-CHAPTER THREE-

Dumbledore Returns

At half-past twelve there was a loud clattering noise outside in the corridor. Sliding open the door, a dimpled woman smiled. "Anything off the trolley, dears?" Ron practically jumped out of his chair to meet her. "Have you got any of the Quidditch Chocolate Frogs?" Hermoine mumbled something about patience, but of course, as usual no one heard.

"Sorry dear, I just sold the last bunch to the lasses in the next compartment,"

Ron seemed to deflate and he slinked back to his seat. "We'll just take some normal ones then please," Said Harry. "And three bags of Berties Botts's," As the woman closed the door and Ron unwrapped his frog excitedly, then let out a disappointed sigh. "Morgana, again,"

Harry unwrapped his Chocolate Frog and picked up the card. It showed a teenage girl's face in familiar robes of black, red and yellow. She had dark blue eyes, a small nose and long, curly, blond hair. Underneath the picture was the name Skye Dumbledore.

"What in the world?" Mumbled Harry confused. He turned over his card and read:

Skye Dumbeldore, currently participating in a muggle research project, is considered by some to be one of the smartest witches despite her young age. She is the God-daughter of esteemed wizard Albus Dumbledore, but it particularly famous for her creation Tobee. Skye enjoys potions although her passion is for Quidditch.

"Hermoine," Harry said still staring at the card. "What's Tobee?"

"Tobee plant and a potion," She explained not even looking up from her book. "It's got the same effect as Gillyweed. Except it lasts longer and can be used anywhere...Why?"

"Do you know who discovered it?"

"Skye Dumbledore,"

"So you've heard of her?"

Hermoine nodded uninterested, then returned to her book.

"I've got that one too. It was one of my firsts," Said Ron as he ate another frog.

"She's mentioned in Modern Magical History, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century and Hogwarts, A History," Hermoine offered.

Harry almost jumped hearing a crackle on the loud speaker. A voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately,"

"Well," Said Hermoine slapping her book shut. "We better get ready,"

*

"There! Look!"

"Where?"

"Up at the teacher's table!"

"Is that her?"

"I think so, she looks a lot like the picture,"

Whispers echoed in the Great Hall. Even some of the seventh years were whispering and pointing excitedly. And for once, they were not talking about Harry.

In fact, they were talking about the blond girl who sat quietly, at one end of the teacher's table who was spending an amazing amount of time staring down at her hands awkwardly.

Why she was here at Hogwarts, Harry had no idea. Hermione fretted in an almost whiney tone about something like not being top of their class anymore. While Ron on the other hand, grinned broadly and pointed out Hermoine was actually jealous.

Finally, after all the first years had been sorted, Dumbledore rose to give his announcements.

"I have a few things to say before we commence. Firstly, after the most tragic incident last year," Dumbledore seemed to give Harry a sympathetic look. Harry still felt responsible for Cedric's death. He had been a well regarded Hufflepuff and at the end, a true and loyal friend to Harry. Voldemort was back to full strength with his 'Death-Eaters' obeying his ever word. The Dark Lord had returned.

While the Ministry of Magic awaited the worst, Harry was under the protection of some of the best wizards (including Dumbledore) in all of Britain. Sending him owls, standing guard near Number Four, Privet Drive. He had never actually seen them, but he knew they were there.

To everyone's surprised, nothing had happened. Not a word. Voldemort's followers went back to their normal lives, denying any and all accusations. It was if none of what Harry had seen, had actually happened.

"A few words before we are all fed and watered. I have some start of term notices to give you all,

"As always, the Forest in the grounds is forbidden to all students. There is to be no magic outside of the classrooms. Quidditch teams have been decided, see Madam Hooch for more details," Dumbledore paused, waiting for the first years to take in all of the information. "Each student must keep alert and steadfast. Rules that sometimes have been giving low-levelled punishment have been intensified. Now some of you have a taste for breaking the rules, but in doing so, you are putting yourself in extreme grave danger," Dumbledore narrowed his eyes and spoke sternly, and Harry could have sworn it was at him.

"If you wish to stay here at Hogwarts, you will follow them.

"On a brighter note. This year, a young witch who for the past few years has been taking part in a muggle study joins us. She has taken an examination to decide her year. And she is no stranger to Hogwarts, but keeping with tradition she does require a turn at the Sorting Hat,"

There was uproar of whispers. Dumbledore waited a few moments, and then raised his wand. Purple sparks erupted from the tip, grabbing everyone's attention.

"At this time, I'd like to call on Skye Dumbledore,"

Harry blinked as he (along with the rest of the school) watched wide-eyed as the blond rose from her seat. She tucked a few curls behind her ear and bit her bottom lip, obviously nervous. She wore simple white robes, adorned with delicate sparkles that shone lightly. And as she sat down on the stool her blue eyes seemed to glitter just as brightly.  Professor McGonagall seemed to almost smile warmly at the girl, and then placed the hat over top of her blond curls.

There was a moment of stressed silence. Harry watched interested (but not nearly as much as some of his fellow Gryffindors) as he saw the Sorting hat's 'mouth' move, but no words came out. In that instant Harry was reminded of his own sorting five years ago.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" Said the voice. "Are you sure? you could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that..."

Was the Sorting Hat talking to her like it had done to him? And if so, what was it saying? He saw the girl make the smallest nod, and exhaled deeply with a smile just before the Hat bellowed out,

"GRYFFINDOR,"

Gryffindors all around the table cheered loudly. Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs clapped politely, clearly disappointed. And Slytherins, did nothing. Catching a glimpse at Malfoy, Harry smiled even more and savoured the sour look on Malfoy's face.


Chapter 4:  A Rivalry Begins