A Busy February of 1993 Begins
A Busy February of 1993 Begins
Author: Tohonomike
Disclaimer: All characters belong to their rightful owners...it will start off with the Joss/ME characters, and then CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, with JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Universe as the main venue; Should any other characters make an appearance from other shows (not planning it, they aren’t mine either and real-life folks are clearly not mine.) No money is involved. Thank you.
This is dedicated to those of you who enjoy the stories in question.
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January turned quickly to February, and at CLS the young mage was called in after Fencing Class practice by the Headmaster.
“Alexander, I believe you know Adam Pierson, already?”
“Yes sir, Headmaster,” he replied uncertainly. “He’s the Classics tutor, Sir.”
“Quite. Anyway, we’ve taken notice of your exemplary progress since your arrival last year, and wanted to let you know it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Mr. Pierson?”
“Thank you, Headmaster. Alexander, my own studies have been underwritten by an Historical Organization that takes great delight in furthering those they consider prime candidates in the areas of Classical Studies, Linguistics and Archaeology. With your active participation in Fencing and the like, when I mentioned your name, they were happy to take you into consideration for an unexpected opening in their scholarship program if you’re interested.”
“Me, sir? Why?”
“Your youth, you’ve already taken second position on the school team and in matches against other league schools, and the fact that you actually do adjust your Latin when directed, as well as your Greek. Many students, no matter what, are not that flexible in mastering the subtleties of dead languages, but you excel.”
“I don’t know about that, sir…”
“No arguments, please. Indeed, this last month in particular we’ve notice the strain you seem to be placing yourself under—you seem somewhat tired, but manage to add tone and muscle mass and keep perfect grades in the areas in which the organization considers important.”
“So what’s involved, Mr. Pierson? Like you said, I’m really busy keeping ahead of the mob.” The two adults smiled at this remark, but Pierson continued.
“Well, with the permission of the Board of Governors and Headmaster of this school, we for the remainder of February and March at least will be pulling you out of the school and with rather vigorous tutoring, hope to catch you up to where you might matriculate at Oxford beginning in April.”
Both men watched him intently as the words sunk in after a moment, as at first he was about to turn down whatever they were offering as soon as pulling him from school had come up.
“Oxford? How? Me? Why? I thought I was too young.”
Pierson held up his hands and waved Xander into quiet, “Alex, just quiet and listen. The group is somewhat of an unofficial alumni association, and we fund many of the projects graduates and professors in Archaeology and related fields carry out in the field. One of our students has met with an accident, and will not be returning. But as his place is one fully funded by us, and your expressed goals are nearly identical except for the hurried entry, we hope you’ll be able to accept.”
“Aren’t there others?”
“Yes, but most of them would require major relocations, and have already been positioned for the Michaelmas Term in autumn. This is much easier for us, and the Headmaster assures me, that if you prove unable to advance into University in April, you’ll receive full credit for your achievements here.”
“That’s right, Alexander. Though the Fencing Team will rightly miss you on the road to victory over the other schools,” the man responded almost-wistfully, “I’ve discussed this with your instructors, and we are in full agreement. And we encourage you strongly to accept.”
“Can I get a preview before I give an answer, Sirs?”
Adam Pierson smiled, “Of course, Alexander. How about tomorrow, I’ll pick you up from your flat and we’ll give you a tour of Society headquarters.”
“I appreciate it, Mr. Pierson. Do you have my address?”
“Yes I do…near Henry’s…’bout St Martin’s and Cecil Court?”
“Yes sir.”
“Comfortable area, though I’m surprised one your age can manage the let.”
“My father…it’s close to school and where he likes to be when in London.”
“Say I pick you up ‘round half seven?”
“I was hoping to sleep in,” Xander smiled and sighed melodramatically. “But I guess I’ll need to put in a little more effort.”
************************
Half Hour Later
“This is Pierson, sir. The boy’s agreed to a preview, as it were. So the tour of the ‘foundation’ is on, and we’ll head to Oxford afterward.”
“I’ll have Wyndham-Pryce’s son meet you, Pierson,” the head of the secret Watchers faction known as the Hunters smiled. It could advance his specific agenda mightily if handled properly. “And it would be a real coup for us if the boy turns out to be pliable for our purposes. Can you imagine an Immortal Watcher working for us?”
“Indeed I can sir. And I must say I hope such does work out well for ALL concerned.”
Adam had seen the report that indicated the likelihood that the boy had managed to finish off Connor Macleod and Korman, as well as henchmen. But to Adam, as he’d been around the young man without even the inkling of Immortality, it seemed the Watcher must have been in error—only Korman’s headless body had been found, and the evidence quickly suppressed.
‘Who are you, Alexander? I know you are a little older than you appear, and if Connor Macleod has taken you under his wing after not having a student for all of this time? You must not be a Head Hunter of some kind.’
Wednesday, February 3rd, 1993 (The Next Day)
Faith and Dawn were still getting ready for school when Xander arrived at the flat from Hogwarts via the floo connection.
“Hey Fuzz-Cut, you’re running late,” Dawn smiled at him. His hair was almost normal again after a month, but she liked to bait him a little. Especially as many of the girls at school had thought it looked awesome at the time and had added to his mystique. “What gives?”
“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry Dawn, didn’t I tell you? Mr. Pierson’s finagled me a tour and interview—I might get to go to Oxford next term.”
“Really?!” she squealed, enthused that her former crush might be able to fulfill one of his goals of becoming a Watcher. She gave him a tight hug. “How’d that happen?”
“Someone had an accident, and his group, who *might* be the Watchers, think I might be good enough to take their place. I’m hoping.”
“I’m sure you’ll get it, Xander. Though I know I’ll miss you at school,” she added, developing a concerned look.
“What is it Dawn?”
“If you go to Oxford, I’ll never get to see you any more!”
“What do you mean? We see each other all the time.”
“Just see…we’re all doing our own stuff, and, and I guess the walks to and from school are the only time you, me and Faith really are together.”
“Oh. I’ve just been really busy, Dawn. How ’bout a Narnia trip in a week or so? Just the four of us?” He smiled happily when she beamed one of her own in delight.
“That’s be great! And we can see the Beavers and Mr. Tumnus!”
*********************************
Xander hadn’t truly realized just how difficult it was to get into Oxford, regardless of connections, until Adam outlined for him the usual process after they’d boarded the train.
“So, why me again?”
“You have amazing potential and seem to have a gift for what our Society considers important, Alex,” Adam told him. “And it is only because we’ve associated ourselves with so many here over the centuries that we can pull a few strings once in a while.”
“Huh. Okay, I guess. So what do I have to agree to, and my…guardian for that matter?”
“First, we want to show you around, introduce you to a few people, and see what you think.”
“No, Adam, I understand the school thing, you explained that already. It’s the payback I want to know about.”
“Payback? Not really. You’ll just have to focus your studies as agreed, and then your various summer and research projects will be with the Society. Hopefully, thereafter, you’ll be familiar enough with us as to consider a position permanently.”
“So…I go to school and am like you guys’ grad student flunky…and that’s it?”
“Leaving aside your sudden collapse into American colloquialism, yes. Didn’t we discuss this?”
Yeah, but I…“
“Wanted confirmation? Good boy, Alex.” Adam smiled at Xander’s grimace at being referred to as ‘boy’ with satisfaction. “Anything else?”
“Not really? But do you think I might be able to hire a swordsmaster?” Adam barely suppressed a start at this turn in the conversation, especially as close as it hinted at both the boy’s association with Macleod as well as Adam himself. He eased as Xander continued. “I like fencing, but really want to learn as much as I can—and could really use a good workout for an hour or two a day.”
“That much? Are you hoping to try out for the Olympics?”
“No,” Xander replied with a genuine smile, having not considered that. “But since so much of history involves weapons, as well as thought, I want to understand as much as possible, by doing. I know I’ve been doing surprisingly well at school this year, but I’m really a ‘learn by doing’ kind of guy. Until a few months ago, I probably would have ended up a construction worker, or maybe a guy who makes cabinets.”
“Really? I know we’ve talked just a little in our tutoring sessions, but …”
“Yeah. Before I came to London I didn’t really think I had much chance of living long or doing much with my life; just the way it was. But from all of you, I’ve learned I can be more and do more than I ever imagined—and I can imagine quite a lot. And I learned about responsibility: do your best for yourself and others—not selfish-like, but I guess that too. I mean, lets say after all of this schooling and training I decide to become a carpenter or something any way? I’ll probably end up with my own company, hiring guys and doing a better-quality job because of all this than I would have. It’s like being given a second chance the first time.”
Adam smiled thoughtfully at the young man’s enthusiasm. He was 99% sure the kid wasn’t likely to turn out to be a pre-Immortal, but with Connor Macleod’s extra mentoring, the possibility existed that they’d have an even better Duncan Macleod or Darius if he were. And the way he talked about, well time, kept Adam from totally dismissing the possibility.
‘And if not?’ Adam mused, ‘Then we’ll have helped a young man really make something of his short mortal life.’
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That evening, Dawn and Faith made sure to show up at Xander’s place at Hogwarts to get an update on his trip.
“How did it go?” Faith asked as she sat down with her Hogwarts texts—they’d been given permission to visit a staff member’s quarters only if it would involve actual school-related business. “You in?”
“Yeah…” Xander smiled back. “And I think it’ll work out. There’s this one guy, Wesley, that seems a bit full of himself, a lot like Ron’s brother Percy, and he’ll be around to help get me through all the start-up stuff. Seems okay, though.”
“So, are they Watchers?” Dawn asked as she opened up her own books and went to get a couple of drinks from his kitchen.
“Don’t know…but probably? That Wesley guy sure looks like Giles must have back in the day, you know?” He thought about it. “No matter what, though, as long as I don’t run into Giles, it doesn’t matter. Not that he’d equate me with my Sunnydale self.”
‘Did you just say ‘equate’ Alexander?” Dawn teased. “With the improved vocabulary he’ll never think it.”
“Funny. Anyhow, I have about an hour before I have to get cracking on the Alchemy, so let’s see if there’s any homework I can actually help you out with.”
“Cool, but by the way? What degree you going for?”
“There’s two that overlap, ones I can use my Albus memories for: Historical Linguistics & Comparative Philology, then Egyptology & Ancient Near Eastern Studies. I think those’ll let me know all the Giles kind of stuff. That’s what I’m tryin’ for…now scoot.”
*******************************
Xander had managed to get through the week, and was quite tired, as for him that meant a week each of his muggle schooling, Hogwarts duties, Macleod training, Pierson tutoring, Potion-Production, and Flamel-assigned work. With the impending withdrawal from school to undergo the intensive catch-up tutoring with Mr. Pierson and Wesley Wyndham-Pryce, he’d soon hopefully be on auto-pilot for the foreseeable future.
‘By the time I get back to Sunnydale in five years, I’ll look as old as Giles at this rate,’ he mentally sighed. Then as he looked at the day-planner wall calendars given him by Faith and Dawn, the promised time in Narnia brought to him a sudden idea. ‘Unless I move a lot of it to Narnia; I’ll have to talk to the others.’
He walked into Great Hall, and took his place at the staff table, where the Instructors were just sitting.
“Headmaster, everyone,” he greeted quietly and politely out of habit. He noted gratefully that Brenda and Filch had already prepared the movie, tonight’s being the 1938 Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn. Having gone with a fanciful ‘Muggle Movie View of History’ since term began, he’d shown such movies as Greatest Story Ever Told, Ten Commandments, Cleopatra, Camelot, Excalibur and Ivanhoe. Professor McGonagall gave him a searching look.
“Not another Excalibur film, I hope, Alexander?”
“No,” he blushed. “And I *really* did forget about the rating on that one.”
Headmaster Dumbledore chuckled as he called the Feast to start. He then turned and politely engaged Xander in conversation.
“Alexander, you looked tired. How are you doing?”
“Starting 1893, Sir,” he replied, referring to the year of Albus’ memories he was reliving, and didn’t let show some of the very painful memories Albus had had to endure over the years. He changed the vector of conversation, “Security seems to be taking form pretty well, my outside trainings too. And Alchemist-Professor Flamel has not spoken unfavorably of my work—”
“Correct, Albus,” the recent addition to staff interjected. “We have started a second Stone,” his voice dropped quietly as he also wanded a silence barrier around the table “Who knows how long it might take, but the lad will know everything I can teach him before my passing.” He wanded an end to the silence spell. Professor Vector turned to Xander.
“Very high praise, Alexander. Very impressive,” she mused. “Turning things to a more selfish nature, I’ve finally managed to complete this Rubik’s Cube puzzle you gave me. It was quite enjoyable.”
“Great, Professor,” he smiled with just a little fatigue showing through his usual happy façade. He reached into the robes he wore over his real clothes, and pulled out a 4 per side version. “In that case, here is the next one, Rubik’s Revenge.”
The Arithmancy Instructor beamed. “Excellent. Thank you, Alexander.”
“My pleasure, Ma’am—” he began then noted her arched eyebrow. The thirty-something witch had insisted on less formality, “—Septima.”
She nodded as she placed the object into her own robes and began eating her dinner. Madam Pince, surprisingly, contributed to the conversation.
“Young Dumbledore, I noticed you’ve returned all of the materials on spirits to the Library? Were they of any help to you?”
“Yes they were, thank you. I’m glad you let me access the Special Collections; I learned quite a bit, and after a little more research, I might have a theory to explore.”
“Oh?” Nicholas Flamel asked, always interested in the mental workings of his new protégé. “Please tell.”
“Well, one of the ghosts told me that only Wizards become ghosts…”
“That seems the standard consideration, Alexander,” Albus nodded. “Please go on.”
“I think there are other ghosts, but that without a magical core or power boost, they don’t last very long, or can’t quite get all the way here, if that makes sense? Stuck half-way?”
Flamel cocked his head a bit to the right in contemplation, “It might account for the Muggle stories, but wouldn’t Wizard Ghosts know this?”
“Maybe, but as Dementors and other creatures move freely and unseen, wouldn’t they just consume the non-Wizard ghosts like they do to prisoners in Azkaban? Since Wizard ghosts stay in Wizard places…like Wizards stay separate from Muggles?”
Albus nodded, and Professor Flitwick smiled as he responded, “Certainly worth a bit of investigation. At least it’ll be original. And if you’re wrong you could always sell it as a tale to the Quibbler for a few galleons. Anything you plan to research first?”
“Memory,” Xander immediately replied. “A Pensieve records memory, so what if we could somehow make a Muggle spirit pass into a Pensieve with its own memories? Might it then have enough of a magical boost and remembrance of itself to make it to full Ghost like our friends here at Hogwarts?”
“I don’t know,” Flitwick considered. He turned to McGonagall, “Minerva, the fact that there was something of your House Ghost left behind, it means we have something to work with as far as Wizard Ghosts. It has given me an idea. What if we were to find enough of the materials that make up a person? Might we be able to Transfigure those and the Ghost into a human Sir Nicholas?”
“I don’t know,” she replied. “Since Alexander joined us I’ve tried to keep up with as much of the International Journal progress as gets published. Nothing new there which would bear on the subject. But if we bond the human form with the ghostly equivalent particle…then simply upon restoration with mandrake potion, the result might be the same.”
Albus looked concerned.
“We cannot proceed without the permission of Sir Nicholas,” the Headmaster insisted. “For if he ends up bound forever as a consequence, it would be wrong of us to have made such a dramatic change when we can simply wait a few months to simply reverse it.”
Xander nodded.
“That’s the best way, but it’s still kinda cool to talk about.”
“Oh indeed,” Albus smiled. “The excitement of research. Any other new ideas with which to shock us? None which will have us labeled as Necromancers or Ectomancers?”
The group chuckled, realizing that however noble their intent, his self-inclusive admonition held a great deal of truth if others tried the same things. Alchemist Flamel cleared his throat and spoke.
“Alexander, have you had any time to perfect your Great Goo Gadget, yet?”
Xander nodded.
“I’ve reached the point where I can convert garbage and nastier stuff into General Goo, sir. And separate out the remainder into its own masses. But it seems to want a lot of power to separate it out into individual metals.”
“Oh? What are you using as base material?”
“Um, garbage, sewage, that kind of stuff.”
Flamel raised an eyebrow.
“And this is the source of your food machine materials?”
“Why not? It’s all carbons and hydrogens and stuff. Those bits and pieces are changed over. Any, um, unhappy stuff is left out?”
“Such as?”
“Metals and crystals. More energy is needed, and I’d really need to figure out why they’re treated differently in the breakdown. Though it probably has a Vitamancy reason.”
“After dinner, would you show me your notes? I know we’ve been concentrating on high-level conversions, productions and preparing you for large-scale experimentation, but this would be a nice look to once again see how you’re looking at things.”
“Great, that’d help me a lot.”
*********************
It took nearly an hour of backtracking through Xander’s notes, and examining each stage in reverse, before Nicholas found out the unique characteristic that made it so easily possible for Alexander’s achievement, which at the same time was the restriction. He inhaled in surprise.
“This…this wand core was soaked in Elixir before it was sealed.”
“Yeah, I was pretty sure that might be the reason, but didn’t want to overlook something else until you had a chance to look through it all. Cool, huh?”
“However did you come up with this?”
“I dropped nearly five hundred galleons in materials—but Harry mentioned that Old Voldy used Unicorns to boost his life, so I tried it out by itself, but it didn’t last. I then tried this one, a unicorn hair, a phoenix feather and the Elixir. After blowing up eight wands, Ollivander and I were able to put together four of these.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. When I get this going, he’s in for materials, and labor, but owns ten percent of the company.”
“That wasn’t what I meant, I was wondering how they interact? Could it be so easy?”
“Yes and no. The feather allows a regenerative and healing quality, the unicorn hair emphasizes purity and power of its own. But without the Elixir, they can’t work together as a filter AND combiner all at once. The Goo is completely clean. Seems if the body wants it, it can be found in the Goo. The rest lumps into most of something or other. I’ve been setting them aside over the last week; I’m sure I can use them for something in the future, but nothing part of this.”
And the evening discussion continued in magical minutiae.
