4 Start of School

Author's Note

So I was looking up more stuff about Sun Wukong and I realized I had forgotten a really important power of his, the Flying Nimbus. I edited the earlier chapter to add it in, so that's there.

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The next couple days passed by quickly with not much of interest happening. I got a response from Professor McGonagall that I would be put in the 3rd year classes unless I could test out of them when I arrived at school. I planned to study as much as I could about the subjects to see if there was a chance I could test out of the class, but I didn't have high hopes.

Our book lists came, which led to Ron and Hermione finding out I had switch classes.

"What do you mean you're not taking Divination" Ron said.

"I said what I said Ron. Divination is a waste of a class. I think Arithmancy and Ancient Runes will be a lot more interesting and useful."

"Well I for one think it's good that you're taking your studies more seriously for once Harry." Hermione said.

"Thank you Hermione."

Ron grumbled some more, but I just ignored him. After getting our book lists we headed to Diagon Alley to get our school supplies. I went into the bank first and got some money out. I took a lot this time, since I planned to get all of the Arithmancy and Ancient Runes books they had available to help with my evil piece project.

The shopping trip when ordinarily, with some confusion as to why I was buying so many of the books on those two subjects, but I just brushed it off as wanting to be prepared.

With our supplies collected, we were ready to get on the train in a few days, so I spent those last few days studying as much as I could on my two new subjects. It turned out that becoming a Campione had boosted my comprehension speed to ridiculous levels. I found myself picking up the subjects in no time, moving on from the third year books to the fourth year books soon after. I hadn't gotten a chance to put anything I learned into practice, but on just theoretical knowledge I would soon know everything from the books I had picked up.

It soon came time for us to get on the train. The trip to the station was mundane and once we arrived at the train, the groups split off, with Ron, Hermione and I finding a compartment for ourselves.

Along the way we heard people muttering about the events at the Quidditch World Cup as well.

"It seems everyone's worried about what the Death Eater attack could mean." Hermione said once we were sat down in our compartment.

"They'll probably forget about it soon enough." I replied. Thinking about going back to Hogwarts, I wasn't sure how to feel. On the one hand, I was excited to learn as much magic as possible, especially with how fast I could pick things up now. On the other hand, every single year I had to deal with something. First year Quirrelmort, second year the Chamber, and last year dementors and finding out Sirius was innocent.

'Huh, speaking of the Chamber. I should see what I can find down their. I never really looked around, focusing on saving Ginny.'

It was a little ways into the ride that we heard a knock on the door. I stood up and moved to the door, opening it to find Draco standing with Crabbe and Goyle.

"What do you want Draco?" I said, not really feeling like dealing with him right now.

"I was just wondering if you were going to attempt to compete Potter." Draco replied, sneering.

"Compete in what?" I asked, confused on what he was referring to.

"Oh, so you don't know then. I know of course, my father told me."

"Either tell me what it is, or go away."

"I think I'll do just that. You can find out with the rest of the rabble." Draco said and turned on his heel, leaving with his goons.

Closing the compartment door, I sat back down.

"I wonder what he was referring to." Hermione said.

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." I said, but I was really thinking about the way he had referred to it.

'Draco asked if I was competing in it which means there is going to be some kind of competition held at Hogwarts this year. Knowing my luck, even if I don't participate I'll end up in it somehow. Once I know what it is, I need to plan for it.'

The rest of the ride passed smoothly without anymore interruptions and we made our way into the castle, heading to the Gryffindor table when we arrived.

The first years were led in and sorted and we were able to eat. Thinking about it more carefully, I realized I should be extra careful when it comes to Dumbledore, so I activated my Senjutsu to check the food I was eating. My magic resistance wouldn't stop potions automatically, I'd have to consciously activate it to remove the effects from myself.

Checking the food, all I saw was a calming draught which was probably for the first years, so I just ate the food normally. After some time where everyone caught up and ate, Dumbledore clapped his hands and drew attention back to himself.

"Now that you are all fed and watered, I have a very important announcement to make..." Before he could continue the roof of the Great Hall, which was enchanted to emulate the outside weather began to show lightning and thunder. The front door of the Great Hall bangs open as a grizzled man walks in, his false eye looking around, taking in the entirety of the room.

"Ah yes, this is Professor Moody, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Dumbledore said.

Moody grunted and moved to his seat at the table. I could hear mutterings around me about "Mad-Eye Moody" which I guess was based on his eye.

"Now as I was saying, I am proud to announce that this year Hogwarts will be the host of momentous event, the Triwizard Tournament."

'Yep there it is. Knew I couldn't have a normal year.'

"You're joking." The twins said.

"I am not joking. It has been decided that the tournament would be reinstated, with some restrictions. The most important of which is that only those of age may participate. If you are below the age of 17, you will not be allowed to join." Dumbledore said.

There was some outcry at that fact, but I wasn't really worried, I knew I'd somehow find my way into that tournament, whether I wanted to or not.

"The other schools will be arriving in October, where the drawing for champions will occur on Halloween. That is all, off to bed all of you." Dumbledore finished.

'And he chooses to do the drawing on Halloween. It's like he's mocking me at this point.'

I followed the prefects up to the dorms and made my way to the room I would share with the other fourth year boys. Everyone around me was excitedly chattering about the Triwizard tournament when Dean asked me a question.

"So how about it Harry. Are you going to try to find a way to join?"

"Knowing my luck, I'm going to end up in it anyway so why bother." I replied.

"What do you mean by that?" Seamus asked.

"Never mind. No, I'm not going to try to enter."

That seemed to assuage them, so they went back to talking about different methods they could use to get in the tournament.

"Oh Potter, could I speak to you for a second." McGonagall said to me.

Nodding my head, I followed her off to the side.

"You will take your placement test for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes at 8am tomorrow morning before classes in my office." McGonagall said.

"Okay, do I need to bring anything specific?" I asked.

"No, everything will be provided for you. Just come prepared to show how much you know."

After that she left and I made my way into my room where my stuff had already been placed for me. Laying down on my bed, I decided to just go to sleep since I had to wake up early for my placement test tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------The next morning I made my way down to breakfast early since I needed to take the placement test during the usual time I would get breakfast. Grabbing a quick snack I made my way up to Professor McGonagall's room.

Knocking on the door, I heard a "Come in." Opening the door and entering, I found McGonagall sitting behind her desk with some supplies.

"Take a seat Potter, we'll get started with the test right away." She said.

Moving to take the seat closest to her, I waited as she placed the quill and parchment in front of me.

"You have 45 minutes to answer all of the questions. You won't be tested on the practical portion of either class because that part is easier to teach quickly. This is solely a theory test. Ready. Begin"

Beginning the test, I found that I easily knew all of the answers for the first 30 minutes of the test. It was when I got to the last 15 minutes that I began to have trouble with answering some of the questions. It wasn't too bad though, I think I puzzled out a good amount of the questions I didn't know.

When time was up I handed her the parchment and she said "Give me a second and I'll have this graded."

I waited as she looked over my answers, comparing them with another piece of parchment. After a little while she finished looking over it and looked up at me.

"You did well Potter. You placed out of the third year class and even the fourth year class as well. I'm not sure how you managed to pick up the material this quickly, but you did. You'll be put in the fifth year classes for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy let me just make your schedule and inform the teachers." McGonagall said and left the room.

'Huh, so I'll be ahead of Hermione for once. It feels good to finally show what I can do.

She came back soon after and handed me my schedule for the year. It was more full than my last one since I was taking an extra class, but I didn't mind.

With everything done, I left McGonagall's classroom and headed to my first class of the day.

--------------------------------------------------------------My first class of the year was Herbology with the Hufflepuffs. Making my way down to the greenhouse, I met Ron and Hermione on the way.

"Where were you this morning Harry? You weren't at breakfast." Hermione asked.

"I had to go to McGonagall's room to see what class I would place in for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."

"Oh, it's fine if you placed into the third year classes. I can help you catch up and maybe you'll be able to move up to the fourth year soon." Hermione said.

"Actually, I placed into the fifth year classes."

Hermione's face changed to a look of shock, but before she could respond we made it to the greenhouse and had to be quiet for class. Herbology passed normally, although I could feel Hermione giving me weird looks the entire class.

Once it was over, we all shuffled out of the greenhouse and Hermione pulled me aside. I waved Ron to go on to Care of Magical Creatures.

"What Hermione?"

"How did you place into the fifth year classes?" Hermione asked.

"I studied for the test and passed, it's not that complicated Hermione."

"But how did you pick it up that quickly? You only got the books a few days ago."

"I'm not talking about this anymore Hermione. I placed into the higher classes, as a friend you could just be happy for me." I replied, getting annoyed.

Hermione sighed and said "I am happy for you Harry. It's good that you're taking your studies seriously. Let's go to class."

We made our way to Hagrid's hut for class, but I could tell it was still bugging Hermione that I had managed to get ahead of her in a class.

--------------------------------------------------------------The rest of the day passes normally. Most of my classes were the same as last year. I did have my first Ancient Runes and Arithmancy classes, which I found interesting.

People were surprised to see me in the fifth year class, but after confirmation from Professors Babbling and Vector that I was supposed to be there, they got over it, although I was sure it would end up in the rumor mill before the day was out.

We didn't go over much during class, but I found it interesting nonetheless.

Once all my classes were done for the day, I started to search the school for a place to summon Rias to train and work on the evil pieces.

I wandered through the different floors of the school, finding some unused classrooms that could potentially be used. I activated my Senjutsu as I went, finding Hogwarts to be almost alive. I could sense secret passageways throughout the school, taking note of the ones that weren't on the Marauders Map to check them out later. Eventually, I made it to the seventh floor and felt a ton of energy concentrated in one place. Making my way over, I found a painting, but I couldn't figure out what the purpose was.

I paced back and forth in front of it, sure that this could be a good place to use. After I had passed back and forth three times, the wall turned into a door.

'What changed? Why did the passage open now?'

Moving towards the door, I opened it to find an open room with training dummies off to the side. There were different courses littered throughout the room that would be good for training and an area off to the side with books and tables.

'This room is perfect. I just need to figure out how to access it consistently.'

Moving back outside of the room, I watched as the door closed behind me and disappeared from the wall. Repeating what I did, I paced back and forth in front of the wall while thinking of the room I had just been shown. Just like last time, after three times the door opened back up with the room inside.

'So I need to think about the room and walk back and forth three times in front of the painting. This is good, that room is perfect for what I need. I'll come back after dinner and summon Rias to get started.'

I made my way back down to the Great Hall for dinner, sitting next to Ron and Hermione.

"Where've you been Harry?" Ron asked through the food stuffed in his mouth.

"Wait to speak till you're done eating Ron. But yes, Harry what have you been up to?" Hermione asked.

"I was exploring. It's been a little while since we've been here, I thought I'd make sure I still knew where everything was, what with the castle changing all the time." I lied.

"Yes, it's changing structure can get frustrating." Hermione agreed.

"We missed you in Divination today mate." Ron said.

"Well I for one didn't miss that class. I don't think I could take another year of predictions of my death."

"Yeah Trelawney moved on from you. Now she's predicting Neville's death." Ron said.

"You've got to come back Harry. I can't take her focusing on me." Neville said next to Ron.

"Sorry Neville, I'm happy I'm gone. I'm sure you'll survive, just look out for the grim."

After that there was some conversation about random things. Once everyone was done eating, people began to leave.

"Hey, I've got something I need to do. I'll see you guys later." I said to Ron and Hermione. I got up and left the room, walking around a corner and entering a secret passage I had found earlier to get to the seventh floor quickly. Walking in front of the painting again, I entered the room.

I was curious about what the topic of those books was, so before summoning Rias I went over to the desk and opened the closest one. It turned out that they were all advanced Arithmancy and Ancient Runes books.

'This room really gives me whatever I need.'

Putting the books down for now, I pulled out the summoning paper and channeled some magic into it. I was a little worried Rias wouldn't be able to enter because of the wards around Hogwarts, but it seemed I had nothing to worry about as the symbol appeared on the floor and from it appeared Rias.

"Hello Harry." She greeted.

"Hi Rias. I was kind of worried you wouldn't be able to enter Hogwarts, but I'm glad it worked."

"Oh that's because devils are exempt from the wards. Merlin was half devil, couldn't have him locked out of the castle, now could they." Rias stated like it was common knowledge.

'Well that wouldn't go over well with the pure bloods.'

"I found a good room for us to use. Do you want to set up specific times to meet up or should I just summon you whenever I have the time?" I asked.

Rias thought about it for a second before responding. "As long as it's in the evening I think I should be available to be summoned. I might not be able to answer the summons sometimes, but otherwise it should be fine."

"Alright sounds good. Let's start with training and then I'll get started on the evil piece. What exactly can you do?" I asked, not really sure what I was dealing with.

Rias held out her hand and a small magical circle formed on it. From the circle, a crackling black and red energy formed. "This is the Power of Destruction. It disintegrates matter."

'Well that's not stupidly strong at all. Then again, I can't really talk.'

"If we're going to be sparring, I want to see how much my magic resistance affects your power. Start off slow and hit me."

"Are you sure? I know Campione have insane magical resistance but still." Rias said, looking worried.

"It will be fine. Go ahead whenever you're ready." I said while wishing I was as confident as I sounded. I needed to know the limits of my resistance, though, so I didn't try to take something I couldn't handle.

Rias formed a small ball of destruction and threw it at me. It destroyed part of my shirt, but my skin was untouched.

"Maybe I should've taken my shirt off before we did this. I can't keep replacing my clothes." I said, removing my shirt, leaving me standing bare chested.

Rias took a moment to look at me appreciatively, which made me a little self-conscious. I was used to being overly skinny, now that I wasn't I didn't know how to really act.

"Increase the power this time." I said, trying to distract myself.

From there we continued to test it, with Rias increasing the power of her blasts. By the time she reached her maximum output, I still hadn't even been damaged.

'My magical resistance is insane.'

"Campione magic resistance isn't even fair. I wonder if my brother could even get through it." Rias said, pouting.

"I hope I never have to find out. Okay, we know I won't get hurt, how are you on magical energy left?" I asked Rias.

"I put everything I had into that last blast, so I need some time to recharge." Rias said and I noticed she was panting slightly and sweating.

"Okay, we can take a break and I'll get started on trying to work with the evil pieces. Can you summon one for me with what you have left?"

"Yeah, I think I can manage that." Rias said and held her hand out, summoning a pawn piece.

'We need some couches in here, or something to rest on.' I thought and as I thought that the room shifted, creating an area with a large sofa and pillows.

"How did you do that?" Rias asked, looking at me curiously.

"I think the room responds to desires. I thought about wanting a resting area and it made that."

"Ooo, let me try." Rias looked excited. She looked like she was concentrating for a second before the room shifted again, creating a shower.

"I'm going to take a shower while you work." Rias said, moving towards the shower she had created.

"Uh, alright then."

I sat down at the desk and used my Senjutsu to scan the piece while looking through the books the room had created. As I worked, I tried to ignore the sounds of the shower running, but it wasn't going very well.

'Come on Harry focus.'

Centering my focus on the piece, I flipped through the pages of the first book I could open, quickly reading it and looking at the way the piece functioned.

'It's going to take me some time to figure out how to fix this. It's all so deeply connected that I have to work out how to isolate just the binding part of the piece.'

I began to get sucked into my work, completely ignoring the outside world as I continued to read. It wasn't until I felt a hand on my shoulder that I jolted up, turning around to find Rias in all new clothes.

"You okay, you were kind of zoned out there."

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's going to take me a little while to figure this out. I need to read through these books first, but it shouldn't take me too long." I replied.

"Sounds good, but it's getting kind of late. I'm going to head back, do you want me to leave the piece here?" Rias asked.

"I don't need it at the moment since I need to get through these books first. I'll summon you again for us to keep training when I get the opportunity."

"Okay, good night Harry." Rias said, summoning her magical circle under her.

"Night Rias."

After she left, I summoned a clock and checked the exact time to see that it was almost curfew. I didn't have my invisibility cloak with me, so I needed to get back before curfew today.

'I'll have to remember to bring it with me next time I come back.'

Gathering up a couple of the books, I made my way back to the Gryffindor dorms. Saying the password to the Fat Lady, I entered to find some people in the common room. I moved past them and made my way up to the fourth year boys dorms, finding Neville the only one there on his bed, reading a book.

Greeting Neville, I made my way to my bed and put the other books down while keeping the one I had been reading. Sitting down on my bed, I spent the rest of the night reading. The rest of the guys trickled in one by one, but I had my curtains drawn around my bed so I could get some peace. Eventually, I put the book down and decided to get some rest for the night.