Minerva groans as she pushes herself to her feet and meow's piteously when she sees L still sitting there. L just looks down at her, amusement warring with annoyance on her face, "Na uh, not happening. You've cost me access to my Schmapple Fridge, Oven, and cupcake factory, now I have to suffer from low quality food until the system recovers."
Minerva shakes her head before jumping up to her chair and sitting primly while staring at L reproachfully. A moment later, Minerva is back in her human form, "You could have picked me up."
"And you cost me my luxury items."
"Why not keep them permanently then?"
L scoffs, "What, so that Morgan can burn them down next time he's frustrated?" Then mutters, "Or me for that matter."
Minerva shakes her head, "There's some charms that can be applied to prevent that sort of thing. As an example, we use a variant of the flame freezing charm on our houses. Anyway, as it appears I no longer need the rite of ascension, would you be able to show me to where I may buy a familiar. As I find myself with the need to travel to Batuu."
L shakes her head, "Batuu is even further away than your own galaxy, it's so far away that we can't even use Transportilate to get there, they've tried."
Minerva nods, "That means that a Dragon familiar is probably not going to help me then, I didn't think it would as they use their own magic. However, it's well known that Phoenixes can go anywhere, and according to both Miss Davis, and Mr Longbottom, Veild can also go anywhere, but they don't use magic to do so."
L nods, "I see, well, come on then, and I will get you back for the elephant trick."
Minerva's eyes sparkle, "I'm sure you will, and I have no doubt that you will discover first hand just why transfiguration masters aren't to be trifled with."
When they arrive at the store, Minerva is slightly upset to find a Phoenix familiar in the store. After all, who doesn't want to be a phoenix? Either way, she buys out the stock of both Phoenix and Dragon familiars. With a sigh, and a few basic lessons on how to navigate the interface from L, Minerva selects her new animagus form as a Veild.
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Minerva looks around the room at the assembled permanent staff from Hogwarts, "Everyone, thank you for coming on such short notice, even you Argus. I haven't invited the headmaster because he has enough on his plate looking for new professors to work in your subjects."
Bathsheba 'Call me Beth' Babbling looks askance at Minerva, "What's this about new professors?"
Minerva looks at Beth, "Do you mind if I hold off on answering that, as it will become apparent shortly." Beth waves her hand, "As you are probably all aware, the Hufflepuff's have found a new style of magic that is accessible to everyone. Yes Argus, I do mean everyone. What has been kept quiet, and if possible I would like it to remain that way, is the fact that it's actually a new world a vast distance away from our own. If you want more details, I would suggest asking Pomona or Andromeda, as they have both spent far more time there than I have. Which isn't hard given the fact I went there for the first time last night."
Pomona sighs, "Where are you going with this Minerva?"
Minerva just reaches into her bag and pulls out the stack of applications before putting them on the table with a thunk. Then she takes out a much smaller bundle, "This is all of the new students for next year that we already knew about, including 3 muggleborn. This other stack is all of the magical students from the other world that have been automatically enrolled at Hogwarts for this coming year. Every single one of these will need a visit from a professor, and an escort to Diagon Alley and back."
Filius Flitwick pulls his wand and flicks it in the direction of the larger stack, which ruffles slightly, "513 applications, how are we going to manage that many students?"
Minerva laughs, "Fortunately, that's Albus' problem not ours. As none of these students are our citizens, the Ministry can't say anything about it either."
Septima Vector waves her wand to do a quick bit of math, the ghostly form of an abacus appearing briefly before it disappears, "That's 36 students each, how exactly do you expect us to manage that?"
Minerva nods, "I know, that's why I'm doing this meeting now. Only a day after I found out about this myself. I have five familiar orbs, three dragons and two phoenixes. We may be able to get more before the term starts."
Pomona laughs, "Only if you beat Harry to them, as he's been buying up all of the sentient familiars so that they can go to people who won't summon them with the interface."
Minerva has the grace to look embarrassed, "I hadn't actually considered how to summon them yet. If either of you know, that would be great."
Pomona looks over at Andromeda, who shrugs, before giving directions. A few minutes later, a beautiful female phoenix is sat on Minerva's shoulder.
"
Why have you summoned me?"
Minerva grimaces, "I wish to bind you as a familiar in the way of my culture."
The phoenix cocks her head to one side, "
I do not understand, am I not your familiar because of this accursed system?"
Pomona, also looks confused, "Um, Minerva, what do you mean bind in the way of my culture?"
Minerva looks between the two of them, "Let me guess, none of you can understand her?" Indicating the phoenix, "Pomona, the familiar binding ritual is an ancient pact that we used to make with the animals we call our familiars. It used to be taught in the rituals elective, until they stopped teaching rituals just before I started teaching at Hogwarts."
Pomona looks slightly sheepish, "I guess I should have taken that elective then. How comes you never mentioned it before?"
"It's a fair question, quite simply, it's because I've never taken on a familiar before. It's not something to be undertaken lightly as it's a minor blood ritual that links the two of you together on a magical level, meaning that those animals so chosen will be sustained by your magic long after their natural lifespan would be exhausted. When they do eventually die, it's like they've ripped a chunk out of your magic and it takes years for it to recover. That's assuming that the witch or wizard doesn't follow them, by their own hand. I know that most of the older houses still have the ritual described in their family books of spells."
The phoenix looks at her searchingly, "
You would be willing to do that for me? Yet you do not have a fraction of the magic I have in my tail feathers."
Minerva nods, "I would, I feel it would be disrespectful not to."
"
You are unlike those who trapped me, or those who summoned me before."
Minerva shrugs, "I don't know who those people were, so I couldn't comment. For the moment may I know your name, and we can talk about this later?"
The phoenix bobs her head, "
Phixaskiah."
Minerva turns her attention back to the other staff, who are mostly still staring at Phixaskiah in awe, "Right, well, first things first. We'll need to take everyone, who is willing to help out with this, to the realm of magic to undergo the rite of ascension. Which of you are willing to undergo this process?"
Filius manages to beat Argus to the punch, "I would like to help, though I have clan business that needs to be dealt with in late July."
Argus grouches out, "You had me at get magic, if that means playing nice with the kids then I'll do it."
Minerva nods, "I know how much they've hurt you over the years, honestly I'm surprised you've stuck around, given you're in your sixties."
"'s what I know, 'sides, it's better to be near magic than be out there without it, and no idea how to live without it either."
Septima looks at him sympathetically, "I never knew, why didn't you say anything?"
Argus laughs, "And what? Let all the brats know I'm a squib? That I can't defend me self if they prank me?"
Septima shakes her head, "No, I think we all worked that out by the end of 2nd year. I meant the stuff about wanting to be near magic."
"Never made a difference in the past, did it, so why would I mention it to you?"
Minerva interrupts, "That's enough of that, the past is the past, and I will just say that Argus has good reasons for his feelings about the students. Moving on, will anyone else be able to help?"
Septima looks at Beth with a raised eyebrow, who nods, "I'll help, and it looks like Beth will too."
Pomona, Andromeda, Rolanda Hooch, and Poppy Pomphrey all agree to help as well.
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Albus groans as he climbs the hill in Greater Falling, a magical community hidden in the Lake District. When he reaches the top of the hill, he finally reaches a nondescript two storey house with a very plain exterior. Not for the first time, he curses the existence of the female phoenixes, this time for causing Fawkes to run while they weren't around to follow him. That and the apparition and portkey wards that many of these out of the way villages erected during the last war, and just never took down.
After a brief rest on a conjured chair, Albus knocks on the door and waits for the occupant to answer it. After a few minutes the door opens to reveal an interior that couldn't be better designed if Albus did it himself.
"Good morning Gilderoy, may I come in?"
The man in the doorway, wearing a hastily transfigured uniform, pauses with his mouth open and a rose outstretched. As Albus looks up, he sees the rose and smiles as he takes it, "Why thank you, and is that for me. You shouldn't have." Gilderoy's teeth snap shut as Albus takes the rose and sniffs it deeply, "Ah, Lovers Leap, if only I was 100 years younger. Alas, I don't have the stamina I used to."
Gilderoy stumbles backwards and finds his voice, though it comes out as a squeak, "Quite all right, how can I help you? Wait, would you like some tea?"
Albus smiles, "I'd be delighted to have some, I have to ask, how did you get your decorations past the owner of the house?"
Gilderoy coughs, "Oh, um, well I only use the house when I'm not adventuring, so it's a simple matter to put them up when I return."
Albus nods congenially, "Indeed, I can see that. Do you perhaps have more permanent decorations in the house you were granted in India?"
Gilderoy nods as he summons the tea set, "It is indeed, however most of my fans live in this country, and it's also where I grew up. I can't seclude myself from my family or fans, no matter how lavish the surroundings. Milk, sugar?"
Albus frowns as he sits in the chair and struggles to find a comfortable position, "Oh, lemon if you have it please."
Gilderoy has a panicky expression for a moment before he gets up and walks to the kitchen, spotting a jar of Lift that a muggleborn witch gave him, he calls back, "Um, would you be ok with a Lift?" [editor: Lift is a brand of instant lemon tea in the UK]
Albus calls back, "Um, if you want, though I'd rather a more comfortable chair."
"No, I meant to drink."
"While I appreciate the thought, I am capable of levitating my own cup thank you."
"That's not what I mean. Would you like an instant lemon tea."
"No, you can take as long as you need to make it, I'm not in a hurry."
Gilderoy's shoulders slump in defeat and he just walks back in with the jar, "I'm sorry headmaster, but I don't have any lemons. But I do have this."
Albus smiles at him as his eyes twinkle, "Call me Albus dear, anyone that's willing to give me Lovers Leap deserves that, even if I can't leap with you these days. Now once we're back at the school I have some of my old hairs that I kept for just this sort of occasion. A bit of Polyjuice and I'll be raring to go." Albus looks at the jar in fascination before he opens it and spoons some of the powder in his cup.
Gilderoy resists the urge to hold his hands up, "No, it's quite alright. I'll probably be far to busy this year to indulge in a love life."
"Oh good, you've already heard. That makes things simpler, I look forward to finding out which of your colleagues you pick for the jobs."
"Um, of course, though I do need more details to give them."
"Ah yes, standard contract of course."
Gilderoy asks weakly, "How many colleagues do I need to find?"
"Oh, right you won't have heard that bit. You need two people to teach defence with you, as we have something like 570 students starting this year."
Gilderoy drops his cup with a clatter, "How many! Ahem, will I still be teaching Harry Potter?"
Albus shakes his head, "Honestly, I have no idea, it depends on Minerva, as she does the scheduling. Quick question, I can apparate out of here, can't I?"
Numbly, Gilderoy shakes his head, "No, but you can use my Floo."
"Why thank you."
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Delores Umbridge paces the small apartment she has been given with its ratty bed, oven and fridge. Oh, she transfigures the bed to sleep in at night, but she was never that good with transfiguration, and she always wakes up feeling uncomfortable. What she really wants to do is get that stupid chit that landed her in this situation. Instead she has to keep filling the merlin damned toilet and sink with water. She also hasn't been able to have a bath since she was moved in, and the less said about that infernal contraption they call a shower the better.
Delores pulls her wand and points it at a wall before stopping herself and carefully putting it down on the kitchen counter. No matter how angry she is, setting fire to things will just bring the fire brigade. The last thing she wants is the looks of pity or disgust when they see her living apartment. It's not her fault she's living like this, they don't use proper money here. And so what if she's a little whiffy, the cleaning charm only does so much, and they shut off the water only a couple of weeks after she moved in. Then there's the fact that everyone pretends they don't speak English, when she knows damn well they do. As it only takes them a few minutes of her talking at them before they all say "I'm sorry, I need to go now." And walk off.
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Moody looks at the new cauldron that he paid someone from Scalluxe to fit, and allow themselves to be obliviated afterwards. With a nod he reaches into a pocket and pulls out a shrunken barrel of apples before placing it next to the cauldron. Just this potion on it's own has made the trip to the Realm of Magic worth it. Now he never needs to worry about being vulnerable again. Unbidden, his eye looks at the pair of rings resting on the chest of drawers in his bedroom. An eternal reminder of why he needs to remain constantly vigilant.
Oh yes, next time they come knocking he won't be caught unaware. Carefully, he pulls out the spell tomes that he's spent an hour every day looking for. Decursify, Minionize, Copypasta, Scruberoo, Repairio, Transportalate, and most importantly Delicioso. Each one of those tomes goes on his heavily warded and obscured bookcase.
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Harry 'Dani' Potter appears in the Leaky Cauldron with both his aunt Petunia and Dudley with sunbeam on her shoulder. There she looks around briefly before heading over to a table with the other girls at it, "Hi everyone, sorry we're late but Dudley decided he wanted to come."
Dudley walks up behind Harry, "Ha…Dani, you had me at getting fitted for dresses. Gemma will be so jealous until I bring her here later."
Daphne looks over, "I forgot you were like that. How are you finding the magical education?"
Dudley smiles tentatively, "Honestly? I don't actually have that much time for it, as school is fairly tough. I, don't want to do what dad did, and coast by on influence. Mum told me that my sister was taken by social services within a week of been born. I don't care that he was in a mental hospital, you should be able to look after your own child. She's still really broken up about it, as she never had the chance to take her in. The system just sent a social worker to collect her one day, and that's it, she's with a new family somewhere." When Dani hugs him, he sniffs a couple of times, "Sorry, it's still quite new, and I can't help thinking about what life would have been like for me if I'd been born with magic like Harry was."
Daphne sighs, "Dudley, what's important is two things. The first thing is that that it wasn't you. The second is that you don't want to be like that now. Now, I think everyone's here, so we should head down to Madam Malkin's to get fitted, and then grab an ice cream after that. The bookshop comes last because Hermione." Hermione pouts, "Don't worry, we need to come back anyway, as we don't know what the defence books will be this year. Also, Harry needs to be fitted for his own robes."
Hermione brightens at that, "That's true, maybe Xing can join us then."
Susan asks, "Where is Xing anyway?"
"Oh, she volunteered to help with the orientation for the new first years this year. Apparently, the system has decided that Hogwarts is the school for any teenager with a magical bloodline. So everyone that had their cake day in June was automatically enrolled. That is right isn't it?"
Harry and Dudley both nod, and Dudley explains, "It is, a lot of parents put off their babies cake days until June so that there's plenty of parties for their kids to attend. Gemma says that it's perfectly normal, and gets confused when I talk about my birthday."
Harry adds, "I was 5 or 6 when I had my first one, it was the day we started primary school. I still get a notification every year when it comes around again, even though it's different to my birthday."
Sally-Anne runs into the pub at full tilt, behind her Shenjing follows at a more sedate pace, "Sorry we're late, I had to help mum with the cleaning, and then the tubes were a nightmare."
Daphne sighs, "I didn't think you could make it, as I didn't get a reply."
"I don't have an owl, and Hermione's been on holiday."
"You could have left a message in the Realm of Magic, or even asked Shenjing to teleport."
Sally-Anne looks embarrassed, "Sorry, I forgot we could do that. It's just been so hectic, as I keep being asked to show off my new leg, and I've been under more X-rays over the last month than I have in the last 3 years. Anyway, no boys?"
Daphne shakes her head, "No, we're all getting measured and fitted for robes and then taking a trip to Madam Primpernelles for the essentials. If we have time after we've got our standard school supplies, we can go to the Farmers Market for some more standard witches robes."
Hannah looks around the group, as if noticing something for the first time, "Daphne, where's all the adults?"
Daphne shrugs, "I may have told everyone that Harry's magical aunt is escorting us today. Isn't that right Dani? Besides, I thought Madam Bones would be here."
Susan shakes her head, "Since she visited the Realm of Magic a couple of weeks ago, she's been busy planning out everything for 1st September, something about needing all hands on deck and a solid plan for a full scale deployment. So, do tell, why did you bank on everyone's parents being ok with only Mrs Dursley being here?"
Daphne raises a finger, "Non tailored school robes. Do you have any idea how much it sucked that I couldn't just change out of my robes after class when the rest of you just took them off and relaxed?"
Dani just spins in place and changes her outfit, and with a smile, Dudley does the same.
Once they actually got moving, the day was enjoyable, although Petunia wouldn't allow them to just eat ice cream and insisted on taking them all to a nearby Deep Pan Pizza for lunch, as it had an all you can eat offer. They never did get to the Farmers market, as Hermione in the bookshop was just too much for the schedule to bear.
