Jounrey to a New Start ch 13

Chapter 13

Minerva was slightly nervous about her masters test the next morning, even though ii had been explained to her several times she still did not fully understand how in Merlin’s name it was going to work.


It had been a long hard month of fourteen hour days as she struggled to master her magic in a way she believed could not be done. In fact it had taken the trickery of Lord Emerald Eyes taking her wand and making her think he turned it to ash before she even gave herself the chance of doing what she thought was the impossible.


That was not the only thing that had distracted her over the past month, when Albus woke up on the forest floor he was furious. And once he reached the castle and realized what Harold had done he was absolutely livid.


If it were not for the magic dampening field the borderline dark spells Albus had fired off in Harold’s direction would have killed him. What little respect she had for the man was killed in that moment.


How he intended to fulfill his duties of headmaster now that he was permanently banned from the grounds she could not fathom nor at this point could she care.


His odd demands that she show up at his slightest whim at his borrowed room in Hogsmeade for updates on the happenings up at the castle was quickly put to a stop much to her relief.


Sighing, if she kept up this trip down memory lane she would not get any rest tonight, and she needed to be her best the next morning.


Picking up the vial of sleep potion Minerva quickly downed it and laid down on her pillow and pulled the covers up and slowly drifted off to sleep.


XXX


Waking up and getting dressed in the strange style clothing that had been provided Minerva checked her image one last time in the mirror before exiting the guest rooms and walking towards the dining area.


She had been warned to make sure she ate more than normal, as she would be burning up a large amount of energy during the testing.


Sitting down at the table a large amount of food appeared before her and she just stared at sheer volume.


Half an hour later and very uncomfortable with the amount she ate Minerva slowly made her way to the testing hall.


She told herself to stop acting like a seventh year waiting to take her NEWT’S, after all she passed her masters in the Wizarding world without the slightest problems.


Harry smiled as he saw Minerva all nervous standing in the middle of the room waiting to be told what to do.


Picking up the testing bands off the table Harry walked over to where Minerva was waiting and told her as he handed her the first band. “After all the practice you have done over the past month you will do fine, so relax. The first band goes across your forehead, while the other two are for your wrists.”


Bands in place Minerva asked as she tugged her sleeves back down. “What happens now?”


“Now? Now you access your magic and conjure up a chair, something that reclines I think. Then sit down and we will go over what you need to do for the test.” Harry told her as he retook his own seat, setting down the column from the box and placing the testing jewel on the column that he removed the bands from.


Closing her eyes to visualize one of the muggle recliners she had seen last year while introducing the magical world to a muggle born student, Minerva slowly reached inside her and touched her magic as she waved her hand and conjured the chair.


Opening her eyes she let herself feel a slight sense of relief when she noticed the chair was exactly as she pictured it.


Sitting down gingerly and then when the recliner held up under her weight more firmly Minerva noticed the jewel she had hardly spared a glance at was now glowing.


Smiling when he saw Minerva conjure the recliner and noticed the jewel that measured power output was now glowing Harry leaned forward across the table to explain just how the test would be administered. “This jewel measures if you have enough control and power to be considered for taking this test, as you can see by its glow you are ready, judged so by magic.”


“The test is simple, for the next two hours you will start by casting the basics of your craft through the most advanced and complex transfiguration you know. Each building on what you have already performed. The test is over when the jewel turns purple and magic gives you your mark on the back of your hand and or temple.” Harry told her as he pointed out the jewel before standing up.


“I will leave you to it then, and I will return in two hours time.” Harry told her as he made his way to the door.


Stopping at the doorframe Harry looked over his shoulder and told her as he opened the door. “Your time starts as soon as you cast your first spell. Oh, you will find all sorts of objects on the side table you can use in your transfigurations.”


Closing the door firmly behind him with a grin, Harry had to wonder how long it would be before Minerva cast her first spell.


Walking along the corridor that led to his office Harry really did not feel like working on expansion plans or any of the other myriad of plans or proposals that crossed his desk for approval right now.


Taking a side passage that led through the greenhouses he used for meditation Harry soon found himself outside overlooking the novice classes that also had the Gryffindor trio attending.


For some reason in this world Pettigrew never accepted his Hogwarts letter, choosing instead to go to Durmstrang, or more likely having it chosen for him.


Leaning on the balcony Harry watched the novice class as they went through the steps necessary to do simple conjurations without the crutch of a focusing object. The High Elf’s gave focusing rings to their children and as they grew into their powers the body absorbed the ring gradually until it totally disappeared.


His own wand turned into rings lasted about three weeks before his body absorbed them, it was a slight shock to wake up one morning and find they were gone, he was frantic all of two minutes until he summoned, without thinking, one of the texts from his library that explained what happened.


“Sorry to interrupt you my Lord.” Aerma one of the candidates for the position of captain of the guards joined Harry at the balcony and joined his lord in gazing at the novice class.


“Problems Aerma?” Harry asked not taking his eyes off James and his friends.


“No my Lord, all the candidates for the captain of your guard have now gathered on the training field near the gorge and await your arrival so that the testing of our skills may commence.” Aerma told him his body showing the eagerness he felt even if his voice did not.


Harry laughed and told him. “So eager for a sparring match are we?”


Nodding his head as a smile grew on his face Aerma replied jovially. “Aye that I am, one I plan to win my Lord.”


Letting his magic engulf his body Harry leaped to the top of the railing like some giant jungle cat and told the startled Elf with a wicked grin.” Meet you on the field.”


Harry then turned and leapt into the air and did several acrobatic twists and twirls before landing on his feet and walking away like he had just stepped off the stairs normally.


Of course the only one who bought Harry’s act were those on the other side of his lands that had not seen what he had just done.


James and Sirius who had been talking to Remus now that class was over, looked at him sharply as he had yet to answer them, following their friends gaze towards the main building they watched stunned as the lord of these lands jumped into the air and landed softly on his feet, acting like he had not just done that awe inspiring act of acrobatics.


Looking up from where he was gathering his notes and teaching aides the old scholar noticed the stillness that was not typical for the release of class just in time to notice Lord Arkenea’ghymn land softly on the ground like a large jungle cat.


Using his ability to see magic the old scholar chuckled when he saw the spiraling path that led from the edge of the balcony to the ground seems the lord is in a playful mood.


“Ah, it is amazing what one can do when they have full control over their magic isn’t it?” The scholar told his class as they were still following Lord Arkenea’ghymn with awe filled eyes.


Seeing Aerma running down the stairs in an attempt to follow the retreating lord, it was not too difficult to put two and two together to get the answer. Deciding that most of the boys would be following the two as soon as they found out about the contest for choosing the captain of the guards, the scholar clapped his hands together to get the boys attention.


“All right class…it seems that everyone has gathered for the show of skills that will determine the next Captain of the Guards. Valar protect me if I was to keep you from watching, so we will go down as a group and I expect you to be on your best behavior.” The old Scholar warned the now excited students.


Sitting down at the outskirts of the marked off training area, James and his friends ended up near the three Lords of the other kingdoms without realizing who they were.


Harry walked into the center of the dueling pitch and glanced at the warriors gathered along two of the sides before calling out. “Those that wish to compete for the post of Captain of the Guards step forward.”


After some jostling among the gathered crowd there were soon six warriors standing in front of him.


Nodding his head Harry told them. “I am sure that all of you are quite proficient in the use of weapons and unarmed combat or you would not be standing here, so the contest will be of a magical nature, the best magical warrior will be awarded the post with the others if they wish being lieutenants if you wish.”


Smiling Harry told them the rules. “No magic that will cause permanent disability or death is to be used against one another, and if you wish to mix in non magical weapons you may. Whichever of you remains standing at the end will become the new captain.”


Moving to the center of the pitch Harry added with his back towards the group. “Just remember this is a contest to showcase your magical skills. Oh…Yes before I forget I will spar with the winner.”


Sitting down on the ground cross-legged in the middle of the pitch, Harry made a few motions with his hands and slowly started to rise in the air until he was well above the pitch. “Begin.”


Aerma looked around in confusion at the other contestants for a moment before catching something moving out of the corner of his eye, ducking to the side he barely moved in time to miss being hit with some type of stunning charm.


Harry watched with interest as the six warriors battled it out amongst themselves down below, for the most part they were superb fighters, though several of them were clearly outclassed from the start.


Soon there were only two warriors left and they were perfectly matched.


Standing up by uncrossing his legs from underneath him Harry slowly floated to the ground. “You are both perfectly matched, do either of you wish to concede the job to the other?”


Smiling at the negative nods from both Elf’s Harry told them. “You have fifteen minutes to prepare yourselves for a new challenge, I shall be your opponent, and the one who can last the longest against me shall win.”


They both looked at Harry slightly shocked and like he was just a little bit on the crazy side, after all they were the two most skilled warriors in all the kingdom’s.


The evil smirk that crossed Harry’s face as he started to warm up would have frightened the two warriors if they had a chance to see it, to bad his back was turned as he faced away from them.


Turning around Harry asked them as he stood there shimmering. “Who’s first then?”


Feeling pretty full of himself, after all how many Lords actually mastered the skills of the warrior Aerma’s opponent stepped forward. “I will, and what happens when we best you?”


“That will not happen.” Harry let the glee he was feeling at the thought of combat show on his face.


A little arrogant and more than a little put off from the lords attitude he attacked swiftly, rapidly throwing high power battle spells wanting to take the lord down as quickly as possible to teach him a lesson, a lesson that battle was for the warriors not the rulers.


Eyes widening ever so slightly as the battle spells made their way towards him Harry let the smile of joy he was feeling show on his face as he held up one hand and made a circular motion with his palm face forward while he mumbled a few words.


Aerma was troubled and shocked when he saw the battle magic streaking towards Lord Arkenea’ghymn,


About to move forward to intercept the spells by placing himself in their path he froze when the spells were caught in what looked like a vortex and gathered into a ball of energy in the Palm of Lord Arkenea’ghymn’s hand.


Enraged to see his best battle magic stopped so easily he summoned his sword and charged the young lord who was examining the captured spells.


Sensing the lethality of the spells that had been cast at him Harry closed his fist around the energy absorbing it as he took on a darker look.


Seeing the Elvin warrior charging at him with his long sword in motion towards his head Harry was starting to get pissed off.


Sidestepping another of the more lethal spells sent his way. Harry ducked under the sword by stepping forward and around the spells that had been cast.


“So that’s the way you want to play it.” Harry told him darkly.


“So be it.” Harry said as he took several steps sideways and placed his hand on a jeweled runic inlay on his belt and fed it a burst of his magic.


Fully enraged and not able to control either his emotions or actions Lasly attacked, his rage intent on destroying who he thought was mocking him.


In some small part of his brain that still held the last of his reason Lasly was horrified as the Lord of the Fourth Kingdom transformed in front of his eyes into one of the mythical Blood Elves as the blood red armor covered his body and head.


Harry to intent on stopping the out of control Elf did not notice every other elf in the area falling to their knee in respect, or hear Trava’in stuttered in shock. “Valar protect the fool, he’s a Blood Elf.”


Sensing that the warrior was unbalanced mentally Harry took pity on him and allowed his magic to enhance his jump as a glowing staff appeared in his left hand as he pooled his magic in his right hand.


Touching the glowing orb of the staff to the pool of magic in his hand a pure white beam shot forth and hit the raging Elvin warrior in the head causing him to drop to the ground unconscious.


Touching ground Harry walked over to the fallen warrior and ran a diagnostic charm over the fallen warrior before glancing around at he crowd for one of the healers.


Seeing the awed looks as he glanced around the field his gaze finally landed on the three Lords of the other kingdoms who were slowly moving in his direction.


Relaxing his hold on his magic Harry reached down with his free hand and traced the outline of the jeweled runic inlay and allowed the combat suit to be reabsorbed back into his belt.


“Saero call the healers, he is in need of a mind healer the most.” Harry told him as he stood up and gave the kneeling figures a harsh glance.


“After that he either learns to control his rage or I lock down his abilities.” Harry told him fiercely as the harsh glance at those kneeling turned to a scowl.


“You lot better get back on your feet before I get pissed.” Harry shouted to everyone that was kneeling as he walked back towards the testing chamber.


“Aerma the job goes to you, as I will not have anyone who can not follow my instructions working for me.” Harry called out as he stepped out of the ring.


Not even bothering to see if any of the kneeling people had bothered to follow his demands Harry walked away cursing under his breath, the only thing he had forgotten in his anger was High Elf’s had very good hearing.


James stared at the retreating back of the most powerful person he had ever seen with looks of hero worship on his face, grabbing hold of Sirius he whispered in awe. “Did you see that, he stopped and stood up in the air like he was standing on the ground, and the power was blinding.”


Quickly catching up to Harry, Saero tried to explain why everyone had acted like they did. “You have to understand that even to those of us that have never left this world to go wandering, the Blood Elf was a mythical entity revered for being the ultimate warrior.”


Stopping near the wall he had jumped to the ground from Harry turned with a confused expression. “What is a blood Elf, and why does everyone think I am one?”


“Your skills with magic already led most of us to believe that you were a skilled warrior.” Trava’in told him

While Koeh’avara told him what really convinced them, “The combat suit and double pronged orbed staff that you called to yourself during the match is the sign on a Blood Elf. The blood red armor covered in runes that we recognize but cant read along with how you combined staff and pure magic leaves no doubt that you are a Blood Elf.”


Harry stared at them for a moment before saying slowly. “You have to be wrong, I made this combat uniform long before I came to this world, it saved my life numerous times during the war.”


“As for the rest of it, well I found the information in one of the old tomes in the…” Harry trailed off remembering just where he found the information sitting out on the library table, along with several other tomes he had studied, and mastered the never heard before skills found inside.


Shaking his head not really wanting to have this conversation any longer until he had a chance to come to terms with what he learned Harry slowly rose in the air and stepped over the balcony railing.


Looking back over his shoulder he snorted when he saw the looks of awe on the three Lords faces.


“Are you coming or not?” Harry asked slightly exasperated.


“And just how do you expect us to follow you Mytimah, we might be skilled magical users but you have skills we have never heard of?” Saero called out slightly annoyed.


Leaning over the railing as he gazed down at the three Harry relied. “You do know how to do a simple levitation charm don’t you?”


Snorting in annoyance Saero called back up to him. “Yes I am very well versed in that skill, enough to know that you can’t cast it on ones body.”


Thinking that some times magical people had no common sense Harry shook his head and called over his shoulder as he started to walk inside. “You are wearing shoes aren’t you?”


“You know there is something wrong, if a whole new world of magic opens up just because he does not think the same way we do, why in the Valar’s name did we not think of that?” Trava’in said with an amused snort when the idea fully sunk in.


Testing the waters so to speak by casting a slight levitation charm on his boots Trava’in smirked when he noticed he was stable in his floating, a hands length off the ground.


Almost laughing in glee at the expressions on the others faces Trava’in rose slowly up to the balcony and stepped onto the railing and jumped down, his companions not far behind him.


“He is never going to let us live this down you know.” Koeh’avara muttered as they picked up the pace to catch up with the young Lord who was full of surprises.


Joining Harry at the door to the testing room they watched through the now transparent door as the now very sweaty and disheveled transfiguration professor started to glow as she fell back onto the conjured recliner.


Returning the door to normal with a wave of his hand and a thought Harry opened it and walked inside to check on professor McGonagall. Stopping at her side he waited until the glow had faded and removed the wrist and forehead bands and with a quick thought of them being clean he waited a moment for the magic to take affect before placing the bands back on the pedestal and placing everything back into the box.


Clicking open one of his numerous belt compartments Harry found the energizing potion he was looking for and pulled it out, which returned it to its full size once it left the built in stasis field. Holding it out Harry softly told her. “Drink this it will help, or at least get you back on your feet long enough to get some more food in you.”


Taking the offered small vial Minerva fumbled with the cap for a moment before she realized that you had to twist it off, downing the tasteless potion in one go she felt her energy start to return to her.


Sitting down behind the table with the other Lords Harry smiled at the woman that in his old world was his head of house and no nonsense transfiguration professor. “I am slightly surprised and pleased to welcome you into the ranks of masters as a second rank master of transfiguration. It has been since the time of Merlin that the Wizarding world has had a marked master.”


Glancing down at her hands at his words Minerva noticed the two brilliant marks on the back of her hands, gathering up some of her reserves she straightened up in the chair to ask a couple of questions.


“May I ask why there are two marks and what you meant by second rank master?” Minerva asked politely as she adjusted her rumpled clothing.


Nodding his head once Saero told her before Harry could open his mouth. “There are three ranks that compromise the master level, third rank is the rank normally gained upon first being tested, after some more time investing into learning new skills and building ones strength, most test again and achieve another mark on the opposite hand indicating that they have achieved second rank.

Second rank masters are more powerful and skillful than third rank masters, and in that same tradition first rank masters are those that show the most skill and knowledge in their field, and by tradition they are the ones that rule the council of masters and administer the testing to others.

Merlin was a second rank master when he left us all those years ago, though I do not know why he never came back to achieve his next ranking or send us any of his students for testing.”


Minerva sat there for a moment as she took in the information that she had just achieved the same rank Merlin had, it boggled the mind she thought, no way was she as skilled as he was.


Minerva stumbled her way out of her thoughts in time to hear, “I would expect you back for your final ranking test in eighteen months at the longest.”


Deciding to play safe and agree to the last statement Minerva simply said. “I will do my best my Lord to gain the skills necessary to achieve that rank.”


Harry looked at her in a funny way for a moment before slowly saying. “You do know I am not your Lord, at least I don’t think so?”


“In a round about way you are my Lord, as Harold Potter is my liege lord and he has sworn himself to you, it is very clear in the way these things work that you can be considered my Lord also.” Minerva told him in a matter of fact manner.


Not knowing how to respond to that and needing time to think Harry wisely just nodded his head.


XXX


Hearing the knock at his door Harry looked up from his desk and called out. “Come in.”


Watching three very nervous teens walk into his office and stop in front of his desk Harry motioned for them to sit down in the chairs on the other side of his desk.


Harry had to laugh inside at how different the terrible pranking trio were, they must have thought he was calling them into his office to talk about some prank they had set off.


Staring at the fidgeting trio Harry finally let them off the hook. “I understand you wish to be included in those going back to Hogwarts tonight for the announcement of opening up our classes to Wizarding students, so you can visit with your friends when they get off the express.”


Nodding his head along with his friends, then James remembered who he was sitting in front of and bowed his head and in a hesitant voice replied. “Yes my Lord, while dad did tell us why we would be missing this year at Hogwarts, we still would like to visit our friends and maybe during Hogsmeade weekends meet up with them.”


“Dad said he would talk to you about a way that we could leave and stay safe from Dumbledore and the ministry.” Sirius spoke as soon as James had taken a breath.


The only one of the three not fidgeting now was Remus, who was looking slightly subdued.


Watching Remus and trying to figure out why he was not as excited as the other two Harry pulled a wood box out of one of the drawers and placed it on the top of his desk


Hand on the box ready to open it Harry finally asked. “Remus is something wrong? do you not want to go visit your friends too?”


Smiling a smile that really did not fool anyone Remus shrugged his shoulder. “No it would be nice to see some of my friends again.”

“But?” Harry questioned wanting to find out what was bothering him.


Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly Remus turned away and said. “No one came looking for me, Only James and Sirius were worried and the professors would not take them seriously. Only they cared so why should I go back to that castle?”


“But Remus professor McGonagall apologized didn’t she?” James asked trying to cheer up his friend.


“It’s ok James, I am going to go along with both of you, it’s just that it won’t be the same.” Remus said softly holding back the tears.


“The wonder is gone, that and where you once felt welcomed you now feel like an outsider.” Harry told Remus causing him to turn and face him quickly.


“I do understand Remus.” Harry told him softly, more than you know he added silently thinking back to his own Hogwarts years.


“The thing to remember Remus is you are only going back to visit, not stay.” Harry told him as he opened up the small box.


Seeing Remus had better control of his emotions and making a note to call Amathal in and talk to her about helping Remus deal with the feeling of betrayal Harry pulled the first of the crystal pendants out of the box.


“Each of you will need to wear this crystal any time you leave the kingdom, it will protect you from magical attacks and things like port keys and forced Apparation.” Harry told them holding the pendant up by the chain.


Handing the first one to James who had jumped up to the edge of the desk in excitement Harry chuckled and finished his instructions. “They must be worn in a way that they have skin contact, so wear them under your shirts, and if need be use a slight sticking charm so they stay on your skin.”


Remus thanked him as he took his pendant and sat back down as Sirius stood up to get his.


“There you are. Come along boys we need to be getting a move on if we want to make it to the Kings Cross if you want to ride the train.” Harold Potter said from the doorway.


“Thank you.” Sirius and Remus said at the same time as they stood up and moved towards Mr. Potter.


“Your welcome boys have fun.” Harry told them.


James stood up finally still studying the pendant and absent mindedly added his thanks and as he reached the door muttered. “Wow now I have one exactly like Lily wears.”


Harry froze in mid motion of closing the lid of the box starring at the fourth pendant inside that he had hoped to give his mother one day.


XXX


Voldemort sat in his throne waiting for his followers to show up, he was not pleased those damned Aurors had taken out all but ten of his followers. He now didn’t have enough troops to take out the ministry in one move.


Sealing the doors with a wave of his wand after the last person had walked in Voldemort stood up and addressed his followers. “I am not pleased to hear so many of our fellows have been killed, this sets back my plans by months. As the heir of Slytherin I will not be denied my rightful place as the ruler of these sheep.”


“McNally?” Voldemort hissed out causing the man to step forward and kneel. “What of the wards around Hogwarts?”


Gulping and praying his master would not punish him for failure McNally groveled out. “My Lord the wards around Hogwarts and the grounds have changed to something I have never seen or felt before, the power behind the wards is unimaginable. Then the High Elf’s came and placed their own type of protections up around the grounds, protections not even the Unspeakables know anything about.”


Furious Voldemort stalked over to the kneeling man and raised his wand to Crucio the man for his failure.


“Please my Lord, not all is lost I did find a way for you to travel to the High Ones kingdoms.” McNally pleaded seeing the wand focused on him.


Hesitating Voldemort hissed in anger like a snake warning off a trespasser. “Tell me and I will overlook your failure this time.”


Nodding his head as he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat McNally rushed out. “There is a small circular area near where Hogsmeade and Hogwarts meet, just past the Shrieking Shack. It looks like a small version of Stonehenge. All one has to do is stand in the center and call out Sanctuary to be transported to the High Ones lands.”


“They are planning to take the best students from Hogwarts through this miniature Stonehenge to what is rumored as the largest and oldest repository of magical knowledge in the world, they plan to let these students take classes along side their own children.” McNally was still shaking as he told his lord this.


“I must warn you my lord that magic can not be used around this structure lest it kill the caster.” McNally finished and waited head bowed sweat rolling down his face.


Sitting back down in his seat Voldemort contemplated what he had just learned.


Several minutes went by as Voldemort started to plan an ingenious plan that would allow him to master forgotten magic before anyone else making him the most powerful wizard in the world.


Nodding his head at his plan Voldemort once again gave his followers his full attention. “We need to increase our numbers before we are once again strong enough to take over Wizarding Britain and protect our way of life from the Muggle threat.”


“McNally you will use your contacts at Durmstrang while I disguise myself as a sixth year to gain us access to the High Ones library, you will escort me to this hidden land acting as deputy headmaster of Durmstrang. The rest of you will go out and recruit more to our cause, you have two months.” Voldemort ordered leaving unsaid the or else if they failed him.


“Now leave me while I prepare myself.” Voldemort ordered as he unsealed the doors.


XXX


Looking up when the door to their compartment opened James smiled seeing the green eyed red head that was standing there. “Hello Lily, can I talk to you for a minute?”


Eying the messy haired teen warily Lily came in and closed the compartment door behind her. “I ran into Remus in the corridor, he mentioned you wanted to talk to me, and something about the three of you would not be attending Hogwarts this year. So why are you one the train then?”


“Have you been following any of the goings on this summer in the Herald?” James asked curious to know how much he would have to tell her.


“I know about the High Ones returning if that is what you mean.” Lily replied wistfully.


“One of the other things that has been in all the papers is my dad reclaiming the grounds and castle that belonged to my family that Hogwarts was allowed to use under certain conditions. When the board refused to fire Dumbledore after he had all his titles and positions removed from him for treason, dad pulled me as a student from Hogwarts which then reverted control of the grounds and castle back to my family.” James told her watching her closely as he did.


“Your family owns Hogwarts?” Lily asked in a shocked whisper. “Then why are we traveling to Hogwarts then if it is no longer the schools property?”


“Dad allowed the board to offer classes in the castle for one more year under several conditions, one of which is that there had to be a marked Master teaching the students and Dumbledore while he is still the Headmaster, he is not allowed on the grounds ever again.” James said as he tried to think of a way to bring up the subject he wanted too.


Confused Lily sat back in the seat and asked. “But why would he do that, I mean what purpose does it serve if the Headmaster is not allowed in the castle? He can’t even do his duties then.”


Shrugging James answered. “He can’t really, but the main reason that dad removed control of the castle and grounds from the Headmasters control was that the castle gives any Headmaster a magical boost, most times doubling their magical power and core.”


“I never read anything about that in Hogwarts a history.” Lily said softly not sure how to deal with knowing that there was a whole world hidden inside the magical one also.


“Not many do other than my family, I even didn’t know anything about it until dad told me, he said family tradition was for me to learn what he taught me this summer when I reached the age of majority.” James told her opening up some of his families secrets to the only girl he respected and liked.


“All the old families have secrets and magic’s that they only tell members of the family when they reach their majority. Dad told me the only reason he told me early was that he watched the vision of a possible future given by one of the High One seers.” James told her as the horror he still felt crossed his face even now months later.


Moving across the aisle so she was sitting next to James, Lily pulled him into a hug and asked. “Are you going to be ok?”


Nodding his head and remembering that future was not going to happen now thanks to the High Ones James settled back in his seat. “Thanks, it was hard knowing that if the High Ones had not decided to interfere that everything I knew would be lost.”


Smiling now James turned sideways in the seat to face Lily. “I promised my dad not to let the secret out ahead of time, but I am sure you will be one of the ones picked for the advanced courses that are going to be offered this year. You are going to love it.”


Nervous now James asked. “Lily, I wanted to talk to about the pendant you wear.”


Looking down at the pendant that was showing in front of her shirt Lily looked up confused and asked. “What about it? It has been in the family for as long as anyone can remember, it is supposed to bring good luck.”


Unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt James pulled his shirt far enough apart so she could see the one he was now wearing. “I was given one exactly like it this morning from the Lord of the Fourth Kingdom of the High Ones.”


Seeing her stare at it and touch her own pendant he quickly told her. “He told me that it is magical, and would protect me from harmful spells as long as it touched my skin.”


“So mine is like…”Lily trailed off as she understood what she had been told.


Nodding his head James told her. “He told me to use a light sticking charm and Dad has forbidden me from ever leaving the kingdom without wearing it.”


Two things struck Lily from his comments one her good luck charm was magical and the other was that James had been staying with the High Ones since school let out.


Leaning forward Lily whispered as she unbuttoned the top of her blouse and placed the pendant next to her skin. “Show me the spell, please James.”


Smiling James instructed her in the proper pronunciation and told her the recommended wand movements using his finger to demonstrate.


Listening closely Lily tried the spell a few times before asking. “James where is your wand?”


Uncomfortable James muttered. “The High Ones took it away, told me to stop relying on a children’s crutch.”


Horrified hand in front of her mouth Lily whispered. “How do they expect you to do magic without a wand?”


Smiling James leaned forward to make sure no one was outside the door before turning and conjuring a rose, something he had been practicing for weeks to master.


Handing the rose to a very shocked Lily who’s mouth was moving but no words were coming out he sat back down and waited for her to say something, basking in the warm feeling when she had taken the rose and clutched it to her chest after smelling it.


XXX


James separated from Lily when they entered the great hall and agreeing to meet her for the first Hogsmeade weekend if she was not chosen as one of the advanced student to help her learn magic without a wand, James walked to the head table with Sirius and Remus.


Lily looked around for her friends as she entered the great hall and sitting down the first thing she noticed was the extra house tables, there were now seven instead of the usual four.


The second thing she noticed that the first years were being led in and seated at the empty table in the middle.


Once everyone had taken a seat Harold and Minerva stood up and walked around the head table and addressed the students.


“I want to welcome everyone to another year of Hogwarts and thank Harold Potter for the use of his school for one more year while Hogwarts finds a new location to hold classes.” Minerva said as the students quieted down.


“There are going to be many new and exciting things that will be happening this year and for most of you that choose to transfer from Hogwarts to Mr. Potters new school the chance to learn from the High Ones themselves.” Minerva told the shocked students.


“Tonight and tomorrow your teachers and head of houses will be available to answer your questions about the new school and some of the things that will be taught. Also my son James and his two friends have been studying with the High Ones all summer and will be around to answer some of your questions. I would hope by Monday most of you will have had a chance to make up your minds and talk to your parents, who you may invite to stop by this weekend to hear about the changes in person.” Harold told them as he smiled down at his son and friends who were now blushing.


“So that said lets eat.” Harold told them before clapping his hands to let the house elves know to send the food to the tables.


Sitting back down and filling their plates Minerva and Harold made small talk as they watched the stunned students start to talk amongst themselves.