SPECIAL THANKS TO MY BETA READER SCOTT CHAPMAN, HIS ABILITY TO TURN MY
GRAMATICAL NEIGHTMARE INTO SOMETHING READABLE IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED, AND
I HAVE HELD OF LONG ENOUGH IN GIVING THANKS.
THANKS SCOTT
Chapter 4 The Sorting Ceremony
Moments later Harry Dumbledore and Dudley were waiting in the room where Harry remembered from his 1st year as a student. This is the room he was ushered into just before he was sorted, and as if a vision of the past was happening, the doors opened and in came close to fifty 1st year students, and one rough looking game keeper.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore" He said as he ushered the children to the fireplace to warm up. "Didn't recon seeing you in here" "Ahh Hagrid, just the man I needed to see, do you remember our young Mr. Dursley," He asked pointing to the terrified Dudley who had both hands firmly clasped to his bottom.
"Did you say Dursley" Hagrid asked eyeing the small boy. Just then recollection kicked in, and Hagrid burst into a wide grin. "I reckon I do remember him sir." He finished seeing Dumbledore's eyes twinkling at him, "But sir, what tis he doin here, Muggles are not allowed in the castle, you knows this."
"Yes Hagrid I do know this, Dudley is to be sorted tonight with the other first years. It is the only sure way to determine if he has what it takes to be at Hogwarts. Will you ensure he attends." Hagrid didn't argue the Headmaster, but instead simply nodded his head before hurried off to break up a small fight in the corner.
"Well Dudley, good luck tonight, I hope everything works out the way you want. Dumbledore spoke gesturing for Harry to follow him. Harry didn't bother to give Dudley the same kind words, but instead the two entered the busy great Hall, and made there way toward there appointed seats, Harry's next to Ron and Hermione of course.
"So, are you going to tell us what happened" Ron immediately asked as Harry sat down, Harry let out a sigh. Deciding it would be better to get it over with now, Harry jumped into the explanation, and he sat explaining everything until the sorting ceremony was close to being over, and Dudley was the last standing student.
"Good evening students, and welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I hope you all enjoyed your summer. I am sure by now the knowledge of last year has leaked from your minds, and I assure you our teachers are anxious to refill them. He laughed looking over the hall, and seeing the students groaning inwardly.
I do however have a few start of term announcements, First years note that the forbidden forest is off grounds to all students. We have taken extra precautions to insure your safety, and even though that extends into the forest it is not safe at this time." He finished looking around the hall. It had become so quiet that a pin drop could most likely be heard.
"Secondly, as you must have noticed the staff table is significantly larger this year, this is due to the added threat of Voldermort." Harry had to laugh as he heard screams, and gasps come at the simple use of Voldermorts name. Dumbledore however didn't like the change, and moved on quickly.
"Like I was saying, due to the threat of Voldermort we have added 10 MOM aurors to our staff, and have opened dueling as a course to those who wish to participate. The instructors will be those of Remus Lupin, our former DADA teacher, and Mr. Sirius Black" Dumbledore finished pointing to the ten members on the far end of the table dressed in a deep maroon colored robe, and cloak, as well as the two men to his left
"I would also like to introduce our new DADA teachers, as they acted as your teachers toward the end of the year most of you already know them, they are Mrs. Figg, and Mr. Moody" Dumbledore again finished pointing to the odd couple to his right.
"Now, I am sure you are all hungry, and anxious to eat however I have one more item of business. As you can all see we have a new 6th year student transferring to us from a local school in London? Dudley, if you would please place on the sorting hat." Dumbledore finished taking a seat, and watching anxiously.
Harry would have sworn that at that moment his heart had stopped, and everyone in the hall, including Dudley himself waited for the hat to speak.
"Interesting, very interesting. There is talent, ohh yes, Defiantly have a bit of talent, however there is hesitation as well, Unique characteristics would point you to Slytherin, but no I don't think you would do well there, Gryffindor is a place where the brave, and noble in heart would lie, and no, I don't believe you belong there, but then there is only Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw is where the wisest would go, and even though there is talent Ravenclaw is well, not right for you either. I would say Hufflepuff, but no, Hufflepuff is not right for you either. Son I simply cannot place you.
Dudley spoke to the hat this time, and letting him know it was quiet all right, took it off, and handed it back to McGonagall. Without as much as a word to anyone in the hall, Dudley walked into the room behind the teacher's table where he was met by both Dumbledore, and Harry.
"Well, well, well, it seems that this evening has lived up to everything it was cracked up to be." Dumbledore spoke as the two, Dumbledore, and Harry approached the silent Dudley. "Sir, what I am to do now, my parents are dead, I have no one back in London, and I see I have no one here either," he said placing his head in his hands, and weeping silently. Something happened however in that moment that Harry did not expect, and with a sudden feeling of both guilt, and sorrow, he walked toward his weeping cousin, and embraced him with his strong arms.
"Dudley, I want you to know that even though we might not have gotten off the best your still family, according to the sorting hat you have magic in you even though you cannot decide where you want to be." He finished searching his own thoughts on the matter. He remembered once when Dumbledore advised him that it was the choice to go to Gryffindor that placed him in that house, and maybe with time, Dudley would figure out the best place for him as well.
"What am I to do now?" Dudley asked gazing into the fire, and watching as the ashes would drift in and out of the light.
"Well Mr. Dursley," Dumbledore spoke stepping over to the two, and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. How about we try this, for the next two weeks you will stay here. During that time you will be trained by as many teachers as we can manage, and if in fact you have the talent the sorting hat sees within you, and if you can bring yourself up to speed, I will allow you to stay here as a student.
"But sure, what house will he be in, I mean he can't possibly" Harry begun, only to stop as Dumbledore raised his hand. "For the next two weeks he will be in no house, If he grasps the magical world, and is able to perform the standard 1st year spells then we will revisit sorting him, by then he will understand more where he belongs, and I am sure the sorting hat will be able to place him.
Harry smiled at the thought, for if Dudley were in fact a wizard, it would be the first time in the history of Hogwarts that a wizard student couldn't be sorted. Harry had to push these thoughts from his mind. He realized that it was most likely due to the assortment of different thoughts, emotions, and pain going through his cousin, and deciding to once again open up to his cousin he opted to skip dinner with him, in hopes they could instead visit Hogsmeade to pick Dudley up a wand.
"Ah, I had a feeling you would ask that, Sirius is waiting for you in the front with a portkey, Diagon Alley would be the better place I am sure. Olivander by all means is the finest wand maker." Harry had to smile at the headmaster. Leave it to him to have prepared for both results. Opening the doors to the quiet great hall, Harry quickly made his way back to his friends, and after a few moments in which he explained what would happen next, walked out the great Hall with Dudley behind him, and the eyes of every student in the hall plastered to there backs.
"Now, where was I" Dumbledore voice boomed as Harry closed the door behind him. It was always amazing how that man could get someone's attention, and Harry was sure by the time he returned Dumbledore would have sorted out the students.
Opening up the front doors to the castle, Harry was happy to see his Godfather, and Remus both waiting for him by a small shoe. "Well you two, are you ready?" He asked as a confident Harry stepped up to the others, and motioned for the timid Dudley to follow.
"I would have to say he will end up in Hufflepuff" Remus commented, as Harry, and Sirius just nodded. Dudley finally got the courage to join the three, and as there hands touched the portkey, the group was swept away in a blinding rush of wind, and a tight pull behind their navels.
"Now Dudley" Harry said as the group appeared directly in front of Gringotts. "I need to warn you. The wizarding world is much more complicated than the Muggle. Stay close, and make sure you do not touch anything." He finished remembering his first time to Gringotts, and the surprise he received from the goblins.
Dudley of course did as he was asked, and Harry was relieved when he didn't faint at the sight of the goblins. This however was short lived, for the cart ride into the depths of London paid there price on poor Dudley, and the second his shaking legs reached solid ground, he allowed the motion of the cart to overpower his senses, and over the edge, lost everything he had eaten that day.
"That Mr. Dursley will be three sickles," The now angry Goblin commented as Harry handed him the key to his vault. "Just take it out of mine" He spoke shaking his head at his now unconscious cousin. Sirius had to hold back a laugh at the sight of Harry's expression, and once Harry had a moneybag full of gold, the group moved on to Sirius's vault.
Moments later Harry was standing in the largest vault he had ever seen, and Sirius who was loading numerous money bags full of gold turned around he simply shrugged. "The MOM seemed to think that gold would help erase the effects of Azkaban. Needless to say I will be set for life." He joked as the four climbed back onto the cart, and were soon back in Diagon Alley.
Over the next two hours, any empathy Harry had for his cousin's situation vanished. Spending time in Diagon Alley with Sirius, and Remus would normally be rather enjoyable, but Dudley seemed to think that now away from Dumbledore that he would have free rain to treat Harry with the same contempt that he normally did.
"I want a golden cauldron, I want my own broom, I want, I want, I want." Were the only words that left that boys mouth. Bye the time it came to purchases Dudley's wand, Harry was so put out that without his wand he silently placed a muting charm over him.
"Ah, finally a moment of piece and quiet" Remus commented as Harry pushed his cousin through the doors into Olivanders Fine Wands. Approaching the counter Harry was happy to see the old man instantly approach the counter,
"Ah Mr. Potter, coming bye to pick up your order I presume" he asked stepping into a back office, and walking out with a small rectangular box. "I was just about to ship it out, but seeing that you are her, I might as well spare my owl the trip" he finished handing the box to Harry who instantly opened it, and pulled out his fathers wand.
Both Remus, and Sirius gasped at the sight, and Harry had to hold in his laughter as the two slowly approached him. "Harry, where, I mean how" Remus stuttered picking up the wand and inspecting it. "Cho gave it to me for my birthday, to be honest I really haven't had the time to ask her" He said accepting the wand back from Remus, and producing a small bundle of flowers from the tip.
"Thank you sir" He said to Olivander as he carefully put the wand away. Just then Dudley stepped up to the counter, and Harry could tell by the scratch marks around his lips, and throat that he had been trying to speak the whole time.
"I will release the spell if you promise not to make a fuss" Harry said to his cousin, who instantly lost a few shades of color. Pulling out his wand, Harry reversed the muting spell, and was surprised as both Sirius, and Remus jerked the wand form his hand.
"Hey, what's the meaning" He begun, only to stop as the two inspected the small modifications Harry had made. Harry had to control his emotions as a silent tear fell from his godfathers face, and instead of questioning further, turned back to Mr. Olivander.
"Sir, I need one more thing tonight if you wouldn't mind. You see my cousin Dudley here needs a wand. Dudley Dursley" he finished knowing that Mr. Olivander would create a mental note of the name, and use it forever.
"Ah yes, lets see" he said waving his wand, and waiting patiently for a measuring tape to finish measuring the right arm of Dudley. "I am sure we have the wand for you" he finished heading toward the back, only to emerge a few seconds later with a couple of boxes. Like the sorting hat Olivander found that it was most difficult to satisfy the needs of Dudley, but in the end was able to produce just the wand. 7 ½ inches long, oak, with a hair of a unicorn.
The timing of this transaction could not have been better, Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Dudley had now spent two hours in Diagon Alley, and for the most part were the last shoppers left. When they reached the empty streets.
"This is no good." Sirius said as he realized it was now past the standard curfew set by the MOM. "We best be getting back to the portkey," He whispered looking down the dark streets, and watching the last of shopper's apparate away.
The four, laden down with packages, begun to walk toward the bank when Harry felt a sudden rush of cold develop around him, and along with Remus, and Sirius instinctively reached for his wand.
"Were being followed" Harry said as the group turned the final bend leading to the bank. "I know Harry, they came out of Knockturn Alley, lets just hurry" Sirius said lighting the end of his wand, and picking up the pace, Remus However slowly drifted to the back, and just as the portkey came into view all hell broke loose.
"Stupefy" The first curse of the night had been thrown, and Dudley had been hit with a stunning spell. "Get him up Harry" Sirius shouted disarming and binding the hag that had just stepped out from the dark, and attacked the group.
"Don't be foolish Black, you are no match for all of us, Give us Potter, and that muggle cousin of his, and you will be allowed to leave." "Lucius Malfoy, your voice gives you away you slimy git" Sirius shouted stepping past Harry, and aiming his wand at the obvious leader. "Rest assured that if you take one more step in our direction that your slimy hide will be the first to die tonight." He finished ushering Harry to get that git of a cousin to his feet.
Lucius however simply laughed. Stepping to the side as if giving his minion's permission to attack Harry's Sirius's, and Remus's blood froze as close to twenty dementors begun to rush the group. "Expectro Patronum" both Harry, and Remus shouted aiming their wand at the approaching creatures. The effect of the curse worked immediately, but they were suddenly overcome with another obstacle as Sirius fell to the ground screaming.
"Remus, Grab Sirius" Harry shouted throwing his hand out, and knocking the six closest men over without as much as a word. Doing as he was told, Remus pulled Sirius next to Dudley, and looking back to Harry noticed he had vanished in the direction of the portkey, only to reappear seconds later with the boot Hovering in front of him.
"On three" Harry shouted as he grabbed Dudley, but just as Remus, and Sirius reached out, Harry was knocked back from the others by a banishing charm, and the small boot landed on the group of three without him.
Harry let out a gasp of panic as Sirius, Remus, and Dudley vanished in front of him, but realizing he was now alone took action. "Expectro Patronum" Harry shouted, the few dementors that had gotten loose from his previous Patronus were now advancing on him, and Harry stopped them with the simple spell. Jumping to his feet, and scanning the area Harry took off in a sprint down the road.
"Stupid Git" he cursed to himself, "had to allow yourself to get banished, couldn't have acted quicker," he thought as he dove to the ground to avoid a flood of stunning spells. The quick reflexes quidditch had given him were working in his advantage now, but as deatheater after deatheater apparated around him, Harry found himself back in front of Gringotts surrounded by close to fifty enemies.
"Give up Potter, you are no match for." one of the old hags in the mob begun to speak, only to stop as Harry blasted her twenty feet down the road. He was about to make a break for the small opening when all of a sudden the darkness of the street vanished with a pop, and in its place was a white smoke so bright and potent that it cause Harry's knees to buckle, and he fell once again to the cold street below.
"What's happening" Harry managed to mutter as his eyelids slowly begun to close. Something about that light was forcing him to sleep, and the last thing Harry saw before blacking out was the image of two men standing above him, both wearing black masks.
"Fred, I told you we used to much sleeping powder, I mean he has been out for four hours now." "I know I know George, although you have to admit it made it much easier for us to get him in here, I mean by the time the minister officials arrived there were still twenty to thirty death eaters out. George laughed as he looked out the window. The light of the prank had gone out, but there were still numerous wizards attempting to clean up the effects of the smoke.
"What did Dumbledore say when you called him." George asked. "Well, needless to say he was pleased to know Harry was safe, Sirius, had explained what had happened, and they were just about to floo to Dads house, and apparate here when I reached him. He asked if Harry would be safe staying here for the night, and once I assured him only a Marauder, or a Weasley could figure out the way to our house did he agree to let Harry stay. "
"Did he tell you why they were here, I mean Harry should have been at school, and who was the boy that was with them?" "He wouldn't say, but I am sure when Harry wakes up he will explain everything" Fred finished sitting down for the first time that night, and placing his feet up on the near bye chair.
Just then however the two stopped, as Harry sat up with fear, and pain evident in his eyes. "Voldermort" He whispered rubbing his forehead, and reaching around his bed for his glasses. "Harry, Harry its alright, your safe here" Fred said hurrying over, and handing Harry his glasses.
"Fred, George, what are you two." Harry started still rubbing at his burning scar. "What happened?" Harry asked looking around at the two, and then at the room he was in. "Where are we?" "Well Harry, we are at our home here at Diagon Alley, above our shop." Fred started. "As for what happened, well we witnessed You, Sirius, Remus, and that other boy being attacked, and well we decided it would be a perfect time to try out our new invention, and well, needless to say we still have a few bugs to work out."
"But I remember two men with masks, they were reaching down to grab me, and Voldermort" he finished really hurting now. Fred and George quickly explained their new invention, and that the masks were created to keep the sleeping potion out when Harry fell off the bed clutching his scar.
"Harry, Harry what is it" Fred asked rushing to his side. "Voldermort" Harry stuttered struggling to get to his feet, and finding his wand. "He's here," he shouted pushing past the two, and looking out the window. What Harry saw next caused his blood to freeze, and grasping an armchair to his left, Harry broke the wooden headrest with the grip of his hand.
"Voldermort, fifty deatheaters at least, and they are coming this way" he said to both Fred and George who immediately went into action, and rushed to a portrait in the wall of the Chudley Cannons quidditch team. Pulling the portrait clear off the wall the two placed their wands into two desired spot, and at the same time shouted the words "Portkey apparatus." With a loud pop Harry could feel items within the shop below him change, and following Fred over to where what looked to be a glass wall stood, Harry watched in amazement as each shelf within the small shop rotated, and hundreds of small objects begun to fly around the room.
"What did you just do?" Harry asked watching as the door to the front was blown in, and deatheaters begun to storm the shop. "You'll see" Fred laughed clasping Harry on the back as the three sat and watched the first deatheater to come in contact with the flying objects vanish in a cloud of smoke.
"Oh that had to hurt" George laughed coming over to see a small muggle baseball smack a deatheater square in the face only to transport him away. "Wasn't that one the Mount Everest?" Fred asked staring at his twin. "In deed I believe it was Fred" George answered laughing as another five deatheaters were hammered by loose bludgers, then blindsided by flying portkeys.
Over the next fifteen minutes Harry, Fred, and George watched as deatheater after death eater attempted to reach the back room, and it wasn't until Voldermort himself entered that the three decided it was time to leave.
"Well brother, it's been fun, but I think it is time to get young Harry here out of harms way." He shouted, the noise from the small battle below was now echoing through the entire shop, and small apartment.
"I would have to agree with you bother" George chimed, watching as Voldermort created close to 100 small metal balls in front of him protecting him from both the loose bludgers, and the portkeys.
"I think old Voldy just figured out a way past our traps." He yelled grabbing a hold of Harry's arm, and concentrated hard. With a loud Pop, Harry found himself just three feet from the shrinking shack, and was surprised to see George panting for breath.
"Well, although I would have to say I would love to see the inside of the castle again" Fred started "I think it would be better to leave it for another day. Take care Harry, and here. If you are ever in a bind use one of these." He finished handing Harry a small leather belt with what looked to be five white pills.
"Ya, but just make sure you cover your face with a mask before you do, or you will wake up dazed and confused, and possibly in a worse situation then before" George finished laughing at the look in Harry's eyes.
Without another word the two disapparated, and Once again Harry found himself alone, but this time his life was not in mortal danger, and he knew exactly how to get back to Hogwarts.
When Harry woke up the next morning, He first took a long shower before getting dressed for the day. Deciding that it would be better to get the story over with quickly, he stayed in his room just long enough for everyone else to get dressed, and meet up with them in the warm common room.
Entering the room Harry was expecting to be rushed for answers, and explanations, but was pleasantly surprised when none came. Taking a seat next to Cho, he silently reaching for her hand, and had to hold back his look of surprise, and in fact fear when she slapped him across the face instead.
"Don't, ever do that to me again. You know I was up all night worrying about you, Sirius comes in tells us you were ambushed, and that you used the portkey to get everyone but yourself away, What were you thinking, I mean if Fred and George hadn't" She screamed all the time hitting him in the chest and arms as she pouted.
"Then I find out this morning that you were attacked again." She said throwing her arms in the air. "I could kill you for not letting me know you were back and safe" she now said crying. "I swear Mr. Potter that if you ever." Cho wasn't able to finish what she was saying, for at that moment she had thrown her arms around her now bruised boyfriend, and pulling him close.
When Cho finished Harry had to let out a sigh of relief. Believe it or not he was slightly injured from the previous night, and even though he was sure the intentions were good, the small punches he received from his girlfriend had in fact been very painful, and Harry was relieved that it was over.
"I'm Sorry," he said softly rubbing small circles on Cho's back as he held her close. "I didn't mean to allow the portkey to leave without me, but It did all the same" he finished looking around at the room, and seeing his friends, Godfather, and the Headmaster all beaming down at him. Flushing quiet red Harry pulled back from Cho, and stood.
"Come on, lets just forget about it for now, I haven't eaten in so long that If I don't eat soon you might as well make me up a bed in the hospital wing" He joked standing up, and motioning for the group to head to the fireplace. Moments later everyone had taken there seats, and Harry spent the breakfast explaining everything that had happened, and discussing the start of classes.
"Harry, McGonagall gave us our schedules last night. Compared to the standard sixth year, we have an additional three classes, I swear they are trying to kill us" He finished pulling out Harry's schedule, and handing it to him. "See, I mean come on what right do they have to give us five classes a day." He yelled only quieting down as Professor McGonagall gave him a pointed stare.
Scanning over his schedule Harry understood what Ron meant, and seeing that their first class was double Potions with the Slytherins, Harry let out a small groan, and headed off with the other sixth years into the direction of the Dungeons.
When Ron, Hermione, and he walked into the damp dark room, Harry instantly was overcome with an uneasy feeling. Granted this is how he felt during any class spent with the Slytherins, their was something about the atmosphere that put Harry's senses on alert, and over the next two and a half hours the group worked in almost complete silence. When the time came for the class to be over, Harry emptied their perfectly made shrinking potion, and exited the room. Once in the great Hall with his friends, he explained his feelings during class, and was surprised at what Ron said next.
"Their afraid Harry, couldn't you tell that the Slytherins feared being in your presence, I mean I have never seen any of them act the way they did today." "Ron, what are you on about, why would any of those gits care anymore about me this year then they did last" Harry asked, he had not noticed the difference in the Slytherins, but more an environmental change.
"Get off it you two" Harry finally said after listening to Hermione, and Ron go on about how he had changed over the holiday. Deciding to put off eating anything, Harry made his way to his second class, which was transfiguration.
"Okay, today we will be learning the complicated transformation of humans, Now there are two types of transformations someone could go through, first is the more difficult of the two which is Animagus Transformation" Professor McGonagall said transforming into a cat, then back. Everyone in the class; which now incorporated Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, clapped approvingly.
McGonagall simply smiled and continued. "This of course is very difficult magic, and if not done correctly can cause devastating side effects. I would be safe to say that very few, if any of you will ever master such as skill," she said almost in a challenging tone.
"The second form of transformation however is much easier to learn, and I am positive you should all master it soon enough. Now if you would please pull out your class book, and turn to page 5." With this Professor McGonagall transformed Ron into a pocket watch. "As you can see we will be first learning how to undo a human transformation." She laughed looking over the shocked faces of those in the room. "The student to transform Mr. Weasley back will earn their house 15 points" she finished stepping back to her desk, and taking a seat.
Harry couldn't help but laugh at what had happened. He figured if he had been the one next to the isle, he would have been transformed instead, and couldn't help thinking of his very first transfiguration class in which both Ron, and he showed up late.
"Oh dear," Harry could hear Hermione mutter to herself after her third attempt to change Ron back. During the one hour class everyone had tried a few times, but to the amusement of Harry; who had been the only one yet to attempt the retransformation, Ron had only changed from a standard pocket watch to a older more rustic looking one.
When the bell rang and the student's got up to leave, Harry, and Hermione stayed back at the request of Professor McGonagall. "Well, I am sure Mr.. Weasley has enjoyed his time as a pocket watch long enough, would either of you like to try to undo this one last time?" She asked looking pointedly at Harry.
"I will if you go first Hermione" Harry said pulling his wand for the first time the entire class. He had been studying his school material all summer, and during each attempt had been going over what they had done wrong in his mind.
"Are you sure Harry, I mean you haven't even tried once, and I have like ten times" Hermione answered looking pointedly at Harry as well. Harry simply nodded, and when Hermione tried the last time, Harry clapped loudly as his best friend popped back into his normal self.
"Way to go Hermione, this is the first time a student has successfully accomplished this during there first day, 15 points will be awarded to Gryffindor" McGonagall almost shouted, only to turn, and apologize to Ron. "Mr. Weasley, please take an additional 5 points for being such a good sport."
Laughing at the look on Ron's face, Harry made his way toward the doors, only to once again be held back up by Professor McGonagall. "I'll meet you in the great hall." He said to Hermione, and Ron, as they nodded and took off. Harry tossed his bags over his shoulder, and walked over to the desk where Professor McGonagall had taken a seat.
"Harry, I noticed that you didn't make an attempt today to revive Ron, is everything alright," She asked. Harry could tell by the tone in her voice that she was deadly serious. "To be honest professor I didn't try for a reason," He said going into explanation of what happened during his first class, and the comment Ron had made during the break. "I just don't want people acting weird around me is all" he finished looking down.
"Then I would be correct in saying you could successfully do this reversal if you tried." She asked, Harry smiled warmly at her, and as if to prove his point transformed Professor McGonagall into a phoenix, then back again.
"Very well Harry," McGonagall said straightening her hair, "Since you seem to have all the skills needed for this years studies what would you like to learn instead" She asked. Harry could see the pride behind her smile, and once again answered truthfully. "Animagus Transformation" he said, and Professor McGonagall simply nodded. "I had a feeling you would say that. Come to class like normal Thursday, and I shall have a few books for you to read," she said dismissing Harry for the day.
For Harry the rest of the day flew bye in a flash. After explaining to Ron and Hermione that the reason he slacked off in transformation was due to being tired, the group attended their first Dueling class with Sirius, and Remus.
"Well Harry, what do you think of our dueling class" Remus asked after the most boring class Harry had ever sat through, the entire time they had gone over history and technique, which meant that Harry had yet to pull his wand.
"Well to be honest Remus it was boring, I mean we could have at least tried the disarming spell," he answered feeling suddenly bad for his lack of tactfulness. "I had a feeling that the three of you would think so, that is precisely why we scheduled your advanced dueling class today as well. Gather Cho, and meet us back in your dorm room at eight" he finished roughing up Harry's head, and walking with Sirius out of the room. Harry turned back to his friends, and letting them know where they were to meet the group of three decided to get something to eat.
THANKS SCOTT
Chapter 4 The Sorting Ceremony
Moments later Harry Dumbledore and Dudley were waiting in the room where Harry remembered from his 1st year as a student. This is the room he was ushered into just before he was sorted, and as if a vision of the past was happening, the doors opened and in came close to fifty 1st year students, and one rough looking game keeper.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore" He said as he ushered the children to the fireplace to warm up. "Didn't recon seeing you in here" "Ahh Hagrid, just the man I needed to see, do you remember our young Mr. Dursley," He asked pointing to the terrified Dudley who had both hands firmly clasped to his bottom.
"Did you say Dursley" Hagrid asked eyeing the small boy. Just then recollection kicked in, and Hagrid burst into a wide grin. "I reckon I do remember him sir." He finished seeing Dumbledore's eyes twinkling at him, "But sir, what tis he doin here, Muggles are not allowed in the castle, you knows this."
"Yes Hagrid I do know this, Dudley is to be sorted tonight with the other first years. It is the only sure way to determine if he has what it takes to be at Hogwarts. Will you ensure he attends." Hagrid didn't argue the Headmaster, but instead simply nodded his head before hurried off to break up a small fight in the corner.
"Well Dudley, good luck tonight, I hope everything works out the way you want. Dumbledore spoke gesturing for Harry to follow him. Harry didn't bother to give Dudley the same kind words, but instead the two entered the busy great Hall, and made there way toward there appointed seats, Harry's next to Ron and Hermione of course.
"So, are you going to tell us what happened" Ron immediately asked as Harry sat down, Harry let out a sigh. Deciding it would be better to get it over with now, Harry jumped into the explanation, and he sat explaining everything until the sorting ceremony was close to being over, and Dudley was the last standing student.
"Good evening students, and welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I hope you all enjoyed your summer. I am sure by now the knowledge of last year has leaked from your minds, and I assure you our teachers are anxious to refill them. He laughed looking over the hall, and seeing the students groaning inwardly.
I do however have a few start of term announcements, First years note that the forbidden forest is off grounds to all students. We have taken extra precautions to insure your safety, and even though that extends into the forest it is not safe at this time." He finished looking around the hall. It had become so quiet that a pin drop could most likely be heard.
"Secondly, as you must have noticed the staff table is significantly larger this year, this is due to the added threat of Voldermort." Harry had to laugh as he heard screams, and gasps come at the simple use of Voldermorts name. Dumbledore however didn't like the change, and moved on quickly.
"Like I was saying, due to the threat of Voldermort we have added 10 MOM aurors to our staff, and have opened dueling as a course to those who wish to participate. The instructors will be those of Remus Lupin, our former DADA teacher, and Mr. Sirius Black" Dumbledore finished pointing to the ten members on the far end of the table dressed in a deep maroon colored robe, and cloak, as well as the two men to his left
"I would also like to introduce our new DADA teachers, as they acted as your teachers toward the end of the year most of you already know them, they are Mrs. Figg, and Mr. Moody" Dumbledore again finished pointing to the odd couple to his right.
"Now, I am sure you are all hungry, and anxious to eat however I have one more item of business. As you can all see we have a new 6th year student transferring to us from a local school in London? Dudley, if you would please place on the sorting hat." Dumbledore finished taking a seat, and watching anxiously.
Harry would have sworn that at that moment his heart had stopped, and everyone in the hall, including Dudley himself waited for the hat to speak.
"Interesting, very interesting. There is talent, ohh yes, Defiantly have a bit of talent, however there is hesitation as well, Unique characteristics would point you to Slytherin, but no I don't think you would do well there, Gryffindor is a place where the brave, and noble in heart would lie, and no, I don't believe you belong there, but then there is only Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw is where the wisest would go, and even though there is talent Ravenclaw is well, not right for you either. I would say Hufflepuff, but no, Hufflepuff is not right for you either. Son I simply cannot place you.
Dudley spoke to the hat this time, and letting him know it was quiet all right, took it off, and handed it back to McGonagall. Without as much as a word to anyone in the hall, Dudley walked into the room behind the teacher's table where he was met by both Dumbledore, and Harry.
"Well, well, well, it seems that this evening has lived up to everything it was cracked up to be." Dumbledore spoke as the two, Dumbledore, and Harry approached the silent Dudley. "Sir, what I am to do now, my parents are dead, I have no one back in London, and I see I have no one here either," he said placing his head in his hands, and weeping silently. Something happened however in that moment that Harry did not expect, and with a sudden feeling of both guilt, and sorrow, he walked toward his weeping cousin, and embraced him with his strong arms.
"Dudley, I want you to know that even though we might not have gotten off the best your still family, according to the sorting hat you have magic in you even though you cannot decide where you want to be." He finished searching his own thoughts on the matter. He remembered once when Dumbledore advised him that it was the choice to go to Gryffindor that placed him in that house, and maybe with time, Dudley would figure out the best place for him as well.
"What am I to do now?" Dudley asked gazing into the fire, and watching as the ashes would drift in and out of the light.
"Well Mr. Dursley," Dumbledore spoke stepping over to the two, and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. How about we try this, for the next two weeks you will stay here. During that time you will be trained by as many teachers as we can manage, and if in fact you have the talent the sorting hat sees within you, and if you can bring yourself up to speed, I will allow you to stay here as a student.
"But sure, what house will he be in, I mean he can't possibly" Harry begun, only to stop as Dumbledore raised his hand. "For the next two weeks he will be in no house, If he grasps the magical world, and is able to perform the standard 1st year spells then we will revisit sorting him, by then he will understand more where he belongs, and I am sure the sorting hat will be able to place him.
Harry smiled at the thought, for if Dudley were in fact a wizard, it would be the first time in the history of Hogwarts that a wizard student couldn't be sorted. Harry had to push these thoughts from his mind. He realized that it was most likely due to the assortment of different thoughts, emotions, and pain going through his cousin, and deciding to once again open up to his cousin he opted to skip dinner with him, in hopes they could instead visit Hogsmeade to pick Dudley up a wand.
"Ah, I had a feeling you would ask that, Sirius is waiting for you in the front with a portkey, Diagon Alley would be the better place I am sure. Olivander by all means is the finest wand maker." Harry had to smile at the headmaster. Leave it to him to have prepared for both results. Opening the doors to the quiet great hall, Harry quickly made his way back to his friends, and after a few moments in which he explained what would happen next, walked out the great Hall with Dudley behind him, and the eyes of every student in the hall plastered to there backs.
"Now, where was I" Dumbledore voice boomed as Harry closed the door behind him. It was always amazing how that man could get someone's attention, and Harry was sure by the time he returned Dumbledore would have sorted out the students.
Opening up the front doors to the castle, Harry was happy to see his Godfather, and Remus both waiting for him by a small shoe. "Well you two, are you ready?" He asked as a confident Harry stepped up to the others, and motioned for the timid Dudley to follow.
"I would have to say he will end up in Hufflepuff" Remus commented, as Harry, and Sirius just nodded. Dudley finally got the courage to join the three, and as there hands touched the portkey, the group was swept away in a blinding rush of wind, and a tight pull behind their navels.
"Now Dudley" Harry said as the group appeared directly in front of Gringotts. "I need to warn you. The wizarding world is much more complicated than the Muggle. Stay close, and make sure you do not touch anything." He finished remembering his first time to Gringotts, and the surprise he received from the goblins.
Dudley of course did as he was asked, and Harry was relieved when he didn't faint at the sight of the goblins. This however was short lived, for the cart ride into the depths of London paid there price on poor Dudley, and the second his shaking legs reached solid ground, he allowed the motion of the cart to overpower his senses, and over the edge, lost everything he had eaten that day.
"That Mr. Dursley will be three sickles," The now angry Goblin commented as Harry handed him the key to his vault. "Just take it out of mine" He spoke shaking his head at his now unconscious cousin. Sirius had to hold back a laugh at the sight of Harry's expression, and once Harry had a moneybag full of gold, the group moved on to Sirius's vault.
Moments later Harry was standing in the largest vault he had ever seen, and Sirius who was loading numerous money bags full of gold turned around he simply shrugged. "The MOM seemed to think that gold would help erase the effects of Azkaban. Needless to say I will be set for life." He joked as the four climbed back onto the cart, and were soon back in Diagon Alley.
Over the next two hours, any empathy Harry had for his cousin's situation vanished. Spending time in Diagon Alley with Sirius, and Remus would normally be rather enjoyable, but Dudley seemed to think that now away from Dumbledore that he would have free rain to treat Harry with the same contempt that he normally did.
"I want a golden cauldron, I want my own broom, I want, I want, I want." Were the only words that left that boys mouth. Bye the time it came to purchases Dudley's wand, Harry was so put out that without his wand he silently placed a muting charm over him.
"Ah, finally a moment of piece and quiet" Remus commented as Harry pushed his cousin through the doors into Olivanders Fine Wands. Approaching the counter Harry was happy to see the old man instantly approach the counter,
"Ah Mr. Potter, coming bye to pick up your order I presume" he asked stepping into a back office, and walking out with a small rectangular box. "I was just about to ship it out, but seeing that you are her, I might as well spare my owl the trip" he finished handing the box to Harry who instantly opened it, and pulled out his fathers wand.
Both Remus, and Sirius gasped at the sight, and Harry had to hold in his laughter as the two slowly approached him. "Harry, where, I mean how" Remus stuttered picking up the wand and inspecting it. "Cho gave it to me for my birthday, to be honest I really haven't had the time to ask her" He said accepting the wand back from Remus, and producing a small bundle of flowers from the tip.
"Thank you sir" He said to Olivander as he carefully put the wand away. Just then Dudley stepped up to the counter, and Harry could tell by the scratch marks around his lips, and throat that he had been trying to speak the whole time.
"I will release the spell if you promise not to make a fuss" Harry said to his cousin, who instantly lost a few shades of color. Pulling out his wand, Harry reversed the muting spell, and was surprised as both Sirius, and Remus jerked the wand form his hand.
"Hey, what's the meaning" He begun, only to stop as the two inspected the small modifications Harry had made. Harry had to control his emotions as a silent tear fell from his godfathers face, and instead of questioning further, turned back to Mr. Olivander.
"Sir, I need one more thing tonight if you wouldn't mind. You see my cousin Dudley here needs a wand. Dudley Dursley" he finished knowing that Mr. Olivander would create a mental note of the name, and use it forever.
"Ah yes, lets see" he said waving his wand, and waiting patiently for a measuring tape to finish measuring the right arm of Dudley. "I am sure we have the wand for you" he finished heading toward the back, only to emerge a few seconds later with a couple of boxes. Like the sorting hat Olivander found that it was most difficult to satisfy the needs of Dudley, but in the end was able to produce just the wand. 7 ½ inches long, oak, with a hair of a unicorn.
The timing of this transaction could not have been better, Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Dudley had now spent two hours in Diagon Alley, and for the most part were the last shoppers left. When they reached the empty streets.
"This is no good." Sirius said as he realized it was now past the standard curfew set by the MOM. "We best be getting back to the portkey," He whispered looking down the dark streets, and watching the last of shopper's apparate away.
The four, laden down with packages, begun to walk toward the bank when Harry felt a sudden rush of cold develop around him, and along with Remus, and Sirius instinctively reached for his wand.
"Were being followed" Harry said as the group turned the final bend leading to the bank. "I know Harry, they came out of Knockturn Alley, lets just hurry" Sirius said lighting the end of his wand, and picking up the pace, Remus However slowly drifted to the back, and just as the portkey came into view all hell broke loose.
"Stupefy" The first curse of the night had been thrown, and Dudley had been hit with a stunning spell. "Get him up Harry" Sirius shouted disarming and binding the hag that had just stepped out from the dark, and attacked the group.
"Don't be foolish Black, you are no match for all of us, Give us Potter, and that muggle cousin of his, and you will be allowed to leave." "Lucius Malfoy, your voice gives you away you slimy git" Sirius shouted stepping past Harry, and aiming his wand at the obvious leader. "Rest assured that if you take one more step in our direction that your slimy hide will be the first to die tonight." He finished ushering Harry to get that git of a cousin to his feet.
Lucius however simply laughed. Stepping to the side as if giving his minion's permission to attack Harry's Sirius's, and Remus's blood froze as close to twenty dementors begun to rush the group. "Expectro Patronum" both Harry, and Remus shouted aiming their wand at the approaching creatures. The effect of the curse worked immediately, but they were suddenly overcome with another obstacle as Sirius fell to the ground screaming.
"Remus, Grab Sirius" Harry shouted throwing his hand out, and knocking the six closest men over without as much as a word. Doing as he was told, Remus pulled Sirius next to Dudley, and looking back to Harry noticed he had vanished in the direction of the portkey, only to reappear seconds later with the boot Hovering in front of him.
"On three" Harry shouted as he grabbed Dudley, but just as Remus, and Sirius reached out, Harry was knocked back from the others by a banishing charm, and the small boot landed on the group of three without him.
Harry let out a gasp of panic as Sirius, Remus, and Dudley vanished in front of him, but realizing he was now alone took action. "Expectro Patronum" Harry shouted, the few dementors that had gotten loose from his previous Patronus were now advancing on him, and Harry stopped them with the simple spell. Jumping to his feet, and scanning the area Harry took off in a sprint down the road.
"Stupid Git" he cursed to himself, "had to allow yourself to get banished, couldn't have acted quicker," he thought as he dove to the ground to avoid a flood of stunning spells. The quick reflexes quidditch had given him were working in his advantage now, but as deatheater after deatheater apparated around him, Harry found himself back in front of Gringotts surrounded by close to fifty enemies.
"Give up Potter, you are no match for." one of the old hags in the mob begun to speak, only to stop as Harry blasted her twenty feet down the road. He was about to make a break for the small opening when all of a sudden the darkness of the street vanished with a pop, and in its place was a white smoke so bright and potent that it cause Harry's knees to buckle, and he fell once again to the cold street below.
"What's happening" Harry managed to mutter as his eyelids slowly begun to close. Something about that light was forcing him to sleep, and the last thing Harry saw before blacking out was the image of two men standing above him, both wearing black masks.
"Fred, I told you we used to much sleeping powder, I mean he has been out for four hours now." "I know I know George, although you have to admit it made it much easier for us to get him in here, I mean by the time the minister officials arrived there were still twenty to thirty death eaters out. George laughed as he looked out the window. The light of the prank had gone out, but there were still numerous wizards attempting to clean up the effects of the smoke.
"What did Dumbledore say when you called him." George asked. "Well, needless to say he was pleased to know Harry was safe, Sirius, had explained what had happened, and they were just about to floo to Dads house, and apparate here when I reached him. He asked if Harry would be safe staying here for the night, and once I assured him only a Marauder, or a Weasley could figure out the way to our house did he agree to let Harry stay. "
"Did he tell you why they were here, I mean Harry should have been at school, and who was the boy that was with them?" "He wouldn't say, but I am sure when Harry wakes up he will explain everything" Fred finished sitting down for the first time that night, and placing his feet up on the near bye chair.
Just then however the two stopped, as Harry sat up with fear, and pain evident in his eyes. "Voldermort" He whispered rubbing his forehead, and reaching around his bed for his glasses. "Harry, Harry its alright, your safe here" Fred said hurrying over, and handing Harry his glasses.
"Fred, George, what are you two." Harry started still rubbing at his burning scar. "What happened?" Harry asked looking around at the two, and then at the room he was in. "Where are we?" "Well Harry, we are at our home here at Diagon Alley, above our shop." Fred started. "As for what happened, well we witnessed You, Sirius, Remus, and that other boy being attacked, and well we decided it would be a perfect time to try out our new invention, and well, needless to say we still have a few bugs to work out."
"But I remember two men with masks, they were reaching down to grab me, and Voldermort" he finished really hurting now. Fred and George quickly explained their new invention, and that the masks were created to keep the sleeping potion out when Harry fell off the bed clutching his scar.
"Harry, Harry what is it" Fred asked rushing to his side. "Voldermort" Harry stuttered struggling to get to his feet, and finding his wand. "He's here," he shouted pushing past the two, and looking out the window. What Harry saw next caused his blood to freeze, and grasping an armchair to his left, Harry broke the wooden headrest with the grip of his hand.
"Voldermort, fifty deatheaters at least, and they are coming this way" he said to both Fred and George who immediately went into action, and rushed to a portrait in the wall of the Chudley Cannons quidditch team. Pulling the portrait clear off the wall the two placed their wands into two desired spot, and at the same time shouted the words "Portkey apparatus." With a loud pop Harry could feel items within the shop below him change, and following Fred over to where what looked to be a glass wall stood, Harry watched in amazement as each shelf within the small shop rotated, and hundreds of small objects begun to fly around the room.
"What did you just do?" Harry asked watching as the door to the front was blown in, and deatheaters begun to storm the shop. "You'll see" Fred laughed clasping Harry on the back as the three sat and watched the first deatheater to come in contact with the flying objects vanish in a cloud of smoke.
"Oh that had to hurt" George laughed coming over to see a small muggle baseball smack a deatheater square in the face only to transport him away. "Wasn't that one the Mount Everest?" Fred asked staring at his twin. "In deed I believe it was Fred" George answered laughing as another five deatheaters were hammered by loose bludgers, then blindsided by flying portkeys.
Over the next fifteen minutes Harry, Fred, and George watched as deatheater after death eater attempted to reach the back room, and it wasn't until Voldermort himself entered that the three decided it was time to leave.
"Well brother, it's been fun, but I think it is time to get young Harry here out of harms way." He shouted, the noise from the small battle below was now echoing through the entire shop, and small apartment.
"I would have to agree with you bother" George chimed, watching as Voldermort created close to 100 small metal balls in front of him protecting him from both the loose bludgers, and the portkeys.
"I think old Voldy just figured out a way past our traps." He yelled grabbing a hold of Harry's arm, and concentrated hard. With a loud Pop, Harry found himself just three feet from the shrinking shack, and was surprised to see George panting for breath.
"Well, although I would have to say I would love to see the inside of the castle again" Fred started "I think it would be better to leave it for another day. Take care Harry, and here. If you are ever in a bind use one of these." He finished handing Harry a small leather belt with what looked to be five white pills.
"Ya, but just make sure you cover your face with a mask before you do, or you will wake up dazed and confused, and possibly in a worse situation then before" George finished laughing at the look in Harry's eyes.
Without another word the two disapparated, and Once again Harry found himself alone, but this time his life was not in mortal danger, and he knew exactly how to get back to Hogwarts.
When Harry woke up the next morning, He first took a long shower before getting dressed for the day. Deciding that it would be better to get the story over with quickly, he stayed in his room just long enough for everyone else to get dressed, and meet up with them in the warm common room.
Entering the room Harry was expecting to be rushed for answers, and explanations, but was pleasantly surprised when none came. Taking a seat next to Cho, he silently reaching for her hand, and had to hold back his look of surprise, and in fact fear when she slapped him across the face instead.
"Don't, ever do that to me again. You know I was up all night worrying about you, Sirius comes in tells us you were ambushed, and that you used the portkey to get everyone but yourself away, What were you thinking, I mean if Fred and George hadn't" She screamed all the time hitting him in the chest and arms as she pouted.
"Then I find out this morning that you were attacked again." She said throwing her arms in the air. "I could kill you for not letting me know you were back and safe" she now said crying. "I swear Mr. Potter that if you ever." Cho wasn't able to finish what she was saying, for at that moment she had thrown her arms around her now bruised boyfriend, and pulling him close.
When Cho finished Harry had to let out a sigh of relief. Believe it or not he was slightly injured from the previous night, and even though he was sure the intentions were good, the small punches he received from his girlfriend had in fact been very painful, and Harry was relieved that it was over.
"I'm Sorry," he said softly rubbing small circles on Cho's back as he held her close. "I didn't mean to allow the portkey to leave without me, but It did all the same" he finished looking around at the room, and seeing his friends, Godfather, and the Headmaster all beaming down at him. Flushing quiet red Harry pulled back from Cho, and stood.
"Come on, lets just forget about it for now, I haven't eaten in so long that If I don't eat soon you might as well make me up a bed in the hospital wing" He joked standing up, and motioning for the group to head to the fireplace. Moments later everyone had taken there seats, and Harry spent the breakfast explaining everything that had happened, and discussing the start of classes.
"Harry, McGonagall gave us our schedules last night. Compared to the standard sixth year, we have an additional three classes, I swear they are trying to kill us" He finished pulling out Harry's schedule, and handing it to him. "See, I mean come on what right do they have to give us five classes a day." He yelled only quieting down as Professor McGonagall gave him a pointed stare.
Scanning over his schedule Harry understood what Ron meant, and seeing that their first class was double Potions with the Slytherins, Harry let out a small groan, and headed off with the other sixth years into the direction of the Dungeons.
When Ron, Hermione, and he walked into the damp dark room, Harry instantly was overcome with an uneasy feeling. Granted this is how he felt during any class spent with the Slytherins, their was something about the atmosphere that put Harry's senses on alert, and over the next two and a half hours the group worked in almost complete silence. When the time came for the class to be over, Harry emptied their perfectly made shrinking potion, and exited the room. Once in the great Hall with his friends, he explained his feelings during class, and was surprised at what Ron said next.
"Their afraid Harry, couldn't you tell that the Slytherins feared being in your presence, I mean I have never seen any of them act the way they did today." "Ron, what are you on about, why would any of those gits care anymore about me this year then they did last" Harry asked, he had not noticed the difference in the Slytherins, but more an environmental change.
"Get off it you two" Harry finally said after listening to Hermione, and Ron go on about how he had changed over the holiday. Deciding to put off eating anything, Harry made his way to his second class, which was transfiguration.
"Okay, today we will be learning the complicated transformation of humans, Now there are two types of transformations someone could go through, first is the more difficult of the two which is Animagus Transformation" Professor McGonagall said transforming into a cat, then back. Everyone in the class; which now incorporated Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, clapped approvingly.
McGonagall simply smiled and continued. "This of course is very difficult magic, and if not done correctly can cause devastating side effects. I would be safe to say that very few, if any of you will ever master such as skill," she said almost in a challenging tone.
"The second form of transformation however is much easier to learn, and I am positive you should all master it soon enough. Now if you would please pull out your class book, and turn to page 5." With this Professor McGonagall transformed Ron into a pocket watch. "As you can see we will be first learning how to undo a human transformation." She laughed looking over the shocked faces of those in the room. "The student to transform Mr. Weasley back will earn their house 15 points" she finished stepping back to her desk, and taking a seat.
Harry couldn't help but laugh at what had happened. He figured if he had been the one next to the isle, he would have been transformed instead, and couldn't help thinking of his very first transfiguration class in which both Ron, and he showed up late.
"Oh dear," Harry could hear Hermione mutter to herself after her third attempt to change Ron back. During the one hour class everyone had tried a few times, but to the amusement of Harry; who had been the only one yet to attempt the retransformation, Ron had only changed from a standard pocket watch to a older more rustic looking one.
When the bell rang and the student's got up to leave, Harry, and Hermione stayed back at the request of Professor McGonagall. "Well, I am sure Mr.. Weasley has enjoyed his time as a pocket watch long enough, would either of you like to try to undo this one last time?" She asked looking pointedly at Harry.
"I will if you go first Hermione" Harry said pulling his wand for the first time the entire class. He had been studying his school material all summer, and during each attempt had been going over what they had done wrong in his mind.
"Are you sure Harry, I mean you haven't even tried once, and I have like ten times" Hermione answered looking pointedly at Harry as well. Harry simply nodded, and when Hermione tried the last time, Harry clapped loudly as his best friend popped back into his normal self.
"Way to go Hermione, this is the first time a student has successfully accomplished this during there first day, 15 points will be awarded to Gryffindor" McGonagall almost shouted, only to turn, and apologize to Ron. "Mr. Weasley, please take an additional 5 points for being such a good sport."
Laughing at the look on Ron's face, Harry made his way toward the doors, only to once again be held back up by Professor McGonagall. "I'll meet you in the great hall." He said to Hermione, and Ron, as they nodded and took off. Harry tossed his bags over his shoulder, and walked over to the desk where Professor McGonagall had taken a seat.
"Harry, I noticed that you didn't make an attempt today to revive Ron, is everything alright," She asked. Harry could tell by the tone in her voice that she was deadly serious. "To be honest professor I didn't try for a reason," He said going into explanation of what happened during his first class, and the comment Ron had made during the break. "I just don't want people acting weird around me is all" he finished looking down.
"Then I would be correct in saying you could successfully do this reversal if you tried." She asked, Harry smiled warmly at her, and as if to prove his point transformed Professor McGonagall into a phoenix, then back again.
"Very well Harry," McGonagall said straightening her hair, "Since you seem to have all the skills needed for this years studies what would you like to learn instead" She asked. Harry could see the pride behind her smile, and once again answered truthfully. "Animagus Transformation" he said, and Professor McGonagall simply nodded. "I had a feeling you would say that. Come to class like normal Thursday, and I shall have a few books for you to read," she said dismissing Harry for the day.
For Harry the rest of the day flew bye in a flash. After explaining to Ron and Hermione that the reason he slacked off in transformation was due to being tired, the group attended their first Dueling class with Sirius, and Remus.
"Well Harry, what do you think of our dueling class" Remus asked after the most boring class Harry had ever sat through, the entire time they had gone over history and technique, which meant that Harry had yet to pull his wand.
"Well to be honest Remus it was boring, I mean we could have at least tried the disarming spell," he answered feeling suddenly bad for his lack of tactfulness. "I had a feeling that the three of you would think so, that is precisely why we scheduled your advanced dueling class today as well. Gather Cho, and meet us back in your dorm room at eight" he finished roughing up Harry's head, and walking with Sirius out of the room. Harry turned back to his friends, and letting them know where they were to meet the group of three decided to get something to eat.