Chapter Text
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Ron’s cramped little room in the Burrow was lined from head to toe with all of the College pamphlets Hermione could get her hands on. Harry thought it might have been safe to assume it might be every possible pamphlet ever, which, in any case, he would not find surprising in the slightest.
The tables and bed seemed to dip at the hefty weight of pamphlets covering them, successfully burying all of Ron’s forgotten chocolate wrappers under their flurry of white– all fanned out like an unkempt deck of tarot cards. Ron was seated next to Hermione, resting his weight half on the bed and half on the girl herself, with his chin tipped back as he whistled into boredom.
“Honestly, you two! Could you possibly care any less about your future!” Hermione rebuked, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation before brushing back dark, thick locs of hair away from her face and pushing the ginger off of her.
“I could certainly try,” came the redhead's huff with a wince at the harsh shove, earning himself a hit to the back of his head from his dear girlfriend at the overheard murmur.
Harry smiled at his friends’ antics, his cheek dipping into a soft dimple on his bronze skin as he leaned back on the open windowsill and let the wind blow through his shaggy dark hair. It had almost reached his shoulders now, having grown broader after the years of strenuous fighting and even more strenuous quidditch practise, making Molly Weasley’s hand-made jumper fit him quite snugly across his larger frame. After the soft attention to the pair, he resumed his practise of dog-earing the corner of the pamphlet in his hand with his ringed forefinger and thumb, smoothening it out, and bending it again until the crease was pronounced and weak enough to be able to tear with the slightest tug.
The War had long since ended, he had finished his mandatory eighth year at Hogwarts, finished his NEWTs and found out that wizarding school did not exempt him from the extra years in College– unless he wanted to become an auror, of course, but with his many years of experience dealing with the Ministry, he knew whatever he ended up doing, he would not be ending up a Merlin damned wizard cop– had a brief romantic fling with Ginny that ended just as quick as it began, and slowly found his way back into normal life.
…Or whatever could be considered closest to his normal.
Grief still lingered among the halls of Hogwarts, and the missing twin in The Burrow left a certain emptiness in the lively house, but life had, as always, continued moving. Voldemort had died, all the Death Eaters had been found and imprisoned in Azkaban, with the sole exception of Lucius Malfoy, who had been given a reduced sentence for his cooperation in finding the others.
Coward. That’s what Lucius Abraxas Malfoy was. A coward who managed to run away with a reduced sentence back to his home with nothing but monitoring by a few aurors. At least Draco Malfoy need not see a day without his dear father by his side, and what a lucky way to live indeed. Rich with living parents and no consequences for his heinous crimes. Unfortunately for Harry, he had lost Sirius and Remus to the exact people the Malfoys associated themselves with, the two lost beyond the veil of death, leaving Harry, once again, alone.
Always alone.
“Good one, James–”
That look on Sirius’s eyes, more shocked than mortified, and a laugh still etched onto his youthful features as the sickly bright red, cold, toxic and vile, struck the dark-haired man and pushed him through the misty veil into the beyond–
Harry’s breath stuttered, eyes glazing over into a non-existent distance as if somewhere beyond space itself would drag him away from the suffocating memory of his godfather’s unfair and untimed farewell. His hands clammed with sweat, the bored tugging at the cool and smooth paper in his scarred fingers growing more haphazard and panicked by the second. He couldn’t breathe, for a second, he just wanted to scream, throw up, let himself fall into the ground and melt into the wood and never have to think about his godforsaken life ever again.
“Harry!”
Ron pulled on the green-eyed boy’s arm so hard he stumbled down onto the bed, suddenly dragged out of his thoughts. He met the concerned gazes of his two closest friends and suddenly remembered he was not alone. He had Ronald Bilius Weasley, the best wizard chess player he had ever met, and Hermione Jean Granger, the smartest witch in their years; he would never have the opportunity to feel alone in their presence.
Harry’s lips spread into a bright grin, eyes twinkling with gleeful mischief behind his round glasses. He flashed his bright and traitorously perfect pearly whites, the simple act itself boyishly handsome and purely genuine. Harry Potter would not have known this, but at that moment, he had been a perfect replica of his father, everything from the look in his eyes to the perfect curl of hair falling on his forehead, right next to the extending jagged lightning scar that proved to be the only thing that showed him separate from his father– other than his mother’s forest green eyes.
The silent show of affection seemed to rid the couple of their worry for their best friend. Hermione met his teasing smile with a roll of her eyes, but failed to hide the clear twitch of the corner of her lips upward. Unfortunately, she was swift to redirect back to their main topic of conversation– College.
Ron groaned, “Honestly, ‘Mione, can’t be that hard for you to take a bloody break for a moment, can it?” He drawled, letting out a yawn despite the time; 9:34 a.m.
Harry nodded with the freckled man’s statement, quickly shoving a chocolate frog into his mouth, “Yeah,” he said, voice muffled around the treat, “We haf tam, ah douf hink aeewo esh hash ewen shafed.”
Quite eloquently spoken, if he had to say so himself. Hermione gave the two glares.
“Early joining has many benefits, boys!” She began, chest puffed out, “It increases your acceptance rate, allows you priority for scholarships, helps in securing your major, financial aid and–”
“Alright, alright, we get it!” Harry interrupted after a sharp swallow of his chocolate and a soft chuckle, “Whatever you say, your Highness.” The comment earned him a snicker from Ron. Hermione couldn’t be bothered to correct her boys any more than she already had.
However, she had succeeded in getting them to get off their arses and begin to truly look through the dishevelled heaps of glossy, clear-cut papers. The thought of financial aid had been convincing enough for Ron, who would much rather not bother his parents with money as much as he could avoid it after their current ordeal, although his father had seemed to be doing a little better than usual.
After what felt like hours of scavenging through the towering stack of papers, which at one point seemed to have been glaring down at him at their imposing level, his eyes caught a gold sheen, almost like that of a snitch.
Naturally, the former Gryffindor seeker reached for the paper.
It was far fancier than the rest and heftier too. Upon opening it, three little bracelets fell out, all carrying the emblem of Aurelius Magical College. AMC, with its hippogriff mascot. The ribbon Harry had untied had paused inches off the ground before floating up and neatly slotting itself into a nook of the pamphlet like a makeshift bookmark– er, pamphlet mark?
“Aurelius Magical College,” Harry said to no one in particular, but still Ron and Hermione found themselves huddled beside the boy who had now found himself on the floor in between the two with the pamphlet splayed across his palms, “Hogwarts edition?”
AURELIUS MAGICAL COLLEGE: Hogwarts Edition Pamphlet
Magical Higher Education Institute
Founded 1873 · Accredited by the Department of Magical Education.
“Remember. Rewrite. Revolutionise.”
ABOUT AURELIUS
Aurelius Magical College is a premier post-secondary institution dedicated to advanced magical study, interdisciplinary specialisation, and practical application in the modern wizarding world. Designed for witches and wizards who have completed their secondary education and NEWTs, Aurelius bridges the gap between foundational schooling and your magical future– one of success.
We do not teach children.
We teach adults who are becoming themselves.
Located on a sprawling, warded estate at the edge of northern England, Aurelius combines historic architecture with modern magical infrastructure. The campus is alive, adaptive, and famously opinionated, welcoming all those who wish not just to fly, but to soar.
THE CAMPUS
The Upper Hillside:
- The Quad: Central green space, social nucleus, picnic zone, and Quidditch spectator seating.
- North & South Flying Fields: Regulation-size pitches, weather charms calibrated daily.
The Middle Hillside
- The Aurelian Library: Seven floors, restricted stacks by permission only, sentient catalogue system.
- The Arcanum: Primary complex for all practical-heavy forms of magic– Defence Against The Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Psyche Thaumaturgy Practicals, and other Applied Magic Courses and Classes.
- The Alchemy Wing: Primary complex for all biological studies of magic– Herbology, Potions, Study of the Magical Body, and other Natural Magical Courses.
- The Scholarium: Primary complex for all theoretical, analytical, and research-based studies of magic and magical artefacts– History of Magic, Psyche Thamaturgy Theoretical, Arithmancy, Study of Magical Artefacts, Astronomy, and others.
- The Conservatory: Primary complex for Herbology greenhouses, Care of Magical Creatures, and Magical Ecology.
The Lower Hillside
- The Atelier: Primary Complex for all fine arts-centric magical courses– Art, Music (Vocal and Instrumental), Literature.
- Student Union (The Meridian): Cafés, clubs, notice boards, event halls, and late-night debates.
- Student Dorms:
- Jupiter Hall (Men’s Dormitory)
- Juno Hall (Women’s Dormitory)
- Amphitheatre
ACADEMICS
Students declare a Primary Concentration and may pursue Secondary Concentrations or Minors. Coursework is rigorous, discussion-based, and assumes prior mastery of fundamentals.
Provided Concentrations
- Defence Against the Dark Arts
- Potionology
- Alchemy
- Charms
- Care of Magical Creatures
- Astronomy
- Arithmancy
- Divination
- Transfiguration
- History of Magic
- Herbology
- Muggle Studies
- Study of Ancient Runes
- Study of Magical Artefacts
- Magical Ecology
- Study of Magical Law and Politics
- Psyche Thaumaturgy
- Study of the Magical Body
- Fine Arts
- Music (Vocal and Instrumental)
- Literature
We at Aurelius pride ourselves on our vast and modern field of study and stellar facilities, and hope to see you thrive in our blossoming society of Magic.
TEACHING STYLE
- Seminar-based lectures.
- Practical labs.
- Field simulations.
- Independent research projects.
- Professors expect active participation and are required to grade you on such– interaction plays an important part in your grade.
- You are allowed to disagree. You are expected to defend it.
STUDENT LIFE
HOUSING
Students live in Residential Dormitories (Halls), not Houses. There are two Halls: Jupiter Hall for male students and Juno Hall for female students.
- First Years: Shared suites, common rooms, warded privacy. Dorms range from dorms for two to dorms for four. There is a limited number of dorms for two, so those who wish for the provided arrangement are requested to put in their applications as early as possible!
- Upper Years: Apartment-style living available, facilitating living for two to four if requested.
- Kitchens are communal but provided for every dorm.
MEALS
- Three dining halls.
- Rotating menus, cultural nights.
- Caffeination charms are regulated after midterms.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
- Quidditch (Men’s & Women’s Teams)
- Dueling Society
- Magical Art & Design Collective
- Academic Journals
- Cultural Associations
- Debate Circles
- All students have the ability to put in requests for new clubs!
QUIDDITCH & ATHLETICS
Aurelius competes at the Intercollegiate Magical League level.
- Professional-grade facilities.
- Scholarship placements available.
- Heavy spectator culture.
- Athletes are students first, celebrities second.
Game days are campus-wide events.
SUPPORT & WELLBEING
General Healing
- Healers on staff.
- Disability Support.
- Academic advisors.
- Career placement offices.
- Free therapy appointments with licensed therapists.
- Counselling.
Specialised Focus for veterans of the Battle of Hogwarts
- Counsellors trained in post-war trauma.
- War-based disability support.
- Support groups for veterans.
- Spell-Damage Rehabilitation Labs.
- Academic accommodations are readily provided (incl. Pensieve-Assisted Note Archives)
- Trigger Advisory System.
At Aurelius, we recognise that you are not just veterans, but children. Children who have experienced horrors beyond our comprehension at an age far too young. We are ready to provide you with any accommodation you may require for a safe and welcoming Campus Life.
THE AURELIUS CULTURE
- Intellectual. Opinionated. Competitive.
- Creative friction is normal.
- Friendships form fast. So do rivalries.
- No one cares who you were at eleven; everyone cares who you are becoming. What will you become?
This is a place where people reinvent themselves, sometimes loudly, sometimes painfully, sometimes beautifully, and always magically.
ADMISSIONS PHILOSOPHY
Aurelius does not seek perfection.
We seek potential, curiosity, resilience, and fire.
If you are restless, ambitious, uncertain, brilliant, messy, driven, or simply not finished becoming yourself—
You belong here.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
We provide academic, sports, and financial aid scholarships. Any student who wishes to apply for such is recommended to submit a letter detailing their achievements, portfolio, and/or grades, along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher, posthaste. Openings are limited in number!
AURELIUS MAGICAL COLLEGE
Your education does not end at Hogwarts, and certainly not your youth. Life begins with Aurelius.
The three former Gryffindors sat in focused silence before Harry gently closed the pamphlet and set it on the carpeted floor before them. Sunlight leaked through the Burrow’s quilted curtains in warm golden streaks. It caught against the gilded paper, resting perfectly on the emerald green embossed name of the institute.
“Blimey,” the red-headed boy spoke up, finally breaking the silence, “Felt like we were reading for hours, didn’t it?”
Harry broke into a snicker, the soft noise slowly breaking into loud laughter, with Hermione quickly following suit. Harry felt young again– eleven years old, sitting together and laughing like there was no other problem in the world. There’s nothing in the world he would trade for this, this moment, this feeling.
Youth. Safety. A care he hadn’t experienced in far too long.
What would it be like to be a child again?
Harry’s gaze travelled back to the letter, with his mind running through those far too hopeful messages. That last little line– almost cruel in its pointedness, really. ‘Life begins with Aurelius’. When did life really begin for Harry? He could tell every time it ended, he could tell every time he lived and count the times with his two hands alone (and of course, it always included the two lovebirds beside him), but when had life ever begun for him?
When something looks too good to be true, it usually is, but when so much of his life had him put his faith in that flicker of hope, maybe this time it might just work.
Hermione nudged his shoulder with her elbow, making a failed attempt at pushing the tight coils of her hair out of her face, “So, what do you think?”
The two looked at him expectantly, waiting for his final say.
“Well,” the dark-haired boy began, tracing a finger down his jagged lightning scar before letting out a chuckle, “...I guess it’s time to get those application letters ready, then.”
Like always, but now with an environment charged with a new mirth and something distinctly juvenile, the three broke into gleeful laughter, leaning on each other and spilling out their hearts and souls through pure unbridled joy.
For the first time, in a very long time, Harry felt true hope and a change for a new start– something beyond the chosen one, something beyond the war, something human.
He finally made a fresh, new, sunlit start.
And Harry didn’t know it yet, but somewhere across the plains and hills, in a dark and slowly recovering Manor, Draco Malfoy sat with his diary open on one side, Aurelius Magic College pamphlet on the other, feeling the same wave of freedom.
A New Sunlit Start.