Arcane Academy

Chapter 3

September 1st arrived all too quickly. Harry practically quivered in anticipation. Packing the last of his clothes into his trunk, Harry imperiously demanded, “Now shrink it!”

Remus grinned at the demand and bowed mockingly. “Yes, master. As you wish, master.”

Harry crossed his arms and nodded. “Now that’s more like it. Moony, my dearest slave, we’re off to Gringotts.” He couldn’t hold up the imperious image any longer and burst into laughter. He put the shrunken trunk in his pocket and picked up his two kits. “Okay, we’re ready now.”

Remus pulled Harry into his arms and apparated them to the Egyptian bazaar. They made their way to Gringotts and Harry walked up to one of the goblins. “Can you tell me where to go for a portkey to Arcane Academy?”

The goblin looked at Harry curiously, eyes widening when he saw the teen’s ears and tail. “A Kitiara,” he breathed in awe. “I haven’t seen one of your kind since I was wee goblet.”

“Really? What were they like?” asked Harry curiously.

The goblin just shook his head and said, “For the portkey to Arcane Academy, go to the first door on the left.”

Harry sighed at the dismissal and headed in the direction he was given. He entered the room to find several people already present. A boy with wild auburn hair and amber eyes smiled like some sort of feline. On his shoulder perched a fierce looking falcon. A girl with pale blonde hair and dark blue eyes reminded him strongly of Fleur Delacour, so he figured she was a veela. There was a man in the far corner, calmly observing everyone else. He had black hair with dark green streaks and stormy grey eyes, and a band of green scales around his neck.

“You need a portkey for Arcane Academy?”

Harry started in surprise at the question. He hadn’t even noticed the goblin approaching him. “Yes, I do.”

The goblin smirked and held out a scroll. Harry held Shadow and Eclipse with one arm and reached out with the other to grab the scroll. The goblin’s smirk widened. “Arcane Academy.” Harry gasped at the sharp tug to his navel and disappeared.

Harry landed on the ground in a graceless heap, barely managing to keep from falling on the kits. Making sure they were both all right, he climbed to his feet with an embarrassed groan. Harry gasped when he caught his first glimpse of Arcane Academy. If he thought Hogwarts was impressive, it paled in comparison to the magnificence of this castle. The entire structure was crafted in solid white marble built into the side of the mountain. What made it even more impressive was the fact that the castle stood taller than the mountain itself.

“Wow,” said Harry softly.

“Yeah, but the stairs can a be a bitch. It sucks when you have a class on second floor, and you’re next class is on the tenth.”

Harry started in surprise and looked over at the person standing beside him. It was the guy from Gringotts- the one with the green streaks in his hair. “Oh, I’m used to things like that. I had to climb at least seven stories every day at my old school.”

The teen looked at Harry for a long moment before holding out his hand. “Zane Mitchell. I’m a born Incubus. And you?”

Harry hesitated for a moment. This was his chance for a new start, and he didn’t want his name ruining it for him. On the other hand, he didn’t want to form potential friendships based on lies. He sighed softly and shook Zane’s hand. “Harry Potter, Kitiara through inheritance.”

Zane’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the other teen’s name. Then he saw Harry’s shoulders tense and saw the weary resignation in his vivid green eyes. “It’s nice to meet you, Ry. I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve encountered a Kitiara. I’ve met several Kitsune demons, though. You look a lot alike.”

Harry smiled shyly at the new nickname, grateful that Zane hadn’t made a big deal of his fame. “Yeah, Moony said the only real difference between Kitiara and Kitsune is the magic. Kitiara can use wizarding and elemental magic while Kitsune have power over plants and demonic power.”

Zane looked at the two kits in Harry’s arms and smirked. “I bet you look just like your little kits when you transform, don’t you?”

Harry blushed slightly and looked down at his feet, unaccustomed to the light flirting. Ignoring the question, he looked back up at Zane. “How long have you attended Arcane Academy?”

“This is my seventh year here, but since I’m planning on getting a Master’s in warding, I’ll probably be here another three years after graduation,” said Zane easily.

“Really? I guess I hadn’t even thought what I might want to master in,” said Harry softly. “Hogwarts doesn’t offer additional training after graduation.”

“Oi! Zane!”

Harry turned and saw a man with spiky blonde hair running toward them. Zane smirked slightly. “It’s about time you got here, Grey. What took you so long?”

“Just the usual,” said Grey absently, turning a curious stare toward Harry. “And who’s this delectable morsel?”

Harry scowled at the question, his ears twitching irritably. Who did this guy think he was, treating him like he was a piece of meat? Mirroring his mood, Eclipse and Shadow bared their teeth and growled at the blonde.

Grey just grinned unrepentantly at the other teen. “How adorable. The little Kitsune’s familiars defending their master’s honour.”

“I am not a Kitsune,” said Harry coldly, tapping into his inner Slytherin. “I am a Kitiara. Don’t make assumptions based on appearance. It could get you killed one day.”

Zane looked at Harry in surprise. Gone was the shy teen from a moment ago, replaced with a cool and composed aristocrat. Obviously, there was more to the foxy teen than he’d thought. “Grey, this is Harry. He is a Kitiara through inheritance and will be attending our illustrious school for the first time. Harry, this is my best friend, Dougrey- Grey for short, and he is a were-tiger.”

“So what classes are you taking, Harry?” asked Grey cheerfully.

“I don’t really know, yet. However, my booklist did include books on elemental magic, healing, blood rites, warding, arithmancy, ancient runes, and potions,” said Harry.

Grey stared at Harry for a long moment. “Not much of a fighter, are you? Those are all passive classes.”

Harry bristled at the insinuation that he was weak. “Have you faced off against Voldemort five times and survived to tell the tale?”

“Are you suggesting you have?” asked Grey with a snort of disbelief.

Harry brushed his hair away from his forehead, revealing the damning scar on his head. “It wasn’t a suggestion, you obnoxious jerk. It is a fact.” With that said, Harry turned on his heel and stormed away from the irritating teen, stalking angrily toward the castle.

Grey stared after the irate Kitiara completely dumbfounded. Zane sighed and whacked him across the back of the head. “Nice going, Grey. I quite liked Harry and was looking forward to being friends with him, but you just had to open your big mouth and ruin everything.”

“That little thing was Harry Potter?” whispered Grey incredulously.

Zane punched Grey in the shoulder. “It’s times like these when I can understand why I’m your only friend. You have absolutely no tact.”

“Well, I’m sorry. It’s just hard to believe that such a cute little fox is the famous Harry Potter, defeater of Dark Lords,” said Grey defensively. “I wonder why he’s taking those particular classes.”

Zane scowled at Grey and shook his head in exasperation. “I don’t know how I can be friends with such a moron.” At the blank look on Grey’s face, he sighed irritably. “Kitiara are elemental creatures that can also do wizarding magic, Grey. He doesn’t really need to learn any more offensive magic than that. That’s why the rest of his classes focus on defence and healing.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” said Grey slowly.

“In other words, he could probably kick your arse without even trying,” said Zane snidely. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make amends for your little fuck up.”

“I said I’m sorry,” whined Grey childishly. “Doesn’t that count for anything?”

“I’m not the one you should be apologising to, Grey,” said Zane bluntly.

“Fine, I’ll apologise to the little kit,” said Grey with a pout.

“You can start by not calling him ‘the little kit,’” said Zane wryly.

Grey grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, I guess that would probably help. He’s just so adorable, though.”

Zane smiled ruefully at the lycanthrope. “Come on, Grey. We better catch up with Harry before he gets lost or harassed further.”

***

“Who does that jerk think he is? Being short does not equate being weak,” muttered Harry angrily as he stalked toward the castle doors. Lost in his fury, Harry didn’t realise there was someone in front of him until he’d walked right into them, staggering back several steps from the unyielding body. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I... was... going.” His voice trailed off as he looked up at the person in front of him. The man in front of him had to be at least seven and half feet tall with large, leathery black wings on his back and a long reptilian tail swinging lazily behind him.

“Yes, I noticed,” drawled the man in amusement. He held out a large hand. “I’m Zenith Waverly, lone Dracken of Arcane Academy.”

Harry slowly placed his hand in Zenith’s and asked, “What exactly is a Dracken?”

Zenith smiled broadly and shook the little kit’s hand. “Dragon demon.” He finally released Harry’s hand and cocked his head to the side. “Got a name, little one?”

Harry scowled at the dragon. Was everyone going to comment about his height? “It’s Harry, and anyone would be little against a bloody giant like you.”

Zenith laughed at that. “Well, I’m glad to see the newest Kitsune isn’t afraid to stand up for himself.”

Harry sighed irritably. “I’m a Kitiara, not a Kitsune.”

Zenith stared at Harry in surprise. “Really? There hasn’t been a Kitiara at this school in ages.”

“Yeah. I guess I’m a one of a kind, as well,” said Harry dryly.

Zenith snickered at the rueful retort and nodded his head toward the castle doors. “Come on. I’ll show you around a bit. I’m starting my apprenticeship in Blood Magic this year.”

“Okay,” said Harry, following the Dracken into the castle.

“This is the Entrance Hall. To your right is the Dining Hall, and to the left is the first floor of the library. Straight ahead, of course, is the stairwell. Second floor has Transfigurations, Charms, Blood Magic, the library, and first year dorms. Third Floor has Healing, Warding, Elemental Magic, the library, and second year dorms. Fourth Floor has Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Potions, Magi Arts, and third year dorms. Fifth Floor has Necromancy, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Dark Arts, Demon Magic and fourth year dorms. Sixth Year has Sex Magic, Soul Magic, Shamanic Magic, and fifth year dorms. Seventh Floor has Divination, the Headmistress’ office, the Deputy Headmaster’s office, and sixth year dorms. Eight Floor has seventh year dorms, and Ninth Floor has the apprentice dorms. The Tenth Floor has astronomy and Lunar Magic.” Zenith paused in his explanations and looked down at Harry. “So what year are you?”

“Well, I was going into my sixth year at Hogwarts, but my classes here are entirely different,” said Harry. “The only class that’s the same is Potions.”

“You’ll be on in sixth year dorms, then,” said Zenith. “So what other classes are you taking?”

“Healing, Blood Rites- oh, I guess it would actually be Blood Magic, though- Elemental Magic, Warding, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and I guess Magi Arts,” said Harry hesitantly.

Zenith looked at Harry for long moment and nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a well-rounded curriculum. I think you’ll like those classes here. The teachers are great. Only two of them are human, though. Ms. Cassidy teaches Arithmancy, and Mr. Halloway teaches Magi Arts.” He nodded toward the Dining Hall. “Let’s go eat. We won’t get our course schedules or dorm room assignments until after lunch.”

“Do we have to sit at any particular table?” asked Harry, blinking in surprise when he stepped into the room. On one side of the room, there were several long buffet bars while the rest of the room had numerous small tables that seated no more than eight. “I guess not.”

“No, meals are very informal here,” said Zenith, pulling Harry over to the buffet bars. He picked up two plates and handed one to Harry. “Knock yourself out.”

Harry set Eclipse and Shadow down and took the plate, perusing what was offered on the buffet bars. He put a small piece of grilled chicken, several strawberries, apple slices, carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli on his plate and followed Zenith to a table. The Dracken’s plate was brimming with food, and most of it was meat.

“Is that all you’re eating?” asked Zenith incredulously, gazing from his over-full plate to Harry’s fruit and vegetable laden plate. “It’s no wonder you’re so tiny if that’s all you eat.”

Harry looked down at his plate sullenly. His two kits jumped up onto his lap and yipped indignantly at the dragon demon. Harry smiled at their defence and petted their soft fur soothingly. “I was in a coma for a few weeks, and I’m still adjusting to eating solid foods again. I just can’t stomach anything heavy right now.” He’d learned that the hard way after gorging on Remus’ delicious lasagna after waking from his coma. As much as he’d enjoyed the meal, it had come back to bite him in the arse and few hours later, making his stomach knot in agony.

Zenith groaned softly and smacked himself on the forehead. “I’m sorry, Harry. I never learned when to keep my mouth shut.”

Harry shrugged. “You couldn’t have known. Don’t worry about it.” He fed his two kits some of the grilled chicken and nibbled on his fruit.

Zenith watched him for a moment and then smiled. He put some of the chicken he had on his plate on a napkin and slid it toward Harry. “Here. The kits can have this, too. They deserve it for being such loyal friends.”

Harry smiled at the unexpected offering. “Thanks, Zenith.”

“So what had you so angry when we first met?” asked Zenith curiously. He didn’t want Harry mad at him, but he had to admit that the little Kitiara was quite fetching when he was angry.

Harry scowled as he remembered the irritating were-tiger that angered him earlier. “Just some condescending were-tiger making an arse of himself.”

“Did you hear that, Grey? He’s got your number perfectly.”

Harry looked up and saw Zane grinning at a sullen Grey. He raised an eyebrow at Zane, pointedly ignoring the sulking tiger. “Hello, Zane. Would you like to join Zenith and me for lunch?”

Grey growled irritably. “Where’s my invitation? I’m standing here, too.”

Harry ignored him completely and continued to look only at Zane. “Zenith was just telling me where all the classes and dorms were. The classes sound much more interesting than my previous classes, even if they are passive classes.”

Grey’s shoulders slumped dejectedly. “I’m sorry, Harry. I’m an idiot, and I never should have said that.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” said Harry pertly. “Just because I’m smaller than you does not make me weak. My classes may focus on defensive measures, but I am far from helpless.”

“I know,” said Grey apologetically. “Zane’s already informed me of that. I really am sorry, Harry. Please believe me.”

Harry looked up into Grey’s earnest face and smiled slightly. “I accept your apology, Grey. Just don’t let it happen again.”

“I won’t,” said Grey, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

“Grey, this is Zenith,” said Harry. “He’s a Dracken and will be starting an apprenticeship in Blood Rites this year. Zenith, this Grey, the condescending were-tiger I was telling you about. I’m afraid I don’t know anything else about him.” He then turned to Zane. “And this is Zane, the idiot tiger’s best friend. He’s an Incubus.”

Zenith grinned in amusement at the introduction. “I’ve seen you two around, but we’ve never actually met. It’s nice to meet you, though. I met Harry because of you. He was so blinded by rage that he literally ran into me.”

Harry rolled his eyes and huffed. “It was like running into a wall, too. He didn’t budge an inch while I almost fell on my arse.”

“I can see why. He’s a bloody giant,” whispered Zane conspiratorially.

Harry grinned at the Incubus. “That’s what I said.” He smirked at Zenith. “But Zenith and I are the only ones of our kind here, so we have to stick together. Right, Zenith?”

“Yep. We loners have to stick together,” said Zenith, nodding sagely.

Harry snickered, feeling happier than he had in a long time. He missed Ron and Hermione, of course, but his friendship with them was constantly strained by rivalries and the imminent threat of Voldemort weighing on him. Here, he was able to make a fresh start. The people here didn’t really care who he was.

A new table appeared against the far wall. It was the longest table in the room, and it had numerous boxes labelled by letter along the length of it. Almost immediately, people began to gather around the table, searching through the boxes for something.

“Our timetables are ready,” said Grey, jumping to his feet eagerly.

“They’re sorted by last name, so just find the box labelled P, Harry,” said Zane helpfully as he followed his hyper friend to the table.

Harry quickly finished his fruit and picked up his kits, heading toward the table. He found his schedule and sighed at the predictability of it all. He had potions first thing every Monday morning.

Monday

Potions 9:00- 12:00

Healing 2:00- 5:00

Tuesday

Blood Rites 9:00- 12:00

Arithmancy 2:00- 5:00

Wednesday

Warding 9:00- 12:00

Elemental Magic 2:00- 5:00

Thursday

Magi Arts 9:00- 12:00

Ancient Runes 2:00- 5:00

Friday

Independent Study and Tutoring (if needed)

“Wow, I like this kind of schedule,” said Harry happily. “I only have potions once a week.”

“I take it you don’t like potions,” said Zane, grinning in amusement.

“If you’d had the same teacher I did, you wouldn’t like potions either,” said Harry defensively. “Snape delighted in making my life miserable every chance he got.”

“The classes are arranged that way because there are fewer students in each class, so the professors can devote more time to each student during the class period,” Zenith explained. “You should also have a free day to do independent studies or arrange for a tutor to help you with the classes you struggle in.”

“Like I said, I like this kind of schedule,” said Harry, grinning at the demon.

Zane snatched the timetable out of Harry’s hand, scowling when he saw that he only had one class with the Kitiara. “That’s not fair. The only class I have with you is Ancient Runes.”

“Let me see,” said Grey, reading over Zane’s shoulder. He whooped delightedly. “I have four classes with him.” He smirked at Harry. “I’m in your Potions class, Magi Arts, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes class. Yeah me.”

“Congratulations,” said Harry dryly. “I’m thrilled for you.”

“Well, if you need any help with your Blood Rites class, you can always come to me. I’d be happy to help,” offered Zenith.

“Thanks, I appreciate that,” said Harry gratefully. He looked at his schedule again and saw dorm assignments at the bottom of the page. He was assigned to the sixth year dorms, and his roommate was someone named Tristan Hayward. “Hey, do any of you know a Tristan Hayward? Apparently, he’s my new roommate.”

Zane and Grey looked at him in dismay. “Tristan? You poor thing,” said Grey sympathetically.

Zane nodded in agreement. “He’s a weather faerie, though he calls himself a Tempest Sidhe. He’s also a real arse. Every roommate he’s had for the last five years left the school within six months just to get away from him. I feel bad for you, Harry. You’re in for a rough time.”

Harry sighed glumly. A difficult roommate was the last thing he needed. And with that reputation, chances were nil that he’d actually find someone willing to trade rooms. Oh well, if he could put up with Snape and Malfoy on a daily basis, he could put with this kid.

“Don’t worry so much, Harry. It’s not like you have to spend that much time with him,” said Zenith reassuringly. “You’re only required to stay in the dorms from midnight to five in the morning. I’m sure you deal with five hours, right?”

“I’m not worried,” said Harry calmly. “I’ve dealt with worse, I’m sure.”

Grey nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, Tristan’s got nothing on Voldemort, and you’ve faced him lots of times.”

“Wait. What?” asked Zenith, shaking his head in confusion. He looked at Harry with raised eyebrows. “You’ve faced Voldemort?”

Harry scowled at Grey. He just couldn’t keep his mouth shut, could he? He looked up at Zenith and brushed his hair away from his forehead. “I’m Harry Potter. Yes, I’ve faced Voldemort several times over the last five years.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, that won’t impress the demons that much. Demons as a whole are worse than that upstart any day of the week,” said Zenith. He’d heard of Harry Potter, of course. Everyone interacting within the magical community had heard his name. Demons, however, didn’t care at all about wizards and their inane war.

“It’s always nice to know that there are worse things than Voldemort out there,” said Harry dryly. “As long as they don’t set their sights on me, I’ll be perfectly fine. One psychopath trying to kill is all I can deal with right now.”

“Glad I could help,” said Zenith facetiously. “Why don’t I show you to your dorm now? Maybe your new roommate will already be there.”

“Thanks, Zenith. You know just the things to say to brighten up my day,” said Harry wryly. “But you’re right. I may as well get this over with sooner rather than later.”

Grey draped his arm across Harry’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, little kit. We’ll be right there with you.”

Harry growled softly and elbowed Grey in the stomach, causing the were-tiger to grunt in pain. “I can handle it, Grey. I don’t need a big, strong man to protect me.”

Zane just shook his head at his friend, pulling Grey away from Harry. “You never learn, do you?”

“I can’t help it,” whined Grey. “He’s just too adorable.”

Harry hissed at the were-tiger angrily. He was not adorable, dammit! Eclipse and Shadow growled in response to their master’s anger, but that just made things worse. Even Zenith was hard pressed not to say ‘Ahh’ at the adorable threesome. With his ears pressed back and his tail bristled in anger and his little fangs bared in a snarl, Harry looked like an angry kitten.

“Grey, leave him alone,” said Zane, hiding a smile at Harry’s reaction. He hated to admit it, and he would never say it to Harry’s face, but the Kitiara really was adorable. “Come on, Harry. I’ll walk with you. I need to find my room, anyway.”

Harry nodded and walked with Zane out of the Dining Hall, ignoring Grey completely. He paused at the door and looked back at Zenith. “Are you coming, Zenith?”

Zenith smirked at the sulking were-tiger and said, “Yes, I’m coming.” He sauntered out of the room without a care in the world. This year was proving to be entertaining.

Grey pouted at being excluded like that. Harry was so mean to him. It wasn’t his fault the little kit was so damn adorable. Oh well, he’d given them enough of a head start. It was time to track down his little kit once more.

***

Harry stepped into his assigned room and looked around curiously. There was a large four poster bed on each side of the room, two desks, two bookshelves, and two wardrobes. He was also surprised to find that there was also a small bathroom attached.

Seeing a trunk at the foot of the bed closest to the door, Harry moved over to the other side of the room. He set his kits down on the bed and pulled his shrunken trunk out of his pocket, enlarging it with two quick taps on the lid. Remus was kind enough to charm it to respond only to his magical signature since he didn’t have a wand at the moment.

“You want some help?” asked Zane.

“If you don’t mind. Can you put my books on the bookshelf?” asked Harry, reaching into his trunk. He pulled out an armful of books and set them on the bed before reaching for more.

Zane’s eyebrows shot up at the sheer number of books the little kit removed from his trunk. He practically had an entire library in there. “Got enough books there, Harry?”
Harry blushed slightly. “They were a gift.”

“What can I do?” asked Zenith.

“You can enlarge this bookshelf,” said Zane. “I don’t think all these books will fit on this unless you do.”

Zenith snickered and dutifully enlarged the bookshelf. “You want anything else changed?”

“Can you change the bed covers to black, silver, and green? That stark white reminds me too much of the hospital wing,” said Harry with a slight shudder.

“Sure thing.” Zenith quickly changed the bedcovers and added a privacy ward as well. It, at least, would give Harry a little added protection when he was asleep. Once he was done with that, he decided to help Zane with the rest of the books.

Harry, on the other hand, decided to put away his clothing. Dragging his trunk over to the wardrobe, he stowed his socks and underpants in the two drawers before hanging his shirts and trousers on the rack. Lastly, he placed his shoes on the bottom shelf in the wardrobe and shut the door. Now he just had to put away the rest of his school supplies.

“We’re done. You need anything else?” asked Zane cheerfully.

Harry smiled and shook his head. “Nope, you’ve done more than enough. Thanks for all the help.”

“Then I’d best get to my own dorm. I’ll see you at breakfast, yeah.”

“Of course, Zane. Have a good night,” said Harry softly. He watched the Incubus walk out of the room with a fond smile.

“I’d best be going, as well. Don’t let the little faerie run you off, Harry,” said Zenith.

“I won’t. I’m stronger than that,” Harry promised. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, and if you see Grey, tell him he’s forgiven.”

Zenith smirked. “Will do. Good night, little one.”

“Good night, giant,” said Harry teasingly.

Zenith smiled at taunt and left. He really hoped Harry was as strong as he thought he was. He quite liked the little Kitiara and didn’t want him to get hurt.