A/N Well here's the next chapter like I promised. Hopefully if you read
this you'll get more into it. So, on with the show.
Dreams
Life at the Burrow was much more enjoyable than life at Privet Drive; there was no unnecessary work and most importantly, no Dursleys. Harry had had a pleasant two weeks at the Burrow but he was looking forward to the beginning of term.
On the last night of the holidays, the Weasley's and Harry sat in the living room and ate their dinner. The clock on the mantle piece asserted that it was almost time for "washing up". Harry leant back from the table and sighed contentedly; life was certainly better, especially the food…
He was gazing dreamily out of the window when there was a sudden burst of pain in his scar. The pain lasted for only a second, but was so intense that it was enough to make him wince heavily and leave him breathless. Harry glanced around; luckily no one had seen. He surreptitiously rubbed his scar. What did it mean? Was Voldemort nearby or was he only feeling particularly murderous? He didn't know, and right now he didn't really want to.
The chatter at the table continued without noticing Harry's sudden pain. With a start, he realised that they were talking about Voldemort. Mr Weasley had paused with half a forkful of food on the way to his mouth to join in the conversation.
"But he hasn't been heard of, not since the end of last year anyway. Nothing's happened, no attacks, no threats. No wonder Fudge isn't taking Dumbledore seriously."
Percy looked up from his plate, an insufferable expression on his face. "Mr Fudge is perfectly right! There's no need to scare the wizarding community witless with such complete rubbish."
Mrs Weasley joined in, an angry twinkle in her eye. "Oh, so you-know-who hasn't risen? Tell me then. Exactly what did Harry see last year?" The table fell deadly silent. Harry tried to sink into the seat. He had been wondering when his name would be mentioned. He wished that he hadn't been dragged into this. The entire table was silent for Percy's answer. Percy sat in the spotlight ears gradually growing redder at the tips. Percy cast Harry a quick glance; Harry was sure he knew what the answer was going to be.
"Well…um…it's obvious something happened to Harry but…er…well, he'd obviously been tortured or something so he could have…um…been hallucinating. And then there's the matter of the funny turns…" Harry could hardly believe what he was hearing. He was furious: how could Percy believe what that Rita Skeeter woman said?
Mrs Weasley announced in a firm icy tone. "I think it may be time to go to bed in a few minutes." Percy suddenly looked very ashamed and he nodded mutely. The meal continued in silence; everyone's thoughts were now turned to Voldemort and they were all, with the exception of Percy, wondering what his next move was going to be.
The pain returned but Harry tried his best to ignore it. He had a feeling that he would have to get used to it. He must have been looking pale because Mrs Weasley gave him a quick glance and then announced that it was time to go to bed. The Weasley children traipsed upstairs dejectedly. Harry was only too glad to obey.
After undressing and brushing his teeth, he climbed into the camp bed that was set up in Ron's room. The last thought he had before drifting off was somewhere along the lines of: Thank God that no one saw it. I wouldn't want to worry anyone…
He didn't know that Ginny had seen his pain clearly enough to know exactly what it meant…
* * *
Harry heard once more those words which plagued him constantly.
"Kill the Spare. Avada Kedavra"
He heard once again the small thud as Cedric's body fell to the ground. He felt the pain of his scar, as if it was splitting his head in two.
He saw Voldemort's resurrection, the bubbling hot cauldron, the knife, the snake-like body. Once more, the Death Eaters appeared, and once more he was fighting for his life.
Suddenly the scene faded and he saw Cedric's cold body lying spread-eagled on the ground. Then he heard another voice…
"How many more, Harry Potter?" drawled the voice. "How many more must die for you before you die yourself? Cedric Diggory was only the first, there will be more Harry Potter, there will be more. Come to me and I will end it for you now. I may even make it quick and painless. We will meet again, Harry Potter. It is only a matter of when and where, but we will meet and then I shall kill you. You shall not escape me Harry Potter, I will kill you…"
* * *
Harry sat bolt upright in bed the words ringing in his ears. He knew better than to dismiss it as only a dream. The pain in his scar told him that it had really happened. Voldemort had really spoken to him, threatened him. He shuddered and lay back.
He knew he wouldn't get any more sleep that night but he persisted in closing his eyes and trying to breathe more normally. The image of a pair of slitted red eyes burnt into his mind…
When Mrs Weasley came later that day to wake them up, Harry found to his surprise that he had fallen asleep again. If he had had any more dreams he couldn't remember them for which he was infinitely grateful. Harry didn't know why, but he didn't want to tell Ron about the dream yet.
The dream, however, was completely forgotten in the general havoc of finding last minute items and losing everything imaginable. Even Mr Weasley added to the chaos by announcing in a fine temper that he had lost the car keys and anyone who wanted to get to King's Cross had better be able to fly. Mrs Weasley soothed her husband magnificently, presented him with the keys and led them all out to the car.
Just before Harry got into the car, Mrs Weasley called him over. Harry went over curiously and was surprised when he saw tears forming in her eyes. She pulled him aside and spoke to him in a furious whisper.
"Harry, I realise that this is going to be a difficult year for you but I want you to know that Arthur and I are completely behind you. We care for you just like we would another son." She sighed and shook her head sadly. "Please be careful Harry. I realise you don't ask for trouble but it does seem to have an uncanny way of finding you. Dumbledore's there for you, he cares about you just like we do. Promise me Harry; promise me you won't go looking for him."
Harry was bewildered. "Go looking for who?" he asked, and then his eyes widened as he realised who she meant. He frowned. How stupid would he have to be to actually go looking for Voldemort? "Why would I go looking for him?"
"Please Harry just promise me."
Harry nodded silently, still wondering why he would want to go looking for Voldemort. Mrs Weasley smiled and hugged him.
"Thank you Harry." She sent him back to the car and waved as they all drove off.
King's Cross was unusually crowded and they had to take the barrier one at a time. Once the luggage had been loaded onto the Hogwarts Express, Mr Weasley, looking remarkably like his wife, ushered Harry aside. He spoke in a low concerned voice.
"Harry, I want you to promise me something…"
Harry sighed and only just managed to keep himself from rolling his eyes. "That I won't go looking for Voldemort?"
Mr Weasley looked stunned and seemed to ignore the fact that Harry had said the name. Harry smiled. "Mrs Weasley asked me the same thing," he told him.
Mr Weasley's face cleared. "Ah, well in that case…have a good year Harry."
Harry thanked him and made for the train which was leaving in just a few short minutes. Once on the train he found the compartment that Ron was in and sat down. A moment later, the door opened and Hermione walked in followed closely by Neville.
"Harry, Ron! How are you? Did you have a good holiday?" Hermione looked tanned, almost as if she hadn't stayed inside all holiday.
The next hour was happy enough, recounting the events of the holiday and what people had done. Harry wasn't really paying attention; his mind was once more on the dream, but he was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his name mentioned.
"What do you think Harry?" asked Neville.
"Hmm, sorry. Think about what?" he asked. He barely noticed the sudden uneasy air of the carriage and the reddening of Neville's face which invariably meant that he knew he had made a mistake. "About what?" he asked again.
"You-know-who. What do you think he's going to do now that he's…he's back." The last was said in an almost whimper.
Harry frowned. How should he know what Voldemort was going to do? But…Voldemort had said something about…
"I'm not sure, but he said something about releasing the prisoners in Azkaban." The terrified expression on Neville's face convinced him that he shouldn't impart the rest of the knowledge. Besides he had a feeling that Hagrid was dealing with the giants.
The subject of Voldemort was hastily forgotten. Neville brought out a pack of cards and they played exploding snap for a while. Neville was surprisingly good at the game and won five times in a row before they decided to give up.
Just then the compartment door slid open and Malfoy, accompanied by Crabbe and Goyle, waltzed in. He sneered at the four of them.
"Well, if it isn't Dumbledore's favourite Potty along with the Weasel and the Fanged Mudblood. Oh and the Toadless Wimp as well. Starting up a fan club are we? How nice for you." Crabbe and Goyle sniggered stupidly and watched to see what would happen next.
Hermione turned red and buried her face in her hands; evidently the memory of last year's do-it-yourself dentistry hadn't quite left. Harry had to restrain Rom from trying to beat Malfoy into a pulp. Much to everyone's surprise, it was Neville who spoke up, if a little hesitantly.
"B-Beat it Malfoy. We d-don't want you here. Go and eat dung." Harry gave Neville an appraising glance before returning his attention to the furious Ron. Malfoy simply sneered.
"Watch it Longbottom! You'll be next. Diggory was only the first, there will be more Harry Potter, there will be more." Before anyone could react, Malfoy glided out of the room. Harry could only gape.
Ron recovered pretty quickly and spoke angrily. "Well of all the nerve…" he turned and peered at Harry. "Hey, Harry! Are you okay?"
Harry nodded. He couldn't believe it! Malfoy had repeated Voldemort's words almost exactly. That couldn't be good. And yet again, for some reason, he didn't want to tell Ron or anyone else just yet.
"He's right," moaned Neville.
Ron turned open-mouthed to him. "You can't say that!" he spluttered indignantly. "Malfoy was grabbing in the dark when he said there would be more!" Harry privately hoped that Ron was right. Neville shook his head.
"No, not that. What he said about me!"
"Neville, you're not a wimp!"
Neville beamed at them. "I didn't say that. I mean I'm toadless. I've lost Trevor again." Ron snorted and they all laughed.
A few minutes later, the train rounded a bend and they saw the first glimpse of Hogwarts. Harry, as always, gasped when he saw that first sight, with the towers gleaming in the sun and the surface of the black lake sparkling.
Five minutes later he was in the carriage on the way up to the school having changed into his robes on the train. On the steps leading into the Great Hall, Harry spied the other Gryffindor fifth years, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. They were all ushered inside by the strict Professor McGonagall ("Come on now, no dilly dallying in the entrance hall!")
The Great Hall was bedecked in the house colours and the bewitched ceiling, as always, drew a few appreciative "oohs" from the first years. After the sorting ceremony, Professor Dumbledore stood up to address the students.
"A new school year, and one that I hope will be free from the kind of sorrow that befell us last year. We must look to the future and deal with what comes, when it comes. So, I have a few messages to give out. Firstly, Professor Snape will not be teaching Potions this year." This announcement drew excited whispers from the Gryffindors', Ravenclaws' and Hufflepuffs', with the exception of the first years who had no idea who Professor Snape was. The Slytherins' wore their usual sullen faces with a hint of a scowl. Professor Dumbledore tried to hide the tiny smile creeping across his face. "He has not, however, left us and he may be coming back." Once more the whispers grew in volume. "Potions lessons will be taken over by Professor Ignia on my left here." A tall man with short black hair and a mean expression stood up and nodded briefly before taking his seat again. Harry had the distinct impression that Potions lessons wouldn't be any more fun than usual.
Professor Dumbledore continued. "And as many of you will be aware, we need a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. That vacancy has been filled by Professor Arabella Figg who, unfortunately, cannot join us now." Harry ceased his scanning of the teacher's table at this point. He frowned when he caught sight of Hagrid. He had thought that Hagrid had a job to do most probably involving giants. *Oh well. Maybe he's finished, after all, eight weeks is a long time*
"Lessons and of course, quidditch will continue as usual. That is all I think. Enjoy the feast!"
Harry watched hungrily as the tables were covered in every kind of food imaginable. Ron at once helped himself to the roast lamb and mince sauce, eating like a pig. Harry noticed that, unusually, Fred and George were keeping to themselves. Harry wished he could ask them how Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was coming along but he hadn't had the chance yet; he hadn't thought it very prudent to mention the subject in the hearing range of Mrs Weasley who believed that they had abandoned all ideas of a joke shop.
Ron turned to him, with a full mouth of food. "Well, what do you think of that? No Snape!" Food sprayed the table. "Mind, that Ignia fella doesn't look too happy either."
Hermione gave Ron a disapproving look that encompassed the tiny gobbets of food on the table. "It'll be interesting to see the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher though. We haven't had a female teacher before."
Ron snorted and opened his mouth to say something but closed it when he saw the look on Hermione's face. He chewed obediently and then swallowed hard. "That's hardly surprising. Most of them are aurors and women aren't exactly…um…aurors," he fished lamely. Ron could tell that he'd made a mistake… "Although I'm sure her lessons will be very i-interesting." Hermione shot him a death glare.
After the feast, Harry Ron and Hermione made their way to Gryffindor tower and gave the password (Holly) to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Once inside they made their goodnights and parted their separate ways. Neville, Dean and Seamus were already in bed and the sound of soft snoring announced that at least one of them was fast asleep. As Harry drew the curtains around his four poster bed and lay back he reflected that maybe life wasn't going to be all that different. He let sleep claim him, hoping fervently that Voldemort wasn't waiting for him in his dreams.
A/N Okies, there you have it. Hope you like it!
Okay, so what's going on with the dreams and Malfoy repeating Voldemort? You'll find out soon enough.
I know I promised a visit to Diagon Alley but it kinda got shoved to the back.
Well, in the next there's going to be a load of lessons and a bit of quidditch training too. There's also a strange prediction from Prof. Trelawney coming up sometime!
Sorry about the typos, and yes I know that slitted isn't a real word but I couldn't think of anything else.
Looks at watch Well hmm, I've got time to write another and get it up by the evening. (life, what life?)
Thanx for reading and please review!!!!!
Luv baasheep
Xx
P.S My italics don't seem to be working so you'll have to guess where notes are and where any emphasis lands. And if you haven't already realised anything written in between asterisks is Harry's thoughts.
Dreams
Life at the Burrow was much more enjoyable than life at Privet Drive; there was no unnecessary work and most importantly, no Dursleys. Harry had had a pleasant two weeks at the Burrow but he was looking forward to the beginning of term.
On the last night of the holidays, the Weasley's and Harry sat in the living room and ate their dinner. The clock on the mantle piece asserted that it was almost time for "washing up". Harry leant back from the table and sighed contentedly; life was certainly better, especially the food…
He was gazing dreamily out of the window when there was a sudden burst of pain in his scar. The pain lasted for only a second, but was so intense that it was enough to make him wince heavily and leave him breathless. Harry glanced around; luckily no one had seen. He surreptitiously rubbed his scar. What did it mean? Was Voldemort nearby or was he only feeling particularly murderous? He didn't know, and right now he didn't really want to.
The chatter at the table continued without noticing Harry's sudden pain. With a start, he realised that they were talking about Voldemort. Mr Weasley had paused with half a forkful of food on the way to his mouth to join in the conversation.
"But he hasn't been heard of, not since the end of last year anyway. Nothing's happened, no attacks, no threats. No wonder Fudge isn't taking Dumbledore seriously."
Percy looked up from his plate, an insufferable expression on his face. "Mr Fudge is perfectly right! There's no need to scare the wizarding community witless with such complete rubbish."
Mrs Weasley joined in, an angry twinkle in her eye. "Oh, so you-know-who hasn't risen? Tell me then. Exactly what did Harry see last year?" The table fell deadly silent. Harry tried to sink into the seat. He had been wondering when his name would be mentioned. He wished that he hadn't been dragged into this. The entire table was silent for Percy's answer. Percy sat in the spotlight ears gradually growing redder at the tips. Percy cast Harry a quick glance; Harry was sure he knew what the answer was going to be.
"Well…um…it's obvious something happened to Harry but…er…well, he'd obviously been tortured or something so he could have…um…been hallucinating. And then there's the matter of the funny turns…" Harry could hardly believe what he was hearing. He was furious: how could Percy believe what that Rita Skeeter woman said?
Mrs Weasley announced in a firm icy tone. "I think it may be time to go to bed in a few minutes." Percy suddenly looked very ashamed and he nodded mutely. The meal continued in silence; everyone's thoughts were now turned to Voldemort and they were all, with the exception of Percy, wondering what his next move was going to be.
The pain returned but Harry tried his best to ignore it. He had a feeling that he would have to get used to it. He must have been looking pale because Mrs Weasley gave him a quick glance and then announced that it was time to go to bed. The Weasley children traipsed upstairs dejectedly. Harry was only too glad to obey.
After undressing and brushing his teeth, he climbed into the camp bed that was set up in Ron's room. The last thought he had before drifting off was somewhere along the lines of: Thank God that no one saw it. I wouldn't want to worry anyone…
He didn't know that Ginny had seen his pain clearly enough to know exactly what it meant…
* * *
Harry heard once more those words which plagued him constantly.
"Kill the Spare. Avada Kedavra"
He heard once again the small thud as Cedric's body fell to the ground. He felt the pain of his scar, as if it was splitting his head in two.
He saw Voldemort's resurrection, the bubbling hot cauldron, the knife, the snake-like body. Once more, the Death Eaters appeared, and once more he was fighting for his life.
Suddenly the scene faded and he saw Cedric's cold body lying spread-eagled on the ground. Then he heard another voice…
"How many more, Harry Potter?" drawled the voice. "How many more must die for you before you die yourself? Cedric Diggory was only the first, there will be more Harry Potter, there will be more. Come to me and I will end it for you now. I may even make it quick and painless. We will meet again, Harry Potter. It is only a matter of when and where, but we will meet and then I shall kill you. You shall not escape me Harry Potter, I will kill you…"
* * *
Harry sat bolt upright in bed the words ringing in his ears. He knew better than to dismiss it as only a dream. The pain in his scar told him that it had really happened. Voldemort had really spoken to him, threatened him. He shuddered and lay back.
He knew he wouldn't get any more sleep that night but he persisted in closing his eyes and trying to breathe more normally. The image of a pair of slitted red eyes burnt into his mind…
When Mrs Weasley came later that day to wake them up, Harry found to his surprise that he had fallen asleep again. If he had had any more dreams he couldn't remember them for which he was infinitely grateful. Harry didn't know why, but he didn't want to tell Ron about the dream yet.
The dream, however, was completely forgotten in the general havoc of finding last minute items and losing everything imaginable. Even Mr Weasley added to the chaos by announcing in a fine temper that he had lost the car keys and anyone who wanted to get to King's Cross had better be able to fly. Mrs Weasley soothed her husband magnificently, presented him with the keys and led them all out to the car.
Just before Harry got into the car, Mrs Weasley called him over. Harry went over curiously and was surprised when he saw tears forming in her eyes. She pulled him aside and spoke to him in a furious whisper.
"Harry, I realise that this is going to be a difficult year for you but I want you to know that Arthur and I are completely behind you. We care for you just like we would another son." She sighed and shook her head sadly. "Please be careful Harry. I realise you don't ask for trouble but it does seem to have an uncanny way of finding you. Dumbledore's there for you, he cares about you just like we do. Promise me Harry; promise me you won't go looking for him."
Harry was bewildered. "Go looking for who?" he asked, and then his eyes widened as he realised who she meant. He frowned. How stupid would he have to be to actually go looking for Voldemort? "Why would I go looking for him?"
"Please Harry just promise me."
Harry nodded silently, still wondering why he would want to go looking for Voldemort. Mrs Weasley smiled and hugged him.
"Thank you Harry." She sent him back to the car and waved as they all drove off.
King's Cross was unusually crowded and they had to take the barrier one at a time. Once the luggage had been loaded onto the Hogwarts Express, Mr Weasley, looking remarkably like his wife, ushered Harry aside. He spoke in a low concerned voice.
"Harry, I want you to promise me something…"
Harry sighed and only just managed to keep himself from rolling his eyes. "That I won't go looking for Voldemort?"
Mr Weasley looked stunned and seemed to ignore the fact that Harry had said the name. Harry smiled. "Mrs Weasley asked me the same thing," he told him.
Mr Weasley's face cleared. "Ah, well in that case…have a good year Harry."
Harry thanked him and made for the train which was leaving in just a few short minutes. Once on the train he found the compartment that Ron was in and sat down. A moment later, the door opened and Hermione walked in followed closely by Neville.
"Harry, Ron! How are you? Did you have a good holiday?" Hermione looked tanned, almost as if she hadn't stayed inside all holiday.
The next hour was happy enough, recounting the events of the holiday and what people had done. Harry wasn't really paying attention; his mind was once more on the dream, but he was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his name mentioned.
"What do you think Harry?" asked Neville.
"Hmm, sorry. Think about what?" he asked. He barely noticed the sudden uneasy air of the carriage and the reddening of Neville's face which invariably meant that he knew he had made a mistake. "About what?" he asked again.
"You-know-who. What do you think he's going to do now that he's…he's back." The last was said in an almost whimper.
Harry frowned. How should he know what Voldemort was going to do? But…Voldemort had said something about…
"I'm not sure, but he said something about releasing the prisoners in Azkaban." The terrified expression on Neville's face convinced him that he shouldn't impart the rest of the knowledge. Besides he had a feeling that Hagrid was dealing with the giants.
The subject of Voldemort was hastily forgotten. Neville brought out a pack of cards and they played exploding snap for a while. Neville was surprisingly good at the game and won five times in a row before they decided to give up.
Just then the compartment door slid open and Malfoy, accompanied by Crabbe and Goyle, waltzed in. He sneered at the four of them.
"Well, if it isn't Dumbledore's favourite Potty along with the Weasel and the Fanged Mudblood. Oh and the Toadless Wimp as well. Starting up a fan club are we? How nice for you." Crabbe and Goyle sniggered stupidly and watched to see what would happen next.
Hermione turned red and buried her face in her hands; evidently the memory of last year's do-it-yourself dentistry hadn't quite left. Harry had to restrain Rom from trying to beat Malfoy into a pulp. Much to everyone's surprise, it was Neville who spoke up, if a little hesitantly.
"B-Beat it Malfoy. We d-don't want you here. Go and eat dung." Harry gave Neville an appraising glance before returning his attention to the furious Ron. Malfoy simply sneered.
"Watch it Longbottom! You'll be next. Diggory was only the first, there will be more Harry Potter, there will be more." Before anyone could react, Malfoy glided out of the room. Harry could only gape.
Ron recovered pretty quickly and spoke angrily. "Well of all the nerve…" he turned and peered at Harry. "Hey, Harry! Are you okay?"
Harry nodded. He couldn't believe it! Malfoy had repeated Voldemort's words almost exactly. That couldn't be good. And yet again, for some reason, he didn't want to tell Ron or anyone else just yet.
"He's right," moaned Neville.
Ron turned open-mouthed to him. "You can't say that!" he spluttered indignantly. "Malfoy was grabbing in the dark when he said there would be more!" Harry privately hoped that Ron was right. Neville shook his head.
"No, not that. What he said about me!"
"Neville, you're not a wimp!"
Neville beamed at them. "I didn't say that. I mean I'm toadless. I've lost Trevor again." Ron snorted and they all laughed.
A few minutes later, the train rounded a bend and they saw the first glimpse of Hogwarts. Harry, as always, gasped when he saw that first sight, with the towers gleaming in the sun and the surface of the black lake sparkling.
Five minutes later he was in the carriage on the way up to the school having changed into his robes on the train. On the steps leading into the Great Hall, Harry spied the other Gryffindor fifth years, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. They were all ushered inside by the strict Professor McGonagall ("Come on now, no dilly dallying in the entrance hall!")
The Great Hall was bedecked in the house colours and the bewitched ceiling, as always, drew a few appreciative "oohs" from the first years. After the sorting ceremony, Professor Dumbledore stood up to address the students.
"A new school year, and one that I hope will be free from the kind of sorrow that befell us last year. We must look to the future and deal with what comes, when it comes. So, I have a few messages to give out. Firstly, Professor Snape will not be teaching Potions this year." This announcement drew excited whispers from the Gryffindors', Ravenclaws' and Hufflepuffs', with the exception of the first years who had no idea who Professor Snape was. The Slytherins' wore their usual sullen faces with a hint of a scowl. Professor Dumbledore tried to hide the tiny smile creeping across his face. "He has not, however, left us and he may be coming back." Once more the whispers grew in volume. "Potions lessons will be taken over by Professor Ignia on my left here." A tall man with short black hair and a mean expression stood up and nodded briefly before taking his seat again. Harry had the distinct impression that Potions lessons wouldn't be any more fun than usual.
Professor Dumbledore continued. "And as many of you will be aware, we need a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. That vacancy has been filled by Professor Arabella Figg who, unfortunately, cannot join us now." Harry ceased his scanning of the teacher's table at this point. He frowned when he caught sight of Hagrid. He had thought that Hagrid had a job to do most probably involving giants. *Oh well. Maybe he's finished, after all, eight weeks is a long time*
"Lessons and of course, quidditch will continue as usual. That is all I think. Enjoy the feast!"
Harry watched hungrily as the tables were covered in every kind of food imaginable. Ron at once helped himself to the roast lamb and mince sauce, eating like a pig. Harry noticed that, unusually, Fred and George were keeping to themselves. Harry wished he could ask them how Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was coming along but he hadn't had the chance yet; he hadn't thought it very prudent to mention the subject in the hearing range of Mrs Weasley who believed that they had abandoned all ideas of a joke shop.
Ron turned to him, with a full mouth of food. "Well, what do you think of that? No Snape!" Food sprayed the table. "Mind, that Ignia fella doesn't look too happy either."
Hermione gave Ron a disapproving look that encompassed the tiny gobbets of food on the table. "It'll be interesting to see the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher though. We haven't had a female teacher before."
Ron snorted and opened his mouth to say something but closed it when he saw the look on Hermione's face. He chewed obediently and then swallowed hard. "That's hardly surprising. Most of them are aurors and women aren't exactly…um…aurors," he fished lamely. Ron could tell that he'd made a mistake… "Although I'm sure her lessons will be very i-interesting." Hermione shot him a death glare.
After the feast, Harry Ron and Hermione made their way to Gryffindor tower and gave the password (Holly) to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Once inside they made their goodnights and parted their separate ways. Neville, Dean and Seamus were already in bed and the sound of soft snoring announced that at least one of them was fast asleep. As Harry drew the curtains around his four poster bed and lay back he reflected that maybe life wasn't going to be all that different. He let sleep claim him, hoping fervently that Voldemort wasn't waiting for him in his dreams.
A/N Okies, there you have it. Hope you like it!
Okay, so what's going on with the dreams and Malfoy repeating Voldemort? You'll find out soon enough.
I know I promised a visit to Diagon Alley but it kinda got shoved to the back.
Well, in the next there's going to be a load of lessons and a bit of quidditch training too. There's also a strange prediction from Prof. Trelawney coming up sometime!
Sorry about the typos, and yes I know that slitted isn't a real word but I couldn't think of anything else.
Looks at watch Well hmm, I've got time to write another and get it up by the evening. (life, what life?)
Thanx for reading and please review!!!!!
Luv baasheep
Xx
P.S My italics don't seem to be working so you'll have to guess where notes are and where any emphasis lands. And if you haven't already realised anything written in between asterisks is Harry's thoughts.