Clandestine meeting at the Lake Ⅱ

Some of the board members take a step forward closer to take a closer look at the serpent, while others take a step back to remove themselves from the serpent's strike zone.

"A Great Horned Serpent," Izuki Saito reverently whispered recognizing the North/South American magical serpent breed. It certainly is most unusual for a specimen to be found this far north much less in a foreign environment.

Izuki had learned much about these great, but shy powerful serpents at Mahoutokoro. Serpents in ancient Japan were traditionally revered as a messenger of the Spirits bringing a divine curse against any who dare harm or disturb the dwelling of a serpent. As such even now, many magical serpents from around the world are carefully protected/respected by the witches and wizards of Japan.

(Izuki Sato in his youth had attended Mahoutokoro. Mahoutokoro is located on the topmost point of the volcanic island of Minami Iwo Jima. The smallest student body of the eleven major wizarding schools, but an excellent reputation for impressive academic prowess and even more for Quidditch.)

Bowing deeply to the waist, Izuki Sato solemnly says, "I greet the Keeper of the Rivers and Lakes. I, no, we are honored to be in thine presence."

The tip of Nadira's tail curls in delight at being thusly greeted. "Rise wise one," she solemnly answered. "I am flattered that there are still those that recognize my kind as such," earning a rare bright smile from Izuki Sato.

There are even louder choking sounds from the board at hearing the voice of a young girl in early adolescence from the throat of the serpent. A magical creature that can speak the human tongue is very rare. Usually, it is an ancient creature with great power. Yet here is a juvenile creature speaking the human tongue. It is simply unprecedented!

Turning to eye the shocked the witches and wizards, Nadira says, "I am Nadira, the Guardian of Hogwarts and these lands as was the first guardian." The board members turn to each other and whisper to each other at the words of the serpent.

"Guardian Nadira, if I may," croaked Earl Porter, a balding wizard with portly cheeks like those of a Bulldog that shake with every word he speaks "What do ever do you mean by Guardian?"

"Wizardkind, you have forgotten your past," Nadira chided them. "You have forgotten the guardian that the Hogwarts Founders established long ago and equally long slain. Hogwarts has been guardian-less for nearly a thousand years. And now at long last, there is a guardian, me."

Earl Porter opens and closes his mouth thinking better than to ask a follow-up question. He wasn't certain that the serpent would speak clearly. And well, he was not exactly fond of magical serpents having been bitten by one his exploratory youth in the wilds of Africa.

"Guardian Nadira, then what is it that a guardian does, and why has Professor Dumbledore been removed from his post as Headmaster?" Secundus Wilkes dared to firmly ask.

Nadira lazily floats closer to the wizards and witches causing a few to stiffen. "A guardian protects the children of Hogwarts and all those that reside in these lands. We protect against those that might bring harm to these lands."

Turning to Albus Dumbledore, Nadira flicks her tongue at him causing the fire chicken (Fawkes) to loudly squawk at her in protest. "The loyalty of the headmaster cannot be split into two. As such, Albus Dumbledore is not fit to be the Headmaster of Hogwarts," causing the fire chicken (Fawkes) to unhappily fluff its crimson and golden feathers.

Leaning closer to Albus Dumbledore, Nadira's tail draws forward to gently pat Albus on the nose. "No, Albus Dumbledore's place is not here, but rather out there."

Pulling back, Nadira floats over to Lucius Malfoy staring down at his pale, blonde hair. Flickering her tongue, Nadira tastes the magic surrounding the wizard. Content that she does not find an off-putting scent, she says, "The post of Headmaster must be filled. Servant of Hogwarts, present a name before me, and I will determine if they are worthy."

For the first time in all of his life words fail Lucius Malfoy. He feels as though he is a bird unable to move his eyes from the bright jewel eyes of the serpent lest it attack. (Then again, the Malfoy family may...have some Veela in them…. There may be an ancient Hawk instinct at play…)

Seeing the frozen expression of Lucius, Walburga suppresses a sigh and steps forward to salvage Lucius's honor. Lucius would owe the family one. Squaring her shoulders back, she raises her gray eyes to meet those of the serpents.

"Guardian Nadira," Walburga courteously bowed her head towards the serpent, "may I humbly suggest the name of Master Linnaeus, I am somewhat acquainted with the master. Master Linnaeus has a dual mastership in both potions and herbology. A Slytherin, yes, but a researcher above all. He will be a fair Headmaster."

Nadira pensively flickers her tongue rather pleased at the suggestion of a Slytherin headmaster. The symbol of Slytherin is a serpent and she herself is a serpent. It would speak volumes about the unity of Hogwarts and assure in a new area.

Satisfied the blue gem began to glow on Nadira's forehead emitting a bright glow. She strains against the Hogwarts wards that permit her magic to pass through. She uses the magic of Hogwarts to aid her in summoning from faraway the chosen Headmaster.

Bright lights begin to fill the sky showing a bubble-like ward surrounding Hogwarts. A shoot star zooms across the heavens straight for Hogwarts. The Hogwarts ward part sufficiently enough to permit a new entry, before sealing shut just as swiftly. The shooting star plummets from the heavens before landing with a soft plop before them.

In a mess of tangled robes swearing loudly, a solemn wizard staggers to his feet. "By Tartarus, Merlin's baggy pants! Cannot a man simply enjoy his dinner in peace without interruption-!" Master Linnaeus loudly swore, before falling abruptly silent at noticing that he is no longer alone.

Frowning Master Linnaeus glances around only to find himself outside. In the looming distance is a very familiar castle, Hogwarts, which he attended in his youth. "Professor Dumbledore?" He murmured in disbelief as he recognized his old transfiguration professor.

"How? No, why am I at Hogwarts?" Master Linnaeus bewildered asked only to have Maxwell Zheng with subtly indicate to him to turn around.

Master Linnaeus slowly does as his eyes widen dramatically. There floating before him is a floating serpent. Being friends with Master Strauss, he instantly recognized the serpent as an albino variant of a Great Horned Serpent. Yet these shy, powerful serpents never traversed the open seas like their cousin's sea serpents. These serpents only resided and traveled through rivers and lakes of North & South America. A most distorting peculiarity….