Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters or the plots
within the published books. They are all from the brilliant mind of J.K.
Rowling. To the best of my knowledge, I have not seen this plot displayed
on the site. If I am wrong in this, I will remove this story from the
site.
A/N: This is my second fanfic, and my second attempt at writing a story. I apologize if this story isn't very good. Please review, and tell me what you think. Both good and bad reviews will be welcomed.
Harry Potter awoke to the sight of sunlight pouring into his bedroom at 12 Grimmauld Place. This was a very important day for him. He was to begin his first day of teaching as Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Only last year, Harry and his fellow classmates graduated from Hogwarts. He was thrilled and shocked when the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, called Hermione, Ron, and himself into his office after graduation. It turned out that Professor Flitwick and Madame Hooch decided to retire at the end of last term. This left three empty positions to be filled: Charms, Quidditch, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Dumbledore offered DADA to Harry, Charms to Hermione, and Quidditch to Ron. All three accepted with no hesitation.
Harry was very excited, and also equally nervous. Will I be able to do this? He asked himself this for the hundredth time. A little voice inside of his head reassured him that after his DA club, he would have no problems teaching students.
Harry looked over at the clock and realized it was 9:30. "Oh no," he thought. "I have to meet Ron and Hermione at King's Cross at 10:45, and I still haven't packed!" Quickly, Harry performed the spell to pack all of his necessary belongings. Then he showered and dressed. By now, it was 10:30. "Well I'll have to apparate there," he thought. "Although I do hate doing so. It is always crowded and the luggage is hard to manage." With a sigh, Harry disappeared with a pop. Next thing he knew, he was standing in front of King's Cross.
After locating a trolley, Harry rushed to platform 9 ¾. Then he began to worry about what the students would think about the professors riding the train. Most of the teachers either resided at Hogwarts or apparated into Hogsmeade and took a carriage to the school. Hermione, Ron, and Harry decided to take the train instead so that they could discuss their classes and catch up on the summertime events.
Waiting at the platform were Ron and Hermione. The three friends greeted each other with quick hugs. Hermione reminded them that they better hurry up because the train was due to depart in 10 minutes. Before they went through the barrier, Harry noticed a young girl looking lost on the platform. She had a trolley loaded with a trunk, and an owl. Harry told the others to go ahead and walked over to the girl.
As he approached her, he noticed tears that were brimming in her eyes and a small piece of paper clutched in her hand. On the paper he could see ¾ and confirmed his suspicions that she was looking for the platform to Hogwarts.
The girl suddenly looked up at Harry. He immediately noticed that she had amazingly blue eyes. They were the color of sapphires. She had shoulder length blonde hair, and appeared to be about eleven years old. There was something strange in her eyes, and it wasn't just the tears. Harry couldn't put his finger on it, but there appeared to be something not right about her.
"Can you help me?" the girl asked.
"Of course. Are you looking for platform 9 3/4?" Harry asked her.
"Oh yes! I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to find it seeing as how the train is due to leave in about five minutes. Can you please tell me how to get there?"
"It's actually quite simple. Just walk straight at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. It is a magical barrier and you will be able to walk straight through. Just a hint, if you are nervous, run don't walk."
"Thank you so very much! I really do appreciate this."
Harry noticed that the girl still appeared to be very nervous. "If you like, I can walk through with you and help you find a seat."
A look of relief swept across the girls face. "I would truly appreciate that. You are very kind."
The two of them then walked through the barrier. Harry then took the girls possessions and loaded them on the train. The pair then looked for a seat for the young girl. The only seat that was available was in Harry, Ron, and Hermione's compartment. Harry offered the empty seat to the girl and she accepted.
As they entered the compartment, Ron and Hermione looked questioningly at Harry. It did look a little odd that he was asking a first-year student to ride with them. After all, they were eighteen years old. What could they possibly have in common with an eleven year old? Harry gave them both a look that he would explain later.
"Hello, there are no available seats left on the train, so I invited this student to sit in our compartment," Harry told Ron, and Hermione.
"Glad you can join us," Hermione said with a very warm smile. "I am Professor Granger, this is Professor Weasley, and standing beside you is Professor Potter."
"I am very pleased to meet you all," the girl replied looking each professor in the eye as she was introduced. "My name is Marion O'Rahilly. This is my first year at Hogwarts. I look forward to having all of you as teachers."
All four of them then took their seats. Harry noticed that the young student did not glance at his scar when he was introduced. "Odd," he thought. "I've never had that happen before. Everyone, even those who know me always look at my forehead." Before he had time to ponder this, Hermione began to speak.
"So Marion, where are you from?"
"I'm from Ireland, around the Dublin area. I must say, I never knew there were witches and wizards until I received my letter. It came as quite a shock to find I am a witch."
"I know what you mean, the same thing happened to me," Harry told Marion.
Marion smiled at Harry. "She's hiding something," Harry thought. "I just know it!"
"In that way we are similar then. Both of my parents are pureblood wizards, but they raised me as a muggle. I'm really not sure why. I had no idea about our heritage until that day."
"That's odd," Ron said.
All four of the persons in the compartment nodded in agreement. After that, nobody could think of anything to say. They just shuffled their feet and looked at the ceiling. After about fifteen minutes, Marion spoke.
"Listen. I know it must be a terrible burden to have a first-year student imposing on you. I have my textbooks here. I would be more then willing to read while you guys talk. You could place a deafness spell on me. That way, I won't be able to listen to your conversation, and you can carry on as though I am not here. All I ask is that you let me know when the trolley comes through and when it is time to get off the train."
"That seems fair," Hermione replied. "As long as you do not mind." After Marion reassured her that she did not mind, Hermione cast the charm. Marion then became lost in her reading. After testing to make sure that Marion could not hear them, the three friends began to talk.
"So how were your summers? Any new news on Voldemort?" Hermione asked.
"Summer was the usual. At least I didn't have to spend it on Privet Drive. It was really nice of Sirius to leave his belongings to me. I got to spend all summer at his, I mean, my house. There is no news on Voldemort. Nothing has been seen from him since the end of last term when he destroyed that muggle town because he thought that was where I was staying."
"Don't you think it is a little odd that he hasn't tried anything? I mean it has been awhile since anyone heard from him." Ron asked.
"I think so. Dumbledore seems to be okay with it. I don't know what he is up to, but it can't be good if he has been quiet for so long." Harry replied.
"I think that you two worry to much. As long as Voldemort doesn't find out that Snape has turned spy we will always know what he is up to. I think we need to focus on our lesson plans. I spent all summer devising mine. I only hope that I do as well as Professor Flitwick." Hermione said.
"Always thinking about school," Ron said as he shook his head.
"Well I want to make a good impression. After all, we are the youngest teachers Hogwarts has ever had."
"Hermione, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. No Head Girl in Hogwarts history has ever had as high marks as you." Harry replied with a grin.
The two boys laughed as Hermione turned a shade of red that closely matched Ron's hair.
"So what do you think of our little friend here? Am I the only one who thinks she is a little, well, odd?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at his friend with amazement. How was it that she always knew what he was thinking? Both he and Ron nodded in agreement with Hermione.
"I mean, not to be rude, she just seems like she is hiding something. She seems way too smart, and she does not act like an eleven year old. Everything about her appearance seems to say that she is eleven, but I don't know. I just have this feeling that there is something odd about her." Hermione said this with a look on her face that was a cross between deep thought and confusion.
Harry nodded his head. "I agree, Hermione. There is something she is hiding. I just wish I knew what."
At this moment, the Hogwarts Express began to slow. They had reached their destination at the Hogsmeade station. Hermione immediately released the charm on Marion. The four then began to exit the train. They then heard a familiar voice calling the first year students to the boats.
All three of them waved to Hagrid. They then directed Marion toward him. She would be making her way to castle via the boats that go across the lake. They would be taking a carriage to the castle.
They were the first to reach the entrance hall to the castle. Professor McGonagall was there to greet them. After giving each of them a smile, something they rarely saw her do, she directed them to the Great Hall for the feast. She also advised them to see her after the feast for their class schedules and other instructions.
Harry, Ron and Hermione took their seats at the teachers' table. Harry couldn't help but feel a little odd sitting at the head table. He could not think for long though, because the students were filing into the hall. After about ten minutes, the first years entered the hall following Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall then placed a tattered and torn looking hat on a three-legged stool. A rather large tear in the hat then split into a mouth. Harry looked with amusement at the first years' amazed faces. The hat then began to sing.
A thousand years ago
When Hogwarts was brand new
The four founders gave me the power to
Separate the students into the houses
That suited them best
This year there is one among you
Who you must protect
This one will bring the end
And a new beginning
So I have said it before
And I will again
Although the wise founders
Thought it best to separate you
Only as one
Can we stand and not fall
The hat then went silent. The hall was silent as well. The sorting hat had warned them all before, but this seemed more urgent. Who was the one that needed protecting? Why didn't it tell us who it was? It was very strange indeed.
The sorting then began. Professor McGonagall instructed each student to come forward as his or her name was called and put on the hat to be sorted into his or her house.
First, was Melissa Ashley who became a Gryffindor. Then Kyle Barnes became a Hufflepuff. Harry then began to watch idly and wish that the sorting was over. He was snapped out of his thoughts when Marion O'Rahilly was called. She put the hat on, and fifteen minutes passed while the hat debated which house she was to be put in. Harry glanced over at Dumbledore who appeared very interested in which house Marion went into. Finally, the sorting hat proclaimed that she would be a Gryffindor.
The sorting ended with Xavier Young being sorted into Slytherin. Harry was very glad. The feast then began. Everyone began to eat eagerly as though they hadn't eaten in years. When the feast was over, Professor Dumbledore stood to give his usual announcements.
"...the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students. Finally, I would like to introduce our three new teachers. Unfortunately, Professors Flitwick and Hooch retired at the end of last term. Professor Hermione Granger will now be teaching Charms. Professor Ronald Weasley will be the Quidditch and Flying instructor. Professor Harry Potter will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
After this announcement, the Great Hall broke out into enthusiastic applause. Dumbledore then dismissed the students from the Great Hall. As the students began to leave, Dumbledore asked Marion to meet him at his office.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other with puzzled looks. Before any of them could speak, Professor McGonagall reminded them they were to meet her in her office. The three of them then started toward the transfiguration corridor.
"Why would Dumbledore want to see Marion? He never calls first-year students to his office on the very first day!" Harry said to his friends as he walked.
"I know. It does seem a bit odd. I mean, she hasn't even had time to get into any trouble yet!" Ron exclaimed.
"Well one thing is for sure. There is definitely more to this girl than meets the eye," said Hermione.
A/N: This is my second fanfic, and my second attempt at writing a story. I apologize if this story isn't very good. Please review, and tell me what you think. Both good and bad reviews will be welcomed.
Harry Potter awoke to the sight of sunlight pouring into his bedroom at 12 Grimmauld Place. This was a very important day for him. He was to begin his first day of teaching as Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Only last year, Harry and his fellow classmates graduated from Hogwarts. He was thrilled and shocked when the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, called Hermione, Ron, and himself into his office after graduation. It turned out that Professor Flitwick and Madame Hooch decided to retire at the end of last term. This left three empty positions to be filled: Charms, Quidditch, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Dumbledore offered DADA to Harry, Charms to Hermione, and Quidditch to Ron. All three accepted with no hesitation.
Harry was very excited, and also equally nervous. Will I be able to do this? He asked himself this for the hundredth time. A little voice inside of his head reassured him that after his DA club, he would have no problems teaching students.
Harry looked over at the clock and realized it was 9:30. "Oh no," he thought. "I have to meet Ron and Hermione at King's Cross at 10:45, and I still haven't packed!" Quickly, Harry performed the spell to pack all of his necessary belongings. Then he showered and dressed. By now, it was 10:30. "Well I'll have to apparate there," he thought. "Although I do hate doing so. It is always crowded and the luggage is hard to manage." With a sigh, Harry disappeared with a pop. Next thing he knew, he was standing in front of King's Cross.
After locating a trolley, Harry rushed to platform 9 ¾. Then he began to worry about what the students would think about the professors riding the train. Most of the teachers either resided at Hogwarts or apparated into Hogsmeade and took a carriage to the school. Hermione, Ron, and Harry decided to take the train instead so that they could discuss their classes and catch up on the summertime events.
Waiting at the platform were Ron and Hermione. The three friends greeted each other with quick hugs. Hermione reminded them that they better hurry up because the train was due to depart in 10 minutes. Before they went through the barrier, Harry noticed a young girl looking lost on the platform. She had a trolley loaded with a trunk, and an owl. Harry told the others to go ahead and walked over to the girl.
As he approached her, he noticed tears that were brimming in her eyes and a small piece of paper clutched in her hand. On the paper he could see ¾ and confirmed his suspicions that she was looking for the platform to Hogwarts.
The girl suddenly looked up at Harry. He immediately noticed that she had amazingly blue eyes. They were the color of sapphires. She had shoulder length blonde hair, and appeared to be about eleven years old. There was something strange in her eyes, and it wasn't just the tears. Harry couldn't put his finger on it, but there appeared to be something not right about her.
"Can you help me?" the girl asked.
"Of course. Are you looking for platform 9 3/4?" Harry asked her.
"Oh yes! I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to find it seeing as how the train is due to leave in about five minutes. Can you please tell me how to get there?"
"It's actually quite simple. Just walk straight at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. It is a magical barrier and you will be able to walk straight through. Just a hint, if you are nervous, run don't walk."
"Thank you so very much! I really do appreciate this."
Harry noticed that the girl still appeared to be very nervous. "If you like, I can walk through with you and help you find a seat."
A look of relief swept across the girls face. "I would truly appreciate that. You are very kind."
The two of them then walked through the barrier. Harry then took the girls possessions and loaded them on the train. The pair then looked for a seat for the young girl. The only seat that was available was in Harry, Ron, and Hermione's compartment. Harry offered the empty seat to the girl and she accepted.
As they entered the compartment, Ron and Hermione looked questioningly at Harry. It did look a little odd that he was asking a first-year student to ride with them. After all, they were eighteen years old. What could they possibly have in common with an eleven year old? Harry gave them both a look that he would explain later.
"Hello, there are no available seats left on the train, so I invited this student to sit in our compartment," Harry told Ron, and Hermione.
"Glad you can join us," Hermione said with a very warm smile. "I am Professor Granger, this is Professor Weasley, and standing beside you is Professor Potter."
"I am very pleased to meet you all," the girl replied looking each professor in the eye as she was introduced. "My name is Marion O'Rahilly. This is my first year at Hogwarts. I look forward to having all of you as teachers."
All four of them then took their seats. Harry noticed that the young student did not glance at his scar when he was introduced. "Odd," he thought. "I've never had that happen before. Everyone, even those who know me always look at my forehead." Before he had time to ponder this, Hermione began to speak.
"So Marion, where are you from?"
"I'm from Ireland, around the Dublin area. I must say, I never knew there were witches and wizards until I received my letter. It came as quite a shock to find I am a witch."
"I know what you mean, the same thing happened to me," Harry told Marion.
Marion smiled at Harry. "She's hiding something," Harry thought. "I just know it!"
"In that way we are similar then. Both of my parents are pureblood wizards, but they raised me as a muggle. I'm really not sure why. I had no idea about our heritage until that day."
"That's odd," Ron said.
All four of the persons in the compartment nodded in agreement. After that, nobody could think of anything to say. They just shuffled their feet and looked at the ceiling. After about fifteen minutes, Marion spoke.
"Listen. I know it must be a terrible burden to have a first-year student imposing on you. I have my textbooks here. I would be more then willing to read while you guys talk. You could place a deafness spell on me. That way, I won't be able to listen to your conversation, and you can carry on as though I am not here. All I ask is that you let me know when the trolley comes through and when it is time to get off the train."
"That seems fair," Hermione replied. "As long as you do not mind." After Marion reassured her that she did not mind, Hermione cast the charm. Marion then became lost in her reading. After testing to make sure that Marion could not hear them, the three friends began to talk.
"So how were your summers? Any new news on Voldemort?" Hermione asked.
"Summer was the usual. At least I didn't have to spend it on Privet Drive. It was really nice of Sirius to leave his belongings to me. I got to spend all summer at his, I mean, my house. There is no news on Voldemort. Nothing has been seen from him since the end of last term when he destroyed that muggle town because he thought that was where I was staying."
"Don't you think it is a little odd that he hasn't tried anything? I mean it has been awhile since anyone heard from him." Ron asked.
"I think so. Dumbledore seems to be okay with it. I don't know what he is up to, but it can't be good if he has been quiet for so long." Harry replied.
"I think that you two worry to much. As long as Voldemort doesn't find out that Snape has turned spy we will always know what he is up to. I think we need to focus on our lesson plans. I spent all summer devising mine. I only hope that I do as well as Professor Flitwick." Hermione said.
"Always thinking about school," Ron said as he shook his head.
"Well I want to make a good impression. After all, we are the youngest teachers Hogwarts has ever had."
"Hermione, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. No Head Girl in Hogwarts history has ever had as high marks as you." Harry replied with a grin.
The two boys laughed as Hermione turned a shade of red that closely matched Ron's hair.
"So what do you think of our little friend here? Am I the only one who thinks she is a little, well, odd?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at his friend with amazement. How was it that she always knew what he was thinking? Both he and Ron nodded in agreement with Hermione.
"I mean, not to be rude, she just seems like she is hiding something. She seems way too smart, and she does not act like an eleven year old. Everything about her appearance seems to say that she is eleven, but I don't know. I just have this feeling that there is something odd about her." Hermione said this with a look on her face that was a cross between deep thought and confusion.
Harry nodded his head. "I agree, Hermione. There is something she is hiding. I just wish I knew what."
At this moment, the Hogwarts Express began to slow. They had reached their destination at the Hogsmeade station. Hermione immediately released the charm on Marion. The four then began to exit the train. They then heard a familiar voice calling the first year students to the boats.
All three of them waved to Hagrid. They then directed Marion toward him. She would be making her way to castle via the boats that go across the lake. They would be taking a carriage to the castle.
They were the first to reach the entrance hall to the castle. Professor McGonagall was there to greet them. After giving each of them a smile, something they rarely saw her do, she directed them to the Great Hall for the feast. She also advised them to see her after the feast for their class schedules and other instructions.
Harry, Ron and Hermione took their seats at the teachers' table. Harry couldn't help but feel a little odd sitting at the head table. He could not think for long though, because the students were filing into the hall. After about ten minutes, the first years entered the hall following Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall then placed a tattered and torn looking hat on a three-legged stool. A rather large tear in the hat then split into a mouth. Harry looked with amusement at the first years' amazed faces. The hat then began to sing.
A thousand years ago
When Hogwarts was brand new
The four founders gave me the power to
Separate the students into the houses
That suited them best
This year there is one among you
Who you must protect
This one will bring the end
And a new beginning
So I have said it before
And I will again
Although the wise founders
Thought it best to separate you
Only as one
Can we stand and not fall
The hat then went silent. The hall was silent as well. The sorting hat had warned them all before, but this seemed more urgent. Who was the one that needed protecting? Why didn't it tell us who it was? It was very strange indeed.
The sorting then began. Professor McGonagall instructed each student to come forward as his or her name was called and put on the hat to be sorted into his or her house.
First, was Melissa Ashley who became a Gryffindor. Then Kyle Barnes became a Hufflepuff. Harry then began to watch idly and wish that the sorting was over. He was snapped out of his thoughts when Marion O'Rahilly was called. She put the hat on, and fifteen minutes passed while the hat debated which house she was to be put in. Harry glanced over at Dumbledore who appeared very interested in which house Marion went into. Finally, the sorting hat proclaimed that she would be a Gryffindor.
The sorting ended with Xavier Young being sorted into Slytherin. Harry was very glad. The feast then began. Everyone began to eat eagerly as though they hadn't eaten in years. When the feast was over, Professor Dumbledore stood to give his usual announcements.
"...the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students. Finally, I would like to introduce our three new teachers. Unfortunately, Professors Flitwick and Hooch retired at the end of last term. Professor Hermione Granger will now be teaching Charms. Professor Ronald Weasley will be the Quidditch and Flying instructor. Professor Harry Potter will be our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
After this announcement, the Great Hall broke out into enthusiastic applause. Dumbledore then dismissed the students from the Great Hall. As the students began to leave, Dumbledore asked Marion to meet him at his office.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other with puzzled looks. Before any of them could speak, Professor McGonagall reminded them they were to meet her in her office. The three of them then started toward the transfiguration corridor.
"Why would Dumbledore want to see Marion? He never calls first-year students to his office on the very first day!" Harry said to his friends as he walked.
"I know. It does seem a bit odd. I mean, she hasn't even had time to get into any trouble yet!" Ron exclaimed.
"Well one thing is for sure. There is definitely more to this girl than meets the eye," said Hermione.