Chapter 4: Going Home
"There's nothing you can do to change the past, you can only work to
make the future better."
Harry woke up one sunny morning and with a start realised it was September 1st and he would be at Hogwarts later that day. After getting dressed into his new Muggle clothes he got on the same day he went to Diagon Alley, Harry went down to the Hall to eat some breakfast. When he walked in everyone was chatting happily, some discussing new missions, family, friends, Hogwarts, and whatever came to mind. The few that noticed him waved slightly or smiled at him, which he returned with a bright smile. Harry walked over towards Remus who was waving him over and sat down between him and Dumbledore, who was talking to Snape on his other side.
"Good morning Moony!"
"Hey Harry, you seem happy today. Excited to get to Hogwarts?" Remus asked, pleased to see Harry smiling so much.
"Of course Remus, I can't wait to get home!" Harry said practically bouncing in his seat. Dumbledore and Remus beamed at Harry's choice of words, happy he considered Hogwarts his home. After all 'Home is where the heart is' and your heart is where your family and friends are.
Suddenly Harry noticed his clothes had changed from blue jeans and a white shirt, to red and gold and the words 'I luv Gryffindor' across them. He looked at his clothes for a few moments before turning slowly to Remus who had frozen with his wand still pointed towards him.
"Remus? Did you just do what I thought you did?" Harry asked warningly.
He swallowed nervously before replying, "Y-yes. Bu-but I wasn't trying to prank you, I was aiming for Severus!" by now people had noticed Harry's new look and were waiting to see what he'd do to Remus.
"Nevertheless, what have I always said about pranking me?"
"That I do it at my own risk and I'll regret it." Remus said starting to fidget a little
"Yep, so what should you be doing by now?" Harry said.
Remus waved his wand and Harry's clothes went back too normal, then said in a pleading voice, "Grovelling at your feet?"
"Nope," Harry shook his head.
"Begging for mercy?"
"Nuhuh, though it does sound rather amusing." People were beginning to chuckle. Harry had to admit it was rather funny. Seeing a fully trained wizard, who often goes on missions, which he could get killed on, looking so panicked because he accidentally pranked a sixteen-year-old wizard.
"R-running?" He said meekly.
"That's it! I suggest you start soon, you've wasted precious time, and you wouldn't want me to think up any more ideas for my revenge now would you?"
"I'm really starting to see your Slytherin side Harry." And with that he vaulted over the table and ran as fast as he could out of the Hall amid the laughter of the other Order members.
Dumbledore turned towards Harry and said amusement evident in his voice, "Congratulations Harry! You've earned the respect of the other Order members in the short time you've been here. Quite impressive really, they're notoriously hard to faze. You have even managed to surprise me, and that's quite a feat."
"Yeah, that was really funny. I should show you the pictures of your face sometime. I've never seen someone look so befuddled! I wonder if you can even remember the last time you were surprised, Mr. I-know-everything." Harry said.
At that everyone sitting close by snorted or laughed outright, including Snape, though he did look rather mad at laughing at something a Potter said.
"Actually you're quite right, I really can't recall being surprised. That's an amazing achievement young man." Dumbledore said thoughtfully, not even acknowledging the implied insult. "I'm rather amazed you were able to do it." Truthfully Harry did amaze the headmaster with how strong he was physically, mentally, and magically. He'd rarely, if ever met such a wonderful boy in all his years.
Harry laughed even harder when he heard this, like Dumbledore completely ignoring the small insult shot towards him. By the time they were through laughing they were both gasping for breath, holding stitches in his side, and leaning on each so they would not fall to the floor. The order members looked at them in amazement, as they continued to smile and chuckle lightly, you would have sworn they were grandfather and grandson, well.maybe great-grandfather.
When Harry looked up he noticed everyone looking towards them. "What are you all looking at?" he asked curiously.
A person he didn't recognise answered, "If I didn't know better I would have said you two were related. Being slightly insane must come with being brilliant and powerful." When she realised what she had just said she flushed red and clapped her hand over her mouth, stuttering apologies every once and awhile.
Harry and Albus however, just looked at each other and began to laugh again. Once they were able to speak again they were wiping tears of mirth from their eyes. "It's quite alright, young lady, no harm done. In fact I found it quite enlightening." As he was saying this Harry stood behind him imitating his words and gestures perfectly. All the people began to laugh again; it was amazing how much the sixteen-year-old looked like the old professor. Dumbledore soon realised that people were no longer paying attention to him but something behind him and were laughing; "Now what's so funny" he slowly turned around to see the source of their amusement. He found Harry still imitating him, and stared at how well the boy was able to do it. He seemed to know exactly what he would say and do. When Harry noticed Albus had turned around to see what was happening, he quickly sat with an innocent look on his face, though hints of laughter could be seen in his eyes. 'I've been spending way too much time with the boy' he thought to himself; and yet he couldn't help but think that he enjoyed every moment of it. "Hmmm. I must be getting predictable in my old age; must do something about that, now don't I."
"I have no idea what you're talking about professor." Harry said, the picture of innocence.
"No, no, of course you don't." Albus said, his eyes twinkling brightly. He was going to miss this; he hadn't had such a fun summer or felt so young in years.
Harry turned towards his mentor and asked, "How am I getting to King's Cross this year, sir?"
"Call me Albus when we're not around others, Harry." Dumbl.er, Albus said. "And as to your question, you won't be."
"Huh?" Harry said stupidly, "Then how am I to get to Hogwarts."
"You'll be coming with me and the rest of the teachers, this year, as well as the order members that will be protecting the school."
"Oh, do you reckon the trains not safe then?" Harry asked, slightly worried for his friends' welfare.
"No, no, nothing like that just a precaution so that you'll arrive safely. Anyway it is rather pointless when you can just arrive with us." Albus said, then added with a tinge of humour in his voice, "Don't worry we won't bore you too much. We'll be taking a portkey or two."
"Portkey?" Harry asked, though Harry would take one if necessary they still made him nervous.
Despite Harry's best efforts, Dumbledore still noticed and was a little worried. He had hoped Harry had got over his anxiousness when using portkeys, not that he could blame him. "Don't worry I made these ones myself, and there are several charms to prevent people from tampering with them." He whispered while squeezing Harry's shoulder reassuringly.
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For the next few hours Harry lounged around the Hall talking to different people. Just before 6:30 that evening Dumbledore looked at his odd pocket watch that only he seemed to understand, and called for their attention. "Pardon me everyone, but I believe it is almost time for those of us going to Hogwarts to depart, please shrink your belongings and follow me to the 'In & Out' room." Dumbledore turned towards Harry and said, "Come along now Harry, we must be off, there are things to discuss before the feast." Before leading everyone out of the Hall still chatting amiably to Harry.
They soon came upon a door labelled 'In & Out' in fancy gold writing. "Alright everyone we'll be going in groups, Any one besides Harry who does not know their group please raise their hand." Dumbledore said, no one lifted his or her hand. "Good, good. Now, if you please group one please go first; and don't forget to shut the door tight behind you." A group of around six people stepped towards the room and nodded at Dumbledore. They all walked into the room and shut the door behind them; there was a flash of light and Harry jumped back slightly, and the people closest to him chuckled a little while a light blush covered his cheeks. This continued for the next ten groups until Harry and Dumbledore were the only ones left. "Well, better get on with it Harry." Harry nodded though he was still a little unsure. "There's nothing to worry about, child, we'll just walk in and then before you can say 'pink braided beard' we'll be in my office." Harry laughed lightly and took a step towards the door. When he went inside he noticed it was a rather large room but was empty aside from a clock on the far wall. As soon as he registered this Dumbledore came in and shut the door behind him and in a flash of light they disappeared.
Harry felt a familiar pulling sensation behind his navel and for a moment panicked then in another flash of light he found himself safely in Dumbledores office; though he was breathing slightly faster than normal
Dumbledore quickly got Harry into a seat asking if he was okay and tried to calm him down before he started to hyperventilate, worry was evident in his eyes. Harry slowly returned to normal state and quickly assured Dumbledore that he would be fine. "I'm sorry we had to go that way Harry, but there was no other choice, if there had been we would have taken it."
"I had to face this fear sometime, better now than in an emergency I guess." Harry said though he was still a little pale.
"I'm proud of you Harry many people would refuse to use them and then in an emergency they would be in quite a predicament. Always remember; never lose faith for without it all the hopes of the world account for nothing. Now are you sure you're feeling alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine 'cept for this bloody headache.Honestly, if it's my head Voldemort wants, then he can take it. Quite frankly, it's driving me crazy." Harry said waspishly.
Dumbledore laughed merrily, and walked towards one of his many cupboards and pulled out a potion. "Here you go, child. It'll help." Harry gratefully took it and quickly drank it all, grimacing at the taste.
"Betcha Snape made that." He said.
"Why yes he did, how did you know?" Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eye told Harry he knew exactly what he was talking about.
"Anyway, about your schedule it's rather full I'm not sure how much time you'll have for extra activities and solving mysteries this year. But I am not going to make any choices for you, Your lifetime ban from quidditch has been lifted, and you will continue your order training as well as the courses you have decided to take. Occlumency lessons will continue with me, though with how well your doing I doubt you'll need them much longer." Dumbledore said. "And don't forget you can continue to fly, even when you're not on the team."
"I doubt I'll be playing quidditch this year, I do want some time to breathe this year."
Dumbledore smiled, "I thought that would be your decision," he looked at his pocket watch, "We should be going, don't want to be late now do we. And Harry, don't hesitate to come to my office just to talk or relax; not to mention I happen to be quite fond of exploding snap, none of the other professors seem to enjoy it though."
"I'll be sure to come by whenever I need some words of wisdom."
"Ahh, wisdom a wonderful thing that comes from experience, and experience comes from a lack thereof." Dumbledore said happily.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
When they walked into the entrance the Harry saw the last of the students going into the Great Hall and hurried to catch up with them. He scanned the Gryffindor table for his friends, then spotted them at the far end of the table looking around worriedly. Neville was sitting nearby also looking slightly worried. Harry walked up behind them and said, "Hey, what are you so worried about?"
They simultaneously jumped and spun around swiftly, Harry chuckled a little at their faces but before he could comment on their faces his breath was knock out of him by Hermione. "Harry! Where have you been, when you weren't on the train we thought something had happe-!" She stopped as though realising something, "My Goodness Harry you look so different!"
"Yeah, I guess so. Order training does that to a person." Harry said.
Ron finally shut his gaping mouth and said "Hay mate, alright?"
"Uh huh, it was actually kinda fun, and I pranked all the order people it was hilarious. I tried to figure out who was the Defense teacher this year, but they wouldn't tell me. Said it would be a good surprise. As long as it's not Snape or Umbridge. "
"You're so lucky, you learnt so much during the summer! I wish I could've." Hermione said.
Harry turned to a groaning Ron at his side, "You feeling okay Ron?" he asked concerned.
"Hungry, sooo hungry." His friend answered massaging his stomach.
"Honestly Ron I'm starting to think the only way to get through to you is your stomach." Hermione said as she tried to get him to stop moaning pitifully. "You're setting a bad example."
"Really, if you think the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, you're aiming to high." Ron said.
"I don't want your heart I want you to grow up a little and set a proper example."
"Oh, well at least I'm not reading books constantly, and actually have fun every once and awhile."
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers." Hermione said before shushing Ron as McGonagall came in with the first years and set the sorting hat on the stool.
The hat seemed to straighten up a little before singing it's annual song and sorting the new, rather pale, students. Just as the students had finished being sorted Dumbledore stood, smiled and looked around as though he would like nothing more than to welcome each and everyone of them individually. But instead he settled for cheerfully saying, "Welcome everyone to Hogwarts. Now I know many of you are hoping this old man would shut his hole and let you all eat; but I'm afraid there are things that must be said first. Once again I must remind students that no magic is to be performed in the corridors and to review the list of ill-favoured items in Mr. Filch's office. And despite popular belief the Forbidden forest is forbidden. Quite shocking really, isn't it? " He briefly looked towards Harry and his friends and winked when he grinned up at him. "And, of course I must introduce your new Defense against the Dark Arts professor, Mr. Remus Lupin. I believe that is all for now and I'm sure you've heard enough of my babbling; so let's eat!"
Ron gave a small whoop and then quickly dug into the feast before them. The others soon joined him though not eating quite as much or as fast. Before they knew it the plates had cleared and they all climbed sleepily up to their dormitories yawning often.
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
The next morning Harry was waiting for Hermione and Ron to come down to the common room so they could get to the Great Hall for breakfast and see their schedules. "'Morning Ron,"
"Morning Harry." Ron said to Harry. "Y'know what's taking Hermione so long?"
"Nope she's usually the first one down."
A few minutes later Hermione came grumbling down the steps with a scowl on her face. "You alright Hermione?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Yes, yes I'm fine." She said, "It's just if there is one thing I dislike about Hogwarts it is the uniforms. I mean, why must we wear these stupid neckties! How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck? Then, there are these skirts! They're not very practical are they; let's see you learn to fly a broom or duel in on without showing the world your knickers!"
"I guess you have a point," Harry conceded, then hoping to cheer her up said, "Let's go down to breakfast, I'm sure McGonagall will be handing out our timetables soon."
It worked, Hermione face lit up and she began to rush them towards the Great hall, all the while talking at a very fast rate about what she hoped they would learn this year.
As they sat down at the table Ron immediately asked Harry if he was allowed to play Quidditch this year. "Yeah I am, but-"
"Oh that's great, we'll be sure to wi-"
"Ron! I'm allowed but I'm not going to! I just don't have time."
"What? Make time Harry! It's Quidditch!" Ron spluttered.
Before Harry could answer Ron Professor McGonagall came up behind him and gave them their timetables for the year. "Damn Harry, Divination first thing. What a way to start the year. Oh well at least we don't have to take potions anymore." Ron said before looking over Harry's shoulder and exclaiming. "Harry! What the bloody hell, why are you taking classes like duelling and animagus. we don't even get the chance to take those!"
"Ron, I'm number one on Voldemorts hit list. The order seems to think I'm important to the war effort so I have to take special classes."
"Oh that's just great. My god you almost got as many OWLs as Hermione! Probably got one of your adoring fans to help you with that! Dumbledores Golden Boy is getting even more special treatment. I bet your loving that, all the attention you're getting!" Ron yelled at a stunned Harry, his face going redder by the second. "Bet that's what you wanted the whole time, huh? More bloody attention! Oh no, it's not enough to be the Boy Who Lived, now you gotta be specially trained, because you're just sooo important!" By now Ron had gotten he attention of the whole hall, and everyone including the teachers was gaping at him; under any other circumstances it would have been highly amusing. Ron took a deep breath preparing to continue his tirade, when Hermione stood up and SMACK. Ron staggered from the force behind her slap, and looked toward her shock evident on his face.
Hermione who by now had an expression of pure fury on her face glared at Ron witheringly, "You git! What the hell are you thinking, you stupid, petty, jealous fool! You know Harry hates the attention he gets more than anything! Why can't you get over this pathetic jealousy and be thankful for what you have! I can't believe you ever considered Harry your best friend, as you obviously know nothing about him. You probably don't even think of him as Harry do you? Just the By-Who-Bloody-Lived! Yeah, its soo wonderful being Harry Potter isn't it, he has to take these courses because he's number one on Voldemorts hit list, are you still jealous that you don't get to take them Ron? You don't deserve to know Harry, you should consider yourself lucky he spoke to you after our forth year! You stupid prat!"
"Fine I knew you'd take his side. You always do, after all he's Harry Potter he must be right!" Ron said before storming out of the Hall. Leaving Harry glued to his seat starring where he had previously been sitting.
"There's nothing you can do to change the past, you can only work to
make the future better."
Harry woke up one sunny morning and with a start realised it was September 1st and he would be at Hogwarts later that day. After getting dressed into his new Muggle clothes he got on the same day he went to Diagon Alley, Harry went down to the Hall to eat some breakfast. When he walked in everyone was chatting happily, some discussing new missions, family, friends, Hogwarts, and whatever came to mind. The few that noticed him waved slightly or smiled at him, which he returned with a bright smile. Harry walked over towards Remus who was waving him over and sat down between him and Dumbledore, who was talking to Snape on his other side.
"Good morning Moony!"
"Hey Harry, you seem happy today. Excited to get to Hogwarts?" Remus asked, pleased to see Harry smiling so much.
"Of course Remus, I can't wait to get home!" Harry said practically bouncing in his seat. Dumbledore and Remus beamed at Harry's choice of words, happy he considered Hogwarts his home. After all 'Home is where the heart is' and your heart is where your family and friends are.
Suddenly Harry noticed his clothes had changed from blue jeans and a white shirt, to red and gold and the words 'I luv Gryffindor' across them. He looked at his clothes for a few moments before turning slowly to Remus who had frozen with his wand still pointed towards him.
"Remus? Did you just do what I thought you did?" Harry asked warningly.
He swallowed nervously before replying, "Y-yes. Bu-but I wasn't trying to prank you, I was aiming for Severus!" by now people had noticed Harry's new look and were waiting to see what he'd do to Remus.
"Nevertheless, what have I always said about pranking me?"
"That I do it at my own risk and I'll regret it." Remus said starting to fidget a little
"Yep, so what should you be doing by now?" Harry said.
Remus waved his wand and Harry's clothes went back too normal, then said in a pleading voice, "Grovelling at your feet?"
"Nope," Harry shook his head.
"Begging for mercy?"
"Nuhuh, though it does sound rather amusing." People were beginning to chuckle. Harry had to admit it was rather funny. Seeing a fully trained wizard, who often goes on missions, which he could get killed on, looking so panicked because he accidentally pranked a sixteen-year-old wizard.
"R-running?" He said meekly.
"That's it! I suggest you start soon, you've wasted precious time, and you wouldn't want me to think up any more ideas for my revenge now would you?"
"I'm really starting to see your Slytherin side Harry." And with that he vaulted over the table and ran as fast as he could out of the Hall amid the laughter of the other Order members.
Dumbledore turned towards Harry and said amusement evident in his voice, "Congratulations Harry! You've earned the respect of the other Order members in the short time you've been here. Quite impressive really, they're notoriously hard to faze. You have even managed to surprise me, and that's quite a feat."
"Yeah, that was really funny. I should show you the pictures of your face sometime. I've never seen someone look so befuddled! I wonder if you can even remember the last time you were surprised, Mr. I-know-everything." Harry said.
At that everyone sitting close by snorted or laughed outright, including Snape, though he did look rather mad at laughing at something a Potter said.
"Actually you're quite right, I really can't recall being surprised. That's an amazing achievement young man." Dumbledore said thoughtfully, not even acknowledging the implied insult. "I'm rather amazed you were able to do it." Truthfully Harry did amaze the headmaster with how strong he was physically, mentally, and magically. He'd rarely, if ever met such a wonderful boy in all his years.
Harry laughed even harder when he heard this, like Dumbledore completely ignoring the small insult shot towards him. By the time they were through laughing they were both gasping for breath, holding stitches in his side, and leaning on each so they would not fall to the floor. The order members looked at them in amazement, as they continued to smile and chuckle lightly, you would have sworn they were grandfather and grandson, well.maybe great-grandfather.
When Harry looked up he noticed everyone looking towards them. "What are you all looking at?" he asked curiously.
A person he didn't recognise answered, "If I didn't know better I would have said you two were related. Being slightly insane must come with being brilliant and powerful." When she realised what she had just said she flushed red and clapped her hand over her mouth, stuttering apologies every once and awhile.
Harry and Albus however, just looked at each other and began to laugh again. Once they were able to speak again they were wiping tears of mirth from their eyes. "It's quite alright, young lady, no harm done. In fact I found it quite enlightening." As he was saying this Harry stood behind him imitating his words and gestures perfectly. All the people began to laugh again; it was amazing how much the sixteen-year-old looked like the old professor. Dumbledore soon realised that people were no longer paying attention to him but something behind him and were laughing; "Now what's so funny" he slowly turned around to see the source of their amusement. He found Harry still imitating him, and stared at how well the boy was able to do it. He seemed to know exactly what he would say and do. When Harry noticed Albus had turned around to see what was happening, he quickly sat with an innocent look on his face, though hints of laughter could be seen in his eyes. 'I've been spending way too much time with the boy' he thought to himself; and yet he couldn't help but think that he enjoyed every moment of it. "Hmmm. I must be getting predictable in my old age; must do something about that, now don't I."
"I have no idea what you're talking about professor." Harry said, the picture of innocence.
"No, no, of course you don't." Albus said, his eyes twinkling brightly. He was going to miss this; he hadn't had such a fun summer or felt so young in years.
Harry turned towards his mentor and asked, "How am I getting to King's Cross this year, sir?"
"Call me Albus when we're not around others, Harry." Dumbl.er, Albus said. "And as to your question, you won't be."
"Huh?" Harry said stupidly, "Then how am I to get to Hogwarts."
"You'll be coming with me and the rest of the teachers, this year, as well as the order members that will be protecting the school."
"Oh, do you reckon the trains not safe then?" Harry asked, slightly worried for his friends' welfare.
"No, no, nothing like that just a precaution so that you'll arrive safely. Anyway it is rather pointless when you can just arrive with us." Albus said, then added with a tinge of humour in his voice, "Don't worry we won't bore you too much. We'll be taking a portkey or two."
"Portkey?" Harry asked, though Harry would take one if necessary they still made him nervous.
Despite Harry's best efforts, Dumbledore still noticed and was a little worried. He had hoped Harry had got over his anxiousness when using portkeys, not that he could blame him. "Don't worry I made these ones myself, and there are several charms to prevent people from tampering with them." He whispered while squeezing Harry's shoulder reassuringly.
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For the next few hours Harry lounged around the Hall talking to different people. Just before 6:30 that evening Dumbledore looked at his odd pocket watch that only he seemed to understand, and called for their attention. "Pardon me everyone, but I believe it is almost time for those of us going to Hogwarts to depart, please shrink your belongings and follow me to the 'In & Out' room." Dumbledore turned towards Harry and said, "Come along now Harry, we must be off, there are things to discuss before the feast." Before leading everyone out of the Hall still chatting amiably to Harry.
They soon came upon a door labelled 'In & Out' in fancy gold writing. "Alright everyone we'll be going in groups, Any one besides Harry who does not know their group please raise their hand." Dumbledore said, no one lifted his or her hand. "Good, good. Now, if you please group one please go first; and don't forget to shut the door tight behind you." A group of around six people stepped towards the room and nodded at Dumbledore. They all walked into the room and shut the door behind them; there was a flash of light and Harry jumped back slightly, and the people closest to him chuckled a little while a light blush covered his cheeks. This continued for the next ten groups until Harry and Dumbledore were the only ones left. "Well, better get on with it Harry." Harry nodded though he was still a little unsure. "There's nothing to worry about, child, we'll just walk in and then before you can say 'pink braided beard' we'll be in my office." Harry laughed lightly and took a step towards the door. When he went inside he noticed it was a rather large room but was empty aside from a clock on the far wall. As soon as he registered this Dumbledore came in and shut the door behind him and in a flash of light they disappeared.
Harry felt a familiar pulling sensation behind his navel and for a moment panicked then in another flash of light he found himself safely in Dumbledores office; though he was breathing slightly faster than normal
Dumbledore quickly got Harry into a seat asking if he was okay and tried to calm him down before he started to hyperventilate, worry was evident in his eyes. Harry slowly returned to normal state and quickly assured Dumbledore that he would be fine. "I'm sorry we had to go that way Harry, but there was no other choice, if there had been we would have taken it."
"I had to face this fear sometime, better now than in an emergency I guess." Harry said though he was still a little pale.
"I'm proud of you Harry many people would refuse to use them and then in an emergency they would be in quite a predicament. Always remember; never lose faith for without it all the hopes of the world account for nothing. Now are you sure you're feeling alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine 'cept for this bloody headache.Honestly, if it's my head Voldemort wants, then he can take it. Quite frankly, it's driving me crazy." Harry said waspishly.
Dumbledore laughed merrily, and walked towards one of his many cupboards and pulled out a potion. "Here you go, child. It'll help." Harry gratefully took it and quickly drank it all, grimacing at the taste.
"Betcha Snape made that." He said.
"Why yes he did, how did you know?" Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eye told Harry he knew exactly what he was talking about.
"Anyway, about your schedule it's rather full I'm not sure how much time you'll have for extra activities and solving mysteries this year. But I am not going to make any choices for you, Your lifetime ban from quidditch has been lifted, and you will continue your order training as well as the courses you have decided to take. Occlumency lessons will continue with me, though with how well your doing I doubt you'll need them much longer." Dumbledore said. "And don't forget you can continue to fly, even when you're not on the team."
"I doubt I'll be playing quidditch this year, I do want some time to breathe this year."
Dumbledore smiled, "I thought that would be your decision," he looked at his pocket watch, "We should be going, don't want to be late now do we. And Harry, don't hesitate to come to my office just to talk or relax; not to mention I happen to be quite fond of exploding snap, none of the other professors seem to enjoy it though."
"I'll be sure to come by whenever I need some words of wisdom."
"Ahh, wisdom a wonderful thing that comes from experience, and experience comes from a lack thereof." Dumbledore said happily.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
When they walked into the entrance the Harry saw the last of the students going into the Great Hall and hurried to catch up with them. He scanned the Gryffindor table for his friends, then spotted them at the far end of the table looking around worriedly. Neville was sitting nearby also looking slightly worried. Harry walked up behind them and said, "Hey, what are you so worried about?"
They simultaneously jumped and spun around swiftly, Harry chuckled a little at their faces but before he could comment on their faces his breath was knock out of him by Hermione. "Harry! Where have you been, when you weren't on the train we thought something had happe-!" She stopped as though realising something, "My Goodness Harry you look so different!"
"Yeah, I guess so. Order training does that to a person." Harry said.
Ron finally shut his gaping mouth and said "Hay mate, alright?"
"Uh huh, it was actually kinda fun, and I pranked all the order people it was hilarious. I tried to figure out who was the Defense teacher this year, but they wouldn't tell me. Said it would be a good surprise. As long as it's not Snape or Umbridge. "
"You're so lucky, you learnt so much during the summer! I wish I could've." Hermione said.
Harry turned to a groaning Ron at his side, "You feeling okay Ron?" he asked concerned.
"Hungry, sooo hungry." His friend answered massaging his stomach.
"Honestly Ron I'm starting to think the only way to get through to you is your stomach." Hermione said as she tried to get him to stop moaning pitifully. "You're setting a bad example."
"Really, if you think the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, you're aiming to high." Ron said.
"I don't want your heart I want you to grow up a little and set a proper example."
"Oh, well at least I'm not reading books constantly, and actually have fun every once and awhile."
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers." Hermione said before shushing Ron as McGonagall came in with the first years and set the sorting hat on the stool.
The hat seemed to straighten up a little before singing it's annual song and sorting the new, rather pale, students. Just as the students had finished being sorted Dumbledore stood, smiled and looked around as though he would like nothing more than to welcome each and everyone of them individually. But instead he settled for cheerfully saying, "Welcome everyone to Hogwarts. Now I know many of you are hoping this old man would shut his hole and let you all eat; but I'm afraid there are things that must be said first. Once again I must remind students that no magic is to be performed in the corridors and to review the list of ill-favoured items in Mr. Filch's office. And despite popular belief the Forbidden forest is forbidden. Quite shocking really, isn't it? " He briefly looked towards Harry and his friends and winked when he grinned up at him. "And, of course I must introduce your new Defense against the Dark Arts professor, Mr. Remus Lupin. I believe that is all for now and I'm sure you've heard enough of my babbling; so let's eat!"
Ron gave a small whoop and then quickly dug into the feast before them. The others soon joined him though not eating quite as much or as fast. Before they knew it the plates had cleared and they all climbed sleepily up to their dormitories yawning often.
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
The next morning Harry was waiting for Hermione and Ron to come down to the common room so they could get to the Great Hall for breakfast and see their schedules. "'Morning Ron,"
"Morning Harry." Ron said to Harry. "Y'know what's taking Hermione so long?"
"Nope she's usually the first one down."
A few minutes later Hermione came grumbling down the steps with a scowl on her face. "You alright Hermione?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Yes, yes I'm fine." She said, "It's just if there is one thing I dislike about Hogwarts it is the uniforms. I mean, why must we wear these stupid neckties! How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck? Then, there are these skirts! They're not very practical are they; let's see you learn to fly a broom or duel in on without showing the world your knickers!"
"I guess you have a point," Harry conceded, then hoping to cheer her up said, "Let's go down to breakfast, I'm sure McGonagall will be handing out our timetables soon."
It worked, Hermione face lit up and she began to rush them towards the Great hall, all the while talking at a very fast rate about what she hoped they would learn this year.
As they sat down at the table Ron immediately asked Harry if he was allowed to play Quidditch this year. "Yeah I am, but-"
"Oh that's great, we'll be sure to wi-"
"Ron! I'm allowed but I'm not going to! I just don't have time."
"What? Make time Harry! It's Quidditch!" Ron spluttered.
Before Harry could answer Ron Professor McGonagall came up behind him and gave them their timetables for the year. "Damn Harry, Divination first thing. What a way to start the year. Oh well at least we don't have to take potions anymore." Ron said before looking over Harry's shoulder and exclaiming. "Harry! What the bloody hell, why are you taking classes like duelling and animagus. we don't even get the chance to take those!"
"Ron, I'm number one on Voldemorts hit list. The order seems to think I'm important to the war effort so I have to take special classes."
"Oh that's just great. My god you almost got as many OWLs as Hermione! Probably got one of your adoring fans to help you with that! Dumbledores Golden Boy is getting even more special treatment. I bet your loving that, all the attention you're getting!" Ron yelled at a stunned Harry, his face going redder by the second. "Bet that's what you wanted the whole time, huh? More bloody attention! Oh no, it's not enough to be the Boy Who Lived, now you gotta be specially trained, because you're just sooo important!" By now Ron had gotten he attention of the whole hall, and everyone including the teachers was gaping at him; under any other circumstances it would have been highly amusing. Ron took a deep breath preparing to continue his tirade, when Hermione stood up and SMACK. Ron staggered from the force behind her slap, and looked toward her shock evident on his face.
Hermione who by now had an expression of pure fury on her face glared at Ron witheringly, "You git! What the hell are you thinking, you stupid, petty, jealous fool! You know Harry hates the attention he gets more than anything! Why can't you get over this pathetic jealousy and be thankful for what you have! I can't believe you ever considered Harry your best friend, as you obviously know nothing about him. You probably don't even think of him as Harry do you? Just the By-Who-Bloody-Lived! Yeah, its soo wonderful being Harry Potter isn't it, he has to take these courses because he's number one on Voldemorts hit list, are you still jealous that you don't get to take them Ron? You don't deserve to know Harry, you should consider yourself lucky he spoke to you after our forth year! You stupid prat!"
"Fine I knew you'd take his side. You always do, after all he's Harry Potter he must be right!" Ron said before storming out of the Hall. Leaving Harry glued to his seat starring where he had previously been sitting.