Chapter 6 – The New Dawn of Hogwarts

For the first few hours that the trio had been back at Hogwarts, nothing seemed to have changed. Although Ron had said he had spotted extravagant changes, Harry had noticed nothing. It was the same grand school that he had come to know and love. The halls had bustled with activity, with students scrambling for their trunks and beds. The Great Hall wasn't yet open and many of them were taking advantage of the time to get settled in once again – their home, the place where they would make a stand. The First Year students were standing around in awe, after a brief meeting in the Great Hall upon their arrival, and were amazed with everything going on around them. Nearly Headless Nicholas and the other ghosts were whizzing by while the paintings moved for all to see – giving their own greetings.

Harry had seen a few familiar faces. Professor McGonagall was among them. He was glad to see her. The leader of Gryffindor and professor of Transfiguration, Harry knew that she would never leave Hogwarts out of pride and dedication to the late Dumbledore. The only difference he saw in her was that she was quieter, hardly saying anything to any of the students as they passed by. He began to wonder if Dumbledore's death had hit her harder than he had first suspected. There was no way to ask her what she was feeling. It wasn't his place to ask. Maybe there would be a time for discussion during one of her classes.

The corridors went silent as Professor McGonagall lifted her arms high into the air to garner the attention she needed. She received it without any trouble from any of the students. "Students, it is now time to gather in the Great Hall. Most of the First Years have already been sorted after they first arrived. Please be seated at your designated tables for the four houses." She slightly paused before continuing. "We welcome you to Hogwarts."

Harry, Hermione, Ron hung back and watched as the students quickly filed into the Great Hall. As if by instinct Hermione grabbed both Ron's and Harry's hands. Tears were starting to pool in her eyes, knowing that they wouldn't see Dumbledore sitting at the professors' table.

"I don't know if I can do this," she mumbled through her sniffling. "I don't care how nice Isis is, I can't go through a year without Dumbledore."

Before Harry could say anything, Ron gently took Hermione into his arms and held her as she sobbed. Ron and Harry looked at one another before noticing Professor McGonagall standing in front of them. Her look of concern for Hermione's condition was apparent.

"Miss Granger, are you alright?"

All Hermione could do was nod against Ron's chest. His arms were still wrapped around her, holding her closer than he ever had before. She wouldn't move from his warm embrace, afraid that the fears hiding inside of her would come back like a tidal wave. Harry's hand gently touched her shoulder causing her to glance over at him.

"Come on, Hermione. Everything will be alright," he said reassuring her. "We have to be strong."

Hermione cracked a smile and took Harry's outstretched hand. Glancing up at Ron, she saw him smiling down at her. She finally realized where she was, and whose arms she was in, and quickly backed away. Before either of them could say anything, Hermione was already half way to the Great Hall.

Professor McGonagall seemed to be bewildered by the sudden movement as well. It took her a few seconds before turning back to the two young men standing in front of her. "Same goes for you, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. The Great Hall awaits you."

Ron and Harry looked at one another before approaching the open doors to the Great Hall. The sight before them astounded them, allowing their mouths to gape open at the sight.

Instead of the long wooden tables that sat four in a row, they were replaced by smaller, circular tables that were grouped in four different sections throughout the Great Hall. Hovering in the middle of each table were the flags of the four houses representing Hogwarts – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. Each table sat ten students, allowing everyone to see each other equally instead of having to peer down the long tables to converse with other students. The tables garnered gold place settings, prepared for the grand feast at the end of introductions.

However, it wasn't the sight of the new way students were seated in the Great Hall or even the fact that the professors of Hogwarts were closer to the students rather than seated way at the front of the grand room. No. It was what was seen above that held marvels beyond comparison.

Harry had grown accustomed to seeing the night sky, sometimes joined with lit candles – pumpkins during Halloween or snow during Christmas. During his Fourth Year, Dumbledore had made sure to mask the sight of the Dementors lurking outside of the school grounds. Now, it seemed as though Hogwarts was being protected by some unknown force that he was sure only Isis could explain.

The orange skies, which he had seen in Diagon Alley, seemed to have transferred to Hogwarts. With the orange tint was a mixture of sea blue, snow white, and hawk brown. The colors seemed to swirl and dance above, giving the students below a kaleidoscope, of sorts, to be amazed by instead of allowing them to think of disheartening thoughts that seemed to be lurking around the room. Harry could only assume what the colors meant – the Four Elements. The orange representing the Fire Element, the sea blue the Water Element, snow white the Wind Element, and the hawk brown for the Earth Element. Hermione's question on the train about Isis knowing the Elements was just answered. If Isis had the power to call upon the Four Elements, Harry knew that she would be able to help him in his quest to destroy the Horcruxes.

"Students, please be seated," bellowed Professor McGonagall. "There is no time for dawdling. There is much to be said tonight before the feast can begin."

Professor McGonagall took her place at the front of the Great Hall as Harry and Ron joined Hermione at one of the circular tables near the back of the hall. Hermione was ignoring the fact of what had happened in the corridor only moments before, turning to talk with some of the other students seated at the table. Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and with a shocking turn of events, Fred and George Weasley sat at the table with them. There were two empty seats and Harry couldn't shake the feeling that Ginny should have been there with them – protected from the evil that was out there.

"What the bloody hell are you two doing here?" Ron asked Fred and George. "What about the shop?"

Fred shook his head, watching Professor McGonagall out of the corner of his eye. "Don't you think we'd have that handled?"

"I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to be here with the new headmaster." George smiled, straightening out his robe. "I heard she's a sight to help sore eyes."

Hermione slouched down her chair. "Honestly! You think you would show some respect, not only to Professor Dumbledore but to Professor Isis."

"Hermione, I have total and utter respect for Dumbledore," Fred said, leaning on the table. "He was a great wizard and headmaster. No one can replace him."

"But there's no harm in looking forward to seeing the new one," George added. "We aren't going to help in the fight against You-Know-Who by dwelling on the past. We plan on helping out as much as we can in the present."

Fred smiled widely. "With plenty of tricks up our sleeves to assist us with the tasks set before us."

Before Harry could ask what they were talking about, Professor McGonagall clapped her hands, garnering everyone's attention. He began to notice who was seated at the front of the room. There were a few empty seats but he was sure that everyone who had taught at Hogwarts during his Sixth Year had returned. Madam Pomfrey and Hagrid were just some of the familiar faces that caught Harry's eye. The one who stood out was someone he was never expecting to see.

"Isn't that Lupin?" Hermione asked, leaning over to Harry. "Did you know he was coming?"

"I had no idea." Lupin caught Harry's eye and winked in acknowledgement of his presence. "I wonder what class he's teaching."

"For those of you who are new to Hogwarts, I am Professor Minerva McGonagall. I am the professor that teaches Transfiguration and I am head of Gryffindor."

Every table, that had the Gryffindor flag hovering in the middle of their table, clapped wildly. They quickly settled down after Professor McGonagall raised her hands high in the air. The students knew she wasn't herself, her demeanor nothing like she had been the year before. She seemed more curt and only wanted to deal with the matters at hand.

"As most of you know," she continued, "The loss of Albus Dumbledore had made the Ministry think of closing down Hogwarts after the previous school year." She hesitated, holding back tears and sorrow that had been lying dormant during the summer months away from Hogwarts. Now everything was coming back to the surface. "Many of the professors here thought it would be in the school's best interests to leave the doors closed on this year as a tribute to the late headmaster…"

Talking amongst the students ensued. Many of the professors seated at the front of the room knew that the topic would bring about thoughts and ideas many of them had themselves. With the loss of Dumbledore, the betrayal of Severus Snape, and the coming of Voldemort, most thought it would be better if the children stayed home with their loved ones. Why would they want to put them thought the trials and tribulations of worrying about grades and tests while the world around them was falling apart? But the children came like the professors hadn't thought they would. Only a few said that they wouldn't return while most sought refuge with each other and solace from the few that understood what they were going through.

"There was some light shed on the subject," Professor McGonagall pressed on. "A certain individual was adamant about bringing Hogwarts back to life. Upon certain recommendations and certain loyalties, this individual has opened the doors to let all of you return to the place you longed to be. Boys and girls, I wish to introduce you to your new headmaster." There was a slight pause. "Isis."

The doors slowly opened as all attention was diverted from the front of the room to the back of the room. Bright red fireworks preceded Isis into the room – zooming past students and helping lessen the tension that had been building inside. 'Oohs' and 'ahs' were heard throughout the Great Hall. Even Fred and George were amazed by the spectacular light show.

The fireworks faded and left standing in the doorway was Isis, dressed in a blood red pant suit with black leather boots. Her bronze-colored locks were cascading about her shoulders. The crimson color she wore on her lips and crimson polish on her well-manicured nails seemed to blend well with her tanned skin.

Isis seemed to glide on air as she made her way to the front of the room. Most of the students were astounded by the sight of her. Others talked amongst themselves, unsure if she would be able to run a school that was already in danger. She stopped briefly by Harry's table and looked down at him, winking an eye and continuing on her way.

Ron punched Harry's shoulder. "That's Isis!"

"Who did you think it was, Ron?" Fred asked.

George rested his head in his hands as he watched Isis proceed to the front. "She's amazing."

"She's beautiful." Ron grimaced as Hermione hit him. "Well she is!" He leaned over to Harry. "And you say she came and got you at the Dursleys'?"

Harry nodded. "Her and Lupin. I haven't seen her since she helped me near the Burrow, but it feels like she's always been with me."

The students silenced themselves as Isis stepped behind the podium that Dumbledore always had when he addressed the students. She took a deep breath as she looked out at the solemn faces that looked back at her. Harry could see the fire behind her eyes that he had first noticed when they had first met. The fire seemed dimmer but was still smoldering behind the copper-colored orbs that looked at everyone. Silence hung in the air, none of the students knowing what to say about the appearance of their new headmaster.

Isis stepped from behind the podium and smiled warmly. "I'm not one for podiums." She glanced behind her and watched as Professor McGonagall sat down beside Lupin. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall, for such a warm welcome. But for the sake of everything that is going to happen this year, one less person you have to remember to call professor would be a plus on your lists. So I would appreciate it if you left off the formality and called me Isis. 'Professor' is used for those who have been honored to teach you at Hogwarts for more years than I can possibly count. I am honored to be here this year to be your headmaster…"

Harry watched as her fists clenched at her sides and her voice trailed off. He knew she was fighting back tears from the thought of replacing her father – the one task he could understand that she should have never had to complete. Instead of letting the thought overtake her, she raised her head high and looked to the heavens, watching the colors dance and swirl – protecting the school from evil.

"Before I truly begin my longwinded speech, I would like to address something that has been on everyone's mind." She paused, looking back at the students. "The sudden loss of Albus Dumbledore has hit harder than anything has before at Hogwarts. Many of the First Years did not have the privilege of being under the tutelage of Professor Dumbledore, but the rest of you have. I wanted to convey my sincere and utter respect for the man who served before me. He was a well-respected and well-honored man and can never be replaced by anyone, much less me. I am not here to replace Dumbledore or try to undermine anything that he tried to accomplish here at Hogwarts."

Professor McGonagall was now grasping Lupin's hand, trying to get control of her emotions. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Hagrid had gotten up from the table and was standing in the darkness of the doorway that lead away from the Great Hall. He didn't want anyone to see the tears that spilled down his cheeks. Sorrow was hovering in the Great Hall like a heavy fog. It felt like it was going to suffocate everyone inside.

"Many of you are wondering why things might have changed, and I am here to explain it to you. The Seventh Year students, with a few returning additions to the ranks…"

Ron looked over at Fred and George as they sat there staring at Isis, bewitched by her looks and the grace with which she held herself.

"…will be noticing the changes more than any of the other students. The changes will reflect the coming times that are ahead. First and Second Year students will be following the curriculum that has been set by Hogwarts since it has first opened its doors. Third, Fourth, and Fifth Year students will be joining together in many of your classes, learning techniques that will require you to join in groups of five in order to complete many of the tasks that will be required."

The students began to talk amongst themselves. It was unheard of for any of the students to be required to do group projects in order to proceed onto the next year. The change was major.

Before Professor McGonagall could garner everyone's attention, Isis held up her hands and quieted them down. "Now I know that this is not something that is normal by any means. Since the O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S are being postponed, it is an excellent opportunity to use your own knowledge, and others, to become prepared for what lies ahead. There is no change for the Sixth Year students, completing their year just as the First and Second Year students will. It is the Seventh Year students that have come into the Great Hall with many questions."

Harry, Hermione, and Ron looked at each other. Each of them knew they all had questions to ask. Ron wanted to know why they had no books to lug from class-to-class. Hermione wanted to know why the N.E.W.T.S had been postponed. Harry just wanted to know what the new class was that hadn't yet been announced.

"While the Seventh Years roamed the streets of Diagon Alley, they noticed that they were the few that didn't have to buy new books. There is no need for books with the classes that you are required to take. Your classes will no longer have just two houses during the attendance. Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor will be joining together for classes. Now seeing that this will increase class size, the length of time you will be in classes will also increase."

Groans could be heard echoing throughout the Great Hall. Isis's raised hands quickly silenced them. Harry noted that Isis looked tired, more so than the first time he had seen her. He was beginning to wonder if she had gotten any sleep since he had seen her last.

"Since the Seventh Years are only required to attend four classes, I thought that it would be an evening, of sorts, since your classes are longer to lessen the load of how many classes you must attend. Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and a new class will be all that is required." She paused, waiting for more groans but there were none. "These classes are essential to you upon graduating Hogwarts. You are all old enough to take advanced courses and much more complex material during these classes. Your professors are well-prepared to go above and beyond the subject matter usually taught during the Seventh Year. With Voldemort looming in the distance…"

Isis began to walk toward the students, wanting to become more intimate with them. "…you need to begin to be prepared for the war that is slowly coming upon us. Seventh Years, you will be the ones to protect your fellow students. Although it is an ardent task for me to ask of you, I cannot be alone in protecting Hogwarts from harm. Most of you are old enough, wise enough, and well-beyond your training in order to assist me. First and Second Year students look up to you while Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Years watch you to see what they can become. No book will teach you what you need to know this year. The professors here at Hogwarts are more than prepared for any questions that you might have." She paused, seeing the fear in some of the students' eyes. "I am not saying this to scare you. I am saying this to prepare you. I promised to protect you and I will. What you see above you…"

Everyone looked above to see the colors separating themselves. The Four Elements could now be distinguished, but Harry was sure that many of the students had no idea what the colors meant.

"…is a shield of sorts. Hogwarts is protected by what many in the Wizarding world thought to be a myth – a legend of sorts. The Ministry denies their existence while others shun it till all that remained were their stories. The Four Elements are here to protect the students of Hogwarts, thanks to a few strings pulled by some close friends of mine. Hogwarts will not become the battlefield Voldemort wishes to have. You are safe within these walls. Which is why, until further notice, Quiddich is not to be played and all trips to Hogsmead will be postponed."

Groans resounded once again. She stood patiently, letting it play out until the students silenced themselves.

"Giving Voldemort a vantage point is not something I wish to do. To have students seated in the stadium for Quiddich is not something I can allow, leaving you in the open and vulnerable to attack. Returning students Fred and George Weasley will be helping with creating different activities that can be performed within the confines of Hogwarts."

Ron looked over at Fred and George – eyes wide from shock. All Fred and George could do was smile and wave at Isis. She smiled warmly at them and nodded in acknowledgement.

"It will not be Quiddich or the exciting trips to Hogsmead, but it will keep you safe from any harm that can be caused and still allow you to be creative and have fun."

Isis looked over her shoulder and watched as the professors stood. She outstretched her arms and smiled.

"It is my pleasure and honor to introduce you to this year's professors."

Harry sat back and listened to Isis introduce many of the professors that he would not have. Hagrid would still be teaching the Magical Creatures class but would only be part-time, allowing him to help around Hogwarts if Isis needed him to. There were no new teachers, only returning ones. He was sure that Professor McGonagall had a large part in making sure that the professors returned for what could be the last year Hogwarts was open.

"For all students, but especially Seventh Years, these next few professors will be the most important professors at Hogwarts." Isis stood beside Professor McGonagall and Lupin. "For those of you in the House of Gryffindor, you already know Professor McGonagall. She will be teaching Transfiguration and helping many of the Seventh Years find a place in the Wizarding Community after their time at Hogwarts." After a brief pause, she moved alongside Lupin. "Some of you might have had the honor of having Professor Lupin as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher a few years ago. Once again he will be in that position, helping you gain enough knowledge to protect yourself against spells, potions, and other things that are Dark."

Isis moved around the table and began to walk amongst the students on the main floor. The ones she passed couldn't help but look at her. Her walk was graceful and almost like she was hovering on a cloud of air no one could see.

"Most of you know that the professor who once taught Potions is no longer with us."

Harry gritted his teeth. He could feel Ron's firm grasp and Hermione's gentle touch on his shoulders. It took everything inside of him not to shout at the top of his lungs what he felt about Snape. What Snape had done was beyond forgivable and he was still waiting to see the headlines on the Daily Prophet to read that he had been captured Aurors and sent to Azkaban.

"Unfortunately we haven't yet been able to fill the position." Isis's eyes met Harry's, seeing the anger and frustration in them. "Until we find a capable professor, Professor Lupin and I will be sharing the responsibility. Hopefully I will serve as a proper Potions master until the time comes to replace me."

Her small joke had finally lightened the mood. She smiled and continued on. "And I know that the Seventh Years are still trying to figure out what the fourth course is that they will be attending. It is a little odd and not something I'm sure the Ministry wants us to be teaching, but frankly I'm not one to listen to the Ministry all that often." She paused, letting more laughter echo throughout the Great Hall. "The Four Elements have been briefly introduced to you as something protecting Hogwarts. They are by, no means, only protection. The history of the Four Elements and what they can do will be your fourth and final class. And who, you are all wondering, will be teaching this class? That will be me."

Fred and George had a small celebration ceremony off to the side as Harry, Hermione, and Ron all looked at each other.

Hermione smiled. "I told you she probably knew them.

Isis continued. "You will learn how the Four Elements can help you and how you can call upon them if the need ever arises."

Raising her hands in the air once again, a grand feast appeared on all of the tables. Smoked turkey, corn-on-the-cob, buttered rolls, and many other dishes sat before them. The students began to dig in without an invitation to do so. It was as if everything she had just said meant nothing. The normal routine of being at Hogwarts had resumed.

She smiled. "Enough with the long and boring speeches. It's time to eat! However, there is one thing before you continue on with tonight's feast…"

All of the students stopped what they were doing, turning their attention back to Isis.

"If there is a problem, no matter how small, I have an open door policy. I will listen to anything and everything. If you have a nightmare, a dream, a cut, a scrape, no matter how small or how large the problem, I want you to come to me. Nothing can be solved by ignoring the matter. We are all here to help one another. Come to me before it becomes a problem that spirals out of control." She paused and then once again smiled. "Questions, concerns, come to me. If there is nothing else…enjoy! Welcome back to Hogwarts!"

Harry watched as Ron dug into the food in front of him. He had lost his appetite awhile back. Isis had moved toward the front of the room, ignoring the head seat in the middle of the long table where the professors sat. He slightly smiled, knowing that Isis was giving her own acknowledgement and dedication to Dumbledore. Although she was headmaster she would not sit in the seat where her father had once sat. Instead she sat in between Professor McGonagall and Lupin. She sat in silence, looking around the room with her gaze finally settling on Harry.

There was a silent acknowledgement of what was going to happen during the coming year. Her speech didn't cover everything that he knew she wanted to say. Maybe in the privacy of her office he would be able to find out what was truly going to happen. The trying times would come in the days ahead, but he knew Isis would help him through the trials and tribulations that would come upon him. It wasn't classes or homework that worried him. Isis knew what troubled him and it was only a matter of time before he would tell her to call upon the Elements to help.

Harry couldn't stand alone in this fight. The classes would provide a cover for his fear for the time being. Until the time came, he would allow himself to fall into the daily routine of classes and homework and the constant bickering between Hermione and Ron. Soon he wouldn't be a student but the boy who would stand between the Wizarding world and Voldemort.