"Do you think she's going to be different?" Hermione asked softly, looking toward her two friends.
"She might be," Neville offered. "What do you think, Harry?"
"I think she will be," he responded after a moment's thought. "I mean, Professor McGonagall never acted like the other head of houses. I think Professor Sinistra will."
"I think so too," Hermione nodded. "Luna said how Professor Flitwick has a house meeting every Sunday with them. And the Hufflepuffs have games and discussions once a month. Do you know if Professor Snape does anything special with the Slytherins, Harry?"
For a moment, Harry wondered why she was directing the question toward him. After all, it was not as if he had any friends from the house that he could have gotten the information from. Nevertheless, he responded, saying, "He takes roll every night to make sure that no one breaks curfew. I think he sits with them for an hour on Fridays and Saturdays but I don't think they do anything special. They just talk."
"I wish we had something like that," Neville admitted. "We're the only ones that are left out. Everyone else does stuff together as a house. We just sleep in the same tower."
"Well, maybe things will change with the Professor," Hermione said consolingly.
Even as she spoke, she noted that Harry's response supported her theory that Professor Snape was his guardian. The only way he would know such details, she reasoned, was if he actively conversed with the man. She was looking forward to pointing that out to Neville although she was sure he would have a counter to it. Their debates were highly amusing though, and she really enjoyed them. Nevertheless, she still looked forward to unravelling the mystery and finding out the truth.
"Well, the fact that she's meeting with us must count for something," Harry said eventually. "It's more than we ever had before."
"That's true," Neville agreed. "Just a smile would be an improvement."
The three snickered at that before quieting as the Fat Lady's portrait swung open. Professor Sinistra stepped through, looking about her for a moment before smiling happily. Harry chuckled when Neville jabbed him gently, before growing serious as the woman started speaking.
"Good night, everyone," she began, seating herself. "Now, as you heard this morning, I am now your head of house. For the sake of formality, I will re-introduce myself to you. I am Aurora Sinistra, Astronomy Professor, and now your head of house. I have had all of you in my class at some point, and I am looking forward to getting to know you in this more private capacity.
"Now, I want to discuss with you what I expect from you. As you know, I am a very hands-on person, and I see no reason for me to be any different in this. This may be my first time in this Tower, but I am assuring you that it certainly will not be my last. I will be a regular presence here. Unfortunately, given my schedule there will be nights when I can do little more than take roll call, but I hope that these will be in minimal.
"I see some of you are confused. That is okay. I spoke to a few upper years and I know that my methods will be very different from Professor McGonagall's. You will need time to adjust and I will make allowances for that. Nevertheless, I am going to be more than just a roll-taker for you. I am here to help you with any problems you may have. It doesn't matter if it is academic or not, my door will be open for you.
"Now, there has been a lot of rule-breaking from you, but as of now, I expect it to stop. Incomplete assignments and the curfew breaking are the most blatant offences and they are the first I intend to deal with. I expect your assignments to be completed in a timely manner and done to the best of your ability. It is impossible for me to ensure that every one of you stays on top of your work, but I will be checking the school records. One bad assignment will earn you a warning. A second will get you detention. Anymore and you will be spending your afternoons with me as I ensure that they are done up to standard. As I'm certain that you don't want to spend the extra time with me, I suggest that you do them properly.
" You will observe curfew or else you will answer to me. I expect you all to be in the Tower by eight thirty. The only exception to this will be on nights that you have my class. Prefects, you are only exempted on nights you have patrol.
"Now, it has been brought to my attention that you Gryffindors tend to stay up at all hours of the night. This needs to stop. To that end, I am assigning you a sleeping schedule. First through third years, I expect you in your dormitories by ten o clock and in bed no later than half past ten. Fourth and fifth years, inside by half past ten, asleep by eleven. Sixth and seventh years, I want you asleep by midnight. Once again, prefects, allowances will be made for your duties. Any questions thus far?"
To Harry, it seemed as if the students had only needed the invitation to begin. Immediately, several persons started to complain. The bedtime seemed to be their biggest grouse Harry noted, even as he turned to listen to what Hermione was murmuring.
"What?" he asked softly, while Neville leaned in closer as well.
The witch gave him a delighted smile. "Isn't this great?" she beamed. "I've always thought that we needed some sort of structure around here."
"It might even stop that lot from waking me up whenever they decide to come to bed," Neville added, pointing to the other second years who were complaining as well.
"They never bother me," Harry said.
"You're a deep sleeper," Neville replied. "This doesn't seem so bad though. I don't know why they're complaining so."
"Because they can," Hermione deadpanned.
"Quiet down please!" the professor demanded, drawing their attention back to her. "These rules are not a punishment."
"But we won't have any free time with those rules!" a third year protested.
Several murmured their agreement to his words.
"Time management is a skill you must master, Mr. Rogers," she said, pinning him with a stern glance. "If you regulate your hours carefully, I am certain you can complete your assignments, sleep at the recommended time and have free time for relaxation. Regardless, this is non-negotiable so please do not argue further before I find earlier hours necessary."
That statement quelled the last of the complaints, and the house settled down into an uneasy silence. It was clear though that the majority of the students were discontented.
"It's not as if I've cancelled Christmas," she said in exasperation as she took in their expressions. "You will be able to manage these rules."
"You'll just punish us if we don't," someone grumbled.
"That is not my intent," she responded. "I am not trying to make you all miserable. Yes there will be punishments if the rules are not adhered to, but there will also be rewards if you do keep them."
"Like?" a witch asked curiously.
"A game night for one," she supplied, "picnics on the grounds and perhaps an extra hour or two in Hogsmeade for the older years. I'll have to think about it some more, but there will be rewards. Now, let me finish speaking and then I'll take some more questions.
"The common room and dormitories must be tidy at all times, and yes, I will be checking. Uniforms are to be kept tidy and try not to be late for your classes. Was there anything else? Oh! I nearly forgot. I will be meeting with each of you personally. It will give me the opportunity to get to know each of you individually. After all, we are a family now - I suppose I am your mother in a way, and what kind of mother doesn't know each of her children? The meetings won't start for a while yet, maybe in a week or two when everything has settled down, but they will happen.
"Now, any more questions?"
Twenty minutes later, the woman left after bidding them a cheerful goodnight. Twenty minutes later, the woman left after bidding them a cheerful goodnight. The portrait had barely closed behind her when the noise started. They were significantly more vocal now that she was gone, and Harry looked wistfully toward the dormitory. It was bound to be quieter up there. He flinched slightly when Neville tapped his shoulder, but relaxed almost immediately.
Once again, Hermione was stating her agreement with the new measures.
"I doubt they'll listen though," Neville said, "and she isn't particularly strict."
Hermione frowned at that. "She does let people get away with a lot in class..."
"She seemed different though," Harry pointed out. "More...focussed? Even if she's not so strict in class, she may be with us. But she was really nice as well."
"I like what she said about us being a family," Neville said. "I mean...I wouldn't mind really if she does act like a mother does – checking on homework and enforcing curfew. It might be nice..."
Harry nodded slightly in understanding. He had seen the slightly wistful expression on Neville's face more than once whenever someone complained about their mother – or parents generally. He was certain that Neville would have given anything to be able to be in their positions, to have someone to complain about. All he had was a strict, unyielding grandmother who loved him, but was far from affectionate. Harry briefly wondered on why he didn't share his friend's sentiments. It was because his parents were dead, he ultimately decided. He didn't have a physical reminder of them there to remind him of what he had lost.
"Nothing really affects us," Hermione shrugged. "We sleep early, we do our work, and maybe with a new teacher our Transfigurations grades will actually be accurate."
"I'm glad they cancelled the old ones," Harry said, nipping his lip slightly as he recalled his conversation with the headmaster. The man had scolded him for not saying something, but since it had come amidst tea and biscuits, Harry had not felt too badly about it. It had been a relief though, to find out that his essays had been graded unfairly and that the fault had not been his.
"I'm not looking forward to end of term though," Neville huffed. "We won't have any marks to fall back on."
"All the more reason to study harder," Hermione smiled before standing. "Anyway, I'm going to head up. I have a letter to finish writing."
"Goodnight," the two wizards said in union, rising as well.
"He's back again," Neville noted, looking toward the phoenix perched on Harry's bedpost. "He really must like you, Harry."
"I guess," Harry allowed, eyeing the phoenix warily. He still remembered how it had pecked him, although it had been nothing but affectionate since.
Said phoenix stretched its wings lazily before trilling what Harry supposed was a greeting.
Harry still had no idea why the bird was always following him these days, but he and his friends had gotten used to it. He had been startled one night when, waking to use the bathroom, he had found the bird perched on his chest staring down at him with its black beady eyes. It had moved from him quickly, but Harry had the impression that the phoenix had been there for some time observing him. What was so fascinating about him that would cause the phoenix to watch him as he slept? He had posed the question to the headmaster, but had received no real answer. If the bird's behaviour continued, he would ask again.
"Hey, Harry?" Neville said as he emerged from the bathroom, fiddling with his shirt buttons.
"Yes, Neville?"
"You know you can tell me anything, right?"
Harry quirked his head at him, wondering what the boy meant by that. "I know," he confirmed, offering him a smile. "You're my friend. I can trust you."
"Once you know that," the blond responded.
Neville's gaze lingered on the phoenix for a moment before he continued riffling through his trunk. Harry looked at him thoughtfully, before looking to the phoenix as well. Was Neville indirectly telling him that he knew, or at least suspected who it was? And really, Harry pondered as he climbed into his bed, was it a secret he really needed to keep anymore?
oOoOoOo
"Do you have everything?" Harry asked from his spot on his bed.
"I think so," Neville replied, frowning as he tried in vain to close the lid. "Why is it that there is always room at the start of the term, and none at the end?"
"Maybe if you actually folded everything you wouldn't have that problem," Harry teased, coming over.
"Funny," the blonde wizard sniffed.
"Let me see," he said, gently pushing the blonde wizard aside.
He arched an eyebrow at him a moment later. "And you wonder why it won't close?"
"Hush you," Neville snapped, before smiling broadly when Harry started emptying it. "You'll help?"
"Sure."
While Harry began folding his clothing, Neville checked through his drawer and closet to ensure that he was not forgetting anything.
"Gran would love you," he declared a few minutes later, as Harry packed the last of the clothing away. "That's neater than Binky ever managed!"
"I've had a lot of practice," Harry shrugged. "I haven't seen your Charms text."
"Oh no. Don't tell me I misplaced it again?"
"The exam was this afternoon," Harry mused, "did you forget it in the library maybe?"
"Hermione may have it then," he said, heading for the door. "If not, I'll have to wait until morning, and the train leaves at nine. Oh Merlin..."
Harry laughed softly as his friend wandered out the room, still talking loudly to himself. Neville's almost chronic clumsiness and forgetfulness was a constant source of amusement for him. He and Hermione took turns ensuring that he never left behind something after class or reminded him of which step needed to be avoided. After checking to ensure that there really was nothing left to pack, he closed the trunk lid and rose, stretching his arms above him.
He was looking forward to going home the next day. Being at Hogwarts was fun – having his guardians there was even better, but he wanted to go back to Cottage House. There would be no interruptions, no miscellaneous persons to take away his time with the men. He knew that, like before, the headmaster, and even the potions master, would be flooing back and forth to Hogwarts regularly, but they had promised that someone would always be home with him. There was so much he wanted to do once he got home.
He had listened with delight to Hermione and Neville's stories regarding holiday traditions and could not help but wonder about how his guardians celebrated the events. Would they celebrate the holidays the muggle way or did they instead celebrate the Yuletide as Neville's family did? Now that he understood the difference, he realised that Hogwarts seemed to do both but did the men prefer one over the other? Harry rocked back on his bed as he thought about it, loosely folding his arms under his head.
His mind drifted aimlessly over different matters, until he heard the dormitory door click open. "Did you find it?" he asked, pulling himself upright.
"I don't seem to be missing anything," an amused voice replied.
Harry's eyes widened slightly as he saw his Head of House standing there.
"Good night, ma'am," he greeted, standing swiftly.
"Ready for bed as always, Harry," she responded.
Harry blushed slightly at that. The witch periodically checked the dorms during her night time visits. Given that he maintained his home schedule, Harry, and sometimes Neville, were usually well on their way to sleep whenever she came to the room. The first few times had been wholly embarrassing – it was one thing to have a teacher see you in your night clothes, it was an entirely different thing when that teacher was female. Now, however, it was a fairly common occurrence.
"What is missing?"
"Neville's misplaced his textbook," Harry explained.
"So that is why Miss Granger is berating him," she mused aloud, even as she approached him.
It was only now that Harry noticed that she had a colourful bag in her hand. "Tell me, Harry," she bid. "Do you have a favourite colour?"
He looked at her curiously for a moment. "I like blue."
She nodded, before dipping her hand in the bag. Riffling for a moment, she emerged with a parcel wrapped in blue paper. "Then this is for you."
"T-thank you," Harry responded with some confusion, even as he accepted it. "What is it?"
"It's your Christmas gift," she smiled. "I'm giving it to all of the students."
Harry looked at the item in a new light. This was the second gift he had ever received, the first having been given to him by the headmaster the year before. "Thank you," he repeated, a soft smile forming on his lips.
"You're welcome," she responded. "Now put it away and don't open it until Christmas! The dwarves will take it away otherwise."
Harry nodded swiftly, remembering that the headmaster had told him something similar previously. "Yes, ma'am."
"I have a few more to give out," she said. "Make sure that your trunk is all packed. I would tell you Merry Christmas now, but I believe I'll be seeing you on Christmas."
"You will?"
"The headmaster and deputy always attend the Christmas dinner," she explained. "I'm sure that they'll bring you along. Good night, Harry."
"Good night, professor."
Neville entered directly after the woman's departure, clutching both his textbook as well as a purple gift.
"You found it," Harry noted as he put the present away.
"Hermione had it," he confirmed. "She was waiting to see how long before I noticed it gone."
Harry snickered at that, before saying, "I've finished organising your trunk."
"You're a life saver," his friend beamed, before a thoughtful look crossed his face. "Um, Harry?"
"Hmm?" he said vaguely, double checking his own belongings.
"Why did Professor Sinistra say that you'd be here for Christmas? You're going home, right?"
Harry's hand faltered slightly before a wry smile formed on his face. He had planned on telling Neville and Hermione the truth about his guardians – had since that night when their new Head had introduced herself. But the opportunity to do so had never arisen, and so he had hesitated. Now he was put in a position where he would be forced to tell unless he was willing to be dishonest. That he would never consider doing – besides, he was certain that Neville had heard her subsequent words. This was perhaps his way of needling Harry into admitting the truth.
Slowly, the twelve year old turned, deciding to borrow the potions master adopt delivery style instead of hedging. "Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Snape will be here sometimes. I guess they'll bring me along with them since they don't really like leaving me all alone."
He nipped his lip slightly as Neville sat on the bed, regarding him thoughtfully. It was the same look he had given him when he had first revealed his wandless magic, Harry noted idly, and like before, he got the impression that Neville was not entirely surprised.
"Well, that would explain why Fawkes is always following you," he said. "So they're both your guardians?"
"Y-yes," Harry confirmed. "I live with them both."
"Then we were both right," Neville mused.
"What?"
"Hermione and I have had a long standing debate regarding your guardians. I thought it was the headmaster, she thought it was Professor Snape."
"How long have you been guessing?"
"Since October I think," he said with a shrug. "It made sense when we thought about it. One of them is always gone when you go home. Except for the headmaster...he still shows up for lunch on the weekends."
"Professor Snape stays with me then," Harry explained. "But, why haven't you asked?"
"Why didn't you tell us?" Neville shot back, although his tone was slightly teasing. "We're not mad," he reassured hurriedly when Harry's face fell. "We figured that you were scared someone would overhear."
"I'm sorry. I trust you guys, I really do!"
"I know," Neville said, leaning over to clasp his shoulder gently. "Like I said, we aren't mad. It became a game actually. Hermione has a list with our arguments and every now and again we go through them."
"I didn't know how to tell you," Harry mumbled, looking down. "I'm not used to telling people stuff about me."
"That's okay. Maybe we should have asked you, but then we thought we'd let you decide on your own to tell us. But, this seemed like too good an opportunity to pass, and if I'm to write you in the holidays, I kind of need an idea of where to send Gran's owl."
"I thought owls didn't need to know where you are."
"Are you questioning me, Potter?" Neville growled, drawing a peal of laughter from Harry.
"No sir," he chuckled, before growing serious. "I suppose I would have told you guys in the morning anyway. It's not like I'm taking the train. I wonder if Hermione is still in the common room?"
"I doubt that. She's probably taking advantage of the empty room like we are."
"That' true," he agreed.
"Besides," Neville smirked, "she deserves to wait for scolding me like that!"
"She's just trying to help," Harry defended as he climbed onto his bed. "And you do forget things a lot."
"I know. Gran still doesn't understand how I could lose a Remembrall. Although, that was deliberate...silly thing wouldn't stop glowing."
"Because you're always forgetting something," Harry quipped before laughing as Neville tossed a pillow at him. He sent it back with a flick of his wrist before closing his curtains before his friend could retaliate.
"Coward!" Neville called playfully.
"Good night," Harry shot back.
"See you in the morning."
Harry was still chuckling as he settled down beneath the covers. A few minutes later, Fawkes landed gently on his stomach and Harry offered him a sleepy smile.
"'Lo Fawkes," he mumbled as he closed his eyes.
The bird nibbled affectionately on his hair before starting to trill in a crooning voice, lulling him into an uninterrupted deep slumber.