Rise Of House Cason

The next few days went by without much incident. Shelby, Natasha and Alby still came by and pestered him with questions but he could usually get rid of them if he sent Azura after them. The Snallygaster was healing nicely and Art and Newt released him deep into the forest.

Word got out that Art acquired all Outstandings on his OWLs and students and teachers all looked at him strangely. He ignored them and continued his studies. He also started to practice his martial arts again for fear that Tim would scold him if he slacked.

Deep in the forest, Art was wearing a sleeveless tee with and black pants while wielding his new sword. The sword was light and comfortable in his hands as it looked like a blur to anyone watching.

Azura was sleeping on the ground nearby, a small puddle of blood nearby, evident of her latest kill.

Artland attacked a tree swiftly, leaving large gashes on the tree's trunk.

He stopped and marveled at the sword, a large smile on his face.

"Incredible." he muttered, wiping the sweat off his face.

The sword was truly a work of art.

---

Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore was sitting in his office when someone knocked at the door. Sybill Trelawney walked in with her large oval glasses.

"Sybill, what can I help you with today?" Dumbeldore asked leaning back in his chair. He knew that Sybill had a slight drinking problem and would come to rant to him sometimes.

"Headmaster…" she slurred but abruptly stopped. Her eyes went dull and a hollow deep voice came out, "The last of his line… the golden ox flows with strength… he faces another descendant… the proud serpent with dark powers… thrice the ox have escaped him… allowing him to gain power… both gather their armies… war is inevitable… a war the world will watch… only one can survive…"

She slumped forward and fell to the ground. Dumbledore walked over to her quickly and found her sleeping on the floor. Dumbledore let her sleep as he started to pace around the office.

"Which prophecy will prove true…" he muttered, confusion on his face.

---

Artland was busy with Defence Against the Dark Arts homework and was sitting in the library where a few books were open around him.

Shelby came out of her dorm room and saw him sitting there and decided to join him.

"What are you working on?" she asked, sitting across from him.

"Defence Against the Dark Arts." Art muttered, not looking up.

Shelby looked over at the open books and frowned.

"Chadwick's Charms Volume 7? Dark Creatures of North America? Self Transfiguration? Those don't sound like books for that." Shelby asked.

Art looked up from his book, "Knowledge is power, power is strength and strength runs the world." he said absently.

"So you want to run the world?" Shelby asked with a smile.

"No, I want to protect those from those who want to run the world. To do that I have to be stronger. Hence, back to my point, knowledge is power." Art said, bored with his own explanation.

"My mother investigated you. I have to say you are very impressive." Shelby said with a sad smile.

Art looked at her carefully, "I take it by your face that you know my parents and uncle were murdered in front of me by Voldemort himself. That I escaped thanks to their efforts and our house elf's."

His face remained calm as he spoke, surprising Shelby.

She nodded slowly, "Do you remember it?"

Art looked down at his book and remembered those red eyes, "Yes."

"Is it true that you caught Sirius Black as well?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Yes but he was framed and innocent."

"Still impressive. But why do you b.u.t.t heads with the Ministry so often?"

Art's eyes narrowed but a smile appeared on his face. "Your mom is quite good at her job."

"Of course she is. She has contacts in almost everywhere." Shelby said proudly.

"Well she sounds impressive." Art laughed, finishing his paper.

He grabbed a book off the table and started to read.

"You didn't answer my question." Shelby said.

Art put the book down annoyed. "I think the Ministry is corrupt and inept. Not a huge secret. Are you finished with your questions?"

"One more. Do you have a girlfriend?" Shelby asked with a smile.

"Yes, Fleur Delacour. Are you going to investigate her?" Art asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, just wondering if I have a shot." Shelby said with a smile, leaving Art at the table alone.

Art simply shook his head and continued reading.

---

"Mr. Cason, your paper was very interesting and well written." Professor Chip said, his weathered face had a small smile.

"Thank you professor." Art said with a nod.

"Which brings me to my next question. Do you want to learn from me?" Professor Chip asked.

"Aren't I learning from you now, professor?" Art asked confused.

Professor Chip's smile grew large but his eyes turned a little mocking, "You haven't learned anything from your classes."

Art smiled but shook his head, "Ilvermorny is different than Hogwarts, I am learning, maybe not from my classes but I am still learning."

"Good. When you think you know everything is the day someone surpasses it." Professor Chip said with a smile. "I want to teach you a different kind of magic though."

Art's eyes lit up, "Like the magic Justin did in the duel?" Art asked.

Chip nodded, "Justin is a gifted youngster from our tribe."

"But teaching this magic to outsiders must be not allowed. It has been passed down for a long time." Art asked confused.

"Normally it would be a problem." Chip said with a mysterious smile.

Art frowned not seeing the connection but his face cleared up with understanding. "My ancestor?" he asked.

He smiled and nodded his head. "Your ancestor was kind to us and taught us much. In exchange we showed him the beasts of our world. Wampus, Horned Serpents, Snallygasters, and many more. Of course we still owed him a debt. I have spoken to the elders and they have agreed for me to teach you. Of course, how much you learn is up you and your talent."

Art was stunned but he looked at Chip with confusion, "What did my ancestor do for your tribe?"

"Many things." Chip said with a laugh.

Art waited for him to explain but was left waiting in vain.

"We will tell you in due time." Professor Chip said.

Art didn't argue but accepted it, knowing the old man had his reasons.

"I'd be honoured to learn from you." Art said slowly.

"Great, every day after classes you will meet me in my office."

"Everyday?" Art asked surprised.

"You have a lot to learn." Professor Chip said with a large smile.

Art nodded his head and said, "Okay. I will be here."