A/N: Sorry this is kind of late today, had an exam earlier so I didn't have time to update.
Disclaimer I don't own Harry Potter, that right belongs to JK. Nor do I own the Sorting Hat's song (just the last part) that right solely belongs to said hat. No way I could come up with those lyrics. Then again he must spend all year working on making a new one each year, no way am I spending that much time on a song, not my forte.
So, quick little something, I don't know if any of you watch The Flash, an American tv show, but it's current season has Tom Felton in it and I am loving it. He is such an amazing actor. To me the role they have him play is like little alludes to Draco. They have him as a CSI specialist and Potions anyone. Also, he asked if one of the character believed in ghosts, am I just seeing similarities here? I may also be kind of in love with his accent, really stands out against all the American accents.
Fangirling aside here's the next chapter. Hope you love it and review!
Chapter 36 To the Wise and Wary
The first thing that Harry thought of was how he could be even wetter than he already was. Because really it was already pouring buckets outside. No, Peeves the resident castle poltergeist had decided that since the student were already wet it was alright for him to drop water bombs on them all as they entered the castle. The younger years were shrieking as the got pelted.
Harry saw Professor McGonagall storm up and start telling Peeves off for creating such a mess. Harry was really glad that he wasn't a first year this time because he could not imagine having to go through the lake to get to the castle in this kind of weather. They probably all drowned in the lake.
Beside him Neville shivered from the cold. "I really wish I knew a good warming charm. But I've never been good at them." The boy complained shivering.
"Come on lets go get a seat." Harry said to his friends ushering them into the Great Hall for the welcoming feast.
"Hi Harry!"
Harry looked up from his seat to see Colin Creevey standing there grinning at him.
"Hi Colin." Harry greeted him. He was a little wary, the younger boy had always had a bit of hero worship for him and was really obsessive second year.
"Guess what Harry, my brother is going to be joining this year. His names Dennis and I really hope he gets into Gryffindor, it'd be really great and he really wants to meet you." Colin said excitedly.
"Er that's great Colin." Harry responded unsure of what to say. He really didn't want another Colin following him around. He swore at one point last year he almost caught Colin trying to sneak up to his room.
Feeling eyes on him Harry looked up to see that Draco was looking his way and snickering quietly to himself. Harry scowled, it wasn't his fault Colin acted so obsessive with him, he would rather the younger boy just leave him alone.
Thinking on the upcoming sorting ceremony Harry realizes that he hasn't really been to one since his own. His second year he was busy getting yelled at by Snape for crashing Ron's dad's flying car into the Whomping Willow tree, and last year he had to go to the hospital wing because he fainted from the dementors on the train. He was actually looking forward to seeing it this year.
"Hey you think they didn't find anyone this year?" Ron asked. Seeing where his friend was looking Harry stared at the head table. There were a few empty seats, Harry knew that two of the seats were for Hagrid who was bringing the first years across the lake and the other was for Professor McGonagall who would sort the first years. But that still left one seat open. The Defense Against the Dark Art position was not a very lucky one. So far they had never been able to keep a professor around for the whole year.
Harry glanced down further the head table to see that their Potions Professor was also looking at the empty chair. Snape glanced up and noticed Harry looking at him. Giving the boy a tight nod the professor turned back to talk with another Professor at the table.
"I'm sure they found someone. They wouldn't just leave the post empty." Hermione stated looking at the empty chair.
The sound of the doors opening brought everyone in the hall to attention. McGonagall walked the aisle and placed an old hat on a stool while the first years trailed in behind her.
"Blimy, were we that small?" Ron said in a hushed tone.
Harry watched as the group shuffled in looking absolutely drenched. One kid looked as if he had fallen in the lake and was wearing Hagrid's coat. Harry looked over when the small boy gave a thumbs up at their table. Looking over he could see that Colin was giving the boy a big smile. Harry turned his attention back to the Sorting Hat.
A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names we all still know
Bold Gryffindor from wild moor
Fair Ravenclaw from glen
Sweet Hufflepuff from valley broad
Shrewd Slytherin from fen.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach.
By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized beyond all the rest;
For Ravenclaw the cleverest
Would always be best;
For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.
Whilst still alive they did decide
Their favorites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He wiped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell you where you belong.
Everyone started to clap when it seemed the hat was done singing, but they all stilled when it started to speak again not so much singing but speaking in a low tone.
A word of caution to the wise
And warning to the wary,
Beware the Traveler who rises
Bold and cunning the Traveler shall hide.
Working from the shadows,
Conquering foes, and giving another path
To those in the middle.
Neither light nor dark,
Fighting for family and life is the only goal.
The Great Hall was still as the hat finished its apparently quickly formed lyrics. None of it really rhymed but the words still seemed to send a chill down many spines.
Harry looked around to see that many were in shock. For whatever reason many of the students seemed to recognize at some level what the hat had been talking about. It was mainly the older students from the various houses that this seemed to apply to, those in their sixth or seventh year.
However it was the Slytherin house that was the oddity. For it seemed that just about all of the house sans the younger years were staring at the hat in shock.
The staff table was not much better off. Most of the teachers were looking on in shock and wonder in some cases. Dumbledore was actually looking a little fearful of the hat's words. Harry saw that Snape had a thoughtful look on his face, probably one that mirrored his own.
For Harry was aware of at least some of what the hat had been referring to. It wasn't hard seeing as he had been their multiple times when the term Traveler had been used in some extent. Emma had been called that by both the goblins and Unspeakables from the ministry. What Harry was unsure about was the large reaction that the term had gotten from the school.
He remembered that the goblins had known somewhat of her circumstances and the Unspeakables had hinted at something. Maybe there was some kind of story in the wizarding world about a Traveler.
Glancing around the hall again Harry noticed Draco's questioning gaze fixed on him. Harry just shrugged, it was not like he could do anything at the moment to answer the other boy.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "What interesting words from out Sorting Hat. Professor McGonagall, if you please, we can resume the sorting?"
With a nod McGonagall unrolled her parchment and began calling out the names of the first years to be sorted.
Harry didn't pay much attention to the sorting, only vaguely noting where all the new first years were going. Finally the sorting was done and the feast started.
Both Harry and Ron tucked in gladly and started eating. "Geeze Ron, I know you ate on the train. Slow down why don't you." Neville said watching as Ron stuffed his face looking a little green. Harry could agree somewhat; Ron was severely lacking when it came to proper manners at the table.
"w'hat?" Ron mumbled around a mouthful of food.
"You're lucky there is even a fest going on tonight." Nearly Headless Nick told them floating over and hovering next to Harry.
"Why?" Harry asked curious and looked over at the ghost.
"Peeves of course."
"He did seem upset about something earlier, more so than usual." Neville commented. "What happened?"
"He wanted to join the feast of course. But you know Peeves, it would have ended in disaster, he's not even allowed in the Great Hall on a regular day." Nick sighed. "Of course a few of the ghosts like the Fat Friar were all for giving him a chance, but the notion was shot down by the Barron."
"What's that have to do with the 'ood?" Ron asked whilst shoving a mouthful of mashed potatoes in his mouth. Nearly Headless Bick looked at Ron in disgust.
"Peeves caused a ruckus in the kitchens, the usual thing. Throwing pots and pans around, there was soup everywhere. Put the house elves in a right panic he did."
"House elves?!" Hermione screeched putting her glass down in surprise.
Harry groaned and started to focus on eating trying to drown out the sound of Hermione arguing again over the unfairness of house elf rights. Knowing Hermione this was going to be an issue she would focus on all year now that she knew house elves were in the castle. He could see her trying to set them all free wither they liked it or not. And they most likely wouldn't like it if Kreacher was anything to go by.
Dobby was just an oddity Harry figured among house elves. None of the other elves he met acted like Dobby, but then again it was all circumstances.
Harry just shook his head when Hermione refused to eat before wiping some pudding off his face when Ron had spewed after trying to get Hermione to eat something.
The weather outside was getting really rough Harry saw as the enchanted ceiling continued to show heavy rain and thunder shook the glass. The lightening illuminated the hall, Harry wondered at this storm never seeing one like it in the hall. He was glad he was inside, it was interesting to be able to see the storm but not be in it.
Harry reached over and grabbed some treacle tart while Ron tried to get Hermione to at least have some dessert.
"When do you think the storm will let up?" Neville asked grabbing some pudding.
"No clue, probably last all night." Harry answered.
When the last of the feast had been eaten Dumbledore stood and the chatter in the hall died down. The plates cleared instantly and Hermione made a noise of discomfort, reminded once again of the house elves in the kitchen.
"Well now that we are all full, I have a few announcements to make. Mr. Filch our caretaker would like to remind you all that the list of forbidden objects in the castle has expanded to include screaming yoyos, fanged Frisbees, and ever banishing boomerangs. The completed list can be found outside his office for those young minds curious to expand their knowledge.
"I would also like to remind you that the forbidden forest is forbidden to all students, and Hogsmeade visits are for third years and above. I also regret to inform you that this year there will be no Quidditch tournament between houses this year."
"What!"
"That's rubbish!"
"What do you mean no Quidditch!"
Shouts rang out as several students protested, the Weasley twins being some of the loudest. Harry was equally dismayed. Quidditch was one of his favorite things about Hogwarts, he loved the competition and feeling of being free as he flew. He had been really looking forward to trying out some of the moves he had seen at the World Cup. What would cause the sport to be canceled for a year.
Harry couldn't help himself from looking across the room towards his rival on the field and new found friend, Draco. The other boy looked equally upset about having the sport canceled, but a resigned look as if he knew why.
Curious Harry turned his attention back to Dumbledore who was waiting for the uproar to die down.
"Now then, this is due to the fact that Hogwarts has the pleasure of hosting an event that will encompass the entire year, taking up much of the teacher's time and energy. I have no doubt that many of you will enjoy this event tremendously. This event—"
Dumbledore however was cut off before he could finish speaking by a great crack of thunder, louder than any so far that night. Not only that but at the same times the doors of the Great Hall were thrown open as a figure entered.
The hall grew quite as the figure walked towards the staff table, a loud clunk resounding with every other step. The figure was hidden behind a dark traveling cloak and held a staff as he made his way in.
A flash of lightening illuminated his face for a brief moment. A grizzled face, dotted with scars and a mane of unruly hair greeted them when the man lowered his hood. The newcomer made his way towards Dumbledore.
As he got closer Harry was able to make out more of his features. The man's face looked like a rough imitation of what a human face was supposed to look like. Scars crisscrossed his face, a large chunk of his nose was missing, and to top his strange appearance off was the sight of a glass magical eye that was roaming around the hall.
When the stranger reached Dumbledore, they shook hands and exchanged a few words before the headmaster gestured for the man to take a seat.
"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?" Dumbledore asked brightly ignoring the screaming silence of the hall. "Professor Alastor Moody."
The only people to applaud the new professor were Dumbledore and Hagrid, the rest of the hall only stared at the man in shock. Even the teachers looked on quietly assessing the new teacher.
"Moody? Mad-eye Moody, the one your dad went to help this morning?" Harry asked turning to Ron. Run shrugged, must be.
Ignoring his less than warm welcome Moody got comfortable and took a drink out of a flask that appeared from his robes.
Dumbledore cleared his throat to return the attention back to his announcement. "As I was saying, this year Hogwarts is proud to host an event that hasn't been held for over a century, the Tri-Wizard Tournament!"
"You're JOKING!" one of the Weasley twins shouted.
"I assure you Mr. Weasley I do not jest." Dumbledore said smiling brightly. "Now while some of you are aware of what this tournament holds I shale enlighten those among us who do not. The Tri-Wizard Tournament was established many centuries ago as a sort of friendly completion between three of Europe's largest magical schools; those of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstang. One student each was selected from the participating schools to act as a champion. These champions would compete in a series of three tasks designed to test their magical ability in those tasks. The tournament was designed to take place every five years, a different school hosting each time. While intended to encourage ties between the witches and wizards of each nation, the death toll from the games became to high that it was discontinued."
"Death toll?" Hermione whispered horrified. Harry was slightly worried about this, but it's not like he was going to be in it. He was more interested in learning about the tournament. It sounded amazing.
"While many attempts have been made over the years, our Department of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided it is high time for another try. The ministry and schools have been working hard over the summer to make sure that the event is as safe as possible for the participating students.
"The headmasters of each respective school will be arriving in October with a selected few students who wish to participate. The selection of the champion will take place on Halloween night with an impartial judge choosing who shall compete. The winner shall receive the glory of their school and a thousand galleons prize money."
Harry could see how excited many students were over this news, Fred Weasley announced that he was going for it while George nodded next to him. Many people were talking about how they were going to enter.
"Now before you get to excited on being too eager to participate I will warn you. There has been an age limit placed upon the tournament for the students' safety. This was agreed upon by all the schools and the ministry. Only those student who are of age, Seventeen years old, are allowed to compete." Dumbledore had to raise his voice when many shouts of protest could be heard. "This has been done for your safety as many of the tasks are dangerous and difficult. We feel that it is unlikely that students bellow their sixth or seventh year will be able to sufficiently cope with the tasks. I will be personally making the effort to ensure that no student goes against this, and urge all those not yet of age to not try and get around any precautions I will have set up." Dumbledore announced giving a meaningful glance at the twins.
"When the delegates from the other schools arrive in October they will remain with us for the remainder of the year, so I ask that you give them the up most courtesy and reflect positively on our school. Now I realize it is late, and I know how important it is to be bright and ready for a new school year with your morning lessons tomorrow. Bedtime, Students look towards your prefects for the passwords to your dormitories and have a pleasant evening!"
Harry followed the twins out with Ron, Hermione, and Neville along with him. The twins were discussing how unfair it was, they would be 17 in April, yet they wouldn't get the chance to compete. Hermione started to argue that it would be highly dangerous but the twins didn't care.
"What do you think Harry? Be cool to enter wouldn't it? Picture it the glory and money! I don't recon I've learned enough yet though." Ron said excitedly with a dreamy expression on his face.
"I know I haven't." Neville added. "Recon Gran would want me to if I was able though. Get back the family honor or something like that."
"Nothing's wrong with your family honor Neville." Harry assured the other boy.
"Your right, maybe it was upholding it?" Neville said dejectedly before letting out a yelp. He had stuck his foot in the trick stair and sunk halfway down. Harry and Ron gave him a hand getting out and they continued towards Gryffindor tower.
"Password?" the portrait of the Fat Lady asked.
"Balderdash."
Entering the boys went upstairs towards their room to get ready for bed. Harry noted that Hermione glanced towards the fire and began mumbling about slave labor, they were never going to hear the end of this house elf business.
"It'd be great to enter you know if Fred and George figure out how to do it." Ron mumbled as he sank into his covers.
Harry could only give a nod as he too climbed into bed. While he rather have a peaceful year, the thought of glory won on his own, something he had actually done that he could remember was a nice thought. As he drifted off to sleep the images of a crowd cheering for him as he held aloft a trophy greeted him. He could pick out many faces in the crowd cheering him on such as Emma, Sirius, and Remus. For some strange reason though he could also picture Draco standing there with them, a large smile on his face. Harry was glad Ron couldn't see what he was seeing because he had no explanation for the images nor the warm feeling he got. Ignoring it he tried his best to fall asleep quickly.