Chapter Six: Copper's Replacement
The carriage that Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were in thumped on towards the entrance to the school. Harry could see dozens of boats on the lake carrying the first years to an entrance under the castle. He remembered his first boat ride there. Things were simpler then.
Their carriage came to a sudden halt, sending Ron flying out of his seat. They piled out and entered through the large oak doors with the rest of the school. They turned into the great hall, which was decorated magnificently for the feast. The Hogwart's crest hung above the faculty table and above the four house tables were banners bearing the house's color and animal; silver and green with a snake for Slytherin, yellow and black with a badger for Hufflepuff, red and gold with a lion over Gryffindor's, and Ravenclaw's was blue and bronze with a large raven. Hundreds of candles burned above them, and even higher was the bewitched ceiling, which tonight showed a clear, starry sky. The tables were covered in golden platters and goblets that would soon be covered with food and drink. Harry walked to the Gryffindor table with Ron, Hermione and Ginny and sat down.
"We're here," Ron said, smiling.
"Ron-." Hermione said, shocked. She was looking at the head table, where all the teachers were sitting. Harry and Ron, who were sitting across from Hermione, had somebody blocking their view of whatever she was so excited about. Ginny, too, had a dropped jaw. She was sitting next to Hermione, and they started speaking in fast whispers.
"What's going on?" Ron asked.
"Ron, look at the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Hermione said.
"I can't see him." He said, stretching his neck to see if he could see around the girl blocking their view.
"Just tell me Hermione." He pleaded.
The crowd suddenly fell silent. Harry looked over to the door where all the first years were entering, nervous looks clouding their faces. The girl in front of Harry sat down, but a second too late. The first years stepped in front of the high table, blocking most of the teachers from view. All he could see of the teacher Hermione kept gawking at was the top of his red hair. Professor McGonagall carried out a stool with an old hat sitting on top. Harry waited with the rest of the crowd for the hat to start its song. After a moment, the brim split open, revealing a mouth, and the hat began:
"Welcome, pupils, new and old
Don't worry, soon you'll eat
But first let's let these younger ones
Get a table seat
Four tables lie in front of you,
And it would be my pleasure
To pick which one you should belong
Based on certain measures
Over one thousand years ago
After the wars were finished
And evil forces, for the time
Were conquered and diminished
Four leaders that once were in battle
Founded Hogwarts School
They made me for this job and more
And placed me on this stool
Each had a house that followed them
Those fantastic founding four
Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff too
And no one forgets Gryffindor
And so it's passed for many years
The students were divided
Into these houses that exist today
Finding friends in which they confided
Although I still think it wrong
And sometimes even harming
I'll find you all a suiting house
I'm sure you'll find each charming
You could belong in Gryffindor
Brave and true to their word
These Gryffindors will always stand by their friends
With a brave and ready sword
Or if you have a wiser mind
Ravenclaw's for you
As sharp and strait as an arrow they are
Believe what I say for it's true
Or perhaps you're a Slytherin
If you're determined and never yield
You're cunning and striving for power and fame
Sticking close to your friends as your shield
And if you are a Hufflepuff
You're more loyal and that's your desire
You'd guide your friends through the darkness of night
Guiding them with the light of your fire
So now I ask you to put me on
And see where you should be
I'll see inside your very thoughts
And choose from what I see
Fear not, you're secrets are safe with me
I'll tell no one what I tell you
So don't worry, just come and put me on
After this song, it's the least you can do
And one last thing I give to you
The others I've hidden so sly
Know that with me and with many things else
There's more then what first meets the eye
So back to the sorting, don't be afraid
In here you have been escorted
For one purpose only, to put me on your head
And then you all will be sorted"
The hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall pulled out a large scroll.
"Addison, Laura." She called out. A timid looking first year with long blonde hair approached the stool. McGonagall placed the hat on her head. After a few seconds the hat shouted out, "RAVENCLAW!" Loud applause arose from the Ravenclaw table as she sat down blushing.
"Anthony, James." Professor McGonagall called out. A tall boy with narrow eyes and a big brow approached the stool. It didn't take long for the hat to call, "SLYTHERIN!"
"Balden, George." A yellow haired boy walked to the stool confidently and put the hat on. "RAVENCLAW!" The hat shouted quickly.
"Connors, Nathaniel," became the first Hufflepuff. Harry was waiting for the tall boy to move out of the way so Harry could see the teacher that sat behind him. "Daniels, Harte," Became a Gryffindor, and Harry applauded with the rest of the table but continued to careen his neck to see the teacher.
"Davis, Benjamin," was called, and a small boy approached the stool. He climbed on top and had the hat placed on his head. The hat took its time and yelled, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
'Almost there,' Harry thought as he looked at the boy.
"Flannery, Jane," became a Gryffindor, "Gringles, Teresa," Became a Slytherine, and "Howard, Andrew," Became a Ravenclaw. Finally the girl next to the tall boy blocking the red haired teacher was called up. She became a Hufflepuff and returned to her place. Harry lifted his head so he could see better.
"Michaels, John," Professor McGonagall yelled. The tall boy approached the stool. When Harry saw the teacher, he gasped loudly and felt Ron jump suddenly in his spot. He didn't need Ron's shocked whisper to tell him who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was.
"Bill?!"
Harry dropped his fork. Hermione smiled.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat called out. As the tall boy returned to his spot in line, Bill glanced over at Harry and caught his eye. He smiled and gave a quick wink as their view was blocked again. He looked at Ron, whose jaw was still dropped.
For the first time since Harry had been to Hogwarts, he wanted to finish the feast quickly. All he wanted to do was walk to the head table and talk to Bill.
"Fred and Geor' knew," Ron said through a mouthful of meat. " 'member, 'Arry?"
"Yeah." Harry said quickly and continued to hurry through his meal.
"Slow down," said Hermione, "He's here all year, you don't have to hurry to talk to him."
"But why?" Ginny asked. "Bill has a job at Gringotts."
"Well, Jeffrey Copper was supposed to teach us." Hermione said. "And I'd bet there's another reason."
"Me." Harry said simply.
"Well, he's in the order, and he's your brother." She said to Ron and Ginny. "He's the perfect teacher to keep a close eye on you."
A feeling of foreboding overcame Harry. He had a sudden flashback to Voldemort's threat to him. "You and those you love, Potter, are in grave danger." Harry knew he wasn't the only who needed to be watched, now.
Ron and Harry took Hermione's advice and didn't eat quite as quickly as they were. After Ron's second serving of pumpkin pie, they stood up and began walking to the high table. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle cut them off.
"I'd recognize him anywhere," Malfoy said. "The red hair, the constant stupid look on his face; they've hired a Weasley."
"Move, Malfoy." Hermione commanded.
"I bet you feel pretty special, don't you, Potter? Got yourself another lap dog to worship you." Crabbe and Goyle made a low snicker behind him.
"Let's hope he can protect you from what's to come." Malfoy said. His facial expression had changed to the one he wore whenever he knew something Harry didn't. It surprised Harry momentarily. Draco's father had worn that same face last June in the Department of Mysteries. Harry's assumption of what was to come was dead on.
"But I suppose you don't know anything about that." Malfoy said.
"I suppose you do," Ron retorted, "Having your father ranked so high in You-Know-Who's army."
"I don't need my father for this one." Malfoy shot back. "All I need is history. They practically told us what was going on tonight."
"Who?" Harry asked, almost ashamed of his desire to know what Malfoy was talking about.
"You must have not caught the clues. You never were smart, were you Potter? I'm surprised Granger didn't get them, though. You'd think she'd have read about them somewhere or another. Or maybe her nose was too deep into the book to actually turn the page." He smirked.
"Please, everybody, sit down." A powerful voice called through out the great hall. Harry looked past Malfoy. Dumbldedore had stood up and was asking for attention.
"I know some of you have desperate matters to attend to," he continued, smiling and looking right at Harry. "But I assure you, it can wait."
Harry and everybody else who was standing returned to their seats. Dumbledore started his speech.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts! I'm sorry that I must hold you after the feast, but this year I decided I'd make sure you weren't hungry when you heard this. Those of you who have been here before and know this speech by heart should forget that you know it and listen, because there are some changes. The dark forest is out of bounds, as usual, to everybody. And I would like to warn everybody that most of what you buy at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is forbidden in the corridors. Quidditch try-outs will be held in two weeks time for those who desire to play.
I believe those are all the usual topics. I'm sorry to have made them brief, but this is the most important speech I've given in sixteen years." Everybody stiffened up to listen, now. The topic was one that people knew immediately but wanted to hear what was going to be said about it.
"We are in the beginning of what I fear will be very dark times. Lord Voldemort, as all of you know, has returned. His wrath has already begun. I will not spare you with child's talk, he has killed. Some of you have already been affected by these killings. You know I hold the deepest sorrow for you. And if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to search me out." His blue eyes were warm and fatherly as he said this. It was a look that always took Harry by surprise.
"Voldemort is on the search for ancient weapons. Alas, he has part of what he needs. If these weapons are united, he will have a force so powerful I fear no one will be able to stop him. You may not know how this affects you, and so I will explain the best I can without giving you more information then you need. These weapons are not just the weapons you think of. Everybody here is in danger. Voldemort will stop at nothing to achieve what he wants." Harry felt many eyes turn to him as Dumbledore spoke. He crouched in his seat.
"I must warn you. This school is one of the safest places you could possibly imagine. But when the time comes, these walls alone are not strong enough to keep him out. And that is why I'm telling you all, warning you all, about this. Night prowling has been against the rules since I went to this school, but at this time especially, obey this rule." His eyes filled with concern and sorrow. After a pause he finished. "Shadows hold many secrets." He sat back down. Everybody sat tense and silent. Eyes were still gazing at Harry. Finally a few seventh years stood up from the Ravenclaw table. A low thunder of chatting began and grew eventually to normal. The school departed as if nothing had just happened.
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione hurried excitedly to the head table, where Bill was grinning a welcome. His silver fang earring dangled from his ear.
"Well, hello students, how may I help you?" He asked, smiling.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ron asked.
"Well, Dumbledore needed a new teacher and a few months ago."
"We know about Copper." Hermione interrupted. Bill's eyes widened momentarily.
"Oh." He said. "Ok, so I was lying before. Dumbledore asked me a few days after he died." His eyes drooped as he said this. "How did you. Fred and George?"
"Yeah," Ginny replied, "They set it all up."
"Their snooping will get them into trouble some day," Bill sighed.
"So what are you going to teach us?" Ron asked.
"No bloody idea." Bill replied.
"So being your brother, can I get extra."
"Nope."
"Rats. It was worth a shot." He shrugged.
"Aren't you four prefects?" Bill asked.
"Yeah, so." Harry replied.
"You're supposed to be leading the students to the dorm right now."
"Oops." Ginny said.
"Greene's probably got it." Ron said.
"I think you should go." Bill said. The four nodded and started away. "Except for you Harry."
Harry sighed. This seemed to happen a lot lately.
"Harry, is there anything you need to talk to about?" Bill asked. "Anything at all."
"No. Nothing." Harry replied.
"Ok, then I'll talk." Bill said. "I know that you know more then most people at this school. I know you have more responsibility, and many more problems. I'm here if you ever need me, but for now that isn't the point.
You-Know-Who is stronger, Harry. Stronger then you've ever seen him. And in the past you've often gotten into messes that you shouldn't be in. And I'm asking you Harry. Stay out of this one. Avoid the solution at any cost. Let the order do the work in protecting what needs to be protecting, including you. Dumbledore disagrees with me, for the most part, he feels we need to tell most of it, and he will when the time comes. But don't do anything on your own, Harry. You have a knack of getting neck deep in dragon dung." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Hey, my brother works with dragons."
"I have a. point, I guess." Harry said. "Most of the times that I get knee deep, it's not my fault. And please don't mention last year." He added with a plead. He knew too well that that was his fault.
"But that's my point exactly." Bill countered. "And it's not just that. If Black had been guilty, as we thought he was on that night you met him." Harry's stomach dropped. "And you didn't have to go after the sorcerer's stone, or go into the chamber."
"I was saving your sister!" Harry said.
"Yeah, I guess that wasn't the best example."
"And I did have to get the stone. What would have happened if I didn't?"
"I know Harry, you did the right thing each time a bad situation presented itself but you never would have had to make that choice if you hadn't gather the facts. All I'm asking for you this time is to not gather facts." Bill pleaded. Then he rolled his eyes, "Which you will. And if you do you'll undoubtedly have that choice. So what I'm asking is to avoid doing the right think because confronting You-Know-Who would be walking into a perfect trap."
Harry really did not know what to say to all this. "Alright." He finally said. "I won't try to figure all of this out. And if I do. We'll see what happens." Harry said smiling. He was trying to lighten up the conversation. Bill wasn't buying it, so Harry stopped smiling.
"Get going to your dorm." Bill said, " See you in class tomorrow."
Harry said goodbye and walked out of the hall wondering what Voldemort could be after that Bill knew about, and then realizing this was exactly what he was told not to do.
When he climbed through the porthole, Hermione and Ron were waiting.
"What's going on?" Ron asked. "What did Bill say?"
"Nothing, really. He doesn't want me snooping, I guess." Harry replied. "I cannot find out what Voldemort is doing. Apparently, it's very important."
"So he didn't tell you anything?" Ron asked disappointedly.
"I knew he wouldn't," Hermione said. "He's keeping Harry safe."
A slight twinge of anger shot through Harry for a moment, but he controlled it.
"Did you see Snape?" Ron asked darkly.
"No." Harry replied.
"We passed him on our way out of the Great Hall." Hermione said. "He doesn't look good."
"Is he wounded?"
"No, but he's clearly angry about my brother taking his desired position." Ron replied. "But he also looks really tired. He has really big bags under his eyes. He almost looks ill."
"We think he's been working around the clock for the order." Hermione said in a whisper.
"That's what she says." Ron said. "I think he's tired from being a spy for both sides."
"Ron, how can you still say this? We know Snape isn't trying to kill Harry."
"How?" Ron asked. "I still say there's something funny about that man."
"I'm not going to say anything. You have a pointless argument going, Ron Weasley." Hermione said sternly.
"Sorry, mum." Ron whispered so only Harry could hear.
Jeffrey Greene walked up to them.
"How goes it, group?" He asked.
"Alright, Jeff, and you?" Ron replied.
"Fine. I just wanted to tell you all Dumbledore has a prefect's meeting tomorrow at eight in his office."
"His office?" Hermione asked. Hermione had only been into his office once or twice, but Harry thought of it as a second home.
"Yeah, that means its very important and very secret." Jeffrey said in a mischievous, excited way. "Big day tomorrow, get some sleep." He added and walked off.
"Now that he mentions it," Ron said, pausing to yawn, "I'm ruddy tired out."
"Yeah, I'm going to bed. See you guys tomorrow." Hermione said. She turned and walked to the stairway that led to her dormitory. Harry and Ron both watched her walk away. Harry noticed this before Ron did and averted his attention quickly. In Harry's quick movement, Ron stopped gazing too. Blushing in worriment that Harry had noticed, he said, "Well I guess we should go to bed."
As they walked up the stairs, Harry was racking his brain in confusion. He thought of Hermione, and then of Cho. He didn't think he liked Hermione like that, although there had been instances, and he didn't like Cho either. 'At least I think I don't.' He thought. He really didn't know what to think any more. Girls for Harry had gotten too confusing.
In his train of thought he almost missed his dorm room. Turning sharply, he followed Ron inside. The four-poster beds surrounding the room already held their occupants. Dean Thomas was already hanging up the posters of his favorite Soccer team, which Ron grimaced at briefly. Seamus Finnigan was getting his area organized.
"Hey Harry, Ron." He said. Harry remembered too well last year when Seamus had called Harry a liar.
"Hey Seamus." Ron replied.
"Hey guys." Neville said. He was pruning his mimblus mimbletonia, which sat on his bed.
"How's your summer been?" Seamus asked.
"Pretty good." Ron said. "Hectic."
"Mine too." Seamus said.
"How've you been Harry?" Dean asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "I read that Death Eaters showed up at your house."
"Yeah, but I'm all right." Harry said. "Like I said, it's been hectic."
"I'm going to bed." Ron said. "See you in the morning."
"Yeah, me too." Harry said. They walked to their bed and Harry looked in his trunk that had been brought up earlier. He looked into his own reflection as he gazed at Sirius's mirror. For a moment he considered it. He looked around at his classmates.
'Not tonight,' he thought and shut his trunk.
He crawled into bed. Dean said goodnight and the light went out. As the moonlight shined through the window, Harry felt the way he usually did on this first night. Smiling, he drifted into a better sleep then he had had in the entire two months of summer.
The carriage that Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were in thumped on towards the entrance to the school. Harry could see dozens of boats on the lake carrying the first years to an entrance under the castle. He remembered his first boat ride there. Things were simpler then.
Their carriage came to a sudden halt, sending Ron flying out of his seat. They piled out and entered through the large oak doors with the rest of the school. They turned into the great hall, which was decorated magnificently for the feast. The Hogwart's crest hung above the faculty table and above the four house tables were banners bearing the house's color and animal; silver and green with a snake for Slytherin, yellow and black with a badger for Hufflepuff, red and gold with a lion over Gryffindor's, and Ravenclaw's was blue and bronze with a large raven. Hundreds of candles burned above them, and even higher was the bewitched ceiling, which tonight showed a clear, starry sky. The tables were covered in golden platters and goblets that would soon be covered with food and drink. Harry walked to the Gryffindor table with Ron, Hermione and Ginny and sat down.
"We're here," Ron said, smiling.
"Ron-." Hermione said, shocked. She was looking at the head table, where all the teachers were sitting. Harry and Ron, who were sitting across from Hermione, had somebody blocking their view of whatever she was so excited about. Ginny, too, had a dropped jaw. She was sitting next to Hermione, and they started speaking in fast whispers.
"What's going on?" Ron asked.
"Ron, look at the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Hermione said.
"I can't see him." He said, stretching his neck to see if he could see around the girl blocking their view.
"Just tell me Hermione." He pleaded.
The crowd suddenly fell silent. Harry looked over to the door where all the first years were entering, nervous looks clouding their faces. The girl in front of Harry sat down, but a second too late. The first years stepped in front of the high table, blocking most of the teachers from view. All he could see of the teacher Hermione kept gawking at was the top of his red hair. Professor McGonagall carried out a stool with an old hat sitting on top. Harry waited with the rest of the crowd for the hat to start its song. After a moment, the brim split open, revealing a mouth, and the hat began:
"Welcome, pupils, new and old
Don't worry, soon you'll eat
But first let's let these younger ones
Get a table seat
Four tables lie in front of you,
And it would be my pleasure
To pick which one you should belong
Based on certain measures
Over one thousand years ago
After the wars were finished
And evil forces, for the time
Were conquered and diminished
Four leaders that once were in battle
Founded Hogwarts School
They made me for this job and more
And placed me on this stool
Each had a house that followed them
Those fantastic founding four
Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff too
And no one forgets Gryffindor
And so it's passed for many years
The students were divided
Into these houses that exist today
Finding friends in which they confided
Although I still think it wrong
And sometimes even harming
I'll find you all a suiting house
I'm sure you'll find each charming
You could belong in Gryffindor
Brave and true to their word
These Gryffindors will always stand by their friends
With a brave and ready sword
Or if you have a wiser mind
Ravenclaw's for you
As sharp and strait as an arrow they are
Believe what I say for it's true
Or perhaps you're a Slytherin
If you're determined and never yield
You're cunning and striving for power and fame
Sticking close to your friends as your shield
And if you are a Hufflepuff
You're more loyal and that's your desire
You'd guide your friends through the darkness of night
Guiding them with the light of your fire
So now I ask you to put me on
And see where you should be
I'll see inside your very thoughts
And choose from what I see
Fear not, you're secrets are safe with me
I'll tell no one what I tell you
So don't worry, just come and put me on
After this song, it's the least you can do
And one last thing I give to you
The others I've hidden so sly
Know that with me and with many things else
There's more then what first meets the eye
So back to the sorting, don't be afraid
In here you have been escorted
For one purpose only, to put me on your head
And then you all will be sorted"
The hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall pulled out a large scroll.
"Addison, Laura." She called out. A timid looking first year with long blonde hair approached the stool. McGonagall placed the hat on her head. After a few seconds the hat shouted out, "RAVENCLAW!" Loud applause arose from the Ravenclaw table as she sat down blushing.
"Anthony, James." Professor McGonagall called out. A tall boy with narrow eyes and a big brow approached the stool. It didn't take long for the hat to call, "SLYTHERIN!"
"Balden, George." A yellow haired boy walked to the stool confidently and put the hat on. "RAVENCLAW!" The hat shouted quickly.
"Connors, Nathaniel," became the first Hufflepuff. Harry was waiting for the tall boy to move out of the way so Harry could see the teacher that sat behind him. "Daniels, Harte," Became a Gryffindor, and Harry applauded with the rest of the table but continued to careen his neck to see the teacher.
"Davis, Benjamin," was called, and a small boy approached the stool. He climbed on top and had the hat placed on his head. The hat took its time and yelled, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
'Almost there,' Harry thought as he looked at the boy.
"Flannery, Jane," became a Gryffindor, "Gringles, Teresa," Became a Slytherine, and "Howard, Andrew," Became a Ravenclaw. Finally the girl next to the tall boy blocking the red haired teacher was called up. She became a Hufflepuff and returned to her place. Harry lifted his head so he could see better.
"Michaels, John," Professor McGonagall yelled. The tall boy approached the stool. When Harry saw the teacher, he gasped loudly and felt Ron jump suddenly in his spot. He didn't need Ron's shocked whisper to tell him who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was.
"Bill?!"
Harry dropped his fork. Hermione smiled.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat called out. As the tall boy returned to his spot in line, Bill glanced over at Harry and caught his eye. He smiled and gave a quick wink as their view was blocked again. He looked at Ron, whose jaw was still dropped.
For the first time since Harry had been to Hogwarts, he wanted to finish the feast quickly. All he wanted to do was walk to the head table and talk to Bill.
"Fred and Geor' knew," Ron said through a mouthful of meat. " 'member, 'Arry?"
"Yeah." Harry said quickly and continued to hurry through his meal.
"Slow down," said Hermione, "He's here all year, you don't have to hurry to talk to him."
"But why?" Ginny asked. "Bill has a job at Gringotts."
"Well, Jeffrey Copper was supposed to teach us." Hermione said. "And I'd bet there's another reason."
"Me." Harry said simply.
"Well, he's in the order, and he's your brother." She said to Ron and Ginny. "He's the perfect teacher to keep a close eye on you."
A feeling of foreboding overcame Harry. He had a sudden flashback to Voldemort's threat to him. "You and those you love, Potter, are in grave danger." Harry knew he wasn't the only who needed to be watched, now.
Ron and Harry took Hermione's advice and didn't eat quite as quickly as they were. After Ron's second serving of pumpkin pie, they stood up and began walking to the high table. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle cut them off.
"I'd recognize him anywhere," Malfoy said. "The red hair, the constant stupid look on his face; they've hired a Weasley."
"Move, Malfoy." Hermione commanded.
"I bet you feel pretty special, don't you, Potter? Got yourself another lap dog to worship you." Crabbe and Goyle made a low snicker behind him.
"Let's hope he can protect you from what's to come." Malfoy said. His facial expression had changed to the one he wore whenever he knew something Harry didn't. It surprised Harry momentarily. Draco's father had worn that same face last June in the Department of Mysteries. Harry's assumption of what was to come was dead on.
"But I suppose you don't know anything about that." Malfoy said.
"I suppose you do," Ron retorted, "Having your father ranked so high in You-Know-Who's army."
"I don't need my father for this one." Malfoy shot back. "All I need is history. They practically told us what was going on tonight."
"Who?" Harry asked, almost ashamed of his desire to know what Malfoy was talking about.
"You must have not caught the clues. You never were smart, were you Potter? I'm surprised Granger didn't get them, though. You'd think she'd have read about them somewhere or another. Or maybe her nose was too deep into the book to actually turn the page." He smirked.
"Please, everybody, sit down." A powerful voice called through out the great hall. Harry looked past Malfoy. Dumbldedore had stood up and was asking for attention.
"I know some of you have desperate matters to attend to," he continued, smiling and looking right at Harry. "But I assure you, it can wait."
Harry and everybody else who was standing returned to their seats. Dumbledore started his speech.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts! I'm sorry that I must hold you after the feast, but this year I decided I'd make sure you weren't hungry when you heard this. Those of you who have been here before and know this speech by heart should forget that you know it and listen, because there are some changes. The dark forest is out of bounds, as usual, to everybody. And I would like to warn everybody that most of what you buy at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is forbidden in the corridors. Quidditch try-outs will be held in two weeks time for those who desire to play.
I believe those are all the usual topics. I'm sorry to have made them brief, but this is the most important speech I've given in sixteen years." Everybody stiffened up to listen, now. The topic was one that people knew immediately but wanted to hear what was going to be said about it.
"We are in the beginning of what I fear will be very dark times. Lord Voldemort, as all of you know, has returned. His wrath has already begun. I will not spare you with child's talk, he has killed. Some of you have already been affected by these killings. You know I hold the deepest sorrow for you. And if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to search me out." His blue eyes were warm and fatherly as he said this. It was a look that always took Harry by surprise.
"Voldemort is on the search for ancient weapons. Alas, he has part of what he needs. If these weapons are united, he will have a force so powerful I fear no one will be able to stop him. You may not know how this affects you, and so I will explain the best I can without giving you more information then you need. These weapons are not just the weapons you think of. Everybody here is in danger. Voldemort will stop at nothing to achieve what he wants." Harry felt many eyes turn to him as Dumbledore spoke. He crouched in his seat.
"I must warn you. This school is one of the safest places you could possibly imagine. But when the time comes, these walls alone are not strong enough to keep him out. And that is why I'm telling you all, warning you all, about this. Night prowling has been against the rules since I went to this school, but at this time especially, obey this rule." His eyes filled with concern and sorrow. After a pause he finished. "Shadows hold many secrets." He sat back down. Everybody sat tense and silent. Eyes were still gazing at Harry. Finally a few seventh years stood up from the Ravenclaw table. A low thunder of chatting began and grew eventually to normal. The school departed as if nothing had just happened.
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione hurried excitedly to the head table, where Bill was grinning a welcome. His silver fang earring dangled from his ear.
"Well, hello students, how may I help you?" He asked, smiling.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ron asked.
"Well, Dumbledore needed a new teacher and a few months ago."
"We know about Copper." Hermione interrupted. Bill's eyes widened momentarily.
"Oh." He said. "Ok, so I was lying before. Dumbledore asked me a few days after he died." His eyes drooped as he said this. "How did you. Fred and George?"
"Yeah," Ginny replied, "They set it all up."
"Their snooping will get them into trouble some day," Bill sighed.
"So what are you going to teach us?" Ron asked.
"No bloody idea." Bill replied.
"So being your brother, can I get extra."
"Nope."
"Rats. It was worth a shot." He shrugged.
"Aren't you four prefects?" Bill asked.
"Yeah, so." Harry replied.
"You're supposed to be leading the students to the dorm right now."
"Oops." Ginny said.
"Greene's probably got it." Ron said.
"I think you should go." Bill said. The four nodded and started away. "Except for you Harry."
Harry sighed. This seemed to happen a lot lately.
"Harry, is there anything you need to talk to about?" Bill asked. "Anything at all."
"No. Nothing." Harry replied.
"Ok, then I'll talk." Bill said. "I know that you know more then most people at this school. I know you have more responsibility, and many more problems. I'm here if you ever need me, but for now that isn't the point.
You-Know-Who is stronger, Harry. Stronger then you've ever seen him. And in the past you've often gotten into messes that you shouldn't be in. And I'm asking you Harry. Stay out of this one. Avoid the solution at any cost. Let the order do the work in protecting what needs to be protecting, including you. Dumbledore disagrees with me, for the most part, he feels we need to tell most of it, and he will when the time comes. But don't do anything on your own, Harry. You have a knack of getting neck deep in dragon dung." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Hey, my brother works with dragons."
"I have a. point, I guess." Harry said. "Most of the times that I get knee deep, it's not my fault. And please don't mention last year." He added with a plead. He knew too well that that was his fault.
"But that's my point exactly." Bill countered. "And it's not just that. If Black had been guilty, as we thought he was on that night you met him." Harry's stomach dropped. "And you didn't have to go after the sorcerer's stone, or go into the chamber."
"I was saving your sister!" Harry said.
"Yeah, I guess that wasn't the best example."
"And I did have to get the stone. What would have happened if I didn't?"
"I know Harry, you did the right thing each time a bad situation presented itself but you never would have had to make that choice if you hadn't gather the facts. All I'm asking for you this time is to not gather facts." Bill pleaded. Then he rolled his eyes, "Which you will. And if you do you'll undoubtedly have that choice. So what I'm asking is to avoid doing the right think because confronting You-Know-Who would be walking into a perfect trap."
Harry really did not know what to say to all this. "Alright." He finally said. "I won't try to figure all of this out. And if I do. We'll see what happens." Harry said smiling. He was trying to lighten up the conversation. Bill wasn't buying it, so Harry stopped smiling.
"Get going to your dorm." Bill said, " See you in class tomorrow."
Harry said goodbye and walked out of the hall wondering what Voldemort could be after that Bill knew about, and then realizing this was exactly what he was told not to do.
When he climbed through the porthole, Hermione and Ron were waiting.
"What's going on?" Ron asked. "What did Bill say?"
"Nothing, really. He doesn't want me snooping, I guess." Harry replied. "I cannot find out what Voldemort is doing. Apparently, it's very important."
"So he didn't tell you anything?" Ron asked disappointedly.
"I knew he wouldn't," Hermione said. "He's keeping Harry safe."
A slight twinge of anger shot through Harry for a moment, but he controlled it.
"Did you see Snape?" Ron asked darkly.
"No." Harry replied.
"We passed him on our way out of the Great Hall." Hermione said. "He doesn't look good."
"Is he wounded?"
"No, but he's clearly angry about my brother taking his desired position." Ron replied. "But he also looks really tired. He has really big bags under his eyes. He almost looks ill."
"We think he's been working around the clock for the order." Hermione said in a whisper.
"That's what she says." Ron said. "I think he's tired from being a spy for both sides."
"Ron, how can you still say this? We know Snape isn't trying to kill Harry."
"How?" Ron asked. "I still say there's something funny about that man."
"I'm not going to say anything. You have a pointless argument going, Ron Weasley." Hermione said sternly.
"Sorry, mum." Ron whispered so only Harry could hear.
Jeffrey Greene walked up to them.
"How goes it, group?" He asked.
"Alright, Jeff, and you?" Ron replied.
"Fine. I just wanted to tell you all Dumbledore has a prefect's meeting tomorrow at eight in his office."
"His office?" Hermione asked. Hermione had only been into his office once or twice, but Harry thought of it as a second home.
"Yeah, that means its very important and very secret." Jeffrey said in a mischievous, excited way. "Big day tomorrow, get some sleep." He added and walked off.
"Now that he mentions it," Ron said, pausing to yawn, "I'm ruddy tired out."
"Yeah, I'm going to bed. See you guys tomorrow." Hermione said. She turned and walked to the stairway that led to her dormitory. Harry and Ron both watched her walk away. Harry noticed this before Ron did and averted his attention quickly. In Harry's quick movement, Ron stopped gazing too. Blushing in worriment that Harry had noticed, he said, "Well I guess we should go to bed."
As they walked up the stairs, Harry was racking his brain in confusion. He thought of Hermione, and then of Cho. He didn't think he liked Hermione like that, although there had been instances, and he didn't like Cho either. 'At least I think I don't.' He thought. He really didn't know what to think any more. Girls for Harry had gotten too confusing.
In his train of thought he almost missed his dorm room. Turning sharply, he followed Ron inside. The four-poster beds surrounding the room already held their occupants. Dean Thomas was already hanging up the posters of his favorite Soccer team, which Ron grimaced at briefly. Seamus Finnigan was getting his area organized.
"Hey Harry, Ron." He said. Harry remembered too well last year when Seamus had called Harry a liar.
"Hey Seamus." Ron replied.
"Hey guys." Neville said. He was pruning his mimblus mimbletonia, which sat on his bed.
"How's your summer been?" Seamus asked.
"Pretty good." Ron said. "Hectic."
"Mine too." Seamus said.
"How've you been Harry?" Dean asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "I read that Death Eaters showed up at your house."
"Yeah, but I'm all right." Harry said. "Like I said, it's been hectic."
"I'm going to bed." Ron said. "See you in the morning."
"Yeah, me too." Harry said. They walked to their bed and Harry looked in his trunk that had been brought up earlier. He looked into his own reflection as he gazed at Sirius's mirror. For a moment he considered it. He looked around at his classmates.
'Not tonight,' he thought and shut his trunk.
He crawled into bed. Dean said goodnight and the light went out. As the moonlight shined through the window, Harry felt the way he usually did on this first night. Smiling, he drifted into a better sleep then he had had in the entire two months of summer.