Harry looked at the wall that separated him from Platform 9 and 3/4 and
sighed. Ron, Ginny, and the twins had yet to arrive, and there were only
fifteen minutes before the train departed King's Cross Station for
Hogwarts. They had never been this late before. Harry leaned against the
cold brick wall behind him and waited silently, trying not to draw any
attention to himself, and decided to stay there for five more minutes
before boarding the train. As he waited, he noticed a familiar platinum
blonde wizard storming across the station with his father and mother in
close pursuit.
"Get back here right now or you will be sorry young man! I will not have you going back to that school! You are going home with us!" Lucius Malfoy snarled, grabbing his son by the back of the shirt.
"Let go of me! I'll do as I damn well please!"
Draco Malfoy pulled out of his father's grip and glared at him before turning around and resuming his walk to the hidden platform. Lucius's normally pale face went red in anger, and he followed his son over to the wall where he stood in the fifteen year old boy's way.
"I told you this summer that you would not be going back to Hogwarts, yet you insist upon leaving. I've had it up to here with you boy. You will not disobey my orders."
Draco looked away and smirked. It was the same look that he had seen the boy don many times, usually when he was making fun of people.
"I told you I was going, and you won't stop me. I want to go back. I don't want to join you and the rest of those nitwit Death-Eaters. You're all going to get caught, and you're going to fake being under some sort of spell again, just so you don't end up in Azkaban with a bunch of Dementors sucking the life out of you!"
Before Draco could move away, his father slapped him as hard as he could. The young wizard stumbled backwards and put a hand to his now bright red cheek before snickering.
"You're a wizard, and you slap me? I don't believe it." Harry was thankful that he was the only one in the immediate area. If Muggles had been around, it would have been quite the scene to behold.
Draco seemed to be daring his father to do more, but Lucius sighed and began to walk away. The pale boy stayed where he was, folding his arms indignantly, but keeping his head lowered.
"Just remember that when Christmas comes around you'll be coming home, and you'll be initiated as a Death-Eater Draco." His father hissed the words, and Harry almost missed them.
With that, Lucius walked away and rejoined his wife Narcissa who had stared on indifferently through misty grey eyes. Harry watched Draco touch his hand to his cheek before brushing away a few tears. Tears? Draco Malfoy was crying? It couldn't be. Harry watched for a few more seconds, and then Malfoy disappeared through the wall.
"Harry?! Harry! Sorry we're late. Fred and George were causing trouble, and it set us back a bit," yelled Ron running up to his best friend and smiling.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming. What did they do this time?"
"I don't know exactly. All I know is that Mother was yelling at them for an awfully long time. Did Hermione tell you that she's been made a Prefect? She sent me an owl about it last night."
"No. She didn't tell me. That means she won't be sitting with us on the train though. She'll be sitting with the other Prefects up front, well if she wants to. I wonder who else was made a Prefect . . ."
"Well it wasn't me that's for sure. Mother still would have been fussing over me if it had been."
"Well, there's always next year . . ."
Harry went through the platform wall, and stopped on the other side to wait for Ron who came through a second later. Both boys brought their things to the baggage car and then boarded the train. They immediately headed to the back, and when they reached the last car they were greeted by a familiar Professor who was no longer dressed in shabby patched robes as he had been once before. He was sitting back and holding a large manila envelope that bored the unmistakable Howart's seal in his hand.
"I was waiting for you. I have a letter for you Harry. Dumbledore told me to give it to you personally."
"What are you doing here Professor Lupin," asked Ron who was wearing a true Weasley smile.
"I was asked to come back and teach at Hogwarts this year. I would have said no because of the werewolf thing, but I couldn't with all that's going on." "This is great! You're teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again right?"
"Yes."
Harry sat down with Ron across from Lupin and opened the letter that had been given to him. He read over it and smiled.
Mr. Potter, You have been chosen to be a Prefect for Gryffindor house along with Miss Granger. I would like to speak with you before the Sorting Feast because I have some very important news for you. This letter would have been sent sooner, but we've had a lot to do over the summer holiday, and Prefects were just informed of their positions a few days ago. I also wanted to make sure that it was you who received this notification and not the Dursleys. Albus Dumbledore Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The shiny prefect badge dropped onto Harry's lap and he held it up to examine.
"Ron look! I'm a Prefect too!"
Ron read the letter and smiled weakly. He was happy for his friend, but he felt left out at the same time. Harry and Hermione were both Prefects, and he wasn't, though he knew that he shouldn't have expected anything different.
"What do you think Dumbledore wants to see you about Harry?"
Ron's question was answered by Lupin who was smiling.
"I believe he has some news about Sirius for Harry, some very good news," replied Lupin with a wink.
"I'm going to go find Hermione and tell her the news. I'll see you at the feast Ron. Bye Professor."
Harry ran out of the car and headed for the front of the train, not even stopping to think about how hurt Ron might be if he and Hermione weren't sitting with him. Upon reaching the Prefect's car, Harry quickly found Hermione and sat down next to the intelligent young lady who was glancing through one of this year's textbooks.
"Have you been made a Prefect too Harry?"
"Yes. Professor Lupin just gave me my letter," replied Harry handing it to her.
"Lupin's back? Is he teaching?"
"Yes. He's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again."
"The werewolf is our teacher again? How disappointing. I thought we might have a good teacher this year, one with half a brain, and one that didn't look like he was dirt poor," drawled a cold voice from outside the compartment.
"Go away Malfoy. I wasn't talking to you," growled Harry.
"I know you weren't. Do you think I care? How did you get to be a Prefect anyway? Probably just because you're you right? The wonder boy has to be a Prefect. No one would expect any less of Harry Potter. If you were like your friend Weasel, there wouldn't have been a chance in hell for you to be made a Prefect." His tone of voice had turned rather sarcastic and almost mocking.
Harry kept cool and looked up at Draco who was smirking like an idiot. "How'd you're cheek get so red Malfoy? Get in a fight with someone outside the platform?"
Malfoy stepped back and looked at Harry in shock. He turned and started to walk away but stopped to make one last snide remark.
"Well at least I earned the right to be a Prefect, and it isn't just because I'm famous."
Draco walked away, and Harry rolled is eyes. Hermione watched the door for a minute and then shut it and directed her attention back to Harry.
"What bothered him so much about you asking if he got into a fight? He seemed a little stunned, and that's rather odd for Malfoy."
"I saw him outside the station. His father hit him, and he was crying about it from what I could see. His father wants him to be a Death-Eater, and I guess he doesn't want to be one."
"Malfoy doesn't want to be one? Why wouldn't he? Or does he perhaps have a side that we've never seen before? And why was his father talking about something like that out in the open?"
"He said that his father was just going to get caught like last time. He doesn't seem to approve of it much, and I don't know why you would speak about being a Death-Eater in a public place. It seems rather dangerous to me."
"Maybe Malfoy does have a heart after all, or maybe it's just because he can't stand authority figures, and he doesn't want to have to listen to You- Know-Who."
"I'd guess it's the second one."
Harry and Hermione laughed and then began to chat happily as the trained headed for the hidden castle. Malfoy, who had heard their whole conversation, wandered off to sit by himself. They didn't understand and they never would. They didn't live in his world.
Harry stepped slowly into the Headmaster's office and glanced around the room to see if Dumbledore was there. The only thing he saw was Fawkes watching him from his perch. The fiery red phoenix fluttered it's wings as Harry approached him.
"Hello Harry."
Harry jumped and whirled around to face Dumbledore who smiled at him kindly. He motioned for Harry to follow him into a small room connected to his office and Harry complied. When they stepped inside, Harry gasped.
"Sirius! What are you doing here?!"
"Dumbledore got my name cleared. I'm a free man now. I don't have to hide from the Dementors or the Ministry any longer. I'm going to be here quite often to help with the school's safety. I thought you might like to know that I was all safe, and free for that matter. You don't have to live with those Muggles anymore either."
"I was beginning to think you were dead since I hadn't gotten any owls in the longest time. This is wonderful! Where's Buckbeak?"
"I'm having Hagrid watch him. We got him cleared too. Why don't you run off to the feast now. I'll see you later."
"All right . . ."
Harry ran out of the room as fast as he could and headed for the Great Hall. Once there he joined his friends at the Gryffindor house table.
"What happened Harry? What did Dumbledore want," asked Ron excitedly. Hermione regarded him with the same curious expression.
"He got Sirius's name cleared. I just talked to them. Sirius is working for the school now."
"That's wonderful! You won't have to live with that uncle, aunt, and wretched cousin of yours any longer! You'll get to live where you belong," voiced Ron loudly from across the table.
Hermione nodded and then directed her attention to the front of the hall where Professor McGonagall had placed a stool and was holding up the sorting hat. This would be the third time that Harry had seen the sorting ceremony. "I will call each of you first years up one at a time and you will put on the sorting hat. The hat will determine which house you will be in. When it has decided, you will go sit with your house. The four houses are Gryffindor . . ."
A cheer rose open from the courageous Gryffindor's and the Weasley twins whistled as loud as they could and clapped wildly.
"Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin."
The Slytherins egged on by Draco Malfoy repeated the Gryffindor's performance just to outdo them, while the other two houses had cheered in a more subdued manner. Harry could already tell that it was going to be a difficult competition for the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup once again this year.
Professor McGonagall began the sorting and Harry noticed something. There were a lot more first years than there had been we he had come to Hogwarts. It must have been because Hogwarts was supposedly the safest wizarding school in the world. By the end of the sorting, thirteen new Gryffindors had joined their ranks.
"May I have your attention please? I want to make a few announcements before the term begins. The Forbidden Forest is still off limits to all students. The wizarding world is facing great troubles now that He-Who- Shall-Not-Be-Named has returned, and you should be aware that you are safe within the castle grounds. However, I do not want any students out after dark unless accompanied by a professor. Now, enjoy your first feast of the new school year!" Dumbledore shouted joyously and the food appeared on the tables.
Dean and Ron began an animated discussion about Quidditch and soon the twins joined in.
"I can't wait for the first game. We have to find out from McGonagall when it is."
"Oliver's gone. We need a new Keeper," stated Fred loudly. "Why don't you try out Ron?"
"Really? Do you think I could be on the team?"
"Sure. Hey, we never decided on who our new captain would be."
"Well I say it should be me. What do you think Fred?"
"I think it should be me George."
"Well I think Harry should be captain," suggested Katie Bell leaning over the table and looking at the twins.
"That's a good idea. Harry would make a great captain." Alicia agreed.
"He sure would," added Angelina.
"Well, I guess . . . We have to tell McGonagall and Madam Hooch," said Fred. "I'll go tell them. Come with me Harry."
Harry and Fred left their table and headed to the Head Table.
"We decided on our captain Professor. Harry's the lucky one."
"I'm amazed that you came to a decision so peacefully Mr. Weasley. I'll assume Miss Bell, Miss Johnson, and Miss Spinnet convinced you and prevented much arguing?" McGonagall looked at Fred over her spectacles and smiled a bit.
"Yeah, but they're right. Do you know when our first practice is? Or our first game?"
"Your first practice will be this coming Friday, and your first game will be on Halloween. Tryouts for your new Keeper will be Wednesday night. You're playing Ravenclaw in your first game. I'll get you the whole schedule tomorrow if you'd like. Now go enjoy the feast."
Fred and Harry headed back to the Gryffindor table and rejoined their friends.
"Our first practice is Friday, and our first game is on Halloween. We're playing Ravenclaw. We're really going to have to practice hard. They always have a tough team, and we're out of practice. I haven't played Quidditch since fifth year. Think you're up to beating Cho Chang, Harry?
"I guess so . . ." Harry's face colored slightly and the girls on the team giggled. "I have to get some practice in. I want to check out the Firebolt 3000 when we go to Hogsmeade too. It looked amazing when I saw it in Diagon Alley! I think I'd have to empty my whole Gringotts vault to get it though . . ."
"Could I have your old one Harry? The Firebolt, I mean, that is if I make the team and you got a new one?"
"Sure Ron, but I don't think I'll have a Firebolt 3000 anytime soon."
"Well I can always dream."
**********
Hermione looked at her schedule and sighed. Ron and Harry were pouting over their schedules as well.
"Why must we have potions with the Slytherins every year? Is it some sort of requirement to torture us?" Ron wailed with disgust.
"I'm beginning to think it is, and we don't just have potions with them either. We have Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Astronomy with them too. Quadruple torture," added Harry.
"Well at least you don't have Divination, Charms, History of Magic, Herbology or Transfiguration with them. Be happy. You could have had all of your classes with them."
"I would have rather had no classes with them," muttered Ron glaring at Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins across the tables.
"We have transfiguration today, and right after breakfast too. Then we have Potions, and then after lunch we have Defense Against the Dark Arts."
The group ate on in silence until Professor McGonagall headed over to the table with six copies of the Quidditch schedule in her hand. She handed one to each of the remaining Gryffindor players and then made an announcement to the rest of the table.
"Attention Gryffindor students. If any of you are interested in playing Quidditch we are in need of a Keeper. Tryouts will be held Wednesday evening. All interested should be on the Quidditch pitch at seven that night."
McGonagall returned to the teacher's table and Harry glanced up and noticed Snape wasn't there. He searched for the Potions Professor for a moment and then left the Great Hall. Hermione and Ron followed him up to the Gryffindor common room where a bunch of nervous first years were sitting together on the floor babbling excitedly. They all stopped talking when they saw Harry and stared in silent adoration. They already knew that they were in the same house as the famed Harry Potter because he and Hermione had led them up to the dorms the evening before. Harry continued up to his dorm with Ron and picked up his bag. On the way down they ran into Fred and George who were going to Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"See you guys later. Were off to have some fun in Lupin's class. I'm so glad he's back. He was the only sane teacher we ever had. Who cares if he's a werewolf!"
The twins took off down the stairs in a full run, and Ron and Harry laughed. They were still the same, and Harry didn't think they would ever change. Once they reached the common room, they found to their surprise, a crowd of several of the Gryffindor students standing in a circle. In the middle was Lee Jordan. He was grinning wildly and trying to get everyone to be quiet.
"Shut up you guys! This sounds interesting!" Fred hollered.
"So what's going on Lee," asked George excitedly.
"Well, from what I heard, and noticed, Snape isn't here."
"Isn't here? Do you mean to tell me he's not teaching Potions?!"
"That's what I heard Ron. I heard that we have a new teacher. Snape had to leave to do some spying for us since he used to be a Death-Eater."
"Who's the new teacher Lee," asked Lavender Brown whose eyes were sparkling. "Is it someone cute?"
"Well, I heard it was a girl, a young girl at that, and if I do recall, a certain Beauxbatons student was going to try and get a job here this year . . ."
"Fleur Delacour is our teacher?! You have got to be kidding me! This is bloody wonderful!" Ron cheered victoriously after his statement and looked at his schedule.
"I think I may have died and gone to heaven Harry. This may be one of the best days of my life."
"Is she head of Slytherin house too Lee," asked Harry, curious to know if they would put such a young witch in charge of a house.
"She sure is. Slytherin is going down this year, and there will be nothing to stop us! We shall prevail!" Lee roared sending the Gryffindors into a storm of cheering, whistling, and clapping.
Professor McGonagall heard the racquet from outside and came into the common room with her eyebrow raised.
"I trust that there's a reason to be making all this noise when you should be on the way to class, especially you fifth years . . ."
"We were just showing our house spirit Professor," laughed Fred as he, George, and Lee headed out the portrait hole.
"Those boys are hopeless, all three of them. Go on all of you. Off to class with you."
**********
After Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall lecturing them about the new year, the Gryffindor fifth years headed down to the dungeons to see if what Lee had said was true.
"Oh he couldn't be telling the truth you two. Fleur is too young to be a teacher."
"Well it sounds to me like you don't want her to be our teacher Herm. You should lighten up a bit."
"It's not that I don't want her to be our teacher, but I want a more experienced teacher. She's only a year older than your brothers, and that's not very comforting Ron."
"Well I didn't like Snape, and it'll be a nice change to have a half Veela for a teacher. It'll make Potions a lot more interesting . . ."
"Ron, you stupid git . . ." sighed Hermione.
The trio entered the Potions class to find Fleur standing in the front of the room with a very serious look on her face. She was dressed in dark green robes and her almost white hair was tied in a ponytail. Malfoy was grinning with his cohorts, mischievously studying their new teacher. Everyone settled down as Fleur motioned for them to be quiet.
"Good morning class. It iz wonderful to see zome of you again," she began settling her gaze on Harry with a look of annoyance. "Do not think zat just because I am young, zat I cannot teach well. Thiz class will be just as difficult as it was when Professor Snape taught it, and I intend to grade just as hard as he did. I also expect you to address me as Mademoiselle Delacour or Professor, not Fleur."
Ron was visibly disappointed. He folded his arms in front of him and rested his chin on them while Hermione gave him an 'I told you so' stare. Harry could still see Draco smirking and the Slytherin girls glaring jealously at Fleur.
"Are zere any questions?"
No one said anything and Fleur began talking about the year ahead and what they would learn. Harry heaved a sigh and looked at his new professor miserably. This wasn't going to be as fun as he had hoped.
**********
"God . . . I was wrong . . . I'm still going to hate potions. When she told us all that stuff that we're going to learn this year, I thought I was going to die."
"I suppose I was wrong about her. Maybe she's going to be a better teacher than I thought. Don't look so miserable Ron. I think it's going to be fun this year."
"Your definition of fun is anything that requires tons of work."
"Stop being so negative Ron. We have Defense Against the Dark Arts next."
"Another class with the Slytherins. I'm thrilled," murmured the redhead.
"Did you see the way Malfoy was grinning at Fleur? It made me ill," said Harry making pretend gagging motions.
Ron laughed as they headed down the stairs that led to the Defense classroom. They were the first ones there since they had left lunch early, and Harry was delighted to see that his godfather was talking to Professor Lupin. The group put their books down on one of the tables and went over to join the men.
"Hello kids. It's wonderful to see you again."
"Hello Professor Lupin," replied all three happily.
"You look happy to be here."
"Your class beats any of the other ones Professor. I thought Potions was going to be fun this year with Fleur Delacour as a teacher, but I was really, really wrong," murmured Ron sitting on the desk behind him.
"Well, Fleur was chosen to teach Potions because at Beauxbatons she took Advanced Potions. It's what she specializes in, and she's very good at it. She's especially skilled in Potions that heal. She's going to be showing you how to make a lot of Antitoxin Potions and such this year."
"What are you going to be teaching us," asked Hermione eager to know if there would be a challenge.
"Lots of things. I think our first lesson will be on werewolves," replied the professor with a wink. The students laughed, and Sirius tapped Harry on the shoulder.
"You're getting a present in the morning deliveries. I hope you like it. I got it a few days ago, and I know a lot of people are going to be very jealous."
"What is it?"
"You'll see in the morning."
**********
The next morning Harry awaited the mail eagerly, and was delighted when a broom shaped package was dropped into his lap. Ron gaped in shock as Harry unwrapped the object and removed a gleaming new Firebolt 3000. It's handle was ash just like the Firebolt's and it was polished to perfection. The birch twigs in the tail were all perfectly cut and bound together. Harry's name had been hand-painted on the handle in scarlet, and a golden Gryffindor lion appeared beside it. The twins were now hovering over Harry, and Angelina, Katie, and Alicia were all admiring the broom in stunned silence.
"This is incredible! I can't believe it!"
Harry was more than excited, and he couldn't wait to try out the broom on the pitch. His stomach was too unsettled to finish his breakfast, and knowing that he had a free period before charms, he raced outside with the broom clutched in his arms. Malfoy was glaring at the boy's back in irritation. Even he didn't have a Firebolt 3000.
"Did you see that?"
"Harry got a Firebolt 3000!"
Fred and George dropped back into their seats and grinned. Quidditch was going to be fun this year.
**********
On Wednesday afternoon Harry and Ron climbed the steps to the highest tower in Hogwarts with Lavender and Parvati right behind them. They were heading to Divination with Professor Trelawney. Harry was excited about having a Quidditch meeting that night, and Ron was even more excited about trying out. When they reached the top, they went into the classroom and sat down at their desks. Harry and Ron sat next to each other while Lavender and Parvati sat across from them. Professor Trelawney approached them, said hello, and then began one of her infamous torture and suffering predications.
"I have had a terrible vision Harry. You and your friends, Ron here, and the girl who left my class, will have to face terrible dangers this year. You will also have to work with someone who you don't want to deal with to find something extremely valuable."
"Can you tell us more Professor," asked Lavender with enthusiasm.
"That's all I know. I didn't see much, but it came to me."
Ron rolled his eyes and Harry did his best to stifle a laugh. It wasn't anything new. Trelawney had predicted that Harry would be in danger every year so far that he had her for a teacher. The only correct prediction he had see her make was the one about Voldemort rising again.
**********
The Quidditch tryouts went well with only a few accidents. The participants had to see if they could block all of the girls shots. Ron did the best, and Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch chose him to be the team's new Keeper. Harry gave him his old Firebolt.
"This is absolutely wonderful Harry. I can't believe I'm on the team. I get to play Quidditch, and I have a Firebolt!"
"Three Weasleys on the team. We're going to have so much fun this year, and we're definitely going to win the Quidditch Cup. There is nothing to stop us," yelled George trying to do a cartwheel but tripping on his robes and landing on his face.
"That was graceful George. Can you do that again so I can take notes?"
"Shut up Fred. It wasn't funny."
"I thought it was." Ron said with snort.
Fred burst into hysterics and George glared at his siblings.
"I think I'm going to hit a few Bludgers at the two of you on Friday. Then you won't be laughing." "I'll hit them back at you," countered Fred sticking his tongue out at his twin.
"Are you two ever going to grow up," asked Alicia walking up to the boys with the rest of the team.
"Nope."
"Never. I swear we won't. It wouldn't be fun if we did."
Alicia rolled her eyes, and Angelina and Katie snickered as the older Weasleys linked arms and danced around for a bit to prove their point before George swung Fred at the wall.
"That was pay back. Next time you won't laugh."
**********
The first month and a half of school seemed to fly by, and before the team knew it, there were only two weeks before their first big game. They would face Ravenclaw in just fourteen days. They were practicing early that Saturday morning, and Harry was feeling exhausted. He had stayed up most of the night before after having a nightmare. He couldn't determine exactly what had been going on in the dream, but he knew it wasn't anything good. Fred wailed a Bludger, and it just narrowly missed the sleepy Seeker. Harry cursed and practically fell off his broom.
"Sorry Harry. Pay a little more attention. You could have gotten hurt."
Harry sighed and glanced around for the Snitch. He wasn't in any mood to look for the winged golden ball, and he didn't think he'd ever spot it. He directed his focus to Ron and the Chasers, who were hitting him with all they had. He blocked every single shot with ease. If he played as good as he was now, then they'd beat Ravenclaw with no problem, if Harry could find the Snitch that was.
"Harry? Are you all right. You look like you're in a daze. Is something bothering you?"
"I'm fine Katie. I just didn't get enough sleep last night and I'm feeling really tired."
"How come you didn't sleep?"
"I had a nightmare, and I couldn't fall back to sleep after that."
"Make sure you get enough sleep the night before the match. We don't want you falling off your broom or anything, and certainly no swooning over Cho . . ."
That got Harry's attention. "Katie!" Harry blushed a bright red and sped off after Katie at full speed. Halfway across the field, he spotted a glimmering gold ball hovering in midair. He dove for it and wrapped his hand around it, capturing the tiny thing in his hand. Katie clapped and winked at him, and he blushed again.
"What did you say to him Katie," asked Angelina joining her.
"I told him that there would be no swooning over Cho at the game on Halloween, and that woke him up."
"Yeah Harry. No drooling over her," hollered George zooming by him and whacking a Bludger out of the way."
"I . . . I don't like her anymore!"
"Sure you don't Harry. We believe you," said Alicia rolling her eyes.
"Are you all going to practice, or are you just going to keep chatting up there?" Madam Hooch bellowed from below.
"Sorry. We were just making sure Captain Potter was wide awake," replied Fred as loud as he could.
**********
Harry laid back against his pillow in exhaustion and stared up into the darkness. The curtains around him blocked out any trace of light, and all he could hear was the sound of rain pouring down in torrents outside the castle. The others had long ago fallen asleep, getting some much needed rest the night before the Quidditch game. Harry however, was having a much more difficult time getting sleep.
He rolled over and closed his eyes, praying that he would be able to get enough rest to be focused in the game the next day. After a few futile minutes of trying to get to sleep, Harry decided to go down to the common room and relax awhile. Hermione was sitting there reading something when he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Shouldn't you be asleep Harry? You have a big game tomorrow morning. You can't afford to stay awake."
"I can't sleep Herm. I've been having trouble sleeping lately. I don't know why. I've been having nightmares. Know anything that could help?"
"Well . . . I could try something. I just studied some spells that affect people's sleep. "
"Anything. I just need sleep. I can't afford to lose that game tomorrow. Everyone's counting on me."
"Don't stress out over it Harry. It's not going to be the end of the world if you lose."
Hermione cast a spell, and Harry immediately felt drowsy. It was wonderful to have such an intelligent friend that knew so many spells. He stumbled up to his room and collapsed on his bed, immediately falling asleep.
**********
Harry stared at his toast and sighed. He didn't feel like eating at the moment. He was too nervous. He stole a glance over at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cho Chang talking cheerfully with the rest of her team. They didn't look at all worried about the match, even though it was pouring rain and thundering. Dumbledore had to cast a lighting blocking spell so the game could be played without players getting zapped, but it didn't block the rain.
"We're going to lose . . ." muttered Harry as Cho Chang grinned at him.
"That's some pep talk Harry. You're suppose to be optimistic," said Fred stuffing a piece of toast in Harry's mouth. "And you should be eating. Can't play on an empty stomach you know."
"Thanks Fred . . ."
"Oh come on. Just because they're not really nervous . . . Okay, not at all nervous, doesn't mean they have some amazing game plan that's going to blow us all away." Ron reassured his friend. "Well they might, but we have to have a little confidence I suppose. The girls usually play well."
"I just want to catch the Snitch early on in the game so we don't have to play too long in the rain. We'll all get cold and wet, and be miserable. It's hard to play like that."
"Well I know we'll win."
**********
Harry walked over to Cho Chang and shook her hand.
"Good luck Harry."
"You too."
Harry could feel a blush creeping up into his cheeks. The beautiful Ravenclaw Seeker and captain had just destroyed all of what confidence he had found before giving the pep talk.
"Come off it Harry! Just ignore her," whispered Ron leaning over.
"This is not going to be a good game . . ."
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the players shot off into the air, already soaked to the bone. Harry glanced around for the Snitch, hoping to spot it quick and catch it. Cho was doing the same. He could already feel a chill creeping over his skin.
"Stupid rain . . . I hate it when it rains when I'm playing Quidditch!"
A Bludger hit by one of the Ravenclaw Beaters whizzed past Harry's head, and he swerved out of the way. He could hear Lee Jordan curse as the Bludger turned around and shot itself at him again. It hit the back of his broom and he flipped over a few times before regaining control. After twenty minutes of play Gryffindor was leading by 50 points. Ravenclaw hadn't scored.
"Where's the Snitch . . ." Harry examined the field and saw the blur of the small ball in the rain.
Cho had seen it first and was already halfway there. Harry cursed and raced towards her. He was just a little ways away when a Bludger crashed into the back of him and sent him shooting off of his broom and past Cho. He flipped several times and somehow, before hitting the ground, managed to grab the gold ball. The rest he didn't remember.
**********
Harry's eyes fluttered open to find Madam Pomfrey leaning over him. She had a bandage soaked in blood in one hand and her wand in the other.
"Next time try not to fall from so high up. You're lucky you only broke your arm and a few ribs, and not your skull."
Harry groaned and shifted a little. His head hurt and his arm and side were pretty sore.
"Did we win?!" He asked sitting up to fast.
"Yes you won, now lay down and get some rest while the Skello-grow puts your arm back together."
Harry laid back down and closed his eyes. Well, at least they had won the match. He wanted to see his teammates, and he really wanted to know what Cho's reaction to his crash had been. As if they had heard Harry's thoughts, the twins tiptoed into the room and came over to Harry's bed.
"We're not supposed to be in here, but we had to tell you what happened. It was awesome. I thought Cho Chang was going to have a heart attack right there on the spot. She just kind of stopped when she saw you go flying, didn't even make an attempt to catch the Snitch. It was great. Nice catch by the way. Hope it's not too painful," said George looking at Harry's arm.
"We're going to have a party later tonight. George and I are going to raid the kitchen and then go back up to the dorms. Think you'll make it?"
"Yeah. I just need to let my arm heal up. It shouldn't take too long. I'll be out in time for the Halloween feast, so I'll be there for the party, don't worry."
"We won't."
The twins tiptoed back out, and Sirius came in.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I feel off my broom from incredibly up, but other than that, I'm fine," answered Harry sarcastically.
"Well, it was a good game, until then. You won 200 to nothing. It's not often that happens. You're already in the lead for the Quidditch Cup. When's your next game?"
"We're playing Slytherin right after Christmas holiday. That's going to be a good game, as long as I don't go hurtling off my broom again."
"Well I hope you feel better. I'm going to be gone for a few weeks, so I'll see you when I get back. Be careful."
"Bye Sirius. You be careful too."
**********
Hermione walked up to the astronomy tower with her telescope in hand along with her wand and a notebook. She was the second one there. Draco Malfoy was sitting hunched up in the corner with his arms wrapped around his knees and his face buried in his robes. Hermione couldn't mistake the white- blonde hair. She could tell he was crying because he was shaking, and she could hear the sobs from her place on the steps.
"Malfoy?"
Draco's head shot up, and he quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his robe.
"Who is it?"
Hermione stepped out in front of him, and he narrowed his eyes at her in a glare.
"What do you want Granger? The lesson's not for another half an hour."
"I could ask you what you were doing up here too. I came to look at the stars for a bit. What's your excuse?"
"I just had nothing to do, so I figured I'd come up here."
"Why were you crying?"
"I wasn't."
"Yes you were Malfoy. You can't deny that."
"Leave me alone Granger."
"Why are you so defensive all the time? You never give anyone a chance."
"Why should I give you a chance. You, Potter, and Weasel hate my guts."
"I've noticed that the feeling is mutual. You've given us more than enough reasons to hate you. You've been nothing but cruel to Harry and Ron, and you've insulted me quite a bit. You're the only person I've ever slapped for being rude."
"I feel honored Granger, really I do. Now leave me alone. I didn't ask for you to bother me."
"I didn't expect you to be up here Malfoy. If I had know you were going to be up here, I wouldn't have been, believe me."
Draco brushed at his arm and winced in pain as he did so. He stared at the ground and tried to keep the robe from brushing against his skin. Hermione seized his arm after a few irritated moments of watching him and pulled the sleeve up to where he was poking at it and gasped.
Oh my God . . . Is that what I think it is?!"
"Yes . . ."
"You're a Death-Eater?! You're only fifteen!"
"I'm not one by choice Granger."
"Bull. You'd love to go kill Muggles and slaughter a few Mudbloods. You'd enjoy it. I can't believe it. I knew you were a jerk, but I didn't know that you would stoop this low."
"I didn't choose to have this thing fried onto my arm Granger! My father cornered me here today and I ended up with this cute little mark on my arm. That's why I was crying. I hate my father. He's the monster, not me. I'm just a little snide and cynical sometimes, and yes I'll admit that I like seeing others being laughed at. It's better than me being laughed at."
"I'm confused . . . How . . ."
"You're confused?! The brilliant Miss Granger doesn't understand something?! I'm amazed!" Hermione slapped Malfoy as hard as she could, and he stumbled backwards.
"Listen to me Draco Malfoy! I'm not going to take that attitude from you. I could march down to Dumbledore's office and tell him about what's on your arm, and I'm sure he'd be thrilled. I suggest you let me talk before you start ranting about how I don't understand. I was going to ask you to explain to me what happened. That's all I wanted to know, and you jumped on me."
"Well, I'm sorry if I'm slightly jumpy and irritable. It feels like someone's holding a flame to my arm and keeping it there. It hurts like hell, and I certainly don't want it."
"Just tell me what happened!"
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then I'm going to Dumbledore."
"Fine. My father sent me an owl the other morning saying that he was going to be paying me a visit. He was here this afternoon, and after Quidditch practice, he dragged me into one of the offices and told me that he wasn't going to wait until Christmas holiday to initiate me as a Death-Eater, which before you even light into me about, I didn't want to be. I don't want to be on the losing side. Potter's going to fuck up their plans just like he always does and be a hero again. I'm not going to be made a fool by him, believe me."
"So the only reason you didn't want to be a Death-Eater was because you're too proud to end up on the losing side, and have Harry make you look like a fool?"
"Yes Granger. That's pretty much exactly why."
"You have that much confidence in Harry? You think he can stop You-Know- Who?"
"Well he has thwarted his plans for the past four years, why won't he be able to do it this year?"
"He didn't exactly stop him last year."
"Sounds like I have more confidence in Potter than you Granger."
"Harry's not going to get anywhere near You-Know-Who. Dumbledore would never let him."
"Did your wonderful Headmaster allow it any other time? No. He didn't. Potter just sort of ends up where the danger is, and more often than not, you and Weasel end up there too. It's like you're attracted to danger."
"Just finish up your story."
"Fine. So he cornered me and slapped this pretty tattoo on my arm, with lots of pain, and then gave me a few orders."
"What sort of orders?"
"To brush up on my curses."
"What?! I hope you're not going . . ."
"Calm down Granger. The only one I can actually cast is Crutiatus, and that was on a bug. I've never tried Avada Kedavra, and I'm not strong enough to keep control over Imperious. I wouldn't use them on an actual person."
"Why does he want you too brush up on them for any other reason than to hurt people?"
"He wants me to hurt people. He wants me to kill actually, but I won't."
"Who does he want you to kill?"
"Who do you think he wants me to kill Granger?"
Hermione thought for a moment, and then her eyes widened in surprise.
"Harry . . ."
"You are intelligent. Bravo."
"If you even think about hurting him Malfoy, I'll make sure you're sorry for it."
"And what are you going to do?"
Hermione slammed Malfoy against the stone wall and he grinned as she pinned him there, making no effort to resist.
"Just don't hurt him Malfoy. Don't."
"My wasn't that an empty threat."
Hermione let go of Malfoy and threw her hands up in the air in frustration. He leaned back against the wall and shook his head.
"I told you I didn't plan on using the Unforgivable Curses Granger. And Potter isn't worth the effort."
"Why don't you want to kill him if you hate him so much?"
"I'm not a murderer Granger."
Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down on the floor of the tower taking her telescope out.
"So are you going to run to Dumbledore?"
"No, but . . ."
"Oh boy . . ."
"You have to do me a favor in return. I want you to stop making fun of Ron and Harry. Leave them alone. They never did anything to you."
'Harry denied me his friendship on the first damn day of school. That's what he did. He chose Weasel over me.'
"Fine Granger. I'll leave them alone."
"Good. Just don't forget it."
"I won't."
**********
"Get back here right now or you will be sorry young man! I will not have you going back to that school! You are going home with us!" Lucius Malfoy snarled, grabbing his son by the back of the shirt.
"Let go of me! I'll do as I damn well please!"
Draco Malfoy pulled out of his father's grip and glared at him before turning around and resuming his walk to the hidden platform. Lucius's normally pale face went red in anger, and he followed his son over to the wall where he stood in the fifteen year old boy's way.
"I told you this summer that you would not be going back to Hogwarts, yet you insist upon leaving. I've had it up to here with you boy. You will not disobey my orders."
Draco looked away and smirked. It was the same look that he had seen the boy don many times, usually when he was making fun of people.
"I told you I was going, and you won't stop me. I want to go back. I don't want to join you and the rest of those nitwit Death-Eaters. You're all going to get caught, and you're going to fake being under some sort of spell again, just so you don't end up in Azkaban with a bunch of Dementors sucking the life out of you!"
Before Draco could move away, his father slapped him as hard as he could. The young wizard stumbled backwards and put a hand to his now bright red cheek before snickering.
"You're a wizard, and you slap me? I don't believe it." Harry was thankful that he was the only one in the immediate area. If Muggles had been around, it would have been quite the scene to behold.
Draco seemed to be daring his father to do more, but Lucius sighed and began to walk away. The pale boy stayed where he was, folding his arms indignantly, but keeping his head lowered.
"Just remember that when Christmas comes around you'll be coming home, and you'll be initiated as a Death-Eater Draco." His father hissed the words, and Harry almost missed them.
With that, Lucius walked away and rejoined his wife Narcissa who had stared on indifferently through misty grey eyes. Harry watched Draco touch his hand to his cheek before brushing away a few tears. Tears? Draco Malfoy was crying? It couldn't be. Harry watched for a few more seconds, and then Malfoy disappeared through the wall.
"Harry?! Harry! Sorry we're late. Fred and George were causing trouble, and it set us back a bit," yelled Ron running up to his best friend and smiling.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming. What did they do this time?"
"I don't know exactly. All I know is that Mother was yelling at them for an awfully long time. Did Hermione tell you that she's been made a Prefect? She sent me an owl about it last night."
"No. She didn't tell me. That means she won't be sitting with us on the train though. She'll be sitting with the other Prefects up front, well if she wants to. I wonder who else was made a Prefect . . ."
"Well it wasn't me that's for sure. Mother still would have been fussing over me if it had been."
"Well, there's always next year . . ."
Harry went through the platform wall, and stopped on the other side to wait for Ron who came through a second later. Both boys brought their things to the baggage car and then boarded the train. They immediately headed to the back, and when they reached the last car they were greeted by a familiar Professor who was no longer dressed in shabby patched robes as he had been once before. He was sitting back and holding a large manila envelope that bored the unmistakable Howart's seal in his hand.
"I was waiting for you. I have a letter for you Harry. Dumbledore told me to give it to you personally."
"What are you doing here Professor Lupin," asked Ron who was wearing a true Weasley smile.
"I was asked to come back and teach at Hogwarts this year. I would have said no because of the werewolf thing, but I couldn't with all that's going on." "This is great! You're teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again right?"
"Yes."
Harry sat down with Ron across from Lupin and opened the letter that had been given to him. He read over it and smiled.
Mr. Potter, You have been chosen to be a Prefect for Gryffindor house along with Miss Granger. I would like to speak with you before the Sorting Feast because I have some very important news for you. This letter would have been sent sooner, but we've had a lot to do over the summer holiday, and Prefects were just informed of their positions a few days ago. I also wanted to make sure that it was you who received this notification and not the Dursleys. Albus Dumbledore Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The shiny prefect badge dropped onto Harry's lap and he held it up to examine.
"Ron look! I'm a Prefect too!"
Ron read the letter and smiled weakly. He was happy for his friend, but he felt left out at the same time. Harry and Hermione were both Prefects, and he wasn't, though he knew that he shouldn't have expected anything different.
"What do you think Dumbledore wants to see you about Harry?"
Ron's question was answered by Lupin who was smiling.
"I believe he has some news about Sirius for Harry, some very good news," replied Lupin with a wink.
"I'm going to go find Hermione and tell her the news. I'll see you at the feast Ron. Bye Professor."
Harry ran out of the car and headed for the front of the train, not even stopping to think about how hurt Ron might be if he and Hermione weren't sitting with him. Upon reaching the Prefect's car, Harry quickly found Hermione and sat down next to the intelligent young lady who was glancing through one of this year's textbooks.
"Have you been made a Prefect too Harry?"
"Yes. Professor Lupin just gave me my letter," replied Harry handing it to her.
"Lupin's back? Is he teaching?"
"Yes. He's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again."
"The werewolf is our teacher again? How disappointing. I thought we might have a good teacher this year, one with half a brain, and one that didn't look like he was dirt poor," drawled a cold voice from outside the compartment.
"Go away Malfoy. I wasn't talking to you," growled Harry.
"I know you weren't. Do you think I care? How did you get to be a Prefect anyway? Probably just because you're you right? The wonder boy has to be a Prefect. No one would expect any less of Harry Potter. If you were like your friend Weasel, there wouldn't have been a chance in hell for you to be made a Prefect." His tone of voice had turned rather sarcastic and almost mocking.
Harry kept cool and looked up at Draco who was smirking like an idiot. "How'd you're cheek get so red Malfoy? Get in a fight with someone outside the platform?"
Malfoy stepped back and looked at Harry in shock. He turned and started to walk away but stopped to make one last snide remark.
"Well at least I earned the right to be a Prefect, and it isn't just because I'm famous."
Draco walked away, and Harry rolled is eyes. Hermione watched the door for a minute and then shut it and directed her attention back to Harry.
"What bothered him so much about you asking if he got into a fight? He seemed a little stunned, and that's rather odd for Malfoy."
"I saw him outside the station. His father hit him, and he was crying about it from what I could see. His father wants him to be a Death-Eater, and I guess he doesn't want to be one."
"Malfoy doesn't want to be one? Why wouldn't he? Or does he perhaps have a side that we've never seen before? And why was his father talking about something like that out in the open?"
"He said that his father was just going to get caught like last time. He doesn't seem to approve of it much, and I don't know why you would speak about being a Death-Eater in a public place. It seems rather dangerous to me."
"Maybe Malfoy does have a heart after all, or maybe it's just because he can't stand authority figures, and he doesn't want to have to listen to You- Know-Who."
"I'd guess it's the second one."
Harry and Hermione laughed and then began to chat happily as the trained headed for the hidden castle. Malfoy, who had heard their whole conversation, wandered off to sit by himself. They didn't understand and they never would. They didn't live in his world.
Harry stepped slowly into the Headmaster's office and glanced around the room to see if Dumbledore was there. The only thing he saw was Fawkes watching him from his perch. The fiery red phoenix fluttered it's wings as Harry approached him.
"Hello Harry."
Harry jumped and whirled around to face Dumbledore who smiled at him kindly. He motioned for Harry to follow him into a small room connected to his office and Harry complied. When they stepped inside, Harry gasped.
"Sirius! What are you doing here?!"
"Dumbledore got my name cleared. I'm a free man now. I don't have to hide from the Dementors or the Ministry any longer. I'm going to be here quite often to help with the school's safety. I thought you might like to know that I was all safe, and free for that matter. You don't have to live with those Muggles anymore either."
"I was beginning to think you were dead since I hadn't gotten any owls in the longest time. This is wonderful! Where's Buckbeak?"
"I'm having Hagrid watch him. We got him cleared too. Why don't you run off to the feast now. I'll see you later."
"All right . . ."
Harry ran out of the room as fast as he could and headed for the Great Hall. Once there he joined his friends at the Gryffindor house table.
"What happened Harry? What did Dumbledore want," asked Ron excitedly. Hermione regarded him with the same curious expression.
"He got Sirius's name cleared. I just talked to them. Sirius is working for the school now."
"That's wonderful! You won't have to live with that uncle, aunt, and wretched cousin of yours any longer! You'll get to live where you belong," voiced Ron loudly from across the table.
Hermione nodded and then directed her attention to the front of the hall where Professor McGonagall had placed a stool and was holding up the sorting hat. This would be the third time that Harry had seen the sorting ceremony. "I will call each of you first years up one at a time and you will put on the sorting hat. The hat will determine which house you will be in. When it has decided, you will go sit with your house. The four houses are Gryffindor . . ."
A cheer rose open from the courageous Gryffindor's and the Weasley twins whistled as loud as they could and clapped wildly.
"Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin."
The Slytherins egged on by Draco Malfoy repeated the Gryffindor's performance just to outdo them, while the other two houses had cheered in a more subdued manner. Harry could already tell that it was going to be a difficult competition for the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup once again this year.
Professor McGonagall began the sorting and Harry noticed something. There were a lot more first years than there had been we he had come to Hogwarts. It must have been because Hogwarts was supposedly the safest wizarding school in the world. By the end of the sorting, thirteen new Gryffindors had joined their ranks.
"May I have your attention please? I want to make a few announcements before the term begins. The Forbidden Forest is still off limits to all students. The wizarding world is facing great troubles now that He-Who- Shall-Not-Be-Named has returned, and you should be aware that you are safe within the castle grounds. However, I do not want any students out after dark unless accompanied by a professor. Now, enjoy your first feast of the new school year!" Dumbledore shouted joyously and the food appeared on the tables.
Dean and Ron began an animated discussion about Quidditch and soon the twins joined in.
"I can't wait for the first game. We have to find out from McGonagall when it is."
"Oliver's gone. We need a new Keeper," stated Fred loudly. "Why don't you try out Ron?"
"Really? Do you think I could be on the team?"
"Sure. Hey, we never decided on who our new captain would be."
"Well I say it should be me. What do you think Fred?"
"I think it should be me George."
"Well I think Harry should be captain," suggested Katie Bell leaning over the table and looking at the twins.
"That's a good idea. Harry would make a great captain." Alicia agreed.
"He sure would," added Angelina.
"Well, I guess . . . We have to tell McGonagall and Madam Hooch," said Fred. "I'll go tell them. Come with me Harry."
Harry and Fred left their table and headed to the Head Table.
"We decided on our captain Professor. Harry's the lucky one."
"I'm amazed that you came to a decision so peacefully Mr. Weasley. I'll assume Miss Bell, Miss Johnson, and Miss Spinnet convinced you and prevented much arguing?" McGonagall looked at Fred over her spectacles and smiled a bit.
"Yeah, but they're right. Do you know when our first practice is? Or our first game?"
"Your first practice will be this coming Friday, and your first game will be on Halloween. Tryouts for your new Keeper will be Wednesday night. You're playing Ravenclaw in your first game. I'll get you the whole schedule tomorrow if you'd like. Now go enjoy the feast."
Fred and Harry headed back to the Gryffindor table and rejoined their friends.
"Our first practice is Friday, and our first game is on Halloween. We're playing Ravenclaw. We're really going to have to practice hard. They always have a tough team, and we're out of practice. I haven't played Quidditch since fifth year. Think you're up to beating Cho Chang, Harry?
"I guess so . . ." Harry's face colored slightly and the girls on the team giggled. "I have to get some practice in. I want to check out the Firebolt 3000 when we go to Hogsmeade too. It looked amazing when I saw it in Diagon Alley! I think I'd have to empty my whole Gringotts vault to get it though . . ."
"Could I have your old one Harry? The Firebolt, I mean, that is if I make the team and you got a new one?"
"Sure Ron, but I don't think I'll have a Firebolt 3000 anytime soon."
"Well I can always dream."
**********
Hermione looked at her schedule and sighed. Ron and Harry were pouting over their schedules as well.
"Why must we have potions with the Slytherins every year? Is it some sort of requirement to torture us?" Ron wailed with disgust.
"I'm beginning to think it is, and we don't just have potions with them either. We have Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Astronomy with them too. Quadruple torture," added Harry.
"Well at least you don't have Divination, Charms, History of Magic, Herbology or Transfiguration with them. Be happy. You could have had all of your classes with them."
"I would have rather had no classes with them," muttered Ron glaring at Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins across the tables.
"We have transfiguration today, and right after breakfast too. Then we have Potions, and then after lunch we have Defense Against the Dark Arts."
The group ate on in silence until Professor McGonagall headed over to the table with six copies of the Quidditch schedule in her hand. She handed one to each of the remaining Gryffindor players and then made an announcement to the rest of the table.
"Attention Gryffindor students. If any of you are interested in playing Quidditch we are in need of a Keeper. Tryouts will be held Wednesday evening. All interested should be on the Quidditch pitch at seven that night."
McGonagall returned to the teacher's table and Harry glanced up and noticed Snape wasn't there. He searched for the Potions Professor for a moment and then left the Great Hall. Hermione and Ron followed him up to the Gryffindor common room where a bunch of nervous first years were sitting together on the floor babbling excitedly. They all stopped talking when they saw Harry and stared in silent adoration. They already knew that they were in the same house as the famed Harry Potter because he and Hermione had led them up to the dorms the evening before. Harry continued up to his dorm with Ron and picked up his bag. On the way down they ran into Fred and George who were going to Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"See you guys later. Were off to have some fun in Lupin's class. I'm so glad he's back. He was the only sane teacher we ever had. Who cares if he's a werewolf!"
The twins took off down the stairs in a full run, and Ron and Harry laughed. They were still the same, and Harry didn't think they would ever change. Once they reached the common room, they found to their surprise, a crowd of several of the Gryffindor students standing in a circle. In the middle was Lee Jordan. He was grinning wildly and trying to get everyone to be quiet.
"Shut up you guys! This sounds interesting!" Fred hollered.
"So what's going on Lee," asked George excitedly.
"Well, from what I heard, and noticed, Snape isn't here."
"Isn't here? Do you mean to tell me he's not teaching Potions?!"
"That's what I heard Ron. I heard that we have a new teacher. Snape had to leave to do some spying for us since he used to be a Death-Eater."
"Who's the new teacher Lee," asked Lavender Brown whose eyes were sparkling. "Is it someone cute?"
"Well, I heard it was a girl, a young girl at that, and if I do recall, a certain Beauxbatons student was going to try and get a job here this year . . ."
"Fleur Delacour is our teacher?! You have got to be kidding me! This is bloody wonderful!" Ron cheered victoriously after his statement and looked at his schedule.
"I think I may have died and gone to heaven Harry. This may be one of the best days of my life."
"Is she head of Slytherin house too Lee," asked Harry, curious to know if they would put such a young witch in charge of a house.
"She sure is. Slytherin is going down this year, and there will be nothing to stop us! We shall prevail!" Lee roared sending the Gryffindors into a storm of cheering, whistling, and clapping.
Professor McGonagall heard the racquet from outside and came into the common room with her eyebrow raised.
"I trust that there's a reason to be making all this noise when you should be on the way to class, especially you fifth years . . ."
"We were just showing our house spirit Professor," laughed Fred as he, George, and Lee headed out the portrait hole.
"Those boys are hopeless, all three of them. Go on all of you. Off to class with you."
**********
After Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall lecturing them about the new year, the Gryffindor fifth years headed down to the dungeons to see if what Lee had said was true.
"Oh he couldn't be telling the truth you two. Fleur is too young to be a teacher."
"Well it sounds to me like you don't want her to be our teacher Herm. You should lighten up a bit."
"It's not that I don't want her to be our teacher, but I want a more experienced teacher. She's only a year older than your brothers, and that's not very comforting Ron."
"Well I didn't like Snape, and it'll be a nice change to have a half Veela for a teacher. It'll make Potions a lot more interesting . . ."
"Ron, you stupid git . . ." sighed Hermione.
The trio entered the Potions class to find Fleur standing in the front of the room with a very serious look on her face. She was dressed in dark green robes and her almost white hair was tied in a ponytail. Malfoy was grinning with his cohorts, mischievously studying their new teacher. Everyone settled down as Fleur motioned for them to be quiet.
"Good morning class. It iz wonderful to see zome of you again," she began settling her gaze on Harry with a look of annoyance. "Do not think zat just because I am young, zat I cannot teach well. Thiz class will be just as difficult as it was when Professor Snape taught it, and I intend to grade just as hard as he did. I also expect you to address me as Mademoiselle Delacour or Professor, not Fleur."
Ron was visibly disappointed. He folded his arms in front of him and rested his chin on them while Hermione gave him an 'I told you so' stare. Harry could still see Draco smirking and the Slytherin girls glaring jealously at Fleur.
"Are zere any questions?"
No one said anything and Fleur began talking about the year ahead and what they would learn. Harry heaved a sigh and looked at his new professor miserably. This wasn't going to be as fun as he had hoped.
**********
"God . . . I was wrong . . . I'm still going to hate potions. When she told us all that stuff that we're going to learn this year, I thought I was going to die."
"I suppose I was wrong about her. Maybe she's going to be a better teacher than I thought. Don't look so miserable Ron. I think it's going to be fun this year."
"Your definition of fun is anything that requires tons of work."
"Stop being so negative Ron. We have Defense Against the Dark Arts next."
"Another class with the Slytherins. I'm thrilled," murmured the redhead.
"Did you see the way Malfoy was grinning at Fleur? It made me ill," said Harry making pretend gagging motions.
Ron laughed as they headed down the stairs that led to the Defense classroom. They were the first ones there since they had left lunch early, and Harry was delighted to see that his godfather was talking to Professor Lupin. The group put their books down on one of the tables and went over to join the men.
"Hello kids. It's wonderful to see you again."
"Hello Professor Lupin," replied all three happily.
"You look happy to be here."
"Your class beats any of the other ones Professor. I thought Potions was going to be fun this year with Fleur Delacour as a teacher, but I was really, really wrong," murmured Ron sitting on the desk behind him.
"Well, Fleur was chosen to teach Potions because at Beauxbatons she took Advanced Potions. It's what she specializes in, and she's very good at it. She's especially skilled in Potions that heal. She's going to be showing you how to make a lot of Antitoxin Potions and such this year."
"What are you going to be teaching us," asked Hermione eager to know if there would be a challenge.
"Lots of things. I think our first lesson will be on werewolves," replied the professor with a wink. The students laughed, and Sirius tapped Harry on the shoulder.
"You're getting a present in the morning deliveries. I hope you like it. I got it a few days ago, and I know a lot of people are going to be very jealous."
"What is it?"
"You'll see in the morning."
**********
The next morning Harry awaited the mail eagerly, and was delighted when a broom shaped package was dropped into his lap. Ron gaped in shock as Harry unwrapped the object and removed a gleaming new Firebolt 3000. It's handle was ash just like the Firebolt's and it was polished to perfection. The birch twigs in the tail were all perfectly cut and bound together. Harry's name had been hand-painted on the handle in scarlet, and a golden Gryffindor lion appeared beside it. The twins were now hovering over Harry, and Angelina, Katie, and Alicia were all admiring the broom in stunned silence.
"This is incredible! I can't believe it!"
Harry was more than excited, and he couldn't wait to try out the broom on the pitch. His stomach was too unsettled to finish his breakfast, and knowing that he had a free period before charms, he raced outside with the broom clutched in his arms. Malfoy was glaring at the boy's back in irritation. Even he didn't have a Firebolt 3000.
"Did you see that?"
"Harry got a Firebolt 3000!"
Fred and George dropped back into their seats and grinned. Quidditch was going to be fun this year.
**********
On Wednesday afternoon Harry and Ron climbed the steps to the highest tower in Hogwarts with Lavender and Parvati right behind them. They were heading to Divination with Professor Trelawney. Harry was excited about having a Quidditch meeting that night, and Ron was even more excited about trying out. When they reached the top, they went into the classroom and sat down at their desks. Harry and Ron sat next to each other while Lavender and Parvati sat across from them. Professor Trelawney approached them, said hello, and then began one of her infamous torture and suffering predications.
"I have had a terrible vision Harry. You and your friends, Ron here, and the girl who left my class, will have to face terrible dangers this year. You will also have to work with someone who you don't want to deal with to find something extremely valuable."
"Can you tell us more Professor," asked Lavender with enthusiasm.
"That's all I know. I didn't see much, but it came to me."
Ron rolled his eyes and Harry did his best to stifle a laugh. It wasn't anything new. Trelawney had predicted that Harry would be in danger every year so far that he had her for a teacher. The only correct prediction he had see her make was the one about Voldemort rising again.
**********
The Quidditch tryouts went well with only a few accidents. The participants had to see if they could block all of the girls shots. Ron did the best, and Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch chose him to be the team's new Keeper. Harry gave him his old Firebolt.
"This is absolutely wonderful Harry. I can't believe I'm on the team. I get to play Quidditch, and I have a Firebolt!"
"Three Weasleys on the team. We're going to have so much fun this year, and we're definitely going to win the Quidditch Cup. There is nothing to stop us," yelled George trying to do a cartwheel but tripping on his robes and landing on his face.
"That was graceful George. Can you do that again so I can take notes?"
"Shut up Fred. It wasn't funny."
"I thought it was." Ron said with snort.
Fred burst into hysterics and George glared at his siblings.
"I think I'm going to hit a few Bludgers at the two of you on Friday. Then you won't be laughing." "I'll hit them back at you," countered Fred sticking his tongue out at his twin.
"Are you two ever going to grow up," asked Alicia walking up to the boys with the rest of the team.
"Nope."
"Never. I swear we won't. It wouldn't be fun if we did."
Alicia rolled her eyes, and Angelina and Katie snickered as the older Weasleys linked arms and danced around for a bit to prove their point before George swung Fred at the wall.
"That was pay back. Next time you won't laugh."
**********
The first month and a half of school seemed to fly by, and before the team knew it, there were only two weeks before their first big game. They would face Ravenclaw in just fourteen days. They were practicing early that Saturday morning, and Harry was feeling exhausted. He had stayed up most of the night before after having a nightmare. He couldn't determine exactly what had been going on in the dream, but he knew it wasn't anything good. Fred wailed a Bludger, and it just narrowly missed the sleepy Seeker. Harry cursed and practically fell off his broom.
"Sorry Harry. Pay a little more attention. You could have gotten hurt."
Harry sighed and glanced around for the Snitch. He wasn't in any mood to look for the winged golden ball, and he didn't think he'd ever spot it. He directed his focus to Ron and the Chasers, who were hitting him with all they had. He blocked every single shot with ease. If he played as good as he was now, then they'd beat Ravenclaw with no problem, if Harry could find the Snitch that was.
"Harry? Are you all right. You look like you're in a daze. Is something bothering you?"
"I'm fine Katie. I just didn't get enough sleep last night and I'm feeling really tired."
"How come you didn't sleep?"
"I had a nightmare, and I couldn't fall back to sleep after that."
"Make sure you get enough sleep the night before the match. We don't want you falling off your broom or anything, and certainly no swooning over Cho . . ."
That got Harry's attention. "Katie!" Harry blushed a bright red and sped off after Katie at full speed. Halfway across the field, he spotted a glimmering gold ball hovering in midair. He dove for it and wrapped his hand around it, capturing the tiny thing in his hand. Katie clapped and winked at him, and he blushed again.
"What did you say to him Katie," asked Angelina joining her.
"I told him that there would be no swooning over Cho at the game on Halloween, and that woke him up."
"Yeah Harry. No drooling over her," hollered George zooming by him and whacking a Bludger out of the way."
"I . . . I don't like her anymore!"
"Sure you don't Harry. We believe you," said Alicia rolling her eyes.
"Are you all going to practice, or are you just going to keep chatting up there?" Madam Hooch bellowed from below.
"Sorry. We were just making sure Captain Potter was wide awake," replied Fred as loud as he could.
**********
Harry laid back against his pillow in exhaustion and stared up into the darkness. The curtains around him blocked out any trace of light, and all he could hear was the sound of rain pouring down in torrents outside the castle. The others had long ago fallen asleep, getting some much needed rest the night before the Quidditch game. Harry however, was having a much more difficult time getting sleep.
He rolled over and closed his eyes, praying that he would be able to get enough rest to be focused in the game the next day. After a few futile minutes of trying to get to sleep, Harry decided to go down to the common room and relax awhile. Hermione was sitting there reading something when he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Shouldn't you be asleep Harry? You have a big game tomorrow morning. You can't afford to stay awake."
"I can't sleep Herm. I've been having trouble sleeping lately. I don't know why. I've been having nightmares. Know anything that could help?"
"Well . . . I could try something. I just studied some spells that affect people's sleep. "
"Anything. I just need sleep. I can't afford to lose that game tomorrow. Everyone's counting on me."
"Don't stress out over it Harry. It's not going to be the end of the world if you lose."
Hermione cast a spell, and Harry immediately felt drowsy. It was wonderful to have such an intelligent friend that knew so many spells. He stumbled up to his room and collapsed on his bed, immediately falling asleep.
**********
Harry stared at his toast and sighed. He didn't feel like eating at the moment. He was too nervous. He stole a glance over at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cho Chang talking cheerfully with the rest of her team. They didn't look at all worried about the match, even though it was pouring rain and thundering. Dumbledore had to cast a lighting blocking spell so the game could be played without players getting zapped, but it didn't block the rain.
"We're going to lose . . ." muttered Harry as Cho Chang grinned at him.
"That's some pep talk Harry. You're suppose to be optimistic," said Fred stuffing a piece of toast in Harry's mouth. "And you should be eating. Can't play on an empty stomach you know."
"Thanks Fred . . ."
"Oh come on. Just because they're not really nervous . . . Okay, not at all nervous, doesn't mean they have some amazing game plan that's going to blow us all away." Ron reassured his friend. "Well they might, but we have to have a little confidence I suppose. The girls usually play well."
"I just want to catch the Snitch early on in the game so we don't have to play too long in the rain. We'll all get cold and wet, and be miserable. It's hard to play like that."
"Well I know we'll win."
**********
Harry walked over to Cho Chang and shook her hand.
"Good luck Harry."
"You too."
Harry could feel a blush creeping up into his cheeks. The beautiful Ravenclaw Seeker and captain had just destroyed all of what confidence he had found before giving the pep talk.
"Come off it Harry! Just ignore her," whispered Ron leaning over.
"This is not going to be a good game . . ."
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the players shot off into the air, already soaked to the bone. Harry glanced around for the Snitch, hoping to spot it quick and catch it. Cho was doing the same. He could already feel a chill creeping over his skin.
"Stupid rain . . . I hate it when it rains when I'm playing Quidditch!"
A Bludger hit by one of the Ravenclaw Beaters whizzed past Harry's head, and he swerved out of the way. He could hear Lee Jordan curse as the Bludger turned around and shot itself at him again. It hit the back of his broom and he flipped over a few times before regaining control. After twenty minutes of play Gryffindor was leading by 50 points. Ravenclaw hadn't scored.
"Where's the Snitch . . ." Harry examined the field and saw the blur of the small ball in the rain.
Cho had seen it first and was already halfway there. Harry cursed and raced towards her. He was just a little ways away when a Bludger crashed into the back of him and sent him shooting off of his broom and past Cho. He flipped several times and somehow, before hitting the ground, managed to grab the gold ball. The rest he didn't remember.
**********
Harry's eyes fluttered open to find Madam Pomfrey leaning over him. She had a bandage soaked in blood in one hand and her wand in the other.
"Next time try not to fall from so high up. You're lucky you only broke your arm and a few ribs, and not your skull."
Harry groaned and shifted a little. His head hurt and his arm and side were pretty sore.
"Did we win?!" He asked sitting up to fast.
"Yes you won, now lay down and get some rest while the Skello-grow puts your arm back together."
Harry laid back down and closed his eyes. Well, at least they had won the match. He wanted to see his teammates, and he really wanted to know what Cho's reaction to his crash had been. As if they had heard Harry's thoughts, the twins tiptoed into the room and came over to Harry's bed.
"We're not supposed to be in here, but we had to tell you what happened. It was awesome. I thought Cho Chang was going to have a heart attack right there on the spot. She just kind of stopped when she saw you go flying, didn't even make an attempt to catch the Snitch. It was great. Nice catch by the way. Hope it's not too painful," said George looking at Harry's arm.
"We're going to have a party later tonight. George and I are going to raid the kitchen and then go back up to the dorms. Think you'll make it?"
"Yeah. I just need to let my arm heal up. It shouldn't take too long. I'll be out in time for the Halloween feast, so I'll be there for the party, don't worry."
"We won't."
The twins tiptoed back out, and Sirius came in.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I feel off my broom from incredibly up, but other than that, I'm fine," answered Harry sarcastically.
"Well, it was a good game, until then. You won 200 to nothing. It's not often that happens. You're already in the lead for the Quidditch Cup. When's your next game?"
"We're playing Slytherin right after Christmas holiday. That's going to be a good game, as long as I don't go hurtling off my broom again."
"Well I hope you feel better. I'm going to be gone for a few weeks, so I'll see you when I get back. Be careful."
"Bye Sirius. You be careful too."
**********
Hermione walked up to the astronomy tower with her telescope in hand along with her wand and a notebook. She was the second one there. Draco Malfoy was sitting hunched up in the corner with his arms wrapped around his knees and his face buried in his robes. Hermione couldn't mistake the white- blonde hair. She could tell he was crying because he was shaking, and she could hear the sobs from her place on the steps.
"Malfoy?"
Draco's head shot up, and he quickly wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his robe.
"Who is it?"
Hermione stepped out in front of him, and he narrowed his eyes at her in a glare.
"What do you want Granger? The lesson's not for another half an hour."
"I could ask you what you were doing up here too. I came to look at the stars for a bit. What's your excuse?"
"I just had nothing to do, so I figured I'd come up here."
"Why were you crying?"
"I wasn't."
"Yes you were Malfoy. You can't deny that."
"Leave me alone Granger."
"Why are you so defensive all the time? You never give anyone a chance."
"Why should I give you a chance. You, Potter, and Weasel hate my guts."
"I've noticed that the feeling is mutual. You've given us more than enough reasons to hate you. You've been nothing but cruel to Harry and Ron, and you've insulted me quite a bit. You're the only person I've ever slapped for being rude."
"I feel honored Granger, really I do. Now leave me alone. I didn't ask for you to bother me."
"I didn't expect you to be up here Malfoy. If I had know you were going to be up here, I wouldn't have been, believe me."
Draco brushed at his arm and winced in pain as he did so. He stared at the ground and tried to keep the robe from brushing against his skin. Hermione seized his arm after a few irritated moments of watching him and pulled the sleeve up to where he was poking at it and gasped.
Oh my God . . . Is that what I think it is?!"
"Yes . . ."
"You're a Death-Eater?! You're only fifteen!"
"I'm not one by choice Granger."
"Bull. You'd love to go kill Muggles and slaughter a few Mudbloods. You'd enjoy it. I can't believe it. I knew you were a jerk, but I didn't know that you would stoop this low."
"I didn't choose to have this thing fried onto my arm Granger! My father cornered me here today and I ended up with this cute little mark on my arm. That's why I was crying. I hate my father. He's the monster, not me. I'm just a little snide and cynical sometimes, and yes I'll admit that I like seeing others being laughed at. It's better than me being laughed at."
"I'm confused . . . How . . ."
"You're confused?! The brilliant Miss Granger doesn't understand something?! I'm amazed!" Hermione slapped Malfoy as hard as she could, and he stumbled backwards.
"Listen to me Draco Malfoy! I'm not going to take that attitude from you. I could march down to Dumbledore's office and tell him about what's on your arm, and I'm sure he'd be thrilled. I suggest you let me talk before you start ranting about how I don't understand. I was going to ask you to explain to me what happened. That's all I wanted to know, and you jumped on me."
"Well, I'm sorry if I'm slightly jumpy and irritable. It feels like someone's holding a flame to my arm and keeping it there. It hurts like hell, and I certainly don't want it."
"Just tell me what happened!"
"What if I don't want to?"
"Then I'm going to Dumbledore."
"Fine. My father sent me an owl the other morning saying that he was going to be paying me a visit. He was here this afternoon, and after Quidditch practice, he dragged me into one of the offices and told me that he wasn't going to wait until Christmas holiday to initiate me as a Death-Eater, which before you even light into me about, I didn't want to be. I don't want to be on the losing side. Potter's going to fuck up their plans just like he always does and be a hero again. I'm not going to be made a fool by him, believe me."
"So the only reason you didn't want to be a Death-Eater was because you're too proud to end up on the losing side, and have Harry make you look like a fool?"
"Yes Granger. That's pretty much exactly why."
"You have that much confidence in Harry? You think he can stop You-Know- Who?"
"Well he has thwarted his plans for the past four years, why won't he be able to do it this year?"
"He didn't exactly stop him last year."
"Sounds like I have more confidence in Potter than you Granger."
"Harry's not going to get anywhere near You-Know-Who. Dumbledore would never let him."
"Did your wonderful Headmaster allow it any other time? No. He didn't. Potter just sort of ends up where the danger is, and more often than not, you and Weasel end up there too. It's like you're attracted to danger."
"Just finish up your story."
"Fine. So he cornered me and slapped this pretty tattoo on my arm, with lots of pain, and then gave me a few orders."
"What sort of orders?"
"To brush up on my curses."
"What?! I hope you're not going . . ."
"Calm down Granger. The only one I can actually cast is Crutiatus, and that was on a bug. I've never tried Avada Kedavra, and I'm not strong enough to keep control over Imperious. I wouldn't use them on an actual person."
"Why does he want you too brush up on them for any other reason than to hurt people?"
"He wants me to hurt people. He wants me to kill actually, but I won't."
"Who does he want you to kill?"
"Who do you think he wants me to kill Granger?"
Hermione thought for a moment, and then her eyes widened in surprise.
"Harry . . ."
"You are intelligent. Bravo."
"If you even think about hurting him Malfoy, I'll make sure you're sorry for it."
"And what are you going to do?"
Hermione slammed Malfoy against the stone wall and he grinned as she pinned him there, making no effort to resist.
"Just don't hurt him Malfoy. Don't."
"My wasn't that an empty threat."
Hermione let go of Malfoy and threw her hands up in the air in frustration. He leaned back against the wall and shook his head.
"I told you I didn't plan on using the Unforgivable Curses Granger. And Potter isn't worth the effort."
"Why don't you want to kill him if you hate him so much?"
"I'm not a murderer Granger."
Hermione rolled her eyes and sat down on the floor of the tower taking her telescope out.
"So are you going to run to Dumbledore?"
"No, but . . ."
"Oh boy . . ."
"You have to do me a favor in return. I want you to stop making fun of Ron and Harry. Leave them alone. They never did anything to you."
'Harry denied me his friendship on the first damn day of school. That's what he did. He chose Weasel over me.'
"Fine Granger. I'll leave them alone."
"Good. Just don't forget it."
"I won't."
**********