A/N: Standard disclaimer; see chapter 1 for details.
The Sorting Hat appeared to be making more of an effort to be melodious at the welcoming feast. Unknown to Hermione, her criticism at last year's sorting had been overheard by a portrait and eventually reported to the pile of worn leather. The headmaster was puzzled by the vocal exercises blasting his office at random times during the summer.
Compared to the previous one, this year's sorting seemed rather flat. Although there was an unprecedented number of halfbloods headed to Slytherin, the only excitement was caused by a hyperactive muggleborn who went into Gryffindor. The conclusion of the ceremony featured the youngest Weasley being sorted into the same house; the arrival of the last redhead caused the staff to heave a sigh of relief that she was the last of this generation.
As agreed upon ahead of time, the quartet spent that first evening and the next day catching up with their housemates and getting to know the new ones. This would give them the opportunity to identify any fresh issues before having their first private meeting.
Professor Quirrell greeted the Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw class with a smile. "Welcome back to your second year of Defence Against the Dark Arts. I am about to distribute an information sheet, and before all of you–minus Miss Granger and Mr. Longbottom–groan in unison, let me assure you that this is not a test but a means to let me know what sort of revision is necessary."
Justin raised one hand. "Sir, are we also going to review the spells we learned last year? As a muggleborn, I was not able to practice during the summer."
"Of course," the professor nodded. "A number of your fellow students are in the same boat, and I actually didn't anticipate teaching any new ones for another two weeks. We will work on strengthening those you already know before progressing."
"Will we be duelling?" Ernie enquired.
"We shall do a very mild form of it. Next year will be the point at which you can attend the magical duelling club. Those who participated in the bladed version will probably have some advantage, so students with ambitions to go on the circuit are advised to attend those meetings; better late than never."
It went much the same in the Gryffindor/Slytherin session. "As Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy were the only ones to project a complete shield last year, we will work on having the rest of you able to perform that by the end of the second term.
"You may have noticed some overlap between this class and Charms in prior classes; the knockback jinx, for example. Professor Flitwick and I are doing a bit of what the muggles call cooperative teaching; once he has taught you a particular charm or jinx, I will demonstrate how it may be used in defence. Transfiguration will not have offensive cross-over spells until fourth year, although what you will be capable of by the end of this school year could be of use as distractions if you find yourself in a tight spot. Yes, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Is there overlap with Potions, sir?"
"Excellent question. While there will be no actual brewing here–I have no wish to step on Professor Snape's toes–several potions will be demonstrated by Matron Pomfrey when we get to the unit on healing spells; you may find some familiar ones which will be recommended for a general first aid pack.
"Now, quills out!" Papers flew from his desk, a sheet landing in front of each student. "You have twenty minutes before we begin our practical review."
Hermione admired the parchment owl which spiralled down to land on her shoulder. She read the message and held up three fingers in Susan's direction.
Draco whistled behind her. "I know you taught Bones that flying spell, but how did she turn the bird into an owl?"
"I gave her an origami book for her birthday. It looks like she put it to good use this past summer," Hermione replied. "Clever of her to fold it in the form of the most common delivery bird in the wizarding world." When the blond continued to stare at her, she added, "Sue just wants to know when we'll open the room."
"Hey, Draco." Harry waved over his friend as they headed towards their Potions class. When the Slytherin made it to his side, he asked, "What do you think of you and me taking over the tutoring for the Flying Class?"
Draco grunted. "It will be a lot easier than if we had started last year. I can't believe the headmaster thought those old relics of brooms would be safe for training."
"Yeah. He didn't care for your father calling for an extra school board meeting and pushing through the funding."
"And he'll like it even less when he hears that he convinced four professional Quidditch teams into supplying brooms for each House team."
"Sweet!" The boys clapped their hands in a high five, then Harry's brow wrinkled. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" He looked upwards. "Peeves hasn't gone back to his old tricks, has he?"
"Nah, he's still acting tame. A bit boring, if you ask me."
"No one did, git; that slime he used to throw was damned hard to shampoo out. So what did you hear?"
"Just my name, like somebody called it. It's been happening for the last week or so, but I can't tell from where in this crowd."
"Ah, my friend, you're just imagining the cheers of Gryffindor after you catch the snitch. Except, of course, when you're playing Slytherin."
"Hermione," Harry pulled her aside in the 'Class of 1998 Common Room'; they had decided to avoid having to change the official designation each year, "what is she doing here?"
She looked at the blonde firstie speaking with Draco. "She's a new Ravenclaw and is having...trouble fitting in. She's a little odd, and I think her yearmates would leave her alone except that the third years seem to think that she is an object of humour and are influencing them. You remember how reporting bullies didn't stop the activity but sent them underground? I thought I would keep her close until I can sit down with Professor Flitwick and discuss how best to approach the matter."
"Well, if she's getting picked on, she'll be welcome anytime. Introduce me, won't you?"
They didn't have to walk over, because Draco led her by the arm, a broad smile across his face. "Guys, Luna and I just discovered that we are," he turned to her, "what is it?"
"Half third cousins twice removed in the maternal line," she spoke in an airy, lilting tone.
"Yeah, a black sheep Black hiding out in Ireland apparently married into a clan with fey blood. Luna knows things!" He rocked back and forth on his heels.
"Really? Does she know what an arse you can be at times?" Neville inquired trenchantly.
"Oi!" Draco protested.
Meanwhile, Harry executed a low bow. "If you ever tire of this prat's posturing, feel free to visit me at the Gryffindor table. I'm your cousin also, although with a few more 'removes'".
"Laveau, Harry," the Slytherin argued, "most of us in this room are related in one way or another. Sorry, Hermione," he tilted his head at her.
She placed both hands on her hips and glared. "Is that an apology for referring to my non-magical roots or for using a 'creative' curse word?"
"Hermione, you did almost ask for it," Neville reminded her.
"Aargh!" She stamped a foot. "Be careful around these idiots, Luna, or they will drive you crazy."
"I think they are quite refreshing." Luna smiled gently. "And since I'm already called 'Loony', you don't have to worry about my sanity."
Hermione glowered before clamping her mouth shut firmly. "I am so going to do serious damage to some people," she gritted out before the whimsical girl's attention was drawn to new arrivals.
"Ronnie Weasley," she said with her eyes almost crossed, "was nearly always followed by wrackspurts. Perhaps Hogwarts is good for him, because I don't see nearly as many now."
"How do you know him?" Draco asked.
"Oh, the Burrow–that's the Weasley home–is three dales over from ours. Ginny and I used to play together, before my mother…" Her voice trailed off.
Neville caught on quickly. "We're sorry for your loss." The others quickly echoed the sentiment and then stood staring as the girl dreamily wandered over to the corner seating near some bookshelves.
"That's odd," Draco mused.
"No, that's Luna," Hermione corrected. "And what were those creatures she mentioned? I want to look them up before we leave."
"When did you have the time to add all the reference books?" Harry asked. "And you shouldn't have done it all by yourself. We three wizards have wands too. The ones we purchased!" he added quickly when the others snickered.
"I didn't need to use my wand." Hermione blushed." Dobby!"
A house elf dressed in what appeared to be Joseph's coat of many colours popped into sight. "Yes, Mistress Hermione Lady?"
"Hey, that's your family's elf," Harry addressed Draco.
The boy chuckled. "Dad found an ancient and still extant clause in the Hogwarts Charter which allows extra personal assistance to people of high rank. Of course, he wouldn't have had to if that old fart–"
"Language."
"–hadn't tried to get us disbanded over the summer by claiming that our 'club' for lack of a better word, was putting a strain on the Hogwarts elves."
Neville snorted. "As if. House elves love to serve and are happiest to be busier than one-armed paper-hangers in a windstorm."
"You're right," Harry agreed. "Even the old Black family elf, who apparently hated Sirius when he was a boy, has been doing his part to renovate the gloomy London house." He shuddered. "Thank goodness he isn't planning on living there; that place would make a great set for a horror film."
"Mum sent over three Malfoy elves to help Kreacher, and another two are working on Black Lodge."
"Oh, Draco," Neville asked in falsetto, "however can your family manage with only a few elves to take care of the Manor? Slumming it this summer, were you?"
Hermione, who had been busy praising Dobby for his preparations, turned to the male trio. "Cut it out, you three. Go and mingle while you can, because we will begin discussing the tutoring program in fifteen minutes."
"Yes, ma'am, your highness, ma'am!" Harry managed before darting out of her reach.
"I think that went well." Hermione was busy duplicating the tutoring roster and signup sheets for the individual common rooms. "We have at least two student mentors for each subject to start with, and we haven't had to fill our names in for every slot. We'll meet in the Great Hall and save this area for those needing quiet study time."
"I still think you should have let Draco and me take Flying," Harry complained.
She shot him a look. "Ridiculous. Nurse Pomfrey would have to expand the infirmary if you two tried to teach your daredevil tricks. The people needing help will be poor or hesitant flyers. Better to let Theo and me do it, as we will be more patient and cautious. Besides," she sniffed, "if you manage to make your house Quidditch teams, your time will be limited."
"Plus the captains wouldn't want you taking any risks before a match. If you were injured, they'd have to play with inferior reserves."
"Thanks, Nev, both for complimenting us on our skills and for showing confidence in our ability to pass the tryouts." Draco gave his friend a fist bump.
"Just being honest, Drake. What is the tentative schedule, Hermione?"
"Most will be during free periods and after dinner; actual times are at the discretion of the teachers. You and Hannah will head Herbology revision; Harry and Susan, DADA; Draco and Padma, Potions; Lavender and Kevin, Astronomy; Daphne and Anthony, Charms; Michael and Olivia, Transfiguration; and Theo and I again for History of Magic."
"Overachieving, much?" Harry snarked.
"It will not be necessary to have as many meetings for Flying," a quiet voice spoke up.
"Rasputin!" Draco swore. "Luna, I forgot you were here."
The younger girl sighed. "That happens a lot. Of course, sometimes that is preferable to attention."
"Say, Luna," Neville asked, "what was that about Ron Weasley and some 'things' floating around him?"
"Oh, I think Harry could answer that better," she replied as she headed to the door. "Thank you for letting me stay with you, but I see that you need private conversation. I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast; if I still have shoes, that is."
"You have got to take care of that," Draco stated firmly to Hermione.
She nodded in agreement then turned to Harry. "So, what did she mean?"
"Well," the brunet ran his hand through his hair, "remember how last year Ron became subdued after the testimony at Sirius's trial? Well, that improvement has continued, and he is now making more of an effort to be friendly without acting pushy." He rolled his eyes. "His sister, now…"
"I heard she was bitten by the love bug," Neville teased.
"She doesn't even know me," he protested. "Different year, different gender–what do we have in common?"
"You're both magical and attend Hogwarts," Hermione stated baldly. "I spoke a little with Luna, and Ginevra has always had a crush on The-Boy-Who-Lived."
"That nickname again!" Harry's head lolled over the back of the couch.
"Well, as you said, you're in different years and different dorm rooms. Maybe it won't be too bad," Neville offered.
"As long as her brother learns to chew with his mouth closed!" Draco scowled. "By Sargon, I swear that he spit crumbs almost to the Slytherin table last night."