Chapter Text
The Origins of Trishul School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Trishul, otherwise known as the Trident was established in the 6th Century BCE as the result of an unlikely alliance. It all began one night when six witches and wizards, each with different backgrounds all shared the same dream.
The first, Kovidh, was a scholar. He studied and copied every book he ever found, eventually filling an expanded chest with enough books to fill a library the size of a palace. He was known as the most knowledgeable living being on the continent.
The second, Aniya, was an inventor. She ran away from home at a young age to escape an arranged marriage. The night she left, she accidentally took her father’s tool kit instead of the bag she had packed for herself. Many believe that accident was planned by the gods, for Aniya became one of the most sought after inventors in all of India.
The third, Jashith, was the guardian of an ancient Hindu temple high up in the Himalayan mountains. Under his watch the temple never experienced tragedy. He never married or had children out of fear it would interfere with his duties.
The fourth, Charvaka, was an old Indian Philosopher. He lived alone in a small hut in the middle of a magical forest, where he spent his days meditating and writing. Many of his ideas became standard truths in the Indian psyche.
The fifth, Balkrishna, was a young trickster. Growing up as an orphan he knew how to manipulate those around him in order to survive. Particularly skilled at wandless magic, he spent his days entertaining non-magicals for a profit. When he wasn’t performing, he was stealing from rich merchants and rulers. By the time he grew into an adult he had amassed a large fortune, enough to leave his previous life behind. He was well known for forming a close friendship with a mischievous golden langur monkey.
The sixth and final founder was named Lavvi. With her father’s encouragement Lavvi became one of the greatest warriors in her kingdom. Rulers and warriors alike envied her abilities. It was said that she could beat a man in a duel with her eyes closed and her ears stuffed with cotton.
The six witches and wizards all lived in different regions of India, but they were brought together by a shared dream. The dream resembled a story they all heard as children, the story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
Legend says the dream went as follows.
In their dreams, the six future founders of Trishul witnessed the never ending struggle between the Devas (the gods) and the Asuras (the Demons). They witnessed the Devas become severely weakened as the result of a curse placed on them by an angry sage. The Devas needed the coveted elixir of immortality in order to become strong once again. Knowing the Asuras would never allow them to retrieve the elixir, the Devas offered to share it with the demons once it was retrieved from the Cosmic Ocean, otherwise known as the Ocean of Milk. After a deal had been struck, the Devas and the Asuras went to the Cosmic Ocean. Together they took Mount Mandara, a splinter of Mount Meru, the golden mountain that stood at the center of the universe and acted as the world’s axis. Mount Mandara would be used as a churning stick for the Devas and Asuras.
The Asuras then held the head of Vasuki, (the half human, half cobra companion of the god Shiva) who would be used as a churning rope, while the gods held the naga’s tail.
Through their efforts over the next 1000 years, the Devas and the Asuras released many new treasures upon the world, such as Chandra, the deity of the moon, and Madira, the goddess of wine who later became Varuna’s (the god of the ocean’s) wife. Parijata, the celestial tree of the universe was also released. The tree was planted in Svarga, a paradise located on top of Mount Meru guarded by Indra who was the leader of the Devas. Many more treasures were released, but the last treasure to rise from the depths of the celestial ocean was Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who was carrying the elixir of immortality.
Although the Asuras and Devas had agreed to share the elixir, the Devas did not want the Asuras to have that powerful advantage. In order to protect the elixir, Garuda, a bird like creature known as the protector took the pot of elixir and escaped the battlefield.
This was where the six alliance members noticed something peculiar about their dream. As Garuda flew away seven drops of the elixir splashed out of the pot and fell into the Indian ocean. Seven islands, one large and six small formed where the drops fell.
This was where the dream supposedly sped forward in time. Each founder saw themselves on the islands surrounded my magical children. They were acting as teachers and mentors for the children. When the six witches and wizards woke the following morning they each traveled to the southern coast of India. They understood that they had been given a task to complete by the gods.
The six witches and wizards all met each other on the coast and recognized one another from their shared dream. Although they didn’t always get along, they still sailed together across the Indian ocean on a ship named Trishul, searching for the hidden celestial islands.
After months of travel they had run out of food. With no land in sight the six founders gave up hope of surviving. They sat in a meditative circle on the deck of the ship hoping the gods would grant them another vision to guide them. When the founders opened their eyes, the islands appeared out of the mist. Grateful to the gods, the founders decided to build structures worthy of the gods themselves. On the largest island located at the center of the others, the founders built a magnificent palace, big enough to educate thousands of magical students.
The founders agreed to name the magical school Trishul after the sturdy vessel that kept them safe during their journey. The ship sunk almost a hundred years later during a terrible storm and is now located at the bottom of Founder’s Cove next to the main island.
Trishul’s Six Houses
The remaining six islands became home to the students of Trishul. The founders each claimed one of the islands and founded their own houses. Though how the students are sorted is a well guarded secret. Each of the six islands now maintain accommodations tailored to the students of their chosen house.
Kavidh, the scholar, founded House Airavat (also known as the House of Academics) , named after the white elephant Indra used as his vehicle. Elephants are a well known symbol of intelligence in Indian culture. The elephant closely represents the values Kavidh bestowed upon his house. Students in House Airavat are known to be studious and well-read. It is said that Kavidh’s personal book collection eventually became Trishul’s library. Airavat Island is known for having an impressive private library built by Kavidh himself for members of his house. House Airavat’s symbol is the elephant and its color is gold.
Aniya the inventor founded House Sheshnaag (otherwise known as the House of Creators). Sheshnaag, a 1,000 headed serpent was the king of the nagas. It is said that even after the earth has turned to dust, Sheshnaag will live on. Snakes are an important feature in Indian culture, they often represent creation and timelessness. Those who are sorted into this house value creativity and inventing. Members of House Sheshnaag are often found hidden away in Sheshnaag Island’s private labs long after curfew working on their projects. House Sheshnaag’s symbol is a snake and its house color is a dark oceanic blue.
Jashith, guardian of the Himalayan Hindu temple founded House Garuda (known as the House of Guardians ) after the creature who saved the elixir from the Asuras. He felt a kinship with Garuda who is known as the protective vehicle of the god Vishnu. Members of this house value justice and protecting the weak. They often become politicians or aurors in order to serve justice to those who warrant it. Garuda Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. The half-bird like creature Garuda is the symbol of this house and its house color is saffron, an important color in Indian culture today.
Charvaka the famous philosopher founded House Chakora (the House of the Philosophers). House Chakora was named after the crow/pheasant like bird who resides on the beams of the moon. Charvaka wrote that he always had his best ideas while meditating late at night with the moon shining above him. Charvaka eventually went on to become the first headmaster of Trishul. Members of this house value original thinking and resistance. You will often find members of this house sitting on the rocks of their island near the ocean meditating in the moonlight to honor their founder. One may find it hard to manipulate those who join this house, for they are known to see through lies. The symbol of this house is the Chakora and the house color is purple.
Balkrishna the trickster founded House Vanara (the House of Mystery and Mischief) . Balkrishna chose to name his house after the Vanara people. A highly intelligent half-monkey half-human race who live in the forests of Asia. Monkeys are known to be very mischievous, often very charming, cunning, and energetic. Balkrishna had an affinity for monkeys, especially since his closest friend was a golden langur monkey. Very little is known about Vanara Island for it is covered in thick jungle. Those who are sorted into this house are often viewed as mysterious by the other houses. Many believe this is because of their proclivity towards their own house. It is rare to see members of House Vanara associating with members of other houses. Members of House Vanara are often skilled with wandless magic and mind magics. The symbol of this house is a monkey and the house color is green.
The legendary warrior Lavvi founded House Dawon (the House of the warriors) . She named her house after the goddess Durga’s tiger, Dawon, who Durga rode into battle to fight the demon Mahishasura. Members of this house are exceptional magical duelers, and are also known for their skills with the trident and the charkram, a sharp throwing disk. Members of this house are often found practicing their skills on the various dueling platforms and fighting pits on Dawon Island. They value discipline and dedication to learning and practicing their craft. House Dawon’s symbol is the tiger and the house color is red.
Trishul Today
Currently Trishul is home to approximately 210 staff and 4,000 students from around the world, making it one of the largest magical schools. About 59% percent of the school’s population is of Indian origin, while the remaining 41% is made up of Southeast Asian (15%), Chinese (10%), European (10%), North American (2%), South American (2%), and Australian (2%) students. Parents from across the globe often decide to send their students to Trishul for the inclusive and diverse atmosphere of the institution, as well as the numerous educational opportunities.
Each core subject taught has one lecture, one lab, and one discussion per week. Lectures are normally used for teaching theory , while labs are practical, and discussions are used for talking about the theory and practical lessons. Lectures are taught in lecture halls which usually hold around 250 students. Labs normally hold 20 students, and discussions hold approximately 15 students.
Trishul also teaches a wide variety of magical subjects. The core curriculum includes potions, history, ancient runes, transfiguration, charms, defensive and offensive magic, and astronomy(which becomes an elective course after first year). Elective courses are also very popular among the students of Trishul. Elective courses include healing, herbology, arithmancy, mind magic, politics and strategy, martial arts, divination, and magizoology. After students have taken three years of arithmancy and ancient runes they may be allowed to take warding, rituals, spell crafting, and magical inventing. The study of alchemy is available to seventh year students who have taken three years of ancient runes, arithmancy, astronomy, potions, and rituals.
First year students are given the option to take two elective courses which take place twice per week, while students second year and above are allowed to take three elective courses (must take a minimum of two elective courses). In special cases students may take four elective courses with their Head of House’s permission and the Headmaster/Headmistress’ approval of the use of a Time-turner.
Due to the intensive curriculum, students are required to attend Trishul for nine years instead of seven like most magical schools. Trishul chooses to teach a greater number of subjects over a longer period of time in order to ease the academic burden on students, while also providing a well-rounded education. Trishul graduates are known for being highly qualified in their fields.
The current headmaster is 65 year old Dheeraj Thakur, former member of House Airavat. Professor Thakur is known around the world for his skills in warding and spell crafting…..
Indra looked up from his book on Trishul as Varuna walked into his bedroom. Varuna rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Have you finished reading that book yet?”
“No not yet,” Indra replied. After their father had returned from his meeting yesterday he took them to Dawon Bazaar and bought them books on the school they were to attend with the other children of the Dark Order. After reading about the school Indra found himself itching to go there as soon as humanly possible.
“Apparently Uncle Sandeep informed Trishul about our attendance. He said we should be receiving our acceptance letters soon.”
“That’s great,” he said as he tossed his book onto his bed. “So how do you think they sort the students?”
Varuna shrugged, “I have absolutely no idea. Hopefully it’s not a life threatening task or something.”
“I doubt they would put first years in danger.”
“Yeah well who knows. Which house do you think you will be in?”
Indra sat down on his bed with his brother next to him. “I don’t know, maybe House Airivat, or House Chakora? What about you?”
“Probably House Dawon. I think I would like it there.”
Indra’s shoulders slumped. “So you think we will end up in different houses?”
“I think it is definitely a possibility,” Varuna replied honestly, though he didn’t seem to happy about it either. “But we will be okay Indra, we will still see each other every day. We will eat our meals together and study together. Plus Father bought us the enchanted journals so we can always talk to him and to each other wherever we are.”
Indra looked over to his bookshelf where the new green leather journal sat. Their father took them to a rare magical artifacts store yesterday in the affluent quarter of Dawon Bazaar. There they found a set of three leather magical journals, one green, one brown, and one black. Varuna had the brown leather journal while their father took the black one. The journals allowed them to talk as a group or to the other individuals who had journals.
“Plus,” Varuna continued, “If we are in different houses we will meet more people. Maybe we can gather some followers like father did while he was in school. Who knows, we might need them in the future. People want us dead.”
“You’re right,” Indra admitted. Their father had been teaching them about politics and political maneuvering. They needed to cover as much ground as possible. Everyone would know they were the sons of the Dark Lord and the nephews of Lord Acharya as soon as they introduced themselves to the other students at Trishul. Their names alone would secure top spots in the school’s social hierarchy, but they needed to prove themselves and earn those spots as well. They had to be smarter and stronger than the other witches and wizards. They knew their father would never accept anything less.
“By the way, did you hear that Father has invited some of the Death Eater children to come and stay here for a few weeks?”
“No,” Indra replied with a frown. “Why did he do that?”
Varuna raised an eyebrow, “Political maneuvering. He wants us to have allies before we even start school. Plus they are loyal to us.”
“Right. This whole thing feels weird,” Indra said as he flopped backwards onto his bed. Of course the twins had always wanted to succeed in life. They never would have let the Dursleys control them forever, but they never imagined that they would have people loyal to them. It was an odd feeling to know that as the Dark Lord’s sons they were now two of the most powerful wizards in the world. However, as weird as it currently felt, Indra was also proud. He would live up to his father’s standards. He was determined to become a powerful figure in his own right. He had to act strong in front of all of the young witches and wizards who had been given the opportunity to grow up in the wizarding world. He would act strong in front of them even if he didn’t feel strong. He was the Dark Lord’s son after all.
Both boys looked up as Kanry, their father’s personal house elf popped into the room. He was one of the newer house elves from Slytherin Isle, the home of the Slytherin line back in Britain. The twins had never seen their ancestral home, but they were hoping to someday.
“Masters Indra and Varuna sirs,” the young and eager house elf began. “Master Dark Lord sir is wanting you in the floo room in one hour sirs. Master says you are to be seeing your grandparents tonight.”
Indra nodded, “Okay thank you Kanry. You may go.”
“Are you ready to meet them?” Varuna asked.
“I’m excited, but I’m also a little nervous.”
They knew they were meeting their grandparents tonight. He wanted to meet them, he was hoping they would tell him some stories about their mother. Their father had only shared a few details with them about her.
Her name was Aamaya which meant ‘night rain’ in Hindi. She liked lotus flowers, which is why their father named their home the Lotus Estate. Her favorite subjects were history and warding. She spoke many languages and loved to listen to music. She was tall and beautiful, and had unnatural golden eyes just like Indra.
Those were the little details the twins had been able to gather from their father so far. They tried not to ask about her too often because they knew it hurt him when they did. He obviously missed her more than anything.
That's why the twins were looking forward to meeting their grandparents. Maybe they would have more to say about their mother.
“Nilpy!” Indra called out. His tiny and somewhat adorable personal elf popped into existence next to him wearing a clean, green colored cloth to represent their house.
“Yes masters Indra?” She asked in a squeaky voice.
“Will you pick out some clothing to wear to my grandparents house while I take a shower?”
“Of course Masters Indra!” Nilpy replied, sounding very happy to have been given an order. He was still getting used to the idea of house elves, but he found himself growing rather fond of Nilpy. “I’s will be doing it right away sir.”
Nilpy began preparing his outfit, so Varuna waved, “Okay I will go and take a shower too. See you in a few minutes?”
“Yeah I will meet you in the library.”