Chapter 11
Silence fell as Professor McGonagall led a long line of new first years into the hall, when re they stood as directed. Harry only half listened as the hat began to sing, as he was busy watching the first years. Much to his satisfaction, there were several he liked the look of, most of whom were soon placed in Gryffindor. Soon Dumbledore rose and addressed the hall.
'There is a man standing wrongfully accused among us, and it is time for him to be recognised by the Wizarding world. On this I give you my word. The man I am talking about will be one of your most important teachers this year. I would ask anyone who doubts my word to stand, and their views may be heard.' Not a soul moved, though Harry could see Malfoy scowling.
'In that case, Sirius, would you please stand up.' He did so, shakily, and looked around the Hall into the faces of the people who held his fate in their hands. If he was reported he was as good as dead. When no one moved, he nodded, and was about to take his seat, when he changed his mind.
'I am sure many of you know the story of the Potters. What you will not know is the fact that I would have given my life for them. My Godson knows the story as it was, and anyone wishing to do so many come to my office whenever they please.' He sat down, to see the eyes of Dumbledore twinkling in his direction.
'There are several among you who have been singled out during the summer. They are the Guardians, and you should treat them with as much respect as you do me. Hawk?' Harry nodded at the old man, and rose to walk out into the front of the Hall, where he could be seen by all.
We are the Guardians, and in a months time the Guards will be officially formed to help us. They will be chosen from you. We have pledged to fight all evil, and anyone wishing to join us should approach one of us in the next few days. This included first years. Thank you.' He sat back down, listening to the buzz his words had created. Silence was restored by Dumbledore.
'Thank you Hawk. Now I must remind you all that the Forest is still out of bounds, and that anyone disobeying this rule will find themselves under the care of the training master for a few hours. Now, you will all be hungry. On with the feast!' He sat, and the Guardians lifted their goblets to the staff table, before beginning to eat.
' I pity anyone caught by the forest.' Said Dean.
'Yeah, one hour with Sirius is awful, let alone more!' Replied Seamus.
'I wonder when Dumbledore is going to announce the new timetables?' This came from Hermione, and Harry grinned as Ron answered.
'Oh, give over. Probably after we've eaten.' Hermione elbowed him.
'Herm.Quill!' His moan was indignant, but Hermione just smiled angelically back at him, while Harry grinned in the background. Soon all plates were empty, and most stomachs full. With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore cleared the tables. Like after the first meal for the Guardians, in the place of the food was parchment. Ron and Harry looked at each other and grinned.
'Deja-vu.' Hermione smiled, as Dumbledore spoke once more.
'Those parchments contain everything you need to know. You must all read them tonight, as they contain several very important changes. Now if the Guardians would like to lead the first years to their new houses, I will bid you all good night.'
The Guardians rose, and four moved to each table to pick up the first years. Soon Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were leading the eleven-year- olds back to Gryffindor. When they arrived and Harry spoke the password 'Niffler' they all went in and Harry spoke.
'I suggest you read the notices straight away, and we will stay here so you can ask us any questions. If the boy's would follow Rook and me, and the Girls follow Peace and Quill, we'll show you your dorms. They were followed up the stairs and into the dorms. Harry looked round wistfully, remembering their own days in the room.
'Hey Hawk, remember when a box of chocolate frogs escaped up here?'
'Do I ever! It was havoc. We were lucky not to get detention.' Harry laughed at the memory. He was about to mention another escapade when they were interrupted by one of the first-years.
'We have to get up a six! No way!' The speaker was called Callum Ridd. Harry walked over and smiled at him.
'Yes way. And you know why?' The boy shook his head. 'Because Voldemort has returned.' Harry spoke to the whole room. 'And six in the morning is when you do the training that will keep you alive when you meet him. You're speaking to someone who has met him, and fought him. I will see all of you at six tomorrow.'
'What do we wear?' The question came from a small, shy boy with black hair and dark eyes. Harry smiled.
'Were shorts and t-shirt on your list?' The boy nodded.
'Then those, with trainers. Anything else? In that case we'll see you all tomorrow. Bright and early.' Harry grinned as they groaned. He turned to Ron.
'Wasn't that our reaction too?'
'Yep, and it's probably the same reaction as Quill and Peace got.' Ron laughed, and they walked out and back to their rooms, having met the girls on the way.
The Guardians were up at the normal time the next day, and were just having a break before their swim when Sirius left them to go and meet the first years. The heat was fierce, and all the boys were in just shorts. When he emerged followed by the first years a few minutes later, they noticed other teachers leading the other years out, most of whom were looking very uncomfortable in shorts. Sirius led them over to the Guardians, and Harry nodded at the Gryffindor lot.
'Right. Now I've got to train all of you, so every other day, some of these older ones will lead you, while I train them. For today, I think Hawk and Stealth can take you. Tomorrow it'll be me. Understood?' The young group shuffled their feet nervously, and Harry and Zab stood and walked over to Sirius.
'Two laps, then two minute circuits. A short swim to finish. Add anything you feel like.' Harry nodded and the two of them walked over to the first years. He spoke to Zab.
'This should be fun.'
'Yeah, torturing first years - my favourite.' He grinned evilly.
'Ok, listen up. Stretches first. Follow what Stealth and I do.' The two Guardians started to show the group how to stretch, then led them off on a light jog round the lake. Harry led, while Zab urged on any stragglers. By the end of the run most of the first years looked ready to collapse, while Harry and Zab were not even breathing heavily. However, Harry was pleased to note that a few we obviously already fit, among them the shy boy from the night before. Harry walked over to him.
'That was good. Do you run a lot?'
'If I can get out of the house.' Harry could see the happiness on his face. He noticed the knife at Harry's side. It was the only weapon he was carrying. 'Why do you have that?' He asked, pointing.
'To defend myself and you lot, or attack if I have to.' He drew the blade and gave it hilt first to the boy. 'You're Jack?' The boy nodded, holding the blade in awe.
'Will we get taught how to use one?' Harry frowned.
'Not in classes.' Harry could see the disappointment on his face. 'I tell you what. If you can get three others who want to learn, then come to the Entrance Hall at half three, and I'll give you some lessons. Ok?' Harry spoke slowly.
'Yeah, thanks!' He handed Harry the blade, a smile lighting up his face. Harry walked back to the front of the group, and joined Zab while they led in circuits, Happy at his decision. When they were finished, they swum, with Harry and Zab in the water with them. They then led the first years over to where Sirius and the Guardians were just about to start the course.
'Ah, Hawk. You're just in time to join us.' He addressed the first years. 'Sit down, and you can see how this lot cope. Two laps, running between. Ready. Go.'
The first year watched in amazement as the Guardians ran the course twice at break neck speed, seemingly effortlessly. When they were done, while most collapsed on the grass just out of sigh of the first years, Harry walked back to the group. His brown chest was heaving as he spoke to them.
'In a few weeks you'll be doing that too. In the mean time you get to watch us. If memory serves you're classes start in a hour. I think you'd better go back to the castle and get ready. I'll see some of you later. Good luck with your lessons.'
As he turned away, Jack caught a glimpse of the faded scars on his back and frowned, deep in thought.
That's it for now. In case anyone is confused Harry is Hawk! Jack will get a bigger part in the story, especially if this goes on to the next year. Thanks for any reviews. Next chapter should be up tomorrow. - PoseHarryHH
Silence fell as Professor McGonagall led a long line of new first years into the hall, when re they stood as directed. Harry only half listened as the hat began to sing, as he was busy watching the first years. Much to his satisfaction, there were several he liked the look of, most of whom were soon placed in Gryffindor. Soon Dumbledore rose and addressed the hall.
'There is a man standing wrongfully accused among us, and it is time for him to be recognised by the Wizarding world. On this I give you my word. The man I am talking about will be one of your most important teachers this year. I would ask anyone who doubts my word to stand, and their views may be heard.' Not a soul moved, though Harry could see Malfoy scowling.
'In that case, Sirius, would you please stand up.' He did so, shakily, and looked around the Hall into the faces of the people who held his fate in their hands. If he was reported he was as good as dead. When no one moved, he nodded, and was about to take his seat, when he changed his mind.
'I am sure many of you know the story of the Potters. What you will not know is the fact that I would have given my life for them. My Godson knows the story as it was, and anyone wishing to do so many come to my office whenever they please.' He sat down, to see the eyes of Dumbledore twinkling in his direction.
'There are several among you who have been singled out during the summer. They are the Guardians, and you should treat them with as much respect as you do me. Hawk?' Harry nodded at the old man, and rose to walk out into the front of the Hall, where he could be seen by all.
We are the Guardians, and in a months time the Guards will be officially formed to help us. They will be chosen from you. We have pledged to fight all evil, and anyone wishing to join us should approach one of us in the next few days. This included first years. Thank you.' He sat back down, listening to the buzz his words had created. Silence was restored by Dumbledore.
'Thank you Hawk. Now I must remind you all that the Forest is still out of bounds, and that anyone disobeying this rule will find themselves under the care of the training master for a few hours. Now, you will all be hungry. On with the feast!' He sat, and the Guardians lifted their goblets to the staff table, before beginning to eat.
' I pity anyone caught by the forest.' Said Dean.
'Yeah, one hour with Sirius is awful, let alone more!' Replied Seamus.
'I wonder when Dumbledore is going to announce the new timetables?' This came from Hermione, and Harry grinned as Ron answered.
'Oh, give over. Probably after we've eaten.' Hermione elbowed him.
'Herm.Quill!' His moan was indignant, but Hermione just smiled angelically back at him, while Harry grinned in the background. Soon all plates were empty, and most stomachs full. With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore cleared the tables. Like after the first meal for the Guardians, in the place of the food was parchment. Ron and Harry looked at each other and grinned.
'Deja-vu.' Hermione smiled, as Dumbledore spoke once more.
'Those parchments contain everything you need to know. You must all read them tonight, as they contain several very important changes. Now if the Guardians would like to lead the first years to their new houses, I will bid you all good night.'
The Guardians rose, and four moved to each table to pick up the first years. Soon Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were leading the eleven-year- olds back to Gryffindor. When they arrived and Harry spoke the password 'Niffler' they all went in and Harry spoke.
'I suggest you read the notices straight away, and we will stay here so you can ask us any questions. If the boy's would follow Rook and me, and the Girls follow Peace and Quill, we'll show you your dorms. They were followed up the stairs and into the dorms. Harry looked round wistfully, remembering their own days in the room.
'Hey Hawk, remember when a box of chocolate frogs escaped up here?'
'Do I ever! It was havoc. We were lucky not to get detention.' Harry laughed at the memory. He was about to mention another escapade when they were interrupted by one of the first-years.
'We have to get up a six! No way!' The speaker was called Callum Ridd. Harry walked over and smiled at him.
'Yes way. And you know why?' The boy shook his head. 'Because Voldemort has returned.' Harry spoke to the whole room. 'And six in the morning is when you do the training that will keep you alive when you meet him. You're speaking to someone who has met him, and fought him. I will see all of you at six tomorrow.'
'What do we wear?' The question came from a small, shy boy with black hair and dark eyes. Harry smiled.
'Were shorts and t-shirt on your list?' The boy nodded.
'Then those, with trainers. Anything else? In that case we'll see you all tomorrow. Bright and early.' Harry grinned as they groaned. He turned to Ron.
'Wasn't that our reaction too?'
'Yep, and it's probably the same reaction as Quill and Peace got.' Ron laughed, and they walked out and back to their rooms, having met the girls on the way.
The Guardians were up at the normal time the next day, and were just having a break before their swim when Sirius left them to go and meet the first years. The heat was fierce, and all the boys were in just shorts. When he emerged followed by the first years a few minutes later, they noticed other teachers leading the other years out, most of whom were looking very uncomfortable in shorts. Sirius led them over to the Guardians, and Harry nodded at the Gryffindor lot.
'Right. Now I've got to train all of you, so every other day, some of these older ones will lead you, while I train them. For today, I think Hawk and Stealth can take you. Tomorrow it'll be me. Understood?' The young group shuffled their feet nervously, and Harry and Zab stood and walked over to Sirius.
'Two laps, then two minute circuits. A short swim to finish. Add anything you feel like.' Harry nodded and the two of them walked over to the first years. He spoke to Zab.
'This should be fun.'
'Yeah, torturing first years - my favourite.' He grinned evilly.
'Ok, listen up. Stretches first. Follow what Stealth and I do.' The two Guardians started to show the group how to stretch, then led them off on a light jog round the lake. Harry led, while Zab urged on any stragglers. By the end of the run most of the first years looked ready to collapse, while Harry and Zab were not even breathing heavily. However, Harry was pleased to note that a few we obviously already fit, among them the shy boy from the night before. Harry walked over to him.
'That was good. Do you run a lot?'
'If I can get out of the house.' Harry could see the happiness on his face. He noticed the knife at Harry's side. It was the only weapon he was carrying. 'Why do you have that?' He asked, pointing.
'To defend myself and you lot, or attack if I have to.' He drew the blade and gave it hilt first to the boy. 'You're Jack?' The boy nodded, holding the blade in awe.
'Will we get taught how to use one?' Harry frowned.
'Not in classes.' Harry could see the disappointment on his face. 'I tell you what. If you can get three others who want to learn, then come to the Entrance Hall at half three, and I'll give you some lessons. Ok?' Harry spoke slowly.
'Yeah, thanks!' He handed Harry the blade, a smile lighting up his face. Harry walked back to the front of the group, and joined Zab while they led in circuits, Happy at his decision. When they were finished, they swum, with Harry and Zab in the water with them. They then led the first years over to where Sirius and the Guardians were just about to start the course.
'Ah, Hawk. You're just in time to join us.' He addressed the first years. 'Sit down, and you can see how this lot cope. Two laps, running between. Ready. Go.'
The first year watched in amazement as the Guardians ran the course twice at break neck speed, seemingly effortlessly. When they were done, while most collapsed on the grass just out of sigh of the first years, Harry walked back to the group. His brown chest was heaving as he spoke to them.
'In a few weeks you'll be doing that too. In the mean time you get to watch us. If memory serves you're classes start in a hour. I think you'd better go back to the castle and get ready. I'll see some of you later. Good luck with your lessons.'
As he turned away, Jack caught a glimpse of the faded scars on his back and frowned, deep in thought.
That's it for now. In case anyone is confused Harry is Hawk! Jack will get a bigger part in the story, especially if this goes on to the next year. Thanks for any reviews. Next chapter should be up tomorrow. - PoseHarryHH