Chapter Six: A Glimpse of the Past.
The golden trio, as they were referred to mainly by George, sat in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express chatting mindlessly about nothing of much importance. One issue they did raise, or rather Ron raised it in complaining about it, was the fact that by ministry decree, Muggle Studies was now compulsory for all students. Their thinking behind this announcement was, due to recent happenings, respect for muggles and muggleborns needed to be spread through all future generations.
"I personally think it's a great idea," said Hermione. Harry nodded in silent agreement, thinking that ever since Kingsley Shacklebolt was named permanent Minister for Magic, things were much better. Ron sighed, knowing he'd never be able to win an argument with Hermione and tucked into several of the treats scattered across the seat beside him. Harry looked up as the compartment door opened and Ginny entered. She walked in and threw herself into the seat beside Harry, kissed him and groaned in exasperation.
"God I hate being a prefect. I don't know why you guys managed to get your duties revoked and yet still keep the powers," she complained, staring at her brother and Hermione.
"I think it was something to do with them helping me save the world," smiled Harry wryly. Ginny rolled her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. He smiled, glad that things were as perfect as could be. They spent the rest of the trip chatting idly, only pausing to pull on their robes as they got closer to Hogmeade Station.
When they pulled into the station they gathered their trunks and hauled them onto the platform. As they headed for the Thestral drawn carriages (incidentally, since the Battle of Hogwarts, a lot more students could see them) Harry was greeted warmly by almost every person he passed, even those first-years he had never met before. There were however exceptions. Every single Slytherin either ignored him or barged into him deliberately. After Pansy Parkinson had thumped into him, being the tenth person to do so, he turned to his friends.
"It's almost as if they think I find them scary," he said loudly. "It's almost as if they think they are worse than facing Voldemort." Ron snorted with laughter and the girls smirked at the look on Pansy's face. The clambered into a carriage and were joined moments later by Neville and Luna. They said their hellos and then the boys fell into conversation about Quidditch and whether Harry would be allowed to take back his post as captain. As they drew nearer to the castle Harry felt a wonderful excitement. He was returning home.
The Doctor strode into the Great Hall via a side door, just as the sorting was finishing. He sat down as 'Zimmerman, George' was placed into Gryffindor; incidentally he had just been sent a memo to say he had been named as Head of Gryffindor house. Professor McGonagall stood from the ornate gold backed chair and walked forward to the lectern, normally used by Dumbledore.
"Welcome to you all. This year is a unique one, in that we have students returning as seventh years that are actually eighteen and older. We also have two new additions to the teaching staff. Allow me to introduce Professor Denver Howse who will be taking the post of Defence against the Dark Arts teacher," she said. A man a fair way down the table from the Doctor stood up and waved casually to the assembled mass. McGonagall resumed talking.
"We are also welcoming a new Muggle Studies teacher. His name is The Doctor," she gestured in his direction and grinning he stood and held his hand to light applause, "and he has agreed to fill the post for at least a year. He has also consented to become the new Head of Gryffindor due to my need to remain impartial. I shall continue to teach transfiguration. Now, enough of the boring stuff. Now, we must eat!" As she finished speaking the tables were filled with food and everyone tucked in. Harry however was staring at the Doctor, wondering where on earth he had seen this man before. He turned to Hermione.
"Have you seen him before, Hermione? The Doctor, I mean," he asked, making it as casual a request as he could. Hermione glanced up from her plate of salad at the staff table and gasped. "Yes Harry and so have you! He's the spitting image of Barty Crouch Jr!"
