Chapter 14
Warnings
"The best of intentions can always go wrong."
General (ret.) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk
Harriet thanked Tonks with all her sincerity when her ten minutes were up. The cool air and the solitude had done wonders to help her clear her mind. Harriet appreciated it even more that Tonks didn't follow her. Or at least she did not make it seem obvious that she was.
Harriet was surprised to see that her friends had not chased her. Their looks were all sympathetic as Harriet returned to the compartments, but no one said anything. Harriet appreciated that, as well.
The rest of the train ride went with little incident. In fact, after Harriet had blown off some steam, she was quite pleased to find herself laughing with everyone else. She was starting to be reminded of the things she did have to look forward to at Hogwarts.
Like Quidditch. Harriet was dying to get back to Quidditch. She'd been unable to play Quidditch all last year because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. She was eager to get back into the game and properly put her Firebolt through its paces.
If Harriet was being honest with herself, she was looking forward to Hogwarts as a chance to get away. Somewhere she could put a lot of her worries out of her head. Solomon Kinney was the one most able to flit in and out of Hogwarts, but it was clear to Harriet that if there was one person in the world Solomon Kinney didn't want to hurt, for some reason, it was her. Meanwhile, Lord Voldemort was apparently lying low. With Professor Dumbledore gone, the Ministry should lighten up on Hogwarts.
Yes, things should be okay at Hogwarts. She could put up with stupid rumours. She could put up with gossip. She'd done that all before. None of that outweighed the good things. She had parents. She had sisters. She had her friends. She was going to make it.
Harriet didn't see Tonks anywhere when they finally disembarked at Hogsmeade Station. There was a strong presence of Aurors, however. Harriet noted something odd. Hermione noticed too.
"Scott, look at the Aurors."
"Yeah, I noticed…"
"Noticed what?" Ronnie asked.
"Aren't they all a bit young?" Harriet asked.
"Oh, now you mention it," Ronnie nodded. "Forgot."
Harriet remembered the second Quibbler article. She supposed the Ministry was scrambling for new Aurors. Harriet suddenly felt a chill. Now Lord Voldemort was back and the Ministry had just hampered itself by replacing its best defence force with new and inexperienced recruits who probably hadn't received the same amount of training as others.
This made Harriet ponder something else. Why hadn't Tonks and Kingsley been arrested? Were they not part of it? She now wished Tonks was here, so she could ask.
"First years!" called an unfamiliar voice.
It was a man's voice. It sounded aged, and while Harriet couldn't place it, the voice sounded familiar.
Harriet felt a small pain. Ever since she'd first come to Hogwarts, Hagrid had greeted the first years, escorting them in the boats across the lake. A sliver of guilt began working its way into Harriet's mind. She'd been so distracted all summer she hadn't been able to think much about Hagrid. He must still be on his mission.
"I hope Hagrid's okay," Harriet said.
"He's fine," Ronnie said. "He's a half-giant. He bred the Skrewts… anything'll be a breeze for him after that."
"If you say so," Harriet worried.
Harriet saw a stooped figure approaching them. It was holding up a lantern, and leaning on a walking stick. For a moment, Harriet thought it was Mad-Eye Moody when the figure called out once more: "First years! First years over here, please!"
"Who's that?" Kieran asked.
"Must be the substitute for Hagrid and Professor Sutler," Scott said. "He… looks familiar."
"Is… is that a false beard?" Hermione asked.
Now the man was close enough, Harriet had a suspicion that Hermione was right. The man's beard didn't seem to move with his lips as he called out. Not only that, but Harriet thought he also looked a bit familiar behind the beard.
The man drew level with the group. As he passed, Harriet was sure the man gave her the tiniest of winks. The man moved off, a little crowd of first years following him. Harriet was distracted by the sight of several students much older than first year in the group.
"Who're they, you reckon?" Harriet asked.
"Bet they're students who went to foreign schools, or were taught at home," Dora said.
"Oh yeah, forgot," Harriet said, recalling the Ministry decree that all British students now had to attend Hogwarts.
One of the older students looked absolutely miserable as he followed along with the group. Harriet supposed he was upset about having to leave his school, but his eyes were locked on the stooped, calling figure. The look on his face as he passed was more despair than resentment.
Marcus and Hermione left the group again to help supervise. Harriet was holding Crookshanks in his basket for Hermione. Crookshanks was shifting around irritably. DIDS was also shifting around a bit. Harriet wondered if he could tell Crookshanks was nearby. She was sure Crookshanks would love the chance to chase DIDS around just as much as Hedwig had.
"What's that?" Scott asked, pointing to the sky.
"A plane, maybe?" Dora said, squinting up into the night sky.
Harriet spotted what they were looking at. It was a series of little dots moving about. Harriet squinted too.
"That's not an airplane," she said.
There were five little lights that Harriet could see. They were moving about, changing positions. That wasn't all; they were getting closer.
The Aurors noticed, too.
"Everyone down!" an Auror shouted.
Students froze in confusion.
"Incoming!" another Auror called. "Everyone off the platform!"
Students began pointing at the approaching lights. Suddenly, the Aurors began to fire Stunning Spells at the growing lights. Students began to scream and shout in panic, scattering and running into each other. Harriet was jostled about but kept her eyes on the approaching lights. The way they dived and ducked the Stunning Spells, Harriet could now tell it was people on broomsticks.
Harriet froze as the riders got close enough to be seen clearly. The red light of a Stunning Spell missed one by inches, and in the flash, Harriet saw perfectly well the Death Eater mask the flier was wearing. It was Death Eaters. They had attacked after all.
Harriet staggered backwards as a much larger student bumped into her in the frenzy. She grunted landing on her backside on the hard, stone platform. Harriet covered her head, trying not to get kicked. She could hear screaming and felt frantic people rushing past her. There was the swoosh of the Death Eaters flying overhead, and then a massive fluttering sound. It sounded like the fluttering of many wings, like a flock of birds taking off at once.
Harriet lifted her arms off her head. It wasn't birds, but a cascade of fliers was falling to the earth. Dora and Ronnie helped Harriet to her feet. Harriet looked upwards again just in time to see a Stunning Spell connect with the trailing rider, but by now the Death Eaters had gained enough height that two of the others managed to catch their fallen comrade as they fell. They extinguished their wands, disappearing in the night sky at once.
The Aurors kept firing blindly into the sky. Harriet ignored them, picking up one of the fliers the Death Eaters had dropped. She blinked in amazement as she read. Had she not seen the Death Eaters, Harriet never would have guessed this was their work. There was a drawing of Hogwarts being ensnared in the tentacles of a giant octopus with the head of Cornelius Fudge grinning with evil glee. Behind Fudge was a little island with levelled buildings and a sign declaring: Rathlin Academy.
Above this was a scroll with the words:
REMEMBER RATHLIN AND DEMAND FREEDOM FROM TYRANNY!
Below the art was a few sentences.
You are all in danger from your own government. Already Ministry forces are taking over your education and lives. Resist! Write to your parents! Make sure they know about the Ministry's evils under Fudge!
Harriet looked up at her friends. They were looking back with shock and confusion. Scott picked up another.
"They're all like that…" he said looking the platform over.
"Those were Death Eaters," Dora said. "What… I mean…"
"Looks like You-Know-Who's finally found a way to have an impact," Kieran sighed.
"Harriet!"
Nan and Rosie appeared, Emma in tow, looking up at her with worry. Dora gave a gasp of relief and pulled her gangly younger sister into a tight embrace.
"Doraaaa," Emma grumbled. "Gerroff."
"Those were Death Eaters, weren't they?" Rosie asked. "I recognized them from my books."
"Yeah," Harriet admitted.
"Should… should we have used our…" Nan glanced down at Harriet's necklace.
Harriet grimaced. She'd totally forgotten. However, there were Aurors around who had driven the Death Eaters off. If Order members started appearing on the platform at the same time, the Aurors were liable to try and arrest them.
"Hey!" Harriet scoffed as an Auror passed, snatching the fliers away.
The Auror ignored them, grabbing away more fliers from students.
"Move along!" Aurors were shouting, bustling the students towards the carriages.
"Wow, they're really bad at this," Dora sniffed irritably.
"Yeah," Ronnie sighed. "We're snookered…"
"We're what?" Rosie asked.
"Fucked," Dora translated.
The carriage ride was quiet and uncomfortable. Firstly, they had crammed way too many people into the carriage. At the moment, Harriet, the twins, Emma, Hermione, Marcus, Dora, and Ronnie were crammed into the carriage. Behind them Kieran and Scott had joined Neville, Basheera, Ginny and Luna. Secondly, Harriet could still see the crazy horse-dragons pulling the carriage. Marcus gave Harriet a sympathetic look. Harriet reminded herself that Marcus could see the strange beasts as well, and made a note to herself to try and talk to him about that.
And many other things. She hadn't quite gotten to know Marcus as well as most of her other friends. He was generally the quietest, until his temper was up. Harriet had deduced from his boggart that his situation growing up wasn't all that different from what Harriet had been through.
The mood wasn't helped by the incident with the Death Eater flyover. Despite the Aurors best efforts, a great many of the fliers had made it to the carriages. Students were passing them around, talking and whispering about what it might mean.
Harriet and her friends all knew what Death Eaters looked like from the attack on the Quidditch World Cup, but Harriet was sure most of the students had no idea those had been Death Eaters flying overhead. The most unsettling thing to Harriet was that even if it had come from the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort, they were right. Fudge and his Ministry were doing terrible things.
The carriage came to a stop in front of the main entrance. Harriet and the rest climbed out. Harriet's emotional roller-coaster began another climb as she looked up at the dark castle. She supposed to anyone else, the sight of the tall, ancient castle at night would be imposing, but to Harriet it was the most welcoming sight she'd seen all day.
"What's that?" Ronnie asked, pointing out into the grounds.
Harriet saw at once what Ronnie was talking about. It was a small building in the middle of the grounds, just out of reach of the Whomping Willow. It looked cheap and haphazardly made.
"No idea," Dora said.
"Your father never mentioned it?" Kieran asked.
Dora crossed her arms, irritably. "The Ministry issued a decree last week that dissolved the governors entirely. They now control all aspects of the running of Hogwarts…"
Marcus whistled. "That's… not good…"
"No…" Scott said, glancing at another flier some students were whispering over. "Must be what the fliers are referring to…"
Harriet shivered. What did this mean, now? How much power did Professor McGonagall have now? What was the Ministry going to do?
"Let's just get inside," Hermione said.
None of them needed to be told twice. They hurried inside with the rest of the students.
"There you are!"
Harriet finally smiled as Rachel Kane popped out of the crowd, hugging Harriet tightly. Harriet noted dismally that Rachel was now taller than her. This made her the shortest girl in their dorm.
"We all heard what happened," Rachel said, looking Harriet over. "So happy you're okay."
"Thanks Rach," Harriet said. "Yeah, I'm… I'm fine."
Rachel gave Harriet a look that said all too plainly she didn't believe her. Tori and Jackson joined them now. Harriet started getting irritable again as both were clearly just as worried about her.
"Harriet Potter-Dusk though, huh?" Jackson smiled. "Gotsta say it's a good name."
"Thanks, Jackson," Harriet said, glad the conversation moved to a happier topic again.
"Inside, everyone. Into the Great Hall. The first years are about to arrive."
The voice of Professor Snape gave Harriet a chill. She'd been expecting Professor McGonagall. She kept forgetting that Professor Snape was now the deputy headmaster.
Professor Snape passed by. He didn't need to say anymore. Most students were so terrified of Professor Snape that the sound of his voice quelled all talking in the entrance hall at once and everyone began filing into the Great Hall.
Harriet glanced up at Professor Snape as they passed. True to form, Professor Snape ignored her.
"Git," Ronnie hissed.
"He's our new deputy headmaster and he's in the Order!" Hermione whispered back.
"Doesn't stop him being a git."
Harriet gave Professor Snape's back a dirty look. Now she was in his presence again, she realized she wasn't entirely over what had happened down in Avalon. Professor Snape disappeared from sight as Harriet entered the Great Hall.
Harriet stopped, Dora bumping into her.
There was another table in the Great Hall, right in the middle between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. She counted again. Yes, there were now five house tables. The new table was already populated with students, and had bright pink banners hanging over it with a fluffy, white cat emblazoned on it. Harriet recognized Fern at once. She was not alone in this. Many of the boys at other tables who had already taken their seats were craning their necks to get a look.
Harriet noted that Fern was sitting far away from her old friends. Harriet's stomach twisted in knots at the sight of Colm. He gave her a sad little wave, which she half-heartedly returned.
Beside him, a dark haired, olive-skinned boy was sitting with the Tyler sisters, Kenley and Katy, who were both hugging him with teary eyes. Harriet supposed that was Don, their long-lost friend. Finn had spoken about him last year, and how he'd been captured and spent time in a secessionist labour camp. Harriet wondered what horrors he must have been through. He'd been freed for some time now, and still he looked skittish, and jumped when a nearby Hufflepuff laughed loudly.
"Okay, that's… weird…" Dora said, waving at Krystelle, yet looking the table over.
"And horrific," Ronnie said, looking up at the banners.
"What on earth…?" Hermione gaped.
Another girl rose and waved towards the door, Dora returning it, smiling. Harriet recognized her as Krystelle Gandy, one of Finn and Fern's old friends. Harriet noted that Fern was sitting almost as far away from them at the table as she could.
Rachel began to explain. "That's Ur—"
Rachel was cut off when Professor McGonagall stood, looking around the room in her imperious fashion. The students still standing began moving to their tables at once. No sooner had Harriet sat than Professor Snape entered from the side door where the first years would enter. He was carrying the ancient Sorting Hat and little stool.
"So weird," Ronnie whispered.
"Are the first years ready, Professor Snape?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Yes, Headmistress," Professor Snape replied.
"Then let them in, and let's all welcome them to Hogwarts."
Professor Snape walked back to the door, opening it and stepping aside. The first years began filing in. Harriet felt a pang of sympathy and affection as she saw the nervous look on all their little faces. Even the older faces looked around with mixed amounts of wonder and irritation. Most did seem impressed with the enchanted ceiling, at least.
Harriet returned her attention to the staff table. It looked empty with so few familiar faces there. There was Professor McGonagall where Professor Dumbledore always sat. Hagrid was gone, replaced by the strange bearded man who'd just taken his seat beside Professor Flitwick. She saw Mum's empty seat, between Professors Sprout and Spring. Professor Stratton and Professor Sutler were missing as well. Harriet supposed their missions for the Order were not over, either.
Professor Spring was in her usual seat. This was the first that Harriet had seen her since the wedding. Her hair seemed flatter than usual, not as spiky in the back. She was looking down at the table, her face uncharacteristically sullen.
She did feel reassured to see Captain Kane. He was wearing his dress military uniform again, rather than robes as the rest of the staff. Many of the other Gryffindors were pointing at him and whispering. Rachel was grinning with pride at them all.
He was sitting beside Percy. Percy looked as pompous and full of himself as ever. No one else looked that thrilled. Not even the other teachers.
Harriet blinked as she saw the final new face. It was a face she definitely recognized, and was none-too-happy to see. It was Fudge's senior undersecretary, Dolores Umbridge, wearing a fluffy, pink cardigan and a flower in her hair. She had been at Sirius' trial where she tried to make arguments for Sirius being sent back to Azkaban. She had also wanted some vampires arrested after the murder of Karkaroff just because they were vampires. What on earth was she doing here?
Across the table from Harriet, Tori followed Harriet's gaze and scowled. Apparently, Harriet wasn't the only one who disapproved of Umbridge. She wondered what Tori didn't like about her.
Harriet returned her attention to the front of the room as the Sorting Hat began its song.
In times of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted;
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning,
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
'Together we will build and teach!'
The four good friends decided
And never did they dream that they
Might some day be divided,
For were there such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why, I was there and so can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, 'I'll teach just those
Whose ancestry is purest.'
Said Ravenclaw, 'I'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest.'
Said Gryffindor, 'we'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their names.'
Said Hufflepuff, 'I'll teach the lot,
And treat them just the same.'
These differences caused little strife
When first they came to light,
For each of the four founders had
A house in which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance, Slytherin
Took only pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning, just like him,
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daring Gryffindor.
Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest,
And taught them all she knew,
Thus the houses and their founders
Retained friendships firm and true.
So Hogwarts worked in harmony
For several happy years,
But then discord crept among us
Feeding on our faults and fears.
The houses that, like pillars four,
Had once held up our school,
Now turned upon each other and,
Divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
Must meet an early end,
What with duelling and with fighting
And the clash of friend on friend
And at last there came a morning
When old Slytherin departed
And though the fighting then died out
He left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
Were whittled down to three
Have the houses been united
As they once were meant to be.
And now the Sorting Hat is here
And you all know the score:
I sort you into houses
Because that is what I'm for,
But this year I'll go further,
Listen closely to my song:
Though condemned I am to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong,
Though I must fulfil my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether Sorting
May not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you…
Let the Sorting now begin.
The Great Hall broke into applause at the Sorting Hat's song ended. It was much more subdued than Harriet ever remembered. The whispering and gossip was almost as loud as the clapping. No cheers or whistles came this time. Around the Great Hall, Harriet saw students looking at their fliers under the table, talking hurriedly and hushed with their neighbours.
Hermione groaned, noticing too.
"Just what we need," Hermione said. "That message, on top of those fliers…"
"Fliers?" Nearly Headless Nick asked.
Hermione was about to respond when Professor Snape held up the list of new names. The Great Hall went deathly quiet at once.
"Abercrombie, Euan."
A timid looking boy with prominent ears stumbled forward. If not for his ears, the Sorting Hat would have fallen straight down to his shoulders.
"Gryffindor!"
Harriet clapped as loudly as the rest of the school as Euan joined their table. Harriet kept studied the new students. She raised her eyebrows as she recognized another face. It was the boy, Marius, from Mount Phoenix who had played the piano, and caught the eye of Ravenclaw Atsuko Makeda.
Atsuko clearly noticed him as well, as did her gossipy little friend Tomomi. Tomomi was practically bouncing up and down in excitement, patting Atsuko's shoulder. Marius was giving Atsuko an awkward little wave.
"Basco, Marius."
Marius jumped in surprise hearing his name and made his way to the stool. Professor Snape set the hat upon his head.
"Ravenclaw!"
Tomomi shrieked in delight for Atsuko. Marius made his way to the Ravenclaw table. Scott, who was sitting across from the two girls, made room for Marius, shaking his hand in greeting.
Harriet scanned the first years and new students again. She furrowed her brow. Marius wasn't the only boy who looked familiar. Now the crowd had thinned out a little, she recognized another boy. How could she ever forget him?
He was as small and scrawny as Euan Abercrombie was. He had hair as black as Harriet's, and his little knees were shaking. His face was round, and the look of fear on his face completed the marks of recognition.
It was the boy she rescued from Dudley's gang back in Privet Drive. He was a wizard? Harriet tuned out all the others being called forward, waiting for the boy to be called.
"Hithersbee, Gideon."
The boy moved forward now. He looked as though he was about to pass out from anxiety as he looked around the hall and sat. This time, the hat did completely cover his little head.
"Gryffindor!" the Sorting Hat shouted at once.
Little Gideon exhaled with relief as Professor Snape plucked the hat from his head. Gideon's face was lit with pride as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. He sat down with Euan, and struck up a conversation at once. Euan seemed to relax a little as Gideon introduced himself.
Just then, Gideon caught Harriet's eye. He gave her a sheepish little smile and wave. Harriet returned it.
"You know him?" Hermione asked with interest.
"Kind of," Harriet shrugged. "Ran into him last summer. Dudley's gang was picking on him."
Hermione twisted her lips in thought. "This was still in Privet Drive?"
"Yeah," Harriet confirmed. "Never got his name. Weird… another wizard in Privet Drive."
"I agree… but not unheard of I suppose," Hermione mused.
Gideon nudged Euan and pointed Harriet out to him. Euan's eyes went wide with shock and he began whispering hurriedly to Gideon, looking horrified.
Harriet glowered. She knew too well what Euan was telling Gideon. Great, now the kid she saved was going to think she was an unstable monster, liable to tear him to pieces at the slightest provocation.
To Harriet's surprise, Gideon looked indignant and began arguing. Eventually, he turned away with a huff, neither boy speaking to each other anymore. Harriet was surprised, and felt a glimmer of appreciation for Gideon. Not everyone in this school was a git, it seemed.
Harriet must have been distracted for longer than she thought, as the next voice she heard being called was: "Scamander, Rolf."
The name Scamander caught her attention at once. It was the resigned looking older boy she had seen before. Scamander wasn't exactly a common name. Much like Malfoy, or even Sinistra. In the wizarding world, that had to mean a relation.
Ronnie seemed to agree.
"Scamander? He's gotta be related to Newt! I've gotta ask him. Come on, Gryffindor, Gryffindor, Gryffindor…"
"Shhhh, Dora will get jealous," Marcus teased.
"As if," Ronnie retorted. "I just wanna know more about Newt…"
As Rolf passed the staff table, the elderly, bearded man who'd winked at Harriet before gave him a little wave. Rolf waited till his back was to the man before grimacing and rubbing the bridge of his nose in utter embarrassment. Harriet returned her attention to the man in the beard. She squinted, trying to see him clearly in the candle-lit hall.
Realization hit Harriet. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be.
"Gryffindor!"
"WOO!" Ronnie cheered, clapping enthusiastically.
The bearded old man sighed and gave Rolf another wave. Rolf ignored him, his head low as he came to sit at the Gryffindor Table. Ronnie made room for him, but he moved past to sit at the far end of the table, as far away from everyone else as possible.
"Watanuki, Mayu."
Harriet returned her attention to the Sorting. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one of the Gryffindor Fourth Years, Ryan Yukisaki, drop his fork that he'd been fidgeting with.
"Gryffindor!"
Mayu was beaming and yet had watery eyes as she joined the Gryffindors. Ryan was gawking at her. Ginny reached across the table and pushed up on his chin, closing his mouth for him.
Harriet was glad to see Mayu join Gryffindor. During the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the Four Nations students had sat with Gryffindor. She also felt and odd sense of responsibility for Mayu. Harriet made it possible for her to come to Hogwarts, after all.
"Zeller, Rose."
"Hufflepuff!"
That was it, the final student had been sorted. Professor McGonagall stood.
"Welcome to all our new students," Professor McGonagall said. "Whatever your circumstance in coming, be you first year, or brought in from afar, we greet you with open arms."
Professor McGonagall's eyes drifted to the new, pink table. Her expression was sympathetic and pained, before she returned her attention to the rest of the school.
"Doubtless many of you are hungry, and our much anticipated feast will commence in a moment, but in a change of pace, I feel the announcements must come first. This way I will be sure I have your attention, and you can enjoy the feast at your leisure."
Ronnie muttered irritably. Her stomach had been growling all through the Sorting.
"As all returning students will no doubt have noticed, Hogwarts has… expanded. Please welcome our new students in Ursula House."
"Ursula House?" Hermione whispered.
"These are students who formerly attended Rathlin Academy of the Arts (and Magic) before the school was forcibly closed. I am going to ask that you treat them far better than you treated the last guests to come to us after tragedy."
Many of the students shifted uncomfortably. Harriet remembered all too well the backlash against the American students who came the summer before Harriet's second year. She didn't have to feel awkward and guilty. They'd made Harriet and her friends 'honorary refugees' after she helped clear their names for the attacks by Slytherin's monster.
"They are named for one of the students who was obliviated in the horrid attack. A young Squib…"
More awkward muttering, growing angry, filled the hall. Harriet felt angry, but not for the same reason. She knew squibs were often ostracized in wizarding society. The caretaker, Argus Filch, was one. But why was an obliviated squib more tragic than an obliviated muggle? The muggles had been illegally obliviated just as much as the squibs, according to that article.
"As there is no space in the castle in which to house them, they will be living in the new building in the grounds for the time being. This represents a major shift in Hogwarts' history. They have spent a week here learning about the school to help them blend in as seamlessly as possible."
To Harriet's pleasure, she did see some Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws leaning across to shake hands with some of the new former-Rathlin students.
"Now, to the more usual announcements. As you'll notice, we have had some staffing changes. Firstly, with the departure of Albus Dumbledore, I am now Headmistress of Hogwarts School. Taking my place as deputy headmaster is our Potions Master, and head of Slytherin House, Professor Severus Snape."
Only Slytherin Table cheered. All but Ursula House, who doubtless had little experience of Professor Snape's bitterness towards all houses but Slytherin, booed.
"This year, Care of Magical Creatures will be taught by…" Professor McGonagall glanced sideways at the bearded man, her look borderline exasperated. "Skrewt Namander…"
A round of polite applause broke out. Professor Namander waved cheerfully at everyone, pausing to adjust his beard which had almost come off his left ear. Down at the end of the table, Rolf banged his forehead down on his plate. Harriet felt her thoughts confirmed. It wasn't Skrewt Namander. It could only be—
"Oh Merlin…" Ronnie gasped. "Newt Scamander… that's Newt-fucking-Scamander! He's here in disguise. Why is he in disguise? I have to ask… is it the Death Eaters? You think they're after him for something?"
"Ronnie, shhh," Hermione hissed.
"But it's him!"
"We know!" Harriet and the rest shushed.
"While he is not present," Professor McGonagall continued, "History of Magic lessons are being taken over by the school's librarian, Giles Robertson."
More polite applause came at this. Some students looked interested, but others disappointed. Harriet was at least glad to hear they weren't going back to Professor Binns, and was happy to see that Professor Stratton had made enough of an impression that his presence was going to be missed. Harriet wondered how long they were going to be gone. What were they up to?
"Professor Dusk, nee Sinistra, is presently on her honeymoon, following her wedding this summer, and will return at the end of our first week."
A wave of panto 'ooooooos' swept over the Great Hall. Harriet flushed a little.
"Taking on the duties of Transfiguration professor, and head of Gryffindor House, we have Percy Weasley."
Mostly boos followed this pronouncement; Gryffindors in particular. Too many remembered Percy's big-headed ruling of Gryffindor House as a prefect, and as Head Boy. Harriet didn't boo, but she didn't applaud, either.
"Taking over Defence Against the Dark Arts this year shall be Captain Aaron Kane."
Much more enthusiastic applause hit the Great Hall this time. Captain Kane waved but didn't stand. Harriet noted it was mainly girls who were acting the most excited about Captain Kane's presence. Studying his hard, handsome face and broad shoulders, Harriet didn't blame them.
"Captain Kane has kindly agreed to take on the position for this year only whilst he leads a mission for the International Confederation of Wizards investigating our Ministry over the Rathlin Academy attack," Professor McGonagall explained.
Harriet allowed herself a little smirk. Umbridge and Percy both had very cool looks on their faces. Harriet knew Professor McGonagall was needling them on purpose.
"Does it have to be just this year?" a nearby Hufflepuff whispered a bit too loudly.
A wave of sniggers broke out. Harriet agreed, but not for the same reasons. Captain Kane was smart, and experienced. He would be a good Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Harriet was sure. Though she would still prefer having Remus back.
Captain Kane ignored the tittering. He merely looked bored as he inspected his fingernails. Harriet shook her head. How could he turn himself off like that? Just shut down. Harriet wondered if she could ask him. And if she did, would he tell her?
"And lastly," a bitter tone came to Professor McGonagall's voice, as though the words she was speaking were most distasteful, "our new school counsellor—a position created by the Ministry—and head of Ursula House, Dolores Umbridge."
Harriet heard a wave of cheers at this. She noted that only the Ursula House students were applauding her. Harriet sniffed suspiciously. Something was wrong about that. Harriet thought the Rathlin students, out of everyone, should at the very least dislike someone connected with the Ministry like Umbridge.
Professor McGonagall was about to continue speaking, but stopped. Harriet was confused, then she heard Umbridge clear her throat. It was a high-pitched, almost sarcastic sound. Hem. Hem. It made Harriet shiver. Rachel growled. Clearly, Tori wasn't the only refugee who didn't like Umbridge. In fact, as Harriet looked around the tables, almost all of the American students were giving Umbridge dirty looks.
Professor McGonagall remained standing, but she didn't speak.
Umbridge grinned around horribly at the students. Harriet was sure she was trying to look welcoming, but her expression made Harriet feel more like a fly about to be eaten by a particularly horrid frog.
"Thank you, Headmistress, for those kind words of welcome. Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say! And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!"
There was a wave of talking and sniggers filling the Great Hall at that pronouncement.
"What does she think we are, five?" Marcus muttered. Clearly, he was not very impressed with Umbridge, either.
"Hem. Hem."
The girlish, airy nature of Umbridge's speech was gone as she continued. Her speech sounded rehearsed and learned by memory.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished, and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."
Umbridge bowed to the other teachers, but none of them returned it. Professor Sprout exchanged a look with Professor Spring. Both looked sceptical and suspicious.
"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress' sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation."
Harriet narrowed her eyes. What was Umbridge on about? What did this have to do with anything?
Harriet glanced around the Great Hall. Only the Ursula House students looked to be enjoying Umbridge's speech. Other students were paying attention, but the looks on most of their faces were mistrusting at best. Harriet grimaced, remembering the fliers. Indeed, some students were passing theirs around under the tables, whispering to their table neighbours about them, giving Umbridge dirty looks.
Harriet gritted her teeth. On the one hand, the Ministry was indeed interfering at Hogwarts, and generally proving itself to be utterly horrible. On the other hand, this was propaganda they were listening too that had been clearly put out by Lord Voldemort. Voldemort was trying to undermine the Ministry, and it was already working. As little as Harriet enjoyed the Ministry, she didn't want Voldemort to win any more.
"…because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in the fullness of time, to be recognised as errors of judgement. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited."
The din was beginning to grow in the Great Hall. Umbridge cleared her throat once more, and Professor McGonagall looked out hawkishly on the crowd, which fell silent again.
"This brings me to my purpose here at Hogwarts. After such terrible events befell one of our beloved magical schools, many of our poor new students need assistance dealing with their traumas. I am here to help guide them all, and any other student in need of help and caring. Anyone who needs an ear, for any reason, can come to me at my office. No subject is off limits."
"We'll see about that," Fred said from nearby, causing a wave of sniggers from both Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Even Harriet snorted a little laugh.
"So, let us please come together for a new and better future at Hogwarts."
Umbridge sat. Only the Ursula House students clapped. Harriet shook her head in disbelief. Why did they like her so much? They should hate her more than anyone, being from the Ministry. They shouldn't even need the fliers.
Professor McGonagall looked out over the students again.
"And now that's over, let the feast begin."
Food appeared on all the trays up and down the tables. Harriet realized how hungry she was. She ended up loading her plate almost as full as Ronnie's.
"What?" Harriet asked looking at the bemused faces around her. "I'm hungry…"
The tables all broke out into conversation as the students began to eat. Harriet groaned in appreciation at the taste of the large spoonful of chicken tikka masala, able to feel the swallow go all the way down to her stomach.
"Great," Marcus said dismally, merely poking his food. "The Ministry's taking over Hogwarts… and You-Know-Who's going to use that…"
"I dunno," Kieran said. "It's a gamble. I mean… would making people distrust the Ministry really push them into his camp?"
Hermione sighed, shrugging. "In this day and age, I say it could go either way…"
"What's up with the Rathlin students?" Ronnie asked. "Why do they like her so much?"
"I'll ask Fern," Hermione said. "But there is something suspicious about that, no doubt."
"Damn right there is," Jackson said.
"What you mean?" Harriet asked through a full mouth.
"She showed up with all the Rathlin students," Rachel chimed in. "First they all hated her. But bit by bit, over the course of the week, they all started liking her. Like… really liking her."
"Something's wrong about it," Tori said. "And she wouldn't let any of us mingle. Not until they started acting like they liked her. They won't shut up about how great she is. We haven't forgotten, though…"
"Forgotten what?"
Tori sniffed. "She's tried to have us all sent back to the US several times."
"And she made Epeius live in the forest," Jackson growled. He tightened his grip on his fork so hard that he bent the prongs with his thumb.
"She what?" Hermione gasped.
"Yeah," Jackson grunted, trying to straighten his fork again. "She said he's not a proper pet and so wasn't allowed on the—thanks," he muttered as Rachel repaired the fork for him with her wand "—grounds. McGonagall fought her on it, but she ran crying to the Ministry and they made McGonagall bend."
"Is he alright?" Ronnie asked, her eyes wide with worry.
"Yes, he's fine," Jackson muttered. "He's too fast for anything in there to catch. But it's just shitty."
"What are those paper things?" Rachel asked, craning her neck to try and get a better look.
"Propaganda," Hermione said, her voice full of distaste. "Trying to turn students against the Ministry."
"So… what's the problem?" Jackson asked.
"Because it's from Lord Voldemort," Harriet replied.
Harriet's friends all shuddered, but the Americans ignored the mentioning of Lord Voldemort's name. Other students within earshot all gasped and scoffed, giving Harriet scandalised looks. Harriet ignored them.
"Okay, that's not so good then," Tori nodded.
"No…" Kieran sighed.
The group fell silent and resumed eating. Just great. Now she was worrying about the Ministry and Lord Voldemort. Too many people believed a stupid article that she was either Kinney's puppet, or a living bomb. What else was going to go wrong this year? And it had only just started.
The Gryffindors were quiet as they headed up to Gryffindor Tower. Hermione and Marcus had gone ahead to lead the First Years. Harriet, Kieran, and Ronnie were walking along with Neville, Basheera, Rachel, Tori, and Jackson. As they walked, Harriet could hear students whispering.
She chanced glances around. Most of the whisperers would stop and look away from her the moment she caught their eyes. Harriet clenched her fists, and did her best to put them out of her mind.
The password was passed along as they waited to climb through the portrait hole. Neville beamed with delight at the revelation the new password was mimbulus mimbletonia.
Harriet climbed through. Most of her Quidditch team was already sitting by the fire. Angelina was sitting with Fred, giving him a soft smile as they chatted. Erica was welcoming George back rather enthusiastically. In fact, she was straddling his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck, George's hands slid into the back pockets of her tight jeans as they kissed.
Harriet had to look away, not out of disgust, but to fight down the pangs of jealousy rising inside her. She could use a good snog like the ones she and Fred shared last year to take her mind off things. She glanced at Fred and Angelina again. She knew that look in Angelina's eye. Well, good for her, Harriet supposed, dismally.
Harriet took DIDS out of his pouch. He stretched and looked around, sniffing the air. Harriet put him onto her shoulder and headed for the staircase to the girl dormitories. Ronnie followed, yawning and stretching.
Harriet had to agree. She'd eaten far too much, and was coming over quite tired after such a long, unpleasantly eventful day. At least it was only Friday. They had two days of the weekend left before classes began on Monday.
Harriet was a few steps up the staircase when the sound of voices made her pause. They were clearly angry voices, arguing petulantly.
Harriet and Ronnie exchanged a glance and kept ascending. They paused as they came to their door. The arguing was coming from further up the stairs. Close enough to hear clearly, Harriet recognised Hermione's voice.
"This is complete lunacy," Hermione said. "You're that afraid of a stupid article, written before any of the facts of the matter came out, that you've requested a new dormitory?"
"Obscuriuses aren't lunacy!" Harriet heard Lavender retort.
"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Ronnie declared.
"But she's not an Obscurus!" Hermione said. "Anyone who's read two sentences on them could tell that!"
"No one knows anything about them," Lavender said. "And we're not taking chances."
There was the slamming of a door and Hermione came storming down towards them. Her hands were clenched, and her face was burning. Harriet felt torn. She both felt anger at Parvati and Lavender, and a deep sense of affection for Hermione over her rage on Harriet's behalf.
Hermione's anger abated at the sight of Harriet.
"Sorry," she said. "You heard that, I'm guessing."
Harriet and Ronnie nodded.
Hermione sighed. "Forget them. They'll learn the truth. Let's… just get to bed. We can get our all out of our weekend to have fun and relax before classes begin."
Ronnie scoffed. "You? Relax before classes? Aren't you usually annoyed we don't start classes right away?"
"Well, I am," Hermione admitted. "But I've started to teach myself proper priorities."
Hermione gave Harriet a gentle smile and put her arm in Harriet's. Harriet's appreciation for Hermione quadrupled as they headed for their dorm. Harriet paused on the threshold. She noted that there were less beds in the room, after all. And more than two.
Hermione twisted her lips. "AJ moved with Parvati and Lavender… I don't think she believes the stupid papers like they do… but… they are her best friends here."
Harriet merely walked to her trunk. DIDS leapt down from Harriet's shoulder onto her bed, bouncing a couple times before scampering to her pillow and curling up. Crookshanks watched the little dragon with narrowed eyes, his brush-like tail swishing.
Harriet opened her trunk, taking out some pyjamas. She also took out Finn, hugging him a little. She wasn't letting him out of her sight again this year. She was about to close her trunk when something else caught her eye. She moved aside some of her clothes and saw Professor Dumbledore's pensieve.
Harriet stole a glance over her shoulder. Ronnie and Hermione were setting up their own beds and belongings, distracted. Harriet tried to lift the pensieve, but it was far too heavy for her to move discreetly. She'd have to keep it safe in there for the time being.
Harriet changed into her pyjamas. She looked at the places where Parvati, Lavender, and AJ's beds used to be. Unbidden, anger began rising in her again.
What the hell was wrong with them? She'd known them for years. She was friends with Lavender and Parvati before she'd even become friends with Hermione. They gave her the cute little running cat hairclip that she loved. They helped her style her hair for the first time in her life.
Harriet yanked back her covers, and shut her bedcurtains. DIDS growled with agitation but Harriet just nudged him aside, flopping her head down on her pillow.
This was so stupid, all of it. The worst part was how little control Harriet had. She was stuck at school while the Ministry seemed ready to lose everything pretending that Lord Voldemort wasn't actually back. Lord Voldemort was trying to turn children against the Ministry (and from what Harriet had seen, it was likely to work). Daddy and Mum were miles away on the mainland.
Little by little, the room went quiet. Hermione and Ronnie were giving Harriet her space. Harriet looked at Finn's faint glow as the room finally went totally dark. She looked towards her trunk, then back at Finn. He'd always been there for her when she needed him. He'd taken down Rita Skeeter for her.
Harriet held him close again. Maybe, just maybe, he could be useful again. Just by getting to see his face and smile.
No, said the little voice in Harriet's mind. We've been over this. Those are private.
But he wanted you to have them.
Just to keep them safe!
Well, he'll never know if we don't tell him… and… we can be alone there.
That's… a good point…
Yeah, they can't see us in memories, right? It's just like getting to walk around inside a film.
True…
Harriet knew what she was going to do. The moment everyone was asleep, she was going to open her trunk, and run away. She was going to run away somewhere no one could see her, no one could hear her, where she could be truly alone. There would be no Lord Voldemort there. No Solomon Kinney. No one whispering behind her back.
And she'd get to see him again. Not just a tinny voice in headphones. Not just a faintly glowing jar. The real Finn…
Sorry Finn… I have to…