Harry Potter and the Shadow of the Past: Part II
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, never will.
Author's Note: Ok, now you most likely won't understand this unless you've read part one. For those of you that have, sorry that it's so short, but I'm putting them up one chapter at a time from now on. Don't mind me, but I couldn't think of a poem for the sorting hat, so I sort of skipped that part. As always, read and review!
*
In the following weeks Harry spent a lot of time practicing Quidditch in the woods surrounding the Granger's house. They talked about the coming year and the years past. About all there friends, and about what Ron might be doing at that moment.
During the evenings they spent time playing cards or board games with the rest of the family. It gave Harry a great chance to get to know them better.
Mrs. Granger looked a lot like Hermione; lots of bushy hair. She was short, but skinny, with a beautiful smile. Mr. Granger was a tall man with blonde hair and beard. They both had perfect teeth.
One day, Mr. Granger took Harry and Hermione to Diagon Ally to buy their school supplies. Harry got more money from Gringott's bank, and restocked on his potion ingredients. What he noticed however, was that his robes (every single one) were about six inches to short. Mrs. Figg was right, he was growing; and fast.
The days went by quickly, and soon enough September the first was upon them. Harry was awoken at dawn by Mrs. Granger. The two friends had a big meal of sausages, then made sure everything was in their trunks, their robes were ironed and the animals were happy in their carrying cases.
Hermione stuffed her head under Harry's bed, for one final check, and chucked him out a pair of mismatched socks (the ones Dobby the elf had knitted him). "There I think that's it. Let's get everything downstairs so we can get out of here."
They got into the convertible car and started the long drive to London and King's Cross Station. They arrived at quarter after ten. Hermione kissed her parents good-bye.
"Bye sweetie, good luck this year," said Mrs. Granger. "Harry, make the most of your life this year, and take care of my daughter."
Harry laughed. "Don't worry, I think Hermione may have to make sure I'm the one who stays out of trouble."
Hermione and Harry put their trunks on trollies and took position between platforms 9 and 10. They leant casually against the barrier and sure enough they found themselves at platform 9 and 3/4.
The Hogwarts Express came into view, the scarlet paint gleaming in the sun. Owls were hooting madly from all directions and students everywhere were hugging their parents good-bye.
Suddenly, someone poked Harry and Hermione in the back. They both jumped and turned around to see the freckled face of Ron glaring at them.
"Well, long time no see Harry. Did Hermione behave for you?"
Hermione glared back. "Ron, that's not funny. Lets' go find a place to sit. Remember third year, when we couldn't get a compartment to ourselves?"
Ron answered. "Hermione, I for one was glad to have Professor Lupin there with us that particular train ride. Another thing, me and Harry are the only ones who have to find a seat; Prefects get compartments to themselves."
"Ron, like I would desert you guys. And believe me, just because I am a prefect doesn't mean I'm going to stop you two from doing your, shall we say, research..."
Harry laughed. "Us two? I think you took part just as much we did. But let's get this year off to a good start and just find a compartment."
Later, as the train left the station and made its way through the English countryside, Harry told Ron about the note he had received from Voldemort earlier in the summer.
"He sent you what?" screamed Ron. "What is he trying to do, threaten you?"
"Well of course he is trying to threaten me Ron, but I don't know why he is taking the effort."
Just then, the lunch lady came by with her trays of candy. "Hey, Harry buy me some Chocolate Frogs, they came out with the new edition cards last month..."
So they ate and shared candy, and enjoying the train ride (particularly because Malfoy hadn't bothered them yet).
They changed into their school robes, and had a good laugh when Hermione polished her Prefect Pin.
"Hermione, you are starting remind me of Percy," said Ron wiping tears from his eyes.
The rest of the trip to Hogwarts was very enjoyable. Dean, Seamus and Neville came to visit them, as did Fred and George Weasley (who privately informed Harry that Ron really appreciated the new dress robes).
After a few hours they arrived at Hogsmeade Station, where everyone unloaded.
"Firs' years, over here!" They heard above the ruckus. It was the booming voice of Hagrid, the gamekeeper. "How was your summer you three? Any problems Harry?"
"A couple, but I'm not complaining. I'll talk to you later," he called as the crowd pushed him, Ron and Hermione towards the hundreds of horseless carriages that would take them to Hogwarts.
Harry peered out the window of his carriage a few minutes later. The winged boars of the Hogwarts gates loomed in front of them. Oh how nice it was to be finally going back.
*
The crowd silently pushed their way past the great Entrance Hall with the marvelous marble staircase leading up to the upper floor, and into the Great Hall for the Welcome Back Feast.
The enchanted ceiling was like looking into a diamond, for all the stars.
Harry walked over to Gryffindor table with Ron, while Hermione went to talk with Professor McGonagall about the current password to Gryffindor Tower. She returned in a few minutes.
"It is Candle Wick this term," she told Harry.
But Harry was elsewhere. He was staring at the Ravenclaw table trying to get a glimpse of Cho Chang. But she wasn't there.
"Where is she?" he asked out loud.
"Where's who, Harry?" questioned Ginny, Ron's younger sister from across the table.
"Never mind." He glanced up at Ginny. It appeared she had grown over the summer too. She had cut her flaming red hair to chin length, and she had 'filled out' so to speak. After all she was fourteen now.
Harry's revere was broken suddenly by the long line of first years that had just entered. The Sorting was about to begin.
The students in first year were sorted into every year by an old hat. It was unusual, but fun to watch.
Harry, who couldn't believe how nervous he was when he was sorted, watched almost humourously as people were sorted past the L's and beyond.
After about half and hour, everyone was seated. Then Dumbledore stood up.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts everyone! I know you are all devilishly hungry, so I won't delay any longer. Enjoy!"
And food magically appeared on the golden plates in front of them.
Harry filled up on as much lamb and mint sauce as possible.
"Hiya Harry! How was your summer?" Said an utterly high and annoying voice, that came from Colin Creevy.
Harry said hi, then watched Hermione talking pleasantly to some of the first years about the castle, and about lessons.
Very soon, all the courses were finished, and Harry started to feel sleepy, but he still had a speech to endure, and sure enough, Dumbledore stood up again.
"Well, with that out of the way, I have a few very important announcements. Firstly, I know how you all missed out on Quidditch last year, well there are new captains in every house, and there are positions open to anyone above first year. For more information, contact your head of house.'
'Secondly, I am pleased to announce that we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher! Please welcome Professor Timble!"
A young lady stood up when her name was called. She was very pretty. She had blonde hair that was braided behind her back and the most shocking blue eyes Harry had ever seen. She was thin, and wore robes of midnight.
Nearly everyone in the hall clapped (except of course, Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins. Harry had a feeling Malfoy was never taught how to clap).
Dumbledore spoke again when the applause died down. "I have only one more announcement to make. Hogwarts is pleased to be part of the International Wizard Board of Education, and sometimes takes part in an exchange program. Ms. Cho Chang of Ravenclaw has agreed to trade places with a student from Beavertail Academy, the largest Wizarding school in Canada. She will attend there until the end of this year. In her place, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Amy Henning!"
A door opened behind the teacher's table and a girl emerged. She was tall with porcelain skin. What was surprising about her, was her hair. It was two different colours; her bangs were white and the rest of the crown was dirty brown. Her flowing purple robes fitted her blooming figure. She was beautiful, Harry thought; a great replacement for Cho.
Dumbledore placed his hands on Amy's shoulder's. "Amy arrived here yesterday, and she has already been placed into Gryffindor. I hope you all make her feel welcome. Well, that's about all I have to say, all of you, bed! Chop Chop!"