DISCLAIMER: The Order of the Phoenix had two leaders. The first was Albus Dumbledore who is now deceased. The second is JKR who was pulling the strings from behind the scenes. Now that the war is over, she can retire. I'll take over as the puppet master.
The rest of the shopping trip proved uneventful and Harry and Hermione returned home that afternoon with numerous packages shrunk and placed into Hermione's beaded bag. When they stepped out of the fireplace, Ginny rushed into Harry's arms and Hermione rushed into Ron's.
"God I missed you." Ron muttered into her hair.
"What did you bring me?" Ginny asked with a mischievous grin.
"Oh is that all I get?" Harry asked in mock disappointment.
"You'll get more eventually." Ginny whispered into his ear. Harry turned crimson and quickly turned away. Ginny giggled.
"Hey you lot, none of that in front of me!" Ron told them.
"Grow up Ron." Ginny retorted.
"We got you both your course books and new robes. The dress robes we couldn't really get without you there, so we just figured you'd be able to get them in Hogsmead." Hermione told them.
She pulled out the packages and used engorgio to return them to their normal size.
"Ah there you are. Where have you two been?" Mrs. Weasley demanded. "I was worried sick!"
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley. We got delayed at Gringotts a bit so we took longer than we expected." Harry apologized.
"Delayed is an understatement." Arthur Weasley said as he came into the room. "I just heard what happened at Gringotts. Are you kids alright?" he asked in concern.
"We're fine, Mr. Weasley." Hermione told him.
"Yeah... nothing we couldn't handle." Harry added.
"Arthur, just what happened at Gringotts?" Molly asked her husband.
"The way I hear it, Harry and Hermione single-handedly defeated eight death eaters that had barricaded themselves inside Gringotts." Arthur told her.
"They WHAT!?" Mrs. Weasley shouted.
"Harry, is that true?" Ron asked.
"Sort of, yeah." Harry admitted. "I needed to get money from my vault to pay for everything so we went to Gringotts. There was a huge crowd by the doors and no one was getting in. Hermione and I found out that the hole we made in the ceiling a few months back was still open and we saw the death eaters attacking the goblins. We rained stunners down on them. It wasn't really much of a fight."
"Wow..." Ron said in awe. "Lucky break we broke out of Gringotts eh?"
"The goblins were quite appreciative I was told. They offered you the contents of one of their oldest unclaimed vaults for saving their lives and their reputation." Arthur added.
"Yeah; I told them to just throw it onto my other vaults. I tried to decline but they insisted." Harry shrugged. He knew the Weasley's were not well off and the last thing he wanted to do was rub his wealth in their face.
"Now do you believe me when I tell you that you shouldn't leave the house?" Mrs. Weasley demanded. Her temper had risen to the boiling point.
"Actually Molly, if they hadn't gone out today they wouldn't have saved the goblins or stopped the death eaters. It was a good thing they were there." Arthur pointed out. He was trying to diffuse his fiery tempered wife as only he could.
"Your not actually defending them are you?" Mrs. Weasley demanded.
It was then that a miracle occurred; something that none of those present would have ever dreamed possible. "Actually Molly that is exactly what I am doing. All the kids have proven they are capable of more than even some professional aurors I know. Harry defeated you-know-who, Ron and Hermione suffered through a year on the run and constant danger and even our little Ginevra was forced into hiding at Hogwarts. No one deserves our trust more than these 4." Arthur finished talking and the look on his face would not allow for argument. Mrs. Weasley seemed to realize this and nodded her head in defeat.
"I know Arthur, it's just that..." Mrs. Weasley began.
"I know dear. No one should have to go through what they have, especially ones as young as them. But they can take it; they HAVE taken it. Believe in them." Arthur told her before turning to his children.
"I have faith in how you two were raised. If you promise to be careful you can do what you want. Just don't take this as a way to get away with anything because your still my children and you still answer to me, got it?" Arthur said with a smile.
"Sure dad."
"Absolutely."
"So honey, what's for dinner?" Mr. Weasley asked.
--
It was later that night and the four of them had once again met in Ginny's room to talk. Harry and Hermione filled them in on the girl that they'd seen that had suggested the roof.
"It's weird. It's almost like they are guiding us in the right direction or helping us with what we want to do." Harry muttered.
"It did seem that way, especially today." Hermione admitted.
"I don't trust them." Ron stated stubbornly. "If they wanted to help us, why don't we even know who they are? And how is it they always seem to know where we are going to be and when?"
"He has a point." Harry admitted.
"I agree with Ron, but I still think they are trying to be helpful. The girl in the ministry seemed nice to me... like she was a good person doing something that could be misunderstood as being bad." Ginny told them.
"You got all that from just a look?" Ron asked his sister.
Ginny shrugged. "People aren't that hard to read Ron. You just need to keep your eyes open."
"Well, I still think we should try and identify them. I know the girl has been to Diagon Alley at least three times, so that seems like the best place to look." Harry told them.
"What makes you think they will introduce themselves to us? Or even talk to us for that matter?" Hermione asked him. "It seems to me like they are trying to remain anonymous.
"Yeah... the girl in the ministry was being anything but anonymous. She was seen by all of us and even the minister." Ron said sarcastically.
"Now that's something..." Hermione said thoughtfully, "The girl at the ministry, lets call her four for the time being since she was the fourth one of these mysterious people; she didn't seem to mind that the minister of magic took note of her existence. Wouldn't that imply that either she didn't care if she were discovered or that if she was that she was unafraid of any wrong doing?" Hermione asked.
"Okay you lost me." Ron said.
"I think she means that the girl didn't care that Kingsley saw her." Ginny told him.
"Right. If you were a death eater out of costume, wouldn't keeping your identity secret be of paramount importance? And if you were seen like she was, wouldn't you try and talk your way out of it?" Hermione asked.
"But she did neither of those things." Ron protested.
"Exactly. She didn't seem at all scared or threatened. I think she didn't care because she assumed we would see the good she was doing and see her in that light." Hermione guessed.
"It sounds reasonable to me." Harry admitted.
"For now lets all agree to be wary of them until we know what we are dealing with." Ginny suggested.
"Kind of hard to be wary of people you've never seen. I barely saw two of them and not the other two you mentioned." Ron stated.
"Good point. Just be wary around new people I guess." Harry said.
--
The Malfoy's trial was set for the first week in July and Harry had been invited to testify as promised. The proceedings were fairly straight forward and also fairly boring, so I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say that Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to life in Azkaban with no chance at release. Narcissa Malfoy was found guilty of numerous crimes but was allowed to remain free from Azkaban. Instead she was granted community service on a grand scale as well as a large amount of grunt work. She would be serving as a staff nurse and staying at St. Mungo's for a long while and would not be allowed to leave the building without supervision from the ministry.
Draco Malfoy was given the ability to go back to Hogwarts based on Harry's testimony. Though he was found guilty of severe crimes including the attempted murder of Albus Dumbledore, Harry explained that it was all done under duress and fear for his own life. Draco had also been forced into becoming a death eater under force and had also testified under veritaserum to that effect. The Wizengamot had listened to Harry's testimony and decided to release Draco on probation with instruction that he see a magical councilor and check in with the ministry department of corrections regularly.
Harry felt glad about Draco's change of heart; it proved that even those thought to be evil still have a chance for redemption. Ginny, Ron and Hermione on the other hand weren't as happy.
"I can't believe you let the ferret go!" Ron declared angrily.
"Really Harry, after everything he's done it's hard to imagine you wanting him back at Hogwarts." Hermione added.
"I just want the jerk thrown in Azkaban." Ginny said fiercely.
He had just given them the news and they were not happy about it. Harry wasn't sure what to say. "I'm sorry guys but I believe he's changed. He wasn't the one that captured us or tortured us. He wasn't able to actually kill Dumbledore and Dumbledore saw the good in him. He didn't try and fight the veritaserum and testified about what he'd done or been forced to do. There is no reason not to believe he's changed." Harry defended his position.
"I still don't like it." Ron said angrily.
"I still don't like HIM!" Ginny fumed.
"I see your point Harry, but it's still a terrible risk as far as I can see. All the things he did to you... to us in school..." Hermione trailed.
"I know Hermione, but he's truly sorry about that. You'll see." Harry said.
--
The remainder of the summer went by fairly fast. Harry's birthday in particular had been quite memorable. He was turning eighteen and was looking forward to it. If his life had been different he would have already been out of school, possibly married and with a job. Strange how you're mind plays tricks on you.
The morning of Harry's birthday he awoke to the smell of pancakes and syrup coming from the kitchen. Ron was already out of bed which sort of surprised Harry, but he shrugged it off, got up and headed downstairs. As he entered the kitchen everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!" and Harry jumped back. It had been his first ever surprise party.
He'd gotten a pocket watch from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley which as he understood it was the traditional gift given to a wizard when they turn eighteen. Ron got him a book on some expert level quidditch moves with actual pictures of people doing them so you could see them in action.
Hermione had gotten him a book as well; it was a book on the greatest wizards of history. The book boasted details about names such as Merlin and Gryffindor. Hermione asked if she could read it when he was finished.
George gave him some shop products for when he went back to school; Charlie got him a very stylish dragon-hide jacket and boots. He said they were from a Hungarian Horntail but Harry wasn't sure if that was the truth or not. They did have a black sheen to them and sparkled in direct light though.
"You look dashing." Ginny told him when he'd tried them on.
"They protect against fire and even ward off minor magic. Seemed like a practical gift for you." Charlie explained.
Bill and Fleur gave Harry a small light that could fit in your pocket. It would only show light to the owner and could be changed to vary in strength and spread. Harry knew it would come in handy in the future.
Ginny told Harry he'd get his present later and refused to tell him what it was. Harry didn't mind though. The suspense was part of the fun.
Ginny definitely didn't disappoint him. She had him come with her out into her father's shed where he kept all of his muggle possessions. Harry had his eyes closed until he was told to open them, and when he did what he saw made his jaw drop. It was Sirius' old motorcycle!
"Ginny, where did you get this?!" Harry exclaimed in awe.
"We've had it since we sprung you from the Dursleys last summer. Bill and dad helped fix it up and let me give it to you as your birthday present from me and Sirius." Ginny explained.
Harry felt the tears coming to his eyes and tried to blink them clear. I don't think I could have gotten a better gift. Thank you Gin." Harry said and gave her a peck on the cheek. Once he managed to compose himself he hopped onto the cycle and said, "Want to go for a ride?"
Ginny Giggled. "Do you even know how to work it?"
Harry shrugged. "Not really."
"Well then, I guess you had better let Bill give you lessons before you kill yourself. I will take a rain check on that ride though." Ginny told him.
She had been as good as her word too. Bill spent the next week teaching Harry how to work the bike and in a short time Harry was driving around the Burrow with ease. He had even managed to learn how to fly it. It was a shame he couldn't bring the bike to Hogwarts though.
--
As usually happens the summer fades and once again it is time for school to start. The day before school was to start was the next interesting tidbit to occur in their lives. Harry received a letter from McGonagall that morning during breakfast.
"What's it say, Harry?" Ginny asked between bites of toast.
"It says:"
Mr. Potter,
I know this letter comes at the last minute, but I have a favor to ask of you. As you know, the battle of Hogwarts destroyed a large portion of the castle and cost many people their lives. We wish to have a memorial service on Saturday to honor the fallen and you, Ronald and Hermione for your actions. We will also be honoring Ginevra, Neville and Luna for their contributions. It would honor me greatly if you would be willing to speak at the event and give your condolences to those present. Should you be willing to do so, please let me know as soon as possible so I may schedule accordingly.
Sincerely,
Headmistress McGonagall
Hurry set the parchment down and went back to his breakfast.
"So are you going to do it?" Ron asked him. Harry nodded. It was the least he could do considering that all those people died because of him after all.
He may not have been moping around lately, but Harry still felt the guilt of every lost life and he was unsure that the feeling would ever go away. His heart heavy, Harry finished his toast.
--
"Come on Ron! We're going to be late!" Ginny called up to Ron's room. Everyone else was already outside loading the ministry car. Given the death eaters targeting the Weasley's and Grangers, the ministry had offered cars and auror support for the trip to the platform.
"I'm coming!" Ron shouted back. He was just finishing up closing his trunk.
"Ron, why didn't you pack yesterday like the rest of us?" Harry asked him as Ron finally came outside and tossed his trunk in the trunk of the car.
"I was trying to figure out what to bring." Ron explained lamely. Harry shrugged and got in the car. The ride to the train station was uneventful and the ministry men managed to get their things onto platform nine and three-quarters easily.
Harry passed through the familiar fake wall and found himself looking at the Hogwarts Express. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed this last year.
As the grey smoke billowed out of the steam engine, Harry recalled the last time he'd seen the platform a few months prior; it had been when he had spoken to Dumbledore in the realm between life and death and had been given a choice: to go on to the afterlife or to return to his life on earth and the people he loved. He shuddered at the recalled feelings.
"Okay there, Harry?" Bill asked. He'd come to see them off.
"Yeah, thanks Bill." Harry said. He brought his things onto the train and shared a compartment with Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Once he'd waved goodbye to the remaining Weasley's and the train started to roll, he leaned back in his seat and sighed. It was good to be going home.
--
Neville and Luna had found them and joined them in their compartment. They spent the bulk of the train ride playing exploding snap except for Hermione and Ron who had Head Boy / Girl duties. The two of them finally returned to the compartment about forty-five minutes after they'd left the station.
"I forgot what a pain being in charge is." Ron muttered as he sunk into his seat. Hermione took the seat next to him and had a frown on her face. Both had already changed into their wizard robes.
"Ron, you are supposed to discipline bad behavior, not condone it." Hermione scolded.
"It was just a stink bomb Hermione. It wasn't a big deal." Ron responded sullenly.
"It's still against the rules!" Hermione dug into him.
"Come on you two; this is supposed be a fun trip. Lighten up and have some fun." Ginny told them. She threw a card at Ron which exploded in his face.
"Hey!" Ron yelled but smiled in spite of himself.
Suddenly the door to the compartment slid open and Draco Malfoy stood there in his school robes. Everyone immediately became quiet as they looked to him. "Are there any seats available?" Draco asked hopefully.
"Not in here there aren't." Ron said quickly with a bad tone.
"What's up Draco?" Harry asked him casually as if they'd been friends for years. It was hard for him to do, but he figured he had to try.
"None of the Slytherins will let me in. No one else will either." Draco told Harry. He looked a bit haggard; it was obviously people were not treating him well.
"Sure, come have a seat." Harry offered the empty seat next to him.
"Harry!" Ron whined angrily.
Draco looked over to Ron and sighed. "Thanks for the offer Potter, but I guess I am not welcome here either. I guess I will just patrol the halls. See you." He slid the door closed and disappeared down the hall.
"What did you do that for, Ron?" Harry demanded angrily.
"You were going to let that jerk sit with us! Are you mad? He's probably spying for the new death eaters!" Ron declared.
"Oh your just being paranoid." Harry scoffed.
"I don't know Harry; he is still marked as a death eater isn't he? You never know..." Hermione said.
"I think he's changed." Luna said easily.
"What makes you say so Luna?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Well, it's not like he could lie under the effects of veritaserum right? Besides, my dad believes he's working for Minister Shacklebolt as a super secret double agent. Draco is going to bust the death eaters' wide open." Luna said. Harry had trouble keeping a straight face and noticed the rest of them did too.
"I don't like Draco any more than you do Ron, but Harry has a point. Maybe he's nicer now. People can change if they really want to." Neville told him.
"I don't care what anyone says, Draco is a bad egg in my book." Ron declared.
--
The remainder of the train ride was uneventful and arrived in Hogsmead station just as the sun was setting.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here please!"
Harry looked towards the voice and saw Hagrid off to one side of the platform. As soon as Hagrid saw him he smiled and waved. Harry returned the wave and managed to force his wave over to his giant friend. Hagrid looked the same as always with his overcoat and messy hair, but something was different. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his huge shoulders.
"How's it goin' Harry?" Hagrid asked with a grin. Immediately the first years began to point and stare and whisper to each other. Harry ignored them.
"Not bad Hagrid. How's are you doing?" Harry asked.
"Great! Got me a surprise ya' know? I think you'll find out soon though." Hagrid said with a grin. Harry waved his goodbyes and rejoined his friends at the Thestral-powered carriages.
"Hagrid says hello." Harry told everyone.
The ride to the castle was nice and easy and when they arrived Harry took a good look at Hogwarts. The grounds had been repaired and looked as good as new. The damage to the castle had been repaired and the gaping holes restored. If only human lives could be restored so easily, Harry mused.
"Looks like nothing happened, doesn't it?" Neville observed aloud.
"It's uncanny." Ginny marveled. "I remember that whole section of wall was missing." she pointed to a side turret of the castle.
"Magic can accomplish great things." Hermione noted softly.
They all nodded and filed into the great hall along with the rest of the crowd. Harry glanced around at all the familiar faces and it hit him that there were faces missing from the crowd who would never return. He brushed away the tears that quickly formed and wiped his face on his robe sleeve.
From the Gryffindor table Harry could see Draco sitting uncomfortably at the Slytherin table; his normal cronies had not returned and none of the current students gave him the time of day other than to mock him like he had once mocked Harry. When Draco saw Harry looking he gave a small wave. Harry returned it before cringing; a Slytherin fifth year had just tossed his glass of juice into Draco's lap.
As everyone settled in, Harry took a look up at the head table. McGonagall was seated in the center in Dumbledore's old place. There were a few spots at the table not yet filled that Harry knew about such as Hagrid's, but no one seemed to be sitting at the table that he didn't recognize. He knew Flitwick had passed on, and that there should be openings for both a muggle studies teacher and a charms teacher at the least. Harry wondered what was going to happen when all sound died. The first years began to file in and head towards the head table. A woman Harry had never seen before came out of the side chamber carrying the sorting hat and its three legged stool.
The woman had long brown hair down to her lower back and a slightly olive tinge to her skin. She appeared to be partial to the color black as her robes and earrings were that color as was a headband weaved into her hair.
She set the stool down and placed the hat on top of it. The hat immediately burst into song:
A sorting hat is what I be;
To tell you the truth I'm a bit sorry;
Hogwarts has seen its share of shame;
For the most recent war you are all to blame;
A dark wizard spawned from Slytherin;
Made it his mission to destroy from within;
He cursed our school founded so long ago;
By the four first founders whose names you do know;
Ravenclaw was the fairest of all;
Her beauty abounded, made many jaws fall;
She willed to teach all with a light in their eyes;
Intelligent virtue would be their great prize;
Huffpuff wanted to see things get done;
All of her house was hard working and fun;
Toiling away with all those without house;
Hard working and joyous is what she's about;
Slytherin came to teach all of pure blood;
What does it matter if his name is mud?
With cunning and purity he would rule the school;
In the end he proved to be less than a fool;
Gryffindor courage is infinite it's true;
Might and heroism was his real virtue;
Gryffindor taught all those true of heart;
Brains, hard work, all of them took part;
My tale is not done so listen to me;
I will tell you what lately has happened to be;
A dark lord has fallen to Gryffindor Progeny;
Heed well my warnings they did and you see;
They joined forced all houses in much harmony;
Leading us all to a great victory;
But what do I know about any of that;
I guess I'm much smarter than your average hat!
The hat became quiet once more and the students all applauded. The Slytherin table was greatly subdued. "When I call your name, please come sit on the stool. I will place the sorting hat upon your head and it will determine your house." the woman announced. "Zachary Bode," she began. Harry tuned out the sorting as he thought about the hats song. It had actually warned them about what was coming; perhaps its enchantment let it see the future? What kind of magic was on that hat anyway...
There were ten new Gryffindors this year and Harry clapped as each came to take a seat. Strangely there was not a single Slytherin this year. The coincidence was not lost on Harry. Apparently either the events of the last few years had scared people straight, or even the sorting hat could hold a grudge.
Once Nancy Zorander was sorted into Ravenclaw, the woman took the hat and stool away and McGonagall stood.
"There are many new announcements for this year. As such I will be graceful and bore you all to tears after the feast. As my old friend Albus used to say; tuck in!" she took her seat and the tables were suddenly loaded to the breaking point with all sorts of wonderful foods. Ron wasted no time digging in and soon they were all happily talking amongst each other about the coming year and catching up on the past one. Many people were crowding around Harry to try and speak to him about his battle with Voldemort; these questions he readily brushed off and refused to acknowledge them.
After dinner was a wondrous dessert full of great tasting pastries and other goodies. Once it was done and the plates vanished as they were known to do, McGonagall stood once more.
"For those of you who do not know who I am, I am Professor McGonagall and will be acting Headmistress of Hogwarts. As you all know, Hogwarts has seen many changes in the last year. Our former potions master and defense against the dark arts teacher became our Headmaster when Albus Dumbledore passed away. Severus Snape was a great man and will be honored next week in a memorial service we will have to honor all those that have fallen in the war against Voldemort." At the name Voldemort half the room jumped from their seats.
"As I will no longer be teaching classes regularly, we have a new transfiguration teacher, Miss. Wills." The new teacher that had called out names for the sorting stood up and smiled at the students.
"Miss. Wills will be taking over all transfiguration classes for all grades. I have seen her work and she is quite good at what she does. She has recently graduated from a muggle university with a degree in teaching.
Next I wish to inform Gryffindor house that Miss. Wills will be acting as your head of house this year. Please see her if you need anything. Miss. Wills?" McGonagall took a seat and Miss. Wills stood.
"Thank you headmistress for your grand introduction. I will do my best to teach you all everything I can. I look forward to working with each of you." she addressed the room before resuming her seat. Harry guessed that Miss. Wills was probably about twenty-two years old or so. She had long, light brown hair down to her lower back and an infectious smile. Harry was sure there would be quite a few students making fools of them selves around her.
McGonagall stood once more. "Though Professor Flitwick is in our hearts, it saddens me that he is no longer with us. Teaching charms this year will be a returning student who specialized in charms. Her grades were outstanding even with last years... difficulties. A former Ravenclaw and now head of Ravenclaw house, may I introduce Cho Chang."
McGonagall moved aside and Cho Chang stepped out from the side room and took her seat at the head table. Harry was stunned. Cho looked the same as she had the last time Harry saw her, but with a bit more... maturity. How in the world had she become a teacher?
Harry felt a nudge in the ribs and turned to find Neville looking at Ginny. Her face had gone red in anger and she was gripping her napkin a bit tighter than was necessary; her knuckles were turning white.
"I hope I can fill little Professor Flitwick's enormous shoes. I will do my best." Cho said with a smile. She looked straight at Harry and winked before taking her seat. Harry heard Ginny rip the napkin in half.
"We were also in need of a muggle studies teacher, so we have found one. May I introduce Tobias Shaw?" McGonagall announced.
An older man wearing a strange pair of hanging skeleton earrings stepped out of the last room. He gave off some very creepy vibes. "Thank you Headmistress. It will be an honor to serve under you." Mr. Shaw had a very grainy and deep voice giving him an almost horror movie cast.
"As usual, the forest is forbidden to all students. First years are not eligible for quidditch teams. Third years and above with permission slips are eligible for Hogsmead weekends." McGonagall continued.
"Now, I am sure many of you recall four years ago we hosted the Tri-Wizard Tournament. As much as I hate to announce it, it is now time for another tournament." the shock had the student body silent. The only sound made was from Cho Chang at the head table, who gasped in surprise.
"Given various factors such as the recent changes in staff, we will be hosting the tournament again this year instead of at Durmstrang Institute. Furthermore, a fourth school has been brought into the tournament agreement; Eaglecrest Academy from the United States."
This news had all the students murmuring.
"Another school?"
"Have you ever heard of this place?"
"Why would they have the tournament after what happened last time?"
"Someone died last time!"
"Silence please." McGonagall asked the room and things quieted down.
"Eaglecrest has been around since the early nineteenth century and as such was never formally invited to join the tournament. The tournament committee has decided to amend that and include our sister school. I am sure you all understand my lack of enthusiasm for the tournament after what happened four years ago. However, there is no way around this event. Rules will be announced on Monday morning during breakfast. This year with four schools competing as well as with changes to the rules, the tournament will be starting earlier than it has before. That is all." McGonagall finished.
--
Author's Corner:
Okay, so that was quite the long chapter eh? I almost split it up but then both would be too short. Deal with it! So let's review... Molly Weasley was finally laid the smack down on by Arthur... how many people have wanted to see that happen? They are great people and are very caring, but molly sure can be dense sometimes can't she? Her heart is in the right place though.
Harry was left another vault with only I know what in it... I wonder what surprises are inside?
The Tri-Wizard tournament has been announced reluctantly and given the turmoil, Hogwarts would not be able to attend outside the country. As such, it is being held at Hogwarts again... lucky us, eh? New rules too... I wonder what those could be...
A fourth school in the United States!? Yes folks, even American wizards and witches deserve an education. There had to be some way of making it happen. Information on Eaglecrest will become available shortly... maybe. Second tournament in a row with four schools... could that mean something?
Malfoy's down and out... pity him yet? Don't, because he kind of deserves it. We will let him suffer for now and see what happens.
Cho Chang is a teacher. Scary isn't it? Ginny isn't happy for obvious reasons. Does she have anything to worry about? I did warn you about romance and drama in this story didn't I? It's tough creating a good balance. I am working on it.
As always, reviews are appreciated!