DISCLAIMER: Everything you recognize is NOT mine, unfortunately.. instead
it is the great JK Rowling's.
Anyways, enjoy this chapter..
So Harry asked Morgan, Isabella standing right next to her nodding him along. Sooner than usual the October Hogsmeade trip came. It was so that the couples could buy costumes. Ron had asked Hermione, and of course Draco had asked Riley or more like she had asked him. Harry had talked Isabella into telling him who she liked. Turned out she had a huge crush on Dean Thomas who, after a lot of persuasion from Harry (due to gratitude), asked Isabella. It was a couples' dance, so everyone had their own little theme. Harry and Morgan were going as King Arthur and Genevieve, Ron and Hermione were going to be Romeo and Juliet, and Isabella and Dean were going as salsa dancers. They would where the fluffy dresses and hats and everything. Isabella soon found out what Riley and Draco were going as but told no one, determined to make sure no one copied her friend. Shopping was fun. Though Harry did find out that Riley's outfit included a lot of scarlet red. Hmmm... what could she be?
The night before the dance Harry fell into a strange dream.
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It was the dance. Harry was dressed as an arch angel. Riley stood next to him dressed as an arch angel as well. But just as he opened his mouth to say hi, she fell to the ground.
"Help me Harry!" she screamed as her white robes were stained red. Harry reached his hand down and Riley grabbed hold, saying "Please Harry! It hurts, oh god help me!" Harry pulled up as hard as he could and when he looked next Riley was in midair with him. But it was no longer Riley. It was a bloody skeleton. Harry let go but the skeleton grabbed his arm. In a voice colder than ice the skeleton whispered "I will get you this time Harry Potter!" The eye sockets glowed red, and suddenly the face formed into that of Voldemort and the arms reached up to strangle Harry. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry awoke in a cold sweat. He grabbed his glasses and forced them over his eyes. He looked around the darkened room and saw nothing. He glanced at the clock. 1:00 am. He lay back down and tried to sleep, the next day would surely be better. With that thought he fell back to sleep.
Harry woke up from his uneasy sleep. The dream still flashing vividly before his eyes. What does it mean? Why her? Why now? Why? Hmmm...I just have to know...hmmmm. There's something going on. Something people aren't telling me. Something is wrong. I just don't know what it is? These thoughts filled Harry's head as he got himself dressed and ready to go to the great hall for breakfast. He suddenly remembered it was the day of the dance. It was weird you would think that the dance would have taken place on Halloween exactly. His cheeks turned red at the thought of him and Morgan going to the dance together. He also liked the fact that potions would be canceled to allow time for people to get dressed in their costumes.
Harry was dressed quickly. He grabbed his books for classes and ran down the stairs. He wanted to join in the excitement that he knew must be going on. The dance was that day after all. More overly he couldn't wait to join his friends. He couldn't wait to see Morgan. He was running late and was running through the hall ways to get there as fast as he could. It seemed like he had been waiting for an eternity when he finally reached the double doors that would let him into the great hall. He reached out to push the doors open but something wasn't right. Something felt wrong. Terribly wrong. He couldn't explain it and he didn't know why he felt the way he did or what made him feel that way. All Harry knew was that one way or another something wasn't right. Something had happened. But what?
Harry finally made his way through the heavy wood door. He looked into the room. No one was talking. No one even looked at him as he entered the room. Everything was silent. Nothing was even moving really. It looked like every one was dead. Everything was quiet until a loud cry was heard from the Slytherin table.
"Nooooo! It can't be true. He didn't do anything wrong. He was good. He was loyal. He did what was asked of him. How could this have happened? It just isn't fair. It can't be real! It can't be real! It just can't be. It can't. It can't! How did this happen? It can't have happened. You're all wrong! Some one has made a mistake! This is wrong! It can't be real! It just can't be! It can't I tell you it can't."
Harry stood near the door. He didn't dare move. Aside from the wailing everything was awkward and silent. People's heads were all bowed and if they weren't their expressions were saying everything. Something serious had happened. Something no one expected or was ready for. Something that everyone had hoped wouldn't happen. Harry wished he could look towards the Slytherin table but even that seemed like it would be too much movement. He wished he knew what had happened and he wanted more than anything for the awkwardness of the moment to end. He wanted to know what could have possibly happened to make everything go on. He stood there motionless. He could hear horribly sad cries of pain in the background. What happened? Why is everyone like this? What's wrong? Who's crying? Why? I need to know. What happened?
It seemed like an eternity had passed and still no one had moved or spoke a word. There wasn't even a hint of a whisper in the room. Just the cries of a Slytherin. Harry felt he couldn't even move to look and see who it was. Then finally some one cleared their throat as if prepared to speak. But who? Harry couldn't look and see. He couldn't see anything. Some one say something already. I want to know what is going on. I want to know what has happened. Who ever it was please speak soon. This is too awkward. Harry waited. There was another noise. Another clearing of the throat. Would they speak? Harry waited. He hoped they would.
"Eh..erm." They did it again. Will they speak? Harry waited anxiously. Finally some one spoke. It was Dumbledore. Harry now felt free to turn his head and look towards the front. He noticed everyone's face was pale. With either a remorseful, worried, or scared expression on their face. Dumbledore was grave and serious. What happened? Why are they all like this? All the answers to the questions he was asking came in Dumbledore's next words.
"I'm sorry Mr. Crabbe. Everything I just told you is the truth and is as accurate as possible. There are a few questions you will need to answer Mr. Crabbe. You need not answer now but you must answer them eventually. The Ministry of Magic will see to it that you do so. Severus will you please escort Mr. Crabbe to my chambers? See to it that he is not left alone. I will be there shortly. I have a few things to do first." Dumbledore's voice was calm and grave.
"Yes sir. Come with me Crabbe."
Crabbe got up slowly. His face was swollen and red. Tears were running down the sides of his cheeks still. Harry almost felt bad for him. It was hard not to. He could easily guess what had happened but he needed to have it confirmed. The questions still remained only this time a few of them were answered. Why was Crabbe crying? Why would the Ministry of Magic need to speak with him? More overly why was every one including Professor Dumbledore responding to this event? What was the event exactly? How id it happen? When did it happen? Why?
"I'm afraid that I have some very bad news. News that concerns all of you. Both staff and students will be affected by it. Some of you might already know but some of you do not and it is imperative that you find out as soon as possible or you may find yourself in grave danger." Dumbledore's eyes shifted towards Harry. Harry felt awkward being singled out like that. It was during that time that he walked toward the Gryffindor table and grabbed a seat across from Ron and Hermione. Dumbledore began to peak as soon as Harry looked up again.
"I must tell you that we have lost a member of the Ministry of Magic early this morning. Mr. Crabbe was found dead at Hogsmeade. The cause has not yet been confirmed but everything points to one of the forbidden curses. Some of our students have already learned the curse, which I am now speaking of and some of you have not. The dark mark was found looming over his body. It is the dark mark which makes this matter especially serious since the death occurred at Hogmeade. It is because of this frightful, grave, and sad event that there will be some changes here at Hogwarts. These changes are meant for the common good of everybody. I expect that they be followed to the best of your ability. Some of our students will be affected by these changes more than other's. I must ask that all of you take them seriously. Now is not the time for fun and games. It will only do more harm then good." As soon as Harry heard this he began to think again. What changes will be occurring at Hogwarts? What does he mean that more will be affected then others? Why was Mr. Crabbe killed? By whom.Voldemort? Is the ministry going to cover this up? Will they finally admit Voldemort's existence? What's going to happen? All these thoughts filled Harry's head. He wanted Dumbledore to continue.
"Let's get down to the short term effects. Since this event occurred so close to Hogwarts the Halloween dance will be canceled. Until I hear otherwise that decision stands. If the Ministry of Magic feels it is safe to continue with our original plans then I will allow the dance but for now it is considered canceled. A few years ago this school had made it so that every student was escorted to their next class. This rule will be reinstated. No one is permitted to leave the castle at night and no one is allowed anywhere in the castle other then the common rooms past nine o'clock. The library however will remain open at all hours but I must warn you that if you stay in the library past nine o'clock you must stay the entire night. There will be no students allowed to walk the halls for any reason. Quidditch will be going on as planned. You must after all have something to look forward to. In fact there are many positions open this year. Tryouts will be held on October 30 to select both Captains and players. Try your best. A judge from outside the school will be coming to select the captains on each team based only on ability and on potential. Some of you will be delighted to see who it is that will judge you. I'll leave that a secret.
I have some other changes on curriculum. Some of our students have a very poor performance in our classes. That will no longer be tolerated. Being ignorant can hurt and even kill you. It is time that we put a stop to that. Students that I feel are in need of assistance will be placed in special classes designed to make them catch up to the standards. It does not mean that these students are in any way magically impaired it only means that for whatever reason he or she is holding back or scared to try. There will be no toleration of teasing of any kind. Some of you will face far more difficult challenges. Challenges that will and can not be avoided. You will work hard but it is for the best." Dumbledore's eyes settled on Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Why is he looking at us like that? What does he mean we will be working harder then any one else? What is he planning? Are we going to be placed in a catch up class? No that can't be. He wouldn't look at Hermione if that was the case. Ron and me maybe but never Hermione. What does he have planned? Harry wished he wouldn't look at him and his friends like that. He wanted to know the answers.
"Well, then the students I have chosen to take the advanced courses are as follows:" Every one straightened instantaneously. A feeling of uneasiness and anxiousness filled the room. No one spoke there was silence once again. Harry began to feel queasy. As though some one was squishing his insides. He couldn't wait to know who Dumbledore had chosen. He knew Hermione was a shoe in. I'll miss her. With the amount of work that those students will have to do I will never see her again. Not to mention she will be stuck in the library until morning every single day. I wonder if Ron will be okay. He's going to miss her. To bad Ron and I didn't try harder. I think we could have gotten in. I wonder who all of them are. Hmmm.Just tell us already.
"Well may I please have all of these students come up to the front. They are..er.hem.Hermione Granger," Harry noticed Ron's sad look as she happily left the table and went up to the front. She didn't even look back until she reached the front of the great hall. Then she looked kind of sad and lonely without them.
"George Weasley," Ron's and Fred's chins dropped as George uneasily approached the front of the room.
"Fred Weasley," Fred chocked on his own tongue. It took him a while before he got up out of his seat and made it to the front of the great hall.
"Morgan LeFay XXV," Harry watched and blushed as Morgan walked up to the front of the great hall. He had now lost Hermione, Morgan, and Fred and George Weasley. He felt alone.
"Riley Riddle," Every one in the great hall gasped. Including some of the teachers. Isn't she Voldemort's daughter? Why would Dumbledore allow her to become stronger? There must be a reason. Why would he do it if he didn't have a reason? Why her? She can't be good. Or can she?
There was a pause. The room was again silent. No one said anything. Everyone stared at Riley as she approached the front. You could tell by the way that she looked that she knew what everyone was thinking. She moved awkwardly and her face was red. You couldn't tell if it was from shock, anger, or even joy. The awkwardness became monotonous. Harry wanted it to stop. He knew that every one did. Finally after some time Dumbledore spoke again.
"You know I had hoped some of you would show a little more respect to these talented young witches and wizards. I do hope that you do this for the rest of our advanced students.
"Er.hem. Neville Longbottom," Harry looked up. He heard a lot of chuckling. He looked over to Ron and noticed that Ron also was quite shocked. He smiled at Neville as he nervously approached and fumbled his way up to the front of the great hall.
"Ginny Weasley," with that Ron threw his head down on the table. Poor Ron now his whole family has this honor that he doesn't. I know he could get it. We both could if we had applied ourselves. I wish I could tell him that. He wouldn't believe me.
Ronald Weasley," Ronald looked up. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dumbledore chose him. Dumbledore chose him to take these special advanced classes. He stood up hurriedly starring back at Harry as he approached the front of the classroom. Now I am really all alone. Dumbledore took every one I know. Every one I was close to. How many people do I have to loose in a lifetime? Isn't my mother and father enough? Not even counting my twin sister. I guess at least I have Quidditch. It just won't be the same without Ron and Hermione. Or any one else for that matter. I'm all alone. Virtually all of the Gryffindor are gone and only one slytherin. He even chose Ginny. She's a year younger then I am. Well that's more time to visit with Hagrid and practice Quidditch. A few more names were mentioned some most of them were from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Harry wasn't really paying attention any more. He was thinking of how he was going to spend his time without his friends. Come to think of it he thought he'd enjoy the workload as long as all his friends were there. He kept thinking until something jabbed him in the side. "Ouch!" Harry said.
It was Colin Creevey. "What do you want?" Harry asked blatantly. "Me.oh nothing...It's just.well.Dumbledore he err.he just called your name to be in the advanced classes." Said Colin shyly "What did you say?" asked Harry startled. "You heard what I said now get up to the front before he says your name over again. He just said Isabella's name. You don't want him to have to repeat yours do you? Now go." With that Harry left the table and walked to the front of the room. He found a gap in the line before Isabella and quickly filled it.
"And now may I have a round of applause for all the students in the advanced program?" With that everyone cheered and shouted. Harry looked at Riley, and met eyes with Draco Malfoy standing very near to her. He turned he saw Hermione and Ron holding hands and looking at him. He laughed and smiled. He then saw Morgan. Then their eyes met. Both of them began to blush wildly. He didn't know what was in store for him. All he knew was that whatever it was he could tolerate it with all his friends there. He was happy again.
"These changes will be put into effect next week after Halloween. With or without the permission of the ministry. These students will be in a class of their own. There will not be any separation of the houses. It is imperative that they learn these skills together. Also they students placed in programs that are considered catch up this in no way means that you are incapable it either means you haven't tried or that you just haven't shown what we know you are capable. You will also be placed in a class of your own. There will be no separation of houses for you students either. Students in regular classes will remain with their schedule. They will attend classes with their own houses. There will be changes with your classes of course due to time. I can not even signify how important it is that each of you performs to your best ability. If Volde.sorry you know who has in fact returned it will be important that each of you students know how to protect yourselves. This is designed for every one's best interests. Classes will not be held today. Return to your common rooms. All of our faculty will be very busy today. There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of questions to answer. With that I leave you all. Go back to your common rooms immediately. Food will be served upstairs seeing as how none of you have really had the chance to eat."
Every one returned to their common rooms as planned. No one even stayed behind to linger with their friends. Harry felt worried and yet content at the same time. It seemed like every one in the advanced group walked together up front. Every one else just kind of staggered behind. Harry didn't like that he wished they would be a complete group. He knew it wouldn't be possible. He just wished that it could be. He loved the thought of being in classes with all of his friends. Even his friends that weren't his grade level. Before he knew it they were back in the common room. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other and just broke out with laughter they we're just so happy. Fred opened a pack of Filibuster Fireworks and they all had fun together. Something told them that moments like this would be few and far between. And yet they weren't in the least bit upset about it. They all knew one way or another, things would be okay. Things would work out. Harry even pulled out a few of his jokes that Fred and George had given him for his birthday. He managed to trick a lot of people.
Everyone woke up the next morning and got ready to go down to breakfast the next morning but it wasn't the same. Everyone was ready for business. Ready to study and ready to do work. It was weird. Harry had never known Hogwarts to be that way. In a way he kind of liked it. He had been thinking it was time for a change. After all he couldn't just leave things up to coincidence any more. I mean he had escaped death a few times by things that were pure coincidence. He was a strong wizard. They all were really but he felt like it was time to prove it to people. Ron he knew felt the same way. Other than the preparedness that every one exhibited things were still the same. They were all chatting. At least every one except the people at the Slytherin table. It was understandable. They all were from death eater's families. Ron saw Harry starring at the Slytherins. "I wonder who's father killed him?" He said assuredly. "I know. It must be horrible knowing that some one that's close to you killed your father. I mean they are all pretty much death eaters aren't they?" Harry asked looking at Ron and Hermione. "Yeah that must be horrible. That's the price they pay though. I mean they must have asked to be death eaters right? There is always a cost in everything. You know who must maintain order in his group and he'll do so any way that he can. He doesn't care if he looses a few members here and there." Ron said with a sense of finality.
One of them he recognized as something from Sirius. He knew what it was right away. It was a warning. He quickly tucked it in his pocket. Hermione and Ron drew away people's attention by asking them about their schedules. They would be getting new ones that day. It easily brought excitement to the table. Harry then took the other note from Hedwig's leg. It was a congratulations letter from Mrs. Weasley. Ron had gotten one too. Harry couldn't explain it but he some how felt that when he got this letter it was like Ron's family had accepted him. He was considered just as important as Ron, Fred, George, and Ginny. He felt like he had a family. He didn't even have to finish the letter to know that at the bottom it would ask him to be careful and be extremely cautious. He looked at Ron whose face had a shocked expression on it. "Ron, are you okay? What's wrong? Ron are you okay? Ron?" Harry yelled trying to pull him out of some sort of trance.
"I'm fine Harry. Really I'm fine it's just they brushed it over. I mean look at the daily profit. The investigation has already completed. They already questioned Crabbe and chalked it up to a want to be you know who attack look at what it says here.
'My father is not a death eater. He was acquitted of that a long time ago. Plus I don't think he should be the one on trial here. I mean he's the victim. The ministry says that there isn't sufficient evidence to prove the return of you know who. My father was not really well liked. I mean it was part of his job to enforce wizarding law and people that he caught all hated him. There would be plenty of people that would hate him enough to kill him. This was also part of Crabbe's testimony. 'Well I don't think people should panic. There isn't and hasn't been any evidence of you-know- who. Unless you count the word of a deranged headmaster, a claims to be ex- deatheater, a teacher that has been brainwashed by the headmaster, and a boy that might not be, well, all there, you know? It is with that statement from Cornelius Fudge that we ask all witches and wizards every where not to panic.
"I can't believe that they did this? How could they do that? Who wrote this anyways it wasn't really phrased well. Hermione did you ever let go of Rita Skeeter? She'd be pretty helpful about now." Harry asked. "No I didn't she is still alive though. Well let's go see her then. We need to talk to her. She needs to warn the people. They will believe her." "No Harry not now. I can't." "Why can't you Hermione?" "Well I can't open the jar. You see the spell I used kind of made the jar unopenable. I haven't bothered to look for a spell to reverse it because there wasn't a hurry. I've been feeding her through a small hole." Hermione sounded relieved to finally tell them that one of her spells had gone wrong. Actually she looked kind of teary eyed. Ron instantly hugged her. "Come on Hermione. That doesn't mean anything you know that right? Let's go to the library to find the spell and read the letter that well you know. Don't feel bad." Ron told Hermione soothingly. The three of them left for the library. Each looking at their schedules on the way. They had only an hour before they had Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. Part of them wanted to talk to Rita and part of them wanted to see Lupin early before class.
Harry Ron and Hermione found the spell in no time. It seemed that they knew the library a lot better than they thought they did. As they walked up to Gryffindor tower to get Rita, Harry talked to Ron about tryouts. They were tomorrow. "Are you going to try out Ron?" "Yeah I'm going to try out for chaser and keeper. I don't want to be captain." "I think I'm going to try for captain. I'm not sure. I wonder who's going to judge us." "I don't know. No one knows." "Yeah. I hope you make it. I don't care if I make captain. As long as it's good for the team I don't care." "Me, too! Hey we're here already. No one's here let's do it." "Ok just let me get her." Hermione returned swiftly. She quickly recited Odnu Laes the jar opened instantly and the bug turned into Rita Skeeter right before their eyes. "Took you long enough. What day is it?" "It's October 29. We need you to do something for us." Said Harry shyly. "Really? I didn't know. I thought you let me out because you are nice little kids. So tell me what do you need?" "Well, you see Volde.oh sorry you know who has returned to full power. Cornelius Fudge keeps letting it get brushed off. Yesterday Mr. Crabbe died. We know that Malfoy and Goyle are in on it. We also know that it has something to do with this mysterious girl that Crabbe lost and couldn't find. We last saw them at Hogsmeade. Malfoy threatened him." Harry said slowly and gravely. "How do I know you aren't lying? I mean your mental health is questionable." "Just stop it.You know he isn't crazy. You know all that, and you also know that you know who is back. You know this. All we are asking you to do is some real reporting and Journalism to warn people. I mean you are a reporter and a journalist aren't you?" Ron yelled at Rita. "Alright I'll do it. But only to prove to you three that I am good at my job. After this I get to live my life outside a jar got it?" "Okay but you have to do this." Said Hermione. "Yeah and you can't write anything bad about us or our family members. No stretching the truth or lying." Harry added. "Okay I promise. Can I leave now and get started?" "Yes you can." Hermione added opening the window. With that Rita turned back into a bug and flew out the window towards Hogsmeade.
"I hope she can do it." Said Ron. "Me too." Harry replied. They all walked fast down to Their Advanced Defense against the Dark Arts class. They got there very early. "Hello Professor Lupin!" the three of them chimed in the moment that they saw him. All three of them ran up to him and hugged him tightly before he could answer. Professor Lupin looked like he was starting to cry. All three of them did. James had followed Harry and was almost instantly fond of Lupin. "How are you guys?" Lupin asked happily. "We're fine. We are all in your class next period." "I know Hermione I saw that. I know you will all do well in this class. We are going to cover a lot of stuff this year that wizards don't know how to do. Each of you will learn new things like dueling. Hagrid will cover the monsters. You will learn how to protect yourself from advanced dark arts as well as how to fight back. Oh Ron and Harry I have something for you. I didn't get a chance to send them during Summer I was.uh.busy." Lupin handed them two long packages. "Oh Hermione you didn't think I would forget you did I?" Professor Lupin pointed to a big box behind him. They opened their gifts quickly
"Oh wow! How did you get these? I mean the thunderbolts 2000 just came out the day before school started. Plus it's expensive. I mean, we're talking 100 times better then the firebolts. I can't wait to try it out!" exclaimed Harry. "Me too. I could use this for try outs. Harry you have to teach me some cool moves. I just have to make the team!" Ron said overcome with joy. "Ron I'm sure you are good enough. If you insist I will show you how to believe in yourself." The second Harry said that Ron, Lupin and Harry began to laugh out loud when all of a sudden they heard a loud burst of joy.
"Professor Lupin where did you get this? How did you know?" asked Hermione holding a book about becoming an animagus and a professional potions kit was neatly laid out behind her. "I know because I know.its fine with me. I won't bust you for it. Hermione I trust all of you. If you guys feel you are ready then you have to go for it." "Hermione you were serious? I mean I know there were spaces on the map for our names but this? It's dangerous. It's against the rules." Ron looked at Hermione unsure of what to do. "We don't have to do it now. We don't even have to do it this year. I just want to do it some day. You know it would be fun and useful. We wouldn't have such a hard time with everything." "Okay Hermione just not now." Ron said worried. "Thanks for the gifts Professor Lupin." They shouted in unison. Once again they hugged him. They quickly let go of him once they heard the bell ring. Class would be starting soon.
The day was perfect. Harry was in a class with one of his favorite wizards. All of his friends were in there. He had a seat next to Morgan and Ron. Riley sat in front of him to the right then Fred and George. Ginny sat behind him and Hermione sat behind him to the right. It was perfect. The first day was basically an introduction to the class. They didn't really do much other then that except get desk and materials. The were each given new books and other magical objects that no one knew existed.
The next class they had was Advanced Care of Magical Creatures. They mainly just talked with Hagrid in that class since Hagrid couldn't get any Magical creatures that were up to the standards. James had fun playing with the other Pegasus. He wasn't getting any bigger yet and Harry had grown fond of him. He wished that he wouldn't grow big. That would mean having to let him go and sleep in the stables like the other Pegasus. He didn't know what he would do with him when he got too big. How was he going to take him home? How would he hide him? He wished they would find a way to clear Sirius' name that way he could stay with him.
The rest of the day was perfect. They heard at the end of the day that Cornelius Fudge had arrived at the Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione convinced Hagrid to let them listen to the conversation Fudge and Dumbledore were having.
"I'm not denying that strange things are happening out there. I never said that they weren't. I merely said that I didn't think you know who was behind them. I don't care what you say he isn't."
"Fudge you must understand this. Voldemort is back. Just because he didn't attack right away doesn't mean anything. He's plotting something. People need to know. We need to make the necessary precautions."
"Based on what Dumbledore? Hmmm. The word of a kid who may or may not be mentally unstable? There is no proof."
"The proof is right there in front of you. You just don't want to see it Cornelius."
"Argh, darn bugs, there isn't proof. Why would I destroy the stability the wizarding community just got, based on a hunch?"
"Then I take it you do think in some way that Voldemort has returned?"
"Err.don't say the name. No I don't at all. I believe the death eaters are just making more appearances then they usually do so that we give into them. I refuse to believe his return. It is under my order that you do nothing to spread such non-sense around."
"Fudge you must listen. The giants must be recruited. The dementors must be removed from Azkaban. It must be done or all that we have worked for will perish. After that we will never get it back."
"I will not hear of anymore of this nonsense. You can keep your special classes but the dance will go on and there will be nothing more about precautions in Hogwarts. Good day Dumbledore."
"Fudge you are making a deadly mistake. You have doomed us all. People will die. We are fighting the same thing. You must listen to me." Dumbledore pleaded, but Fudge just kept walking until he just disappeared from view.
Harry, Ron and Hermione couldn't believe what they heard. The rest of the day was just depressing. They ate dinner where it was quickly announced that the dance was still on and would be taking place in two days. It was also announced that try outs were in the morning the next day. Classes will not be held. Instead students would be allowed to watch the people try out. Harry and Ron were anxious. Harry sat there and suddenly his eyes caught Morgan's. Only this time instead of just blushing Morgan went over to him. "Hey Harry." "Hello Morgan." It was kind of awkward but the eventually became more comfortable. Ron and Hermione stared at Harry smiling. The liked seeing him and Morgan. They just fit together so well. "You know you can just tell those two are really in love," Ron whispered to Hermione. "Yeah I know. Look at them. Remember when we were like that? I mean when everything was awkward?" Hermione asked Ron. "Boy, do I ever. I had the hardest time working up the courage to talk to you." They both stopped talking when they saw Harry look at them. "So Harry are you trying out for captain?" "Yeah I hope I make it. How about you are you trying out?" "Yeah I'm going for chaser. I might try out for keeper just in case but I really want chaser." "Well I hope you get it." "I hope you get captain. Well I got to go. See you tomorrow. If I don't see you in the morning I will at try outs. The rest of the day was filled with nothing but anxiousness and nervousness. No one really slept well that day. They were all too excited.
TBC.. Please Review!
~RiLeS~
Anyways, enjoy this chapter..
So Harry asked Morgan, Isabella standing right next to her nodding him along. Sooner than usual the October Hogsmeade trip came. It was so that the couples could buy costumes. Ron had asked Hermione, and of course Draco had asked Riley or more like she had asked him. Harry had talked Isabella into telling him who she liked. Turned out she had a huge crush on Dean Thomas who, after a lot of persuasion from Harry (due to gratitude), asked Isabella. It was a couples' dance, so everyone had their own little theme. Harry and Morgan were going as King Arthur and Genevieve, Ron and Hermione were going to be Romeo and Juliet, and Isabella and Dean were going as salsa dancers. They would where the fluffy dresses and hats and everything. Isabella soon found out what Riley and Draco were going as but told no one, determined to make sure no one copied her friend. Shopping was fun. Though Harry did find out that Riley's outfit included a lot of scarlet red. Hmmm... what could she be?
The night before the dance Harry fell into a strange dream.
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It was the dance. Harry was dressed as an arch angel. Riley stood next to him dressed as an arch angel as well. But just as he opened his mouth to say hi, she fell to the ground.
"Help me Harry!" she screamed as her white robes were stained red. Harry reached his hand down and Riley grabbed hold, saying "Please Harry! It hurts, oh god help me!" Harry pulled up as hard as he could and when he looked next Riley was in midair with him. But it was no longer Riley. It was a bloody skeleton. Harry let go but the skeleton grabbed his arm. In a voice colder than ice the skeleton whispered "I will get you this time Harry Potter!" The eye sockets glowed red, and suddenly the face formed into that of Voldemort and the arms reached up to strangle Harry. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry awoke in a cold sweat. He grabbed his glasses and forced them over his eyes. He looked around the darkened room and saw nothing. He glanced at the clock. 1:00 am. He lay back down and tried to sleep, the next day would surely be better. With that thought he fell back to sleep.
Harry woke up from his uneasy sleep. The dream still flashing vividly before his eyes. What does it mean? Why her? Why now? Why? Hmmm...I just have to know...hmmmm. There's something going on. Something people aren't telling me. Something is wrong. I just don't know what it is? These thoughts filled Harry's head as he got himself dressed and ready to go to the great hall for breakfast. He suddenly remembered it was the day of the dance. It was weird you would think that the dance would have taken place on Halloween exactly. His cheeks turned red at the thought of him and Morgan going to the dance together. He also liked the fact that potions would be canceled to allow time for people to get dressed in their costumes.
Harry was dressed quickly. He grabbed his books for classes and ran down the stairs. He wanted to join in the excitement that he knew must be going on. The dance was that day after all. More overly he couldn't wait to join his friends. He couldn't wait to see Morgan. He was running late and was running through the hall ways to get there as fast as he could. It seemed like he had been waiting for an eternity when he finally reached the double doors that would let him into the great hall. He reached out to push the doors open but something wasn't right. Something felt wrong. Terribly wrong. He couldn't explain it and he didn't know why he felt the way he did or what made him feel that way. All Harry knew was that one way or another something wasn't right. Something had happened. But what?
Harry finally made his way through the heavy wood door. He looked into the room. No one was talking. No one even looked at him as he entered the room. Everything was silent. Nothing was even moving really. It looked like every one was dead. Everything was quiet until a loud cry was heard from the Slytherin table.
"Nooooo! It can't be true. He didn't do anything wrong. He was good. He was loyal. He did what was asked of him. How could this have happened? It just isn't fair. It can't be real! It can't be real! It just can't be. It can't. It can't! How did this happen? It can't have happened. You're all wrong! Some one has made a mistake! This is wrong! It can't be real! It just can't be! It can't I tell you it can't."
Harry stood near the door. He didn't dare move. Aside from the wailing everything was awkward and silent. People's heads were all bowed and if they weren't their expressions were saying everything. Something serious had happened. Something no one expected or was ready for. Something that everyone had hoped wouldn't happen. Harry wished he could look towards the Slytherin table but even that seemed like it would be too much movement. He wished he knew what had happened and he wanted more than anything for the awkwardness of the moment to end. He wanted to know what could have possibly happened to make everything go on. He stood there motionless. He could hear horribly sad cries of pain in the background. What happened? Why is everyone like this? What's wrong? Who's crying? Why? I need to know. What happened?
It seemed like an eternity had passed and still no one had moved or spoke a word. There wasn't even a hint of a whisper in the room. Just the cries of a Slytherin. Harry felt he couldn't even move to look and see who it was. Then finally some one cleared their throat as if prepared to speak. But who? Harry couldn't look and see. He couldn't see anything. Some one say something already. I want to know what is going on. I want to know what has happened. Who ever it was please speak soon. This is too awkward. Harry waited. There was another noise. Another clearing of the throat. Would they speak? Harry waited. He hoped they would.
"Eh..erm." They did it again. Will they speak? Harry waited anxiously. Finally some one spoke. It was Dumbledore. Harry now felt free to turn his head and look towards the front. He noticed everyone's face was pale. With either a remorseful, worried, or scared expression on their face. Dumbledore was grave and serious. What happened? Why are they all like this? All the answers to the questions he was asking came in Dumbledore's next words.
"I'm sorry Mr. Crabbe. Everything I just told you is the truth and is as accurate as possible. There are a few questions you will need to answer Mr. Crabbe. You need not answer now but you must answer them eventually. The Ministry of Magic will see to it that you do so. Severus will you please escort Mr. Crabbe to my chambers? See to it that he is not left alone. I will be there shortly. I have a few things to do first." Dumbledore's voice was calm and grave.
"Yes sir. Come with me Crabbe."
Crabbe got up slowly. His face was swollen and red. Tears were running down the sides of his cheeks still. Harry almost felt bad for him. It was hard not to. He could easily guess what had happened but he needed to have it confirmed. The questions still remained only this time a few of them were answered. Why was Crabbe crying? Why would the Ministry of Magic need to speak with him? More overly why was every one including Professor Dumbledore responding to this event? What was the event exactly? How id it happen? When did it happen? Why?
"I'm afraid that I have some very bad news. News that concerns all of you. Both staff and students will be affected by it. Some of you might already know but some of you do not and it is imperative that you find out as soon as possible or you may find yourself in grave danger." Dumbledore's eyes shifted towards Harry. Harry felt awkward being singled out like that. It was during that time that he walked toward the Gryffindor table and grabbed a seat across from Ron and Hermione. Dumbledore began to peak as soon as Harry looked up again.
"I must tell you that we have lost a member of the Ministry of Magic early this morning. Mr. Crabbe was found dead at Hogsmeade. The cause has not yet been confirmed but everything points to one of the forbidden curses. Some of our students have already learned the curse, which I am now speaking of and some of you have not. The dark mark was found looming over his body. It is the dark mark which makes this matter especially serious since the death occurred at Hogmeade. It is because of this frightful, grave, and sad event that there will be some changes here at Hogwarts. These changes are meant for the common good of everybody. I expect that they be followed to the best of your ability. Some of our students will be affected by these changes more than other's. I must ask that all of you take them seriously. Now is not the time for fun and games. It will only do more harm then good." As soon as Harry heard this he began to think again. What changes will be occurring at Hogwarts? What does he mean that more will be affected then others? Why was Mr. Crabbe killed? By whom.Voldemort? Is the ministry going to cover this up? Will they finally admit Voldemort's existence? What's going to happen? All these thoughts filled Harry's head. He wanted Dumbledore to continue.
"Let's get down to the short term effects. Since this event occurred so close to Hogwarts the Halloween dance will be canceled. Until I hear otherwise that decision stands. If the Ministry of Magic feels it is safe to continue with our original plans then I will allow the dance but for now it is considered canceled. A few years ago this school had made it so that every student was escorted to their next class. This rule will be reinstated. No one is permitted to leave the castle at night and no one is allowed anywhere in the castle other then the common rooms past nine o'clock. The library however will remain open at all hours but I must warn you that if you stay in the library past nine o'clock you must stay the entire night. There will be no students allowed to walk the halls for any reason. Quidditch will be going on as planned. You must after all have something to look forward to. In fact there are many positions open this year. Tryouts will be held on October 30 to select both Captains and players. Try your best. A judge from outside the school will be coming to select the captains on each team based only on ability and on potential. Some of you will be delighted to see who it is that will judge you. I'll leave that a secret.
I have some other changes on curriculum. Some of our students have a very poor performance in our classes. That will no longer be tolerated. Being ignorant can hurt and even kill you. It is time that we put a stop to that. Students that I feel are in need of assistance will be placed in special classes designed to make them catch up to the standards. It does not mean that these students are in any way magically impaired it only means that for whatever reason he or she is holding back or scared to try. There will be no toleration of teasing of any kind. Some of you will face far more difficult challenges. Challenges that will and can not be avoided. You will work hard but it is for the best." Dumbledore's eyes settled on Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Why is he looking at us like that? What does he mean we will be working harder then any one else? What is he planning? Are we going to be placed in a catch up class? No that can't be. He wouldn't look at Hermione if that was the case. Ron and me maybe but never Hermione. What does he have planned? Harry wished he wouldn't look at him and his friends like that. He wanted to know the answers.
"Well, then the students I have chosen to take the advanced courses are as follows:" Every one straightened instantaneously. A feeling of uneasiness and anxiousness filled the room. No one spoke there was silence once again. Harry began to feel queasy. As though some one was squishing his insides. He couldn't wait to know who Dumbledore had chosen. He knew Hermione was a shoe in. I'll miss her. With the amount of work that those students will have to do I will never see her again. Not to mention she will be stuck in the library until morning every single day. I wonder if Ron will be okay. He's going to miss her. To bad Ron and I didn't try harder. I think we could have gotten in. I wonder who all of them are. Hmmm.Just tell us already.
"Well may I please have all of these students come up to the front. They are..er.hem.Hermione Granger," Harry noticed Ron's sad look as she happily left the table and went up to the front. She didn't even look back until she reached the front of the great hall. Then she looked kind of sad and lonely without them.
"George Weasley," Ron's and Fred's chins dropped as George uneasily approached the front of the room.
"Fred Weasley," Fred chocked on his own tongue. It took him a while before he got up out of his seat and made it to the front of the great hall.
"Morgan LeFay XXV," Harry watched and blushed as Morgan walked up to the front of the great hall. He had now lost Hermione, Morgan, and Fred and George Weasley. He felt alone.
"Riley Riddle," Every one in the great hall gasped. Including some of the teachers. Isn't she Voldemort's daughter? Why would Dumbledore allow her to become stronger? There must be a reason. Why would he do it if he didn't have a reason? Why her? She can't be good. Or can she?
There was a pause. The room was again silent. No one said anything. Everyone stared at Riley as she approached the front. You could tell by the way that she looked that she knew what everyone was thinking. She moved awkwardly and her face was red. You couldn't tell if it was from shock, anger, or even joy. The awkwardness became monotonous. Harry wanted it to stop. He knew that every one did. Finally after some time Dumbledore spoke again.
"You know I had hoped some of you would show a little more respect to these talented young witches and wizards. I do hope that you do this for the rest of our advanced students.
"Er.hem. Neville Longbottom," Harry looked up. He heard a lot of chuckling. He looked over to Ron and noticed that Ron also was quite shocked. He smiled at Neville as he nervously approached and fumbled his way up to the front of the great hall.
"Ginny Weasley," with that Ron threw his head down on the table. Poor Ron now his whole family has this honor that he doesn't. I know he could get it. We both could if we had applied ourselves. I wish I could tell him that. He wouldn't believe me.
Ronald Weasley," Ronald looked up. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dumbledore chose him. Dumbledore chose him to take these special advanced classes. He stood up hurriedly starring back at Harry as he approached the front of the classroom. Now I am really all alone. Dumbledore took every one I know. Every one I was close to. How many people do I have to loose in a lifetime? Isn't my mother and father enough? Not even counting my twin sister. I guess at least I have Quidditch. It just won't be the same without Ron and Hermione. Or any one else for that matter. I'm all alone. Virtually all of the Gryffindor are gone and only one slytherin. He even chose Ginny. She's a year younger then I am. Well that's more time to visit with Hagrid and practice Quidditch. A few more names were mentioned some most of them were from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Harry wasn't really paying attention any more. He was thinking of how he was going to spend his time without his friends. Come to think of it he thought he'd enjoy the workload as long as all his friends were there. He kept thinking until something jabbed him in the side. "Ouch!" Harry said.
It was Colin Creevey. "What do you want?" Harry asked blatantly. "Me.oh nothing...It's just.well.Dumbledore he err.he just called your name to be in the advanced classes." Said Colin shyly "What did you say?" asked Harry startled. "You heard what I said now get up to the front before he says your name over again. He just said Isabella's name. You don't want him to have to repeat yours do you? Now go." With that Harry left the table and walked to the front of the room. He found a gap in the line before Isabella and quickly filled it.
"And now may I have a round of applause for all the students in the advanced program?" With that everyone cheered and shouted. Harry looked at Riley, and met eyes with Draco Malfoy standing very near to her. He turned he saw Hermione and Ron holding hands and looking at him. He laughed and smiled. He then saw Morgan. Then their eyes met. Both of them began to blush wildly. He didn't know what was in store for him. All he knew was that whatever it was he could tolerate it with all his friends there. He was happy again.
"These changes will be put into effect next week after Halloween. With or without the permission of the ministry. These students will be in a class of their own. There will not be any separation of the houses. It is imperative that they learn these skills together. Also they students placed in programs that are considered catch up this in no way means that you are incapable it either means you haven't tried or that you just haven't shown what we know you are capable. You will also be placed in a class of your own. There will be no separation of houses for you students either. Students in regular classes will remain with their schedule. They will attend classes with their own houses. There will be changes with your classes of course due to time. I can not even signify how important it is that each of you performs to your best ability. If Volde.sorry you know who has in fact returned it will be important that each of you students know how to protect yourselves. This is designed for every one's best interests. Classes will not be held today. Return to your common rooms. All of our faculty will be very busy today. There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of questions to answer. With that I leave you all. Go back to your common rooms immediately. Food will be served upstairs seeing as how none of you have really had the chance to eat."
Every one returned to their common rooms as planned. No one even stayed behind to linger with their friends. Harry felt worried and yet content at the same time. It seemed like every one in the advanced group walked together up front. Every one else just kind of staggered behind. Harry didn't like that he wished they would be a complete group. He knew it wouldn't be possible. He just wished that it could be. He loved the thought of being in classes with all of his friends. Even his friends that weren't his grade level. Before he knew it they were back in the common room. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other and just broke out with laughter they we're just so happy. Fred opened a pack of Filibuster Fireworks and they all had fun together. Something told them that moments like this would be few and far between. And yet they weren't in the least bit upset about it. They all knew one way or another, things would be okay. Things would work out. Harry even pulled out a few of his jokes that Fred and George had given him for his birthday. He managed to trick a lot of people.
Everyone woke up the next morning and got ready to go down to breakfast the next morning but it wasn't the same. Everyone was ready for business. Ready to study and ready to do work. It was weird. Harry had never known Hogwarts to be that way. In a way he kind of liked it. He had been thinking it was time for a change. After all he couldn't just leave things up to coincidence any more. I mean he had escaped death a few times by things that were pure coincidence. He was a strong wizard. They all were really but he felt like it was time to prove it to people. Ron he knew felt the same way. Other than the preparedness that every one exhibited things were still the same. They were all chatting. At least every one except the people at the Slytherin table. It was understandable. They all were from death eater's families. Ron saw Harry starring at the Slytherins. "I wonder who's father killed him?" He said assuredly. "I know. It must be horrible knowing that some one that's close to you killed your father. I mean they are all pretty much death eaters aren't they?" Harry asked looking at Ron and Hermione. "Yeah that must be horrible. That's the price they pay though. I mean they must have asked to be death eaters right? There is always a cost in everything. You know who must maintain order in his group and he'll do so any way that he can. He doesn't care if he looses a few members here and there." Ron said with a sense of finality.
One of them he recognized as something from Sirius. He knew what it was right away. It was a warning. He quickly tucked it in his pocket. Hermione and Ron drew away people's attention by asking them about their schedules. They would be getting new ones that day. It easily brought excitement to the table. Harry then took the other note from Hedwig's leg. It was a congratulations letter from Mrs. Weasley. Ron had gotten one too. Harry couldn't explain it but he some how felt that when he got this letter it was like Ron's family had accepted him. He was considered just as important as Ron, Fred, George, and Ginny. He felt like he had a family. He didn't even have to finish the letter to know that at the bottom it would ask him to be careful and be extremely cautious. He looked at Ron whose face had a shocked expression on it. "Ron, are you okay? What's wrong? Ron are you okay? Ron?" Harry yelled trying to pull him out of some sort of trance.
"I'm fine Harry. Really I'm fine it's just they brushed it over. I mean look at the daily profit. The investigation has already completed. They already questioned Crabbe and chalked it up to a want to be you know who attack look at what it says here.
'My father is not a death eater. He was acquitted of that a long time ago. Plus I don't think he should be the one on trial here. I mean he's the victim. The ministry says that there isn't sufficient evidence to prove the return of you know who. My father was not really well liked. I mean it was part of his job to enforce wizarding law and people that he caught all hated him. There would be plenty of people that would hate him enough to kill him. This was also part of Crabbe's testimony. 'Well I don't think people should panic. There isn't and hasn't been any evidence of you-know- who. Unless you count the word of a deranged headmaster, a claims to be ex- deatheater, a teacher that has been brainwashed by the headmaster, and a boy that might not be, well, all there, you know? It is with that statement from Cornelius Fudge that we ask all witches and wizards every where not to panic.
"I can't believe that they did this? How could they do that? Who wrote this anyways it wasn't really phrased well. Hermione did you ever let go of Rita Skeeter? She'd be pretty helpful about now." Harry asked. "No I didn't she is still alive though. Well let's go see her then. We need to talk to her. She needs to warn the people. They will believe her." "No Harry not now. I can't." "Why can't you Hermione?" "Well I can't open the jar. You see the spell I used kind of made the jar unopenable. I haven't bothered to look for a spell to reverse it because there wasn't a hurry. I've been feeding her through a small hole." Hermione sounded relieved to finally tell them that one of her spells had gone wrong. Actually she looked kind of teary eyed. Ron instantly hugged her. "Come on Hermione. That doesn't mean anything you know that right? Let's go to the library to find the spell and read the letter that well you know. Don't feel bad." Ron told Hermione soothingly. The three of them left for the library. Each looking at their schedules on the way. They had only an hour before they had Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. Part of them wanted to talk to Rita and part of them wanted to see Lupin early before class.
Harry Ron and Hermione found the spell in no time. It seemed that they knew the library a lot better than they thought they did. As they walked up to Gryffindor tower to get Rita, Harry talked to Ron about tryouts. They were tomorrow. "Are you going to try out Ron?" "Yeah I'm going to try out for chaser and keeper. I don't want to be captain." "I think I'm going to try for captain. I'm not sure. I wonder who's going to judge us." "I don't know. No one knows." "Yeah. I hope you make it. I don't care if I make captain. As long as it's good for the team I don't care." "Me, too! Hey we're here already. No one's here let's do it." "Ok just let me get her." Hermione returned swiftly. She quickly recited Odnu Laes the jar opened instantly and the bug turned into Rita Skeeter right before their eyes. "Took you long enough. What day is it?" "It's October 29. We need you to do something for us." Said Harry shyly. "Really? I didn't know. I thought you let me out because you are nice little kids. So tell me what do you need?" "Well, you see Volde.oh sorry you know who has returned to full power. Cornelius Fudge keeps letting it get brushed off. Yesterday Mr. Crabbe died. We know that Malfoy and Goyle are in on it. We also know that it has something to do with this mysterious girl that Crabbe lost and couldn't find. We last saw them at Hogsmeade. Malfoy threatened him." Harry said slowly and gravely. "How do I know you aren't lying? I mean your mental health is questionable." "Just stop it.You know he isn't crazy. You know all that, and you also know that you know who is back. You know this. All we are asking you to do is some real reporting and Journalism to warn people. I mean you are a reporter and a journalist aren't you?" Ron yelled at Rita. "Alright I'll do it. But only to prove to you three that I am good at my job. After this I get to live my life outside a jar got it?" "Okay but you have to do this." Said Hermione. "Yeah and you can't write anything bad about us or our family members. No stretching the truth or lying." Harry added. "Okay I promise. Can I leave now and get started?" "Yes you can." Hermione added opening the window. With that Rita turned back into a bug and flew out the window towards Hogsmeade.
"I hope she can do it." Said Ron. "Me too." Harry replied. They all walked fast down to Their Advanced Defense against the Dark Arts class. They got there very early. "Hello Professor Lupin!" the three of them chimed in the moment that they saw him. All three of them ran up to him and hugged him tightly before he could answer. Professor Lupin looked like he was starting to cry. All three of them did. James had followed Harry and was almost instantly fond of Lupin. "How are you guys?" Lupin asked happily. "We're fine. We are all in your class next period." "I know Hermione I saw that. I know you will all do well in this class. We are going to cover a lot of stuff this year that wizards don't know how to do. Each of you will learn new things like dueling. Hagrid will cover the monsters. You will learn how to protect yourself from advanced dark arts as well as how to fight back. Oh Ron and Harry I have something for you. I didn't get a chance to send them during Summer I was.uh.busy." Lupin handed them two long packages. "Oh Hermione you didn't think I would forget you did I?" Professor Lupin pointed to a big box behind him. They opened their gifts quickly
"Oh wow! How did you get these? I mean the thunderbolts 2000 just came out the day before school started. Plus it's expensive. I mean, we're talking 100 times better then the firebolts. I can't wait to try it out!" exclaimed Harry. "Me too. I could use this for try outs. Harry you have to teach me some cool moves. I just have to make the team!" Ron said overcome with joy. "Ron I'm sure you are good enough. If you insist I will show you how to believe in yourself." The second Harry said that Ron, Lupin and Harry began to laugh out loud when all of a sudden they heard a loud burst of joy.
"Professor Lupin where did you get this? How did you know?" asked Hermione holding a book about becoming an animagus and a professional potions kit was neatly laid out behind her. "I know because I know.its fine with me. I won't bust you for it. Hermione I trust all of you. If you guys feel you are ready then you have to go for it." "Hermione you were serious? I mean I know there were spaces on the map for our names but this? It's dangerous. It's against the rules." Ron looked at Hermione unsure of what to do. "We don't have to do it now. We don't even have to do it this year. I just want to do it some day. You know it would be fun and useful. We wouldn't have such a hard time with everything." "Okay Hermione just not now." Ron said worried. "Thanks for the gifts Professor Lupin." They shouted in unison. Once again they hugged him. They quickly let go of him once they heard the bell ring. Class would be starting soon.
The day was perfect. Harry was in a class with one of his favorite wizards. All of his friends were in there. He had a seat next to Morgan and Ron. Riley sat in front of him to the right then Fred and George. Ginny sat behind him and Hermione sat behind him to the right. It was perfect. The first day was basically an introduction to the class. They didn't really do much other then that except get desk and materials. The were each given new books and other magical objects that no one knew existed.
The next class they had was Advanced Care of Magical Creatures. They mainly just talked with Hagrid in that class since Hagrid couldn't get any Magical creatures that were up to the standards. James had fun playing with the other Pegasus. He wasn't getting any bigger yet and Harry had grown fond of him. He wished that he wouldn't grow big. That would mean having to let him go and sleep in the stables like the other Pegasus. He didn't know what he would do with him when he got too big. How was he going to take him home? How would he hide him? He wished they would find a way to clear Sirius' name that way he could stay with him.
The rest of the day was perfect. They heard at the end of the day that Cornelius Fudge had arrived at the Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione convinced Hagrid to let them listen to the conversation Fudge and Dumbledore were having.
"I'm not denying that strange things are happening out there. I never said that they weren't. I merely said that I didn't think you know who was behind them. I don't care what you say he isn't."
"Fudge you must understand this. Voldemort is back. Just because he didn't attack right away doesn't mean anything. He's plotting something. People need to know. We need to make the necessary precautions."
"Based on what Dumbledore? Hmmm. The word of a kid who may or may not be mentally unstable? There is no proof."
"The proof is right there in front of you. You just don't want to see it Cornelius."
"Argh, darn bugs, there isn't proof. Why would I destroy the stability the wizarding community just got, based on a hunch?"
"Then I take it you do think in some way that Voldemort has returned?"
"Err.don't say the name. No I don't at all. I believe the death eaters are just making more appearances then they usually do so that we give into them. I refuse to believe his return. It is under my order that you do nothing to spread such non-sense around."
"Fudge you must listen. The giants must be recruited. The dementors must be removed from Azkaban. It must be done or all that we have worked for will perish. After that we will never get it back."
"I will not hear of anymore of this nonsense. You can keep your special classes but the dance will go on and there will be nothing more about precautions in Hogwarts. Good day Dumbledore."
"Fudge you are making a deadly mistake. You have doomed us all. People will die. We are fighting the same thing. You must listen to me." Dumbledore pleaded, but Fudge just kept walking until he just disappeared from view.
Harry, Ron and Hermione couldn't believe what they heard. The rest of the day was just depressing. They ate dinner where it was quickly announced that the dance was still on and would be taking place in two days. It was also announced that try outs were in the morning the next day. Classes will not be held. Instead students would be allowed to watch the people try out. Harry and Ron were anxious. Harry sat there and suddenly his eyes caught Morgan's. Only this time instead of just blushing Morgan went over to him. "Hey Harry." "Hello Morgan." It was kind of awkward but the eventually became more comfortable. Ron and Hermione stared at Harry smiling. The liked seeing him and Morgan. They just fit together so well. "You know you can just tell those two are really in love," Ron whispered to Hermione. "Yeah I know. Look at them. Remember when we were like that? I mean when everything was awkward?" Hermione asked Ron. "Boy, do I ever. I had the hardest time working up the courage to talk to you." They both stopped talking when they saw Harry look at them. "So Harry are you trying out for captain?" "Yeah I hope I make it. How about you are you trying out?" "Yeah I'm going for chaser. I might try out for keeper just in case but I really want chaser." "Well I hope you get it." "I hope you get captain. Well I got to go. See you tomorrow. If I don't see you in the morning I will at try outs. The rest of the day was filled with nothing but anxiousness and nervousness. No one really slept well that day. They were all too excited.
TBC.. Please Review!
~RiLeS~