I love how Draco, Pansy and Theo set up the scenario that would allow Padma to leave the Slytherin Common Room with some kind of reputation left; and yes, Occlumency is definitely the order of the day.

And I don't blame Snape for wanting to strangle them all. Snicker.

Yes, Draco is out of character-he hasn't sneered once.

And I liked how Snape and Flitwick played defense against Dumbledore, too.

Excellent idea for Padma to make relationships in Ravenclaw stronger-that's the one house where people don't normally stick together; and that Flitwick is finally realizing that there are two madmen out there, not just one.

I love your story so far I hope you continue writing it. I esp love the fact that you also recognize dumbledore as being manipulative and not some powerful genius. Keep up the awesome story!

3 Anit

Delightful! But Minerva and Filius need to be careful, or Dumbledore might have more than an Obliviate in mind for them-he so dislikes his tools having minds of their own.

Hmmm, a round table? But 13, that's a tall order...we have Padma and the Slytherin trio. If she got the Goldern trio to join they'd be up to 7. Managing to convince Snape, Flitwick and Minerva would bring them up to 10...but that's still 3 short.
I suppose Parvati's an option, although she hasn't really focused enough in the story for me to see that.
We're at 4 Slytherins, 4 Gryffindors, and 2 Ravenclaws. If they could swing some Hufflepuffs; maybe Pamona?
Or maybe throw in more Gryfs to convince Harry to come? Neville and/or Ginny?

Idk. But I like it. If this happens though, could one of the Slytherins please mention that Merlin came from their house?

As a Slytherin I am very happy with the portrayal you've chosen. Although I disagree with some of it (i.e. not all Slytherins are followers.) Regardless, I hope you manage to turn at least some of those stubborn Gryfs heads.
After all, ambition is not inherently evil. It's what led to a Slytherin creating the Wolfsbane potion. What led Merlin to Arthur. Etc. There are plenty of decent Slytherins, Tonks' mom, for one. Dorea Potter nee Black, Harry's paternal grandmother, for another.
But I'ma get off my pedastool now, to say this is a lovely fic, and I'm excited to see where it goes.

Nice to see Minerva *thinking* about what's really going on, instead of being Dumbledore's hand puppet. But that won't last long if she asks Albus some searching questions-she'll be offered the *special* sherbet lemons and become his Loyal Apprentice once again.

I wonder if she was ever told about the werewolf incident? Or she's been Obliviated too many times? She certainly doesn't seem to recall it, or anything like it.

Short, but good. Padma should arrange a study session with all her dorm mates, and have some good food and drink at it, too. Bonding experiences are a good thing, and if it's couched as study, then most any Ravenclaw wouldn't mind too much.

Snape does appreciate being clued in, though, and offered this warning in exchange. Padma should pay attention to it.

U have a way with words.

Good for Rastaban! If he really enjoys research, Hermione won't care about the Mark on him arm (and being related might give her a smidge more protection from Mad Bella, though who knows with her!).

Yes, Lucius is easy to manipulate, but frankly, why doesn't he just ask Fudge for a guided tour of the Ministry and pick up whatever they need at that time? It's not like getting that item *should* be stupidly dangerous. In fact, Voldie could come along as a Polyjuiced version of someone Fudge would trust (no, not Umbridge, that would be cruel but fun).

But Severus is increasingly tired of both sides, and I sure don't blame him.

Another pointer about swearing in Indian (across regions and languages, but mostly Hindu): no one swears by Durga or any goddess the way you have put it, likely because it is a very common name. Indeed, Parvati is a goddess herself, so you can imagine why it would seem odd. It would be like Snape going, "thank Minerva."

When swearing or thanking a female deity, an Indian would likely use the all encompassing Mataji or Mata rani, or atleast use it as a suffix to prevent confusion. Like so, "Thank Durga Mata!"

Further pointers for reference:
When exclaiming/swearing, Indians commonly swear by Ram, Krishna and Shiv. No one swears by Brahma. Indeed Gandhi's last words are said to be, "Hey Ram!" General exclamations would be:

Hare Krishna
Shiv, Shiv, Shiv (with head shaking)
Hey Ram

And as a war cry:

Jai shri Ram (UP)
Har har Mahadev
Jai Mata di (Punjab)

Indians will also use the generic word God, for swearing. For most of us, terminology is irrelevant, and we apply the word God for any/all of our deities. God in Hindi translates to Bhagwan. No, it is not a term for God as understood in Christianity. Just a generic word. It isn't unusual for Indians to go, "oh my god!" Indeed, it is possibly more common than using a particular deity to swear by. After all it covers everyone.

Other gods are sworn by/prayed to under specific circumstances, often tied up with festivals. Lakshmi for wealth during Diwali, Hanuman for strength, generally by wrestlers, Saraswati for wisdom, generally during academic functions, Ganpati for prosperity during Ganesh Chaturthi...

A convincing exclamation would always be "Hey Bhagwan!"

Don't really understand the Dumbledore hate in this fandom. Still fun to read. Like your Flitwick.

Further to my previous comment:

As I read on, your extra-traditional set up becomes a bit more absurd: it seems that you have portrayed (quite correctly) the Patils as Maharashtrians, as evident from the word, "Aai". Generally speaking, Maharashrians are more progressive (less traditional/orthodox). So it is very unlikely that Aai would have anything against a gora. Indeed, Mumbai (the capital of Maharashtra) is possibly the most cosmopolitan city in India.

Of course what follows is a generalisation, but the orthodox regions of India are generally in what is called the cow belt (UP in particular) and Rajasthan. Tamilian Brahmins are supposed to be an orthodox community.

My Indian eyes flinch every time I read the word 'dhal'. What on earth is that supposed to be? Dal perhaps? Also, your literal translation of sister is inappropriate in the phrase, "Oh, bahin". The correct phrase would be "oh, didi", if Padma is the elder, or just, "oh, Padma", if she isn't. If there were a considerable age difference, the appropriate phrase would be, "behen ji". I laud your attempt at making it seem authentic, though.

On another note, considering the fact that you have completely misrepresented Indian culture by picking the most regressive Indian (origin) sub-population, seemingly akin to a radical Mormon, minor quibbles about grammar and diction may be completely ignored :-)

Of course I am planning to continue reading this story. It is not really offensive, merely silly in the vein of almost all fanfiction, and I mean no offence to you. Indeed, I am enjoying this story. It is of particular interest to me. It is exceedingly interesting to see how foreigners perceive Indians and our culture.

Brilliant chapter!