CHAPTER FOUR: Hogwarts
When Harry got out of the carriage at the entrance of Hogwarts Castle, he looked up at the luggage rack to see his trunk and Hedwig's cage were gone. No doubt already magically transported to his dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. He held fast to his Firebolt as Moody awkwardly climbed out behind him with a sigh. Harry looked at Moody who was rubbing his lower back irritably and looking darkly up at the castle. Moody was definitely NOT a morning person.
Harry began to climb the stone steps, noting how loud each of his and Moody's footfalls sounded in the abnormally quiet campus. Harry was used to being at Hogwarts with most of the students gone over the Christmas and Easter holidays. But the School seemed even more quiet now that it was then. It's probably just because there aren't any other students here, Harry thought.
They were met in the entrance hall by Minerva McGonagall .
"Potter. I see ye made it safe and sound. Although," she said looking at Moody, "I hardly expected anything else with Alastor sent to fetch you." Moody grunted an acknowledgment and clumped off toward the Great Hall. No doubt in search of coffee, Harry thought.
"Mister Potter," McGonagall continued, "You will be staying in your dormitory in Gryffindor Tower. The password is," McGonagall paused and shook her head ever so slightly, "Figi Islands. You have the run of the grounds, Potter. However, you are not to leave the grounds without explicit permission. This rule is to be strictly observed, Potter, with no exceptions. Do you understand?"
Harry nodded, glumly, he had hoped to have the run of Hogsmeade as well, but he wasn't surprised they wanted to keep him within the safe confines of Hogwarts.
"Very, good, then Potter. I expect you can use the opportunity to catch up on your studies in the library. Welcome Back." With that she picked up a small case on the bottom stair and headed for the front doors.
"Professor?" Harry asked, looking after her in confusion.
"Yes Potter?"
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes Potter, you don't expect the teachers to stay here all summer do you?"
"I, er, well I hadn't really thought about it," Harry admitted.
"Well, Potter, I shall be gone for a fortnight or more, but in my absence you may call upon Moody, or the Headmaster with any serious concerns. Fortunately, for you Potter, Madam Pomfrey is also still here. I'm sure she can also help you. Oh, and Madam Pince is always here. Alright, Potter?"
"Well, yes, Thank you. Oh, and enjoy your, er, vacation?"
"Thank you, Potter," McGonagall said and she was gone.
All in all, Harry had to admit that spending the summer at a deserted Hogwarts was still much better than spending it with the Dursleys, even if the only things to do were to study and practice Quidditch on his Firebolt.
There were compensations, after all. For one thing Snape was gone off to wherever he went during the holidays. Harry had never been at Hogwarts without his least favorite professor lurking about. Unfortunately, Hagrid was gone, too... off on whatever mission it was the Dumbledore had sent him. Dumbledore was about, but was clearly very busy.
On the plus side, Harry could sleep as late as he wanted. When he finally rose each day he would wander down to the deserted common room and breakfast would magically appear only moments later. This certainly something Harry though he could get used to. The mid-day meal also appeared in the common room, but the evening meal was served in the Great Hall.
All the tables, save one, had been pushed back against the walls and Harry would join whichever staff persons appeared. Madam Pomfrey made a point of being at Supper most nights, and Harry appreciated this. Otherwise some evenings it might be only Argus Filtch, the caretaker, Madam Pince, the librarian, and himself. Dumbledore joined them on occasion as did the rest of the faculty at they trickled in toward the end of the holidays.
All in all, it was an extremely dull summer. In fact, it was a holiday only Hermione could love. For her part she had sent Harry an owl back congratulating him on the opportunity to use the library every day. Indeed, Harry had finished all his homework and even found a few interesting books to occupy his attention. For his part, however, Harry did not regard the Library with the same enthusiasm and affection Hermione did.
Ron tried to cheer him up in his return owl by pointing out that, on the Hogwarts grounds, Harry could fly his Firebolt all he wanted and so was sure to be in excellent form for the Quidditch season. Ron was right about this, although even Quidditch training began to lose it's charm without other teammates around. Fortunately, Madam Hooch returned a fortnight before the end of term and saved Harry from terminal boredom by allowing him to use the Quidditch game balls. Dodging bludgers without beaters to bat them away while looking for the elusive tiny Golden Snitch really put Harry through his paces.
Still, Harry looked forward to the return of his schoolmates with unequaled anticipation. By the time September first finally rolled around he was even eager to see his arch-nemesis Draco Malfoy ... and THAT was a bad sign.
