Chapter 3 When they got on the train, they went immediately and found a carriage. Ron came in to join them, along with Neville, Ginny and Luna. Neville's Nan had been immensely proud of him after he fought Voldemort. His name had been in the papers. He was encouraged by this and could perform a range of spells. All his homework was done, and his potion was just about right. He was really pleased. He said he got an O in defence against the dark arts, thanks to Harry. He also got O's in Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. He got 3 more E's, one A (potions!) and 2 P's-in Divination and Astronomy. But he didn't care about that; he didn't want to carry on with them anyway. Ron did quite badly. He got exactly the same as Harry, but he got P's in Divination and Astronomy, too. While Neville was talking, Luna and Ginny listening intently, Hermione and Harry looked at each other awkwardly. Ron saw them and walked out. Harry was confused, he was sure it wasn't love between them.

Then he remembered something. Ginny was in her fifth year now. The last time he saw her, well the first time he saw her since the holidays started, he noticed something. She was a lot more grown up now. She happened to be wearing a top and jeans-Hermione regularly gave her old clothes-that showed how old she actually was. Her hair was darker now and she did look a lot nicer. No thought Harry. Stop being so stupid. She's a year younger than you! He put the thought to the back of his head and went to walk around. There was a carriage of some students from Dumbledore's Army. They called him in. Cho was in there, and didn't speak to Harry. The rest of them were really pleased with Harry-if they hadn't had the secret lessons, they wouldn't have got such good marks-they all got O's, most of them got bonus points for doing a patronus! Harry happily left the carriage and wandered around. Then he came to a carriage with a teacher in. He saw a name badge, but didn't quite work out the name. He did see however-POTIONS TEACHER. Potions teacher?

Harry rushed back to his carriage. He told Hermione and Ron and Ginny what he had seen.

"That's brilliant Harry-Dumbledore must have sacked Snape!" Said Ron, excitedly.

"Yeah but that's unlikely. I mean, what job was vacant last year? Defence against the Dark Arts. And what job did Snape most want? Defence against the Dark Arts. How likely is it that Dumbledore sacked Snape? Not very. I think that our new Defence against the Dark arts teacher is our old Potions teacher," said Hermione.

Harry's stomach sank. How could this happen? He couldn't believe it. The one lesson he was genuinely good at, the one lesson he really enjoyed. He just hoped he wasn't with Slytherin. The rest of the train journey went quite fast. They went in through the main entry and into the Main Hall. The sky was bright and sunny, well the ceiling was, which was very unusual. Harry noticed that Dumbledore wasn't in there. Where was he? Then Professor McGonagall stood up.

"Hello and welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I have great sadness this year in announcing that one of our staff is retiring," she said, then continued. "Professor Dumbledore will be temporarily taking on the post of Head of Gryffindor and History of Magic teacher. I will become headmistress. It is purely because Dumbledore feels he needs a little rest, and I assure you that you will have him back at Christmas. You will still see himregularly, but he will be letting go some of his responsibilities. So while he is not here, I would like to announce that we are organising a surprise 'Welcome back' ball for Dumbledore at Christmas. Remember-not a word. There will be notices coming sooner to the date. So let's begin the sorting."

Harry was astounded. His mouth was open and he couldn't believe it. Dumbledore retiring. At least it wasn't permanent he thought. Dumbledore came back near the end of the feast. He apologised to everyone but said that for some reason, his password to his office had been reversed-he couldn't get out! He confirmed Harry's new fear-Snape as Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, then started the feast.

Harry's first Potions lesson went surprisingly well. He got an O! Surely it was just Snape being a bad teacher. Harry had to put together a potion, similar to veritaserum, from memory-their homework. Their teacher, Professor Jiggins, helped a lot of people though. He was a small teacher, not as small as Professor Flitwick. He was very happy and cheerful, and despised miserable and snidy people. He seemed almost jealous of Harry, however, and acted quite well.snooty. He adored Hermione and Ron and took a real shine to Neville. Harry did do really well, and didn't feel the pressures of Snape and Draco. After the lesson, most of the Gryffindors were chatting about it in the common room. "He was brilliant!" "He was awesome" "Wow-I got an O" These sorts of chants were being shouted around the classroom.

It was Thursday, the week had gone really quickly. Harry had transfiguration first-then Defence against the Dark arts. With Snape. They lined up outside the classroom, waiting for Snape to call them in. "At least we're not with Slytherin," said Ron, looking nervously at Harry. Defence against the Dark Arts was Harry's favourite subject-now Snape was ruining that too. The lesson went surprisingly well. Snape only took 5 points off Gryffindor-from Hermione for answering back and speaking without being asked. He seemed to warm to Harry too-Draco wasn't there and none of the Gryffindors appreciated his snidy remarks and comments. In the first lesson they had a sort of test about all the different subjects they had taken on. Snape told them that they would be learning to duel this year, properly. Harry thought he might benefit from this, unlike when Professor Lockhart had thrown a duelling club. After the lesson, Harry sort of felt like he was looking forward to the next lesson.

Their next Potions lesson, they learnt three new curses for duelling. All three of them Harry and all the others from Dumbledore's Army knew already, so, much to Snape's surprise, people were either collapsing or falling backwards in tickling fits. Only a few people did it wrong. Neville was still scared of Snape, and Snape still picked on Neville, but Neville was almost good at Defence against the Dark Arts so he didn't get as nervous or confused. Two weeks had gone past. Malfoy had insulted Hermione once, Harry once and Ron and Ginny twice each-accusing them of being jealous. Although Harry was sick of him, he finally felt like he was home at last.