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Hogwarts practicum





Hagrid met the train at Hogsmead. "First years, this way. This year we are doing a few things differently. Come with me to the castle." The first year students followed Hagrid to the boats to see the beautiful bucolic view of their next seven years. It was awe inspiring and wondrous. Harry felt like he had come home for the first time.



The heads of house called roll for the older students. The elder pupils sorted by the responses written in the handbook.



Professors Sprout and Flitwickled part of the upper classes away to board the carriages to the north entry levels. The charms corridor was the located on the north side. The greenhouses were located on the grounds slightly east of this corridor. The elves provided light snacks and refreshments. The students would still have amain dinner feast and be able to associate with their friends. The heads of houses set a new tone for the year by distinguishing Hogwart's new priority.



Former professors McGonagall and Snape met the remaining older students. They led them to the south entryway which housed the potions and hospital corridor. There were two new heads of houses waiting for the students. The light snacks and refreshments sat by the door.



Both groups discovered that McGonagall and Snape had taken on different responsibilities within the proper administration of the school. The older students had been divided so the staff could explain that each group would be responsible for a different practicum of group projects. Hogwarts provided each student with an overview of past projects students made to improve Hogwarts. The first group project would be assigned from the heads of houses. The next group project would be created from assigned groups. It could be anything the group chose. The last group project of the year be from year mates and also be of their choosing. The most remarkable past projects had been the floating staircases which changed at random or the ever changing classrooms. Few areas in the castle had remained untouched by the creativity of her students.



Snape spoke for his side of the group projects after they had introduced the new system. "As you have all had me in the past, you know that I only allowed students who received O scores on their O.W.L. exams to continue N.E.W.T. potions. This year you who have received an O are invited to practice your potions skills in a different format.



Normally potions class consists of lecture and a demonstration of skill. Your new potions mistress, Bonita Applebom, will handle the lecture in a 30 minute format three times a week. Your section will be divided for practical demonstrations among the infirmary, the apothecary, and the building construction and repairs."



McGonagall stepped in to say, "We have decided you need to learn how to combine your skills between subjects. Past students working with professional builders created Hogwarts. It was atime in our history when we were still known to muggles. Goblins, dwarves, elves and the founders (later to became known as heads of house) worked over several generations to fine tune and repair this castle. In doing so, Britain created some of the strongest magic wielders the world had. They built mansions which have lasted for over a 1000 years.



Our founders donated a portion of their life essence to Lady Hogwarts. We have a sentient building. She needs us to work on this edifice, practice our skills and become masters of our subjects. We will again become brightest minds and wield the strongest magic again.



Today, you notice a swath of your classmates is not here. This is true because your classmates are visiting other schools this year. We want you to experience a sampling of different magicks across the world. You will have the same opportunity next year. We even plan to invite a few students from abroad to study at Hogwarts next year. You will work harder this year than any past year.



For those of you who are N.E.W.T. and O.W.L. year students, our year long assignments use much of what you will study for your exams. Each one of you will test the strength of your magic in the skills needed to complete each task. Two towers have withered down to uninhabitable proportions. We will concentrate on rebuilding the interior and reinforcing the exterior areas of this tower. We have licensed trainers who will come to Hogwarts and show you how to put together the towers.



In exchange for the year long project and the amount of work you are going to do, you will be able to audit several courses normally not taught at Hogwarts.



Madam Hooch is responsible for overseeing the quidditch training clinic that will be offered throughout the year for students who have made the team and those who haven't. Several major quidditch stars will train interested clinic participants on flying techniques. The harder you work, the more chances you will have to participate in this unique set of opportunities.



Madam Burbridge is set to create four game/recreation rooms for each house. She is going to incorporate her muggle and wizarding games into each area. Since you will work so hard each day, we want to provide you ways to relax that your current common rooms don't provide. You will use all kinds of techniques in building those rooms but you will also learn how to enchant walls and have first dibbs on any activities happening in your houses. Please keep in mind that these rec rooms will only be open when classes are not in session.



Madam Sinestra will be applying runes to the new astronomy tower. There will be a muggle planetarium incorporated into this tower. She will enchant the walls with her N.E.W.T. students learning rituals which we usually don't get a chance to practice. By the end of the year, Hogwarts will be filled with activities and classes we have not brought together under one roof.



Finally, Professor Vector will set up logic puzzles and games using arthmancy. These are closer to the muggle engineering science. She and Professor Burbage want the students to come to understand how we magicals can embrace the moon and some of the space exploration muggles have been doing."



Professor Snape regained the floor. "You have been brought here, given a snack, and briefed on new things Hogwarts can teach you and how our operation will change. Your reduced numbers will not be noticeable in the Great Hall because there are different students sharing our classroom and building space this year.



Each school has a different concentration. You can audit their class by observing their lessons. We have a pensive viewing for each school here. After that presentation, you will need to write down your level of interest in each program. We will set aside viewing hours throughout the day where our students can participate. Please be aware if you have a further interest, most schools are willing to let you sit in on their classes if you are willing to contribute something to their program."



Professor McGonagall took over the discussion. "I want each of you to know you don't have absorb all the details tonight. Because all of this is so new, we will repeat ourselves over the next few months so you can figure out what the new possibilities are. Take care to talk to your professors and your new house mates."



Professors Flitwick and Sprout gave the same basic speech except they added a few things. The group project on castle north was to establish a series of connected stables similar to the greenhouse configuration. This group would maintain the previously established greenhouses for Professor Sprout. In addition to that, they would build the stables Hagrid wanted to house the magical creatures Care of Magical Creatures professor wanted.



The way they explained it, Hogwarts was going to return to the rangling and farming business; in addition to the beast master, potioneering, and herbology masteries. Students at Hogwarts used to maintain the grounds so that they always had fresh food, fresh ingredients, and a means of treating any and all ailments which came through the infirmary. Once the Ministry of Magic was established in the 1500s, Hogwarts started outsourcing its goods and services to ministry approved licensees and ministry regulation. The Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade were both a part of Hogwarts. The forest was a reserve for sentient magicals and a boundless zoo for the remainder of the magical species. The centaurs shared management of the forest with Hogwarts. The Ministry of Magic thought it could regulate the forest once Hogwarts reduced its activities. It had become more dangerous the longer it was left to its own devices.



Two schools which would be housed at Hogwarts this year would help Hogwarts student and staff reclaim the forest: Centaur Spear, Herd, and Forest Preserve School and Hagrid's own, Giants Live Amongst Us Mentoring Service. At Hagrid's urging, several animal herders had come to help care for the grounds and forest. They had a ten year plan to reclaim what had been lost.





The first years had been taken into the corridor where the kitchens lay. Hagrid introduced Professors Burbage and Hooch to the students.



"This is our first year giving apresentation to you, the first years. Normally, you would not see me before your first flying lesson. I am Madam Hooch. You would see Professor Burbage during your third year if you took Muggle Studies.



This year, you will see us both quite often. We have taken responsibility for setting up each school we are sharing Hogwarts with this year. After you have completed your Hogwarts' schedule, we will take you to observe the other schools. By observing these other schools, you will get an idea of what the wider magic world has to offer you.



For today, we are going to take you on atour of Hogwarts. Our first stop is the kitchen."



Harry and Neville had decided to stay close together. Neville let Harry know that this was nothing like what he heard the first day at Hogwarts would be. It wasn't unwelcome but it was definitely off putting. Harry was just glad these two women would be responsible for guiding him throughout the year. He knew it was easy to get lost in a new place. As a first year, a guide definitely helped. There were only 20 other first years, so he had a hard time believing he would get lost in the mass of people.



When they entered the kitchen, Harry and Neville both were glad to see house elves. Harry noted that the Potter elves were still here.



Professor Burbage spoke once the entire group was in the kitchen. "For you, muggleborn, these sentient magicals are called house elves. They serve the castle diligently throughout the year. The cook, they clean, and they keep up the maintenance of the castle. If you ever need anything, a group of house elves are assigned to each house. We treat each magical being with respect here.



Mimsey, please tell the firsties what you have on the menu for tonight."



She had a roll call for each meal course: appetizers, main course, dessert. She explained how the kitchen was set up and how the elves provided for meals in the Great Halls.



Professor Burbage continued her explanation. "This year will operate a little differently. We will still provide three meals in the Great Hall. We will also provide light meals for the times the student body splits to complete the projects in castle north and castle south. You will burn a lot of calories this year, so you will need to eat periodically throughout the day. You are more than welcome to come to the kitchen directly, but you will find we evenly space your meals throughout the day.



We have been invited to participate in Derringer's Bistro classes. House elves will split between tasks in Hogwarts and learning how to better prepare colonial food. Derringer's Headmistress Anise has been adamant as a condition of her teaching at Hogwarts that house elves get as much an education as the students. It has been years since anyone has taken an interest in how elves are trained to cook."



Professor Hooch led them out of the kitchen area. They took a long route to the infirmary. Professor Hooch introduced Madam Pomfrey.



"This Hogwarts have been graced by St. Mungo's with a group of healers who will do your initial medical screening. Their presence will give me a chance as a mediwitch to qualify for healer certification.



I have faithfully presided over Hogwarts for ten years. In my time here, I have seen a lot of illnesses which could have been treated prior to entry to Hogwarts. I have begged St. Mungo's to take an active interest in Hogwarts students so their staff would take agreater interest in community treatment programs. This year I have gotten apositive response and hope I can lead the way in Hogwarts and St. Mungo's caring for more patients.



Much of your work and time this year will be devoted to dispatching potions and herbology ingredients. Those ingredients will help this infirmary become fully functional. We all appreciate the effort you will take in handling those ingredients. It is your education today, but it might be someone's life tomorrow."



Madam Burbage left the infirmary first and took the lead in walking the group to Madam Pinch in the library.



"Hello. As you can see, we have an extensive collection of books ranging across all different areas of Magic. This main branch is open from 7 am to 10 pm. We have study and meeting rooms at the top of the stairs for group projects. We also offer a reference librarian to help you navigate your way through our collection.



This year, we have opened a branch in each common room so we can service your needs when the main library isn't open or you can't make it across the castle to us. Please be courteous to the new dormitory librarians."



Harry broke away from the rest of the first years to see if he could find that room Ian told him about. He said:

There is a wall panel next to the Restricted section. Place your heir's ring next to the painting of Merlin. Most pureblood families know to walk directly into this room from their common room.

He found the painting. He brushed his ring finger along the wall next to the painting.



Neville walked away from the group to find Harry before the firsties left the library. He stood next to Harry as the door appeared out of the stone. He looked at Harry to explain the door.



Harry said, "I will tell you all about it later. I just want to stick my head in the room to see what is available."



Both Harry and Neville walked through the door. Both heirs could see a vast expansive library much bigger than the one outside. It was shockingly large. A portrait was set up as agreeter for this new area.



"Hello new heirs. Welcome. Close the door upon entering."



Harry and Neville followed the portrait's instructions and separated themselves from their group.



"As you can see the education available for the Head of Household is much more intense than any regular Hogwarts students. The founders asked the original landowning families for continuous contributions to get this school properly equipped and in return received the promise that their heirs would be educated beyond what individual family library's could supply. Most families have passed this secret down to each generation. As families have died out, fewer students have been introduced to their legacy here at Hogwarts. It is up to you to pass on the secret to succeeding generations.



Since you came to the library with a group, you should know that time does not work the same in this room as it does outside. You have as much time to study and develop your understanding of your role in wizarding society as you need. All books contained in this section of the library will be read here. Your notes or any copies you make can leave this section. Please understand you have complete access to this area at all times and all hours of the day.



Any questions?"



Harry did have a few questions. He exchanged looks with Neville to see if Neville wanted to ask first. Neville took the floor.



"Keeper, how long as it been since a Longbottom visited this room?"



The keeper's response was simple. "It has been at least three hundred years since I've seen one of your forebears."



"Do you know if this room is only available to Heads of House who contributed to Hogwarts since its founding or is it later lines who have contributed since?" Neville looked concerned.



"Only families which existed since Hogwarts founding have access. The later families have created new rooms in Hogwarts for its heirs. Before you ask, there is a Potter and Longbottom set of rooms. If you want to reside in them during your time here, quietly ask your house's head to show you to your unique rooms."



Harry asked his questions. "Is there a way to connect our dorm room directly to this room so we can sleep there and study here in the early morning or late at night when we are supposed to say in our dorms?"



The keeper asked Hogwarts if the students could be connected directly to this room without having to leave their dorm rooms. When Lady Hogwarts responded, the keeper told Neville and Harry"the door will only appear to you. You will still need your heir ring to open the door. Your roommates will see a mirage for a moment and will see you when you return from this room in the next moment."



Harry followed up on his line of inquiry. "I am studying at a muggle school during the next seven years, will Ibe able to use this room if some of my classes are offered here at Hogwarts and there at the same time? In other words, if I run into a conflict of classes being offered at the same time can this room help me do both?"



The keeper replied. "In times past, the time function was used for heirs who had to attend to their property business and attend Hogwarts. In order to be a full time student and a full time heir, their days were split between here and their business outside of Hogwarts. If you look along the wall there is a time compression function that can take you back in time so you can be in two places at once.



I serve as librarian and reference expert for the books contained here. If there are muggle reference books you need to research, you will need to contact the head librarian Madame Pinch so she can update Hogwarts library. Right now, she has an extraordinary book budget to keep Hogwarts library current and cutting edge. If she fails to do her duty, it is grounds for dismissal."



Harry looked at Neville. "I know we are in the midst of a tour, but I want to understand what opportunities this gives me for my time here at Hogwarts. If Hogwarts offers hidden facts for the magical world, I want to know how to use the next seven years to maximize what I learn. I might as well start today.



A lot of life changing things have happened to me in the last month. I haven't had a chance to sit still long enough to think all of it through. If I can figure out how to chart out my next few steps and not waste any time out there in doing so, I need to take hold of this opportunity."



Neville turned to the keeper. "I want to read all the books you have about the Longbottoms. I want to know all I can about the grounds, the plant life and apothecary business you have. If Ihave some way of knowing how much you have here to read and how much I need to know, I can figure out how long it will take me to get through all of it."



Harry added to Neville's inquiry. "I have started working with improving furniture and created portals. I have permission from Ezekiel Wyatt and Ian MacKenzie to use their family magic. Iwant to know how it works. I'd like to reproduce what Ollivander does with binding magical materials with wooden wand cores to make functional, magicly focused furniture. If buildings can become sentient and ambient magic can be used by squibs, I'd like to create lines of furniture to focus magic within adwelling. I'd like to see if a home can maintain itself for its owners without any sentient being having to do anything. I did chores everyday. I want to see if I can get furniture to be able to take over those tasks.



I also want to read whatever you have written here about the Potters especially if we are a cadet line of another magical family or any cadet lines of the Potter family. Throughout the time I am here, I am going to want to get a handle on the life debts I owe or which are owed to me. I want to get some idea of the history of life debts and how they've been used to resolve different situations through the ages."



Harry stopped talking to the keeper and called for the head elf. "Argile, can you bring me a journal? I want you to assign a Potter librarian to this room."



The keeper had already started providing Neville with a list of books which could provide him with a mastery in herbology. Neville sat at a desk with a carriage of books for each topic he asked the keeper to show him. The keeper explained that Neville had a limit of ten books until he completed his study.



Harry sat at a desk with a few journals Argile brought him. The new librarian elf, Whitney, cross referenced the books the keeper gave Harry with books in the Potter library. Harry asked Whitney about the Potter library. "Where is the library, Whitney? I have two properties that I know about 4 Privet Drive and Godric's Hollow. Is there asource book for all the books I own?"



"Yes, Master Harry. There are several libraries: the largest collection is at Potter Manor, Lily's collection is stowed in a library trunk here at Hogwarts with the rest of your letters, the rest of the collection is spread across your other homes."



"How many homes are we talking about?"



"You have about 2 dozen homes."



"Who is currently living in them?"



"Just us elves."



"Can you split off an living space for me in each home, store away any Potter heirlooms and be prepared for boarders as soon as the listing service I used for Privet Drive and Godric's Hollow can send them?"



"Yes, Argile can handle it."



Argile popped in and took over the discussion. "Master, you don't need a listing service. We can find plenty of working witches and wizards who need a temporary or long term living space. You don't have to share the money you make from your property with someone else."



"Thanks. I want you to set aside the percentage I would have paid the listing service. You elves use it to update the property in whatever way that will increase the value of the property. Can you do that for me?"



"Master, elves don't make decisions like that."



"My elves make decisions all the time. Didn't you tell me that I did not need a listing service? You also told me all the crops we are growing at Godric's Hollow should not be sold. You said we should preserve a quantity so that we have them should our country go to war, if there is a famine, or we need to move to an area that has no provisions and they won't accept our money.



Those were all good ideas. You have my permission to think about all kinds of factors I don't know anything about, use those ideas to safeguard my interests, and act independent of my say so. Can you follow through with that as the Head Elf for all Potter properties?"



"Yes, Master. I will do my best."



"Argile, I already have your best. I am pleased with everything you do. Use the libraries; consult with the dwarves, goblins, or any other group you need help from; and ask as many elves as you think you need to help manage the Potter assets. Understood?"



"Yes. I will do as you say."



"Before you go, Argile---are the rest of the elves happy switching off between their Potter chores and the Hogwarts work? Do you have too much to do? Is there something I could be doing for you but I have not given you access?"



"Master, we have been idle for 10 years. We finally are working again. We are enjoying every minute of it. With us spread out so far, we haven't interacted with each other as much as we could. Do we have permission to contact as many elves as we can to help us complete our tasks? We will share what you give us to each elf."



"Hire on as many as I can afford to provide for from the percentage the listing service would have received. If the house elves are not satisfied, come tell me what else I can do to help."



"I will let Master know."



Argile left. The keeper commented. "Heir Potter, do you know how much freedom you gave that house elf."



Harry looked at Whitney and glanced at the keeper. "I don't know the history of magicals, Keeper. I was raised in the muggle world. I learned that we, English, along with our colonies participated in the slave trade. We operated on a slave economy for about 200 to 300 years before we chose to do something different because we Englishmen recognized there was no real profit in enslaving other people.



When I learned I owned house elves, I set out to free them. My elves asked me to reconsider setting them free because their magic is bound to my family line. If I set them free, they as sentient magical beings will not be able to practice magic any longer. I don't feel comfortable owning elves, but I don't want to be responsible for them losing their magic.



I will offer them as much freedom as they allow me to provide. If I find a way for them to operate completely independent of me, but bound by my line I will do it. They can practice making my properties profitable. They have more experience than I have and will probably make better decisions for magicals who have to do everything for themselves.



I already have several big items to take care of. I have no idea how I can manage 24 additional properties. Ithought I was doing well working with two. Argile can do no worse than I have done on my own without any additional guidance.



Do you have suggestions for me to manage my properties?"



Neville replied. "I can ask my Gran to include you on my heir training she has given me. She has done different things to make the Longbottoms' land profitable. She also has been training me to take up my role in the Wizengamot. She can show you what your responsibility in governing our people is."



"Sign me up, Neville. I have no idea what is expected of me."



"Well, Heir Potter, you are going to get a classical education for British nobility from the founding of Hogwarts to present day. Our portraits are going to instruct you on the history of each sentient being. If you look to that blank frame in the corner, we will give you a lecture and some books for each portrait speaker throughout the castle. By the time you leave this building, you will know our complete history.



Heir Longbottom, do you have an interest?"



"As I look around this room, Irealize there is a whole lot I don't know. I will benefit as much as Harry. It looks like there is a great deal of forgotten history for us to learn. Iwill be here for your lectures."



"OH! Whitney, you said something about Lily's collection? What is that? Why is it here at Hogwarts?"



"Young master, you have received letters from over the last 10 years since we lost Master James and Mistress Lily. The Headmaster brought Lily's enchanted trunk here after Hagrid took you to Privet Drive. He let us take as much as we could salvage away from Godric's Hollow after He Who Must Not Be Named was pushed from his body."



"When Neville and I leave here, Iwant you to take as many house elves as you need to transport all my letters and packages to Theresa and the other ladies. They can sort through all you find. You can take my mother's trunk to my room here at Hogwarts. If the Headmaster asks, tell him you are taking Master Harry's possession back. Please check back periodically to make sure none of my belongings are hanging out with people who don't have my personal permission to have them. If you find my belongings else where, you tell whomever asks unless they have my direct permission they cannot keep them.



Tell the other elves to be on the look out for anyone who is taking advantage of this little orphan Potter. If they are cheating me out of my inheritance, I want it to stop. You each decide how best to get my possessions back."



Neville and Harry both fell asleep after a few hours in the Heir's Room. The keeper awoke them after they had anap. "You should rejoin your group. There is nothing to be gained from burning out in the beginning. Be consistent in studying, but take regular breaks. See you both later."



The keeper left his frame. Harry and Neville straightening their garments, touched up their hair and met their classmates in the main library.