For Every Star in the Sky

Chapter 4

The More Things Change

Only the most magically talented studied Elemental Arts, the ones of us who would have made exceptionally good wizards. Elemental Art was the ability to draw on nature's magic and control it. It was unlike a wizards magic, which draws only from their own magical core and is channeled through the use of a wand. Instead, the Artisan draws on the magic around them and uses their own core magic to control it. It is one of the most difficult of magical forms, so difficult in fact, that there were only two of us out of the whole Academy studying it as a specialty. I asked my teacher when I first started lessons why wizards didn't study it, he answered that it was too difficult for most wizards and was almost impossibly difficult once a wizard had learned to use a wand. On top of that, it wasn't overly practical, not like spells and charms that could be used for day to day needs. It was very impressive though.

My teacher, Mr. Libero was a very patient man, unlike my Salto teacher. He was perhaps in his nineties and could do the most incredible things such as create water from the air, create electricity and even cause small earthquakes. Inora, the other student, was in fact already a professional Artisan. He must have been in his mid-twenties and was probably the plainest-looking Artisan I had ever seen. He was a good student though and studied hard. While he could freeze and heat water, cause it to move, and change shapes, he could do very little with air or earth and nothing with fire. Ares, one of my older 'brothers', had also studied the art and had showed very promising talent. At the age of fifteen, when I first began classes with him, he was already on his way to out-doing Inora and had an exceptional talent for fire. I had not seen Ares, however, for many years now. He had stopped coming to classes only a year after I had arrived, when he had disgraced himself and been thrown out of The House.

Peter had discovered Ares with a man in The House not long before his Private Debut. Ares, who had been frantic over the discovery, had told Peter that if he told anyone he would get the wizard he had been seeing to curse him. Terrified, Peter had not told anyone until I had confronted him and asked why he was so upset. Giving in, Peter had told me, but I didn't believe him, saying that Ares would never do such a thing and he shouldn't lie. Peter, hurt and angry, had snuck into Ares chambers and waited until the wizard had arrived and taken a picture as evidence, but had been discovered before he could get away. I could remember the shouts as Ares and Peter fought over the camera until Mrs. Pendragon had intervened. I remember watching through the gap in the stair rails as the Mistress looked at the Polaroid picture, then the shouting and cursing as she grabbed Ares by the hair, dragging him down the hall and ordered Almus to cane him. The screaming went on for a long time and when Ares looked at me I had to look away. The next day Ares had gone, his room was empty and not a word was said except that should either of us do anything like that, we would get much worse.

When, in my first lesson, I learned just how difficult elemental magic was, I was a bit disappointed. Inora and Ares had been studying elemental arts since they were only five. I was already nine when I entered the Academy and had never studied magic before at all. As it turned out, before the age of ten I was already far beyond Inora's ability and by the age of eleven, I had outdone Ares. When, at the age of twelve, I had shown good ability in all four elements, Mr. Libero declared that I was displaying 'outstanding talent' and doubled my lesson time. It was unusual to specialize so young, but all my teachers were in agreement that such a rare talent should be harnessed. Mr. Libero went as far as to say that he believed that I might easily achieve a greater level of ability than him.

Now at the age of fourteen, even the most critical, such as Ardor, could not doubt that I had a talent almost unheard of. I had not only mastered the basics of elemental arts, but had began to interpret the magic in my own way. I was beginning to learn to control the elements on a molecular level, far beyond my own teacher's talents. I could create earth, fire and water from just the molecules in the air, bring plants to life and change the weather. I had even begun to explore with the raw elemental magic, trying anything and everything I could think of. I was flourishing beyond anything even Mrs. Pendragon had hoped for. Already, there had been many articles in the Weekly Eos about my abilities. Although most of these were very flattering, since elemental art is seen as one of the most prestigious talents, it was the occasional article in the Daily Prophet that began to worry me. Or rather, it worried Mrs. Pendragon, who recognizing my unusual level of ability early on, had tried to keep it out of the wizarding press. "Wizards fear what they don't understand." She said, by way of explanation.

It was therefore perhaps inevitable that at some point there would be a major article in the wizarding papers about me. I had just been hoping it wouldn't appear until i'd become a professional Artisan, for fear of wizarding superstition damaging my Debut prospects. As it so happened the major article I had been expecting arrived in the papers the very next day.

I was late for breakfast, Peter was already hurriedly eating his toast and Mrs. Pendragon was tutting as she read her paper. Almus gave me a meaningful look before pushing the paper over to me. Peter gulped down his pumpkin juice as I read the article.

Boy-who-lived beyond teacher's control?

Since the boy-who-lived was enrolled at the Pegasus Academy, he has been singled out as an exceptionally talented student, displaying outstanding talent particularly in the Artisan practice of 'Elemental Arts'. This unusual form of magic, traditionally only taught to registered Artisans, is known for it's use in delightful displays during formal entertainment and is usually no more than a bit of light hearted fun. However, exclusive sources suggest that Harry Potter has progressed at an alarming rate, to the point that he has began to explore areas that even his teacher, Mr. Libero (the most accomplished Elemental Art Professor in two hundred years), has admitted is beyond his ability and understanding. When questioned further, Mr. Libero would say only that his student was "very gifted" and that he was "honored to be teaching him". But how is it possible to provide proper tuition for a student that has already out-done their esteemed teacher aged just fourteen? Further more, Mrs. Pegasus, the headmistress of the Academy, admits that Potter's talent is so rare that they cannot be sure how much further his abilities will expand. Mr. Willsberry, head of the Department of Education has concerns about the possible danger Potter may present if his abilities are left unchecked. Speaking on Friday, at a Ministry meeting discussing this very subject, Mr. Willsberry said:

"There is a reason why wizards use wands, they are designed not only to aid and magnify power, but also to enforce limits where necessary. Elemental magic is raw and wild and relies solely on the Artisan's ability to control it. For this reason it can be very dangerous. History has taught us this the hard way. We have only a limited amount of understanding on the subject. I recommend a full investigation into the area, determining the best course of action for the education of students of the elemental arts and the possibility of a new educational bill to be presented for the Ministry's consideration."

This revelation comes after many Ministry officials have voiced growing concerns about certain areas of magical education over the last six months. "I'm concerned about equal opportunities." One ministry official told the prophet. "All magical children should have the right to the same basic level of education." Another told us, "We should consider those with unsuccessful Artisan careers, what do they have to fall back on? There are very few jobs in Eos for those that are not born into this life, often they have little more to look forward to than a lifetime job as a servant. With at least a basic wizarding education, these children have a brighter alternative." Some officials have gone as far as to say that those of the highest magical potential should not be allowed to train as Artisans at all, but there should instead be a law that they train as Wizards. With many magical families seeking better opportunities abroad, our own magical population has been dwindling over the past four decades, the potential lack of exceptionally talented Wizards to fill vital positions such as Aurors, MediWizards and Professors, is beginning to concern the public.

However, a spokesman for the S.C.A.R.A.B (Artisan Authority) argued that "the Artisan way of life is part of our magical heritage and dates back to 2000BC and the Elemental Art has existed since long before Wizardry. Artisans are an established part of the magical community and attract not only a large amount of tourism, but keep alive some of Britain's greatest magical traditions and mysteries." When questioned about those students with a less than bright future, the spokesman replied. "It is unfortunate that all schools have under achievers, even Hogwarts (an institute for top Wizards), with those destined to fill societies most important jobs, will produce a few stall sellers and servants. Without servants, the Artisans Houses, and Theaters would not function." When asked to comment on concept of Wizarding Education for Artisan Students, the spokesperson told this reporter that the idea was "ill thought out and not at all feasible", going on to say: "An Artisan Student must spend a great amount of time in Study, there really isn't time for them to be attending two schools at once. Most students will never have any use for Wizarding subjects and live perfectly happily without a wand. Not to mention that it is a known fact that those competent Elemental Arts are likely to never harness the ability for wizardry." When asked about Mr. Potter's specific needs and the potential danger of his power, the spokesman refused to comment, saying only that: "All forms of magic have created the greatest Wizards, Mage's and Sorcerers in history, both good and evil. We should not single any one magical form out, particularly when concern is founded on lack of understanding and prejudice."

This reporter is yet to be convinced however, and eagerly awaits the verdict of a new Magical Education Bill expected to be submitted later this week.

Peter looked over my shoulder, "I like that photo, except my hair's a mess."

The photo Peter was pointing to was full length shot of me and Peter standing outside the Academy. I was leaning against one of the white pillars at its entrance, I looked slightly out of breath and my hair was in disarray, long black strands falling out of the untidy knot i'd made on the back of my head. Peter stood next to me his head thrown up into the sun, grinning madly. I recognised the scene, the photo had been taken only yesterday as we had run out of out Salto lesson. We had managed to escape before the storm of students and there had only be a few people milling in the court, I could not remember anyone with a camera.

Noticing my frown Peter said, "They must have been standing by the Floo building, I don't remember seeing anyone."

I nodded. Peter was right, the picture had been taken so that the Water fountain was caught in the edge of the shot, the rearing unicorn curling up over our heads. The droplets of water reflected the bright light giving the whole shot a magical look. It was beautiful and simple at the same time and I secretly resolved to cut it out and stick it into the Leather scrap book I'd received as my very first Christmas present at Pendragon House.

Mrs. Pendragon let out a growl making us start and look over. She slammed the paper on the table and clicked her fingers. A house elf appeared with some strong smelling tea. She took a long sip, then turned to her brother. "This is very bad timing."

Almus, always calm, no matter what the situation, frowned slightly in contemplation. "Yes, but perhaps inevitable."

Ardor, who had looked like he'd just woken up, stumbled into the kitchen. "Morning." He said, blearily pouring a cup of tea. The looked up sharply at the tension in the room. "What's going on?"

Mrs. Pendragon just shook her head, Ardor looked at Almus, "Father?"

Almus sighed. "We may have a .... complication." Peter and I exchanged a glance, I rarely read the papers and didn't really understand what was going on. Peter too, seemed confused. "There's to be a new bill submitted to the Ministry later this week concerning magical education."

Ardor just shrugged. "And?"

Almus frowned at Ardor's shortness. Unlike his brother Alcedo, who was in many ways similar to Almus, Ardor was short tempered, grumpy and often cruel. In fact, it often surprised me to see Ardor in his 'Artisan Personality' as I liked to think of it, when Ardor put on a regal air and was as charming and pleasant as his brother.

"It may be problematic for Harry and Peter's Debut. In fact, it might cause much deeper problems with Artisan education in general." Almus replied.

"Of course we don't know the contents of this bill yet" Mrs. Pendragon cut in. "or whether or not it will be passed. We can't take any chances, not with the boys so close now. It could ruin their chances and after all the money The House has put into them." The Mistress stood up and the house elf snapped into existence with a briefcase for her. "I'm going to speak with the Authorities, see if I can find out what exactly this proposed bill will entail. They've been keeping it all very quiet." She turned to fix her gaze on us. "You two are going to be late for lessons." She snapped, then turned and walked swiftly to the door, her heels clicking on the flagstones. "Don't talk to anyone!"she shouted over her shoulder and slammed the door behind her.

Peter and I hurriedly grabbed our things and made for the door. "I want you back here for lunch, Peter." Almus called, "We're expected at the tailor."

It was not until morning break, that Peter and I finally found time to talk. Sitting on a bench in Eos park, I watched as a little girl threw bread for the ducks.

"What does it all mean?" I asked, Peter around my apple.

Peter threw his core into the hedge and looked at me deeply for a moment. I wondered what he was thinking about, the look was so intense. "You." He said, surprising me.

"What do you mean?"

Peter sighed and shifted, so that he too was staring at the duck pond. "It's because you're so powerful, and because you're famous. The Wizards want to make sure you're safe. They want to control you."

I looked startled, was it really true? I couldn't help remembering the day of the auction, when I had first arrived in Eos and the teacher, which I now knew to be the one and only Headmaster Dumbledore of Hogwarts. He had said it was my parents wish to be educated as a Wizard. I hadn't put much thought to what life had been like if i'd gone to Hogwarts. I was just happy to find out that magic existed and that I was going to be a part of it. Now I thought about my parents, I wondered what they'd think of me now, if they would have wanted me to be under the watchful eye of the wizards or not. Probably. They were after all, Wizards themselves. I thought about the locket I had in the mahogany box under my bed. It had been given to me by a shop keeper in Vesper Alley. The old man had been kind enough to tell me a little about my family, things that I'd never known.

My Aunt Petunia, a squib, had worked for the Antiques shop for four years, when she was in her late teens. She and Lily, my mother had moved into the attic there when their parents, my grandparents, who were also squibs, had died in a theastral fever outbreak. Then when Lily graduated, she moved in with James, my father, and then they had me. When Voldemort had killed them, my Aunt had become distraught and blamed all Wizards. She had moved out of the Attic leaving all her belongings behind, never to be seen again in the Wizarding world.

The locket contained a picture of my mother and aunt. When I had opened the locket, that was the first time i'd seen my mother. I had no memories of her at all, nor my father. All I ever remembered from before the Dursley's was the green light.

"Oi." Peter called me out of my day dreams. "Were you listening?" At my guilty look he rolled his eyes. "I said, Its not just your fault."

I rolled my own eyes and stuck out my tongue. "Right, thanks." Like I could help being famous, or talented. I hatted the fame, and on days like today, I hated the talent too.

Peter grinned, then sobered up. "I mean it. Alcedo says there's been problems for a long time. I've heard him talking about it before. Things are changing."

I frowned. "But, what exactly is going on.... I don't get it."

Peter's brow creased in concentration. "The Ministry of Magic is trying to put some control onto magical education. They already control Hogwarts and the lesser Wizarding day schools. They want to control the Academy too. At least....I think thats what its about."

"So....what? Like they'll just have Wizards teaching us Salto? How's that going to work....Wizards don't even learn Salto." I asked in confusion.

Peter shrugged. "I didn't say it made sense, did I?" He smiled, "Maybe they'll have us learning Wizard stuff." Peter mimicked swishing a wand around, "Flugimithingy, bubbledibog, make Harry turn into a frog!

I laughed until I had a stitch in my side and was gasping for breathe. When we'd finally stopped laughing Peter looked at me a little sadly. "You know what?" He asked. I shook my head. "The sad thing is, that if that had happened when we were younger, I might have actually been looking forward to learning Wizard magic." He looked away from me now, his face emotionless. "Now, all I can think about is my debut."

I looked at Peter as he starred across the pond. He seemed young and old at the same time. It reminded me that we were growing up fast; our childhood was nearly over. Peter was right. Anything that might disrupt our Debut's was bad news. The pang of nervousness appeared in my stomach again as I thought about it. It was less than four weeks away now and all I could do was pray that everything would go smoothly.