guys...I am so sorry for not posting sooner. I am truly still in mourning
over the "Event-that-must-not-be-named" in OOP....you know the one I'm
talking about. so sad ::sniff sniff::
So...obviously...this story is now AU.....no...let's just call it how I wished the 5th book would have been like...yea...that's better. If you recognize any story plots from this story and the actual OOP, they are most likely coincidences because I've had an outline for this story for quite awhile now.
but as always.....I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters in the series....(although I wouldn't mind watching James play Quidditch....::big sigh::) If I did, I would probably be in Alaska in my own personal observatory....
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Chapter 5
Sirius woke Harry so early on the morning of September 1 that the rays of the waning moon were still shining through the window. Sirius looked as if he had already been up for hours, dressed in his long black traveling robes. Harry just rolled over and bunched his blanket up over his head, but Sirius yanked the bedding all of the way off.
"Come on, Harry. There is a ministry car is already downstairs to take us all to the station. I've already tried to wake you up once and I'm not leaving this time until I see you standing."
Harry grumbled, never liking to be woken up early. He was definitely not a morning person. He reluctantly rolled out of bed, grabbed the clothes that he had laid out the night before and shuffled to the bathroom. Sirius headed to wake up Ron and Hermione.
After Harry was finished getting dressed, he took one more look around for anything he left in his room because he would not be back until winter break. Harry stopped what he was doing and thought a moment. "Wow....I have a place to go for holidays." It was a strange feeling. A smile crept across Harry's face as he continued to look in every crevice. After he found a few leftover quills and an essay he forgot to pack, he walked over and stood beneath the picture of himself with his parents.
"Even though I don't remember you, I know you both so well from my dreams. I know in my heart that you are looking out for me. And if what Sirius is trying so hard not so say is as dangerous as I think it is going to be, please help protect me and my friends... we are going to need it desperately. I love you both very much."
And with that, Harry placed his fingertips on his lips, kissed them then gently ran them across the bottom of the picture. He heard a gentle wrapping behind him and turned around. Hermione was standing in the doorway. Harry was a little embarrassed from talking to the picture and wondering how much she had heard, but she acted like nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Sirius told me to come up and get you...everyone is waiting downstairs."
Harry nodded as he picked up the last of his belongings and Hedwig's cage and followed Hermione out of the door. They descended the long staircase in silence and as soon as they reached the bottom, Sirius shoved a scone in his hand.
"We are running so late...you can eat that on the way. Please go help Ron take your trunks out to the car and load them in."
He tucked the scone into his pocket and went outside to find Ron waiting for him. He was struggling trying to lift one of the trucks in. Harry rushed over and grabbed one of the sides.
"Finally...thought you would sleep in this morning and let everyone else do the work?"
"Ha ha. Let's just get packed so we can get to the station. I don't want to have to find an alternative route again." Ron smiled at the comment as Harry helped him to set the trunk into the back of the car. They watched as the trunk compacted and went into a corner making way for more stuff. After everything was packed, Harry and Ron called Hermione out of the house and they all piled into the backseat of the car. Hermione looked over into the front seat and saw it. She turned to the driver as she picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Can I borrow this?"
"Sure Miss...I'm finished with it."
The three smiled excitedly as Hermione opened up the paper and they all read the story on the main page for this was the first paper that they had seen in a month.
DEATH EATERS SPOTTED IN KNOCKTURN ALLEY
Ministry of Magic officials were called to Knockturn Alley, yesterday,
after several known Death Eaters were spotted in a back room at
Mystical Mayhem and Accessories standing over several maps and making
notes. The owner of the shop says that he did not know that they were
back there. He has been taken in for further questioning. Before the
Ministry could get there, all of the Death Eaters escaped with their
maps and papers.
Since the attack on the London Museum of Science and History where
Lord Voldemort brutally attacked several muggles and wizards and stole
a priceless heirloom, his forces have been more and more active.
People are fearing...(see alley on pg. 9)
Hermione quickly turned the pages of the newspaper, searching for page 9. All of the sudden they heard a car door open and had the newspaper snatched out of her hand. They all watched, silenced, as Sirius scanned the front page they had just read. He looked up and stared at them for a moment before speaking.
"I thought I told all of you not to go sticking your nose into newspapers and things like that." He held up the newspaper. "At least this did not have anything much to say...a slow news day I gather. I am disappointed in all of you."
Harry, Ron and Hermione all sank back in their seat as Sirius got into the car and they took off. Harry could not help but have the feeling that he had betrayed his godfather's trust. All he was trying to do is to protect him. Harry thought about it a moment. Protect him from what? He had already fought against Lord Voldemort and won the battle. Why would they not let him fight in the war? Harry stared out of the window of the car, hoping that soon they would let him have his chance.
**************
As the car pulled up to the Kings Cross station, everyone exited the car and quickly scrounged around for trolleys for their belongings for they only had 15 minutes till the train pulled out of the station. After packing the trunks and animals, they quickly headed towards platform 9¾. As they raced across the platforms, people could not help but stare at the group with large trunks, two caged owls and a cat. As soon as they got to the barrier, they took a quick look around for onlookers and dashed through. They were immediately bombarded by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh there you are dears. The time was running so short I almost swore you were not going to make it." Mrs. Weasley quickly walked over and gave Ron a big hug. He tried to wriggle out of it
"Mum!"
"You are never too old to hug your mother, Ron. Now, you three have a good year and mind the rules and your manors...and your brother!" After Mrs. Weasley released Ron and shoved some sandwiches into his hand for later, the three grabbed their carts and dashed off again towards the train.
"And stay in the castle...don't go wondering off!" she called after them.
"I'll see you soon, Harry!" Sirius called out as several other wizards took a long way around him. He shook his head watching them, thinking how closed minded they must be not to believe his innocence.
As they went off running with their belongings towards the train, Ron turned to Harry after he had processed what his mom had said.
"Is she mental? Mind my brothers? That's like saying 'go and play nice with the blast-ended skrewts." He shook his head as if his mother had completely lost her mind.
When they got to the train, Harry pushed his trunk under his seat in what seemed to be the last open compartment. Ron and Hermione followed suit and at last they boarded the train just as the last whistle blew and it started to roll out of the station. Harry smiled.
"We have got to quit cutting this so close." Ron and Hermione both nodded in agreement. The three sat and talked for most of the journey back to Hogwarts. When the food trolley made its rounds, the three got their usual lot of Berry Bott's Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs and Peppermint Whips. But when they were looking over the cart, they found something that was not there before.
"Are those Canary Creams? And what are those....Blast Wands?" asked Ron in surprise.
"Why yes they are," answered the attendant. "Brand new items that just came out. You can see the whole line of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes at Zonko's joke shop in Hogsmeade. Heard the two inventors are still at Hogwarts. Going to make a pretty fine living if you ask me." And with that, the attendant and the cart were on their way.
"I can't believe they finally did it! I knew that they had found an investor at the beginning of the summer, but I had no idea that they were so far along in marketing their inventions," Ron said, excitedly.
"Wow. I guess a Weasley finally found a way to make money. Too bad it had to be doing something so menial. I mean...come on...seems like they are a little old to be playing with toys." Then two laughs came from the background.
Harry did not have to look up to know who it was. "Shut it, Malfoy," he said as he stood up and put a hand on Ron's shoulder. Ron's face was quickly becoming even brighter than the color of his hair.
"You better watch out, Draco. As soon as I tell Fred and George what you said you better make sure you know where ever morsel of food that you eat comes from." He shook Harry's hand off of his shoulder.
"Ah...how cute...their little brother is trying to defend them. Ok...I'll play your little game. Guess what...you win." Draco Malfoy held up his hand and snapped his fingers. "Crabbe, Goyle, show Weasley what his prize is." His two goons started to come around his side to attack, but Harry was quicker. He whipped out his wand and from a power seemingly deep inside himself, he said "Consistostiti" in a deep voice that did not even seem to come out of his mouth. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle all felt their bodies become very still and straight. The voice then said, "Moveri" and the three all turned on their heels and marched out of the compartment, each confused of what was going on, but knowing exactly who did it to them.
"You wait until I tell my father about this, Potter. You will be back on this train coming home before the first week is out!"
As soon as the marching had died out of earshot, Harry fell back on the bench. His wand fell from his hand and onto the floor. Ron and Hermione both looked at him, shocked. All of the sudden, they both started talking almost at once.
"Um...Harry...Have you been doing some advanced studying or something? I didn't think we learned we even learn that stuff at Hogwarts. You could get into real trouble for doing that. And it didn't even sound like you..."
"That was bloody brilliant! How did you learn that! Better yet, when are you going to teach me how to do it!"
Harry just shook his head. "I have no idea how I knew to do that. I was like something inside of me just said that I always did. I didn't even feel like I was saying anything...it was like it just happened. Please don't tell anyone though...all I need is for something else to pop up that I can do. We all remember what happened when I talked to the snake."
Ron nodded and picked up a box of Berry Bott's Every Flavor Beans and absentmindedly ate one. A look of disgust came across his face.
"Yuck! Sardine." Ron spit it out, trying to rub his tongue on his sleeve as if to wipe the taste off. Harry and Hermione both laughed at the site. The three turned their conversation to lighter topics during the rest of the trip. As the Hogwarts Express neared the station, the three took a break and changed into their robes. Then the train slowed and they felt the familiar jolt as it stopped in Hogsmeade. Hermione smiled as she fastened on her prefect badge.
"Time to start my duties." Ron rolled his eyes as Harry tried to stifle a grin.
Hermione stood up with a piece of paper she had been given to be read to all the students in the car she was in. She glanced over it as she walked out into the hall.
"Everyone please listen up." She waited a few moments for everyone to poke their heads out of their compartments. "Please leave your luggage on the train, for it will be taken to the school separately. First years, when you exit the train, please find Professor McGonagall and follow her. All other students, load the carriages to be taken directly to the school. The faster you accomplish this, the faster the Welcoming Feast can begin. Thank you."
Hermione folded up the paper and stuffed it into the pocket of her robes. As she walked back into the compartment with Harry and Ron, they both looked at each other and smiled. They then broke out in applause.
"Brilliant! Encore!"
"Absolutely wonderful!!"
Hermione gave them each an evil look. "Very funny, guys. Please try to show me some form of respect...please? If I can't have at least that, how am I supposed to have anyone else show it?"
Harry and Ron both muttered that they would try. Hermione looked at the guilt in their faces and wondered if she should try the same speech on Fred and George Weasley later, but knew that it would do no good. Putting it out of her mind, she shrugged as they three disembarked from the train and headed towards the carriages. They all got into one of the carriages as they listened to four second years behind them as they tried to figure out how they were to be pulled without horses.
"How do you think that they go?"
"No telling...I'm guessing that they are probably enchanted." "Cool! I wonder how...I have a wagon that I would love to figure out how to do it to"
The carriages jumped slightly as they started. The voices from back behind got further and further away as the second year students squealed with excitement. Harry, Ron and Hermione just laid back in the seats, relaxing and looking at the ever darkening countryside in anticipation of the upcoming year.
As the carriage turned the corner and Hogwarts appeared in full view on the hill, Harry sighed. Going back to school was a bittersweet homecoming. As he looked up and saw the Quidditch pitch become visible, he lowered his head, remembering the last time he had been on the field, clutching Cedric's body. He shook his head, as if to clear the memory from his mind. He then looked at the castle, seemingly so vulnerable, but in reality more like a fortress, and he wondered when and where from the next inevitable attack would come. His mind then wondered to the obvious secret everyone was keeping from him. What could Lord Voldemort want with a ring? What could be so important?
"Harry?" He felt someone shaking him. He opened his eyes and saw Hermione. "You ok? You dozed off and then started rubbing your forehead. Is it hurting?"
He shook his head. "No...I'm fine. Just tired, I guess. You know.....all that stuff on the train," he lied. His forehead was in constant dull pain, but he was used to that by now. He noticed the carriage had stopped and looked up at the starry sky. "I'm just anxious to get some food. Always hungry, you know."
Hermione muttered something about "boys" and stepped out of the carriage, with Ron helping her down. Harry followed.
"Sure your ok? You remember what I said back at Sirius' house," said Ron after Harry had planted both feet on the ground.
He nodded. "I promise I'm ok. If something happens, you will be the first to know." Ron smiled, but he did not seem satisfied. All deciding that they were too hungry to press the issue any longer, they made their way inside along with the last of the other students.
***************
The hall was already crowded when they reached it. The hall was decorated as spectacularly as ever with candles hanging in mid air, the ceiling bewitched to show the clear night sky above them and a large tapestry with the Hogwarts seal hanging behind the staff table in front. They quickly walked in and took a seat beside Neville Longbottom and Dean Thomas. After pleasantries were exchanged, they all started looking up at the staff table. The first thing that they noticed was that Hagrid was missing. As they watched, someone that Ron recognized very well came in and sat down in that chair.
"Charlie!
Sitting in the chair was Ron's older brother, Charlie Weasley. He was dressed in festive robes, similar to those of the other professors. He waved as the group looked over at him. Ron started to get up, but Charlie motioned for him to sit back down. He complied, knowing that they would find out what was up later.
"I wonder why he is here? I hope they aren't planning to use dragons to protect the castle now. And even if they did, I would hate for Hagrid to miss it. I wonder where he is, anyways," Ron babbled.
Harry then continued to look down the line of professors and recognized all the rest. He looked at Dumbledore. The once twinkle eyed professor now was twirling a piece of his beard in his finger and stared down at his golden plate, seemingly completely preoccupied with something. The candlelight in the hall magnified the shadows from the wrinkles on his weathered face. He suddenly rubbed his eyes and looked up at Harry. As their eyes met, Dumbledore slightly smiled a warm smile, but his eyes were very troubled as their gaze held for a few moments. He then went directly back to absentmindedly twirling his beard.
Harry next focused on where Professor Snape usually sat and saw it was empty. He was sitting where the new Defense of the Dark Arts professor was supposed to. Hermione seemed to notice it at the same time.
"I guess he finally got his wish. I didn't think Professor Dumbledore would ever let him teach it!" Harry shook his head. But then a new thought passed through his mind.
"Well, if Snape is teaching that, then who is the new potion's master? Because that seat is still open." They all talked about possibilities for the next few seconds, but Dumbledore stood up and motioned for the students to settle down. He looked towards the back of the room.
"Professor McGonagall, if you please." As he sat back down, Professor McGonagall nodded, opened the doors and faced the group of frightened and nervous looking children outside.
"Follow me, if you please," she said sternly. The first year students silently traipsed behind the professor in two strait lines. As the lines passed by the Gryffindor table, Hermione sighed.
"I can't believe we were ever that young. It seems like ages ago."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement. Harry thought back to when he was sorted...when the only thing on his mind was hoping that he wouldn't be sorted into Slytherin house. It seemed almost a lifetime ago.
As soon as all the first years gathered around the tattered hat sitting on its very weathered stool, the hat suddenly straitened up and seemingly made a noise as if it was clearing its throat.
Many years ago,
One day before the morn;
My history was started,
Before four founders I was born.
The first was known as Gryffindor
Brave and loyal he,
The second one was Ravenclaw
The cleverest she be.
The next was sweet sweet Hugglepuff
For her hard work she was admired,
Last was the powerful Slytherin
Ambition was what he sired.
Their qualities they instilled in me,
When I speak I do not lie;
I will put you exactly where you belong,
The Hogwarts Sorting Hat am I.
Now, in my many many years
Students have come and gone;
All of us will miss them
But I guarantee we will go on.
The hat then gave what was seemingly a low bow to each of the four tables of houses as the whole hall burst out into yelling and applause. Professor McGonagall opened up a large parchment paper and started reading out names in alphabetical order.
"Amberson, Abigail." A particularly homely looking girl slowly went up, sat on the stool and placed the hat on her head. After a few moments of deliberation, the hat yelled, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table burst into thunderous applause.
A few more names were called before the first Gryffindor, Matthew Hertfield, was called. The table gave a tumultuous greeting to their newest member. The list continued until the last first year, Rose Westerman, was placed in Hugglepuff. After the new members were welcomed by their houses, Professor Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall again grew quiet.
"Welcome to all of our first year students. The houses for which you have been sorted into will become your family during your tenure at Hogwarts. Try to look to your elder students for guidance (at this comment, Fred and George tried to hide a snicker) for they have been what you will be going through. And my last comment for now is let the feast begin!" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, each gold plate filled with delectable dishes. Everyone dug in. Harry had not realized how hungry he really was until he took his first bite of roast turkey. After almost three platefuls later, the plate in front of him mysteriously turned sparklingly clean. Professor Dumbledore stood back up to address the students.
"Before we all turn in after so wonderful of a feast, I must remind you of several things. First, I will remind everyone that the forest on the outskirts of the Hogwarts grounds is forbidden to all students. Failure to comply may result in a very painful death. Next, Mr. Filch will be updating the list of objects banned within the castle walls. Please make sure that you do not have any of these items. Last, the inner-house Quidditch tournament will return this year. If you are interested in playing for your house team, please ask your respective captain for available openings." Dumbledore paused for a moment, then smiled. "Now that that is out of the way, if the prefects will please guide your houses to your dorms, I believe it is time to bring this welcoming feast to a close."
The Great Hall was suddenly a buzz of excitement. All of the prefects started calling out to gather their houses together. Hermione stood up and went to the head of the table and started to call for the first years to follow her.
"Everyone please stay close. Try to remember your way to the common room so that you can find your way back to breakfast in the morning." And with that, they were off. Harry and Ron trailed closely behind the first years so they could catch up with Hermione later. As soon as they reached the portrait of the lady in the big, pink dress, Hermione turned around and told the first years that the password was "Goblin Rebellion of 1463." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Leave it to her to make a password into a learning experience." Harry snickered at the comment.
As soon as they had entered the common room and Hermione had gone upstairs to show the girls their new dorm rooms, Harry and Ron spotted Fred and George Weasley in the corner. The twins motioned for them to come over.
"Hey....What happened on the train? I heard Malfoy was talking about us." Harry nodded, but let Ron tell the story, embellishing how Harry had to hold him back to keep him from attacking Malfoy to defend the 'Weasley Family Honor.' But true to his word, he did not tell what Harry had done. At the end of the story, George got an evil twinkle in his eye.
"Ok. We are going to get him and his whole gang and get him good. Tell everyone you can that when they go down to breakfast tomorrow, to keep their eyes on the Slytherin table."
Harry and Ron pestered George to try to get him to tell his plan, but it was to no avail. Instead of continuing their pursuit, they decided to go up to bed. As they headed up the stairs, they heard the sounds of quiet talking from the twins and then Fred's hysterical laughing.
As Harry and Ron entered their dorm room, they could hear Neville complaining loudly to Dean Thomas that he was never going to be able to remember the password and wondering why Hermione had picked it instead of him because he was the other prefect. As hard as Neville tried, he had always had trouble with remembering details. Ignoring the protests, Harry changed into his pajamas and climbed under the covers, looking forward to his first day of classes. After a "Good Night" to Ron, he drifted off to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
So...obviously...this story is now AU.....no...let's just call it how I wished the 5th book would have been like...yea...that's better. If you recognize any story plots from this story and the actual OOP, they are most likely coincidences because I've had an outline for this story for quite awhile now.
but as always.....I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters in the series....(although I wouldn't mind watching James play Quidditch....::big sigh::) If I did, I would probably be in Alaska in my own personal observatory....
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Chapter 5
Sirius woke Harry so early on the morning of September 1 that the rays of the waning moon were still shining through the window. Sirius looked as if he had already been up for hours, dressed in his long black traveling robes. Harry just rolled over and bunched his blanket up over his head, but Sirius yanked the bedding all of the way off.
"Come on, Harry. There is a ministry car is already downstairs to take us all to the station. I've already tried to wake you up once and I'm not leaving this time until I see you standing."
Harry grumbled, never liking to be woken up early. He was definitely not a morning person. He reluctantly rolled out of bed, grabbed the clothes that he had laid out the night before and shuffled to the bathroom. Sirius headed to wake up Ron and Hermione.
After Harry was finished getting dressed, he took one more look around for anything he left in his room because he would not be back until winter break. Harry stopped what he was doing and thought a moment. "Wow....I have a place to go for holidays." It was a strange feeling. A smile crept across Harry's face as he continued to look in every crevice. After he found a few leftover quills and an essay he forgot to pack, he walked over and stood beneath the picture of himself with his parents.
"Even though I don't remember you, I know you both so well from my dreams. I know in my heart that you are looking out for me. And if what Sirius is trying so hard not so say is as dangerous as I think it is going to be, please help protect me and my friends... we are going to need it desperately. I love you both very much."
And with that, Harry placed his fingertips on his lips, kissed them then gently ran them across the bottom of the picture. He heard a gentle wrapping behind him and turned around. Hermione was standing in the doorway. Harry was a little embarrassed from talking to the picture and wondering how much she had heard, but she acted like nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Sirius told me to come up and get you...everyone is waiting downstairs."
Harry nodded as he picked up the last of his belongings and Hedwig's cage and followed Hermione out of the door. They descended the long staircase in silence and as soon as they reached the bottom, Sirius shoved a scone in his hand.
"We are running so late...you can eat that on the way. Please go help Ron take your trunks out to the car and load them in."
He tucked the scone into his pocket and went outside to find Ron waiting for him. He was struggling trying to lift one of the trucks in. Harry rushed over and grabbed one of the sides.
"Finally...thought you would sleep in this morning and let everyone else do the work?"
"Ha ha. Let's just get packed so we can get to the station. I don't want to have to find an alternative route again." Ron smiled at the comment as Harry helped him to set the trunk into the back of the car. They watched as the trunk compacted and went into a corner making way for more stuff. After everything was packed, Harry and Ron called Hermione out of the house and they all piled into the backseat of the car. Hermione looked over into the front seat and saw it. She turned to the driver as she picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Can I borrow this?"
"Sure Miss...I'm finished with it."
The three smiled excitedly as Hermione opened up the paper and they all read the story on the main page for this was the first paper that they had seen in a month.
DEATH EATERS SPOTTED IN KNOCKTURN ALLEY
Ministry of Magic officials were called to Knockturn Alley, yesterday,
after several known Death Eaters were spotted in a back room at
Mystical Mayhem and Accessories standing over several maps and making
notes. The owner of the shop says that he did not know that they were
back there. He has been taken in for further questioning. Before the
Ministry could get there, all of the Death Eaters escaped with their
maps and papers.
Since the attack on the London Museum of Science and History where
Lord Voldemort brutally attacked several muggles and wizards and stole
a priceless heirloom, his forces have been more and more active.
People are fearing...(see alley on pg. 9)
Hermione quickly turned the pages of the newspaper, searching for page 9. All of the sudden they heard a car door open and had the newspaper snatched out of her hand. They all watched, silenced, as Sirius scanned the front page they had just read. He looked up and stared at them for a moment before speaking.
"I thought I told all of you not to go sticking your nose into newspapers and things like that." He held up the newspaper. "At least this did not have anything much to say...a slow news day I gather. I am disappointed in all of you."
Harry, Ron and Hermione all sank back in their seat as Sirius got into the car and they took off. Harry could not help but have the feeling that he had betrayed his godfather's trust. All he was trying to do is to protect him. Harry thought about it a moment. Protect him from what? He had already fought against Lord Voldemort and won the battle. Why would they not let him fight in the war? Harry stared out of the window of the car, hoping that soon they would let him have his chance.
**************
As the car pulled up to the Kings Cross station, everyone exited the car and quickly scrounged around for trolleys for their belongings for they only had 15 minutes till the train pulled out of the station. After packing the trunks and animals, they quickly headed towards platform 9¾. As they raced across the platforms, people could not help but stare at the group with large trunks, two caged owls and a cat. As soon as they got to the barrier, they took a quick look around for onlookers and dashed through. They were immediately bombarded by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh there you are dears. The time was running so short I almost swore you were not going to make it." Mrs. Weasley quickly walked over and gave Ron a big hug. He tried to wriggle out of it
"Mum!"
"You are never too old to hug your mother, Ron. Now, you three have a good year and mind the rules and your manors...and your brother!" After Mrs. Weasley released Ron and shoved some sandwiches into his hand for later, the three grabbed their carts and dashed off again towards the train.
"And stay in the castle...don't go wondering off!" she called after them.
"I'll see you soon, Harry!" Sirius called out as several other wizards took a long way around him. He shook his head watching them, thinking how closed minded they must be not to believe his innocence.
As they went off running with their belongings towards the train, Ron turned to Harry after he had processed what his mom had said.
"Is she mental? Mind my brothers? That's like saying 'go and play nice with the blast-ended skrewts." He shook his head as if his mother had completely lost her mind.
When they got to the train, Harry pushed his trunk under his seat in what seemed to be the last open compartment. Ron and Hermione followed suit and at last they boarded the train just as the last whistle blew and it started to roll out of the station. Harry smiled.
"We have got to quit cutting this so close." Ron and Hermione both nodded in agreement. The three sat and talked for most of the journey back to Hogwarts. When the food trolley made its rounds, the three got their usual lot of Berry Bott's Every Flavor Beans and Chocolate Frogs and Peppermint Whips. But when they were looking over the cart, they found something that was not there before.
"Are those Canary Creams? And what are those....Blast Wands?" asked Ron in surprise.
"Why yes they are," answered the attendant. "Brand new items that just came out. You can see the whole line of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes at Zonko's joke shop in Hogsmeade. Heard the two inventors are still at Hogwarts. Going to make a pretty fine living if you ask me." And with that, the attendant and the cart were on their way.
"I can't believe they finally did it! I knew that they had found an investor at the beginning of the summer, but I had no idea that they were so far along in marketing their inventions," Ron said, excitedly.
"Wow. I guess a Weasley finally found a way to make money. Too bad it had to be doing something so menial. I mean...come on...seems like they are a little old to be playing with toys." Then two laughs came from the background.
Harry did not have to look up to know who it was. "Shut it, Malfoy," he said as he stood up and put a hand on Ron's shoulder. Ron's face was quickly becoming even brighter than the color of his hair.
"You better watch out, Draco. As soon as I tell Fred and George what you said you better make sure you know where ever morsel of food that you eat comes from." He shook Harry's hand off of his shoulder.
"Ah...how cute...their little brother is trying to defend them. Ok...I'll play your little game. Guess what...you win." Draco Malfoy held up his hand and snapped his fingers. "Crabbe, Goyle, show Weasley what his prize is." His two goons started to come around his side to attack, but Harry was quicker. He whipped out his wand and from a power seemingly deep inside himself, he said "Consistostiti" in a deep voice that did not even seem to come out of his mouth. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle all felt their bodies become very still and straight. The voice then said, "Moveri" and the three all turned on their heels and marched out of the compartment, each confused of what was going on, but knowing exactly who did it to them.
"You wait until I tell my father about this, Potter. You will be back on this train coming home before the first week is out!"
As soon as the marching had died out of earshot, Harry fell back on the bench. His wand fell from his hand and onto the floor. Ron and Hermione both looked at him, shocked. All of the sudden, they both started talking almost at once.
"Um...Harry...Have you been doing some advanced studying or something? I didn't think we learned we even learn that stuff at Hogwarts. You could get into real trouble for doing that. And it didn't even sound like you..."
"That was bloody brilliant! How did you learn that! Better yet, when are you going to teach me how to do it!"
Harry just shook his head. "I have no idea how I knew to do that. I was like something inside of me just said that I always did. I didn't even feel like I was saying anything...it was like it just happened. Please don't tell anyone though...all I need is for something else to pop up that I can do. We all remember what happened when I talked to the snake."
Ron nodded and picked up a box of Berry Bott's Every Flavor Beans and absentmindedly ate one. A look of disgust came across his face.
"Yuck! Sardine." Ron spit it out, trying to rub his tongue on his sleeve as if to wipe the taste off. Harry and Hermione both laughed at the site. The three turned their conversation to lighter topics during the rest of the trip. As the Hogwarts Express neared the station, the three took a break and changed into their robes. Then the train slowed and they felt the familiar jolt as it stopped in Hogsmeade. Hermione smiled as she fastened on her prefect badge.
"Time to start my duties." Ron rolled his eyes as Harry tried to stifle a grin.
Hermione stood up with a piece of paper she had been given to be read to all the students in the car she was in. She glanced over it as she walked out into the hall.
"Everyone please listen up." She waited a few moments for everyone to poke their heads out of their compartments. "Please leave your luggage on the train, for it will be taken to the school separately. First years, when you exit the train, please find Professor McGonagall and follow her. All other students, load the carriages to be taken directly to the school. The faster you accomplish this, the faster the Welcoming Feast can begin. Thank you."
Hermione folded up the paper and stuffed it into the pocket of her robes. As she walked back into the compartment with Harry and Ron, they both looked at each other and smiled. They then broke out in applause.
"Brilliant! Encore!"
"Absolutely wonderful!!"
Hermione gave them each an evil look. "Very funny, guys. Please try to show me some form of respect...please? If I can't have at least that, how am I supposed to have anyone else show it?"
Harry and Ron both muttered that they would try. Hermione looked at the guilt in their faces and wondered if she should try the same speech on Fred and George Weasley later, but knew that it would do no good. Putting it out of her mind, she shrugged as they three disembarked from the train and headed towards the carriages. They all got into one of the carriages as they listened to four second years behind them as they tried to figure out how they were to be pulled without horses.
"How do you think that they go?"
"No telling...I'm guessing that they are probably enchanted." "Cool! I wonder how...I have a wagon that I would love to figure out how to do it to"
The carriages jumped slightly as they started. The voices from back behind got further and further away as the second year students squealed with excitement. Harry, Ron and Hermione just laid back in the seats, relaxing and looking at the ever darkening countryside in anticipation of the upcoming year.
As the carriage turned the corner and Hogwarts appeared in full view on the hill, Harry sighed. Going back to school was a bittersweet homecoming. As he looked up and saw the Quidditch pitch become visible, he lowered his head, remembering the last time he had been on the field, clutching Cedric's body. He shook his head, as if to clear the memory from his mind. He then looked at the castle, seemingly so vulnerable, but in reality more like a fortress, and he wondered when and where from the next inevitable attack would come. His mind then wondered to the obvious secret everyone was keeping from him. What could Lord Voldemort want with a ring? What could be so important?
"Harry?" He felt someone shaking him. He opened his eyes and saw Hermione. "You ok? You dozed off and then started rubbing your forehead. Is it hurting?"
He shook his head. "No...I'm fine. Just tired, I guess. You know.....all that stuff on the train," he lied. His forehead was in constant dull pain, but he was used to that by now. He noticed the carriage had stopped and looked up at the starry sky. "I'm just anxious to get some food. Always hungry, you know."
Hermione muttered something about "boys" and stepped out of the carriage, with Ron helping her down. Harry followed.
"Sure your ok? You remember what I said back at Sirius' house," said Ron after Harry had planted both feet on the ground.
He nodded. "I promise I'm ok. If something happens, you will be the first to know." Ron smiled, but he did not seem satisfied. All deciding that they were too hungry to press the issue any longer, they made their way inside along with the last of the other students.
***************
The hall was already crowded when they reached it. The hall was decorated as spectacularly as ever with candles hanging in mid air, the ceiling bewitched to show the clear night sky above them and a large tapestry with the Hogwarts seal hanging behind the staff table in front. They quickly walked in and took a seat beside Neville Longbottom and Dean Thomas. After pleasantries were exchanged, they all started looking up at the staff table. The first thing that they noticed was that Hagrid was missing. As they watched, someone that Ron recognized very well came in and sat down in that chair.
"Charlie!
Sitting in the chair was Ron's older brother, Charlie Weasley. He was dressed in festive robes, similar to those of the other professors. He waved as the group looked over at him. Ron started to get up, but Charlie motioned for him to sit back down. He complied, knowing that they would find out what was up later.
"I wonder why he is here? I hope they aren't planning to use dragons to protect the castle now. And even if they did, I would hate for Hagrid to miss it. I wonder where he is, anyways," Ron babbled.
Harry then continued to look down the line of professors and recognized all the rest. He looked at Dumbledore. The once twinkle eyed professor now was twirling a piece of his beard in his finger and stared down at his golden plate, seemingly completely preoccupied with something. The candlelight in the hall magnified the shadows from the wrinkles on his weathered face. He suddenly rubbed his eyes and looked up at Harry. As their eyes met, Dumbledore slightly smiled a warm smile, but his eyes were very troubled as their gaze held for a few moments. He then went directly back to absentmindedly twirling his beard.
Harry next focused on where Professor Snape usually sat and saw it was empty. He was sitting where the new Defense of the Dark Arts professor was supposed to. Hermione seemed to notice it at the same time.
"I guess he finally got his wish. I didn't think Professor Dumbledore would ever let him teach it!" Harry shook his head. But then a new thought passed through his mind.
"Well, if Snape is teaching that, then who is the new potion's master? Because that seat is still open." They all talked about possibilities for the next few seconds, but Dumbledore stood up and motioned for the students to settle down. He looked towards the back of the room.
"Professor McGonagall, if you please." As he sat back down, Professor McGonagall nodded, opened the doors and faced the group of frightened and nervous looking children outside.
"Follow me, if you please," she said sternly. The first year students silently traipsed behind the professor in two strait lines. As the lines passed by the Gryffindor table, Hermione sighed.
"I can't believe we were ever that young. It seems like ages ago."
Harry and Ron nodded in agreement. Harry thought back to when he was sorted...when the only thing on his mind was hoping that he wouldn't be sorted into Slytherin house. It seemed almost a lifetime ago.
As soon as all the first years gathered around the tattered hat sitting on its very weathered stool, the hat suddenly straitened up and seemingly made a noise as if it was clearing its throat.
Many years ago,
One day before the morn;
My history was started,
Before four founders I was born.
The first was known as Gryffindor
Brave and loyal he,
The second one was Ravenclaw
The cleverest she be.
The next was sweet sweet Hugglepuff
For her hard work she was admired,
Last was the powerful Slytherin
Ambition was what he sired.
Their qualities they instilled in me,
When I speak I do not lie;
I will put you exactly where you belong,
The Hogwarts Sorting Hat am I.
Now, in my many many years
Students have come and gone;
All of us will miss them
But I guarantee we will go on.
The hat then gave what was seemingly a low bow to each of the four tables of houses as the whole hall burst out into yelling and applause. Professor McGonagall opened up a large parchment paper and started reading out names in alphabetical order.
"Amberson, Abigail." A particularly homely looking girl slowly went up, sat on the stool and placed the hat on her head. After a few moments of deliberation, the hat yelled, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table burst into thunderous applause.
A few more names were called before the first Gryffindor, Matthew Hertfield, was called. The table gave a tumultuous greeting to their newest member. The list continued until the last first year, Rose Westerman, was placed in Hugglepuff. After the new members were welcomed by their houses, Professor Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall again grew quiet.
"Welcome to all of our first year students. The houses for which you have been sorted into will become your family during your tenure at Hogwarts. Try to look to your elder students for guidance (at this comment, Fred and George tried to hide a snicker) for they have been what you will be going through. And my last comment for now is let the feast begin!" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, each gold plate filled with delectable dishes. Everyone dug in. Harry had not realized how hungry he really was until he took his first bite of roast turkey. After almost three platefuls later, the plate in front of him mysteriously turned sparklingly clean. Professor Dumbledore stood back up to address the students.
"Before we all turn in after so wonderful of a feast, I must remind you of several things. First, I will remind everyone that the forest on the outskirts of the Hogwarts grounds is forbidden to all students. Failure to comply may result in a very painful death. Next, Mr. Filch will be updating the list of objects banned within the castle walls. Please make sure that you do not have any of these items. Last, the inner-house Quidditch tournament will return this year. If you are interested in playing for your house team, please ask your respective captain for available openings." Dumbledore paused for a moment, then smiled. "Now that that is out of the way, if the prefects will please guide your houses to your dorms, I believe it is time to bring this welcoming feast to a close."
The Great Hall was suddenly a buzz of excitement. All of the prefects started calling out to gather their houses together. Hermione stood up and went to the head of the table and started to call for the first years to follow her.
"Everyone please stay close. Try to remember your way to the common room so that you can find your way back to breakfast in the morning." And with that, they were off. Harry and Ron trailed closely behind the first years so they could catch up with Hermione later. As soon as they reached the portrait of the lady in the big, pink dress, Hermione turned around and told the first years that the password was "Goblin Rebellion of 1463." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Leave it to her to make a password into a learning experience." Harry snickered at the comment.
As soon as they had entered the common room and Hermione had gone upstairs to show the girls their new dorm rooms, Harry and Ron spotted Fred and George Weasley in the corner. The twins motioned for them to come over.
"Hey....What happened on the train? I heard Malfoy was talking about us." Harry nodded, but let Ron tell the story, embellishing how Harry had to hold him back to keep him from attacking Malfoy to defend the 'Weasley Family Honor.' But true to his word, he did not tell what Harry had done. At the end of the story, George got an evil twinkle in his eye.
"Ok. We are going to get him and his whole gang and get him good. Tell everyone you can that when they go down to breakfast tomorrow, to keep their eyes on the Slytherin table."
Harry and Ron pestered George to try to get him to tell his plan, but it was to no avail. Instead of continuing their pursuit, they decided to go up to bed. As they headed up the stairs, they heard the sounds of quiet talking from the twins and then Fred's hysterical laughing.
As Harry and Ron entered their dorm room, they could hear Neville complaining loudly to Dean Thomas that he was never going to be able to remember the password and wondering why Hermione had picked it instead of him because he was the other prefect. As hard as Neville tried, he had always had trouble with remembering details. Ignoring the protests, Harry changed into his pajamas and climbed under the covers, looking forward to his first day of classes. After a "Good Night" to Ron, he drifted off to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.