As the train slowed to pull in to the station, Harry and Neville waited inside their compartment in anticipation. Both of them wanted to be some of the first out of the train so that they could hopefully get a Thestral carriage to themselves.
Coming to a sudden halt, Harry slid the compartment door open and bolted for the nearest exit. With Neville not too far behind him. Walking quickly besides each other, they headed for the carriages and were among the first students to reach them, getting in to a carriage in the middle of all the carriages, Neville closed the door behind them and both sighed in relief as they saw no-one attempt to follow them in.
Each of them stared in silence at the Thestral in front of them, the slight strange feeling and thoughts he once had at seeing them had gone. Instead he could really look at the large, winged horselike creature. The skeletal appearance as the skin seemed to grip the bones, the long fine black mane and tail that even this cloudy September night seemed to glisten. The huge, leathery worn looking wings that were tucked and folded around it's body. Harry had never really looked at them until now...
Shaking himself out of his thoughts he looked to his left and for a fleeting moment caught Draco Malfoy's observing grey eyes as he walked between carriages. Malfoy walked out of sight and left Harry gazing at the spot he had seen the blonde Slytherin, gone was the arrogant smirk and sneer that was normally employed. It had been an unreadable mask, something that Harry was left wondering about until the carriages suddenly lurched forwards.
"Looking forward to the feast? I'm starving." said Neville, looking through the Great Hall windows longingly.
"I could eat." replied Harry, feeling a pang of hunger go through his body.
"Wonder what the hat will sing about." said Neville, turning to the lake as they heard Hagrid shout the words 'Forward'.
"Probably something about House unity, pretty difficult when everyone seems to blame Slytherin for everything." muttered Harry, dark thoughts of Pettigrew coming to the forefront of his mind. He caught Neville looking at him, as if asking a silent question.
"Gryffindor have traitors to." spat Harry, emitting a sigh of exasperation. Neville nodded in agreement, thinking of Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
The journey from Hogsmeade station to the Entrance Gates of Hogwarts was carried out in silence, as they passed through the gates of the castle that were illuminated by flaming torches. The shadows of the iron wrought gates and winged boars on the columns flickered across the grounds, the sound of hooves in gravel echoed around them as the front doors of the castle opened and two people carrying torches came out.
"Who do you think that is?" asked Neville, in a low voice.
"One of them is pretty short, so I'd say Flitwick...don't know about the other." replied Harry, looking at the pair.
The Thestrals came to a halt as the iron gates behind them creaked loudly and slammed close. Instantly the grounds were glowing as above them, a golden streak swept across the sky in a curve . Going across the top of Hogwarts and to the other side of the grounds, ending with a thunderous crackling noise.
"What the hell was that!" shouted Neville, as many around them had screamed or shouted.
"The wards, looks like they've upgraded them over the summer." said Harry, who had remained calm throughout the duration. As other people in other carriages around them started talking loudly.
"Come on, let's get out." said Harry, opening the carriage and climbing out with Neville scrambling behind him.
They walked past the other carriages and seemed to attract attention as nobody else had got out yet, they walked a few dozen yards ahead of the first line of carriages and stopped as the duo who had come out of Hogwarts approached them, it was Professor Flitwick as Harry had guessed. And Filch had accompanied him.
"Ah, Mr Longbottom, Mr Potter. Good evening." said Flitwick, greeting them with a friendly smile.
"Professor Flitwick." said Harry and Neville in unison.
"As you probably noticed, security has been upgraded. Can't be to careful these days." joked Flitwick, though it was only nervous laughter that followed.
"Come on Professor, we've got the rest of the school to do yet." muttered Filch, glaring at Harry.
"Of course, Mr Filch here is going to use a Probity Probe to check if you have any Concealment Spells or hidden magical objects that are of a ...dark nature." said Flitwick, finishing his sentence quickly. Harry eyed the contraption that had Filch had immediately began sweeping around Neville's body, it looked like a car antenna except it was golden. Hoping it wouldn't make a fuss over his goblin made blade strapped to his leg, he waited as Neville was examined. After a few more seconds he was cleared to go and Harry stepped forwards, as other had began gathering behind him. As Flitwick told them to form an orderly line, Harry's eyes darted to Filch's as the Probity Probe jabbed him in the stomach.
"Watch where you put that thing." muttered Harry, angrily. Filch's only response was to repeat his action a few more times, leaving Harry to wish he could use the Probity Probe to smack Filch with it. Sneering an 'all-clear' Harry walked over to Neville who had waited for him and they walked up the the Great Hall.
"Bloody Filch, same old miserable git." muttered Neville.
"I don't know why Dumbledore has him here, wouldn't it be easier to just have a wizard who can use magic. He'd get it done in half the time, or enchant some equipment to do it." said Harry, rubbing the inside of his leg where Filch had struck him with it. They walked up to the open doors and in to the Great Hall, where for a few seconds at least it was just Harry and Neville with all of the teachers.
"They're all looking at us." whispered Neville, sitting down.
"Who else is here?" shot back Harry, gesturing to the empty hall. Soon enough however, students trickled in to the hall. With most of them peering and taking the odd glance at Harry who ignored all looks and pretended not to hear the frenzied conversations.
"Hey, Harry. Good summer?" asked Dean, sitting down next to Neville. Harry looked at Dean, about to tell him to shut up before he remembered Dean was a Muggle-Born and by his comment, obviously didn't get The Daily Prophet.
"What the bloody hell happened to you?" asked Dean, looking at Harry properly for the first time since he sat down. It was loud enough for the half empty hall to fall quiet at the outburst.
"Death Eaters, I was caught and tortured and I escaped. And I don't want to talk about it." replied Harry, a forceful tone in his voice as he saw Ron, Hermione and Ginny walk in to the hall. Everyone around them had seemingly returned to what they were doing.
"Shit, sorry man...Neville how was yours?" continued Dean, giving Harry an odd look as Harry had put his head in his hands at that comment.
"What?..." asked Dean.
"My parents were murdered by Death Eaters over the summer, they were...in St Mungos when it was attacked." answered Neville, his voice strained.
"Crap, sorry mate. I don't get the papers, I didn't know. I swear..." said Dean, drifting off as he looked down at his plate.
"Don't mention it Dean." muttered Harry, who had watched Ron, Hermione and Ginny sit down on the table next to them.
"Just don't bring it up again, if you don't mind." added Neville.
"Of course, I won't...Where have you been Seamus!" exclaimed Dean, as Seamus sat down next to Harry.
"Talking to a certain fifth year Gryffindor, when I say talking though... well you guys know what I mean." laughed Seamus, winking at Neville who laughed along nervously.
"Sorry to hear what happened to you mum and dad Neville." said Seamus, nodding at Neville with respect in his tone.
"It's fine, thanks Seamus." muttered Neville.
"And Harry, after what I said last year...well all I can say was I'm an idiot and I as wrong. Can't believe those bastards..." spat Seamus, surprising Harry at the hateful tone.
"Don't worry about it." said Harry, clapping Seamus on the back in reassurance. Seamus smiled at Harry and turned his attention to small pin on Harry's robe.
"You got Quidditch Captain! Congratulations, I might tryout for a spot this year." said Seamus.
"We need a few players this year, I want to talk to Katie about it first though. She's been on the team the longest." said Harry, smiling at the conversation he had Neville had on the train at Katie and Hermione.
"Head Girl this year isn't she?" asked Dean.
"Yes, she is. She was at the Prefect meeting." said Neville, looking at Seamus and Dean who in turn looked at Neville and his badge and both had a look of happiness on there faces.
"You got Prefect! Good on you mate." said Seamus, patting Neville on the shoulder.
"Bet Ron wasn't to pleased." muttered Dean, looking at Ron who was looking at his four dormitory mates.
"Notice your not sat with him." said Seamus, looking at Harry who quickly relayed what had happened on the train.
"The prick, in Ireland you do something like that you get your arse kicked." said Seamus, staring at Ron with a look of disapproval on his face.
"I nearly did, three of them are a bunch of prats." growled Harry, not even looking at them.
"Looks like they'll be the new trio." muttered Dean, Harry looked at him questioningly.
"You, Ron and Hermione used to be called the trio every now and again. You know, because you were always together and didn't really talk to the rest of us. Not that we're blaming you." said Seamus, quick to back himself up.
Harry nodded, thinking about it he hadn't really ever spent time with Seamus, Dean or Neville outside of class and last year in the DA. How had he gotten to his sixth year and only hanged around with two or three people, listening to them bicker and argue. Pester him relentlessly and go on and on at him. It was like a wave of realisation hit him, Harry hadn't really ever hanged around with Dean, Seamus and Neville until today and right now. He hadn't really hanged around with anyone else in his year group, or people he knew above and below. How had he let that happen?
"Your right... I haven't..." said Harry, in shock at his minor epiphany.
"Don't worry about it, and you don't have to worry about us going through your things. Because that's not what friends do." said Dean a little loudly so that other people could hear, Harry saw Ron scowl and tinge red as did Ginny and Hermione. He started to overhear Hermione say something in what sounded like a condescending tone by Seamus had started talking again.
"You can count on us, Harry." winked Seamus, making Harry smile and laugh out loud.
"Thanks guys." replied Harry, looking around as everyone had fallen quiet and realised Professor McGonagall was now walking through the middle of the tables with a line of small, and frightened looking first years trailing behind her. The old, familiar three legged stool was placed on the floor, and the sorting hat placed on top of it. Silence was carried around the hallway as Professor McGonagall walked to the teachers table and sat on the left hand side of Dumbledore.
It's been over a thousand years
Since I was first bewitched
I may look old and patchy now
But back then, was finely stitched
.
In times of old, the goal was simple
To teach those like them some magic
An easy aim, some might think
The truth however is tragic
.
As time has passed our world has changed
From good, to bad, to worse
I used to think that on their death
They left an awful curse
.
But now I know, and it hurts me so
To realise the truth
That those enlisted, are oh so twisted
And they had no real youth
.
And so I sing before those present
To tell you now, though some may know it
That the times ahead are still so dark
But I urge you all to not submit
.
Because if you stand together
As the founders wanted
Then your enemies
Will be so very daunted
.
The strength that all of you can have
As long as you stand as one
Then the opposition will turn around
And run and run and run
.
I have warned you all to unite
And now I shall move on and tell you
About the houses that you join tonight
And once my choice is made, no one can undo
.
I shall first start out with Rowena's House
The smartest of the four
The smart and wise all go here
And is so named Ravenclaw
.
Next comes good old Helga
Known for her hard work and sense of fair play
Not to mention her loyalty and patience
A friendly Hufflepuff is never to far away
.
Make way for the mighty Slytherin
It's for the cunning and the ambitious
Salazar was a great and powerful wizard
His hatred for Gryffindor, fictitious
.
Speak of the devil, I saved Godric for last
It's a place for the bold, the brave and the daring
Gryffindor prided himself on his self-sacrificing nature
And he gave me to Hogwarts for sharing
.
My song will soon be over
But for now just listen on
The house that you are sorted
Is really, truly the one
.
It matters not the house your in
It makes no difference whatsoever
Even if it's Slytherin
You will see past the rivalries, if you're clever
.
And now I finish and I know
You would really like an encore
But I am sorry I must go
I cannot sing a word more
After a few seconds of stunned silence, a few people and Professors started clapping politely before coming to another silence.
"Alys, Chloe!" called McGonagall.
"What do you think of that?" muttered Dean, looking at Harry.
"Standard, warned us about times ahead and to House unity." said Harry, in a low voice as he applauded as the first sorting"What about Slytherin hating Gryffindor being made up." pressed Neville.
"Well, they did make Hogwarts together and everything. They were probably friends before Slytherin left." mused Seamus. As they shrunk as McGonagall glared at them for talking, they watched the rest of the sorting in silence as 'Yardsley, Brian' was sorted in to Hufflepuff.
"Before we begin the Welcoming Feast tonight, I would like to make a few announcements. Firstly, Mr Filch has banned all Weasley Wizarding Wheezes products. Any item found will be taken away and not given back...A few Quidditch teams are short on players this year so anyone who would like to tryout for their House team should inform their Heads of House who will put the name on a list for the Quidditch Captains so they can arrange tryouts, first years you cannot apply unfortunately...And as I can hear many stomachs rumbling, I shall make the final announcement short. The return of Professor Lupin!..." with this announcement Dumbledore was temporarily drowned out as many students began cheering as Remus stood up, raising a hand and nodding to everyone.
"...yes, now some students already know what I am about to tell you. But I must tell everyone else as well, Professor Lupin is a werewolf...Minister Bones has overthrown a few laws over the summer. Her main focus being on werewolf legislation, Professor Lupin is regarded as one of the best Defence Against The Dark Arts Professors in the last decade, his minor affliction is not one to worry about. On full moons, he will be taking Wolfsbane Potion provided by Professor Snape our resident Potions Master. Wolfsbane is a remarkable potion that will allow him to keep his mental capacity whilst transforming. Professor Lupin will be teaching Defence Against The Dark Arts, a subject matter I am sure many of you are eager attend. With out further ado, Tuck In!" at these words, food appeared before them on plates and platters and conversation immediately flared up around the hall.
"At last a decent Defence Professor!" sighed Seamus, stabbing potatoes from a bowl and placing them on his plate.
"After Umbridge, anyone is good." laughed Harry, who was busying himself with pouring a large quantity of pasta. He would have to take his Nutrient Potion after the feast as he didn't want everyone to see and question it.
"True that, didn't manage to say thanks by the way. For DA" muttered Dean.
"Don't mention it...really." smiled Harry, making Dean and Seamus laugh.
"All of you doing Defence?" asked Seamus. The three boys nodded.
"Me too, had a look through the textbooks though and it looks like this year might be a difficult one." said Seamus.
"Sure it will be fine. What's up with Potions though. I got an 'E' and I'm allowed in." said Harry, looking at Snape talking to Dumbledore.
"Your subjecting yourself to another year of Potions?" asked Dean, disbelievingly.
"I like Potions, I dislike Snape. He might be different in NEWTs though." said Harry, his mind darting back to when Snape tortured him at Azkaban. It had certainly been one of the stronger Cruciatus Curses...Shaking his head from his thoughts he turned his attention back to the conversation where Neville had announced his intention to take Potions.
"But...all those accidents, the only person he was worse to than you was Harry." said Seamus, looking at Neville like he was mad.
"Like Harry said, Potions is fun it's just Snape. In OWLs, it was so different. Not being barked at and scolded at every turn." said Neville, embarrassed at the attention and praise he had been given.
"Well, I'm doing Care Of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defence Against The Dark Arts, Herbology and Transfiguration" said Dean, taking a bite out of one of the three burgers he had on his plate.
"Same." said Seamus, high-fiving his best friend.
"Charms, Defence Against The Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions and Transfiguration." said Neville, Dean and Seamus looked and Neville impressively.
"Care Of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defence Against The Dark Arts, Potions and Transfiguration." stated Harry, putting a peppered steak on his plate.
"I thought you wanted to be an auror?" asked Seamus.
"Not for me, I going to ask McGonagall if I can do Ancient Runes." said Harry, cutting up his steak.
For the next thirty minutes, the four of them talked about trivial things. The food, sports (Dean insisted on talking about the transfers West Ham had made over the summer, which the rest of them had no idea about.) They talked about upcoming classes and girls, laughing amongst themselves as they wound each other up and told jokes. Something Harry had missed doing, having fun...
As people slowly stopped eating, Harry decided he would get up a bit early to start getting in to shape a bit, as was suggested by goblins when taking the Nutrient Potion. He was sidetracked from his thoughts as silence fell as Dumbledore stood up again.
"Now that we have all eaten...I am sure most of you know about the activities of Lord Voldemort this summer." said Dumbledore, at this point nearly every head in the hall turned to Harry you merely frowned and glared at Dumbledore at the unnecessary attention.
"Lord Voldemort and his followers are gaining in strength, with the upheaval of the Ministry over the summer a more direct approach is being taken...however I cannot tell you in words how dangerous and volatile this situation is. You may have noticed, the protections of the castle have been strengthened. Voldemort thinks of Hogwarts as the hub of the magical world and to control Hogwarts, is as good as controlling the Ministry of Magic. While you are safe in the castle and the grounds, outside is a different matter. I tell you this, not to scare you...but to warn you. Hogwarts is protected by ancient wards, protections most witches and wizards are unable to fathom. The numerous defences within the castle itself are more than substantial, you are safe at Hogwarts but that is not to say Voldemort will not attempt to attack. If you see anything you find irregular, out of place or strange... find the nearest Professor and inform them. I implore you to follow every rule set by your teachers, as they have only your best interests at heart. I also urge you, to form new friendships and trust one another now more than ever. This is the time Hogwarts unites, as an example for the rest of the wizarding world to see. Be the best you can be and do not allow fear to take over you...Now, I am sure many of you are quite tired from the long day you have had and the key to a good first day is a good night's rest. Your beds await you, good night!" called Dumbledore, at his words the benches scraped backwards as students started muttering again.
Harry, Seamus and Dean all made their way to Gryffindor Common Room after getting the password from Neville who started to call for all Gryffindor First Years.
"Poor bloke, having to deal with the First Years...I mean, they do get in the way a bit." said Dean, as he walked around the First Years.
"I know, remember when we were that small." laughed Harry, as they made their way out of the Great Hall and to the common room.
"Watch the step, remember." said Harry as he leapt over the trick step on the staircase.
"Got stuck there on my First Year all the time." said Dean, darkly. Making the others laugh. Reaching the common room after a few minutes and giving the password 'Dilligrout' they were among the first in the common room and Harry headed for his usual seat near the fire. Taking his cloak and jumper off as he sat down.
"You know, sitting is underrated." sighed Dean, as he collapsed in the chair beside Harry.
"I know what you mean." moaned Harry, as he sunk in to the chair.
"Only thing missing is a cold butterbeer, or some Mead, or Firewhisky." laughed Seamus as he sat on the table facing Harry and Dean.
"Think I have some Mead in my trunk, I'll be right back." said Harry, getting up and rushing up to the Sixth Year dormitory. He did have a bottle of Mead in his trunk, but he could also drink his Nutrient Potion. Cancelling the Charm on his trunk he found the Mead and after a deep breath downed his Nutrient Potion. Walking back in to the Dormitory, he saw it was slightly more full now as people started trickling in. Hiding the bottle as he walked back over to his seat, he showed it to Seamus and Dean.
"No way! Madam Rosmerta's Oak Matured Mead!" exclaimed Seamus, catching it as Harry threw it to him. He held it like a glass baby as Harry transfigured three pieces of parchment into glasses for them. Seamus poured each of the servings, with a generous measure in each.
"To Sixth year?" asked Harry, offering a toast.
"Sixth year" said the Dean and Seamus in unison as they clinked the glasses and took a sip each. The amber liquid going down smoothly as it seemed to fill him up and send a pleasant, warm shiver through his body.
"That is nice!" stated Dean, with Seamus nodding as he took another sip.
"We should get a bottle of Firewhisky after a Quidditch game." laughed Seamus, Harry remembered his first shot of Firewhisky, it was hot and made him cough slightly. But otherwise quite enjoyable.
"Definitely." said Harry, transfiguring a fourth glass as Neville came in and waved him over.
"Fifth Year prefects handled the first years...is that Mead!" gasped Neville, reaching out for the glass Harry was handing him.
"Sure is, cheers," said Seamus, clinking Neville's glass.
"Cheers." said Neville, taking a large mouthful and swallowing it.
"I heard people talking about you on the way up, expect some people to start bothering you soon." muttered Neville, as the First Years all came in to the Common Room. The four of them laughed at the reactions they were all having as they saw it for the first time and then at the reactions they had when they saw Harry.
"You're Harry Potter!" shouted a small First Year, pointing at Harry.
"Last time I checked, what's your name?" asked Harry, politely. Shocking the first years that Harry Potter was actually speaking to a classmate.
"Andrew...Andrew Peterson." stuttered the boy, shakily accepting Harry's hand and shaking it.
"Hello, Andrew." smiled Harry.
"Weren't you in Azkaban in summer?" asked another boy, who flinched as Harry looked at him.
"I was, and if you don't mind I'd rather not talk about it. Scary stuff, don't want to give you nightmares." teased Harry, though inside he silently prayed they wouldn't press the issue.
"Is that how you got your scars, not the lightning bolt one...I know about that." stated a young blonde girl.
"Do they? How do they know that?" asked Harry, looking at the girl who avoided looking at Harry and reddened with embarassment.
"You...You're my favourite bed time story." muttered the girl, running upstairs and making many in the common room who were listening laugh. As did Seamus, Neville and Dean.
"Stop it you guys...Andrew can you go and get the girl and bring her back down." said Harry, looking at everyone and begging them not to spoil it.
"Yes Harry!" said Andrew excitedly, who ran as fast as he could and made it halfway upstairs before it changed into a slide and he lost his footing and slid all the way back down. Prompting the entire room to burst out laughing.
"Cool!" said Andrew as he and a few other first year boys ran up the stairs again, only to be sent flying back down.
"Look what you've started!" muttered Seamus, taking a sip of his Mead.
"What is going on in here!" shouted Hermione, who had just walked in with Ron and Ginny behind her. The first years all jumped up in fright as the boys on the stairs all jumped up and huddled together.
"Buzzkill..." muttered Dean.
"Hermione, relax. They were just having some fun, weren't we guys... Can one of you go get the girl that went upstairs please?" asked Harry, smiling at the First Year girls who all giggled slightly as one of them volunteered to get her.
"Tricking them and breaking rules is fun? On their first night?" asked Hermione.
"Relax Hermione, we could all use some fun around here." said Seamus, finishing his drink.
"Is that alcohol!" shrieked Hermione, stomping over and snatching the glass out of Seamus's hand and sniffing it.
"Mead actually." said Harry, showing her the bottle.
"It's still alcohol." gritted Hermione.
"It's like 8%...wait 11.5%" muttered Seamus, looking at Harry apologetically.
"I'm going to have to confiscate it, give it to me Harry." said Hermione, holding her hand out.
"I'm surprised you didn't take it from my trunk when you had the chance." snapped Harry, now the entire common room was quiet as everyone was watching them.
"You weren't telling us anything, never mind you had...those books. Which I could report you to McGonagall for!" admonished Hermione, looking at Ron and Ginny for support.
"Then you'd have to tell her you were snooping through my things without my permission." retorted Harry.
"Is that right Granger?" asked a voice behind them, it was Katie Bell. A stern look on her face.
"He had a book on the dark arts, I was just...looking to see if he had anything else he shouldn't have." replied Hermione.
"If the books were of a Dark Arts nature, the wards and protections on Hogwarts detect them and confiscate them and the person who owns them is called for an immediate meeting with the Headmaster and their Head of House. Breaking into someone else's trunk without them knowing breaks a few laws at Hogwarts, now you weren't in the Hogwarts grounds at the time...but they are still serious enough for me to tell McGonagall." said Katie Bell, almost with a smug tone in her voice.
"You can't! It will go on my record!... He...he has alcohol as well!" stated Hermione, scrambling to regain control.
"Firewhisky?" asked Katie Bell, looking at Harry.
"Mead." replied Harry, smiling at Katie.
"Oak Matured Mead." added Seamus.
"Then it's fine, When you get to Sixth Year you get certain... privileges. As long as you don't overdo it and set a bad example." said Katie, looking at the four of them. They all shook their heads in response.
"Good, now you three. Give me a reason not to report you." said Katie, looking at the three of them.
"Ermmm..." said Hermione, trying to think of a valid reason, or any reason at all that might excuse them. After a few seconds of squirming and not coming out with an answer, Katie carried on.
"Tomorrow, I'm telling McGonagall first thing." said Katie.
"No!" shouted Hermione. Looking at Katie Bell with pleading eyes, Ron and Ginny however were staring at the ground, with Ron taking chance angry glares at Harry who blatantly ignored him.
"Sorry Granger, rules are rules." said Katie, a slight mocking tone in her voice as she walked over to her friends, leaving Hermione standing still in shock.
Harry however had turned his attention to the little girl who had run upstairs in embarrassment. The common room seemed to relax slightly but people still stayed exactly where they were.
"I didn't want you to think I was making fun of you." said Harry, smiling and only embarrassing her more.
"I shouldn't have said that, it was silly." said the girl, looking at Harry and going redder.
"It's alright, if you've ever got any troubles or want to talk then you can come to me and we can talk. That goes for all of you" said Harry, kindly to the rest of the First Years. Who all thanked him with various degrees of shyness and left.
"If we're allowed Mead, I'm ordering as many bottles as I can tomorrow." said Seamus.
"Wonder what other 'privileges' we have." wondered Neville aloud, but again they were interrupted by someone.
"Hi, Harry." said a girl who had walked over from five or six girls who were all watching and whispering furiously.
"Sorry, I'm ermmm...Romilda, Romilda Vane." smiled Romilda.
"Hi, Romilda." said Harry, in a polite and friendly tone.
"I...I mean we...we were wondering if you and your friends would like to join us?" asked Romilda, her voice getting slightly high as she spoke.
"Do you have anything to drink?" asked Seamus, before Harry could say anything.
"I think Jennifer has some Muggle alcohol in her trunk." said Romilda. Seamus looked at Harry as though begging him to say yes.
"Fine!" sighed Harry, faking reluctance and smiling at Romilda who smiled back. Walking over to the pack of girls, Romilda was walking alongside him when a third year boy Harry recognised burst in front of him.
"Harry, what was Azkaban like?" asked the third year, quickly. Before Harry could reply another boy was asking him a question.
"Why do you have so many scars? Did the Death Eaters do that?" asked the boy.
"Were Dementors there?" asked fifth year girl Harry has seen Ginny with.
"How did you escape?" asked someone behind him, in a few seconds countless people were trying to get his attention and ask him questions. And before he shouted it someone else had already noticed and took charge.
"Enough, now I'm pretty sure Harry doesn't want to talk about it..." said Katie Bell who had left her group of friends and walked over to stop everything.
"I catch any of you bothering him, detention and points will be taken off. And I don't think the rest of Gryffindor would appreciate that!" shouted Katie, looking at the main offenders. They people questioning seemed to slink away as Katie walked back to her friends.
"You guys go ahead, I want to talk to Katie." said Harry, walking after her and catching up before she reached her friends.
"Katie..." said Harry, Katie turned around and smiled as she saw Harry.
"Harry, hi" said Katie, Harry couldn't help it and smiled back.
"Just wanted to say thanks, you know for that and before with Hermione and Ron." said Harry, looking at Katie.
"You're welcome...congratulations on Quidditch Captain." said Katie, she was a bit smaller than Harry and when she patted him on the shoulder it was more of a pat on the elbow.
"Thanks...congratulations on Head Girl." offered Harry.
"Thanks...what do you think of the Quidditch team this year?" asked Katie, leaning against the wall.
"A few chasers, maybe re-think the beaters." said Harry, thinking about it for the first time.
"And Ron?" asked Katie, looking over his shoulder and at Ron.
"What about Ron?" asked Harry, a bit confused.
"He was a bit inconsistent last year, I know you aren't on the best of terms and this might not help but I would suggest a full team tryout. Even for my position." said Katie, seriously.
"You're kidding, you've been on the team since I've been on it!" said Harry, not believing what Katie had suggested.
"Can't just trust that Harry, or old friends..." said Katie, Harry nodded as he realised it was only smart to have the best team possible.
"Good...oh and if Ron or Hermione or Ginny try anything with your trunk again...Head Boys and Girls get their own quarters. You could always come over and take advantage..." winked Katie, making Harry scramble his thoughts and stutter slightly as he tried to think of a comeback.
"Bye Harry." laughed Katie, winking again playfully. She turned and walked away just as Harry thought of something.
"You know Katie, I might just do that on day." called Harry, so she would hear. It was cryptic and shocking, evident to Katie's reaction as she turned around with a shocked expression and a teasing look. Not daring another line he winked jokingly and turned and walked over to Dean, Neville and Seamus who were all with Romilda and her friends.
"Hey, Harry." smiled Romilda.
"Romilda, ladies." nodded Harry, sending them in to a fit of giggles.
"We were just talking about fourth year, with the dragon..." said Seamus, looking at Harry.
"Hungarian Horntail, what about it?" asked Harry taking a long overdue sip of his drink...
They were the last in the Gryffindor Common Room to go upstairs, Harry had politely declined a second refill of Vodka as did Neville. Seamus and Dean saw sense after getting slightly tipsy after a third. When one of the girls began falling asleep on Neville on the sofa in front on the fire, they all decided to call it a night.
After hazily awakening after a fairly restless night's sleep, Harry woke and reluctantly decided to stick to his pledge and have a small steady workout. Putting on a pair of shorts, comfortable trainers and a thick jumper he quietly stepped out of the dormitory and made his way on to the grounds. After a few minutes stretching he jogged down to the lake and around it twice before settling on the side of the lake to regain his breath and cool down. After a few sets of press ups and crunches Harry decided it was enough and a couple of minutes stretching again to cool down he made his way up to his dormitory.
It had been a cold morning but he had worked up a slight sweat and walking into the dormitory again with making as little noise as possible. It was still a half an hour before people would begin getting up, having a nice hot shower Harry dressed for classes he felt like an idiot as he spent a minute or so styling his hair. he packed all five textbooks, a pad of parchment and a bottle of ink in his bag.
Drinking down his nutrient potion he shivered at the taste and walked down to breakfast on his own. He was one of the first in the Great Hall, a few Ravenclaws had books and testing each other already. Rolling his eyes, Harry sat down and piled his plate with toast, sausages, bacon and eggs. With a large glass of orange juice.
As he ate, people started walking in to the Great Hall. He could almost feel people staring at him as he began on a second plateful, this time of eggs and bacon. The Great Hall was soon bustling, and Neville, Dean and Seamus only just made it in time as Professor McGonagall was handing out the sixth year schedules. She reached Harry and paused as she looked at his schedule.
"Mr Potter, your schedule. Congratulations on your results." muttered McGonagall, her mouth twitching in a smile. Harry looked over his schedule and saw Herbology was still on it.
"Ermmm Professor McGonagall, I don't want to do Herbology anymore." said Harry, looking at his Head of House.
"I thought it was your ambition to be an Auror?" asked McGonagall, her mouth thinning.
"I've changed my mind, I wanted to ask if I could do Ancient Runes. I haven't done the OWL but I got some books from Bill Weasley and he taught me some things about Ancient Runes so I'm sure I wouldn't be too far behind." said Harry, an urgent tone in his voice.
"Is that so...I can write to the Wizarding Examination Authority and arrange an OWL Examination...are you sure you want to do this?" asked McGonagall, looking at Harry as though he was going to change his mind.
"I'm sure, Runes is really interesting and useful. The more advanced stuff fascinating..." muttered Harry, not wanting to go in to the details about what Bill had actually taught Harry.
"Alright then, I can talk to Professor Babbling but if you achieve a 'E' on your OWL I can't see her having a problem with accepting you in to the class. Here is your new schedule, I want to arrange a meeting with you about what your career prospects are." said McGonagall, looking at Harry intently.
"Of course Professor McGonagall." replied Harry.
"Professor Dumbledore would like to talk to you before classes... you have a double period in Transfiguration first so if you go to his office now hopefully you won't miss too much of the lesson." said Professor McGonagall, slightly annoyed that a meeting with the Headmaster would be cutting in to her lesson time.
"I'll go right now." said Harry, drinking down the rest of his orange juice and standing up to leave.
"See you in class." muttered Seamus, who was drinking an unusual amount of pumpkin juice.
"The password is 'Skiving Snackboxes'" whispered McGonagall so only he heard.
"Laters." said Harry, walking out of the hall and past Ron who was walking down the stairs hurriedly, not stopping to speak or even look at Ron, Harry kept on walking.
On arriving at the ugly stone gargoyle Harry muttered the password, he knew what the 'meeting' was going to be about. Something about Azkaban, maybe about Percy and his general disappearance. Walking up the spiralling staircase and knocking on the door to Dumbledores office , Harry knocked and waited several seconds.
"Come in, Harry." said Dumbledore from behind the door. Harry opened the door to see Dumbledore sat behind his brand desk in brightly coloured robes. The portraits around the large, circular office were all snoozing, or at least pretending.
"Good to see you are in good health Harry." said Dumbledore, beckoning him to sit down.
"Thank you Professor." maintaining a polite manner, sitting down in the chair.
"Severus went in to great detail about how badly injured you were, it seems you have recovered well." smiled Dumbledore, pouring himself a cup of tea and offered one for Harry.
"I have." said Harry, simply. Declining the cup of tea.
"Might I ask, how you have managed to do so? Severus said you were quite bloody and covered in cuts when he saw you. Not to mention a suspected broken leg." said Dumbledore, looking at the scars on Harry's face.
"The muggle hospital I went to, how else?" said Harry, not wanting to reveal how close he had come with the goblins.
"Interesting, Severus also told me that Voldemort still has your wand. Have you managed to find a replacement?" asked Dumbledore, innocently. On the last word Harry flicked his wrist and brandished his goblin made wand, the colour and texture immediately captured is attention.
"Have you tried it out yet? Where did you purchase such a wand?" asked Dumbledore, scratching his beard at the sight of it.
"It works, maybe better than my phoenix wand. No offence, Fawkes. And I didn't purchase it, I found it at Grimmauld Place when I was staying there before I was kidnapped and tortured for nearly a month." said Harry, pleased to see his words sinking in.
"I can't say how sorry I am about your capture Harry, rest assured significant improvements will be made on security so it will be safe for you to return at Christmas." said Dumbledore.
"Return? Professor, I have no intention of stepping foot in that place again." laughed Harry.
"Apart from Hogwarts, Grimmauld Place and Privet Drive, there is nowhere else you can go." said Dumbledore, slight confusion in his voice.
"Privet Drive? The place where I had to fight Death Eaters from at the start of the summer, I'm not going back there either. I can just go where I was staying in the last couple of days of summer." said Harry, shrugging his shoulders as if it was no big deal.
"You aren't safe there either Harry, I wanted to save this for later but why didn't you come to Grimmauld Place? I know you were in London, I know you went to Gringotts, why didn't you return to tell the Order you were alright?" asked Dumbledore, in a hurt tone.
"Because, I don't have to tell the Order where I'm staying. I'm obviously safe there as nobody found me, you had no idea where I was and neither did Voldemort. As far as I'm concerned I could return there for Christmas and next summer, maybe even for Easter holidays as well." said Harry, suggestively.
"I can't let you do that Harry, you need my and the Orders protection." said Dumbledore, urgently.
"No I don't, you see while I was at Gringotts I found out a few things. I own Grimmauld Place and a few other properties. I have enough money to go into hiding like I did this summer and never be found. I could sell Grimmauld Place and you couldn't do a thing about it!" exclaimed Harry, letting his thoughts and feelings off his chest after brooding on them for so long.
"You can't do that Harry, what would Sirius..." but at his godfathers name Harry interrupted the Headmaster, he wasn't go to through another tantrum like he had done ever again, he was going to show that he had grown and was mature.
"Sirius didn't like the house, he was locked up like a caged animal in that place. It reminded him of his family and his childhood memories, like Privet Drive did for me. I could sell it, loan it, demolish it, hell I could redecorate and make it into a haunted house and open it to the public." said Harry, in a calm and even tone.
"I think you might be exaggerating there Harry." laughed Dumbledore.
"Maybe...but I don't see why you can tell me where to live. Especially after I saved the lives of your Order, maybe even you." said Harry, looking at the blue eyes of Dumbledore that were only twinkling ever so slightly.
"Percy, I thought you wouldn't want to talk about that." muttered Dumbledore.
"One of us would have to bring it up." said Harry, simply.
"Of course...would you like to talk about it?" asked Dumbledore, busying himself by unwrapping a lemon drop.
"I killed him, he was going to be left worse than dead anyway. I gave him more than he deserved and in the process saved a few lives, I'm not going to be upset about it, but I am hardly going to go around bragging about it." said Harry, firmly.
"Interesting perspective...Severus said it was wandless magic." replied Dumbledore.
"Wandless Cutting Charm, to the neck. He was decapitated when he fell over." said Harry, emotionless. The memory of Percy's body on the floor and his head several feet away from him flashing through his minds eye.
"Harry, I am only concerned for your well-being. You have a burden no-one should have on their shoulders." sighed Dumbledore, obvious signs of sorrow on his face.
"I'm fine, what's done is done." said Harry, standing up.
"I know, if you ever want to talk...my door is always open to you Harry." smiled Dumbledore, sympathetically. Harry nodded and walked out of the room, leaving a befuddled and pensive Dumbledore alone in his office.
(End of Chapter)
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Biggest chapter so far I think!
Going to hopefully make this in to a forty chapter story, so that means longer chapters. And a bit quicker progression!