AN: I'm back! Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up but I'm sure most of you know how summer can be. I would love to see what you all think of this story so far. Your thoughts and opinions would mean the world to me! :) For those of you reading I hope you enjoy this installment of A Wand For You Thoughts. Happy reading!
P.S.- I still don't own Harry Potter or anything attributed with it...
The day finally arrived for Harry and all of his friends to go back to Hogwarts. Harry got up earlier than he was used to as of late and started packing his trunk. He carefully set all of his school supplies in one trunk and then all of his robes in another. He sat on his bed, tired and wishing he could go back to sleep. His gaze went over to his nightstand and he gingerly picked up the pictures that sat there. He looked at them for a moment and then placed them in the trunk with his clothes. Turning his attention back to his nightstand, he opened the top drawer. A long, little black box laid there which contained Malfoy's wand. Harry reached into the drawer and picked it up. He could feel the magic coming off of the wand through the box. The magic passed through Harry's hand and he could feel that the wand longed to be used. It also seemed to want to go back to it's former master. Harry sighed and put the wand box into his trunk as well. "I'll have to give this back to Malfoy at some point. I'm surprised he hasn't busted through the front door demanding it back." Harry muttered as he stood up and closed his trunks. At the exact moment that he closed his trunks, Kreacher came hobbling into his room. "Master, you're awake." He stated as if Harry did not already know that.
"Good morning to you too Kreacher." Harry replied as he set his trunks on the ground. Kreacher glanced at Harry's trunks, a small twinkle in his eye. Harry couldn't help but laugh half-heartedly. "While I'm away I'd like you to watch over the house, Kreacher. Other than that you are free to do whatever you wish." Harry told Kreacher. Kreacher looked like he would jump for joy if he could.
"Yes, Master." Kreacher told Harry as he tried to hide a roguish grin. "Would Master like some breakfast?" He asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
"No thanks. I need to get going if I want to make it to the train station in time." Harry knew Kreacher couldn't wait for him to leave so he thought he'd bring some joy to the old house elf by leaving a little early. He would just eat something from the trolley when he got on the train.
Kreacher bowed deeply and headed out of the room. Harry shook his head and then sat on his bed lightly. He hung his head slightly as he sat there in thought for a moment. He kept thinking how wonderful this year was going to be without having to worry about dying and horrible stuff like that. He would actually get to hang out with his friends and they wouldn't be trying to solve some mystery that had to deal with Lord Voldemort. As Harry sat there in thought a soft tapping came from his window. He looked up to see Razul on his windowsill tapping on the window for Harry to let him in. Harry sat up and opened the window, watching the beautiful owl fly in and sit on top of his dresser. Razul eyed the birdcage that lay on the floor next to one of his trunks. Harry smiled and went over to the owl, petting it reassuringly. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. It won't be that long of a ride and then you'll be able to fly around as much as you want." Harry talked to the owl, trying to soothe it's nerves. He turned away from the owl and lifted his left hand up to look at his watch. Harry decided it was time for him to leave since it was 10 o'clock. "I'm sorry Razul, but it's time to go." Harry bent down and picked up birdcage. He placed it on his bed and opened the door to it. Razul understood and flew over and into the cage. He chirped softly and shifted his feet, getting comfortable. Harry closed the cage door, making sure to lock it and then he pulled his wand out. With a flick of his wand all of his trunks and Razul were sitting in the back of his car. Harry pocketed his wand and made his way out of his room. He hopped down the stairs and then went through the front door. His little car was sitting there waiting for him so he got into it and started it up. Before long he was on the road and heading towards King's Cross Station.
It took Harry almost thirty minutes to get to the train station because of traffic so he was glad that he had left a little early. He had parked and pulled all of his luggage out onto a trolley. Now he was standing in the hectic muggle part of the train station. He figured he still had another thirty minutes before the train would leave so he decided to just sit down for a few minutes. He sat down at the nearest bench and just watched all of the muggles scramble around to get on their trains. He couldn't help but smile when people would walk by and look at his trolley funny or eye Razul. The beauty of it was that people were looking at him that way because they thought he was weird looking, not because they recognized him as the Boy Who Lived. It was actually somewhat relaxing to Harry. Everyone was just walking right by him instead of stopping to gawk and ask for his autograph or shake his hand. Harry was looking around at all of the muggles when suddenly he saw a wave of red hair making its way through the train station. He smiled when he saw them one by one disappear into Platform 9 3/4. He stood up and decided that he'd better follow. Harry pushed his trolley a little ways and then ran with all of his force at the barrier between platform nine and ten. He went straight through the barrier and ended up on the wizard train station like he had done for so many years. He headed straight for the train and loaded all of his luggage up. Stepping out of the train he looked around for the sea of red hair. Once he spotted them, he headed over to where they stood.
Mrs. Weasley smiled and grabbed Harry in a tight embrace. "You look skinny Harry! Are you getting enough to eat, dear?" She asked him with motherly concern. Harry opened his mouth to reply when he suddenly felt an arm around his shoulder. He looked to his left to see George looking down at him with a big smile.
"Mum! There's no need to coddle Harry. He is eighteen you know, a big boy. He can take care of himself." George looked at his mom with that familiar twinkle in his eye as he pinched Harry's cheek.
Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips in discontent. "I know that George! It's just I worry about you Harry dear." George pulled away from Harry and Mrs. Weasley took her chance. She took a step towards Harry and patted his hair, trying to fix it a little. Then she patted dust off of Harry's shirt that probably wasn't even dirty. Harry smiled and gave Mrs. Weasley a hug. Mrs. Weasley turned away, trying to hide her tears.
"Harry!" Harry turned to see his two best friends standing right behind him. They both smiled at him as he smiled back. Someone grabbed him from behind and wrapped their arms around his neck. He had a good idea of who it was. He turned his head and saw flaming red hair.
"Hiya Ginny." Harry tried to sound enthusiastic and nice so as not to hurt Ginny's feeling again. Ginny smiled and hugged him tighter, not noticing the fake tone to Harry's voice.
"You all better get on the train!" called from behind them. As if on cue the train blew it's whistle, signaling it was about time to go. All of the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione made their way onto the train and waved goodbye to as the train slowly made it's way out of the station. They brought their heads back into the window and found a compartment to sit it. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all sat in one together.
"I'm so excited to go back to school! I was afraid that I wouldn't get to learn everything that I need to." Hermione said, biting her lip.
"I think you've learned everything you can Hermione!" Ron chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Ginny eyed them and then looked at Harry. She laid partially on his chest and shoulder, snuggling him. Harry looked down at her and then coughed slightly. He gently pushed her off of him and then stood up.
"I'll be right back guys." Harry said to the group. Ron and Hermione nodded but Ginny just stared after him. He quickly stepped out of the compartment and closed the door behind him, taking a deep breath.
Harry wasn't sure how much longer he could keep things up with Ginny. She just seemed so intent on always touching him in some way. Harry sighed and looked out the window at all the trees passing by then down at his stomach when it growled loudly. "I didn't eat breakfast..." He mumbled to himself as he looked down the hall, regretting not having Kreacher make him breakfast. The candy trolley wouldn't be making rounds for at least another couple hours. Harry sighed again and moved down the hall a little so he was out of sight of his friends and Ginny. He leaned on the train windowsill and just stood there for a few minutes, watching the scenery. He perked up a little when he heard suspicious whispering coming from his left. He turned his head slightly to see a small group huddled together. Harry shuffled a little closer to get a better listen. He couldn't hear everything they were saying but he could make out a few words.
"That Death Eater..."
"He'll pay..."
"should Curse him..."
"down the hall..."
Let's go..."
The group of five all nodded at each other. A couple looked nervous and a couple looked excited. Harry knew this could only end badly so when the group of kids starting walking sneakily down the hall, he followed them. They went through a door and into the next side car. They kept looking into compartments trying to find whoever they were looking for. Suddenly they stopped and backed up hurriedly, huddling up again. Harry stopped a few steps behind them and crossed his arms across his chest. "So what now?" One of them asked the group.
"Do you guys know any curses?" Another asked.
"I know some jinxes." One put in helpfully.
Harry had let this go far enough so he cleared his throat. "Excuse me. Do you mind telling me what you're up to?" He asked the group, causing them all to jump. The youngest looking one who seemed to be a first year jumped the most and whirled around, pointing his wand at Harry. Purple sparks shot out and hit Harry square in the stomach. Harry coughed and doubled over clenching his stomach.
"What did you do?!" One of the kids asked the youngest one loudly, who looked absolutely terrified. "I-I don't know! I was scared! I th-thought he was the Death Eater." The first year stuttered, looking close to tears.
"You mean me?" A voice droned behind them in a teasing yet deadly tone. They all turned around to see Draco Malfoy standing there shooting daggers at them with his eyes. The color disappeared from their faces and they ran down the hall and back into their side car. Malfoy grinned maliciously and then looked at Harry. Harry was still clutching his stomach but he was now sitting up and leaning against the wall. "What was that about Potter?" Malfoy demanded, his arms now crossed across his chest as he tried to look angry. Harry side glanced at Malfoy and then pushed himself off of the wall. He turned to face Malfoy directly.
"They thought that they would come over here and jinx you or something." Harry didn't want to say curse because that would have made it sound worse than it was. "They were just a bunch of first and second years who have heard stories. Nothing to worry about."
Malfoy snorted and looked away from Harry. "Nothing to worry about? Yeah right. More than half of the school is probably going to have the same idea. Let's see if I survive the school year. That bastard Weasel will probably start a Malfoy Hate Club and you'll be right there with him won't you, Potter?" Malfoy turned to look at Harry again and poked him roughly in the chest.
"Well maybe if you weren't such a prick all of the time someone might actually like you." Harry said to Malfoy with venom in his eyes.
"Then why would you come stop these brats?" Malfoy said suddenly. "Huh, Potter? Why come save the day when the only person you're helping is me?"
Harry's eyes widened and he stuttered. Malfoy had caught him off guard. "W-Well I never said I hate you, Malfoy."
Malfoy shook his head and uncrossed his arms. "It was kind of implied after all of these years of fighting, Potter." Malfoy looked at Harry who had turned a light shade of red.
Harry, who didn't know why his heart was racing so fast, looked everywhere he could except at Malfoy. "So does that mean you hate me, Malfoy?" Harry asked.
This time Harry had caught Malfoy off guard. Malfoy's mask came apart and he showed that he was shocked. He stared straight at Harry with his grey eyes. His face was now about the same shade as Harry's only a little lighter. "Po-"
"Harry!" Ron came running down the hall, closely followed by Hermione and Ginny. "You've been gone for a while, mate. We were starting to get worried." Ron walked up to Harry and then saw Malfoy. His face instantly wrinkled up in anger.
"Why would you worry about him, Weasel? He's the 'amazing' Harry Potter, I think he can do as he pleases without a babysitter." Malfoy taunted jeeringly. "A couple of poor redheads and a mudblood are Harry Potter's bodyguards. How amusing." Ron's face and ears turned red and he popped his knuckles, getting ready for a fight. Harry put his arm out in front of Ron, hoping that he wouldn't pounce on Malfoy. "Now if you'll excuse me." Malfoy turned around and opened his compartment door. "And Potter. I don't hate you but you better keep that redhead mongrel away from me." With that Malfoy slammed his door shut and closed the curtain so no one could see him.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked from behind Ron.
"Let's go back to our room and I'll tell you." Harry said, still peering at the shut curtains that hid Malfoy from their view.
They all went back to their little compartment and Harry told them everything that happened. He only left out the parts about why he had left the room in the first place and his conversation with Malfoy before they showed up. "That's dreadful..." Hermione said once Harry was done with the story.
"Dreadful? That proud git deserves a few curses sent his way." Ron said, looking at Hermione. "Isn't that right, Harry?"
Harry looked at the compartment floor in thought. "To be honest, I don't think anyone deserves that. I mean think about it. For someone to want to curse someone, they'd have to really not like that person. To have the whole school want to curse you and basically say they hate you would be awful." Ron looked at Harry and then thought it over a moment.
"Yeah I see what you mean, mate. But this is Malfoy we're talking about! He would wish curses on us with a snap of his finger if he could." Ron chuckled and laid back on the seat.
Ginny turned to look at Harry and gently put her hand on his thigh. Harry looked at her hand and really wished that he could move it. "You don't have to ever worry about that though. You're Harry Potter! The whole world loves you!" Ginny said enthusiastically, giving his thigh a squeeze.
"Yeah..." Harry mumbled and looked out the window.
Hills, trees, lakes and all sorts of things zoomed past the window as they made their way to Hogwarts. The candy trolley came and they all bought themselves some sweets. Harry was grateful to put something in his stomach even as he tried some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Even Hermione brought herself to try one. She was lucky and got a strawberry flavored one. Ron pushed his luck and ended up getting sardine, earwax, and dirty sock flavored ones. They ate their Chocolate Frogs and Fizzing Wizzbees, while happily talking and laughing amongst themselves.
The time finally came and the all got up to put their robes on. They sat in their compartment eager and anxious. The train finally started to slow down and they all looked out the window, waiting for their first glimpse of Hogwarts. Harry took in a sharp breath as some trees got out of their way and they could see Hogwarts castle in all of it's grandeur. It felt good to be able look at the castle and not worry about some deadly task he might have to undertake. He looked at his friends and he could tell that they felt the same way. They all had smiles plastered on their faces that showed how relieved and happy they were to be back at a danger free Hogwarts.
The train came to a stop and they all got up. Once they got out, Harry couldn't help but smile even more, looking at all of the happy faces getting off of the train as well. "Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" Harry turned at hearing the familiar voice. The half-giant loomed over the children with a look of utmost joy. "Hello there Harry!" Hagrid called to him from over the crowd. Harry squirmed his way over to Hagrid, looking up at him happily. Hagrid greeted him by patting him on the head, making Harry's knees buckle slightly. "It seems like only yesterday you were comin' off that there train as a firs' year." Hagrid sniffled a little and wiped away some tears that had run down into his beard. "Well you bes' be off. Wouldn't want ter miss the feast." Hagrid pulled out a handkerchief and blew his nose loudly. Harry smiled and nodded, turning around to head back to his friends. They all hopped onto a thestral driven carriage. Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville and Luna all rode in one carriage. Ginny had left them to go find her other friends so she could ride with them. Harry had actually been relieved to get some time away from her. He thought it best to keep those thoughts out of his head as he turned to Luna and Neville.
"How has your summer been since I last saw you guys?" Harry asked them both with a polite smile.
"Well my Gran is still as strict as ever. She actually let Luna come over for a few days though." Neville smiled and put an arm around Luna's shoulder who, surprisingly, blushed.
"Yes she even let me plant a Yagsburn tree in their back yard. They are meant to bring good luck and fortune to whosever land it lives in." Luna said in her mystic voice.
Hermione smiled at them with a kind of motherly happiness. "That's great you guys." She said. They all still had smiles on their faces as they inched ever closer to the place some of them could call home.
All of the older students walked up the steps gingerly as if one wrong step could send everything to hell. They knew it wouldn't but they still couldn't believe this would be their last school year, their last time to walk up these steps for a new year. They made their way through the giant front doors and into the Great Hall. The commotion of their chatter echoed back to them from the high ceiling as they all took their seats at their house tables. All of the professors were sitting at their table in front of all of the student tables except for Hagrid and Headmistress McGonagall. McGonagall was standing at the podium that Albus Dumbledore had stood at for so long. She stood there smiling at all of the students merrily. A few minutes passed and then all of the first years came stumbling into the hall nervously. They were all lead by Hagrid who puffed up his chest to show that he was proud to be leading them in. Professor McGonagall stepped forward, setting out a stool and placing an old tattered hat on top of it. Harry smiled, remembering the first time he had worn the Sorting Hat. It wasn't the nicest of hats but it most certainly was the smartest. The first years looked at the hat in a confused manner as the sorting ceremony began. They all sat there waiting for each first year to get sorted. Each house would cheer each time they'd get a new student in their house. It seemed that this year Hufflepuff had the most new students. Harry glanced over at the Slytherin table and truly couldn't believe what he saw. There were barely any Slytherins to look at. There were numerous gaps in between groups of students that not even the new students they got had been able to fill. It really seemed that a lot of Slytherins wouldn't be coming to Hogwarts this year or for years to come. 'All Slytherins can't be bad eggs... Can they?' Harry thought to himself, his gaze sliding over the empty holes at his enemy house table. Then he noticed the biggest of all the gaps. In the middle of that gap sat Draco Malfoy. Harry didn't know why but he instantly felt his heart tighten with sadness. No one wanted to sit anywhere near Malfoy and Harry couldn't help but feel bad for him. Harry sighed and turned his attention back to Professor McGonagall.
"I welcome all of you to Hogwarts. Whether you are new or old students I'm delighted that you are here. Now I do have a few announcements before we get to our wonderfully prepared feast. As quite a few of you are aware, seventh year students from last year will be attending for a new eighth year. This eight year will be open for anyone who wishes to take it until the first years this year become seventh years. Last year was quite horrible for everyone in the Wizarding World. That is why I want to make sure you all get the best education you can. We have prepared a room in the castle that all eighth years will be staying in since there aren't that many of you this year. This may be changed in the future but for now all eighth years of each house will be staying in this new found dormitory. Just so I'm clear, this is not a new house so you shall still be running for the house cup alongside your fellow housemates."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at one another. This was the first they had heard about this new arrangement.
"Furthermore, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. I'd like you all to welcome Professor Dario Kane." Professor McGonagall motioned her hand to the teachers' table. A tall man stood up from the table and smiled at everyone. Harry narrowed his eyes and looked at his smile closely. It didn't seem like a smile you showed to people you planned to get along with. It almost made Harry think he was looking at them all and mocking them. The new professor was wearing a brown tweed suit and tie. Harry took in a sharp breath when the man looked straight at him and into his eyes.
'No... He is just looking at all of his new students.' Harry thought, mentally hitting himself. He inspected the man some more, looking at his sand brown colored hair that was quite untidy. What caught Harry's attention the most was his eyes. They were a bright yet dull yellow that matched the color of his tie. Harry quickly pulled his eyes away and looked back at Headmistress McGonagall.
"I think that about does it for tonight. I'll be seeing you all in class so be prepared. Let the feast begin!" She called out in her usual strict tone with a tinge of happiness.
They all looked at the empty table in front of them as food starting appearing from thin air. Harry silently thanked the House Elves that helped make all of this food. Plates filled up with roast beef, mince pies, green beans, steamed vegetables, hot rolls and almost anything you could imagine. Ron was ecstatic to see that there was chicken as he dug in, not holding back one bit. Everyone ate to their hearts' content until they all felt like their stomachs might burst. The dessert was just as good as the meal had been. Ice cream, pies, and candies were spread throughout the table. Once they were all finished and groaning in content and discomfort they all stood up. Prefects from each house called to their houses telling them to follow him or her. All of the eighth years just stood there, not sure where to go since they had no idea where this new dormitory was. "Eighth years! You are all to follow me to your new dorm." Professor Kane called from behind them in a smooth voice. Some of the girls giggled to themselves and Harry had to admit that his voice was rather mesmerizing. "Come now! We don't have all night." He said sharply as he walked through the crowd of eighth years. They all followed their new Professor curiously, with one Slytherin behind the rest. Harry couldn't help but notice that Malfoy was walking a few paces behind everyone else. The look on his face showed that he wasn't interested or at all happy with this. Harry turned back around and followed the professor. Suddenly the professor stopped right in front of a wall. Some of the students peered around him confused. Harry looked around and then suddenly snapped his head back to look at the wall. He knew where they were!
A door steadily materialized on the wall as they were all staring at it. "The Room of Requirement!" Hermione said in awe.
"That's right, miss?" Professor Kane asked, looking at Hermione.
A hint of a blush appeared on Hermione's face as she answered the professor. "Granger, sir." Professor Kane smiled and then turned back to the door, getting ready to open it. "This door has been told to only open for eighth years. All you have to do is think for a place to stay. It'll open right up for you." He said, opening the door and walking in. They all stepped inside the room and some of them gasped. The Room of Requirement looked better than ever. It didn't show any traces of having been brutally burned. Harry's body went rigid and he turned his head slightly to look at Malfoy who had turned even paler than normal. He was looking at the room in disbelief, memories of the day he lost one of his best friends most likely swirling through his head. "As you can see this room looks a lot like your old dormitories. The only thing that's majorly different is the placement of furniture and colors. We thought it best to clash all of your house colors to make all of you feel welcome." The professor said, his arms spread out to emphasize his point. He brought them back down and put them across his chest with an impish grin on his face. "I had been informed that there was an unfortunate accident in this room. What a shame." The professor now seemed to be staring straight at Malfoy who stared right back, a glint of fury in his eyes. Harry was the only one who dared to look at Malfoy. He noticed that his fists were clenched and shaking. The professor chuckled softly and then turned around motioning to two small staircases that lead up. "The left one is the boys' dormitory and the right is the girls'. Since there are so little of you we decided to make smaller rooms than you are used to. The rooms will be filled with two to three people in each. We tried to place you in your room by what house your in but some of you will have to get over it and stay in the same room. If you wish to know which room and whom you are becoming roomies with there is a notice on that there bulletin board." He pointed to a board that was put up to the right of the girls' staircase. "As you all should know by now, opposites genders are not allowed into each others dorms and you're bags are in your rooms, yada yada. See some of you tomorrow." The professor waved at them dismissively and then left the room.
All of the eighth years swarmed to the bulletin board to see who they were having to share a room with. Harry lingered back, not wanting to get caught in the fray. Ron came out of the mass of people and walked over to him. "We're not in the same room, mate!" He said, obviously disappointed.
"Did you see who I am with?" Harry asked, wondering who he would be with.
Ron shook his head. "No, I didn't look but I'm rooming with Neville and Seamus."
Harry was now really curious. People were starting to disperse and head up to their rooms, some of them looking gloomier than others. Harry placed his index finger on the paper and traced it down until he found his name written down.
Room 4
Potter, Harry
Malfoy, Draco
Harry tensed up and walked back to where Ron stood, getting out of people's way. "Well? Who is your roommate?" He asked. Hermione walked over to them, hearing what Ron had said.
"What? You two aren't rooming together?" Hermione looked at Harry shocked.
Harry gulped and turned his head to look at Malfoy who was waiting for everyone to move so he could see what room he was in and who he was with. Malfoy saw Harry staring at him from the corner of his eye and turned to look at him. "What are you looking at, Potter?" Malfoy asked, displeasure lining his voice.
Harry sighed, clenching his fists slightly. "My new roommate..."