Sirius tilted his head in thought. "He could probably take his OWLs and get Outstandings, however his knowledge is mainly based on whatever he finds interesting. He probably knows more obscure rituals than anybody in the UK, but he probably knows next to nothing about household charms - that type of thing."
Severus nodded. "I can continue to give him different potions to brew in my lessons, but I doubt you want to draw much attention to his skills. It would be unwise to pull him out of his other classes as well," he said, picking up on Filius' concern.
Lucius, however, was lost in his own thoughts, not concerned about the boy's classes. Sirius flashed Severus a bright grin that startled the dower Potions professor; he hadn't expected Black to look at him with such genuine happiness.
"Thank you. Harry said he doesn't mind the classes - the work is easy and usually things he already knows, so I think he can cope. Before he left for the year, he had mentioned doing his own studying and magical training; I forgot to ask about it, but I'm sure he's stretching and using his magic."
"I know he performed the Samhain ritual," Filius said. As a half-goblin he was sensitive to Olde magic - it was similar to goblin magic. While Filius himself didn't possess much goblin magic, he was more gifted with his witch mother's magic, he did have goblin sensitivity when it came to picking up magical traces.
Sirius nodded. "He told me about it in his letter a few weeks ago."
"Yes, Draco mentioned being involved," Lucius said, drawing himself out of his stupor. He had invited Sirius and Remus to join him and Narcissa on Samhain, but the animagus had declined, instead choosing to celebrate alone.
"I thought their group seemed too content," Severus acknowledged, realising now that what he had noted were the effects of a successful ritual.
"I do not understand why Dumbledore and his flock of mindless drones ever saw fit to ban the rituals. They not only give people hope, but it helps to settle magic in the younger generation," Lucius said, clearly frustrated. His family had always and would always celebrate the Olde ways.
Filius looked at the blond aristocrat and thought about what he knew about the man. As a part-goblin, he had been Neutral in the last war; he hadn't liked or believed the values of the Death Eaters, but his nature didn't allow him to take part. However, he wasn't ignorant of the main players and he had heard the rumours about Lucius—how he was a cruel, heartless man who hated anyone who wasn't pure-blooded. Yet, seeing him now, Filius found he agreed with his views. Then again, if Sirius and Harry liked him, he probably wasn't that bad. "Think of the children," Severus deadpanned, making Sirius choke on his whiskey as he laughed.
"Ah yes, because anything not wholly Light must be malevolent," Lucius sneered.
"Don't forget all Dark magic and mages are evil," Sirius grumbled.
"Indeed," Lucius agreed.
"I take it you wish that the school taught a more diverse range of magic?" Filius asked, chuckling at the men's humour.
"I believe that all magic should be taught - within reason. To ban entire branches of magic and areas of study just makes them more appealing and when somebody wants to learn them, they end up sneaking around and being branded evil. It results in mistakes and is dangerous; if it was open to learn then they could at least freely research and study, meaning less chances of mistakes being made. People can learn that the dangerous areas can be controlled and taught to use with caution," Lucius said.
Filius frowned in thought but couldn't say he disagreed.
"We're not saying teach the Unforgivables to First years, but instead teach a range of magic. Darker arts and magic aren't all evil. Alchemy, Blood Magic, Politics, Ancient Studies, Spell Creation - they're all banned," Sirius said. "And just look at History of Magic! The students are taught nothing of wizarding history, customs, or traditions. It's all goblin wars."
Lucius was surprised at how much thought Sirius had put into the problem and was now glad he had nominated him back into his position on the Board. It was clear that they would most likely have the same views.
Severus was also shocked, more so by just how much the man in front of him had changed. He was still confident and cocky, but he could see he had grown up, though maybe his stay in Azkaban had had an influence on him. He obviously loved Harry, his adoration of the boy clear, but he had shown a surprising amount of parental skill. He would have to watch him closely, Severus decided.
Seeing the shocked faces, Sirius smiled. "Harry had a long rant about it over the summer. It made me realise how much wasn't taught and how our society was falling behind the rest of the world."
Lucius nodded. remarkable child."
"He
really
is
a
"The best," Sirius agreed happily, proud of how much Harry had achieved already.
"Do you think he means it when he says he won't be a Dark Lord?" Severus asked.
Sirius thought about all he knew. He doubted Harry would be a Dark Lord as he knew who Harry's soulmate was—then again, he couldn't see Harry standing back and letting Tom call all the shots.
"I think he will be exactly who we need him to be," he said evasively.
Lucius snorted softly at the Slytherin answer. "Do you believe the prophecy?"
Sirius did have to think then. Harry hadn't mentioned his suspicion about the prophecy before, so the information had thrown him. "Honestly? I don't know. I'm torn - I would love for it to be fake but, at the same time, I know James and Lily died because of that prophecy." Sirius also realised that, as soulmates, the prophecy didn't make much sense. It didn't apply to Harry as surely Fate wouldn't make a perfect match only for them to kill each other.
Severus suddenly found it hard to swallow as he once again thought about the prophecy. It was his f ault that the Potters were attacked that night; if he had only kept his mouth shut, none of this would have happened.
Sirius seemed to realise his problem and sent him a soft look. "It's not your fault," he told the man.
"It is. I am the one who told—"
"Enough. You didn't make the Dark Lord go after them and if the prophecy is fake, then all the blame rests solely with Dumbledore," Sirius said with conviction.
"I am still struggling to see why this is all happening," Filius said.
Sirius shrugged. Harry hadn't mention the compulsions in detail yet and Sirius was wondering if he should mention it, letting them know as they probably have some on them. Harry also hadn't brought up Tom and his soul bond, so Sirius knew he couldn't say anything about that either. "I don't know," he said.
•
🚀New updates on my Ko-fi!🚀
Support me and read the novel, now available in PDF, with the advanced chapters.
•
https://ko-fi.com/cmrowling