118 — Fortify
Firenze reared back at her question, scowling. “We only use magic to heal and in divination,” he declared. “We have no need of the toys that wizards use,” he said with an arrogant expression, sounding slightly disgusted at the idea. He glanced disapprovingly at the wands the wizards were holding.
Twilight continued to stare at him for a few moments before dropping back to the ground. “Sergeant, tell your troops Firenze and his tribe are friends and to stand down. They are not the ones hunting unicorns.”
The Guards moved back, joining their sergeants to make their reports.
She transformed back into her witch form. “Perhaps we should move this conversation inside?” she suggested. “Maybe you could tell us more of what is going on in the forest?”
The centaur looked at her steadily, then looked up at the nearly impossible to see stars — only the Moon was bright enough to compete with the lights around the castle. “Mars is bright tonight,” he said. “And Venus is hidden in the sun.”
Twilight looked back at him, her head tilted, thinking. After a moment, she gave a small smile. “Astrology. But Mercury and Venus are both direct and enter Gemini today.” She said. “Venus in less than half-an-hour, and Mercury twenty hours later.”
Firenze gave her a sharp look. “The Moon is waning.”
She shrugged, “But Jupiter is direct for the rest of the year.”
He studied her a moment, then smiled. “Perhaps there are a few things we can discuss.”
Everyone else was watching the two, baffled.
He looked over at Harry, Draco, and Pansy. “The young ones should probably be asleep.”
“Yes,” said Dumbledore with a chuckle, “They should be getting some shut-eye. Although, with all the excitement and the lateness of the hour, I doubt it will be as much as they need.”
Firenze looked back Twilight. “The Black Woods Clan has no quarrels with ponies. As long as they are respectful of the forest, I believe you will find ponies are welcome.” He paused. “We, too, have been hunting that which hunts our friends, the unicorns.”
There was a commotion coming from the Hogwarts’ front gates. When they looked, they saw a lone figure making his way hurriedly to the castle, surrounded by four trotting and two flying Guards.
Firenze started a slow pace towards the castle as the Guard ponies settled into a routine. Except for Hagrid, who headed for his hut, the others moved with the centaur. They would reach Hogwarts’ doors at about the same time as the wizard coming up the drive. Harry stayed close to his mum. The wizards said the centaurs were friendly, but God knew they said a lot of things that were not true.
Hogwarts is the safest place in England, the wizards all say. But then why had the Headmaster said, “Stay away from the third-floor corridor if you do not wish to die a most painful death,” at the beginning of the year? And what about the Basilisk that had killed Myrtle? In the school, no less! And then they forgot about it!
And he didn’t even want to think about all the non-magical stuff the wizards got wrong. God, wizards were stupid!
It was Professor Quirrell running up the road, Harry saw, when they drew closer. He was out of breath and looked as if he had run all of the way from Hogsmeade. He was limping, now, and very pale. He must have fallen at least once, as his robes looked badly scuffed. He had a hand pressed to his side. When he caught up with them at the front steps, he stopped and bent over, one hand on his knees and the other on his side, gasping.
“W-w-what,” he waved one hand, “is this?” he managed to get out between deep breaths.
By the heady fumes that quickly surrounded him, he had been drinking heavily.
“Ah. Our Equestrian friends heard that something was killing unicorns in the Forbidden forest. They,” Dumbledore hesitated, “might have over-reacted,” he finished with a smile.
Dumbledore glanced at Twilight. “You won’t be sending your . . . guards back, today?”
She looked out over the lawn, pensive. “No. I think it best if they stay for a little while.” She looked back at the Headmaster. “It might deter whatever is attacking the unicorns from approaching the school, don’t you think?” She gave him a thin smile. “Besides, it’s a good training exercise.”
He nodded slowly. “Yes,” he said, and patted his beard.
They continued into the castle. The rest of the professors and all the patrolling prefects were waiting just inside the doors. The Headmaster smiled at them. “Everything is under control,” he said, “There was a little kerfuffle in the forest and the Equestrian Guard was alerted. They’ll be staying the night, at least. I’ll explain more tomorrow at breakfast. The school however, will remain under lockdown tonight.” He turned to Professor McGonagall. “Minerva, would you escort these two Gryffindors to their dorm? And Severus, the same for your two Slytherins? Then you can meet us in my office?”
“I think I will do a head-count, and make sure that there are no wandering Ravenclaws,” said Professor Flitwick, setting off for the dormitory, the two Ravenclaw prefects following him and softly asking questions.
Professor Sprout nodded and said, “An excellent idea.” Then she headed off towards the Hufflepuff dorm, likewise being tailed by her two prefects.
“All right, you two,” Professor McGonagall said sternly, “Back to your rooms.” She walked behind them, making sure they made no side detours.
Professor Snape merely glared at Draco and Pansy. The two quickly started toward the dungeon stairs. Professor Quirrell followed behind them with the Potions Professor. Snape began the story of what had happened that night while the DADA professor apparently had been drinking to the excess in Hogsmeade. The two Slytherin prefects just followed silently, listening closely.
The rest left for their own quarters.
۸-_-۸
The Princess kept glaring at Albus. And her expression was not a happy one. In fact, some might call if blistering anger. And that could only have one cause.
“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding,” Albus said carefully. He understood why she was upset. Her . . . son . . . had felt the need to call her to rescue him. “The children had originally been assigned a detention in the castle with Mr. Filch. When Hagrid said he needed assistance with a problem in the forest, I assumed, as did Minerva, that he would be taking some of the Sixth- or Seventh-year Prefects with him. I hadn’t realized that Hagrid meant to ask Mr. Filch for the assistance of those in detention.” He shook his head wryly. “Hagrid tends to think everyone is just like him.”
The Princess did not seem very mollified by his explanation.
He continued to walk and led Princess Sparkle and Firenze to his office.
“Have you made any progress in identifying who is helping the wraith?” Twilight asked.
“None, I’m sorry to say.” He shook his head. “However, that something is attacking the unicorns is disturbing evidence that he has found a host in the meantime. A host he has inhabited long enough to require the magical assistance the blood of a unicorn would grant him.” They walked quietly for a moment. “A host he is unwilling to abandon just yet.” He sighed “That it is one capable of chasing, catching, and harming a unicorn is most troubling.”
“Yes. For him to abandon a host now would be folly,” Twilight said. “He doesn’t know when the artefact will appear — and when he gets it, he wants to be able to use it immediately. If he leaves his host, it might be days or weeks before he can actually use the artefact to restore himself. Days or weeks he must protect the artefact. Strength he doesn’t have to spare. And someone else might take it from whomever is helping him, preventing him from returning to full strength and power.”
They had reached the gargoyle to his office, which moved to the side immediately.
“I only recently placed the object in its final hiding place,” Albus said quietly. “So, he is once more aware of what he seeks. Hence his desperation.” He started up the stairs.
“He’s not in the castle?”
“No. I would have found him by now.”
“And tonight shows he is hiding in the forest.”
Firenze, following them, said, “No. Something powerful has started stalking through the forest, but it does not stay there. The small animals cower in their dens, the larger hide in the deep thickets. The predators are jittery and unpredictable.” He sifted uneasily. “We have tried to protect the unicorns, moving them deeper into the forest, but the giant-spider scourge is also on the move, pushing us towards the castle.”
Albus moved to behind his desk.
Twilight gave him an uncertain look. “I heard there were giant spiders in the forest, just how big are they?” She slowly sat in the plush armchair opposite the Headmaster and looked at Firenze.
“Big enough that a single one can take down a grown stallion.”
She gave him a stunned look. The spider had to be huge, she realized.
“Our best strategy is to avoid them and travel in groups.” He blinked slowly, standing beside her chair. “We still lose warriors every year, despite that. If they attacked en masse, we would lose.” He glanced at Albus. “I think, even the wizards would lose.”
Twilight stared at him. “I will warn the Guards. If they leave us alone, we will leave them alone.” She clearly hoped the spiders would listen.
“Hagrid assures me that Aragog would never allow his children to attack the school,” Albus said reassuringly.
Twilight smiled tightly. “Maybe we can build on that friendship and stop their predation on the unicorns and centaurs before . . . Aragog passes on.”
She took a deep breath. “I think I should pull Harry and the fillies out of the school.” She stared steadily at Albus.
“Exams start next week,” Albus said softly. “It would impact their scores to miss them. They might have to repeat the year.” He paused a beat, then continued, “And the trap is well-set now. Once he enters, he is committed. He has far too much pride to admit he might need help, so the children are safe.”
“Except he’s not trying to get in the castle, directly. It’s his follower. Who might just decide that that is the best course of action.”
Albus shook his head. “First, he, or she, would have to get into Hogwarts. I’ve kept a close watch on my Professors and none of them display any signs of possession. Not even Mr. Filch, who would be the easiest to control. All of them have taught here for years and are above suspicion.” He frowned. “Professor Quirrell is new as the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, but he was a Professor of Muggle Studies here previously. He has changed a few of his habits, but it is not possible that Tom could have turned him to his cause. He simply doesn’t have the proper attitude. However, I’ve had Professor Snape watching him, just to be sure.”
He rubbed the side of his nose with his right hand, and then returned to stroking his beard. “And the professors have been keeping a sharp eye on the students, comparing their attitudes and performances this year with previous years. There have not been any serious changes they have been able to detect.” He sighed. “Unless it’s a First Year, but I doubt any of them would have the acting ability to hide their involvement with Tom. Nor the strength or stamina to withstand a possession for more than a few weeks without detection.”
They stared at each other in silence.
“In addition, if he were to suddenly leave,” Albus resumed, “the gossips would have it that he had abandoned our world at this critical point in his education because he was a failure. That he had played instead of studied. That he was afraid he couldn’t pass the exams. And we couldn’t tell the truth without revealing secrets we would rather keep at this juncture.”
Professor Snape came in. “The students are all in the dorm and safe,” he said, before stalking over to a corner of the room.
Then Professor McGonagall arrived. “That’s done,” she said. “Everyone is accounted for in Gryffindor.”
Albus nodded to each, murmuring a soft, “Good.”
He looked over at Twilight. “I doubt his follower will make a move during the day, while classes are in session and the ability to isolate anyone is impossible. And the classes are too large for him to try to control, even if he could, somehow, work his way into the school undetected.”
“And when classes are out?”
“Perhaps Mr. Potter and the girls could stay at the Burrow with the Weasleys when not in class? And we tell everyone that they are taking tests in Equestria. Which the Equestrians have kindly arranged around our tests.”
She nodded slowly and thought as they watched curoiusly. “But that would be unfair to exclude the rest of the Weasleys,” she said. “No to mention the imposition and strain it would place on Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys’ good will and kindness. The housing at the Embassy would be more convenient.”
He frowned, thought a moment, then smiled. “The Ministry Unspeakables wish to interview the young animagi and observe their abilities. Having the children at the Weasleys’ would be much more convenient for all considered. And out of sight of the curious.” That last was a real objection. Visitors to the Embassy compound would definitely take notice of children and small ponies running around, even if only as examples of the “Equestrians” in their normal forms interacting with humans.
The Unspeakables would use charms to make the muggles ignore them, of course, but wizards visiting the Embassy would see. Word would get back to the wizarding community that Harry spent his nights at the Embassy instead of Hogwarts. Rumours would flourish that he was leaving their world. That would draw interest to the Embassy — in a bad way.
Everyone would wonder why Harry Potter was there and not in school. And announcing to the world what they were doing would reveal their plans. And possibly warn Tom and his followers of what they were trying to secretly accomplish.
“That would include all the Weasleys, and most of the First Years, as a group, as well.” He continued smoothly. “The Unspeakables would like to see them interact in a social atmosphere, such as that at the Weasley household, which they wouldn’t be able to do at the Embassy. Also, it would let the Unspeakables compare how the Weasley children’s abilities are different from their mother and the Equestrians’.”
He leaned back a bit in his chair. “Naturally, we can tell everyone we can only do this before school lets out, as then the Equestrian witches will return home for the summer hols.
“All of which provides a simple reason for their absence from their House beds at night. They are assisting the Ministry in research.”
Twilight’s brow furrowed in thought. She leaned back in her chair.
“It would allow Mr. Potter and the girls to study together with their friends here at Hogwarts, during the day, as they prepare for the exams.” Albus said, as he tried to entice her. “And you could post a few of your Guards nearby at the Burrow.” He smiled bit. “And not even Tom would dare go against a group of Unspeakables, even if it was at night!” He frowned ever so slightly, “That he would be interested in particular in Harry at this juncture would be a surprise. I expect all his interest is in returning to life. Only then will he be interested in other matters. Although, I think he would view any accidental interactions with Harry as simply a good opportunity to harm the boy.”
Twilight slowly nodded.
“Plus, skipping the exams would make it impossible for us to measure their skill levels appropriately for next year. And asking the Professors to provide special exams, later, just for Mr. Potter and the Equestrians, would cause problems for the Professors’ own plans for the summer hols. The four would be subject to accusations of favouritism, that the other student would reveal to them the questions and answers to expect.”
He could tell he almost had her.
“And, during the day, we could have Bon Bon and Lyra escort Mr. Potter and the witches to each class,” he offered. He hid his smile. He knew the children would be outraged at being singled out and would try to reject the escort.
Severus snorted loudly in the background, conveying his thoughts on the obvious preferential attention being shown to the Potter boy.
“That could possibly work,” she said. “But the escorts still smack of favouritism.”
“Bon Bon and Lyra have been here all year, so it really shouldn’t be unexpected, especially with the Guards outside the Castle,” he countered. He could see Severus rolling his eyes in the background, revealing his opinion on the lack of subtlety in that offer. His Slytherins would clearly know that Harry Potter was being singled out for special treatment.
“Although, to avoid appearances of favouritism, you could provide escorts for all other classes, as well.” He was sure she would consider that a step too far. Such an undertaking would tax the Ministry Auror force severely.
“Hmm,” hummed the Princess. “And with a Guard inside and outside every class, we could keep a sharp eye on things.” She nodded, then nodded again. He could see she had come to a decision.
“Let’s do that, then. Let’s see, there are seven core classes for the First and Second years, but only four Houses and they double up. Then we have the five electives in the Third through Fifth Years, and the Sixth and Seventh years are combined classes.” She nodded. “That means we need forty teams, then another ten teams for the library, lawns, and backup.”
Albus felt his eyebrows raise in surprise. She thought the posting of Guards to every class was reasonable? He quickly smoothed out his expression. “Teams?” he asked.
“Oh yes, standard squads are three, a unicorn, earth, and pegasus. That way their skills are ready for any contingency.”
“A hundred and fifty Aurors?” gasped Minerva. Severus had a deep scowl.
That would be a significant number of the Auror corp, he realized. And those would be in addition to the hundred or so on the lawn. But if the Equestrians had thousands, or tens of thousands, of Guards? Ah, yes, they had a population of millions. Sparing some for this wouldn’t even be noticed, much less a strain.
“You would turn Hogwarts into a military fort?” Severus demanded, stepping forward. “There is no need to do that!”
“Would you rather leave the children unprotected against a wizard who tortures the defenceless for entertainment?”
“No!” Severus said, taking another step. “There is no need for your Guards,” he half-sneered. “We can easily keep this creature from the school, ourselves. We can keep the Stone safe!”
“Like you were able to keep a troll out of the school? Like you kept a basilisk out of the castle?” she said disbelievingly. She shook her head. “In a situation such as this, it is better to be safe, than sorry.”
The two stared at each other.
“Severus, Minerva,” Albus said quietly. “Perhaps she is right. And it is only for a few weeks.”
The Princess smiled. “I’ll tell the EUP what to expect. And we’ll bring our own provisions. There is no need to tax your supplies here in Hogwarts.”
They continued their discussion for another hour before finishing.
When Twilight and the professors stood to leave, Albus said, “Would you mind staying a moment, Princess Sparkle?”
“No, not at all,” she said, sitting back down. She looked at Firenze and said, “I’ll be with you in a moment.”
He nodded and followed the professors out of the office.
“Have you given any thought,” Albus said, “to letting Harry spend the summer hols with the Weasleys or Sirius? I think it would help him become more comfortable in the wizarding world.”
She tilted her head quizzically. “I think he and the girls would rather he spend that time in Ponyville.”
“Yes, I understand. But it is rather important that everyone think he is returning to his roots, here in England. Going to Equestria would give the impression he is abandoning us.”
“And why should we care about that?” She tilted her head inquisitively.
Albus sighed. “The Potter family has a wizarding history that goes back many centuries. There would be a great deal of resentment if the public felt he was leaving our world for yours. It would make things more difficult for any plans you might have for interacting with the Ministry and merchants here, now and in the future.”
He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk as he clasped hands. “Many of the old conservatives in the Wizengamot would conclude you are trying to control the boy for your own purposes . . . to the detriment of the wizarding world. They would begin to balk at the changes I am trying to make. They might even reverse direction in the belief that I, and those who think like I do, are betraying all wizardkind. The more extreme conservatives already think that.” He hesitated. “I do need your help to reform the Wizengamot,” he reluctantly admitted. It would take time to reverse the course of the ship that was the Wizengamot — most had grown up in the 1800’s, as he had, and they still held tight to their antiquated beliefs.
He looked at her, and tried to gauge her reaction.
“It wouldn’t have to be that long, really. Perhaps a week or two at a time, appearing in Diagon Alley, occasionally. Meeting with classmates for summer parties. Inviting some friends to see Equestria. Things to imply that he is living here and not there.”
He pursed his lips. “Maybe even only spend a few days at time every week or so. Minor things, to help along the impression that he is involved with our world.”
He smiled. “You needn’t answer immediately, just give it some consideration over the next few weeks. That’s all I ask.”
She nodded.
He stood. “And I think I need to head to bed, myself. I’m not as spry as I used to be. And it has been an eventful night.”
He escorted her to the door. “I hope you enjoy discussing the stars with Firenze. The centaurs are quite skilled at such things.” He held the door open as she started down the stairs. “And good night to you.” He quietly closed the door.
۸-~-۸
The Headmaster tapped his goblet, bringing attention to him as he stood. “I’m sure you are all wondering about the events of last night,” he said, and smiled as he looked across the Hall.
Elly listened, attentive. She had heard vague talk about the castle being attacked, the castle being surrounded by an army, the castle being lit-up as bright as day outside, and explosions destroying half the Forbidden Forest. It seemed being in the Hufflepuff Dungeon, sleeping, had left them unaware of the events outside their dorms.
In fact, she hadn’t even known the castle had gone into lockdown until their Seventh-year Prefect had told them it had been released this morning at daylight. Most of the rest of her dorm-mates hadn’t known, either. And a new routine had been instigated. “For the rest of the year,” the Hufflepuff Seventh-year Prefect had said, “all students have to be escorted at all times. By either a Professor, a prefect, or pony Guards.”
Elly hadn’t quite understood that last. Pony Guards?
They had had to wait until the entire dorm could make the trip as a single unit.
She did notice, when she walked in with the other Hufflepuffs, that Princess Sparkle was once more sitting with Harry and his herd-mates at the Gryffindor table.
“To my everlasting sorrow,” Dumbledore continued, “late last night a unicorn was attacked.”
Nearly everyone in the Hall gasped. Elly narrowed her eyes and glanced at the disguised alicorn. Now that she looked, Harry and the other First Years were bracketed by Bon Bon and Lyra. Had someone dared to attack them?
“This act precipitated a call by Mr. Potter for assistance. He was in the Forbidden Forest on detention, at the time, with three other students.” The Headmaster chuckled, softly, “Princess Sparkle was quick to respond, and brought a contingent of the Equestrian Army with her.” He paused as the room broke out into whispers.
He cleared his throat and the whispers quickly dropped away. “They are currently camped at the edges of the Forbidden Forest watching for the foul creature that attacked the unicorn. Please, do not disturb them.”
He looked around the room, again. “However, in view of that attack, we have instituted certain measures for your safety. From today until you board the Hogwarts’ Express, all students must be escorted. No student will be allowed to be alone, for any reason.”
Whispering started up again.
He started to sit, then stopped, stood, and tapped his goblet, again. Once he had their attention, he said, “By the way, the unicorn is expected to make a full recovery, as is Corporal Clever.” He sat back down.
This time the hall erupted into loud discussions.
Elly devoted her attention to her breakfast. Or, at least, she pretended to do so. Inside, she was trying not to panic. She was so glad she had already secured those extra jars in the Chamber of Secrets. And the other pair that she had secured behind one of the walls that pretended to be a door on the first floor.
She planned to stick to the crowds from now on. And do nothing that might attract any attention. And she was very glad she had stored a full seven jars and part of an eighth in her trunk.
Her friends around her were all expressing wonder at what could have happened last night, who the mysterious Corporal Clever was, and what had happened to him. And how did that translate into needing additional protection in the castle?
She, on the other hand, was terrified that the Equestrian army was here. If one of them were to cast that ‘changeling reveal’ spell on her, she would be captured and imprisoned, she knew. Probably even executed.
Should she decide to flee, first she’d have to get past the guards in the Great Hall and the Entry. Transforming was right out — there were far too many witnesses in the room. The confusion when she changed would not be enough to be worth the risk. And with the army ensconced on the lawn, the odds of her successfully escaping them if she did manage to get out of the castle were next to zero.
However, they did not suspect her. She knew that. Her infiltration was perfect. All she had to do was avoid the Guard! All. She shuddered.
She continued to pretend to eat. The buzz of conversation around here was just that, she was too worried to really listen to whatever inconsequential things they were saying. She nodded to her friends comments when she noticed they were directed at her. She shrugged at their questions, not wanting anyone to suspect she knew far more than she should. She tried to act as amazed as they did. That last was easy, given the way everyone’s emotions flooded the room.
When breakfast was concluded, several squads of three ponies entered the Great Hall, to her horror. At first, she thought they were all going to search through the students for lings, but they didn’t. Instead, she watched as the different year-groups in the Houses were ushered to the Great Hall doors by their prefects. A squad of three ponies then escorted them away, to their classes, the Prefects re-iterated.
As each group left with a squad, another squad came in for the next.
The unicorn went first, the earth-pony behind, and the pegasus overhead. Although, it was more the students telling the guards where they were supposed to go because they knew the school and the guards didn’t. And then the Guards waited for them, one team outside and one team inside the classroom, to conduct them to their next class. There were always Guard ponies watching the corridors and the classes.
Naturally, there was much speculation on just what the ponies could do. Only the unicorn appeared capable of magic.
The Slytherins were especially doubtful. She overheard Draco as he sneered and said, “What good are they? Only the unicorns can cast magic — and poorly at that, I bet. The other two horses are simply window-dressing. Without magic, they are less than muggles.” He looked disgusted
Elly kept her silence. She knew none of the EUP were to be trifled with.
۸-_-۸
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I'm waiting for Malfoy to get bucked then zapped by lightning.
9607718
No I want Fluttershy to use The Stare on him. I would love to see how he would react to that and if he would start to think about his poor life choices.
Well at least its not just the older Wizards making assumptions. If AppleBloom and Scootaloo can do magic and they aren't unicorns then what makes it reasonable to assume only unicorns can do magic and badly.
Less than muggles when you don't even really know what a muggle can do. Personally I wouldn't want any pony to try and kick me let alone what a trained guard is capable of
9607734
Because they only see ponies, and everyone knows that only the three fillies from Equestria and Harry have wands.
Hah, wow. Twilight went balls deep with that measure. To be honest, I think Dumbledore probably ought to have tried to protect the independence of Hogwarts a bit, like Snape did. I mean, I understand that he really couldn't pressure Twilight away in the end, if he wanted her cooperation to push through the reforms he seeks. But an effort probably should have been made, to save face if nothing else. Excellent chapter, just the same though!
9607734
That's more a generalized "The Wizards never moved out of the early 1800s culturally, and look on everything as their inferiors in need of 'civilization'." If they're even as culturally advanced as that, in a lot of ways. They haven't exactly been conducting themselves as befitting a people suddenly under the microscope for repeatedly pissing everyone off.
Oh Draco, how I hope you get the chance to eat those words.
I must say I really like this arc. Its very interesting to see Dumble playing politics. Also giving Harry a fear of Centaurs feels like good character development for him as it adds more differences as a result of his experiences on Equestria.
Does make me wonder if some of the other Nations of Equestria will try for portals to earth as well. For example I could see a nation that wants to try and get a leg up on the Ponies trying to open a portal to the US or USSR.
9607746 9607741 Well at least I can give Dumbledore some credit to realize he doesn't want to face Luna, Celestia or Twilight magically. He might not accept the truth of what Celestia and Luna do but he does realize they are very powerful toss in they might ask Discord for assistance I do think its tempering his reactions to them
okay if you don't have celestia step in about Dumbledore manipulating her student it well be severely OoC. at this point he's getting to near criminal levels of it.
9607742
Well to be fair to Dumbledore, he was the one who brought up the idea of garrisoning the school in the first place. A sort of sideways bluff that got away from him.
9607742
He had already made a push of keeping harry. He couldn't shove too far or she would have pulled harry regardless and let the wizarding world stew and be forced to comply in the end.
Hope twilight decided against sending Harry away in the holidays, perhaps Harry could tel her he doesn’t feel comfortable out of equestria longer than necessary and he prefer to stay at home during the holidays
Absolutely the right move. Dumbledore has no reason to suggest that Snape will work for Voldemort and every reason to know he won't unless at his request.
Nice display of Dumbledore's political acumen.
Personally I hope that Twilight explains the situation to Harry and the political benefits of maintaining the presence in the Wizarding World before letting him decide what he wants to do, sure Harry would likely decide to remain in Equestria regardless of the headaches it would cause Dumbledore but Twilight would not make Harry do something he doesn't want to do otherwise she would be OOC, she should know that it should ultimately be Harry who makes the choice and that he should be able to make an informed decision.
Regardless sooner or later Dumbledore will have to confront the inescapable fact that Harry sees himself as an Equestrian pony rather then a human wizard and has no intention of remaining in the Wizarding World longer then absolutely necessary having all but abandoned his heritage already. The simple fact that he now considers his name to be Harry Sparkle already bears that out.
I wouldn't be surprised if Harry decides to take on a more traditional pony name should he get a Cutie Mark (likely something light based given the general naming convention of Twilight's family) and that would be a clear disaster for Dumbledore considering that Harry would no longer answer to his birth name.
Oh no, the WIZARD is spreading. They attempted to put two and two together. Instead they got Kumquat.
Willful ignorant racism is so annoying to read. You just want to smack the character upside the head
Like giving the measles shot after the child is already dead putting the school on lockdown with Tom already inside is not only pointless but puts any non unicorn In even more danger cause now they can't escape.
Nice chapter, with the EUP around Horgwarts, it is a clear sign that the ponies services are becoming indispensable if the wizard community needed them to protect their own children's against Volder Mort, this might force the Ministry of Magic to intensify investigations to find him and his acolytes before the Equestrian becomes encrusted into their society they they will have an undeniable influence in Wizard affairs and just be an extension of the ponies will.
I hope their will be a field trip to Equestria for Hogwards students soon, I am guessing they would have to do that because the situation is too critical for the students to stay at school.
So McGonagal skates by on her overreatction in assigning the detention to begin with by getting killed out for her incompetence in not clarifying WHO Hagrid wants to escort him in the forest when she know's what he's like. Hmmm . . . this annoys me.
I do hope Dumbledore has abandoned his ideas of a secret keeper style protection of Harry at the Weasley's because that would definately send Twilight on the warpath and afterwards there'd be no recovery. Although it seems he still hasn't fully absorbed the fact that Harry has for all intents and purposes abandoned the wizarding world at this point and is just growing to dislike them more and more.
Be curious to see if Twilight can negotiate peace with the spiders.
Elly is slowly going to get used to being surrounded by ponies isn't she with them busy protecting her.
I wonder how the other professor's are taking the realization that putting hundreds of trained and armed guards on a location is not stripping the equestrian defense force or even touching their police force.
9607935
To be fair Dumbledore has convinced Twilight that the threat is still outside the school even though his having Snape watch Quirrel should be ringing warning bells that that may not be the case especially with all the castle's secret rooms and passages.
9607726
Starwars style? "You want to go home and rethink you're life"
9607989
More Ghost Riders in the Sky. “Change your ways today or with us you will ride” style. Knowing that if he keeps on this path he will loose everything.
Dumbledore has his head so far up his own ass, talk about being conceded wow he is in a class all his own.
Truthfully i think twilight allready knows what Dumbledore is upto between celestias and bluebloods probable advice ... which is why she turned his suggestion on him ... in reality shes mamipulating his wanting of harrys staying to her benifit .... muhahaha. He can spout all the political jargon he wants but harry being in a herd with 3 equestrians means after he graduates and his dislike of wizards hed be flipping the wizards off as he walks through the portal for good. Only time he might visit is when hermoine or ginny wanna visit their families. Twilights only tolerating him because she knows his points do have soooooome validity. No point in making harrys life harder earthside until he cuts tabs completely. Burning bridges and all that.
I just thought of the best defense against the dark arts teacher ... sunset shimmer. She was celestias student shed probably be able to learn the 7 year course material over summer break. She can even bring sci twi ... haha.
9608003
Agreed. Honestly I really want him to find the Gaunt ring again only to have Twilight save him in place of Snape. He still will die, BUUUUT the giant lecture Twilight would give him is satisfying in my mind because it would GIGANTICALLY cut him down to size.
Interesting that Dumbledore is playing the wizarding roots card, when he was the one to isolate Harry from the wizarding world in the first place.
9607989
Well this is true on a general cultural level but he does have a number of good friends amount them, though pretty much all of them have pony forms with there being subtle hints that at least Ginny and Hermione might be starting to take on a more pony like mindset (being more openly affectionate to Harry despite being only 10 and 12 respectfully for one). But this is just me stating the obvious, like I said in an earlier comment Dumbledore will eventually have to deal with the inescapable fact that Harry has rejected the Wizarding World and wants nothing to do with it outside his friends (who seem increasingly likely to choose Equestria over the Wizarding World as well) and Hogwarts (which he barely wants to attend anyway).
Sweet Celestia! There are two of them!
What in tarnation they were talking about, anyway?
Dumbledore forgot one thing. If the host is willingly possessed, then it should not show much sign whatsoever. He thought Tom would only forcefully control the host, not just tag along.
9608078
They already found and destroyed the ring Lupin was there to prevent Dumbledore from putting it on.
9608117
Right, my bad. But my idea still stands it just requires some tweaking.
Oh boy kid you have no idea.
9608116
I'd need more details as its not just a waning moon but the period of degree that is covered which affects the meaning. For example a full moon that is waning is a time when self-absorbtion is lifted from your eyes and you see others in a new light whereas a Balsamic moon (0-45 degree's covered) is a time for self reflection and reconnecting with your sources of strength. Still given jupiter being direct means its a time to leap ahead to new challenges. I would guess that in this context Firenze is saying "The stars are warning this is a time of great change and transformation" implying the centaurs are wary of what the changing circumstances may mean for them i.e. the attacking spiders while Twilight is replying "However the stars also say that this is a time when you should not wait but leap forward to embrace those new opportunities that are a result and or cause of this change" moreover she's saying it in terms the centaurs use also showing shes able to speak and understand their language something most wizards would dismiss.
9608206
So this is probably as close as we're going to get to a Twilight POV right now, and so I'll take what I can get there.
This bit made me happy. Thank you. For a moment I thought Dumbledore was being an idiot again.
9607718
The guards are professionals.
Besides, all they need to do is show they have wands~
9607742
Could always point out the Equestrians are doing it for free, and that it allows the Aurors to keep their focus on other matters. Though I suspect Rita Skeeter would use it as an oppurtunity to claim the Ministry doesn't care about the safety of the next generations of witches and wizards as much as the Equestrians do.
9607779
Twilight is probably fully aware of this actually. We can't know of course unless we get evidence of it from another side's pov, or you know, @tkepner, an actual Twilight POV :P and I'm being serious there.
9607821
Unless I have missed something, I do not believe humans turned Ponies will gain Cutie Marks.
9607894
I'm surprised no one has tried to check that out. I suspect he's been casting magic to keep from bleeding everywhere.
9607935
Note that he doesn't believe he's inside.
9607989
I kind of like the idea now of Voldemort's soul shard effecting Harry a bit, but making him increasingly see humans as the inferiors and Equestrians as the Pure Blood/more powerful xD
I do wonder how some of the older students who sometimes have their own plans and hijinks might try to weasel their way around the guards, and I suspect at least one Slytherin student is going to end up being stupid enough to try something at somepoint. Though it'd be funnier if it was someone from a different house.
9608031
It'd of course be easier to see that being the case with a Twilight POV, yes I'll keep hammering on that. We really badly need one.
That being said, that's not a bad idea at the end there. Especially since the item creating the curse has been done away with.
9608078
9608252
Oh, I know, I was just commenting on it.
9608206
This sounds like a secret handshake or something.
9608305
Possibly similar yes.
9608252
As far as I can remember the author has not outright said one way or another all we have is the characters in universe speculating that humans with pony forms can't get Cutie Marks which is not a reliable source of information. Can you point me to anything where the author has outright said that it can't happen? I am simply making an assumption that they can based on the fact that humans in pony form gain access to all of the magic that form has access to so there is no reason to suspect that Cutie Marks would be the exception. Even If only a naturally born pony can get a Cutie Mark there is also the fact that Discord gave Harry and the other witches and Wizards pony forms to take into account, we don't know what he did exactly, he may have made it so reality considers their original base form to be Equestrian ponies which would definitely allow them to get Cutie Marks even if no other human in pony form can. So the idea that Harry or the other pony animagi can get a Cutie Mark is not out of the question as far as I know
If this is true I wonder how it will impact his opinions on his human friends, especially the few who don't have a pony form outside of Equestria (Neville and Myrtle), and it will be interesting to see how it would effect his relationship with Hermione and Ginny who do have pony forms and my even be taking on a more pony like mindset (being more openly affectionate at a very young age for one).
9608003
conceited. Conceded is 'gave up'.
"The moon is in the seventh house."
" Jupiter will align with Mars. "
The two of them smiled knowingly.
Will the spiders see the army and flee heavily?
Can't say i approve of this chapter...but that's the way it is. I do feel that Twilight was a little off for not getting Harry's side of the story but oh well. I did like that Twilight pulled the Pulling Harry and the CMC out of Hogwarts card, now Dumbles knows he has to be careful or he looses Harry( He doesn't realize he already lost him). Will McGonagal ever realize that she lost all trust the first years have in her? and will the firsties withold Pony time from the upper years over this betrayal? and are the firsties banned from using pony form? that part was a bit unclear.
9608455
well he already has the Panic mentality down pat...
9608525
They can't flea, they're spiders. :D
9607746
yeah, the Wizards are just Kipling it up with their version of the White Man's Burden... :D
9608936
They already made like a tree and leafed, if three rambunctious fillies caused them to move, heaven forbid a small army force of ADULTS
“It would take time to reverse the course of the ship that was the Wizengamot”
A ship you say? The last time I saw a politician consider the center of their government as a ship, he didn’t get along with the protagonist very well
9608938
It is rather annoying, but also canon, yes. To include what wizards did in the US in the expanded universe, and all the other nonsense. I know it's a bit of fluffing by Rowling, but... honestly the more we learn about wizarding society, the more despicable they become.
9609107
Honestly, wizarding society isn't that different from our society, it's just being filtered through a magical lens. Rowling understood the idea of balance, she didn't want to make wizarding society utopian she wanted it to be clear that while they don't have some of the problems we have they still have a lot of their own problems.
9609107 Keep in mind with their hiding and statues of securacy its little wonder there is many despicable things about it. The phrase about power corrupting rings true here keep in mind there is an easy solution to deal with muggles Oblivate and considering how readily things are classified. Would it be any surprise the wizrding world tends to go overboard hiding themselves