Chapter Eleven
Another Weasley
Harry pushed away from the window and went back outside. "What happened?"
Snape and McGonagall guided him back onto the train with out a word. The other teachers followed not saying a word. Angel left under Charlie's arm, her head down. The train started moving.
Harry decided to find Hermione and Ron, which didn't take long since they were looking for him too. "Harry!" Hermione came running at him and threw her arms around his neck. The impacted pushed him to the floor. "Everyone is saying someone got kidnapped! I thought it was you!" Hermione was crying. Harry patted her back and softly pushed her off of him.
"Trawnley." He said shortly.
"YES!" Ron cried. "The old bat is gone!"
Hermione smiled slightly. Harry grew red and totally pushed Hermione off of him. He walked briskly down the train looking for an open compartment. But they were all locked. People would look out the window and stare at him, some pointing at him. "GRRR!" He slammed his fists against his sides. Why Trawnley. why her? Why not him? Sure Trawnley wasn't his favorite person, but why did he always escape. just kill him already!
"Harry." He looked down to see Mark's red hair. "Come on." Mark pushed his hand in Harry's and led him down the train. He opened a compartment. Luna, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Miley and Ron where sitting there.
"Vhat's wrong?" Miley asked, scooting over for him to sit down.
"Nothing." Harry grunted. They had it, the weapon. Professor Trawnley would tell them to prophecy and Voldemort would have what he didn't last time.
"Come on Harry tell us." Ginny said touching his arm. Harry looked up at her and messed with his hair.
"Can't." Harry said.
"Why not?" Neville asked. Harry turned to him. Neville. Why not him? Why Harry? Why couldn't all this happen to Neville, why did Harry have be the famous one! All he ever wanted was to be normal!
"Because what if you tell someone? Voldemort can't know. and just in case Trawnley doesn't tell him, I don't want to tell someone who will!"
"Are you saying you don't trust us?" Ron said angrily.
"Well.yes. I mean.."
"He said he can't tell us. Harry trusts you, I'm sure of it. it's just maybe it's a load." Mark said.
Harry turned to him and smiled slightly. Ron nodded.
"Harry, you can tell us. We want to help." Hermione touched his hand.
"It's something I have to do, you can't help."
Harry closed his eyes and leaned his head back trying to go to sleep. But sleep didn't come. He dared not open his eyes. People would come in and ask what happened on the platform and ask if it was true that Harry cursed Bellatrix Lestrange. Neville would answer proudly and then make them leave. A few boys came in and even asked who Angel was. Miley would say nasty words (for an eleven year old) literately kick them out.
"Potter!" Harry jolted up. "Potter, well well well, I see you got away again!"
"Go away Malfoy!" Ron shouted.
"Where' Angelica?" Draco asked.
"She left with Charlie, now go away!" Mark yelled.
"HAHA, the little Mudblood. oh look boys, there are two in here. Two Mudbloods, three blood traitors, Looney Luna and a Potter, we have a full boat!" Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind Malfoy.
"SAY IT AGAIN MALFOY!" Harry stood up, his wand in his face. "YOU JUST SAW WHAT I DID TO LESTRANGE!"
"Yah, I did. And she wasn't in pain for five minutes!" Malfoy sniggered. "Let me teach you. Cruci.."
Harry grabbed the front Malfoy's robes and threw his in the compartment and against the wall. "You better behave yourself this year Draco. I know things about you I doubt you want your little posy to know about." Harry hissed at him.
"Like what?" Malfoy stuttered.
"That no one loves you. That you were raise purely for Voldemort. That your parents don't really give a shit about you. And that after 16 years of being put under Unforgivable curses you still can't throw them off." Harry said softly in Malfoy's face.
"Are you going to kiss me Potter?" Malfoy said loudly, trying to change the subject.
Harry smiled broadly. "When I get done with you, you will wish I kissed you." Harry picked him up and threw him out of the compartment knocking over Crabbe and Goyle when he did.
Malfoy stood up, dusting himself off. "Weasley, say hi to Percy for me. He is the only kin you have that didn't betray his blood." And with that the three of them left.
Neville turned red and sunk down low in his seat. Ron and Ginny looked at each other and then at Harry. "What does he mean?"
"Err.well.."
"No more secrets Harry. Tell me!" Ginny stood up, tears forming in her eyes.
"Percy is. well. he was.. He was outside with the death eaters." Harry said.
Ron's eyes got big. "Was he wearing a black cape?"
Harry nodded.
"Damn!" Ron hit the wall. "I always hated Percy. What the heck does he think he's doing! Mum will cry herself to death when she finds out." Ron ran his fingers though his hair. Ginny just nodded and rested her head on Ron's shoulder.
"At least he's not dead." Ginny whispered.
"Better dead I say." Ron whispered back.
"I couldn't hate him, even now." Ginny said a tear trailing down her cheek.
"Me neither." Ron replied. He hugged his little sister tightly.
Mark came over and settled next to Harry. "Harry, I feel sorry for him."
"Me too Mark, me too."
They were silent the rest of the way home. People would still come by and ask question but no one answered them so they left. Miley was very odd about this. She gave people evil eyes and even punched a girl. It was very obvious she didn't enjoy people like this.
"Come on," Flickwick opened the compartment. "You eight are supposed to follow me." They all stood up and followed the little teacher out the door. People popped their heads out their doors and stared at them. Harry held Mark's hand, he was shaking. Normally the train ride was relieving for Harry. It was the exciting ride between the life he hated and life he loved, but he couldn't help wish he stayed in bed that morning.
The teachers were all out side the train. "I'll get the next four." Snape said harshly.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked Flickwick.
"Well, Hogsmead isn't exactly as safe as Hogwarts, so we are going to have to escort you all up to the castle." Professor Flickwick picked up the pace a little more. "Oh, Mark. you're a first year aren't you?"
"Yes sir." Mark said shaking; he gripped Harry's hand and moved closer to him.
"Well, I guess you rather stay with Harry than take the trip across the lake. Well come on then." He led the way to the first two carriages. "Longbottom, Potter, Evans, Obalonsk. you have the first one. Weasleys, Granger, Lovegood, next one." They obeyed with out a word, climbing into the carriages.
"Harry, do you think there is a reason we were the first ones out?" Mark asked.
"Of course!" Neville answered. "Famous Harry Potter, the Bulgarian Minister's daughter. what else would they do!"
"Yah, but why not just them two? I mean we aren't very special and neither is Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Luna." Mark argued.
"Because Neville is speceel. Herm-own-ninny, Ron, and Ge-ninny have gone through alvost every adventure Harry haf, Luna is very vell respected for having her dad pubvish that interviev and you are Mark. Everyone at the Order loves you." Miley said kindly. Mark blushed slightly and nodded.
Once at the grand front doors they got out. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Luna caught up with them. "This is all so crazy!" Luna said with a smile. "Dad would have a field day if he would write about this." Mark giggled at this and Luna patted his head. The eight of them walked inside the castle.
"Harry," They turned around to see Dumbledore. "Harry Potter, why I don't believe it!"
"Yes, Professor, it's me." Harry said somewhat shocked at his words.
"Oh, I'm no Professor." Dumbledore said, taking Harry's hand and shaking his arm. "I'm Abertforth Dumbledore. Albus's younger brother."
"Oh. right." Harry trailed off.
"Well, I was just helping with matters after what happened. Are you kids okay?"
"Yes, fine thanks." Hermione chimed happily.
"Well, I better get back to the Order before Angel has my neck. She is so much like her mother. but I love her pranks. make the house feel like Sirius is back in it." He turned to Harry. "It's like having the good Marauders back. Remus is looking younger; you act just like James and Angel like Sirius, all we need is a scrawny little traitor and we got Wormtail." Abertforth shook his head. "I told Albus I didn't like the boy. he didn't listen to me."
"Oh," Harry muttered.
"Well, I'll let you go now. I'll see you later Harry." And without a pause to hear their goodbyes, the tall man swept away.
"Weird," Luna breathed once the man was out of ear shot. They all laughed slightly and headed for the Great Hall, Mark breathing "Wow!" every step.
They all sat down at the Gryffindor table, even Miley, Mark and Luna. "I hope I get in Gryffindor. If I have to put up vith a Malfoy all year I'll pull my hair out." Ron laughed at this and Miley smiled.
"I want to be in Gryffindor with Harry!" Mark chimed, others slowly filing in. Most of them waved and yelled hello to Harry. Every time Mark swelled in pride.
"You probably will." Ginny teased. "If you are brave enough to actually like him, you're brave enough for Gryffindor."
"HEY!" Harry tossed a plate at her.
"Mark, Miley. I need you to come back here and be sorted. Luna. get to your house table." Professor McGonagall said, popping her head beside Harry.
"Yes Professor," The three said in unison. They stood, said their good-byes and walked away.
"I hope Mark gets in Gryffindor." Neville said softly.
"I hope Miley get in too." Ron said. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Professor McGonagall reappeared leading a line of first years. Mark was visible among them; his red hair and green eyes and Miley was behind them. clearly not a first year. she was head and shoulder above them all.
McGonagall place a three legged stool down in front of the Hall. She sat a tattered old hat on it. She stepped back, reading over the list in her hands.
The hat came to live, a tear ripping at its mouth. Eyes became clear and it started to move to sing:
"We have lived on among all this
And shown ourselves strong
And with four house bind
We could never go wrong.
With four great leaders
Our school is wise
And though evil lurk
We never fail in size.
And as our test carries on
We never shall forget
The days of past they showed us thus
That they don't regret.
Carry your head high
With what house you are in
Be true to yourself
And you will always win.
Whether you be Gryffindor
The bravest of the lot
Or in you be with Ravenclaw
Who always solves the plot.
You might just be a Hufflepuff
Equal and divine
And should be in Slytherin
Power you shall find.
So put me on you head
There's nothing you may hide
For whatever you've got hidden
Will surely be just fine."
And the song broke off. The Great Hall cheered. Harry and Ron laughed as Miley mad a sickening face followed by a laugh. "When I call your name you will come up here and try the Sorting Hat on. Once you are sorted, you will sit at your House table." Professor McGonagall said. "Avery, Shannon."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Bot, Greg."
"Slytherin."
"Davis, Ryan."
"Ravenclaw."
"Evans, Markus."
Harry crossed his fingers and looked at his empty plate, to scared to hear what the hat would say. Anything but Slytherin, not Slytherin.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table exploded with cheer. Mark plopped down beside Harry. "It said, 'Ah, another Weasley' I'm not related to you am I?" Mark directed at Ron.
Ginny, Ron and Harry just looked at him, their eyes big and their mouths slightly open.
"I dunno." Ron said softly.
Hannah Fowler became Hufflepuff, Joanne Gardener became Ravenclaw, Jason Kid became Gryffindor, Adam McCabe became Gryffindor, Scott Mackenzie became Slytherin and so on and so forth.
"Congratulations!" Dumbledore said, standing up. "I would like to welcome all first years and welcome back all my second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh years." Dumbledore raise his glass and drank. "We have a new teacher! Since Professor Umbridge left." Cheers rang in the hall. Everyone was clapping and yelling, everyone except for a choice few at the Slytherin table. "we are in need of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher." Dumbledore continued after the cheers died a bit. "But she is not here at the moment, so."
Just then the Great Hall doors where bust open. Angel stood in the frame. She was wearing an aqua blue shirt with bleached blue jeans. Her black robes were open; the Black family crest on the chest. Her hair was straight and down to the middle of her back. She smiled slightly and walked down the center of the room with the same class she did at the Ministry hearing, using the grace she inherited from Sirius. She nodded at Harry and the people around him, but didn't stop, just continued to walk down the hall.
"Who is that?"
"That's the girl from the platform."
"What was she doing with Charlie Weasley?"
"She's beautiful."
"I stand corrected. Our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is here." Harry dropped his mouth open. He looked around at Hermione and Ron and they were doing the same. "May I introduce Professor Black."
"She's a Malfoy!" Draco Malfoy yelled as he stood up. He banged his hand on the table. "She's my cousin, daughter of Lucas and Jasmine Malfoy!"
"Take your seat Draco and hush your opinions before I deduct points away from Slytherin before they have any." Angel said, stopping and turning her head to Draco. Harry face lit up and he turned to Ron, trying to hide his grin. Ron had both hand over his mouth, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Now," Professor Snape stood. "That really isn't called for Profes."
"Pipe it Snape. This argument is between Mr. Malfoy and myself. And as far as I can see, it is over." Angel didn't take the time to look at Snape, her eyes just bore into Draco.
"Lucas will hear of this." Malfoy said sitting down.
"And I'm sure you will be the one to tell him." Angel grinned devilishly and proceeded to her seat, clapping on Miley's shoulder.
"Yes, well." Dumbledore said uneasily, disturbing the silence. "We also have a new student. She is a transfer from Drumstrang. Miley Heartstone."
"What?" Ron gasped. "I though her name was."
Hermione kicked his shin. "Shhh..it's a cover name. Malfoy and some of them have parents for death eater. announcing that the Bulgarian Minister's daughter is here at Hogwarts is crazy. She's here for protection, not fame."
Ron turned red and nodded.
Miley walked up and sat on the stool. Her face was a light shade of red, no doubt being slightly embarrassed for sitting on a three legged stool with an old hat on her head being sorted like an eleven year old.
"SLYTHERIN!" Miley frowned at turned to look at Dumbledore. He shrugged and forced a weak smile. Miley stood up, sat the hat down and made her death walk over to the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy moved over making room for her. Ron clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. She forced a grin at him, but sat at the end of the table away from the rest of the house.
"Yes now that our students are sorted, our new teacher announced. I think it is time to fill our stomachs. Jumbo-Bumbo." With that Dumbledore clapped his hands and the plates before them filled with food. Mark smiled widely, breathing '"wow" and they began to eat.
"I can't believe she got Slytherin!" Ron said.
"That can't be safe, everyone knows that Malfoy is in on the Death Eaters. putting Miley in the same common room as him can't be good." Hermione said after swallowing her food.
"Yeah, but there could be some death eaters in Gryffindor too." Harry said. "I mean look at Wormtail."
"And Percy." Ginny said; her head down.
"Yeah," Mark said half heartedly.
After that they ate in silence.
"Now," The food disappeared with Dumbledore's speech. "Now, that we have welcomed out students and teachers, caught up for the most part with our friend and best of all filled our stomachs, I believe it's time for me to address some bad news."
Harry sighed and shook his head. He should have known.
"As most of you know, Platform 9 and ¾ was attack this morning right before the Hogwarts Express left. It was attacked by ten death eaters." People gasped and girls squealed, falling over onto the table. "After protecting a student," Harry grinned thankfully the Dumbledore had not said his name, "and a teacher, our dear Professor Sibyl Trawnley was taken captive."
"Why?"
"Who'd want that old bat?"
"Why should we care?"
"What would you-know-how want with a Hogwarts teacher?"
Harry looked around as people broke off into conversations. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Neville undertook their own. Harry sunk in his seat, just waiting for someone to ask what he thought on the matter. Could he lie? Should he tell Hermione and Ron the truth? What if Neville knew?
Professor McGonagall had taped on her glass. "Bed," Dumbledore announced. The muttering never really stopped, but people slowly stood up and left the Great Hall in floods.
Once in the dorm, Harry threw himself in bed, not wanting to explain anything or give details about anything. not even wanting to rekindle it himself.
Harry pushed away from the window and went back outside. "What happened?"
Snape and McGonagall guided him back onto the train with out a word. The other teachers followed not saying a word. Angel left under Charlie's arm, her head down. The train started moving.
Harry decided to find Hermione and Ron, which didn't take long since they were looking for him too. "Harry!" Hermione came running at him and threw her arms around his neck. The impacted pushed him to the floor. "Everyone is saying someone got kidnapped! I thought it was you!" Hermione was crying. Harry patted her back and softly pushed her off of him.
"Trawnley." He said shortly.
"YES!" Ron cried. "The old bat is gone!"
Hermione smiled slightly. Harry grew red and totally pushed Hermione off of him. He walked briskly down the train looking for an open compartment. But they were all locked. People would look out the window and stare at him, some pointing at him. "GRRR!" He slammed his fists against his sides. Why Trawnley. why her? Why not him? Sure Trawnley wasn't his favorite person, but why did he always escape. just kill him already!
"Harry." He looked down to see Mark's red hair. "Come on." Mark pushed his hand in Harry's and led him down the train. He opened a compartment. Luna, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Miley and Ron where sitting there.
"Vhat's wrong?" Miley asked, scooting over for him to sit down.
"Nothing." Harry grunted. They had it, the weapon. Professor Trawnley would tell them to prophecy and Voldemort would have what he didn't last time.
"Come on Harry tell us." Ginny said touching his arm. Harry looked up at her and messed with his hair.
"Can't." Harry said.
"Why not?" Neville asked. Harry turned to him. Neville. Why not him? Why Harry? Why couldn't all this happen to Neville, why did Harry have be the famous one! All he ever wanted was to be normal!
"Because what if you tell someone? Voldemort can't know. and just in case Trawnley doesn't tell him, I don't want to tell someone who will!"
"Are you saying you don't trust us?" Ron said angrily.
"Well.yes. I mean.."
"He said he can't tell us. Harry trusts you, I'm sure of it. it's just maybe it's a load." Mark said.
Harry turned to him and smiled slightly. Ron nodded.
"Harry, you can tell us. We want to help." Hermione touched his hand.
"It's something I have to do, you can't help."
Harry closed his eyes and leaned his head back trying to go to sleep. But sleep didn't come. He dared not open his eyes. People would come in and ask what happened on the platform and ask if it was true that Harry cursed Bellatrix Lestrange. Neville would answer proudly and then make them leave. A few boys came in and even asked who Angel was. Miley would say nasty words (for an eleven year old) literately kick them out.
"Potter!" Harry jolted up. "Potter, well well well, I see you got away again!"
"Go away Malfoy!" Ron shouted.
"Where' Angelica?" Draco asked.
"She left with Charlie, now go away!" Mark yelled.
"HAHA, the little Mudblood. oh look boys, there are two in here. Two Mudbloods, three blood traitors, Looney Luna and a Potter, we have a full boat!" Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind Malfoy.
"SAY IT AGAIN MALFOY!" Harry stood up, his wand in his face. "YOU JUST SAW WHAT I DID TO LESTRANGE!"
"Yah, I did. And she wasn't in pain for five minutes!" Malfoy sniggered. "Let me teach you. Cruci.."
Harry grabbed the front Malfoy's robes and threw his in the compartment and against the wall. "You better behave yourself this year Draco. I know things about you I doubt you want your little posy to know about." Harry hissed at him.
"Like what?" Malfoy stuttered.
"That no one loves you. That you were raise purely for Voldemort. That your parents don't really give a shit about you. And that after 16 years of being put under Unforgivable curses you still can't throw them off." Harry said softly in Malfoy's face.
"Are you going to kiss me Potter?" Malfoy said loudly, trying to change the subject.
Harry smiled broadly. "When I get done with you, you will wish I kissed you." Harry picked him up and threw him out of the compartment knocking over Crabbe and Goyle when he did.
Malfoy stood up, dusting himself off. "Weasley, say hi to Percy for me. He is the only kin you have that didn't betray his blood." And with that the three of them left.
Neville turned red and sunk down low in his seat. Ron and Ginny looked at each other and then at Harry. "What does he mean?"
"Err.well.."
"No more secrets Harry. Tell me!" Ginny stood up, tears forming in her eyes.
"Percy is. well. he was.. He was outside with the death eaters." Harry said.
Ron's eyes got big. "Was he wearing a black cape?"
Harry nodded.
"Damn!" Ron hit the wall. "I always hated Percy. What the heck does he think he's doing! Mum will cry herself to death when she finds out." Ron ran his fingers though his hair. Ginny just nodded and rested her head on Ron's shoulder.
"At least he's not dead." Ginny whispered.
"Better dead I say." Ron whispered back.
"I couldn't hate him, even now." Ginny said a tear trailing down her cheek.
"Me neither." Ron replied. He hugged his little sister tightly.
Mark came over and settled next to Harry. "Harry, I feel sorry for him."
"Me too Mark, me too."
They were silent the rest of the way home. People would still come by and ask question but no one answered them so they left. Miley was very odd about this. She gave people evil eyes and even punched a girl. It was very obvious she didn't enjoy people like this.
"Come on," Flickwick opened the compartment. "You eight are supposed to follow me." They all stood up and followed the little teacher out the door. People popped their heads out their doors and stared at them. Harry held Mark's hand, he was shaking. Normally the train ride was relieving for Harry. It was the exciting ride between the life he hated and life he loved, but he couldn't help wish he stayed in bed that morning.
The teachers were all out side the train. "I'll get the next four." Snape said harshly.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked Flickwick.
"Well, Hogsmead isn't exactly as safe as Hogwarts, so we are going to have to escort you all up to the castle." Professor Flickwick picked up the pace a little more. "Oh, Mark. you're a first year aren't you?"
"Yes sir." Mark said shaking; he gripped Harry's hand and moved closer to him.
"Well, I guess you rather stay with Harry than take the trip across the lake. Well come on then." He led the way to the first two carriages. "Longbottom, Potter, Evans, Obalonsk. you have the first one. Weasleys, Granger, Lovegood, next one." They obeyed with out a word, climbing into the carriages.
"Harry, do you think there is a reason we were the first ones out?" Mark asked.
"Of course!" Neville answered. "Famous Harry Potter, the Bulgarian Minister's daughter. what else would they do!"
"Yah, but why not just them two? I mean we aren't very special and neither is Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Luna." Mark argued.
"Because Neville is speceel. Herm-own-ninny, Ron, and Ge-ninny have gone through alvost every adventure Harry haf, Luna is very vell respected for having her dad pubvish that interviev and you are Mark. Everyone at the Order loves you." Miley said kindly. Mark blushed slightly and nodded.
Once at the grand front doors they got out. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Luna caught up with them. "This is all so crazy!" Luna said with a smile. "Dad would have a field day if he would write about this." Mark giggled at this and Luna patted his head. The eight of them walked inside the castle.
"Harry," They turned around to see Dumbledore. "Harry Potter, why I don't believe it!"
"Yes, Professor, it's me." Harry said somewhat shocked at his words.
"Oh, I'm no Professor." Dumbledore said, taking Harry's hand and shaking his arm. "I'm Abertforth Dumbledore. Albus's younger brother."
"Oh. right." Harry trailed off.
"Well, I was just helping with matters after what happened. Are you kids okay?"
"Yes, fine thanks." Hermione chimed happily.
"Well, I better get back to the Order before Angel has my neck. She is so much like her mother. but I love her pranks. make the house feel like Sirius is back in it." He turned to Harry. "It's like having the good Marauders back. Remus is looking younger; you act just like James and Angel like Sirius, all we need is a scrawny little traitor and we got Wormtail." Abertforth shook his head. "I told Albus I didn't like the boy. he didn't listen to me."
"Oh," Harry muttered.
"Well, I'll let you go now. I'll see you later Harry." And without a pause to hear their goodbyes, the tall man swept away.
"Weird," Luna breathed once the man was out of ear shot. They all laughed slightly and headed for the Great Hall, Mark breathing "Wow!" every step.
They all sat down at the Gryffindor table, even Miley, Mark and Luna. "I hope I get in Gryffindor. If I have to put up vith a Malfoy all year I'll pull my hair out." Ron laughed at this and Miley smiled.
"I want to be in Gryffindor with Harry!" Mark chimed, others slowly filing in. Most of them waved and yelled hello to Harry. Every time Mark swelled in pride.
"You probably will." Ginny teased. "If you are brave enough to actually like him, you're brave enough for Gryffindor."
"HEY!" Harry tossed a plate at her.
"Mark, Miley. I need you to come back here and be sorted. Luna. get to your house table." Professor McGonagall said, popping her head beside Harry.
"Yes Professor," The three said in unison. They stood, said their good-byes and walked away.
"I hope Mark gets in Gryffindor." Neville said softly.
"I hope Miley get in too." Ron said. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Professor McGonagall reappeared leading a line of first years. Mark was visible among them; his red hair and green eyes and Miley was behind them. clearly not a first year. she was head and shoulder above them all.
McGonagall place a three legged stool down in front of the Hall. She sat a tattered old hat on it. She stepped back, reading over the list in her hands.
The hat came to live, a tear ripping at its mouth. Eyes became clear and it started to move to sing:
"We have lived on among all this
And shown ourselves strong
And with four house bind
We could never go wrong.
With four great leaders
Our school is wise
And though evil lurk
We never fail in size.
And as our test carries on
We never shall forget
The days of past they showed us thus
That they don't regret.
Carry your head high
With what house you are in
Be true to yourself
And you will always win.
Whether you be Gryffindor
The bravest of the lot
Or in you be with Ravenclaw
Who always solves the plot.
You might just be a Hufflepuff
Equal and divine
And should be in Slytherin
Power you shall find.
So put me on you head
There's nothing you may hide
For whatever you've got hidden
Will surely be just fine."
And the song broke off. The Great Hall cheered. Harry and Ron laughed as Miley mad a sickening face followed by a laugh. "When I call your name you will come up here and try the Sorting Hat on. Once you are sorted, you will sit at your House table." Professor McGonagall said. "Avery, Shannon."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Bot, Greg."
"Slytherin."
"Davis, Ryan."
"Ravenclaw."
"Evans, Markus."
Harry crossed his fingers and looked at his empty plate, to scared to hear what the hat would say. Anything but Slytherin, not Slytherin.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table exploded with cheer. Mark plopped down beside Harry. "It said, 'Ah, another Weasley' I'm not related to you am I?" Mark directed at Ron.
Ginny, Ron and Harry just looked at him, their eyes big and their mouths slightly open.
"I dunno." Ron said softly.
Hannah Fowler became Hufflepuff, Joanne Gardener became Ravenclaw, Jason Kid became Gryffindor, Adam McCabe became Gryffindor, Scott Mackenzie became Slytherin and so on and so forth.
"Congratulations!" Dumbledore said, standing up. "I would like to welcome all first years and welcome back all my second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh years." Dumbledore raise his glass and drank. "We have a new teacher! Since Professor Umbridge left." Cheers rang in the hall. Everyone was clapping and yelling, everyone except for a choice few at the Slytherin table. "we are in need of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher." Dumbledore continued after the cheers died a bit. "But she is not here at the moment, so."
Just then the Great Hall doors where bust open. Angel stood in the frame. She was wearing an aqua blue shirt with bleached blue jeans. Her black robes were open; the Black family crest on the chest. Her hair was straight and down to the middle of her back. She smiled slightly and walked down the center of the room with the same class she did at the Ministry hearing, using the grace she inherited from Sirius. She nodded at Harry and the people around him, but didn't stop, just continued to walk down the hall.
"Who is that?"
"That's the girl from the platform."
"What was she doing with Charlie Weasley?"
"She's beautiful."
"I stand corrected. Our new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher is here." Harry dropped his mouth open. He looked around at Hermione and Ron and they were doing the same. "May I introduce Professor Black."
"She's a Malfoy!" Draco Malfoy yelled as he stood up. He banged his hand on the table. "She's my cousin, daughter of Lucas and Jasmine Malfoy!"
"Take your seat Draco and hush your opinions before I deduct points away from Slytherin before they have any." Angel said, stopping and turning her head to Draco. Harry face lit up and he turned to Ron, trying to hide his grin. Ron had both hand over his mouth, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Now," Professor Snape stood. "That really isn't called for Profes."
"Pipe it Snape. This argument is between Mr. Malfoy and myself. And as far as I can see, it is over." Angel didn't take the time to look at Snape, her eyes just bore into Draco.
"Lucas will hear of this." Malfoy said sitting down.
"And I'm sure you will be the one to tell him." Angel grinned devilishly and proceeded to her seat, clapping on Miley's shoulder.
"Yes, well." Dumbledore said uneasily, disturbing the silence. "We also have a new student. She is a transfer from Drumstrang. Miley Heartstone."
"What?" Ron gasped. "I though her name was."
Hermione kicked his shin. "Shhh..it's a cover name. Malfoy and some of them have parents for death eater. announcing that the Bulgarian Minister's daughter is here at Hogwarts is crazy. She's here for protection, not fame."
Ron turned red and nodded.
Miley walked up and sat on the stool. Her face was a light shade of red, no doubt being slightly embarrassed for sitting on a three legged stool with an old hat on her head being sorted like an eleven year old.
"SLYTHERIN!" Miley frowned at turned to look at Dumbledore. He shrugged and forced a weak smile. Miley stood up, sat the hat down and made her death walk over to the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy moved over making room for her. Ron clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. She forced a grin at him, but sat at the end of the table away from the rest of the house.
"Yes now that our students are sorted, our new teacher announced. I think it is time to fill our stomachs. Jumbo-Bumbo." With that Dumbledore clapped his hands and the plates before them filled with food. Mark smiled widely, breathing '"wow" and they began to eat.
"I can't believe she got Slytherin!" Ron said.
"That can't be safe, everyone knows that Malfoy is in on the Death Eaters. putting Miley in the same common room as him can't be good." Hermione said after swallowing her food.
"Yeah, but there could be some death eaters in Gryffindor too." Harry said. "I mean look at Wormtail."
"And Percy." Ginny said; her head down.
"Yeah," Mark said half heartedly.
After that they ate in silence.
"Now," The food disappeared with Dumbledore's speech. "Now, that we have welcomed out students and teachers, caught up for the most part with our friend and best of all filled our stomachs, I believe it's time for me to address some bad news."
Harry sighed and shook his head. He should have known.
"As most of you know, Platform 9 and ¾ was attack this morning right before the Hogwarts Express left. It was attacked by ten death eaters." People gasped and girls squealed, falling over onto the table. "After protecting a student," Harry grinned thankfully the Dumbledore had not said his name, "and a teacher, our dear Professor Sibyl Trawnley was taken captive."
"Why?"
"Who'd want that old bat?"
"Why should we care?"
"What would you-know-how want with a Hogwarts teacher?"
Harry looked around as people broke off into conversations. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Neville undertook their own. Harry sunk in his seat, just waiting for someone to ask what he thought on the matter. Could he lie? Should he tell Hermione and Ron the truth? What if Neville knew?
Professor McGonagall had taped on her glass. "Bed," Dumbledore announced. The muttering never really stopped, but people slowly stood up and left the Great Hall in floods.
Once in the dorm, Harry threw himself in bed, not wanting to explain anything or give details about anything. not even wanting to rekindle it himself.