[Chapter 7: Start of Term]
The students entered the Great Hall and headed towards their respective school houses tables and waited for the sorting cermony to begin. Harry glanced at the top table as a girl named 'Flaherty, Joanna', was sorted and nudged Ron in the ribs. "What is Charlie doing here?"
"I don't know, did Sirius tell you what *he's* going to be doing here?" Ron asked.
Harry gasped. He didn't know why he didn't notice his godfather before, but there he was plain as day, sitting next to Professor McGonnagal. Harry stared, his mouth open, and Sirius gave a little wave and smile. Harry waved back. 'This is going to be the best school year ever!' he thought. 'No Snape, no Malfoy...it couldn't be better.' His thoughts were interrupted by Professor McGonnagal who was tapping a golden goblet. The Sorting Ceremony was over.
"Your attention please."
"Welcome students, old and new. I'm sure that most of you are aware of the events that took place this past summer. Lord Voldemort has been defeated. We have days of peace ahead of us and there is to be much rejoicing. I'm pleased to announce that we have strenghtened our alliances with other magical nations and opened our doors to all and that some of them have already joined us as you will see. We have all gone through some trying times and now it's time for us to move on. However, I am sorry to add that the price of peace was not cheap," he said glancing at the Slytherins. "One of our most exceptional professors have been lost forever. Severus Snape, died a hero, fighting for good." They all raised a goblet in memory of Snape. "You will notice that there have been many changes, changes in our staff and our student body. I am pleased to announce that the new Guidance Counsellor for Hogwarts, a post that has never been occupied in all its time, has been given to Sirius Black." The hall applauded. "You will also notice that Hagrid, our Care of Magical Creature teacher and gamekeeper is no longer here; he has gone off to live with his family. Therefore, the post of Care of Magical Creatures is appointed to Charlie Weasley," (more applause) " and the position of gamekeeper to Argus Filch (scattered applause). In addition, the real Mad Eye Moody has volunteered to become the Hogwarts caretaker. As for the head of Slytherin house and your Potions master, that will be taken care of by Professor LeRange," he motioned towards a pale skinned and big eyed man of about 50 who was looking more evil than Snape. The slytherin table applauded. "And, last but not least, your new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher will be Professor Figgs."
"No way!" Harry whispered. "That's Mrs Figgs from two doors down!" he said but no one was listening since Dumbledore had just announced for the feast to start.
"Can you believe our luck? Sirius will make the perfect guidance counsellor and just in time too!" Hermione said. "And with all the experience Charlie has with dragons...oh, I can't wait till we start our classes."
" Hello, um, could I have this seat?" a tall boy with green eyes and brown hair of their age asked Hermione since the spot next to her was empty.
" Uh, sure," Hermione said, flushing a bit. On her other side, Ginny was busy stifling a giggle.
"I am Tim Jones, by the way. And you are?" he asked glancing at Harry, Ron and Hermione. He took a double take when he saw Harry. "You're- You're Harry Potter! Nice to meet you. I've read that you're a great quidditch player."
"So they say."
"I'm Ron Weasley."
"And I'm Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you," he said helping himself to a bit of salad. "You must be wondering where I'm from. Well, you see, I went to Durmstrang for my first year, mighty cold there so I transferred to Vitalia, but the language was a bit too much for me, see my parents are archaelogists, they were surprised when I first got my letter seeing as how they're muggles and we travel a lot so it was hard for me settle down in school. I am originally from Canada and well let's see, the past two years I spent in Magnifique School of Magic and we moved again, unfortunately, I had really gotten to like the place, I was a prefect there and well now here I am, I've just talked with Professor McGonagal and she's got me sorted and I hear Gryffiindor's a good house, but then it must be since I read in ' Hogwarts: A History' that Dumbledore himself went to this house so it must be full of great people and well, I have yet to prove myself wrong." he said all this very fast.
Harry, Ron and Hermione just stared. Ron kicked Harry and they looked at each other and knew what they were up against. "Oi, Hermione, does he remind you of someone?" Ron asked testily.
But Hemione wasn't listening. "You've read 'Hogwarts: A History'? " Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Look, Herm, you've found someone besides you who've read it," Ron said sniggering but then stopped because Tim and Hermione were in a deep conversation about the many enchantments of Hogwarts and how other magical schools are.
"I can show you around you know? Seeing as how you're new and stuff," Hermione offerred.
"Sure, thanks."
Ron scowled, but no one heard him. They were all chattering excitedly about the classed and their new teachers. Soon the feast was finished, and Hermione led them all to the Gryffindor common room. Their new password was 'eggshells' and soon they were all too tired to be talking and headed up to their dormitories. Hermione and Tim stayed up and Hermione gave the tour of Hogwarts she had promised. They came back and after saying good night, went to their dormitories. 'Hmm...it's going to be a great year indeed,' Hermione thought falling asleep.
***
The next day they reviewed their timetables and Ron, Harry, Hermione and Tim, who sat with them at breakfast, had Defence against the Dark Arts first followed by History, then lunch and then double Potions. A few minutes later, Professor McGonnagal called Tim and tehy went to her office to discuss something.
"Look on the bright side," said Ron as him, Harry and Hermione went to the front of the Dark Forest for their first class. "At least Snape won't be a pain in the arse."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to Potions class," Harry said as the class gathered in a crowd in front of a big object which was covered with a dark cloth.
"Where's Tim? He's going to be late!" Hermione said, worried.
"Why do you care?" Ron snapped just as Tim ran down the stairs and joined them. He looked happy and as if he was dying to say something but before he could, Professor Figgs came out from the forest and started the class. She glanced at Harry and smiled. She told them each to think of a spell that they were going to say to the object behind the cloth, the trick was that they couldn't know what type of creature was in there and the objective of the lesson was to teach them consideration and responsibility of actions. Harry chose the 'decendu' spell. He wasn't going to attack it, just make it go away. Hermione chose the 'reducto' spell 'cause she wanted to shrink it, to her it looked too big and dangerous. Ron couldn't make up his mind and time ran out and didn't have a spell ready, while Tim looked confident and ready with wand in hand and a smirk on his face as he watched Neville stumble and then forget his spell. Harry was up next and he did his spell which made the object fly up and then land 50 feet away with a thump and crash. The dark cloth was revealed and the object was a mirror.
"Nicely done, Potter," Figgs said with a sneer. "You've just broken yourself into a million pieces."
No one understood what the teacher was trying to say until she gave a long sigh and explained that the objective was to teach you to be ready for anything and that by doing something evil to someone you can't even see, it might just be reflected back to you.
Harry and Ron stared and Tim smiled. Hermione looked furious. "But professor, how are we supposed to do this right? Like, if you were to give this on our O.W.L.S, how would we pass?" Tim and a couple of other students nodded.
"Why is she even bringing that up? O.W.L.S are lightyears away," Ron whispered.
"Good question, Ms Granger. The correct way to do this lesson would be to reveal the cloth and face your opponent. That would be the correct way to do it. So class, I presume you will take close heed to your lesson today, it's very critical that you understand it's importance. Face your opponents and know their weaknesses. Well, that about wraps it up for today, I want a parchment's worth of an essay by next class. You are dismissed."
They headed off to their next class, which as usual was a complete bore, History of Magic and after that they all headed down to lunch. They told Tim about their past experiences and all the adventures and all that they had been through. Tim was amazed and very interested.
"I'm dying to see Sirius," Harry confessed.
"Well, we could go after Potions."
"Good Idea, we'll introduce Tim to him," Hermione said rather excited.
"Oh guys, I forgot to tell you. You know, this morning right, when Professor McGonnagal wanted a chat with me? Well, you're looking at a Gryffindor Prefect."
Ron's mouth hung and Hermione squealed.
"For real? Wow, that is so cool. Let me guess, she let you become prefect because you were one at your old school, right?"
"Yes. You know what, I'm beginning to like Hogwarts very much." he said smiling. "And you guys are great."
"Aww, so are you!" they both blushed a little and started prefect talk.
"Why do I get the feeling that this is going to be a long year?" Ron muttered.
"Oh budge up, Ron. Tell you what, you can have a go with my Firebolt again."
They finished eating and then went to their Potions class. It was a good experience for them for the first time ever in Potions class. Professor LeRange taught them how to brew simple do-it-yourself potions and he didn't pick sides with anyone. The four friends agreed, when the class was over, that Professor LeRange was okay and that he resembled Professor Binns teaching style a lot, the difference was that he was very much alive.
*whew, it's a bit long, but I had so many bases to cover!*
The students entered the Great Hall and headed towards their respective school houses tables and waited for the sorting cermony to begin. Harry glanced at the top table as a girl named 'Flaherty, Joanna', was sorted and nudged Ron in the ribs. "What is Charlie doing here?"
"I don't know, did Sirius tell you what *he's* going to be doing here?" Ron asked.
Harry gasped. He didn't know why he didn't notice his godfather before, but there he was plain as day, sitting next to Professor McGonnagal. Harry stared, his mouth open, and Sirius gave a little wave and smile. Harry waved back. 'This is going to be the best school year ever!' he thought. 'No Snape, no Malfoy...it couldn't be better.' His thoughts were interrupted by Professor McGonnagal who was tapping a golden goblet. The Sorting Ceremony was over.
"Your attention please."
"Welcome students, old and new. I'm sure that most of you are aware of the events that took place this past summer. Lord Voldemort has been defeated. We have days of peace ahead of us and there is to be much rejoicing. I'm pleased to announce that we have strenghtened our alliances with other magical nations and opened our doors to all and that some of them have already joined us as you will see. We have all gone through some trying times and now it's time for us to move on. However, I am sorry to add that the price of peace was not cheap," he said glancing at the Slytherins. "One of our most exceptional professors have been lost forever. Severus Snape, died a hero, fighting for good." They all raised a goblet in memory of Snape. "You will notice that there have been many changes, changes in our staff and our student body. I am pleased to announce that the new Guidance Counsellor for Hogwarts, a post that has never been occupied in all its time, has been given to Sirius Black." The hall applauded. "You will also notice that Hagrid, our Care of Magical Creature teacher and gamekeeper is no longer here; he has gone off to live with his family. Therefore, the post of Care of Magical Creatures is appointed to Charlie Weasley," (more applause) " and the position of gamekeeper to Argus Filch (scattered applause). In addition, the real Mad Eye Moody has volunteered to become the Hogwarts caretaker. As for the head of Slytherin house and your Potions master, that will be taken care of by Professor LeRange," he motioned towards a pale skinned and big eyed man of about 50 who was looking more evil than Snape. The slytherin table applauded. "And, last but not least, your new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher will be Professor Figgs."
"No way!" Harry whispered. "That's Mrs Figgs from two doors down!" he said but no one was listening since Dumbledore had just announced for the feast to start.
"Can you believe our luck? Sirius will make the perfect guidance counsellor and just in time too!" Hermione said. "And with all the experience Charlie has with dragons...oh, I can't wait till we start our classes."
" Hello, um, could I have this seat?" a tall boy with green eyes and brown hair of their age asked Hermione since the spot next to her was empty.
" Uh, sure," Hermione said, flushing a bit. On her other side, Ginny was busy stifling a giggle.
"I am Tim Jones, by the way. And you are?" he asked glancing at Harry, Ron and Hermione. He took a double take when he saw Harry. "You're- You're Harry Potter! Nice to meet you. I've read that you're a great quidditch player."
"So they say."
"I'm Ron Weasley."
"And I'm Hermione Granger."
"Nice to meet you," he said helping himself to a bit of salad. "You must be wondering where I'm from. Well, you see, I went to Durmstrang for my first year, mighty cold there so I transferred to Vitalia, but the language was a bit too much for me, see my parents are archaelogists, they were surprised when I first got my letter seeing as how they're muggles and we travel a lot so it was hard for me settle down in school. I am originally from Canada and well let's see, the past two years I spent in Magnifique School of Magic and we moved again, unfortunately, I had really gotten to like the place, I was a prefect there and well now here I am, I've just talked with Professor McGonagal and she's got me sorted and I hear Gryffiindor's a good house, but then it must be since I read in ' Hogwarts: A History' that Dumbledore himself went to this house so it must be full of great people and well, I have yet to prove myself wrong." he said all this very fast.
Harry, Ron and Hermione just stared. Ron kicked Harry and they looked at each other and knew what they were up against. "Oi, Hermione, does he remind you of someone?" Ron asked testily.
But Hemione wasn't listening. "You've read 'Hogwarts: A History'? " Hermione asked in disbelief.
"Look, Herm, you've found someone besides you who've read it," Ron said sniggering but then stopped because Tim and Hermione were in a deep conversation about the many enchantments of Hogwarts and how other magical schools are.
"I can show you around you know? Seeing as how you're new and stuff," Hermione offerred.
"Sure, thanks."
Ron scowled, but no one heard him. They were all chattering excitedly about the classed and their new teachers. Soon the feast was finished, and Hermione led them all to the Gryffindor common room. Their new password was 'eggshells' and soon they were all too tired to be talking and headed up to their dormitories. Hermione and Tim stayed up and Hermione gave the tour of Hogwarts she had promised. They came back and after saying good night, went to their dormitories. 'Hmm...it's going to be a great year indeed,' Hermione thought falling asleep.
***
The next day they reviewed their timetables and Ron, Harry, Hermione and Tim, who sat with them at breakfast, had Defence against the Dark Arts first followed by History, then lunch and then double Potions. A few minutes later, Professor McGonnagal called Tim and tehy went to her office to discuss something.
"Look on the bright side," said Ron as him, Harry and Hermione went to the front of the Dark Forest for their first class. "At least Snape won't be a pain in the arse."
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to Potions class," Harry said as the class gathered in a crowd in front of a big object which was covered with a dark cloth.
"Where's Tim? He's going to be late!" Hermione said, worried.
"Why do you care?" Ron snapped just as Tim ran down the stairs and joined them. He looked happy and as if he was dying to say something but before he could, Professor Figgs came out from the forest and started the class. She glanced at Harry and smiled. She told them each to think of a spell that they were going to say to the object behind the cloth, the trick was that they couldn't know what type of creature was in there and the objective of the lesson was to teach them consideration and responsibility of actions. Harry chose the 'decendu' spell. He wasn't going to attack it, just make it go away. Hermione chose the 'reducto' spell 'cause she wanted to shrink it, to her it looked too big and dangerous. Ron couldn't make up his mind and time ran out and didn't have a spell ready, while Tim looked confident and ready with wand in hand and a smirk on his face as he watched Neville stumble and then forget his spell. Harry was up next and he did his spell which made the object fly up and then land 50 feet away with a thump and crash. The dark cloth was revealed and the object was a mirror.
"Nicely done, Potter," Figgs said with a sneer. "You've just broken yourself into a million pieces."
No one understood what the teacher was trying to say until she gave a long sigh and explained that the objective was to teach you to be ready for anything and that by doing something evil to someone you can't even see, it might just be reflected back to you.
Harry and Ron stared and Tim smiled. Hermione looked furious. "But professor, how are we supposed to do this right? Like, if you were to give this on our O.W.L.S, how would we pass?" Tim and a couple of other students nodded.
"Why is she even bringing that up? O.W.L.S are lightyears away," Ron whispered.
"Good question, Ms Granger. The correct way to do this lesson would be to reveal the cloth and face your opponent. That would be the correct way to do it. So class, I presume you will take close heed to your lesson today, it's very critical that you understand it's importance. Face your opponents and know their weaknesses. Well, that about wraps it up for today, I want a parchment's worth of an essay by next class. You are dismissed."
They headed off to their next class, which as usual was a complete bore, History of Magic and after that they all headed down to lunch. They told Tim about their past experiences and all the adventures and all that they had been through. Tim was amazed and very interested.
"I'm dying to see Sirius," Harry confessed.
"Well, we could go after Potions."
"Good Idea, we'll introduce Tim to him," Hermione said rather excited.
"Oh guys, I forgot to tell you. You know, this morning right, when Professor McGonnagal wanted a chat with me? Well, you're looking at a Gryffindor Prefect."
Ron's mouth hung and Hermione squealed.
"For real? Wow, that is so cool. Let me guess, she let you become prefect because you were one at your old school, right?"
"Yes. You know what, I'm beginning to like Hogwarts very much." he said smiling. "And you guys are great."
"Aww, so are you!" they both blushed a little and started prefect talk.
"Why do I get the feeling that this is going to be a long year?" Ron muttered.
"Oh budge up, Ron. Tell you what, you can have a go with my Firebolt again."
They finished eating and then went to their Potions class. It was a good experience for them for the first time ever in Potions class. Professor LeRange taught them how to brew simple do-it-yourself potions and he didn't pick sides with anyone. The four friends agreed, when the class was over, that Professor LeRange was okay and that he resembled Professor Binns teaching style a lot, the difference was that he was very much alive.
*whew, it's a bit long, but I had so many bases to cover!*