if he was nice."
"That's a bad sign," Matt groaned.
"If he's fair, then he won't be favoring the Slytherins," John pointed out.
"Have you looked at that book yet?" Albus whispered to Matt.
"Nope," Matt replied, "Haven't wanted to."
"Well," John began, "If he's mean to you, we can try and get him sacked before he starts the you-know-what unit. That unit's not until the end of the year."
"And how are you going to do that?" Rose raised her eyebrows.
"Dunno," John shrugged, "We'll think of something."
"That," Rose sighed, "Has got to be the dumbest idea you've come up with. And that includes microwaving the egg."
"Well, have you got any better ideas?" John asked.
"Why don't we just wait and see what the teacher is like before we start thinking about getting him sacked?" Rose suggested.
The rest of the train ride passed quickly. The entire compartment participated in an Exploding Snap contest, which Rose won. Then they bought a large amount of snacks from the trolley. Albus fell asleep shortly after he finished eating and the next thing he knew, Rose was nudging him awake and telling him to change into his robes.
The sky had turned dark and the weather stormy while Albus had been sleeping. Thunder sounded and lightning flashed as he pulled on his robes. He was very glad he wasn't going to be crossing the Black Lake like Lily was. He'd much rather take a thestral-pulled carriage and stay dry.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade station and Albus joined the throngs of students heading out into the rainy weather. He heard Hagrid calling the first years and said goodbye to Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn. Albus found an empty carriage and led his friends inside.
"The first years are going to get soaked," John said as he wrung out his hat onto the bottom of the carriage.
"Spooky crossing the lake in this weather," Kaden grinned, "Makes me wish I was crossing the lake."
"Maybe the Giant Squid will tip over one of the boats," John grinned mischievously, "I've heard it doesn't like this kind of weather."
Rose rolled her eyes. "The Squid is not going to flip one of the boats."
If the Squid tipped Lily's boat, she would freak out. Albus's sister had always scared easily, a trait that James and Albus always took full advantage of.
"James purposely tipped his boat when he crossed the lake," Albus said. He still remembered his mother receiving an owl telling her about that. She wasted no time in getting a howler off to James.
"That's brilliant!" Kaden exclaimed, "Wish I'd thought of that."
"Me, too!" John agreed.
"I'm glad you didn't," Albus laughed, "We all would have been soaked."
"Yeah," Matt agreed, "That would not have been pleasant."
The remainder of the trip up to the castle was spent discussing the likelihood of one of the boats being tipped over by the Giant Squid. John and Kaden decided that they wanted to find the Giant Squid that year and agreed to take a swim in the Black Lake during the first available weekend.
The entire Entrance Hall was covered in water by the time Albus and his friends entered the castle. Albus was sure Filch would have a hippogriff when he saw it. Albus led his friends to the familiar Gryffindor table and sat down, eager for the feast to start.
Albus scanned the staff table and his eyes rested on the only unfamiliar face. A stern looking man with his black hair cut in a Muggle military style was sitting completely still. His eyes seemed to penetrate every student in the entire room at the same time. Albus did not get the sense that this teacher would be nice, although he lacked the hatred that Washburn had emanated.
"That must be the new Defense teacher," Matt whispered to Albus, "Merlin, he does not look happy."
"Looks like his face is frozen that way," Kaden muttered.
"I wouldn't want to be on his bad side," Albus replied.
"Looks to me like he had a bit too much U-No-Poo," John laughed.
Albus snorted and shook his head. It did kind of look like the professor had a bit too much of that certain Weasley product. His Uncle Percy wore that same look when his Uncle George put U-No-Poo in his tea over the summer.
The Great Hall immediately quieted down as Professor Patil led the first years into the room and towards the staff table. They congregated near the three-legged stool upon which the Sorting Hat sat.
"They look shorter than last year's first years," John whispered as the Sorting Hat began singing.
"They are," Kaden agreed, "I wasn't that short last year."
"Yeah, you actually were," John replied, "Hey, Matt, I think these first years might actually be shorter than you. A few of them, that is."
Matt rolled his eyes. "At least I'm not a giraffe like you."
"Hey, height has its benefits," John retorted.
"And so does lack of height," Matt pointed out, "At least I didn't have to stand still while Madam Malkin poked me with needles like you did."
"Shush!" Rose hissed, "They're starting the Sorting!"
Albus watched as a chubby boy was sorted into Ravenclaw. The next first year became a Slytherin and the next was another Ravenclaw.
"Brickston, Ashtyn!" Patil announced.
John's sister ran forward and jammed the hat onto her head with a big smile on her face. Mere seconds later, the hat exclaimed, "Gryffindor!" Ashtyn practically flew across the room and sat down across from John.
"Congratulations, Ashtyn!" John grinned, "Gryffindor really is the best house."
"Yeah," Ashtyn agreed, "Although Isabelle kept telling me to hope for Hufflepuff."
"Well, she is a Hufflepuff...."
Albus didn't really pay attention to the next few Sortings. He vaguely recognized a few names, but didn't really know any of them. He snapped back into reality when he heard Patil announce, "Potter, Lily!"
Lily ran forward with almost as much excitement as Ashtyn. The hat took a little more time to decide than it had with Ashtyn, but it soon shouted, "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted with cheers as Lily ran towards it. Albus clapped her on the back, as did James and all their cousins, and Lily took a seat next to Ashtyn.
Soon, Hugo was the only first year left standing near the hat. Hugo had already started putting the hat on when Patil called out his name, which caused a few of Albus's cousins to burst out in laughter.
"He may be the only Weasley to ever be in Hufflepuff," Cedric smirked.
"Gryffindor!" the hat announced a minute later.
"Or not," Cedric grinned as he clapped along with everyone else.
Hugo sat across from Lily and Ashtyn. "Told you I'd be in Gryffindor," he said to Lily. Lily shrugged.
Professor Kendrick stood up. "Welcome, students and staff! As usual, I will save all the speech making for after the feast." He waved his wand and sat back down.
Food appeared on all the golden plates and Albus helped himself to some of everything. He was hungry, although this year he had kind of wanted Kendrick to announce what the exciting thing was before the feast.
The topics of discussion varied greatly during the feast, and Albus mostly listened. John and Matt had a heated argument about the Quidditch season, primarily the Chudley Cannons' spectacular loss to the Holyhead Harpies that had taken place a few days previously. Rose chattered non-stop about the new classes she was taking and bombarded her older cousins with questions about them. Albus was amazed she had any questions left, since she had done the same thing during the Weasley Family Dinner prior to the start of term.
Kaden talked to whoever would listen about the prospect of adding Muggle technology to Hogwarts. Albus groaned to himself as he heard Kaden tell one of the first years about his petition to have televisions put into the common rooms. Amanda listened to Kaden, although it didn't seem like she was nearly as excited as Kaden was.
"So, how was the trip across the lake?" John asked Ashtyn as the desserts appeared.
"Wet," Ashtyn replied.
"Any of the boats tip over?" he asked eagerly.
"No," Ashtyn laughed.
"Hagrid said he had anti-tipping charms put on them after James tipped his a few years ago," Hugo announced.
"That's no fun," John sighed.
A little while later, the golden plates became clean once again and Albus looked eagerly up at the staff table. |
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Ms. Elsewhere
Joined: 13 January 2008
Posts: 881
Location: In role play game of course!
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Posted: Monday 5 October 2009 09 51 43 am Post subject: Re: RPG: The Six Wizards in topic:RPG: The Six Wizards |
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Inu smiled at Buta, appreciating their history. They were practically brothers, having been brought up by the same parents. Only Buta never knew his own parents. he was orphaned as an infant, and was adopted by a muggle family. As young wizards go, strange things happen, and it just so happened his adopted family tried to beat the 'evil' out of him. The whole village he lived in treated him like he was handicap and someone to avoid. A child with no friends, and worse, a child who was bullied, ridiculed and abused, always winds up damaged. It's like when the heart breaks; it never heals properly, and sometimes, it becomes twisted, dark and destroyed. Buta was definately damaged. He murdered so many people that day, and burned the rest, most of them alive and locked in their homes. He didn't even have a wand yet. He was already almost 6 feet tall; and he stood so still on the hill watching the village burn. Inu knew of him and had been watching him for months. Inu's parents were always away during the full moon cycle. He had been watching that day, and when night descended and the horizon glowed red, Inu moved to stand with Buta.
"I know what you are, and you need not fear it, or loathe it. You are a powerful wizard. And we are very much the same, brother." Inu had convinced the boy that day not to regret, but to embrace the frenzie that was within.
Inu watched the man's face and knodded. "He does not want to die Buta. No one wants to die like that. But everyone LIES when they think they are going to die. " |
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Ms. Elsewhere
Joined: 13 January 2008
Posts: 881
Location: In role play game of course!
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Posted: Saturday 3 October 2009 10 55 54 am Post subject: Re: RPG: The Six Wizards in topic:RPG: The Six Wizards |
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Inu turned at the sound of Neko's voice and his face softened. "Sorry to wake you. " and he beckoned her over to him. He met her half way and took her hands. He stood for one moment and just looked at her. She was still tired, but she was looking...ravishing. Inu shook his head and turned to face the man. "He is a ministry official. But not for Japan. For England. Buta has brought him here only because he seems to have something to share he thinks is worthy of a trade... his life being the item."
"Oh I do l love it when they have something to trade!" Ouki said quietly, but there was a shrill to her voice. Her eyes had gone round and she walked over to the man, and bent down on one knee. She looked him over, down then up, and then put her face into his. "Please don't give your secret away too easily.... I want to..." she reached up and ran the back of her fingers down his swollen face. "...play with you first." Ouki brought her other hand up swiftly and her switch blade was there, at the man's throat.
"Ouki." Inu said in a tone Ouki knew well. She often slipped into a mad sort of frenzie at the thought of torturing. It was sucha drug for her that she often forgot herself. She backed away a bit, and reset her blade.
"Calling off you dog, eh?" The man had not moved, and his eyes only shifted over to Inu as he said this. Inu took three strides over to the man and back handed him so hard that he fell to floor, and blood licked across the wall.
"Dammit!" Inu turned around, and then back again, stepping over the realing man who was now on the floor, holding his face and moaning. He approached the wall where the splatter had hit. He returned to the man and grabbed him by his hair, forcing him back on the chair. "You have to BLEED..." Inu grabbed at the man's broken nose, causing him to scream, "on the PLASTIC. " Inu let him go, and the man started to whimper.
"I can give you information! " the man screamed. Inu stared at him.
"Kill him, Yuta." he stated, turning to Yuta, who was still sitting intently on her chair, watching the battered man. She shifted threateningly in her chair. The man put his hand up.
"I can give you access to the Japanese Ministry of Magic!" the man spat out quickly. Inu tilted his ear toward the man.
"What.. did you say?"
"I can grant you access to the ministry, the very people who are seeking you."
"And WHY would i want to go into the lions den?" Inu knelt down now so he could look into the mans face. The old man took a deep breath, his breathing already very laboured.
"Undetected. " he breathed. "You could move through undetected. But that's not the prize, oh no.. there is more."
He put one hand up to show he was not going to try anything, and then reached into his coat, his hand shaking. He took out a glass ball, the size of a baseball, and held it up.
"Look." he said, and Inu looked into the ball.
"Careful!" Ouki shouted and started toward Inu. Damien pulled her back, equally cautious about the introduction of a strange magical object. Inu waved them away.
"It is a pensieve, a mobile one. Very clever. " Inu spoke out. "This must be the ministry, and what is this thing here?" he pointed to the ball as he watched the images rolling around in it.
"That, is a weapon you will be very interested in ataining."
"Would I? Why is that? " Inu asked without looking up.
"Enough of this! He is full of tricks and means to lure us to the ministry so we can be captured! Who cares about a weapon. We are each fierce enough! " Ouki blurted out. She looked around at the others. Inu stood up and faced Ouki.
"The ministry is the one that makes us hide. That has seperated us for so long. They are the ones who simply monitor groups like the cult that mutilated Neko. What is this weapon?" he turned to the man once more.
"It was designed for six...." the man spoke quietly. "It is ancient magic, and it enhances and shares the magic of six wizards and witches.. a kind of small coven potion. We have tried to use it to better connect our Aurors around the world, but it had to be small, and the potion..." the man paused...."It sent people... mad... homicidal..." the pensive changed for the moment and Inu took more notice. He smiled when he recognised one face. "This man is an auror I know of.. you witnessed this? " he asked the man. The old wizard nodded.
"He killed all of those men." he sighed. "He volunteered for the test, along with 5 others. They were all able to share their magic, but after 5 days.. they were unable to stop the blood lust. It is my understand that if blood lust is already there..." he waved at the people around them, "Then the potion will simply make you more powerful, and not insane. ... because.. well.. you already are..."
Inu smiled. "He says we're crazy! How sweet!" he stood up and tossled the man's hair. He walked over to the kitchen sink and leaned over it, thinking. "You have access to the ministry, why not just bring us the potion?"
"It cannot be moved. You have to go in, and take it there, yourself. It is too unstable."
"You are a fool. We will never agree to this. You think us to be power hungry, but we simply want to be free. But you and your collegues will never allow that, because none of us will agree to stop killing...." Inu sighed. "You will show me where the ministry is. And I will destroy it. Yes. I like THAT idea. And if we can gather some toys before we go, like this potion you speak of, well, all the better! Now..." Inu pulled the pensive out of the mans hands and shook it. "Where is it? Which city? "
The old man shrieked. "Stop shaking that! I ... can't tell you where.. I can show you.. I will take you."
"Smart man. " Inu knodded. "But you can't go out looking like that." Inu pulled his wand out and the man's nose repaired itself, his body and bones started crunching and adjusting, and the man coughed as his ribs started to weld back together. "Damien. Can you make a potion to heal his insides? I don't know of a spell that can help internal bleeding. He will need to be fully healed before we set out. Oh... and I will be going with him to the minstry tomorrow.. I will need explosives and weapons. Who would like to come along?" |
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Ms. Elsewhere
Joined: 13 January 2008
Posts: 881
Location: In role play game of course!
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Posted: Tuesday 29 September 2009 06 55 50 pm Post subject: Re: RPG: The Six Wizards in topic:RPG: The Six Wizards |
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Inu turned to respond to Yuta. "Ah. You're awake then." The man groaned. Inu allowed it, and started to walk around the table. Then he reached into the man's robes and found what he was looking for - identification. He opened the wallet and the badge within it was the symbol of the United Kingdom Ministry of Magic. He grinned. "An Auror. And by the look of this badge, a representative for the London Police Force. How clever..." Inu turned the badge and like a hologram it changed, now looking like a London police badge. "What are you doing so far from home? " Inu set the badge onto the man's chest and patted it. The man started to breath faster.
"He seems to know you, Inu." Ouki interupted, judging the man's responses.
"Yes, I know you. I know all of you." the man rasped. He turned onto his front and tried to sit up. Ouki drew her wand and held it on him.
"Careful." she threatened. The man looked at her and he sighed.
"Of course. I'm not a fool." the man coughed and then he pulled his hankerchief from his sleeve, and wiped his mouth. There was blood in his phlem. "I have something to exchange with you. Information, for my freedom. " the old man looked up at Inu now, that determination still there. Inu smiled at how sure this man seemed to be of himself. |
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