107Disclaimer: I do not own Familiar of Zero or Harry Potter, they belong to their respective owners. I'm not making money, this is just for fun and a hobby at most.
AN: I'll admit I've been concerned for the last couple of chapters I've been irritating some readers over my writing choices. This started as a one shot and had to evolve, and now I'm set on a course with a plot I want to write. Yes I wanted their to be a contrast with Fawkes acting as a peaceful foil to a war that was working in the background towards the foreground. Do people like this idea for a plot, or is everyone mostly here to see Fawkes be Wacky?
I'm writing this in such a way that it will gradually get more serious, although I don't think Fawkes should ever be taken too serious. I want Fawkes to be a pillar, or beacon of hope, etc, in a bleak world. Some of the dark stuff is happening already under everyone's noses, and I'm sorry if the tone shift is weirding people out, it's not like I have a beta reader or anything... Let me know what you guys think. Anyways, if you are fine with all that, please enjoy!
Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four
Old Osmond was not getting any younger. Still it pleased him that despite everything, he was allowed a relatively easy life. Being headmaster of the premier magic academy of Tristan, it was both a privilege, and a burden.
The war in Albion was taking the best his Academy could offer, that was unfortunately not good enough either. While everything he told the staff of the Academy painted the war as, an unfortunate turn of events, tragic but not world ending... In truth the war was not going well, so much so, the powers at be in the military were consulting him.
He wondered if his portrait counterpart had to deal with similar problems himself. He could ask? Truth be told, the portrait of Albus had been upset enough about his own war to talk about it much further. Besides the Albus was currently overseeing the commoners that were constructing greenhouses alongside a free earth mage teacher from the academy.
The fact they were now pushing on other responsibilities on to him, as well as threatening to pull funding and other benefits. Like his Tobacco and herbs. Cough cough... How was a man supposed to enjoy his last few years of life. Again he was not getting any younger. Now he had to deal with talking portraits, an elf in the academy, and even starting up new gardening classes, and potion classes to help the war effort...
Osmond sighed, relaxing in his large chair, wishing again he would get a secretary soon, perhaps one with a nice figure?
"You will help me have a pleasant retirement right my fury little friend?"
Squeak squeak.
"Why Chu chu. That would be delightful!" Osmond pet the top of his cute familiar mouse's head.
Taking a seat again after placing his familiar back on his desk, Osmond grew bored...
Reaching out his hand he pulled an old dusty tomb from a nearby shelf. Despite it's old age, the book was quite worn and appreciated. It had been a favorite since he was a young lad.
It was an old family heirloom, a book supposedly written by Brimir himself in his younger years. The book had never been published, but instead was just a collection of supposed tales, told by the young Brimir himself. A relatively common book among some old noble families, although it had fell out of favor due to it's teachings, which were often at odds with Brimir's final teachings. The church did not like to acknowledge such books.
As a 6000 year old book at this point, it was a long lost relic of a far gone age. Nobody cared anymore. Even fewer still knew of such a books existence, and even if they did, it would be dismissed as fairy tales.
Yes, long ago, before the elves took the Holy land. Before Brimir was left without a home, it was said Brimir had done a pilgrimage as a bard using a different pen-name. Brimir was said to like to tell tales, though the holy church of Brimir will not canonize them, as his earlier tales often went against some of his later teachings. Of course the amount of mage researchers that conclude this changes from century to century.
Mages and mundanes often got along well in these bardic tales. Like the story involving the mage and the hopping pot, a favorite of his for sure. Though not as important as the lesson taught in his tale of three brothers, Osmond thought. Thinking Brimir actually wrote the tales was really just a bonus, and an excuse for Osmond to cherish the heirlooms of his family.
Of course other historic researchers would point out or argue that Brimir wouldn't have had the time to go on such pilgrimages. Some in fact even question whether the Kings of Halkeginia are truly descended from his person, as he only ever had one female companion, but to claim otherwise would be to question Holy authority. It probably did not help that said companion stabbed him in the back.
The Chivalric order he helped establish would later splinter after his death, around his four children, thus forming the countries of Halkeginia known today. What is notable is that his order of knights had been known for there Nobility, Insane Bravery, Fair Play, Loyalty, Courtesy, and Honor. These values were still taught til this day in the book of Brimir.
Still the idea that Brimir had his mentality change so much before his life ended, by his own comrade, was a bit jarring for Osmond. Brimir was at the pinnacle of his power, had joined Halkeginia all together in order to finally end the Elvish threat once and for all... It was a shame that he was struck down before he could fulfill his ambitions however. Thus with his death, the separation of the Holy states of the Holy Romanian Empire was all but insured. His sired children becoming the foundation for the Gallia, Germania, Albion, and Tristain countries of today.
It often made Osmond wonder what might have been, had Brimir's life not been cut short. He supposed he would never have an answer, but at least he had some stories to teach important lessons to the next generation of mages. Mages which would most likely see war shortly in the future. He only wished it could have been a united front against elves, rather then fighting one another...
"Excuse me headmaster. I'm here with Winky. Winky says she's ready to start getting supplies from Hogwarts." Siesta smiled.
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
Saito Hiraga, along with several other future students were currently at Hogwarts. Why some might ask? Well it was because the wizarding war had just barely ended, foreign parents wanted a tour of said school, and an assurance of their children's safety. While it was not unheard of, such requests were often refused in the past. These days under Kingsley Shacklebolt's Ministry, such things were becoming more common, in an attempt to regain normalcy after the war.
The tour itself was being lead by one Rubeus Hagrid, a teacher at the school. He would be teaching them about magical creatures. Although Saito wondered how the magical creatures in England might differ from the ones he studied in Japan. Before school had ended last semester he had finished a study of the Zana Horowa. A reclusive indigenous species of spider in Japan. It's entire white carapace was quite unique, as well as it's magical properties. Some Japanese folklore refereed to it as a nightmare creature.
Saito was glad he was able to meet another one of his future teachers though, and see the school early, even if he didn't think magical creatures were that interesting.
Although it could hardly could compare to his previous school, the castle of Hogwarts was still cool. It was so medieval! It was looking good, despite being ground zero in a war against terrorists a year earlier.
His future headmistress was currently meeting with all the parents as Hagrid took the rather large group of kids of varying ages around the school. Saito didn't know what to make of the large man, but at least he was very friendly. Although he didn't seem to be paying much attention to the kids. Rather he liked to spew lines like. "Dumbledore really liked this table." or... "Oh this was Dumbledore's favorite place to drink tea with me.."
Honestly Saito thought it was sad how the large man seemed to be stuck in the past. Multiple times the giant man went on about dead friends and colleagues as he gave them his tour. It was honestly quite depressing, and Saito wander why the man had been put in charge of their tour.
Although it was pretty funny when he found a ghost in an empty room still teaching about Goblin rebellions. Why hadn't they exorcized that poor soul yet? Regardless it was hilarious, he wondered what his history teacher at Hogwarts would be like? Hopefully not as boring or outdated as that poor ghost.
The group kept moving on until they came to a statue.
"Ah. Don't forget if your ever in trouble, just tell this Gargoyle statue. It will let you go right up and talk with Headmistress Mcgonagall. This is the headmasters office, it should always be open to everyone." He sniffled.
Another one of the children sighed as the big fellow wiped away some tears. Eventually one of the girls in the group offered him a hanky, as he wasted time trying to dig through his own pockets.
"Right then. Off we go now. More places to see. Did you know Merlin attended Hogwarts? Well let me show you his old classroom. Or at least that's the rumor, hard to know for sure. Was a long time ago you know."
Saito was a bit flabbergasted, as the giant oaf showed a regular looking classroom. Even the classrooms in Japan were less basic then this. Perhaps it was preserved for prosperity?
"As you can see, only the finest classrooms in Hogwarts. Envy of the rest of magical schools in the world." Hagrid promoted the dull looking, plain, uninspired, simple classroom..
It seemed these transfer students were a bit hard to impress...
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
'I'm in a tower, nay a fortress... What would Yunche do?'
Tabitha looked around, confusion still marred her face. Panicking only makes things worse, further it did not help her gain new information, but it wasn't safe to just jump in blindly. Perhaps a disguise combined with a befuddling spell? In her books Yunche had done very similar strategies. Although sometimes being a little honest was smart too.
If her uncle had spies wherever, Here, was. Then it would be dangerous to wander without a plan... Grabbing a few white linens from a nearby table in the large office, her disguise was nearly complete. Or at least as complete as she could currently make it.
Tabitha currently looked like a celestial maiden in a white shawl nearly covering all her features. Her blue hair did stick out a bit however, but there was nothing she could do about that. She could however use her staff to distort the air around here using her water magic. It did not confuse others, or render her invisible, nay, rather it distorted her. Making her appearance blurry, unrecognizable, even her sounds would receive an otherworldly ethereal note to them.
This situation was perhaps even more dangerous then the suicide missions her uncle had sent her on. She had no idea where she was, or whom she was amongst. Tabitha was used to dangerous though.
Tabitha calmed her heart and proceeded down the circular stair case. At the bottom a statue moved out of the way, she she exited into a corridor. The corridor was filled with well maintained tapestries, empty suits of iron, and more portraits along the walls. She believed she was either on the third or fourth floor, but it was hard to tell. Beyond the windows one could see a drop off beyond the walls leading to a large lake.
Without direction, Tabitha made her way, keeping the lake in the left of her vision. It was not long before she came across an all too familiar sight, a library. The perfect place to find information about where she was.
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
Neville was currently tucked into a corner of Hogwarts library. In front of him sat several dozen books on the subject of Herbology. Books he had read often enough times both for classes during school, and in his free time. It was going to be hard to decide what books would be on the curriculum
Further he was frustrated because he hadn't eaten yet. He had spent quite a bit of time getting the greenhouses in order. They had been quite the mess. Stacking up seeds for Winky had also strained his back.
Neville sighed once again leaning back in his chair. The chair was old, and subject to multiple of not dozens of reparo spells, it was due for another.
Crack! Bang!
Neville found himself laying on his back of the school's libraries floor. "Ophf!"
"Ah, Bloody hell that hurt." Neville swore as he sat up cradling his arm, only to see the face of a ghostly looking young girl, whom was peering over a bookcase. It was brief glimpse, so Neville nearly doubted what he saw.
"Blimey is that a new Hogwarts ghost? A victim of the battle of Hogwarts?" He spoke quietly aloud.
The apparition had fled as soon as it was seen, leaving Neville with more questions then answers. He didn't think there was any unaccounted ghost in Hogwarts? But hardly anyone else had been in the Castle since the war ended. He would have to ask Headmistress Mcgonagall.
"What a cute ghost though."
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
Tabitha was still trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. Since when did a knight such as herself allow herself to get scared, she was two years older then her peers, a spy. She had allowed her preconceived notion that libraries were quiet institutions to trick her. Being startled by a loud bang, that wasn't very knightly, it wasn't very adult...
She internally cursed her height and young looks.
She did gain some new information though. The young man looked to be a few years older then herself, handsome, not that she was checking him out...
He was speaking Albionese. So there was possibility she was in Albion. Or at least he was from Albion. Her sample size wasn't very large yet, there was an odd accent she didn't recognize either.
That was quite ways away from Tristain, teleportation, some kind of flu? Tabitha knew her Uncle and his cronies could do such a thing, but they would never teach her. Miss Valliere's new familiar could apparate, but she doubted that bird was involved. Which begged the question of how she ended up here.
Only one of her missions from her uncle involved Albion, but only to spy on the royal forces of Albion for Reconquista.
The book she had swiped from the library before a hasty retreat, also gave credit to being in Albion. The book was clearly in Albionese, although it contained odd subject matter. It was clearly a book for instruction in magic however. Although the book seemed gaudy.
The front featured a moving portrait of a man clearly done up to look his best with a wide smile. The book was entitled, Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests.
She would hold unto the gaudy looking book for study later. Although she loved books, she was tempted to remove its cover, she did not like the idea of moving pictures on her books... Well unless they could make one for her favorite book series...
Well best she find some new sources of information. She dared not go back to library. That young man was sharp, and his reflexes while falling screamed battle tested. She was sure all he caught of her was a an indistinct, vague image, anyhow.
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
"Um excuse me?" Kirche tapped the maid's shoulder from behind.
"Epp!" The maid swung around a bowed.
"No need to be so formal. Your the maid from the morning?" Kirche statedly asked.
"Thank you for remembering me Miss Zerbst." The maid bowed again. "How can I help you today.
Kirche could tell the maid was in a hurry, but she was the only other person nearby who may have seen where her friend had went too.
"Have you have happened to have seen my blue haired friend Tabitha? I seem to have just lot her, and I'd like to find her." Kirche pleaded.
"I'm sorry Miss, but I have not. I will ask the kitchen staff however. Now if you will excuse me." The maid bowed, but waited to be dismissed.
"Thank you." Kirche smiled, and curtsied herself.
Kirche checked the nearby classrooms again before giving up in frustration. While it was interesting Louise was having some kind of private lesson, it was not a lead on Tabitha, so reluctantly she found herself out in the courtyard.
Tabitha wasn't there either. A large blue dragon by the name Slyphid was however.
"Scree..." The large dragon let out a low whine.
"You miss your master too?" Kirche asked the large Familiar of her friend.
The dragon nodded. Wasn't this dragon a bit too smart? Well it did belong to Tabitha.
"Whats that in your mouth?" Kirche looked at the round like disc in its mouth. Was it some kind of toy that Tabitha got her dragon?
"Is that a toy?" Kirche asked as the dragon shook her head dropping the disc.
Examining the disc, Kirche found it was quite flexible and light.
"Do I throw this?" Another nod came from the dragon.
"I'll go fetch Flame."
"Scree!" Even today, Slyphid is cutely trying her best.
*Chapter Fifteen: Classes Resume Part Four*
Earlier today...
"Boss what is this?" Irukukwu asked her feathered friend.
"An ingenuous device created by the best muggle researchers my dear Blue. It's a Frisbee!"
Slyphid the dragon roared and clapped in applause. "That's amazing Fawkes, your so smart, how did you get it!?"
Even earlier that day...
"Ah my Frisbee! Come back here! You dumb bird!"
"did that thing escape from a zoo?"
…...
The present...
"It's not important Blue, I have my sources! Fawkes gloated.
"Amazing Boss! What does it do?
"It creates a situation where your master or others are required to play fetch with you. Everyone in the park said that's the rule. All the muggles I observed followed that rule as well." Fawkes chirped proudly.
"Amazing! Your so Amazing Fawkes!" The dragon roared.
"It's no big deal when you are a great Familiar." Fawkes played cool.
"Where did you learn all of this anyways Boss?" Irukukwu asked. A reasonable request.
"My mother taught me, she was really smart." Fawkes spoke proudly of her roots.
"Where is she now, who is she. She most be really smart like you Boss?" The dragon praised her friend Fawkes.
"Yeah she's the best! She's..." Fawkes stopped mid sentence.
"Whats the matter boss?" Irukukwu asked concerned.
"Nai Wai!" … "Fawkes can't remember..." Fawkes dipped down her beaked head.
"I'm sure I'll remember at some point, it's not important. I just need a quick refresher, like some lemon drops! Yup yup!" Fawkes recovered in a brief moment.
"Yeah, just go eat you fill boss! Then we can go play!" The dragon said excitedly. Drool dripping down the large Frisbee's frame.
"Sounds like fun Blue! Yup. Time to play, time to play. Wait! First lemon Drops!" And with a flash the Phoenix was gone.
'Fawkes doesn't need to do anything other then loving and serving her master. Yup!'
End Part 4. Continued in Part 5