Chapter 8 - Friends and Enemies
Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Neville entered the Great Hall. All the tables were laid out in the usual way and the Students were chatting together, waiting for the Sorting of the 1st years to begin. Harry wondered what they were talking about, if they all now believed totally that he faced Voldemort. He glanced over at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cho Chang looking at him. She smiled uncertainly. He nodded back. He had started to get very close to Cho last year until memories of Cedric Diggory and unstoppable waterworks got in the way. It had also been a friend of Cho's, Marietta that had nearly got Harry and his DA team into serious trouble. Harry still half blamed Cho for that. He felt a hand on his arm and looked to see Hermione link her arm through his and smile at him. He smiled back and stole another glance at Cho. He was pleased to see she had noticed the tenderness between Harry and Hermione and she did not look happy. Harry then happened to notice Luna Lovegood sitting a few places down from Cho and she was staring at him, muttering. He smiled at her. She quickly looked away. Harry shrugged to himself. Luna had always been a bit strange.
He turned and sat down with the others at the Gryffindor table. Ron was sat further down, between Parvati and Lavender. He didn't look at Harry or Hermione but did glance at Ginny. Harry frowned to himself and then joined in a conversation Seamus and Dean were having about the current transfers in the Quidditch league. Apparently Darren Bucksham had just moved from Pickelford United to their main rivals Waggley Wanderers and it has caused a bit commotion. Harry tried to look interested but he did feel there were many more important things to be concerned about rather then Quidditch players. He supposed it was best for people to try and carry on as normal.
A hush fell around the hall as Professor Dumbledore got to his feet. "The sorting shall begin in a few moments time but first I would like to say a few words about recent events. I believe there is no longer any doubt for you or your families that Voldemort has returned and is attempting to once again take over our world. Some of you knew this last year and did all they could to spread the word and ready themselves and for this I am grateful." He stole a look at Harry and Hermione at this point. "Others of you may not have been quite so prepared to do your bit against the coming evil. I hope, after some time, that will change." Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins snorted at this. Harry felt his temper rise again. Why had Dumbledore let those pigs back in? "Many of you lost people close to you last time round and I know certain people here have already lost friends or family members to Voldemorts "cause" this time. The blame for this lies at Voldemorts door and at his only. I'm sorry for your pain and offer my condolence but now is not the time to loose heart and turn to other paths. Now is the time to be strong and pull together, as the Sorting Hat advised you this time last year. We at Hogwarts are strongest when we fight together. Any personal grudges must be put aside from now on or I swear to you, Voldemort will win and even I cannot imagine what this world would be like then. Be strong my friends and do not be afraid." Dumbledore paused. The hall was silent. Harry glanced at Malfoy who had turned very red whilst listening to Dumbledores speech. He noticed Harry looking at him and sneered. Harry glared back. Dumbledore was speaking again. "And now, we shall begin the sorting" and then the huge doors swung open and in walked McGonagall and a load of very small children, looking scared. A few older children followed, one, Harry noticed, was quite stunning looking. "Who are they"? He asked Hermione. "Too big to be first years", she answered. " I guess they've been transferred to this school from another." The sorting then began, with McGonagall calling out each child's name, putting the sorting hat on their heads and the hat yelled out which House they were going to.
"Arbuckle, Giles" became a Hufflepuff.
"Coldsaw, Pearl" became a Ravenclaw.
The sorting continued as Harry found his interest waving back to the young girl with long flowing blond hair and bright blue eyes. She stood quietly, watching the Sorting with interest. Harry noticed that 2 other people were watching her closely - Ron and Malfoy.
He then cheered loudly along with the rest of his house as, "Freckles, Barnie" became a Gryffindor, as did "Gerkenheiner, Boris".
"Parlyton, Nancy" was put into Slytherin and finally the tall blond girl was called.
Harry gasped as McGonagall read out her name, "Umbridge, Selina". Selina walked up the steps daintily and was quickly put into Slytherin. Harry saw Malfoy clapping very loudly as Selina smiled and went to join them. Malfoy pushed Pansy Parkinson out of the way, allowing the new girl room to sit down next to him.
Harry looked at his fellow Gryffindors. They all seemed to be just as shocked as he was. "Cant be" Neville said, "Cant be a relation to Dolores Umbridge, can she?" They all looked at the girl again nervously. Even Ron was looking at her with disdain. Dolores Umbridge had been their Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher last year and they had all hated her. She was sent by the ministry to spy on Dumbledore and the students and she had taken a very nasty dislike to Harry. Harry then smiled when he thought about the last team he had seen Umbridge. In a bed in the Infirmary after a rather rough meeting with some centaurs. Hermione had started talking "There's no way Dumbledore would have allowed Umbridge's daughter to come here". "She's not 'er daughter," a gruff voice said from behind them. "Hagrid!" Harry yelled. "How ya doing Harry?" Hagrid asked with concern on his face. "I heard about, well, everything." He turned to look at Malfoy. "Im fine, Hagrid really. How about you?" "Been doing lots of work" Hagrid said cheerfully, and then lowered his voice. "Ya know, for "you know what". Anyway, just watch out ok, that's Umbridge's niece over there and I don't need to tell you that she's not to be trusted. Been sent over here from Beauxbatons. Apparently, they couldn't control her. Dumbledore took her on though, gave her a chance, great man Dumbledore." Hermione joined in the conversation. "How's Grawp, Hagrid." "He's great thanks Hermione, been behaving himself much better lately. Maybe you two will come and visit him soon?" Hagrid at this looked up at Ron, who turned away from the Half Giant. Hagrid frowned. "Better get back up to the table then you two, see you later. He smiled at both of them then made his way up the Hall, talking to anyone he knew but Harry noticed he walked past Ron without a word.
Soon, all the Sorting had finished and the students were settling down again. Dumbledore stood again, waved his hand once and said simply "Lets eat" and loads of delicious looking food appeared on the tables. Everyone started happily eating and chatting to their neighbours excitedly. Very soon, all the plates were cleared and students started to disappear up to their dormitories. Harry, Hermione and Ginny stood up and started walking out.
A cold voice said behind them. "Potter, I want to introduce to someone." Harry sighed and turned around. "Malfoy, I know who she is and quite frankly, I'm not very interested. Piss off back to Slytherin Central will you"? Malfoy smirked. "Selina, this is Harry Potter, who as you can see, is a total loser. This is Ginny Weasley, you know all about them and Hermione Granger; she's a mudblood so not worth worrying about. Potter, this is Selina Umbridge, I think you may know her Aunt?" Harry was fuming, hand dangerously near his wand. Selina was looking him up and down. "My Aunt told me all about you." She said in high, clipped tones. "Told me you are a liar and that you like to get attention. I want nothing to do with you, or your friends. Remove yourselves from my path, now." Harry gazed at her in total astonishment. Ginny and Hermione were both speechless. Malfoy roared with laughter. "As you can see, she's great!" He sneered and started to lead her out of the hall. She looked back at Harry and said. "And I'm glad that nasty Spy Sirius Black got what he deserved, my Aunt told me all about your close relationship with him. I guess you will head down the same path, Potter." Malfoy laughed again and started Barking and panting to Harry. Harry flew at Malfoy, completely losing his head. He dragged him against the wall and got out his wand. Malfoy just smirked. "You ever do that again and I will make you very sorry. As your dead Dad should have told you, I'm the only one who can defeat your Dark Lord, so just have a guess at what I could do to you." Harry released Malfoy when Hermione and Ginny grabbed his arms and pulled. "Didn't do anything in the Weasels house the other day did you. Oh and what did you think of your Parents old house? Cosy?" Malfoy sneered to Harry, rubbing his arm. "What?" Harry whispered, stopping dead. Malfoy gave him a strange look, glanced at Hermione who had covered her mouth and Ginny who had shut her eyes and smirked. "Didn't tell him, did you mudblood. Yes Potter, that house where you had your "Top Secret" meeting was where your Parents died. Very suitable I think!" Harry tried to grab Malfoy again but this time someone else stronger was holding him back. He looked round into Ron's face. "Don't do it". Ron said to him and then quickly released him when Malfoy gave him a look. Ron then pushed past them all and headed to the common room. Malfoy laughed one more time in Harry's face then disappeared with Selina, Crabbe and Goyle who all looked delighted.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered. Harry turned and looked at her and Ginny. Neville had also now joined the group. "You should have told me," he muttered to them. Then turned and ran out of the Hall. He ran straight into Dumbledore. Harry just glared at him. "You are quite correct Harry, you should have been told. I'm sorry" Dumbledore said sadly. Harry felt that familiar surge of anger go through him as he snarled at Dumbledore "You are always sorry." Then Harry turned and ran. Hermione and Ginny joined Dumbledore. "Look after him girls. He needs you. Sirius' death nearly destroyed him. He needs to get his power back, more than you could ever know," he added quietly, then turned and walked away. "Come on" Hermione whispered to Ginny.
They walked up the stairs. Two people watched them go. Luna had seen everything and was very worried. How could she tell Harry about Ron now? The other person who stood crouched out of sight by the Common Room was Ron. He felt terrible. Revenge was all he had thought about since that fateful day in July. He wanted to hurt someone so badly, even Harry, but now he didn't know what he wanted. He knew Malfoy would want something else from him and whatever it was, it wouldn't be nice. Sorry Harry, he thought, I am really sorry but I have to do this, for Percy. He then walked into the Common Room not aware that Luna was watching his every move. She frowned. I have to tell Harry she thought, whatever it may do to him. She then headed to her own common room. At that exact moment, Harry felt a hot burning pain on his right arm as he got into bed and heard a voice say "Soon Harry, soon". Harry tucked himself into bed, shakily. Sirius, he thought, I need you, please?" but of course, there was no answer as Harry drifted slowly off to sleep.
Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Neville entered the Great Hall. All the tables were laid out in the usual way and the Students were chatting together, waiting for the Sorting of the 1st years to begin. Harry wondered what they were talking about, if they all now believed totally that he faced Voldemort. He glanced over at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cho Chang looking at him. She smiled uncertainly. He nodded back. He had started to get very close to Cho last year until memories of Cedric Diggory and unstoppable waterworks got in the way. It had also been a friend of Cho's, Marietta that had nearly got Harry and his DA team into serious trouble. Harry still half blamed Cho for that. He felt a hand on his arm and looked to see Hermione link her arm through his and smile at him. He smiled back and stole another glance at Cho. He was pleased to see she had noticed the tenderness between Harry and Hermione and she did not look happy. Harry then happened to notice Luna Lovegood sitting a few places down from Cho and she was staring at him, muttering. He smiled at her. She quickly looked away. Harry shrugged to himself. Luna had always been a bit strange.
He turned and sat down with the others at the Gryffindor table. Ron was sat further down, between Parvati and Lavender. He didn't look at Harry or Hermione but did glance at Ginny. Harry frowned to himself and then joined in a conversation Seamus and Dean were having about the current transfers in the Quidditch league. Apparently Darren Bucksham had just moved from Pickelford United to their main rivals Waggley Wanderers and it has caused a bit commotion. Harry tried to look interested but he did feel there were many more important things to be concerned about rather then Quidditch players. He supposed it was best for people to try and carry on as normal.
A hush fell around the hall as Professor Dumbledore got to his feet. "The sorting shall begin in a few moments time but first I would like to say a few words about recent events. I believe there is no longer any doubt for you or your families that Voldemort has returned and is attempting to once again take over our world. Some of you knew this last year and did all they could to spread the word and ready themselves and for this I am grateful." He stole a look at Harry and Hermione at this point. "Others of you may not have been quite so prepared to do your bit against the coming evil. I hope, after some time, that will change." Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins snorted at this. Harry felt his temper rise again. Why had Dumbledore let those pigs back in? "Many of you lost people close to you last time round and I know certain people here have already lost friends or family members to Voldemorts "cause" this time. The blame for this lies at Voldemorts door and at his only. I'm sorry for your pain and offer my condolence but now is not the time to loose heart and turn to other paths. Now is the time to be strong and pull together, as the Sorting Hat advised you this time last year. We at Hogwarts are strongest when we fight together. Any personal grudges must be put aside from now on or I swear to you, Voldemort will win and even I cannot imagine what this world would be like then. Be strong my friends and do not be afraid." Dumbledore paused. The hall was silent. Harry glanced at Malfoy who had turned very red whilst listening to Dumbledores speech. He noticed Harry looking at him and sneered. Harry glared back. Dumbledore was speaking again. "And now, we shall begin the sorting" and then the huge doors swung open and in walked McGonagall and a load of very small children, looking scared. A few older children followed, one, Harry noticed, was quite stunning looking. "Who are they"? He asked Hermione. "Too big to be first years", she answered. " I guess they've been transferred to this school from another." The sorting then began, with McGonagall calling out each child's name, putting the sorting hat on their heads and the hat yelled out which House they were going to.
"Arbuckle, Giles" became a Hufflepuff.
"Coldsaw, Pearl" became a Ravenclaw.
The sorting continued as Harry found his interest waving back to the young girl with long flowing blond hair and bright blue eyes. She stood quietly, watching the Sorting with interest. Harry noticed that 2 other people were watching her closely - Ron and Malfoy.
He then cheered loudly along with the rest of his house as, "Freckles, Barnie" became a Gryffindor, as did "Gerkenheiner, Boris".
"Parlyton, Nancy" was put into Slytherin and finally the tall blond girl was called.
Harry gasped as McGonagall read out her name, "Umbridge, Selina". Selina walked up the steps daintily and was quickly put into Slytherin. Harry saw Malfoy clapping very loudly as Selina smiled and went to join them. Malfoy pushed Pansy Parkinson out of the way, allowing the new girl room to sit down next to him.
Harry looked at his fellow Gryffindors. They all seemed to be just as shocked as he was. "Cant be" Neville said, "Cant be a relation to Dolores Umbridge, can she?" They all looked at the girl again nervously. Even Ron was looking at her with disdain. Dolores Umbridge had been their Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher last year and they had all hated her. She was sent by the ministry to spy on Dumbledore and the students and she had taken a very nasty dislike to Harry. Harry then smiled when he thought about the last team he had seen Umbridge. In a bed in the Infirmary after a rather rough meeting with some centaurs. Hermione had started talking "There's no way Dumbledore would have allowed Umbridge's daughter to come here". "She's not 'er daughter," a gruff voice said from behind them. "Hagrid!" Harry yelled. "How ya doing Harry?" Hagrid asked with concern on his face. "I heard about, well, everything." He turned to look at Malfoy. "Im fine, Hagrid really. How about you?" "Been doing lots of work" Hagrid said cheerfully, and then lowered his voice. "Ya know, for "you know what". Anyway, just watch out ok, that's Umbridge's niece over there and I don't need to tell you that she's not to be trusted. Been sent over here from Beauxbatons. Apparently, they couldn't control her. Dumbledore took her on though, gave her a chance, great man Dumbledore." Hermione joined in the conversation. "How's Grawp, Hagrid." "He's great thanks Hermione, been behaving himself much better lately. Maybe you two will come and visit him soon?" Hagrid at this looked up at Ron, who turned away from the Half Giant. Hagrid frowned. "Better get back up to the table then you two, see you later. He smiled at both of them then made his way up the Hall, talking to anyone he knew but Harry noticed he walked past Ron without a word.
Soon, all the Sorting had finished and the students were settling down again. Dumbledore stood again, waved his hand once and said simply "Lets eat" and loads of delicious looking food appeared on the tables. Everyone started happily eating and chatting to their neighbours excitedly. Very soon, all the plates were cleared and students started to disappear up to their dormitories. Harry, Hermione and Ginny stood up and started walking out.
A cold voice said behind them. "Potter, I want to introduce to someone." Harry sighed and turned around. "Malfoy, I know who she is and quite frankly, I'm not very interested. Piss off back to Slytherin Central will you"? Malfoy smirked. "Selina, this is Harry Potter, who as you can see, is a total loser. This is Ginny Weasley, you know all about them and Hermione Granger; she's a mudblood so not worth worrying about. Potter, this is Selina Umbridge, I think you may know her Aunt?" Harry was fuming, hand dangerously near his wand. Selina was looking him up and down. "My Aunt told me all about you." She said in high, clipped tones. "Told me you are a liar and that you like to get attention. I want nothing to do with you, or your friends. Remove yourselves from my path, now." Harry gazed at her in total astonishment. Ginny and Hermione were both speechless. Malfoy roared with laughter. "As you can see, she's great!" He sneered and started to lead her out of the hall. She looked back at Harry and said. "And I'm glad that nasty Spy Sirius Black got what he deserved, my Aunt told me all about your close relationship with him. I guess you will head down the same path, Potter." Malfoy laughed again and started Barking and panting to Harry. Harry flew at Malfoy, completely losing his head. He dragged him against the wall and got out his wand. Malfoy just smirked. "You ever do that again and I will make you very sorry. As your dead Dad should have told you, I'm the only one who can defeat your Dark Lord, so just have a guess at what I could do to you." Harry released Malfoy when Hermione and Ginny grabbed his arms and pulled. "Didn't do anything in the Weasels house the other day did you. Oh and what did you think of your Parents old house? Cosy?" Malfoy sneered to Harry, rubbing his arm. "What?" Harry whispered, stopping dead. Malfoy gave him a strange look, glanced at Hermione who had covered her mouth and Ginny who had shut her eyes and smirked. "Didn't tell him, did you mudblood. Yes Potter, that house where you had your "Top Secret" meeting was where your Parents died. Very suitable I think!" Harry tried to grab Malfoy again but this time someone else stronger was holding him back. He looked round into Ron's face. "Don't do it". Ron said to him and then quickly released him when Malfoy gave him a look. Ron then pushed past them all and headed to the common room. Malfoy laughed one more time in Harry's face then disappeared with Selina, Crabbe and Goyle who all looked delighted.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered. Harry turned and looked at her and Ginny. Neville had also now joined the group. "You should have told me," he muttered to them. Then turned and ran out of the Hall. He ran straight into Dumbledore. Harry just glared at him. "You are quite correct Harry, you should have been told. I'm sorry" Dumbledore said sadly. Harry felt that familiar surge of anger go through him as he snarled at Dumbledore "You are always sorry." Then Harry turned and ran. Hermione and Ginny joined Dumbledore. "Look after him girls. He needs you. Sirius' death nearly destroyed him. He needs to get his power back, more than you could ever know," he added quietly, then turned and walked away. "Come on" Hermione whispered to Ginny.
They walked up the stairs. Two people watched them go. Luna had seen everything and was very worried. How could she tell Harry about Ron now? The other person who stood crouched out of sight by the Common Room was Ron. He felt terrible. Revenge was all he had thought about since that fateful day in July. He wanted to hurt someone so badly, even Harry, but now he didn't know what he wanted. He knew Malfoy would want something else from him and whatever it was, it wouldn't be nice. Sorry Harry, he thought, I am really sorry but I have to do this, for Percy. He then walked into the Common Room not aware that Luna was watching his every move. She frowned. I have to tell Harry she thought, whatever it may do to him. She then headed to her own common room. At that exact moment, Harry felt a hot burning pain on his right arm as he got into bed and heard a voice say "Soon Harry, soon". Harry tucked himself into bed, shakily. Sirius, he thought, I need you, please?" but of course, there was no answer as Harry drifted slowly off to sleep.
