Chapter Eight- Dumbledore's Warning
Harry and the others sat fairly quiet as the carriages drew closer to Hogwarts. The school was bright from top to bottom. The castle looked as welcoming as it did the previous year, with its many floors and its many secrets. The Carriages stopped at the bottom of the steps into the entrance hall. The first years would be crossing the lake with Hagrid at this time. Everyone began to disembark and headed up the steps. Harry spotted Malfoy who did not even turn his way. He simply walked up the stairs into the castle, and the amazing thing was, he wasn't with Crabbe, Goyle nor Pansy Parkinson.
"Did Malfoy sneer at you while you were in the Prefect Compartment?" Harry asked, as he picked up Hedwigs cage, and stepped out of the carriage.
"Nope. He didn't even say a word. He was silent the entire time" said Hermione.
"I think he got in trouble for the Diagon alley incident" said Ron.
"But he didn't do anything" said Harry defensively. He looked astonished at what he had just done. Had he just defended Malfoy?
"We know he didn't do anything, but maybe his mother took her anger out on him when they had gotten back home" said Hermione as she grabbed Ron's hand. Cho came sprinting up behind Harry.
"Hi" she said, grabbing Harry's hand and kissing him on the cheek.
Harry felt himself grow red.
"Hi Cho" he said, trying to contain his happiness.
"I'm sorry I didn't see you on the train"
"Its ok"
"Come on, lets get-AHHHHHH!!!" yelled Ron. A large balloon dropped from the sky onto his head, splashing freezing water everywhere. Peeves was crackling above them, laughing hysterically. Harry and Cho barely managed to jump out of the way to avoid being soaked.
This same incident happened two years ago, when Harry, Ron and Hermione arrived at the castle.
"PEEVES!" roared Ron. "I'M GOING TO CURSE YOU!" he continued, pulling out his wand, and he said "Confundus" as a jet of blinding light hit peeves. Peeves was now flying dangerously into things, and people. Several second years dodged out of his way as he darted at them, unable to control himself. Ron had confused him.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed. "Why did you do that?"
"That stupid prat has annoyed me for the last time!" he said furiously.
Suddenly, Peeves came back, and this time, he came back in his right state of mind. Someone had removed the Confundus charm and he now hurled an even large water filled balloon at Ron. A flash of red light hit the balloon causing it to explode before it had reached Ron. It was Professor McGonagall. She wore Blue robes, and her spectacles on her eyes. Her hair was set in a very tight bun.
"Peeves!" she roared. "GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!"
"Peeves is very very angry at the Weasel King!" Peeves said, as he chucked pebbles at Ron.
The stones were even hitting other students, who shrieked and dashed inside for protection.
"Conjunctivitis" roared a familiar voice from behind Professor McGonagall. It was Draco. His spell had hit Peeves directly in the eyes, causing Peeves to scream in pain, rubbing his eyes. Professor McGonagall conjured tight ropes around Peeves and turned to Draco.
"Thank you Mr. Malfoy. That would be Ten Points to Slytherin house" she said, as she began to direct peeves with her wand. She was sending him to the window of the Hospital Wing. Draco didn't even seem pleased to receive his ten points. He walked down to Ron. Harry thought he was going to say something horrible to him, but what came out his mouth next was a complete surprise.
"Are you alright?"
Hermione, Cho and the surrounding student's mouths fell open. Harry looked to Ron, who wasn't sure to answer the question or to drop dead.
".Well, I guess your okay then. See you inside" said Draco, as he darted up the stone steps into the castle. The others followed in silence and confusion.
The Great Hall looked its splendid self as always. There were hundreds of candles floating in the air above the four long house tables, one for each of the houses at Hogwarts; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. At the back was the long Staff table.
Cho gave Harry another kiss on the cheek and sat down at the Ravenclaw table. Harry, Hermione and Ron walked to the head of the Gryffindor table and sat down. Both Hermione and Ron's attention was drawn to the staff table, as they watched Kevin talk with Professor Dumbledore. He was wearing the same robes Harry saw him wearing in his dream.
"Is that the new Dark Arts teacher?" asked Hermione, sounding as though she were in a trance.
Harry didn't want to answer with a yes so he said, "I don't know, is it?"
A few moments later, Hagrid entered behind the staff table and took a seat. Harry saw him wave, and returned it. The Great Hall doors opened, and Professor McGonagall was leading the line of first years into the room. Silence fell, as the first years looked around, looking amazed. They stopped along the staff table, as Professor McGonagall directed them too. The sorting hat was sitting on its stool, motionless. After a moment of silence, the brim of the hat opened like a mouth and it broke into song;
A thousand Years have passed like snow
And there is much I know.
I have seen so much and heard so much
That none of you can touch.
Every child who passes through
Never knows what I have known.
I shall not speak of houses now
For that is very slow.
Listen to our headmaster now
And he'll tell you
What I know
Everyone in the Great Hall looked slightly puzzled at the hats new song. Last year, Harry remembered that it had given the school a warning, and never had he known It to deliver a song so short, and so branched out. Harry had a distinct feeling of what Dumbledore's warning was about.
Dumbledore stood up, wearing Maroon colored robes with gold stars on them. He peered through his half moon spectacles and began to speak, in a voice of deep concern and worry. The standing line of first years looked concerned.
"I have decided to hold off the sorting ceremony until after a few brief and important notices" he said, his voice filling the silence. "As many of you know, the Ministry of Magic has witnessed the return of Lord Voldermort a few months ago. They have decided to help the magical community to better protect themselves against the growing threat of Lord Voldermorts Army" he continued, looking around at everyone, but Harry saw him looking towards the Slytherin table, at one particular student; Draco Malfoy.
"Many of you, have had your fair run ins with Lord Voldermort (and with that, he looked at Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Ginny) and have thwarted many of his plans. I am pleased to say that you all have been trained well, and I know you will do your best to defend yourselves against any invasion within our beloved school"
Harry was half listening to Dumbledore's speech. He was staring at Malfoy. Why did Dumbledore look toward him when he said 'Voldermorts Army'?
Dumbledore's voice invaded Harry's ears. "Which is why I tell you this again; we are only strong when we are united than we are divided. Even though each house at Hogwarts has its own virtues, there are still ties to be mended. That means we all need to bond together and put aside our differences, during this terrible time in our history" he continued, still beaming around the Great Hall. Dumbledore now motioned to the man sitting next to him. "With that said, I would like to introduce our new permanent Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Kevin Hugersby"
The hall rang out in applause as he stood up, and welcomed the applause. Many of the girls seemed to be fluttering their eyelashes at him, and turning red. Hermione on the other hand snorted.
"They only like him-"
"Because he's handsome" Ron and Harry said at the same time, finishing her sentence.
"Now, let the sorting begin."
Professor McGonagall began to call names from the scroll. Harry took this opportunity to speak with Ron and Hermione.
"Did Draco do what I think he did?" he asked.
"It was very surprising" said Hermione, clapping politely when Abercomb, Madeline was sorted into Ravenclaw. "But, I think he's just putting on an act if you ask me" she continued, sounding irritated.
Ron nodded. "I think she's right Harry"
"But remember what he said in Diagon Alley?" Harry asked.
"Now that was a moment I wanted to fix in my memory forever" Ron said, clapping loudly when Cornell, Stephanie was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Why don't you just go and talk to him?" Hermione said, as she made a quick glance to the Slytherin Table. Harry did the same. Draco was sitting at the head of the table, watching the sorting with interest. Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy sat in the middle of the table, looking lost as to why Draco wasn't sitting with them.
"Uh-oh" muttered Ron.
"What?"
"The sorting hat is debating.listen"
Harry turned his attention to the sorting hat.
A small boy with hazel eyes, small spiky black hair and tan skin was sitting at the stool. He wore a look of concern on his face, as the sorting hat spoke.
".Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff don't suit your mind, but Slytherin and Gryffindor does. You have courage for Gryffindor and Ambition for Slytherin but you can't be in both" said the sorting hat, sounding as though it was having a tough time placing the boy somewhere. "But I know where to place you because I always know.GRYFFINDOR!" yelled the sorting hat.
The Gryffindor table exploded in applause, and when Harry glanced at the Slytherin table, his jaw dropped. Draco was standing up applauding the boy as he walked to the Gryffindor table. Harry had no idea what Draco was up to. It wasn't like him to applaud a Gryffindor.
The sorting went on and finally the last person was sorted (Yalez, Heather- Hufflepuff) and Dumbledore rose again.
"Let the feast begin" he said, and instantly the tables were littered with food, and drinks. At that moment, the hall grew noisy as everyone began to eat.
Harry was watching Colin and Dennis welcome the boy with the hazel eyes.
"Hey look! Look!" said Colin pointing at Harry. "Do you know who that is?"
The boy looked at Harry. "Yeah, its Harry Potter" he said, in a voice of wiriness. Colin and Dennis looked shocked.
"How come you say his name like its nothing to be excited about?" Dennis asked, sounding a little angry.
"Because he's nothing but an attention seeking idiot" muttered the boy.
"Excuse Me?" said Harry.
"You heard me! You think your so cool because you have that stupid scar on your forehead!" the boy said.
Hermione intervened. "Kevin, that's not nice at all. I'll have to take-"
"Shut up you stupid Mudblood"
The entire Gryffindor table froze. It was very strange to hear a Gryffindor call a fellow Gryffindor a Mudblood. Hermione's face flushed red.
"HEY!" shouted Ron, causing the entire hall to freeze, and look. "Watch your mouth!"
"I don't have to, weasel head! Your nothing but a Mudblood lover!" Kevin said.
Harry bolted up out of his seat ready to pounce on Kevin, but Professor McGonagall rose out of her seat.
"Potter, Weasley, and Davidson. To my office, now" she said, in her usual stern voice. Harry, Ron and Kevin moved away from the Gryffindor table and began to exit the hall, followed by Professor McGonagall. They headed to her office.
Harry and the others sat fairly quiet as the carriages drew closer to Hogwarts. The school was bright from top to bottom. The castle looked as welcoming as it did the previous year, with its many floors and its many secrets. The Carriages stopped at the bottom of the steps into the entrance hall. The first years would be crossing the lake with Hagrid at this time. Everyone began to disembark and headed up the steps. Harry spotted Malfoy who did not even turn his way. He simply walked up the stairs into the castle, and the amazing thing was, he wasn't with Crabbe, Goyle nor Pansy Parkinson.
"Did Malfoy sneer at you while you were in the Prefect Compartment?" Harry asked, as he picked up Hedwigs cage, and stepped out of the carriage.
"Nope. He didn't even say a word. He was silent the entire time" said Hermione.
"I think he got in trouble for the Diagon alley incident" said Ron.
"But he didn't do anything" said Harry defensively. He looked astonished at what he had just done. Had he just defended Malfoy?
"We know he didn't do anything, but maybe his mother took her anger out on him when they had gotten back home" said Hermione as she grabbed Ron's hand. Cho came sprinting up behind Harry.
"Hi" she said, grabbing Harry's hand and kissing him on the cheek.
Harry felt himself grow red.
"Hi Cho" he said, trying to contain his happiness.
"I'm sorry I didn't see you on the train"
"Its ok"
"Come on, lets get-AHHHHHH!!!" yelled Ron. A large balloon dropped from the sky onto his head, splashing freezing water everywhere. Peeves was crackling above them, laughing hysterically. Harry and Cho barely managed to jump out of the way to avoid being soaked.
This same incident happened two years ago, when Harry, Ron and Hermione arrived at the castle.
"PEEVES!" roared Ron. "I'M GOING TO CURSE YOU!" he continued, pulling out his wand, and he said "Confundus" as a jet of blinding light hit peeves. Peeves was now flying dangerously into things, and people. Several second years dodged out of his way as he darted at them, unable to control himself. Ron had confused him.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed. "Why did you do that?"
"That stupid prat has annoyed me for the last time!" he said furiously.
Suddenly, Peeves came back, and this time, he came back in his right state of mind. Someone had removed the Confundus charm and he now hurled an even large water filled balloon at Ron. A flash of red light hit the balloon causing it to explode before it had reached Ron. It was Professor McGonagall. She wore Blue robes, and her spectacles on her eyes. Her hair was set in a very tight bun.
"Peeves!" she roared. "GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!"
"Peeves is very very angry at the Weasel King!" Peeves said, as he chucked pebbles at Ron.
The stones were even hitting other students, who shrieked and dashed inside for protection.
"Conjunctivitis" roared a familiar voice from behind Professor McGonagall. It was Draco. His spell had hit Peeves directly in the eyes, causing Peeves to scream in pain, rubbing his eyes. Professor McGonagall conjured tight ropes around Peeves and turned to Draco.
"Thank you Mr. Malfoy. That would be Ten Points to Slytherin house" she said, as she began to direct peeves with her wand. She was sending him to the window of the Hospital Wing. Draco didn't even seem pleased to receive his ten points. He walked down to Ron. Harry thought he was going to say something horrible to him, but what came out his mouth next was a complete surprise.
"Are you alright?"
Hermione, Cho and the surrounding student's mouths fell open. Harry looked to Ron, who wasn't sure to answer the question or to drop dead.
".Well, I guess your okay then. See you inside" said Draco, as he darted up the stone steps into the castle. The others followed in silence and confusion.
The Great Hall looked its splendid self as always. There were hundreds of candles floating in the air above the four long house tables, one for each of the houses at Hogwarts; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. At the back was the long Staff table.
Cho gave Harry another kiss on the cheek and sat down at the Ravenclaw table. Harry, Hermione and Ron walked to the head of the Gryffindor table and sat down. Both Hermione and Ron's attention was drawn to the staff table, as they watched Kevin talk with Professor Dumbledore. He was wearing the same robes Harry saw him wearing in his dream.
"Is that the new Dark Arts teacher?" asked Hermione, sounding as though she were in a trance.
Harry didn't want to answer with a yes so he said, "I don't know, is it?"
A few moments later, Hagrid entered behind the staff table and took a seat. Harry saw him wave, and returned it. The Great Hall doors opened, and Professor McGonagall was leading the line of first years into the room. Silence fell, as the first years looked around, looking amazed. They stopped along the staff table, as Professor McGonagall directed them too. The sorting hat was sitting on its stool, motionless. After a moment of silence, the brim of the hat opened like a mouth and it broke into song;
A thousand Years have passed like snow
And there is much I know.
I have seen so much and heard so much
That none of you can touch.
Every child who passes through
Never knows what I have known.
I shall not speak of houses now
For that is very slow.
Listen to our headmaster now
And he'll tell you
What I know
Everyone in the Great Hall looked slightly puzzled at the hats new song. Last year, Harry remembered that it had given the school a warning, and never had he known It to deliver a song so short, and so branched out. Harry had a distinct feeling of what Dumbledore's warning was about.
Dumbledore stood up, wearing Maroon colored robes with gold stars on them. He peered through his half moon spectacles and began to speak, in a voice of deep concern and worry. The standing line of first years looked concerned.
"I have decided to hold off the sorting ceremony until after a few brief and important notices" he said, his voice filling the silence. "As many of you know, the Ministry of Magic has witnessed the return of Lord Voldermort a few months ago. They have decided to help the magical community to better protect themselves against the growing threat of Lord Voldermorts Army" he continued, looking around at everyone, but Harry saw him looking towards the Slytherin table, at one particular student; Draco Malfoy.
"Many of you, have had your fair run ins with Lord Voldermort (and with that, he looked at Harry, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Ginny) and have thwarted many of his plans. I am pleased to say that you all have been trained well, and I know you will do your best to defend yourselves against any invasion within our beloved school"
Harry was half listening to Dumbledore's speech. He was staring at Malfoy. Why did Dumbledore look toward him when he said 'Voldermorts Army'?
Dumbledore's voice invaded Harry's ears. "Which is why I tell you this again; we are only strong when we are united than we are divided. Even though each house at Hogwarts has its own virtues, there are still ties to be mended. That means we all need to bond together and put aside our differences, during this terrible time in our history" he continued, still beaming around the Great Hall. Dumbledore now motioned to the man sitting next to him. "With that said, I would like to introduce our new permanent Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Kevin Hugersby"
The hall rang out in applause as he stood up, and welcomed the applause. Many of the girls seemed to be fluttering their eyelashes at him, and turning red. Hermione on the other hand snorted.
"They only like him-"
"Because he's handsome" Ron and Harry said at the same time, finishing her sentence.
"Now, let the sorting begin."
Professor McGonagall began to call names from the scroll. Harry took this opportunity to speak with Ron and Hermione.
"Did Draco do what I think he did?" he asked.
"It was very surprising" said Hermione, clapping politely when Abercomb, Madeline was sorted into Ravenclaw. "But, I think he's just putting on an act if you ask me" she continued, sounding irritated.
Ron nodded. "I think she's right Harry"
"But remember what he said in Diagon Alley?" Harry asked.
"Now that was a moment I wanted to fix in my memory forever" Ron said, clapping loudly when Cornell, Stephanie was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Why don't you just go and talk to him?" Hermione said, as she made a quick glance to the Slytherin Table. Harry did the same. Draco was sitting at the head of the table, watching the sorting with interest. Crabbe, Goyle and Pansy sat in the middle of the table, looking lost as to why Draco wasn't sitting with them.
"Uh-oh" muttered Ron.
"What?"
"The sorting hat is debating.listen"
Harry turned his attention to the sorting hat.
A small boy with hazel eyes, small spiky black hair and tan skin was sitting at the stool. He wore a look of concern on his face, as the sorting hat spoke.
".Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff don't suit your mind, but Slytherin and Gryffindor does. You have courage for Gryffindor and Ambition for Slytherin but you can't be in both" said the sorting hat, sounding as though it was having a tough time placing the boy somewhere. "But I know where to place you because I always know.GRYFFINDOR!" yelled the sorting hat.
The Gryffindor table exploded in applause, and when Harry glanced at the Slytherin table, his jaw dropped. Draco was standing up applauding the boy as he walked to the Gryffindor table. Harry had no idea what Draco was up to. It wasn't like him to applaud a Gryffindor.
The sorting went on and finally the last person was sorted (Yalez, Heather- Hufflepuff) and Dumbledore rose again.
"Let the feast begin" he said, and instantly the tables were littered with food, and drinks. At that moment, the hall grew noisy as everyone began to eat.
Harry was watching Colin and Dennis welcome the boy with the hazel eyes.
"Hey look! Look!" said Colin pointing at Harry. "Do you know who that is?"
The boy looked at Harry. "Yeah, its Harry Potter" he said, in a voice of wiriness. Colin and Dennis looked shocked.
"How come you say his name like its nothing to be excited about?" Dennis asked, sounding a little angry.
"Because he's nothing but an attention seeking idiot" muttered the boy.
"Excuse Me?" said Harry.
"You heard me! You think your so cool because you have that stupid scar on your forehead!" the boy said.
Hermione intervened. "Kevin, that's not nice at all. I'll have to take-"
"Shut up you stupid Mudblood"
The entire Gryffindor table froze. It was very strange to hear a Gryffindor call a fellow Gryffindor a Mudblood. Hermione's face flushed red.
"HEY!" shouted Ron, causing the entire hall to freeze, and look. "Watch your mouth!"
"I don't have to, weasel head! Your nothing but a Mudblood lover!" Kevin said.
Harry bolted up out of his seat ready to pounce on Kevin, but Professor McGonagall rose out of her seat.
"Potter, Weasley, and Davidson. To my office, now" she said, in her usual stern voice. Harry, Ron and Kevin moved away from the Gryffindor table and began to exit the hall, followed by Professor McGonagall. They headed to her office.