CHAPTER FIVE .
Dumbledore's Office
Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, looking solemn. 'Harry, Ron, Hermione, please take a seat'. He indicated to three chairs, in front of his desk, and they sat down. 'I believe you have been rather busy these holidays' he said, and Harry saw the usual twinkle in his headmasters eyes returning. 'Especially you, Miss Granger' he said, smiling. I think we'd better explain to each other, what's been going on, don't you?' Hermione looked from Ron to Harry, and then began. 'I went to meet Viktor at Diagon Alley - because I thought he would be meeting me there -'. She swallowed, '- But. but he wasn't there' she ended lamely. 'You Know Who was though - with another man I didn't know'. Harry was watching Dumbledore carefully, and at this last sentence he saw his eyes widen slightly. 'They were talking about Viktor and me. They used Viktor as bait to get me to Diagon Alley, and me as bait for Karkaroff'. She paused. 'But Karkaroff remained well hidden. He didn't let You Know Who find him'. She had explained this conversation again for Dumbledore's benefit, as she knew that Harry and Ron already knew. 'And that was on Tuesday', Dumbledore prompted. 'You visited Harry on Saturday I believe. What did you do between? Did you return home?' Hermione lowered her eyes. 'I went.I went...back home and then.to Harry'. She looked uncomfortable, but Dumbledore was smiling. 'Do you and Ron have anything to say for yourselves?' said Dumbledore, his eyes sparkling. 'Err.no professor' said Harry. Ron shook his head. 'Very well. If you wouldn't mind waiting outside for Hermione, I just want a quick word'. Ron and Harry looked curiously at Hermione but Dumbledore had opened the door, and they got up to leave. 'Do you get the feeling that Hermione's not telling us something?' said Ron, as Dumbledore shut the door. Harry shrugged his shoulders. They decided not to wait for Hermione outside the office, so Dumbledore wouldn't think they were trying to eavesdrop, although Ron was obviously intending to do just that before Harry pulled him away. They went down the corridor, and waited at the top of the stairs. The castle seemed dark and gloomy, and the rolling of thunder could be heard. This gave a very frightening touch to the tense atmosphere. They stood there, uneasily, in silence. 'I hope this weather doesn't continue tomorrow' muttered Ron. 'What if we have some lessons outside? I wonder if Hagrid's managed to revive the Skrewts from last year.' Harry laughed. 'Well, I hope not!' he said. Just then they heard the pattering of footsteps coming down from Dumbledore's office. 'What were you talking to Dumbledore for, Hermione?' said Ron as the stone gargoyle sprang back, revealing Hermione. 'Oh you know, this and that. Extra work with OWLs.' said Hermione, in a rushed voice. 'Why didn't Dumbledore want us there then?' said Ron provokingly. It was evident that he was trying to start an argument. But Harry gave him a look that silenced him. They walked into the great hall, Hermione blushing, and Ron with ears the colour of tomatoes.
As they walked in, they saw that the great hall was decorated just as magnificently as usual, with the four different house's banners above each house table. Harry didn't suppose that Voldermort would effect the houselves too much. Remembering Hermione's campaign for promoting elfish welfare last year, he looked at her quickly. Would she ramble on about her club this year too, he wandered.
The hall was now filled with students, however it wasn't crowded. The first years had lined up and were waiting to be sorted. There seemed to be less than usual, but Harry supposed that this was because some of them hadn't arrived yet. Harry noticed eyes following him as he crossed the hall, their faces shocked and scared as he was. Ron and Hermione took their seats at the gryffindor table, and however hard Harry tried to hide his scar, the older students still knew who he was.
Harry sat down between Ron and Hermione and sank down low in his chair. All these people were terrified of a Voldermort, returned to full power. No doubt their parents had warned them of the dangers. Before, Harry hadn't been as worried as he should, but now he had all these people staring at him as a constant reminder Voldermort was after him. Something of his worry must have shown of his face.
'Harry? Are you Ok?' Sounded Fred or George's voice from far off. Harry jerked back into the present. 'Yeah, yeah I'm fine.' Said Harry, sitting up 'Just tired- you know getting up at two!' He forced a grin. 'Ok,' Said Fred 'Just making sure you weren't worried about-' he dropped his voice 'You know who.' He then turned back to George, and they began discussing the gryffindor quiddich team. 'Hey, Ron,' said Harry suddenly 'D'you know how they select the team captains?' Ron frowned. 'I think...' he said slowly 'That professor McGonagall chooses for Gryffindor. Are you hoping to be team captain or something Harry?' 'No. It'll be Alicia or Katie... I dunno. Who D'you think will be keeper?' Ron looked up. 'I don't know... I reckon I'll try out... but I won't get it. It'll be Seamus or Someone.' Just then, Professor McGonagall brought out the sorting hat, and it began to sing: -
When Hogwarts school was newly born, To Gryffindor I belonged, By him, I was always worn, By others, I was longed. Then the four founders took me off, Replaced my brain with theirs, But they were not quite aware, Of the powers I would bear. Gryffindor, my owner, Was brave and bold at heart, Ravenclaw, a friend of his, Was always very smart, Hufflepuff was honest, And always very fair, Slytherin, ambitious, Would always take a dare. Now with these powers which I have, That the great four gave to me, I now posses the privilege, To tell you where you ought to be!
The hall burst into applause. 'The powers that it has?' Said Harry anxious about what these might be. 'Yeah- the power to sort people!' Said Fred, looking at Harry apprehensively. 'Look, I can tell that you're worried Harry. Just try to relax, Ok?' Harry grinned, but he had a horrible feeling there might be a hidden meaning in this. He shook himself, and tried to persuade himself not to be so stupid. He was in a deep chain of thoughts when Professor McGonagall called out the first name.
'Buxham, Alfred!' A small twitchy looking boy went forward, tripping over his undone shoelace as he got up. 'HUFFLEPUFF!' shouted the hat, after a seconds pause. Next came 'Clark, David' (Ravenclaw), then 'Danté, Cordean' (Slytherin), 'Davidson, Rupert' (Hufflepuff), and 'Evans, Malcom' (Slytherin). 'Come on, Gryffindor!' Shouted George. Harry saw the edges of Dumbledore's mouth twitch as though he would have laughed if he hadn't been in front of the whole school.
But as the sorting went on, the smile on Dumbledore's face slowly faded. 'What's going on?' Said Ginny. 'Why are there no Gryffindors?' 'Look at Malfoy.' Harry muttered, looking across to the now crowded Slytherin table. Malfoy was whispering something to Crabbe and Goyle, with a huge grin on his face. 'Someone's fixed it!' Said Fred, outraged. By the last name, Dumbledore's head was wrinkled. 'Zanzibar, Zoë' 'RAVENCLAW!' Harry looked from Ron to Hermione. They both looked scandalised. 'They can't! There are going to be no new Gryffindors!' Said Hermione, her mouth wide open. But evidently they were. After all, the sorting hat had the final say. Dumbledore rose. He seemed lost for words, but after a long pause he clapped his hands and said ' Let the feast begin!' Somehow, Harry didn't feel hungry anymore.
'Something's wrong- some Slytherin probably tampered with it!' Said Ron, also not touching his food. 'No Ron.' Said Hermione. 'No student could have done that.' Ron eyed Snape suspiciously. Hermione noticed. 'Oh Ron, that's ridiculous! Snape wouldn't! We've been through this! Snape wouldn't betray Dumbledore!' Harry also looked at Snape. He was looking satisfied.
Harry saw the doors of the entrance hall open, and McGonagall walked in, then over to Dumbledore. She told him something urgently. She looked extremely nervous. Dumbledore, however, did not appear to be alarmed, but he was evidently annoyed and angry. He saw the other teachers leaning towards Dumbledore as he explained to them what the matter was. All the teachers looked frightened by the news. Harry tapped Ron on the shoulder to make him look at this too, but he was too engaged in a heated argument with Dean Thomas about Quiddich, and when he finally turned round, the teachers were back in their places, muttering angrily.
When the feast was over, Harry hoped that the mystery of their conversation would be revealed; however, it did not seem of sufficient importance, or more likely something so important that the students must not hear. 'Harry!' Said Hermione as they were getting up from the table. 'Where's Neville?' 'No idea...' Said Harry. 'Ron said that some parents weren't letting their children go on the Hogwarts express this year- being afraid of...well...dark activity! Neville does seem like the kind've person who could be lost of captured easily...' Harry suddenly remembered what Dumbledore had said the previous year about Neville's parents- about them having been caught as aurors, and tortured by the death eaters. Perhaps Neville had gone to visit them. But Harry had promised not to speak to anyone about Neville's parents, and he intended to keep this promise.
Harry walked back to the common room, in a daze of deep thoughts, his brain too pre-occupied to remember the password which Hermione had just told him (She, of course, had been selected as a prefect,) and so he had to wait until a group of shy 2nd years had scuttled in before he could look around the familiar common room once more.
Harry was so glad to be back, but he was now in constant fear of attacks from Voldermort. Remembering that he had forgotten to wait for Ron or Hermione, he flopped down on an armchair by the fire to wait for them, whilst he watched the other Gryffindors going up to their dormitories, however, it seemed empty as there were no new Gryffindors among them.
He waited for a long time, and by the time the embers were glowing low in the grate, he stood up to go and look for them. However, at that moment, Hermione and Ron stumbled through the portrait hole, both looking very serious and gasping for breath. 'Harry! More first years have just arrived! Hagrid told us- apparently they couldn't get into the station! They're sleeping in the Gryffindor tower tomorrow, but they're being sorted at breakfast tomorrow morning.' Harry frowned. 'I bet they'll all be in Gryffindor.' He said darkly. 'Somebody wanted to prevent the Gryffindors getting to Hogwarts.' 'But nobody knows who the Gryffindors are until they're sorted!' Said Hermione, shocked. 'No, but there are certain characteristics only Gryffindors have.' Harry persisted, but nevertheless, he was deeply relieved. They decided not to wait for the new arrivals, and went straight to bed.
As Harry entered the dormitory, he felt at home at last, and the red hangings surrounding the comfortable four-poster beds looked extremely inviting. Harry, sighed, but smiling, he flopped down on his bed and fell asleep almost straight away.
Dumbledore's Office
Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, looking solemn. 'Harry, Ron, Hermione, please take a seat'. He indicated to three chairs, in front of his desk, and they sat down. 'I believe you have been rather busy these holidays' he said, and Harry saw the usual twinkle in his headmasters eyes returning. 'Especially you, Miss Granger' he said, smiling. I think we'd better explain to each other, what's been going on, don't you?' Hermione looked from Ron to Harry, and then began. 'I went to meet Viktor at Diagon Alley - because I thought he would be meeting me there -'. She swallowed, '- But. but he wasn't there' she ended lamely. 'You Know Who was though - with another man I didn't know'. Harry was watching Dumbledore carefully, and at this last sentence he saw his eyes widen slightly. 'They were talking about Viktor and me. They used Viktor as bait to get me to Diagon Alley, and me as bait for Karkaroff'. She paused. 'But Karkaroff remained well hidden. He didn't let You Know Who find him'. She had explained this conversation again for Dumbledore's benefit, as she knew that Harry and Ron already knew. 'And that was on Tuesday', Dumbledore prompted. 'You visited Harry on Saturday I believe. What did you do between? Did you return home?' Hermione lowered her eyes. 'I went.I went...back home and then.to Harry'. She looked uncomfortable, but Dumbledore was smiling. 'Do you and Ron have anything to say for yourselves?' said Dumbledore, his eyes sparkling. 'Err.no professor' said Harry. Ron shook his head. 'Very well. If you wouldn't mind waiting outside for Hermione, I just want a quick word'. Ron and Harry looked curiously at Hermione but Dumbledore had opened the door, and they got up to leave. 'Do you get the feeling that Hermione's not telling us something?' said Ron, as Dumbledore shut the door. Harry shrugged his shoulders. They decided not to wait for Hermione outside the office, so Dumbledore wouldn't think they were trying to eavesdrop, although Ron was obviously intending to do just that before Harry pulled him away. They went down the corridor, and waited at the top of the stairs. The castle seemed dark and gloomy, and the rolling of thunder could be heard. This gave a very frightening touch to the tense atmosphere. They stood there, uneasily, in silence. 'I hope this weather doesn't continue tomorrow' muttered Ron. 'What if we have some lessons outside? I wonder if Hagrid's managed to revive the Skrewts from last year.' Harry laughed. 'Well, I hope not!' he said. Just then they heard the pattering of footsteps coming down from Dumbledore's office. 'What were you talking to Dumbledore for, Hermione?' said Ron as the stone gargoyle sprang back, revealing Hermione. 'Oh you know, this and that. Extra work with OWLs.' said Hermione, in a rushed voice. 'Why didn't Dumbledore want us there then?' said Ron provokingly. It was evident that he was trying to start an argument. But Harry gave him a look that silenced him. They walked into the great hall, Hermione blushing, and Ron with ears the colour of tomatoes.
As they walked in, they saw that the great hall was decorated just as magnificently as usual, with the four different house's banners above each house table. Harry didn't suppose that Voldermort would effect the houselves too much. Remembering Hermione's campaign for promoting elfish welfare last year, he looked at her quickly. Would she ramble on about her club this year too, he wandered.
The hall was now filled with students, however it wasn't crowded. The first years had lined up and were waiting to be sorted. There seemed to be less than usual, but Harry supposed that this was because some of them hadn't arrived yet. Harry noticed eyes following him as he crossed the hall, their faces shocked and scared as he was. Ron and Hermione took their seats at the gryffindor table, and however hard Harry tried to hide his scar, the older students still knew who he was.
Harry sat down between Ron and Hermione and sank down low in his chair. All these people were terrified of a Voldermort, returned to full power. No doubt their parents had warned them of the dangers. Before, Harry hadn't been as worried as he should, but now he had all these people staring at him as a constant reminder Voldermort was after him. Something of his worry must have shown of his face.
'Harry? Are you Ok?' Sounded Fred or George's voice from far off. Harry jerked back into the present. 'Yeah, yeah I'm fine.' Said Harry, sitting up 'Just tired- you know getting up at two!' He forced a grin. 'Ok,' Said Fred 'Just making sure you weren't worried about-' he dropped his voice 'You know who.' He then turned back to George, and they began discussing the gryffindor quiddich team. 'Hey, Ron,' said Harry suddenly 'D'you know how they select the team captains?' Ron frowned. 'I think...' he said slowly 'That professor McGonagall chooses for Gryffindor. Are you hoping to be team captain or something Harry?' 'No. It'll be Alicia or Katie... I dunno. Who D'you think will be keeper?' Ron looked up. 'I don't know... I reckon I'll try out... but I won't get it. It'll be Seamus or Someone.' Just then, Professor McGonagall brought out the sorting hat, and it began to sing: -
When Hogwarts school was newly born, To Gryffindor I belonged, By him, I was always worn, By others, I was longed. Then the four founders took me off, Replaced my brain with theirs, But they were not quite aware, Of the powers I would bear. Gryffindor, my owner, Was brave and bold at heart, Ravenclaw, a friend of his, Was always very smart, Hufflepuff was honest, And always very fair, Slytherin, ambitious, Would always take a dare. Now with these powers which I have, That the great four gave to me, I now posses the privilege, To tell you where you ought to be!
The hall burst into applause. 'The powers that it has?' Said Harry anxious about what these might be. 'Yeah- the power to sort people!' Said Fred, looking at Harry apprehensively. 'Look, I can tell that you're worried Harry. Just try to relax, Ok?' Harry grinned, but he had a horrible feeling there might be a hidden meaning in this. He shook himself, and tried to persuade himself not to be so stupid. He was in a deep chain of thoughts when Professor McGonagall called out the first name.
'Buxham, Alfred!' A small twitchy looking boy went forward, tripping over his undone shoelace as he got up. 'HUFFLEPUFF!' shouted the hat, after a seconds pause. Next came 'Clark, David' (Ravenclaw), then 'Danté, Cordean' (Slytherin), 'Davidson, Rupert' (Hufflepuff), and 'Evans, Malcom' (Slytherin). 'Come on, Gryffindor!' Shouted George. Harry saw the edges of Dumbledore's mouth twitch as though he would have laughed if he hadn't been in front of the whole school.
But as the sorting went on, the smile on Dumbledore's face slowly faded. 'What's going on?' Said Ginny. 'Why are there no Gryffindors?' 'Look at Malfoy.' Harry muttered, looking across to the now crowded Slytherin table. Malfoy was whispering something to Crabbe and Goyle, with a huge grin on his face. 'Someone's fixed it!' Said Fred, outraged. By the last name, Dumbledore's head was wrinkled. 'Zanzibar, Zoë' 'RAVENCLAW!' Harry looked from Ron to Hermione. They both looked scandalised. 'They can't! There are going to be no new Gryffindors!' Said Hermione, her mouth wide open. But evidently they were. After all, the sorting hat had the final say. Dumbledore rose. He seemed lost for words, but after a long pause he clapped his hands and said ' Let the feast begin!' Somehow, Harry didn't feel hungry anymore.
'Something's wrong- some Slytherin probably tampered with it!' Said Ron, also not touching his food. 'No Ron.' Said Hermione. 'No student could have done that.' Ron eyed Snape suspiciously. Hermione noticed. 'Oh Ron, that's ridiculous! Snape wouldn't! We've been through this! Snape wouldn't betray Dumbledore!' Harry also looked at Snape. He was looking satisfied.
Harry saw the doors of the entrance hall open, and McGonagall walked in, then over to Dumbledore. She told him something urgently. She looked extremely nervous. Dumbledore, however, did not appear to be alarmed, but he was evidently annoyed and angry. He saw the other teachers leaning towards Dumbledore as he explained to them what the matter was. All the teachers looked frightened by the news. Harry tapped Ron on the shoulder to make him look at this too, but he was too engaged in a heated argument with Dean Thomas about Quiddich, and when he finally turned round, the teachers were back in their places, muttering angrily.
When the feast was over, Harry hoped that the mystery of their conversation would be revealed; however, it did not seem of sufficient importance, or more likely something so important that the students must not hear. 'Harry!' Said Hermione as they were getting up from the table. 'Where's Neville?' 'No idea...' Said Harry. 'Ron said that some parents weren't letting their children go on the Hogwarts express this year- being afraid of...well...dark activity! Neville does seem like the kind've person who could be lost of captured easily...' Harry suddenly remembered what Dumbledore had said the previous year about Neville's parents- about them having been caught as aurors, and tortured by the death eaters. Perhaps Neville had gone to visit them. But Harry had promised not to speak to anyone about Neville's parents, and he intended to keep this promise.
Harry walked back to the common room, in a daze of deep thoughts, his brain too pre-occupied to remember the password which Hermione had just told him (She, of course, had been selected as a prefect,) and so he had to wait until a group of shy 2nd years had scuttled in before he could look around the familiar common room once more.
Harry was so glad to be back, but he was now in constant fear of attacks from Voldermort. Remembering that he had forgotten to wait for Ron or Hermione, he flopped down on an armchair by the fire to wait for them, whilst he watched the other Gryffindors going up to their dormitories, however, it seemed empty as there were no new Gryffindors among them.
He waited for a long time, and by the time the embers were glowing low in the grate, he stood up to go and look for them. However, at that moment, Hermione and Ron stumbled through the portrait hole, both looking very serious and gasping for breath. 'Harry! More first years have just arrived! Hagrid told us- apparently they couldn't get into the station! They're sleeping in the Gryffindor tower tomorrow, but they're being sorted at breakfast tomorrow morning.' Harry frowned. 'I bet they'll all be in Gryffindor.' He said darkly. 'Somebody wanted to prevent the Gryffindors getting to Hogwarts.' 'But nobody knows who the Gryffindors are until they're sorted!' Said Hermione, shocked. 'No, but there are certain characteristics only Gryffindors have.' Harry persisted, but nevertheless, he was deeply relieved. They decided not to wait for the new arrivals, and went straight to bed.
As Harry entered the dormitory, he felt at home at last, and the red hangings surrounding the comfortable four-poster beds looked extremely inviting. Harry, sighed, but smiling, he flopped down on his bed and fell asleep almost straight away.