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Author's Note: Sorry the last chapter was so short. This one will definitely be longer. This will not only see the Prefect briefing, but returning to Hogwarts, and hearing some very unpleasant news, but fret not, he will hear some good.
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"Now, Harry, do you have everything you need?" asked Sirius as Harry, Professor Lupin, and Mrs. Figg were ready to leave for King's Cross. Sirius would not be able to join them, due to his being a wanted criminal.
"Yeah, but I still wish you could come with us," replied Harry. He sounded sorry to have to say good-bye to Sirius.
"I know. I can at least walk you to the car, though," said Sirius. Sirius transformed into his dog form, while Professor Lupin and Harry hauled his luggage out to the car.
"Woof, woof," said Sirius. Harry replied by patting his head. The car pulled out and headed towards London.
The trip to King's Cross was mostly uneventful. They arrived, 30 minutes later, at 10:20. The station was as busy as ever. They grabbed Harry a trolley, placed his trunk on it and walked Harry to the barrier before departing.
Harry casually leaned against the barrier, and had to catch himself in order to prevent himself from falling flat on his face. On the platform, he saw Professor McGonagall, head of his own house, Gryffindor, Professor Snape, Harry's least favorite teacher, Professor Sprout of Hufflepuff, and tiny Professor Flitwick, of Ravenclaw. Apparently, everyone was early (yes, even Ron), and Harry was the last one to arrive.
"Nice of you to join us, Mr. Potter." This was the ice cold voice of Severus Snape, potions master.
"Really, Severus!" said Professor Flitwick in Harry's defense. "He's still early." Snape withdrew away from Harry and rejoined the rest of the teachers.
Professor McGonagall conjured up chairs for everyone. The meeting had begun. Harry took a seat next to Ron and Hermione and looked around. He saw Justin Finch-Fetchley and Ernie McMillan of Hufflepuff, Padma Patil, and two unfamiliar faces from Ravenclaw, Pansy Parkinson, and Harry's nemesis, Draco Malfoy, from Slytherin.
"As prefects," Professor McGonagall began, "you have a responsibility to uphold order and discipline in the corridors. You have been by your heads of house to hold this honor. DO NOT DISAPPOINT US! You have the right to deduct points from any rule-breaker's house. You will also need to assist new students by helping them adjust and making sure they know Hogwarts rules. We will now divide up into your houses for a more in-depth briefing."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all stood up and walked over top Professor McGonagall, who began speaking.
"I have chosen you three, because, despite your records, I believe you are the best people for the job. I know you will do well. Now, the current password for Gryffindor tower is "dog fur", make sure all students are informed after the feast. You all have new, prefect dormitories. They are near where your old rooms were, except at the top of the stairs. The prefects also have their own bathroom. The password is "Lemon Fresh". Now, on to the train and remember to change."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione, along with the other prefects piled on to the train. They looked back, and saw all 4 heads of house disapparate. They chose a compartment, and sat down. The other students soon arrived, and the train took off.
The journey was pretty much uneventful, except of course, for the annual visit of Draco Malfoy, who expressed his shock at the three of them becoming prefects.
They were eager to arrive and were one of he first to disembark from the train.
"Firs' years. Firs' years over here," said Hagrid's booming voice. The fist years took the traditional journey across the lake in order to reach the caste. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were joined by round-faced Neville Longbottom on the horseless carriage.
There was a loud rumble upon their entry into the Great Hall. "What?" said Ron, "I'm hungry."
The first years soon arrived and took their place in front of the staff table. The sorting hat began it's yearly song.
"I was sewn with one purpose in mind, to this idea I was resigned. I eventually agreed, for a purpose I need. You might be in Gryffindor, home of the brave. Or in Hufflepuff, where it's learning they crave. Wise, old Ravenclaw, or in Slytherin, where they have no flaws. I'll tell you where you ought to be, you see."
Professor McGonagall began reading off names, Harry didn't pay much attention until he heard "Fudge, Daniel". He wondered if it was the minister's son.
The hat took a while, but it eventually said "SLYTHERIN!"
"It couldn't be Fudge's son," Harry thought.
Soon, the sorting hat had finished. Harry looked around and was surprised that there were only three new Gryfindors, and fifteen new Slytherins. Dumbledore rose, and began the start-of-term announcements.
"Welcome back to a new school year. In light of the Death-Eater attacks, security has been stepped up at Hogwarts. Most likely, you will notice this. Except of course, in one way. Professor McGonagall will be busy with the new arrangements, and will be unable to teach this year. However, she will remain head of Gryffindor house. In light of that, the new Transfiguration teacher will be Mrs. Arabella Figg." Harry was surprised. She didn't know that Mrs. Figg would be teaching this year. Dumbledore continued, "and returning as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will be none other than, Professor Remus Lupin!" The whole hall began roaring with cheer, with the obvious exception of the Slytherin table. "I also have the sad duty to inform you that their was recently a Death-Eater attack in the villages of Hogsmeade. 15 people died. As a result, security has been stepped up in the village. On a brighter note, however, let's eat!" The feast had begun.