Chapter 14 The Journey Starts

October 31, 1994

Everyone at SMI was sitting down to lunch, which was held in the gym, when Harry felt the tug on his magic, and then he got the sensation of something wrapping a thin layer of foreign magic around his core. He sighed, got up from the table and headed to the teacher's lounge, which was off to the side of the gym. He knocked on the door and waited for it to open. It was finally answered by a teacher Harry didn't know, so she must teach upper years.

"I would like to speak to Principal Williams, please," Harry asked semi-formally.

"May I ask what it is about? We were just sitting down to lunch," the short teacher asked, her eyes roving over his punked out hair and clothes. Sometime she wished that SMI had uniforms or at least a stricter dress code.

"If you would please tell her that Harry Owens said it was time, I would appreciate it," the streak-haired boy answered vaguely.

The woman nodded her head and disappeared back inside. Harry leaned against the wall and waited. Soon enough the Principal came to the door and looked at the casual looking young man. She got his attention and raised an eyebrow in question. Not wanting to voice her question out loud in front of all the staff.

Harry simply nodded and shrugged his shoulders.

"Mr. Owens, why don't you come to my office so we can talk about the exchange program? Go and grab your lunch we can eat in there," she suggested as she nodded in understanding. It was a good thing they had been forewarned. Now that everything was planned it would only take a few hours to get it all set up. It had taken some fancy footwork to get the approval, but with the government backing them, they got the School Board to agree. Well, that and they had to tell them who Harry was and why he was to go back, that is what sealed the deal. The Board was very upset that someone would use a contract in a challenge that may strip one of their students off magic.

"Yes, ma'am," Harry agreed and turned to do just that.

"Gather your brother and Mr. Hilton as well," the Principal called after him and received a thumbs-up in return. Chuckling at that, she turned and went to gather her own lunch together.

Harry went back to his table, and put his lunch back in to the containers he had just emptied. All the while thanking God that Kippy stopped making huge lunches. "Dudes, time to go. We've got to meet the Principal in her office… ummm… about the exchange program. Ummm, does anyone know where that is?" he asked sheepishly. He had never been sent to the office and only had a vague notion where it was. Not that he was a good little boy, he was just never caught. They had always talked about the trip in the staff room or at the Owens' house.

"I do," Neville said with a smirk, "I had to go and talk to her once about getting extra credit in Herbology." He didn't receive the extra credit yet, because his experiment was still in the beginning stage. However, if he pulled it off before his apprenticeship, then he would be well on his way to a Master's Degree.

He was working on a way to get a few magical plants to crossbreed with some matching herbs. He was hopeful that it would cause a revolutionary process for better potions, like the Wolfsbane. So far he had five plants growing, but they were still too young to know what they could do. One of Sirius' house elves was going to watch over them while he was away. They should be mature enough to experiment on when he returned. His Aunt Sally was ecstatic that he was doing this and would be visiting when she could so that she could help.

"Yeah, I remember that. It is quite a project," Harry said and stood and waited for his two companions. He was well aware of the room with the weird plants. He had to make sure his snakes never went in there, because the one time they did go in the room, one of the plants bit them. After that, Harry tried to keep the snakes in the herb room or outside. "Anyway, if you know the way, lead on," the streak-haired boy said as he waved his hand in a 'you first' gesture.

Harry kissed his girlfriend and told her he would see her later, and then the boys left the hall to go to the main office.

Many of the other students watched them go, and as soon as they were out of the room the kids exploded with whispers. It was well known by their classmates that they were going to Scotland, and now that the boys were leaving the table in the middle of lunch, well it must be time. The rumor mill was going to go wild with this gossip.

The office was located in the non-magical building, where all administrative offices were, because they all used computers. When the teens got there, they told the secretary that they were expected. She nodded and pointed to the Principal's Office. They knocked on the door and heard 'enter', so they went in and sat on the chairs in front of the non-imposing desk.

The office was a simple business type office. A large, yet plain desk sat at the back, it had a computer to one side and a large pile of folders to the other. Four regular chairs were arranged in front of it, while a nice office chair was occupied by Mrs. Williams. Credentials were framed on the wall behind the desk and a bookcase was off to the right. There were a few scenic pictures of the coast line hanging on the walls.

"So, Mr. Owens, you say that it is time. May I ask how you know? I have received no owl telling me such," the tall redheaded woman inquired. She was dressed in a powder blue business suit, with a salmon button-down shirt showing from her jacket. Her blonde hair was done in a lose bun and there was a pencil stuck behind her left ear. She wore no make-up or jewelry.

"Well, I was just getting my lunch ready when I felt the tug on my magic and then something wrapped around my core. I'm pretty sure that was the binding contract. Still not sure how that is supposed to happen, since I'm not even there," Harry complained. Though he had been warned and been training, he didn't like that Fate stepped on his life once again. He really hated that bitch, if it hadn't been for Jim she would have screwed up his life completely.

"Magic works in mysterious ways," Principal Williams said with a smirk.

The three boys laughed, breaking the tension. They got down to business after that. They discussed the team being called together and the other members of the family as well. They talked as they ate their lunches, just because it was time, didn't mean they had to go hungry. They made plans for everyone to gather at the school when it was out and make their way to the vans. Principal Williams would call for the rental vans and make sure they had enough gas money for the trip to Rhode Island, where the new houseboat was.

Williams sent the boys back to class, feeling they still needed to finish the day and made all the arrangements the committee had discussed previously. The Owens family had set up a fund years earlier so the schools budget was only used for the payment of the teacher that was going with them. The fund is what built the houseboat and would pay for everything else. In addition, it would also give money to the students for Hogsmeade. It was another reason the Board agreed with the trip. That and the fact that there would be a computer room so the kids could continue their education. As she went over everything, she just prayed they had planned enough.

After the school emptied for the night, everyone that was going and their families congregated in front of the Magical Building. Since they had all been given the day they would leave months ago, they all knew to be ready. Suitcases were piled into a large van and a second van was for the passengers.

Principal Williams handed extra money and the class schedules to Vice Principal Scott. "Here is the gas money. Turn the vans in at the rental station. The trip shouldn't take more than three hours. This is the class schedule we discussed before. I will miss all your help this year, I'm still not sure about that temp you hired," she said with a smile. "Make sure you keep an eye on that Healer we hired. I know she signed a contract, but we don't really know her." Her gaze cut to the older woman.

The committee had hired a temp Healer for the trip. Healer Joanne Parks was an older semi-retired woman who answered their ad. She had been a healer for the local hospital and retired when her husband died. She had always wanted to go to England and now was her chance. Who knows when the trip was over she might retire there.

"You're just lazy, Beth," the brown haired man smiled back and took the items and placed them in his briefcase. "Don't worry about Joanne; they did a thorough background check on her. I am not getting any bad vibes, and the kids like her too," he stated calmly, making the Principal relax. She had always trusted his instincts.

Tearful goodbyes were being said by everyone. Hugs and kisses to family members and friends were passed around for forty minutes. "Take care of yourself" and "I'm going to miss you" and "Behave" were heard throughout the group.

"You give those stuck up Brits hell. You hear me?" Jet said to Harry as she hugged him close, thanking Jim for the time they had with these two wonderful boys. She prayed to every deity that would listen that her boys would come home safe. Evie was still unsure about who would win the battle, but she had faith in her boys.

Harry hugged her just as tight; he would miss his crazy aunts something fierce. "I will, Aunt Jet, I will. Don't worry I'll come back. I have to finish school, remember?" he said with a tearful smile.

"Yes, well, don't do anything that will get you into trouble or at least don't get caught. Listen to Gilly and Sirius. Contact me every night on the mirror. Kippy is going with you guys, so you make sure you listen to her as well," Jet said in a stern voice. "Here, I want you to take this," she said, handing him a piece of rope. "It' from Marie's noose. Now, we don't know if it will keep you safe. But, I want you to wear it or keep it in your pocket. I've already given a piece to Neville. It's just too bad that Jordan isn't family. I know you are not technically family, but you are to me, so I am hoping that you will be protected," she fretted, and then cleared her throat. "Yes, well, keep that on you, you hear."

"I will," Harry said as he took the bit of rope and placed it around his wrist, wrapping it around three times. "I love you, Aunt Jet," he said and then turned to his girlfriend who had come to see him off. "I am going to miss you," he said as he gave her a tight hug.

"You keep your temper and make me proud, okay?" Jessie said as tears ran down her face.

"I will, I have to go. Don't go dating anyone else while I'm gone, okay?" he said, giving her a watery smile to show he was joking.

"Oh, you," she giggled, and then kissed him on the lips and clung to him.

"I really have to go," Harry stated, and then after one more hug he climbed into the van. He had already said his goodbyes to Aunt Frances and the Hiltons. He never felt the charm that Gilly placed on him as he was settling down in the seat.

The passenger van was quiet, except for some quiet sniffles, for about five minutes then the overwhelming feeling of excitement started to take over. This was going to be one great adventure.

They made it to Rhode Island in good time. Traffic was their friend, since the other cars were headed the other way. When they pulled up to the oceanfront, everyone got out and helped load the luggage into the houseboat. The students, Gilly and Sirius stayed there, while Mr. Scott and the hired driver returned the vans. Mr. Scott would then take a taxi back. While they waited they looked over the boat and were impressed.

The house on the boat stood on a large wooden platform, with a waist-high wrought iron rail encompassing the outer edges. The house itself was modern and stood three stories high. The first floor was set up so that on the right was a classroom and potions/chemistry lab. The left side was set up in a living space area with the kitchen in the back and medium open space living room to the front. Couches and chairs were scattered throughout, small end tables were next to each seat with a few coffee tables in the middle. A TV was to the back of the room with a gaming station hooked up. There was an gas fireplace near the couches and the lights were all electric.

On starboard side of the second floor was set aside for practical magic studies, it was large enough to take up the whole side of the boat. To the port were the dorms for the male students and faculty. On the third, also to the right, was the computer room and the female staff and students were to the left. All doors to sleeping areas were charmed so the opposite sex could not enter.

Solar panels were on the roof a sunlight rune was etched in to each panel. There was a gas generator was in a large shed on aft and it was charmed to be ever filling. The hardest part was staying connected to the internet. They decided on a satellite dish, which was mounted on top of the shed and would need to be adjusted in the morning. It was shrunken, so that it would fit on the roof of that small shed and not look like a gigantic inverted umbrella. Now, it was the size of a flattened basketball.

The whole boat, barring the starboard side of the second floor, was non-magical. This way there was more entertainment for the teens and they didn't have to cram in to one room to play games and do their computer homework.

When Mr. Scott returned, they launched the boat to the ocean. They didn't have to go very far out, just enough not to be seen. When they got to the area they had mapped out, Gilly, Harry and Neville started to chant. The water around them started to swirl, faster and faster; while the boat remained steady, which was Jordan's and Mr. Scott's job. A large bubble encompassed the boat with enough air for them to breath on the short trip. Then the water rose in a large cone and swallowed them. Since the only land mass they had to cross was Great Britain, creating the tunnel was easy. Getting it to the outside of Hogwarts' wards was not.

As they got closer, Gilly and the brothers concentrated on the exact location they needed to go. The trip itself took about ten minutes, so they should be arriving in the middle of the night. Since they were going to be outside the wards, they would wait until morning to let the castle know they were there. Getting use to the change of time was going to be difficult, someone suggested they use some Pepper-up Potion to keep awake the first day and sleep when the rest of the UK did. It sounded like a good idea, and with Sally's more tasteful potion, they agreed.

They didn't calculate just how far they would shoot out of the water, and when the boat was fifty feet in the air, they realized something was amiss. So Harry used his patent whirlwind and gently put the boat on the water. The waves caused the Merpeople and the giant squid to surface to see what was happening.

Everyone went to the side of the boat to look at the fabled castle.

It was beautiful, standing on a mountain with many stairs running up the sides and the front of said mountain. It was also eerie, seeing how it was the middle of the night and the only lights going were in the halls and the outside walls.

The Forbidden Forest was dark and scary looking; animal eyes could be seen peeking out in the frightening way only they could. Centaurs' shadowy figures could be seen on the borders as they came to investigate the disturbance. Their horse bodies made them seem menacing, but it was the crossbows that made everyone leery. It was a good thing they were out of reach.

"It's beautiful, creepy, but beautiful. I can't wait to see it in the sunrise," the Defense and Dark Arts Apprentice Cathy said in a dreamy voice that only girls could pull off.

"Creepy is right, give me our school any day," Harry scoffed, but he might be just a little biased.

Neville and Jordan were playing with the giant squid, his tentacles were reaching up to tickle their faces and they would catch and scratch them playfully and then let him go.

"You guys are weirdos," Harry said jokingly, then started to play with the large sea creature.

"Right, us weirdos, you have room to talk," Neville said as he playfully shoved his brother, which left a wet hand print on Harry's shirt.

"Leave off, will ya," Harry said in a horrible accent, which caused everyone to laugh.

"Well, since it is our supper time, let's go and see what your friend Kippy has created for us," Mr. Scott said as he steered the kids into the living room, which would serve as a dining area.

They had the same set up as the Owens did. Kippy would cook, do laundry and make sure the boat was stocked, and the students and staff would clean. The little house elf was being paid extra, because she had to leave both of her jobs to come with them.

Sirius had left his house elves in charge of the Owens' household, and Kippy would be bouncing back and forth between the SMI group and the young couple, who were now in a relationship. Harry had sat them down and told them, they weren't fooling anyone and to get on with it. They happily complied.

"Yous needs to be washing your hands and faces. Playing with a squid before dinner, icky," Kippy scolded the teens as they walked in the house part, their faces and hands dripping wet from their play.

"Okay, Kippy," came the chorus response, not the least put out by her scolding.

The teens, adults and Sirius washed up and sat around the living room. The TV was on for background noise, a movie video was playing, but no one was really paying attention to it. Kippy served them a light meal of chicken, noodles and vegetables. They all ate and the oldest, Mr. Scott, did the dishes. They would go down the list every night and then just start over, barring Gilly and Sirius, who would be moving to the village tomorrow.

After they unpacked, excited chatter went through the night and Pepper-up Potion was handed out when it would have been their time for bed. They discussed how the folks in the castle would react when they saw how they were going to get ashore.

Morning came and they all put on jackets, not quite use to the colds of Scotland, and went to see the sunrise on the castle. It was just as lovely as predicted, and the girls sighed as they watched the stones get washed with shades of red and pinks. The windows glittered with the rising sun and the forest started to lose its foreboding. You could still see the Centaurs keeping watch, with their bows at the ready. Silhouettes of the staff and students could be seen in the halls of the castle. Another boat was anchored on the shores of the lake and a giant white carriage was sitting on the lawns. People were moving about in them too.

The doors of Hogwarts opened and five people were making their way to the shore. Harry and the rest of the team watched them approach, dawning looks of horror started to show on their faces as they noticed how they were dressed. They looked like something that stepped out of a fantasy novel. Colorful robes, well, most of them, pointy hats and old-fashion shoes.

Snickering started; it couldn't be helped when they got a gander at the oldest man. His robes were so bright and colorful that it looked like he dressed in the dark, and with the intensity of his robes that was quite possible.

Mr. Scott cleared his throat and the students sobered. When the castles' party reached the shore, everyone on the boat went to the suitcases and got their hover-boards. They went to the stern where the rail split and all mounted up. They whooped and hollered as they skimmed over the water to meet the greeting party. Each was dressed in jeans and t-shirts, with the schools logo on the front. They all had on casual shoes, because dress shoes or heels would make you slip off the board. Harry felt no need to wear his hat, since they would soon know who he was. Hair went flying as they gathered up speed and excited yells were heard in the air as they rode the small waves.

They arrived in a flourish and pulled up in front of the flabbergasted people. Students from the castle, carriage and boat were watching them, most jealous about the boards.

"A jolly good morning to you, our unexpected guests. May I ask what you are doing in the lake?" the old man inquired in a gentle grandfather voice. His eyes twinkled something fierce, like he found the whole thing amusing.

"We were invited," Harry smirked, noting who glared and who looked curious. "Well, I was invited and decided since I had to come, so did my team," he reiterated, waving to the group of people gathered around him.

"No one was speaking to you, you impudent child," the tall skinny dark-haired man said with a sneer.

"Shut up, Snivellus," Sirius said with just as much condescending as the hated individual. He knew he would have to face this man, but no amount of etiquette would make him nice to him.

"What are you doing here, Black?" the man, who must be Snape, sniped back. He was looking down his long crooked nose had his childhood nemesis. You could just feel the hate and tension between these two men.

"My godson invited me," Sirius said in a jovial voice, just to piss the man off. He placed his arm around said boy, in a fatherly manner. This would make Snape realized just who the teen was.

The man's head snapped back to the oddly dressed boy and his sneer became full force. He loathed this young man with every bit of his black little heart. He raked his eyes up and down the boy in front of him and found the child to be lacking in any sense of decorum.

Harry quirked an eyebrow at Snape's perusal and promptly ignored the man and returned his attention to the old guy, who he was sure was Dumbledore. He was going to say something, but since they broke etiquette and didn't introduce themselves first, well he would wait.

"Alas, I do not recall inviting anyone new to the castle. Perhaps you can tell us who you are and we can solve this little mystery. Though from young Sirius' comments, I have a good idea as to whom you may be," the old man said, and you could see the calculating look that entered his eyes.

"Oh, forgive my manners, I am Harry Potter, and your… cup I think, invited me to play a game," Harry said with a small bow, internally laughing at all the shocked faces. He was certain that he was not what they expected. With his long blue and silver streaked hair, and non-magical strategically ripped up clothes. "These wonderful people behind me are my team. This is our Vice Principal Mr. Scott, next to him is Ms. Montgomery from there down we have; Ms. Mumford, Mr. Butterworth, Mr. Wilder, Mr. Sarris, Mr. Diaz, Ms. Knowles, Ms. Lisle, Mr. Hilton and I am sure you know Mr. Longbottom. Next to him is our healer Ms. Parks." Each person gave a small wave as their names were called. "The lovely redhead is my aunt Gillian Owens and next to her, as you know, is Sirius Black."

"Ah yes, Mr. Potter, we were just discussing last evening how to get a hold of you, since all the owls in the past have always returned unopened. May I ask how you knew?" the old man, who still had not introduced himself or his staff, asked.

"I am sorry, sir, if I am about to be rude, but would you introduce yourself and your colleagues. I do not like talking to people I do not know the names of," Harry said formally, ignoring the question for now. Not that it was any of the old guy's business, all he needed to know is that Harry was here and who was with him.

"I am terribly sorry, how rude of me. I am Headmaster Dumbledore, to my right is our Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall and next to her is Professor Flitwick. To my left is Professor Snape and next to him is Professor Sprout," the now known Dumbledore stated as he waved a casual hand to each person as they were introduced. "Shall we go to my office and we can discuss how you knew and what to do now that you have returned to us."

"I am only here for the time it takes to fulfill this so-called magical contract. I don't want you thinking that I have come back permanently. But, hey, sure, we can talk," he said slipping out of formal speech now that introductions were over. "Mr. Scott, Sirius, Aunt Gilly and Neville are coming with me though," he stated firmly, arms crossed and feet planted apart.

"Of course, my boy, of course, they are more than welcome," the Headmaster said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Please refrain from calling me your boy," Harry said politely. It would be the only time he would make it a request.

"Yes, of course, Harry," the old man said, and Harry let it go, for now.

The party of ten started to the castle for what could turn out to be one hell of a talk.

As they made their way up the mountain, the Hogwarts students gawked at the mish-mash group. They especially whispered and pointed at Harry with his blue and silver streaked hair, scar showing on his forehead, and his casual ripped up clothes. The scar wasn't as garish as it could have been, but it was still there.

"Are those combat boots on his feet?"

"Why is the hero of the wizarding world dressed like a punked out Muggle?"

"Look at their clothes. I don't think they have a dress code."

Were some of the whispers they heard, then again the entire SMI group was dressed casually, just not to the extreme that Harry was. So they simply ignored the ignorant people and went on their way.

The SMI clutch chatted among themselves about the many fascinating features of the castle. The moving staircases and all the portraits, even the ghosts were new to them. Harry was still not impressed, well not that he voiced out loud. Internally he grudgingly admitted the magical castle was pretty neat, but he didn't want to give these Brits any ammunition on swaying him to stay.

Dumbledore led the way to his office, pointing out historical parts of Hogwarts as they walked. When they reached the guardian gargoyle and the Headmaster gave a password.

The SMI team scoffed. A principal that was not available all the time for his students didn't impress them. They were used to an office staff to take their complaints or request to. Here there was no secretary to make appointments, just the stone statue that required a passcode. It didn't seem well-organized to them.

The Headmaster ascended the winding stairs, and the Hogwarts staff took the lead. With a shrug the SMI group followed.

The large circular room at the top was, to the SMI team, ostentatious and tacky. The many moving pictures, which made a show of listening to the group that entered, were loud and demanding. The many gadgets and gizmos, that lined the bookshelves, were twirling and emitting high pitched noises. The phoenix was pretty neat, though its large golden perch was a bit over the top. The large wooden desk cluttered with books and parchments took up a good part of the room.

All in all, it was crowded and seemed mostly useless. Maybe it was because the man lived in the castle and was not only there during the day. If that was the case, they could begrudge him his comfort. Everyone deserved to live in a personalized space, though if this were true it said a lot about the man.

The Hogwarts staff gathered behind the desk, only the Headmaster sat. With a wave of his wand, Dumbledore conjured five plushy chairs to appear before the desk. No one sat.

"Please, take a seat so that we may discuss how you knew to be here at this time. And why we were unable to find you all these years. Your grandmother must have been beside herself with worry for you, young Neville," Dumbledore said, looking like a disappointed grandfather peering over his half-moon spectacles at the mention teen.

Neville ignored him, but the rest of the assembly glared. Harry spoke up in his most pompous voice. "We will not sit whilst ladies are made to stand," he said, making no move to the chairs and gestured to the two females on the Hogwarts staff. The rest of the SMI group stood by his side.

Taken back by this, the Headmaster looked around and noted that there were indeed ladies standing, so he waved his wand again and conjured four more chairs to sit around his rather large one. The Hogwarts staff looked surprised at this, but nonetheless took a seat. Then the SMI group sat.

"Now, Harry, my boy, can you explain to me how you knew to be here," it was a gently worded demand and not a question. "The goblet only drew names last night. We were going to attempt to send you an owl today." Dumbledore folded his hands on the desk in front of him and waited for an answer.

"My name, sir, is Mr. Potter. As to your question, magic told me," Harry said with a casual shrug of his shoulder, not offering any more than that.

"You will show respect for the Headmaster," snapped Snape, who looked down his long hooked nose at the teen.

"Shut up, Snivellus," Sirius snapped back, his grey eyes showing just how much he held this man in contempt. "Harry, is not one of your students, you don't get to discipline him. That is up to Mr. Scott." His hand waved in the direction of the Vice Principal.

"Yes, thank you, Sirius. You, sir, will not talk to my students that way," Mr. Scott stated firmly as he glared at the ugly man, not the least intimidated by his dark looks.

"Severus, please," the old man mediated, thinking maybe it had been a mistake inviting his staff to this meeting. He knew well the Potion Master's hate for all Potters and Blacks, though he had no idea when he invited him along that Sirius would be part of the gathering. He had been hoping that Severus would quell the boy into complying with his plans.

The greasy-haired man sat back in his chair, but the glare never left his shallow face. The rest of the Hogwarts staff exchanged glances at this. They were used to everyone automatically respecting the famed Headmaster. It might do well to keep an eye on these Yanks.

"Now, Harry…"

"Again, sir, it is Mr. Potter. Have you forgotten your manners? I have not given you leave to call me by my first name, nor have any of my party," Harry interrupted, those lessons serving him well. Luis would be so proud.

"Very well then, Mr. Potter, would you care to elaborate on your explanation?" Dumbledore asked, stroking his beard in thought.

"Not particularly, sir," the teen shrugged again as he casually relaxed in his chair.

Gasps were heard on the headmaster's side of the office and Dumbledore had to hold up his hand to prevent any further acts of discipline against the impertinence.

"I must insist," a bit of steel was laced in that voice now as the Headmaster leaned forward on his desk.

"Insist all you want, Headmaster. I only answer to five people and you, sir, are not among them," Harry said adding his own bit of coldness, sitting up straighter and leaning forward just a little, his green eyes flashed in defiance.

"I am your magical guardian; therefore, you do answer to me."

The SMI group laughed, taking the Hogwarts staff by surprise.

After a few minutes, the laughter died off and Sirius spoke up. "Albus, you haven't been his magical guardian since he was fifteen months old. Actually, you've never been his magical guardian. I signed off on that while I was still falsely imprisoned. It's documented at Gringotts and the Ministry that Gillian Owens is his magical guardian," he said with a chuckle still in his voice, causing confused looks.

How could he sign off on something while incarcerated? was the thought that ran through most of their minds. Snape just scoffed.

"Being the Supreme Mugwump, how could you not know that?" Sirius asked with a raised eyebrow.

Dumbledore was asking himself the same question. The Wizengamot had awarded him the guardianship the day after the Longbottoms died. Silence held the room for a minute.

"Pray tell, how did you manage that?" Professor Flitwick voiced the question.

"Sorry, can't tell you," Sirius answered, not unkindly. He always liked the little professor. "All I can tell you is that it is perfectly legal, and that Gillian Owen is his guardian in all ways." He shrugged. It was none of their business.

"I want to make it very clear to you, old man, that Harry is my nephew in all but blood. Don't make me angry by trying to interfere with that," Gilly hissed, tapping her finger on the surface of the desk. Her hair started to lift, her eyes flashed and a small wind was felt through the office. While Jim had told them this was a good man, he was not making a very good impression on her right now.

"Thanks, Aunt Gilly," Harry said, placing his hand on her arm to calm her. The last thing they needed was to show their strength to these people. It might be needed later.

Sirius pulled her chair closer and placed his arm around her shoulders to add further support. She sat back calmer, but still alert.

"Can you tell me how that came to pass?" the Headmaster asked, his voice back to being grandfatherly, thinking manipulation and not intimidation was in order. He never expected open defiance from anyone

"No," came the succinct answer from the reddish-blonde witch.

Dumbledore sighed, this was not going well. It was obvious that they weren't going to give him answers. He then took a parchment off his desk and handed it to Mr. Scott. "These are the rules of the tournament, young Harry…" he stopped at the clearing of many throats and reiterated, "Mr. Potter, will need to know them."

"Do you have any idea how someone, on the other side of the world, was entered into a competition he knew little about?" Mr. Scott asked as his took the parchment and glanced over the rules, and then handed it down the line so everyone could read them.

"Alas, we have not begun to look into it as of yet," the Headmaster answered, expecting it to be dropped.

"Have you informed your Ministry?" the Vice Principal asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Why ever would we inform them? This is something that can be handled by me and my staff," Dumbledore answered, confusion clear on his wrinkled face. Everything that happened in this school was handled in-house.

"Is this not a Ministry sponsored event? That is what it says on the document you just handed me," Mr. Scott countered.

"Well, yes it is, however, I have great faith that we will find the culprit ourselves."

Everyone watched the two Head people in the room. The Hogwarts staff a little shocked that anyone would be questioning the man they all listened to categorically. The SMI group had small looks of smugness as they sat back and let the two men talk.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I do not think you understand. Our government knows what has happened, and they are very upset. They want answers, and they want them now. They want a thorough investigation as to why one of their citizens was drawn into a magically binding contract without his consent. And, no, I am not going to tell you how we knew. You only need to know that we did and are ready to take steps to find out why," the Vice Principal stated firmly, looking the Hogwarts Headmaster straight in the eye.

The American Government had been informed about the 'exchange program' the same time the school had. They made sure that all documentation for the SMI group was legal and complete. They also had a squad standing by to intervene if required.

"Was it completely necessary to bring the government into this?" Dumbledore asked with disappointment lacing his voice as he sat back into his chair. His mind running through how much the American Government could ruin his plans. They were a formidable congress and with him being in charge of the ICW, it meant that he could not step a foot out of line if he was under the eyes of another government.

"Of course, it was. Great Merlin, man, one of our citizens could lose his magic to a contract he did not sign. Not only that, but he could lose his life in a competition that is designed for adults. Of course, they needed to know," Mr. Scott snapped, not understanding why the British Government wouldn't be involved. If this was happening in America, the MIA and the Magical Division of the FBI would be all over this case.

Dumbledore once again realized this was another discussion he would not win. It was too late anyhow the government was involved and there was little he could do. "Very well, I will inform the Department of Magical Law Enforcement of the happenings thus far," he conceded. He, the other school Heads, Bagman and Crouch had decided last night, after the students went to bed, to allow Dumbledore to do the investigating. Now it looked like all that planning was for naught.

Mr. Scott pulled a card out of his pocket and handed it to the Headmaster. "Here is the Floo connection and phone numbers of our Magical State Department. They want to be kept up to date on your findings. They ask me to tell you that if they don't think you are moving fast enough, then they already have a petition going to the ICW to come and start their own investigation," he said, sitting back in his chair, much calmer now.

"Now that that is all settled, we can discuss where you will be staying, and how your studies are going to be completed. You are, of course, welcome to attend our classes and dine with our students," Albus said, moving on to what he hoped to be a safer topic. Leaving the matter of why Harry could not be found for a later date.

The two boys chuckled; the adults, and Sirius, shook their heads. "Didn't you see the big houseboat floating on the lake?" Sirius asked in a mocking tone of voice. "It is set up so that they have whatever they need to study and rest."

"Is that what that is? Alas, it was a bit far out for my old eyes to see. Then you have your own accommodations, which is very convenient. You are still welcome to move the… houseboat closer to shore. It would make it easier for your students to come to the castle for lessons. Though the method you used this morning looks more than fun," Dumbledore said his twinkle once again present.

"From what Sirius tells me your classes are not up to par with our own," Harry spoke up, making all heads turn to him. "So we will have to decline your generous offer."

"What do you mean, not up to par with yours? We are the best school in all of Europe," McGonagall spoke for the first time. She was now insulted by this uppity teenager, that didn't even know how to dress properly —blue and silver hair indeed. She was not at all impressed with this child, Boy-Who-Lived notwithstanding.

"Perhaps I was mistaken, do you have computer classes here? Things might have changed since Mr. Black's time, progression and all that," the young man inquired with a tilt of his head, maybe it had changed.

"What is a computer?" Flitwick queried with a tilt of his own small head.

"That answers that question. Since you don't have the required equipment that is needed for the students studies, we will be staying on the boat," Mr. Scott intervened and then looked at the Professors' curious faces and added. "You and your students are more than welcome to have a tour of our classrooms, only a few at a time though." This offer incited excited whispers. "We cannot bring the boat closer as your wards would interfere with our electronics," he explained vaguely.

"Perhaps you can take meals with us," Dumbledore offered, a little put out that they would not take studies with the Hogwarts students. He had hoped on impressing the two boys and luring them into staying in Britain. He was sure that these… computers were inferior to the lessons offered by Hogwarts, but there was little he could do if they had already made their own plans. The students of The Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute studied in their own housing, so he could not push the matter.

"We can take breakfast with your students and your guests, but we follow a strict diet," Mr. Scott compromised, thinking that one meal a day wouldn't hurt.

Dumbledore sighed again, once more having to back down. He was not use to this type of conversation. "If you provide a list of foods that you have on your diet, then the house elves will do their best to make sure it is served."

"I'll have Kippy, our free elf, take a menu to your elves tonight, along with the recipes," the Vice Principal said as he got up from his chair and the rest of the group followed suit. "We have to get the students in class, it is already past time. If there isn't anything else?" he asked and offered his hand to the old man and nodding his head to the others.

"No, I believe we covered the basics," Dumbledore and his staff also rose from their seats. The Headmaster took the hand and shook it and nodded to the SMI crowd. The group of five left the office and once more made their way through the castle, whispers and pointing followed them everywhere they went. When they came to the shore, they noted that the rest of the SMI students were in discussions with students from all three schools.

Mr. Scott broke it up by saying, "Forgive us, we must attend classes now. I am sure that you are missing yours as well."

Students looked at their watches in mild horror and gathered up their belongings and ran for which ever building had their lessons. The SMI group turned and headed back to the boat, via their boards, laughing as the waves caused them to lift in the air. They really loved these boards.

All the apprentices took the younger students to the classroom. Agent Mumford was doing a perimeter check, Luis was arranging his class. Mr. Scott, Gilly and Sirius gathered in the Vice Principal's office, which contained little more than a desk with a computer, three extra chairs, a bookcase and a table off to the side of the desk that had standard office equipment on it. They all settled and discussed what happened in the meeting.

Sirius was chuckled and Gilly nudged him in the ribs to get him to stop, which made him chortle more. "Sirius, seriously, stop laughing," she scolded; she didn't think the talk had been funny at all.

"You don't understand. No one ever stands up to Dumbledore, well hardly anyone," Sirius said, his laughter finally dying down. He sat straighter in his chair, but amusement still sparkled in his grey eyes.

"Yes, well, I think the talk went well enough," Mr. Scott said, arranging the parchment with the rules in front of him. "Let's talk about these rules for now and leave Dumbledore until he actually tries anything," he suggested, reading over the paper once again and then turned to his computer and opened the scanner program to make sure a copy was emailed to the Principal. "According to this," he gestured at the rules, "I cannot help Harry in anyway. I will be told what the tasks are, but I am forbidden to explain them to anyone else. So he will have to go in blind, unless he stumbles across the tasks themselves. You two are not part of the staff, so you can train him anyway you want," he said, not knowing that Death had told them about the tasks.

"Well, that's something," Gilly said with a sigh. She knew Harry was more than up to whatever these people threw at him. They had trained already, but she knew that the teen was still worried. She had been unable to find a dragon, so he had no clue about them, besides what he read in books.

"Don't worry, Gilly-bean, Harry's a powerhouse all on his own. Besides, do you think he is going to just sit and wait to find out what he's up against? No, that boy will turn over every stone in the castle to find out," Sirius said for the benefit of Mr. Scott. He took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

She looked at him with grateful eyes, more than happy he was here to support her. "We better get to the house and get unpacked." She stood and offered her hand to Mr. Scott, "If you need us for anything call us on the mirrors. I am pretty sure phones won't work in Hogsmeade."

Mr. Scott rose and took her hand and said, "I will see you tomorrow. Enjoy your evening." He then shook Sirius' hand and showed them the way out. They stopped to gather suitcases first. The couple had their own boards to get to shore. Gilly wanted to see if Jumping would work, but Sirius said that could wait for another time. When they reached the village, they went to a house that was close to the Forbidden Forest.

It had stayed empty for years, because of its location, but Sirius snatched it up the second he knew they were coming. He remembered the old couple that used to live there, from his time at Hogwarts. They had been a nice couple that offered to lead kids back to the path, if they got lost exploring. They always had tea and biscuits for the students. It was sad to see the house empty, but fortunate for them.

It was a small house, only one bedroom, one bath, a living room, dining room and kitchen. It would serve them well for their stay. There was a small clearing behind the house that led to the forest. A larger yard was in the front, with small trees and bushes dotting the area. No electronics were in the house, it was all magical. They could tell that Kippy had already been there, since the furniture that Sirius had purchased when he bought the house was rearranged nicely and the floors and surfaces were all free of dust. The cold-box was stuffed with food and the bed was made.

Gilly was already making plans to put some tables in the yard to invite others to visit and gossip. This way she could get gossip on what was happening here in Britain and how people felt about Harry, so they could plan accordingly.