Chapter Six: An Interesting Day (you find out who the new DADA professor
is!)
On the way to the Dungeons
Hermione didn't have to walk fast to get to her next class because she had a 15 minute break but she did want to meet with Harry, Ron and Holly before class started. She passed a bunch of third year Ravenclaws who, she supposed, were heading for Divination because of their excited talk of what they would learn that year. Hermione shook her head. It's not like they really learn anything.
'Miss Granger,' came a voice from behind Hermione. She turned around to find Professor McGonnagal coming out of a classroom.
'Yes, Professor?' she asked.
'I know you must head to your next class,' McGonnagal started, 'but Professor Dumbledore wanted me to tell you that there is a Prefect meeting tonight at 8pm in the common room. You may ask Miss Travis to join us. I have already informed the other prefects. This meeting will have to do with your responsibilities and such. I must go now, off you go to class.'
'Alright,' McGonnagal turned around and walked back to the classroom she had come out of before. Hermione herself turned around once more and started to walk to the dungeons. Moments later, as she turned into the next hallway to get to the staircase, she met up with Harry, Ron and Holly, who were chatting to each other.
'Hey guys!' she waved them over to where she was. They waved back and made their way through the crowd of fourth and sixth years. When they got through, the four Gryffindors headed down the stairs, towards the dungeons.
Hermione started the conversation.
'Holly, Professor McGonnagal wanted me to tell you that there's a prefect meeting tonight at 8 and she asked if you wanted to join us?'
'Uh, sure.' Holly replied. 'But what do you do in a prefect meeting?'
'Well, according to McGonnagal she's going to discuss 'our responsibilities'. But I don't know if you have to do anything.'
'Wait a minute,' Ron said, excitedly, 'if you're a prefect, does that mean you can chuck points from students?'
'I suppose, but-'
'That's great!' Harry joined, 'that means you can take points from the Slytherins!' He and Ron grinned.
'Ron,' Hermione said, irritated, 'I can't abuse my power, although, it would be nice to win the cup. But that does not mean I will.' She added, seeing the look on Ron and Harry's faces.'
'Anyways,' Holly said to avoid a fight, 'what's potions like?'
'Well,' Harry answered, 'Snape is the worst teacher ever, even more so than Trelawny. He loves to take points from Gryffindor. The actual potion making isn't bad, it's just the way he breathes down your neck and tells you that you are doing it all wrong. And we're always paired up with the stupidest Slytherins.' Hermione and Ron agreed.
'Oh well,' Holly sighed, 'I was looking forward to this class.' Ron patted her shoulder, 'It's ok, just try and avoid him as much as possible and stay near the back of the class'
'Hey, Harry!' came a voice from behind them. They all turned around and found Angelina Johnson running up to them.
'Hey Angelina,' Harry said.
'Guess what?' she said breathlessly.
'What?'
'I've been made Quidditch captain!' she grinned.
'That's great!' Harry grinned as well. 'But what are we going to do about Oliver's spot on the team? We need a new Keeper.' Ron nodded beside him.
'That's why I was looking for you,' she replied, 'we're going to hold tryouts on Friday. I want to whole team there so we can vote and stuff.'
'Sure, I'll come,' Harry said.
'Good. Alright, so come to the Quidditch pitch at 7 o'clock on Friday. I have to get to class, so I'll see you later. Bye everyone.' She waved at them while running back down the corridor. They all waved back and continued down the last corridor to get to the dungeons.
'So Ron, started Hermione, 'are you going to try out for the team? I mean, you love Quidditch.' Harry looked hopeful.
'Yeah, Ron, it would be cool if both of us were on the team.'
'Yeah, I guess so,' Ron looked down.
'What's the matter?' Holly asked.
'Well, whenever I played I was always playing Chaser, never Keeper.' Ron answered. Holly had a suggestion.
'Then why don't you practice this week and then try out. It's better than not being prepared at all. I'm sure you're allowed to.' Ron brightened up after Harry had agreed to help him after classes.
'I don't know, Ron' Hermione said worriedly, 'I mean, this is our OWL year and we have to get as much studying in as possible.' Harry, Ron and Holly were in shock.
'Hermione,' Ron said, 'so what? I mean, Harry's been on the Quidditch team since first year and he's done well on his exams. And Fred and George were on the team when they were on the team and they got three OWLs.'
'Not to mention they and Angelina, and Alicia are in their NEWT year and they're still on the team. Harry added. Ron nodded.
'Oh, all right then,' Hermione sighed. 'but that means that you have to study really hard. And I'll come with you guys to the field I guess. I'll stay in the stands and study there.'
'I'm coming with you then,' Holly said, 'you guys are not leaving me alone just like that.' They had finally arrived at Potion's class, but they were early so they took the seats farthest away from the front desk. Hermione and Holly sat at one table, and Ron and Harry took the one on the opposite side of them. Harry started to reminisce about his past Quidditch games with Wood and gave tips to Ron about what he had seen Oliver do to keep the Quaffle out of the goal posts. Meanwhile, Hermione started to ask about what Holly had been up to that morning.
'What were you doing with Malfoy, outside, this morning.' she asked.
'All I did was walk out, talk with him about nothing, then came back in. Hermione, I don't see what you're so angry about,' She replied.
'You don't see what I'm talking about!' Hermione whispered, 'Holly, Malfoy is a bad egg if I ever saw one. In fact, he's not bad, he's rotten! Mean, nasty, rude, and that's only to Crabbe and Goyle! Please Holly, you're new here and I don't want you to have to do anything to do with him. He really is evil. Harry even told Ron and me that his father is a Death Eater.' Holly gasped quietly. 'See. I only want you to see the good part of Hogwarts. Please promise me, as a friend, that you will not go anywhere with him, by yourself. Promise me.' Holly thought for a second, still looking terrified from the Death Eater part and then agreed.
'Alright, Hermione, I promise.' Hermione released a sigh of relief and started taking out her books. Just then the rest of fifth year Gryffindors started piling in through the door, soon followed by the Slytherins.
Just as everyone started unloading their supplies Snape entered the quiet dungeon and said, 'This will be one of your most difficult years at Hogwarts, especially in Potions class.' He glared at everyone in the room. 'I do not expect too much from all of you, but those with the talent of brewing the perfect potion will receive very high grades.' He looked towards Malfoy and his gang. Malfoy smirked and looked towards Harry. Harry just glared back at him. 'Today we will be starting to brew a very complicated potion known as the Polyjuice potion.' Harry, Hermione and Ron all smiled at each other. They had taken it illegally in their second year. 'This potion takes a month to make because it must mature and be created in a very specific time and way. The ingredients and procedures are on the board, the ingredients are in the cupboards. Copy the notes on the board then begin.'
The whole class took out pieces of parchment and began to copy the lists down. After five minutes every student got up and started to retrieve the proper items for their potion.
As soon as Hermione and Holly had returned to their seats Hermione started to whisper to Holly what had happened in second year. Holly's eyes widened.
'So you must already know the potion really well,' Hermione nodded and began to make the potion. The class had gone well for the four Gryffindors, but it wasn't that great for Neville.
'Longbottom, the potion should now be a thick, bubbling purple colour, not grey and thin!' Neville whimpered and returned to his cauldron. Seamus, who was his partner, tried to help Neville fix his potion. Hermione looked sympathetically at Neville, but went back to creating her potion.
A few minutes before class ended, Snape assigned them a foot long essay 'describing the effects of the Polyjuice potion on a person and what will happen when used incorrectly. When the class had ended everyone headed to lunch.
'So, what do we have next?' Ron asked while taking some beef stew for himself. Hermione automatically said, 'Herbology, and then Care of Magical Creatures. Both with Slytherin.' Harry groaned.
'This is crazy,' he said, 'they shouldn't have us take so many classes with them. But didn't Dumbledore say that there should be some more interhouse unity last year at the end of the year feast after-' He stopped. He didn't feel like talking about what happened the year before.
'Anyways,' Hermione started, seeing Harry wasn't comfortable at the moment, 'do you know who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is? I haven't seen anyone new at the staff table.' The four of them glanced at the table. There was one seat missing from the table.
'I don't know, Ron answered. 'Maybe they couldn't find one. Fine time not to have one. I mean with You-Know-Who out again.' He whispered the last sentence. Hermione shook her head.
'There must be a new teacher.'
'Hey guys,' came the voice of Fred Weasley, who had just entered the Great hall with his twin, George. 'Guess who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is?'
'We just had him last period,' George added. 'It's Dumbledore!'
'Really?' Hermione said with wide eyes. 'That's wonderful! He's the most powerful wizard, so it makes sense doesn't it? Too bad we don't have him until tomorrow.'
'They'll probably the best classes, don't you think.' Harry said. For the rest of their lunch Harry, Ron and Hermione told Holly about their previous Defense against the Dark Arts teachers. When they had completed their lunches Hermione and Holly headed up to their quarters while Ron and Harry headed back to Gryffindor Tower.
They collected their things for Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. They met up again with Harry and Ron then headed outside to the grounds. Herbology class was basically the same as their earlier classes: Professor Sprout explained to them about their OWLs. They soon started to plant Dessifiums, a flower which seeds, when crushed are used for healing. When they heard the distant bell ring from the school they all hurried towards the Forbidden Forest to Hagrid's hut.
'I wonder what Hagrid is going to bring us this time, now that he's back,' Ron said. Harry nudged him with his elbow.
'Back from where?' Holly asked. Harry looked at Hermione. They couldn't tell Holly about Hagrid and Madame Maxime's mission.
'Back from,' Hermione started, trying to think of an excuse, 'from - his holiday. He went away for a couple of months, but now he's back. I hope he didn't bring anything dangerous.' To their amazement, Hagrid did not have anything dangerous at all. In fact, he had quite the opposite.
'Hello, you three,' Hagrid greeted them 'an' you to Holly, nice to meet you,' they shook hands, but Holly regretted it. He had almost crushed her hand. 'Got a great class today, yes, well go join the others; I'll just be bringin' 'im out. Hold on,' he turned and went to his cabin. Harry looked at them curiously. Ron shrugged and headed towards the rest of the class.
'What's the oaf got his time?' said Malfoy, 'A troll, or maybe another giant like himself.' The rest of the Slytherins started laughing, but the Gryffindors looked at them haltingly (is that a word?).
'Shut up, Malfoy!' Harry said to him. But before Malfoy could say anything back Hagrid came out of his hut with a large, golden bird perched on his arm.
'Fawkes!' Harry went over to the phoenix and started to pet him. Some of the girls squealed at the sight of it.
'Yep,' Hagrid said, 'Dumbledore let me borrow 'im,' Fawkes, recognizing Harry, started to sing. 'Phoenix's are grand creatures. Very hard to domesticate, but Dumbledore did it. They're very loyal an' can carry heavy loads. Their tears can even heal yeh if it needs ter be done.' They spent the rest of the class learning about what it ate, reading 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', and listening to Fawkes' enchanting singing. Harry secretly knew that his wand's core came from Fawkes, but the only other people who knew were Mr. Ollivander, the man who sold the wand to Harry, Sirius, Professor Dumbledore and, only recently told, Ron and Hermione. He hoped that, from the experiences last year, Voldemort had not figured this out as well, although he was pretty sure he knew.
After saying goodbye to Hagrid, who had invited the four to a cup of tea after school on Friday (before the Quidditch tryouts), they headed back towards the castle to do some work at the Library before dinner. Luckily for them, they had completed their only homework assignment and had the rest of the evening off. They had dinner and Harry and Ron quickly got their brooms (Ron used one of the school ones) and went to the empty Quidditch pitch to practice. While they were playing Hermione and Holly talked about people at school and Hermione told Holly who to avoid and who was okay to befriend.
At fifteen minutes to eight Hermione and Holly left and walked back to the school for their meeting. When they arrived everyone, except Dumbledore, was there already. They took a seat in one of the empty couches and waited. At exactly eight o'clock Dumbledore entered the room and the meeting began.
A/N: Alright, I have to stop here but hopefully I will be able to update tomorrow with the meeting, cuz it's already 10:00pm. This is the longest chapter so far and I hope my next ones will be just as long. Anyways, Please Review!
On the way to the Dungeons
Hermione didn't have to walk fast to get to her next class because she had a 15 minute break but she did want to meet with Harry, Ron and Holly before class started. She passed a bunch of third year Ravenclaws who, she supposed, were heading for Divination because of their excited talk of what they would learn that year. Hermione shook her head. It's not like they really learn anything.
'Miss Granger,' came a voice from behind Hermione. She turned around to find Professor McGonnagal coming out of a classroom.
'Yes, Professor?' she asked.
'I know you must head to your next class,' McGonnagal started, 'but Professor Dumbledore wanted me to tell you that there is a Prefect meeting tonight at 8pm in the common room. You may ask Miss Travis to join us. I have already informed the other prefects. This meeting will have to do with your responsibilities and such. I must go now, off you go to class.'
'Alright,' McGonnagal turned around and walked back to the classroom she had come out of before. Hermione herself turned around once more and started to walk to the dungeons. Moments later, as she turned into the next hallway to get to the staircase, she met up with Harry, Ron and Holly, who were chatting to each other.
'Hey guys!' she waved them over to where she was. They waved back and made their way through the crowd of fourth and sixth years. When they got through, the four Gryffindors headed down the stairs, towards the dungeons.
Hermione started the conversation.
'Holly, Professor McGonnagal wanted me to tell you that there's a prefect meeting tonight at 8 and she asked if you wanted to join us?'
'Uh, sure.' Holly replied. 'But what do you do in a prefect meeting?'
'Well, according to McGonnagal she's going to discuss 'our responsibilities'. But I don't know if you have to do anything.'
'Wait a minute,' Ron said, excitedly, 'if you're a prefect, does that mean you can chuck points from students?'
'I suppose, but-'
'That's great!' Harry joined, 'that means you can take points from the Slytherins!' He and Ron grinned.
'Ron,' Hermione said, irritated, 'I can't abuse my power, although, it would be nice to win the cup. But that does not mean I will.' She added, seeing the look on Ron and Harry's faces.'
'Anyways,' Holly said to avoid a fight, 'what's potions like?'
'Well,' Harry answered, 'Snape is the worst teacher ever, even more so than Trelawny. He loves to take points from Gryffindor. The actual potion making isn't bad, it's just the way he breathes down your neck and tells you that you are doing it all wrong. And we're always paired up with the stupidest Slytherins.' Hermione and Ron agreed.
'Oh well,' Holly sighed, 'I was looking forward to this class.' Ron patted her shoulder, 'It's ok, just try and avoid him as much as possible and stay near the back of the class'
'Hey, Harry!' came a voice from behind them. They all turned around and found Angelina Johnson running up to them.
'Hey Angelina,' Harry said.
'Guess what?' she said breathlessly.
'What?'
'I've been made Quidditch captain!' she grinned.
'That's great!' Harry grinned as well. 'But what are we going to do about Oliver's spot on the team? We need a new Keeper.' Ron nodded beside him.
'That's why I was looking for you,' she replied, 'we're going to hold tryouts on Friday. I want to whole team there so we can vote and stuff.'
'Sure, I'll come,' Harry said.
'Good. Alright, so come to the Quidditch pitch at 7 o'clock on Friday. I have to get to class, so I'll see you later. Bye everyone.' She waved at them while running back down the corridor. They all waved back and continued down the last corridor to get to the dungeons.
'So Ron, started Hermione, 'are you going to try out for the team? I mean, you love Quidditch.' Harry looked hopeful.
'Yeah, Ron, it would be cool if both of us were on the team.'
'Yeah, I guess so,' Ron looked down.
'What's the matter?' Holly asked.
'Well, whenever I played I was always playing Chaser, never Keeper.' Ron answered. Holly had a suggestion.
'Then why don't you practice this week and then try out. It's better than not being prepared at all. I'm sure you're allowed to.' Ron brightened up after Harry had agreed to help him after classes.
'I don't know, Ron' Hermione said worriedly, 'I mean, this is our OWL year and we have to get as much studying in as possible.' Harry, Ron and Holly were in shock.
'Hermione,' Ron said, 'so what? I mean, Harry's been on the Quidditch team since first year and he's done well on his exams. And Fred and George were on the team when they were on the team and they got three OWLs.'
'Not to mention they and Angelina, and Alicia are in their NEWT year and they're still on the team. Harry added. Ron nodded.
'Oh, all right then,' Hermione sighed. 'but that means that you have to study really hard. And I'll come with you guys to the field I guess. I'll stay in the stands and study there.'
'I'm coming with you then,' Holly said, 'you guys are not leaving me alone just like that.' They had finally arrived at Potion's class, but they were early so they took the seats farthest away from the front desk. Hermione and Holly sat at one table, and Ron and Harry took the one on the opposite side of them. Harry started to reminisce about his past Quidditch games with Wood and gave tips to Ron about what he had seen Oliver do to keep the Quaffle out of the goal posts. Meanwhile, Hermione started to ask about what Holly had been up to that morning.
'What were you doing with Malfoy, outside, this morning.' she asked.
'All I did was walk out, talk with him about nothing, then came back in. Hermione, I don't see what you're so angry about,' She replied.
'You don't see what I'm talking about!' Hermione whispered, 'Holly, Malfoy is a bad egg if I ever saw one. In fact, he's not bad, he's rotten! Mean, nasty, rude, and that's only to Crabbe and Goyle! Please Holly, you're new here and I don't want you to have to do anything to do with him. He really is evil. Harry even told Ron and me that his father is a Death Eater.' Holly gasped quietly. 'See. I only want you to see the good part of Hogwarts. Please promise me, as a friend, that you will not go anywhere with him, by yourself. Promise me.' Holly thought for a second, still looking terrified from the Death Eater part and then agreed.
'Alright, Hermione, I promise.' Hermione released a sigh of relief and started taking out her books. Just then the rest of fifth year Gryffindors started piling in through the door, soon followed by the Slytherins.
Just as everyone started unloading their supplies Snape entered the quiet dungeon and said, 'This will be one of your most difficult years at Hogwarts, especially in Potions class.' He glared at everyone in the room. 'I do not expect too much from all of you, but those with the talent of brewing the perfect potion will receive very high grades.' He looked towards Malfoy and his gang. Malfoy smirked and looked towards Harry. Harry just glared back at him. 'Today we will be starting to brew a very complicated potion known as the Polyjuice potion.' Harry, Hermione and Ron all smiled at each other. They had taken it illegally in their second year. 'This potion takes a month to make because it must mature and be created in a very specific time and way. The ingredients and procedures are on the board, the ingredients are in the cupboards. Copy the notes on the board then begin.'
The whole class took out pieces of parchment and began to copy the lists down. After five minutes every student got up and started to retrieve the proper items for their potion.
As soon as Hermione and Holly had returned to their seats Hermione started to whisper to Holly what had happened in second year. Holly's eyes widened.
'So you must already know the potion really well,' Hermione nodded and began to make the potion. The class had gone well for the four Gryffindors, but it wasn't that great for Neville.
'Longbottom, the potion should now be a thick, bubbling purple colour, not grey and thin!' Neville whimpered and returned to his cauldron. Seamus, who was his partner, tried to help Neville fix his potion. Hermione looked sympathetically at Neville, but went back to creating her potion.
A few minutes before class ended, Snape assigned them a foot long essay 'describing the effects of the Polyjuice potion on a person and what will happen when used incorrectly. When the class had ended everyone headed to lunch.
'So, what do we have next?' Ron asked while taking some beef stew for himself. Hermione automatically said, 'Herbology, and then Care of Magical Creatures. Both with Slytherin.' Harry groaned.
'This is crazy,' he said, 'they shouldn't have us take so many classes with them. But didn't Dumbledore say that there should be some more interhouse unity last year at the end of the year feast after-' He stopped. He didn't feel like talking about what happened the year before.
'Anyways,' Hermione started, seeing Harry wasn't comfortable at the moment, 'do you know who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is? I haven't seen anyone new at the staff table.' The four of them glanced at the table. There was one seat missing from the table.
'I don't know, Ron answered. 'Maybe they couldn't find one. Fine time not to have one. I mean with You-Know-Who out again.' He whispered the last sentence. Hermione shook her head.
'There must be a new teacher.'
'Hey guys,' came the voice of Fred Weasley, who had just entered the Great hall with his twin, George. 'Guess who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is?'
'We just had him last period,' George added. 'It's Dumbledore!'
'Really?' Hermione said with wide eyes. 'That's wonderful! He's the most powerful wizard, so it makes sense doesn't it? Too bad we don't have him until tomorrow.'
'They'll probably the best classes, don't you think.' Harry said. For the rest of their lunch Harry, Ron and Hermione told Holly about their previous Defense against the Dark Arts teachers. When they had completed their lunches Hermione and Holly headed up to their quarters while Ron and Harry headed back to Gryffindor Tower.
They collected their things for Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. They met up again with Harry and Ron then headed outside to the grounds. Herbology class was basically the same as their earlier classes: Professor Sprout explained to them about their OWLs. They soon started to plant Dessifiums, a flower which seeds, when crushed are used for healing. When they heard the distant bell ring from the school they all hurried towards the Forbidden Forest to Hagrid's hut.
'I wonder what Hagrid is going to bring us this time, now that he's back,' Ron said. Harry nudged him with his elbow.
'Back from where?' Holly asked. Harry looked at Hermione. They couldn't tell Holly about Hagrid and Madame Maxime's mission.
'Back from,' Hermione started, trying to think of an excuse, 'from - his holiday. He went away for a couple of months, but now he's back. I hope he didn't bring anything dangerous.' To their amazement, Hagrid did not have anything dangerous at all. In fact, he had quite the opposite.
'Hello, you three,' Hagrid greeted them 'an' you to Holly, nice to meet you,' they shook hands, but Holly regretted it. He had almost crushed her hand. 'Got a great class today, yes, well go join the others; I'll just be bringin' 'im out. Hold on,' he turned and went to his cabin. Harry looked at them curiously. Ron shrugged and headed towards the rest of the class.
'What's the oaf got his time?' said Malfoy, 'A troll, or maybe another giant like himself.' The rest of the Slytherins started laughing, but the Gryffindors looked at them haltingly (is that a word?).
'Shut up, Malfoy!' Harry said to him. But before Malfoy could say anything back Hagrid came out of his hut with a large, golden bird perched on his arm.
'Fawkes!' Harry went over to the phoenix and started to pet him. Some of the girls squealed at the sight of it.
'Yep,' Hagrid said, 'Dumbledore let me borrow 'im,' Fawkes, recognizing Harry, started to sing. 'Phoenix's are grand creatures. Very hard to domesticate, but Dumbledore did it. They're very loyal an' can carry heavy loads. Their tears can even heal yeh if it needs ter be done.' They spent the rest of the class learning about what it ate, reading 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', and listening to Fawkes' enchanting singing. Harry secretly knew that his wand's core came from Fawkes, but the only other people who knew were Mr. Ollivander, the man who sold the wand to Harry, Sirius, Professor Dumbledore and, only recently told, Ron and Hermione. He hoped that, from the experiences last year, Voldemort had not figured this out as well, although he was pretty sure he knew.
After saying goodbye to Hagrid, who had invited the four to a cup of tea after school on Friday (before the Quidditch tryouts), they headed back towards the castle to do some work at the Library before dinner. Luckily for them, they had completed their only homework assignment and had the rest of the evening off. They had dinner and Harry and Ron quickly got their brooms (Ron used one of the school ones) and went to the empty Quidditch pitch to practice. While they were playing Hermione and Holly talked about people at school and Hermione told Holly who to avoid and who was okay to befriend.
At fifteen minutes to eight Hermione and Holly left and walked back to the school for their meeting. When they arrived everyone, except Dumbledore, was there already. They took a seat in one of the empty couches and waited. At exactly eight o'clock Dumbledore entered the room and the meeting began.
A/N: Alright, I have to stop here but hopefully I will be able to update tomorrow with the meeting, cuz it's already 10:00pm. This is the longest chapter so far and I hope my next ones will be just as long. Anyways, Please Review!