Chapter 2: Dumbledore
Disclaimer: I was told I should probably put a disclaimer on my stories for whatever reason. Yeah, none of the characters from the Harry Potter series are mine. Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, or any of those guys belong to JK Rowling and her publishers.
Author's Note: The song Samuel sings was written by Jack Bruce, Pete Brown and Eric Clapton. Copyright belongs to 1968, 1973 Dratleaf Ltd. I only used the first line, but I thought it would be good to put a disclaimer here, cuz I didn't write it. You can find it on Cream's "Disraeli Gears" album, or one of the "Best of Eric Clapton" albums. Yeah and the name brands are trademarks of their respective corporations Fender and Ibanez.
"So, will one of you guys show me the way?" asked Samuel. The four students nodded, Hermione and Ginny were most enthusiastic. The four led Samuel up to a large castle that sat on a cliff overlooking the sea. They walked down several corridors and hallways until they arrived at a grotesque looking gargoyle that just sat in the middle of a hall.
"Lemon Drop" said Hermione to the gargoyle. Nothing happened.
"What's that supposed to do?" asked Samuel, examining the gargoyle.
"It's a password." Said Ron.
"Oh." Said Samuel as he ran his hands behind the gargoyle. "Anyone know a moonlight spell or something? Or do we guess sweets all day?"
Hermione pulled a wand out of her robes and waved it at the gargoyle and said something that sounded latin. The area around the gargoyle suddenly darkened, then glowed with a silvery light and the gargoyle itself came to life slowly and moved out of the way. A hidden staircase was revealed the four students stared at Samuel as he stepped onto the stairs. The four quickly followed after him.
"What?" asked Samuel.
"That's not supposed to happen. It takes a password every time." Said Hermione in disbelief.
"There's a way around every lock, and a solution to every problem." Samuel said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Harry and Ron looked at each other and stared down at the open passageway in amazement. Ginny smiled nervously behind them. They arrived at a door a few short moments later, Samuel tried the doorknob, and found it locked. He knocked on the door and there was no response. Ron looked through the keyhole and stood up quickly.
"He's in there waving us in." said Ron in a puzzled tone.
"Alohomora" said Hermione as she pointed her wand at the door. Nothing happened. Samuel rolled his eyes and pulled a pin out of Ginny's hair and stuck it in the lock. A few seconds later the lock clicked and he handed Ginny's hair pin back and opened the door. The office was a large circular room filled with gadgets of all shapes and sizes. An empty stool sat beside the wall, and a few feet away was a magnificent red and gold bird sitting on a golden perch. Dumbledore sat in a chair behind a large desk and smiled at the young people.
"Hello, Samuel. I've been expecting you." Dumbledore said, as he stood up to shake Samuel's hand. "Didn't take you as long as I expected to get past the doors. Oh, Hello Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione" he said, as he warmly greeted the students.
"Had some help." Samuel said gesturing at Hermione. "Talented wizardess you have here. "I think the gargoyle would have moved though, with a little persuasion."
"You had no problems at the station?"
"I ran into Arthur Weasley, but other then that, not really. Ron here figured it out though." Said Samuel. "What am I here for?"
"We'll be going." Said Harry. "See you at the feast."
"You four should hear this too, you will anyway I'm sure." Dumbledore said. The four students said down in chairs that suddenly appeared behind them. Ginny looked around nervously and scooted closer to Harry. Samuel took a seat after Dumbledore sat down behind his desk. "There's a spy in our midst. A follower of Voldemort." Ron, Ginny and Hermione shuddered as Dumbledore said the name.
"Who is Voldemort? And why should they hear this? Wouldn't this put them in danger too?" asked Samuel.
"Voldemort is a dark wizard. We know there is one spy, and possibly more walking our halls." Said Dumbledore. "Your cousin said you were well suited for finding them, and would look less suspicious then an Unspeakable coming here."
"Me? I don't know magic, can't even use it. I'm just a musician from the US. My skills, if that's what you're referring to have nothing to do with finding spies." Said Samuel.
Dumbledore smiled. "Your heritage is what I'm referring to. Your abilities such as they are will only aid you."
Samuel frowned. "My heritage? You know what I need then. That hasn't been done in centuries."
Dumbledore nodded. "It's been taken care of. Do what you need to." He said, then smiled. "I don't want you four getting involved with this."
Samuel nodded, Harry and Ron grinned at each other, Hermione stared at Harry and Ron, and Ginny squirmed in her seat.
"What's my cover?" asked Samuel.
"Our professor of Muggle Studies has retired. She thought you would be the perfect choice as a replacement. A muggle teaching muggle studies." Said Dumbledore.
"Sounds interesting. Where do I need to sleep?" asked Samuel.
"Sadly all our guest quarters are full. Until they're cleared out you'll have to sleep with the students." Said Dumbledore. "If that's not a problem?"
"Fine with me. Which house?" asked Samuel.
"Hufflepuff has a room open. The occupant died last year." Said Dumbledore.
"I would prefer not to sleep there. The Hufflepuffs might be upset." Said Samuel.
Dumbledore smiled. "Well I suppose the only place left is in Gryffindore."
Samuel nodded. "Perfect. Do I get an office?"
"Of course, Of course." Said Dumbledore. "If you need anything at all, please, don't hesitate to ask me or one of the other professors. We need to be getting to the Feast. Come find me again afterwards, I'll give you your keys."
Samuel nodded and stood up, as did the students. Dumbledore showed them out of his office and directed them to the Feast. Hagrid waved to them all and Dumbledore pointed towards an empty seat beside one of the professors. Samuel shook hands with all the professors and sat down. Dumbledore took his seat in the center of the professor's table. After a few moments a strict looking witch came through the main doors, followed by several young first years. Samuel watched with great interest as each first year was called by name, and a talking hat was placed on his or her head. The hat would call a house name and that student would take his or her seat with that house, amidst great cheer. There were 25 first years. Ten Hufflepuffs, six Slytherin, five Ravenclaw's and only four Gryffindores. After the Sorting ceremony, Dumbledore stood up and quieted the students.
"I have a few announcements to make before the feast. I would like to remind you all that the forest outside the grounds is forbidden to all students, and the village of Hogsmeade is restricted to all under third year. I would also like to introduce our new Muggle Studies Professor, Mr. Samuel Green from America. He will be staying in the Gryffindore Tower until more suitable arrangements can be made." Dumbledore said, and the students and professors clapped as Samuel stood up and bowed slightly. "I would also like to announce that, regrettably, Professor Snape has been called away on business." The room exploded in cheering, all except for most of the students at the Slytherin table. Dumbledore hushed them and continued. "In his place for the duration of his absence is Alveron Nickalroy. Alveron is a former student of my dear friend Nicolas Flamel, and a capable potion maker. Also Mad-Eye Moody agreed to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." Dumbledore paused for a moment then said. "Without anymore noise from me, Enjoy!". The old wizard gestured and the tables suddenly filled with food of all sorts and the students and professors alike ate their fill. Samuel ate quickly and chatted with a few of the professors. Moody eyed him with suspicion throughout the meal. After the feast Samuel followed the Gryffindor prefect to the Gryffindor tower. He shook hands with a great number of the students along the way. The prefect stopped in front of a portrait of a fat-lady.
"The password is 'Bumblebee'" said the prefect, nodding to all the students. "Care to try? Professor?" asked the prefect, nodding to Samuel.
"Just Samuel, I'm hardly old enough for a title." Said Samuel, nodding to the prefect. "Bumblebee."
The fat lady in the portrait nodded and smiled, the portrait then swung open to reveal a passageway. Leading them all in, the prefect stopped in the common room.
"Young ladies, your dormintories are on the right, boys, your dormitory is on the left. Your belongings have already been brought up. Lights out is an hour after sundown today, after which it will be at 10:30 sharp for all but fifth, sixth, and seventh years. Who must have their lights out at midnight. Professors are of course exceptions." The prefect said. "Enjoy your stay. Tomorrow you fill out your schedules."
"I would like to encourage you all to take the course on Muggle Studies this year. I hear the professor really knows what he's talking about." Said Samuel. "That concludes the shameless self promotion for the evening." Several of the students chuckled at that remark before heading to their rooms.
Samuel studied a piece of parchment that had been given to him by the prefect. He then followed Harry and Ron up to the dormitories.
"Looks like I have the room next door." Said Samuel. "Hope you guys don't mind me practicing my music."
"What kind do you play?" asked Ron.
"I play Blues, Rock and Roll, Classical, and Jazz. You name it I can play it. Mostly I play blues." Samuel Replied.
"I never got to listen to much music with the Dursley's." Harry said. "I think I like old rock and roll though."
"1960's British Invasion?"
"Yeah." Said Harry.
"My man!"
"Will you be practicing tonight?" asked Ron.
"Oh I suppose I could give a little demonstration." Samuel said. "Here or in the common room?"
"Common Room" the two said in unison.
Samuel opened the door to his quarters and gathered his guitar case, and a small black box with the word "Fender" on the front. He carried the two things into the common room, followed closely by Ron and Harry. After informing the prefect about what he was about to do, he set up in a corner.
"How long before lights out?" asked Samuel.
"About an hour." Replied the prefect. "I'm a drummer do you need any rhythm?"
"Sure, got drums here? I'm playin' an old Cream song called "Sunshine of Your Love". 60's rock in A if you need to know."
"I know it." Said the prefect with a grin. The prefect then hurried up the stairs.
Samuel opened his guitar bad and pulled out a matte grey electric guitar with the word "Ibanez" printed on the headstock. He positioned the guitar on his lap and checked the tuning. A few students had gathered around at this point with great interest. Samuel then dug out a long cable from his guitar case and hooked one end into the box on the floor, and another into the guitar. Hermione pushed her way through the crowd a bit and stared at the guitar and box.
"Muggle things won't work here. Your amplifier will go haywire." She said.
"Oh really?" asked Samuel as he reached down and flipped the switch on. A small red light slowly brightened and the amp made a low, barely audible, humming sound. Samuel flipped another switch and the humming changed pitch slightly. A few more adjustments and the humming stopped entirely. Samuel grinned at Hermione.
"First Muggle Studies quick test. Why shouldn't the amplifier work here. Why is it working? Also what's strange about it. Here's a hint, it uses electricity." Said Samuel.
A few of the gathered students groaned, but one second year spoke up.
"The grounds are enchanted so that muggle things go haywire. The amp isn't plugged in to anything, so it must be shielded." Said the student.
"What's your name?"
"John." Replied the second year.
"Well John you are absolutely correct on all counts." Samuel said. The muggle then positioned his left hand on the fretboard of the guitar and took his right hand and quickly strummed his fingers down the strings. The sweet, slightly modulating sound of a moderatly distorted guitar issued forth out of the amp. Several of the students jumped at the sound. Just then the prefect returned to the common room holding a small set of hand drums. Samuel nodded and grinned.
"Ready? What's your name?" asked Samuel.
"Robert." Said the prefect. "I'm ready!"
Samuel grinned and played the intro to the song. It was a driving melody, and the tone of the guitar seemed to saturate the room and drifted upstairs. Samuel began to sing after the prefect started the percussion.
It's getting near dawn, when lights close their tired eyes…
I'll soon be with you my love, to give you my dawn surprise…
The stern looking witch from the sorting ceremony entered the common room and looked bewildered by the music. She stepped through the crowd and gasped when she saw Samuel and the prefect playing the song. The old witch tapped her feet in time with the music and politely waited for the song to end.
"Very lovely Mr. Green." said the old witch. "I do hope you don't do this every night?"
"I didn't catch you name." said Samuel as he got to his feet. "Is there a problem?"
"Minerva McGonagall. I'm Head of Gryffindor house." She replied. "I don't suppose there's a problem. I rather enjoy most muggle music. It could disturb those trying to sleep."
"How about I don't play after thirty minutes before lights out? And only at the end of the week?" asked Samuel.
"That is acceptable, and I can't stop you from playing every day, Professor, only the headmaster can. As long as it's educational." She said.
"Alright, sounds like a good idea to me."
Professor McGonagall smiled and stepped out of the common room. Samuel and Robert packed their things back up and headed to their dormitories. Harry and Ron tagged closely behind Samuel as he entered his quarters.
"That was brilliant!" said Ron.
"Yes, very good." said Harry.
"Thank you." said Samuel. "I think I offended Hermione though."
"Her? She's always like that when she gets proved wrong." said Ron.
Samuel sat down on his bed and reached over to a disk shaped object on the night stand and pressed down on it. The disk started glowing a bright blue. He nodded to the door, and Harry shut it. The two students sat on the bed opposite Samuel.
"Interesting huh? My cousin gave it and a few other things to me. It fixes it so no one can hear what we're saying as long as we're within about 10 feet from it, or in the same small room with it." said Samuel, indicating the disk on the night stand.
"Whoa." Said Ron.
"I'm going to be blunt with you, Ron. When are you going to ask Hermione out?" asked Samuel.
Harry snickered and grinned at Ron, who was turning the colour of his hair.
"Why would I want to do that??" asked Ron defiantly.
"Well because you've done nothing but stare at her since she got on the train, and you seem to like her a lot more then just as a friend. You look jealous every time I speak to her, or say her name." said Samuel. "I know it's none of my business and I apologize if I offend."
"He does have a point." said Harry.
"All we do is fight. Besides I saw how she melted over you." said Ron.
"Just be nice to her, and treat her like the lady she is." said Samuel. "They like that, no matter how much they'll say they don't need a guy to act gentlemanly around them."
Ron shrugged and Samuel turned his gaze to Harry. "Anyone in particular you're interested in?" asked Samuel.
Harry blushed and shook his head. "Not really."
"I'm sure." said Samuel. "I'm placing my money either on Ginny, or that Asian girl I saw you staring at during the feast."
"Are you a detective?" asked Ron.
"Not really, but I do observe people." Samuel said.
"He is interested in Cho." said Ron with a snigger.
"The asian?" asked Samuel.
"Yeah…" said Harry.
"Ok, now that I'm through torturing you. I need to know some stuff." said Samuel. "First of all who is this dark wizard Voldemort exactly. I've heard a little about him."
Harry sighed and began telling Samuel about his encounters with Voldemort and what he knew about him. Ron added details here and there, managing never to mention Voldemort's name.
"I see. So I'm sitting in front of a hero. That explains a lot." said Samuel. "Thanks for the information. See if you can get Hermione and Ginny to agree to meet in my office after school hours for a bit when classes start. Dumbledore said you would probably help me, and I need to know as much about this school as possible. Who to talk to and such, and you need to know some things about me before you decide if you wanna jump into something this potentially dangerous." Samuel glanced out his window and then at this watch. "Light's out guys."
Harry and Ron exited the room and went to their own quarters. Samuel prepared his bed and went to sleep. His dreams were far from pleasant, dreams of evil wizards that had been haunting him since he found out about magic. Dreams of what may come. There was a war brewing, and he knew it.