Disclaimer: You heard it all before. I am not, nor ever will be JRK. This is merely for my own entertainment :o)
As always, thank you so much to my Beta Reader, Green Smurf, who has likely saved me from getting the oh so loved "Learn to spell you moron" Flame more than once.
SOOORRY this took so long. Really. My dad broke his femur in November (Literally the day after I updated), so I wasn't really spending much time on the computer, and when I finally had a chance to type this up, my best friends dad passed away suddenly, so I have spent most of the month helping out with her and her family. Plus exams. See, I have a legitimate excuse!
Anyway: On with the show!
-The Charm Bracelet-
Chapter 13
*
Like every year, the great hall was filled with students, embracing and gossiping about what happened over the summer. Ginny found herself facing Harry and Ron, with Hermione on one side of her, and Neville on the other. A few people passed, saying hi and making a bit of small talk, but within minutes, the hall became quiet, as Professor McGonagall marched in sternly, followed by a queue of timid first years.
"Is it just me, or do they just keep getting shorter?" Ron said quietly.
"Shh." Hermione hushed, watching the ceremony, fascinated.
"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…" Dumbledore started once again, opening his arms and welcoming the new students the same way he had for Ginny's year. He looked different, though. Older perhaps. Whatever it was, even from her humble place at the Gryffindor table, she could see that the spark in his eyes had faded, replaced by something much harder. Her eyes moved to the left of him, where Professor Snape sat, Scowling over his greasy nose, Professor Sprout who was absorbed in Dumbledore's 'Welcome back' speech. To her left was Professor Sinstra, who was looking sternly at some students in Hufflepuff whispering quietly to one another. And to her left, was Hagrid and Cha-
"Charlie!" She said quietly, but sharp enough to catch the attention of everyone sitting around her. A few seventh years near Ron shushed her, but she didn't care. Pointing up and to the left of their beloved Care of Magical Creatures teacher was a redheaded young man who was smiling slightly, looking around the great hall.
"What that hell is he doing here?" Ron asked with very wide eyes. Hermione looked equally stunned.
"I don't know …"
"Maybe he's filling in for the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Neville asked, but Harry shook his head.
"No, I don't think so. Look" He pointed at a light haired witch sitting a few seats to Dumbledore's right, about 30 years old. "That's likely the new teacher."
"Then what's Charlie's reason for being here?" Ginny asked, watching Charlie, who was now deep in conversation with Hagrid.
"… But we shall talk about that later, for now, let the sorting begin" Dumbledore finished, nodding at Professor McGonagall
"Talk about what later?" She asked Neville, who shrugged.
"Regarding what happened at the end of last year. Something about Defense" Katie Bell whispered towards them, a few seats down from Neville. Gasping that she could miss something as important as that, Ginny looked around the table: Beside her, Hermione had closed her eyes and grimaced a bit painfully. Across the table, Ron looked worried, and Harry … didn't look anything. All emotion had left his face, leaving it hard, like it had been carved out of stone.
"ALEXANDER, BRADLEY"
The first boy walked up to the stool, confidently, though he slouched a little when the hat was placed on his head. A moment of silence:
"RAVENCLAW"
The Table next to them applauded loudly, as the boy took a seat, smiling.
"BATES, GARRET"
Ginny continued to study Harry's face for a sign of what he was thinking, but nothing registered. His eyes were pointed straight at Dumbledore, who was watching the sorting, though he didn't seem to be focused on him. He actually didn't seem to be focusing on anything, like he was lost in his own thoughts. A few moments passed, in which Harry didn't move, and barely blinked.
"EVANS, MARK"
Harry snapped back to life, and watched the younger boy step up to the stool nervously. Ginny tore herself away from watching Harry, and turned back to the sorting. The hat was placed gingerly on his head, where it stayed silent for a few seconds before calling out:
"GRYFFINDOR"
"Yea!" Harry cheered along with the rest of the Gryffindor table, undoubtedly the loudest. Mark smiled at them from the end of the table, sitting with a few of the other first years. Waving back, Ginny waited for the cheering to die down before watching the rest of the sorting, forgetting that Dumbledore was about to make the speech that they didn't want to hear.
*
Watching the sorting was fun at first, but after a while, Ron just wanted to eat.
Not surprising.
They had gotten down to "Weston, Allen" and there was only a small group of children left standing in front of the hat. Though, he knew that when the sorting was done, Dumbledore would still have to make his speech (And explain what Ron's older brother was sitting at the head table.)
He glanced at the girl across from him, bushy brown hair surrounding her face like a halo. She was watching the sorting halfheartedly, sighing every few minutes, but still cheering enthusiastically whenever someone was sorted into Gryffindor. Finally the last boy stepped up to the stool (HUFFLEPUFF) and the sorting was complete. When the applause died down, Dumbledore rose once again. The hall went silent, as he cleared his throat.
"Again, I welcome our new students, and wish you the best in the next seven years. Our senior students will notice two new faces at the head table. Professor Capo, who will be taking over the duties of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher-"
"-And we pray that she's better than the last-" He heard Neville say under his breath, as Professor Capo smiled brightly.
"-And Professor Weasley, who will be working as an intern in the Care of Magical Creatures department with Professor Hagrid." Charlie raised his hand waving a bit and smiling sheepishly as the Great Hall applauded.
"As always, the list of items that are banned from the school will be posted on the door of Mr. Filches office; Due to the recent opening of Weasley Wizard Wheezy. Absolutely all students are prohibited from entering the forbidden forest, hence the name."
Ron's stomach let out a soft growl, reminding him how hungry he really was. He imagined what the house elves were preparing for them … Likely they were below them right now, eagerly waiting to set out plates or roast turkey, wings, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, puddings of all sorts …
"As you are all well aware, the Wizarding world is at war. We have taken extra precautions to insure the safety of all Hogwarts students, however, we cannot be everywhere at once. We encourage any student who feels threatened by anything to speak with your head of house immediately."
The was a short pause, as if to symbolize the importance of this…
"With that said, let the feast begin!"
The tables filled with all the food that Ron had imagined, and more. He was about to reach for the dumplings in front, but caught a glimpse of Harry's face, and decided that he'd be better to ask what was wrong …
"He didn't even mention Sirius!" Harry said dangerously before Ron could even inquire to what his problem was.
"Well, most people do already know, it was in the Profit." Hermione replied, filling her plate with peas.
"I know but-"
"And in all honestly, He shouldn't start the term scaring the first years to death, telling them that Voldemort had killed some one!" She continued.
"But-"
"I think that if he had made more of a serious speech, it would be giving away too much. We know that there are students who are connected to death eaters at the school-" She gave a significant glance towards the Slytherin table "-It would be stupid to just hand them information."
"Right, I get it." He said, obviously frustrated, and continued to glare at the head table for a few seconds before helping himself to the pork chops in front of him.
*
Hermione reminded the new fifth year prefects to direct the first years to the common room, and fell behind with Ron, who had just finished eating, and was still sitting at the table, looking very satisfied.
"That was good …"
"Ron what do you think of the new Defense teacher?"
"Uhh-" He looked startled at her sudden outburst. "She seems nice, I guess. She didn't make a big speech or anything…"
"I mean do you know her? Have you ever heard of someone with the last name Capo?"
"What makes you think that I would?" He asked, sitting up straight now, furrowing his brow.
"I don't know, your family is one of the more well known ones …"
"Nope. Never heard of her. But, Dumbledore picked her out himself this year, maybe she's part of the order?"
"Maybe… But I haven't seen her at any of the meetings. And you haven't-" he shook his head "-I don't know"
"Well, we have Defense right after lunch tomorrow. I guess that we'll find out then."
"Yea."
"Hey speaking of tomorrow-" he bent down to pick up his schedule "-We have Care of Magical Creatures last. I wonder what Charlie's doing here. It wouldn't make sense for him to just be working as an intern." He said more to himself than Hermione.
"I guess Dumbledore just wants more Order members around or something."
"Yea that must be it." He said, still looking thoughtful.
"Hey, we should be getting back to the tower." He nodded, standing. "Besides we can ask him in tomorrow."
"Right."
*
Ginny was trying her hardest to keep her eyes open. It was first day of class, and already she had heard this speech three times first from Binns, then Snape, this time by professor McGonagall. The OWL's speech.
Not really paying attention, she pulled out her notebook, and tore out a clean sheet.
How was your summer?
She slid it to the blonde boy to her right, who was staring, glassy eyed, at the black board. Collin turned and looked at her before glancing up at Professor McGonagall to make sure she wasn't watching, and scribbling back.
Not bad. We went to France to visit Dads brother. Denis got so mad at our cousin that he accidentally made a fish bowl get stuck over his head.
She tried hard not to laugh, and looked back up at McGonagall before replying.
Seriously.
Yep. He was in a lot of trouble for that one.
No kidding.
So, what about you? How was your summer?
Very eventful…
He looked up at her, with raised eyebrows.
How about I tell you after class. There's to much of a chance that we'll get caught passi-----
But she wasn't able to finish what she was writing. The note was taken from under her quill, and was now being inspected by a very unhappy looking Professor McGonagall.
"Yes, Miss Weasley, I believe that the chance of getting caught passing notes in my class is very high."
"Professor, I'm-"
"See to it that it doesn't happen again, Miss Weasley." She said, folding the note.
"Yes Professor." She said bitterly, as her teacher continued her speech, tossing the note into a rubbish bin as she spoke.
Yes, the year was off to a great start.
*
Harry was one of the first one into the defense against the Dark arts room, followed closely by Ron and Hermione. The décor was much to his pleasure. No cats.
Instead the walls had been plastered with posters of mainly Famous Aurors, quidditch players and teams ("Hey! She supports the Canons too!") And even a rock band. On the teacher's desk, there was an assortment of books, all about defense the Harry's relief, that had been piled haphazardly, and a few basic Dark Detectors, such as a sneak-o-scope and a small foe glass.
As the classroom was beginning to fill up with sixth and seventh year students taking advanced Defensive training, Harry took a seat behind Hermione near the front. He looked around to see all the people who would be taking the class with him and was very pleased to see many members of the DA. And not so pleased to see-
"Harry. Uh. Hi." Cho was standing a few feet away from him, looking a bit awkward. Ron was shooting her a look of disgust behind her back, and Hermione was silently telling him off. Neville took the seat next to him, apparently unaware of any awkwardness.
"Hello" He said a bit lamely. When she didn't move, he felt obligated to ask, "So, how was your summer?"
"Well, it was alright. I saw Michael a lot." She looked disappointed when Harry didn't react. "Uhh, yours?
"Wasn't bad." He said, shrugging. She kept standing there.
"Oh, Well. That's good."
Silence.
"Yea." To Harry's immense relief, Professor Capo decided to emerge from her office at this moment.
"Take a seat everyone." She said pleasantly, standing at the head of class. She wasn't mean looking or anything; actually, she was rather pretty, about thirty or so with modern looking robes, smiling brightly.
"Welcome to NEWT Level Defense Against the Dark arts. For many of you, this is your last year at Hogwarts, and your most important. For you in sixth year, don't think that you will be able to coast. I expect equal, if not more dedication to the class from you compared to the seventh years.
"As you are well aware, in the future, you will likely be forced to defend yourself or others against Dark Magic, and without the proper training this can be nearly impossible. This class is committed to teach you the necessary skills that you will need if you are ever face to face with a Dark Witch or Wizard.
"I expect nothing but the best from my students. You must be One hundred percent dedicated to Defense Against the Dark Arts if you wish to achieve any level of success in this class."
Harry decided right then that he liked her.
"With that said, let me see who's here" And she called roll. The rest of the class seemed to go rather quickly. Professor Capo explained a bit more about the objective of the class, before assigning the first chapter for homework, and to be prepared for hands on training the next day to see where their level of defensive Magic was. Harry shared a significant glance with Neville, who looked thoughtful and nervous at the same time.
Before he knew it the bell rang, and they were free to go. As always, Harry was one of the last to leave the classroom. Professor Capo was saying farewell to each of them at the door.
"Wotcher, Harry." She winked, and before Harry could even say something, she smiled brightly, and closed the door behind him. He didn't have much time to dwell on it, as Seamus Finnegan quickly dragged him away from the door.
"Harry…" He said, pulling him towards a group of students, maybe a dozen or so.
"Yea." He asked, surveying the group.
"Well, We were wondering if-"
"-You're going to start up the DA again, right?" someone else broke in. The group inquired as well with their own adlibs. Feeling an overwhelming sense of gratefulness that all these people still wanted to be in an organization with him, he grinned widely.
"You still have your coins, right? Everyone nodded. "Well, you'll know when the next meeting is then."
He received a few pats on the back, as everyone parted happily, leaving him standing with Hermione, Ron and Neville.
"Well," He said, feeling enthusiastic, "What next."
"Care of Magical Creatures" Neville said, motioning down the hall.
"Sounds good." Harry couldn't help but think that this year was going to be much better than the last.
*
Tonks stepped gingerly up the wide staircase, a little nervous to see what Bill had been doing to her new living quarters all day. While she and Charlie had been at work, Bill took the liberty to call in sick, and attempt to organize the apartment. Pulling out her key chain, she unlocked the door to Suite 4c.
She looked around the empty flat, no really knowing what to think. It wasn't like her previous space at Auror HQ … with two very noticeable, red headed differences.
"Why the hell did Charlie pack an entire dragon riding outfit?"
Bill Weasley emerged from the first bedroom down the hall, lethargically carrying a large suit mad of metal and what looked to be red leather. He threw it with a small pile of items in the corner of the living room. "For Merlin's sake, when the movers brought all our stuff here did they have to leave it in my room?"
Tonks shrugged, laughing quietly with herself and making her way back into the room, and retrieving a small pile of dishes, taking them to the equally small kitchen. It wasn't a big space; the only thing that set it apart from all the other apartments that they had been looking at was that it had three bedrooms. That was a necessity. There was a little sitting room, which quickly turned into a kitchen and dinning area. A fireplace. A bathroom. And a closet at the end of a narrow hallway.
That was about it.
She went back into Bills room, this time picking up a pile of her own possessions, and taking them next door to her room. Small, with a double bed (Which she insisted on) a little wardrobe, vanity area, and bleak off-white walls which had to go. Setting down her possessions on the bed, she picked up her wand and muttered a few incantations…
"Would you make mine green?" said a voice from the door way made her jump. Bill was leaning against the doorframe admiring her newly lava-lamp styled room, with violet and blue bubbles.
"Mmhmm." She nodded, embarrassed to have jumped. He smiled, and disappeared. She heard the front door opening, and an aspirated sigh from down the hall. Peeking out, she saw Charlie Weasley trudge wearily into the room.
"Charlie!" Bill sounded excited, opening his arms as if to embrace his younger brother, who looked a little nervous.
"Uh, Yes Bill?" Instead of hugging him, Bill turned his arms towards the pile of Dragon riding gear, and other possessions that Bill obviously found pointless to have in the house.
"What's with all the crap!?" He said, still cheerfully.
"Not even a 'How was your first day on the job?'"
"Well, it was Tonks first day, and she was back nearly twenty minutes ago. And her junk's nearly all cleared out of my room"
"I doubt that she was bombarded by her siblings after class demanding to know why she was at Hogwarts …"
Tonks walked down the hallway and sat on the worn couch next to Charlie, Bill was in the kitchen behind them. "That's cause they didn't know." She said smugly
"Stupid metemorphagi."
"Jealous?"
"Extremely." He said, leaning back and shutting his eyes, massaging his temples. "I had a group of third ear girls following me all class. I wasn't even teaching!"
"Aww, poor baby." Bill said, bringing each of them a Butterbeer.
"Shut up, you!" He said, throwing his cork at Bill, who ducked expertly, "You were here all day doing nothing."
"Look at that big pile of junk that I got out of my room." He pointed to the corner
Charlie didn't look amused. "And who said that you got the bigger room?"
"First come first serve."
"I'm the one who found the apartment!"
"I'm older"
"I came up with the idea of us all being flat mates."
"I'm still older."
"Children, please settle down!" Tonks said in her best teacher voice. Bill laughed, but Charlie rolled his eyes.
"So what was your first day like?" Bill asked, sitting back in his chair.
She shrugged. "Not bad. The kids all seemed t be well behaved. The first years were adorable…"
"Harry and Ron seemed to like you. They were saying that it would be a relief to have a good Defense teacher for once." Charlie said.
"Hermione didn't though?" She asked. She knew that wherever Harry and Ron were, Hermione was to.
"Well, Hermione was paying attention to the lesson." Tonks laughed. It actually had been a good day. All her classes seemed pretty good, especially the second years, who were amazed to be asked to do a simple leg locking charm, and not take notes.
"I suppose that's more like her than to join in on gossip." She replied taking a swig of her Butterbeer.
"Yea," Charlie said, half asleep. Bill was shooting him a pathetic look.
"Charlie, all you did today was sit around while Hagrid taught, ate delicious food prepared by the Hogwarts house elves, and then had to walk the excruciating ten minutes home…"
"It's not as easy as you make it sound!"
"Riiight. I forgot: you have to fight off star-struck thirteen year old."
"Shut up, Billy. I'm going to bed!"
"Night, Char." Tonks called down the hall; He raised a hand and disappeared into his room, closing the door.
Tonks, happy for the silence, began to go over lesson plans in her head. The first and second years are easy. I'm teaching them each the exact same thing; the last teacher didn't do a thing for them. Third years … well, they're doing Magical creatures mainly. Maybe I could do a lesson on Sphinx or something. No matter, I don't have them tomorrow anyway. Hmm, double fourth years. I suppose that the entire class will just be them showing me what level they're at, as well as the fifth and NEWT classes… Yes. Perfect… Wait. Something's not right…
She lifted her head slowly to find Bill, staring at her intensely, his butterbeer bottle on the coffee table.
"Yes …" She asked, a smile forming on her lips.
"Nothing." He said nonchalantly, but continued to stare.
"Ok …" She laughed a bit, but started to think again. Though, not about school. He kept staring. I wish he wouldn't, she though, its so … weird. A little creepy too... But he didn't stop staring at her. He continued for a good five minutes.
"Really, Bill. What is it?" She asked sitting up. He shrugged, flashing a half smile.
"Nothing. Why?"
"You keep … Staring at me."
"So?"
That is not what she wanted for an answer. He just continued his non-breaking gaze. It kind of reminded Tonks of when she had been in Fifth Year, and he in Seventh. He would do things like this just to get on her nerves. It usually worked.
"Look, Bill. Would you like something?"
"Yes."
"Well, what?"
"What are you doing this weekend?"
"I don't know, Bill. Why?" She said, clearly aspirated.
"Come out with me for dinner, then." He said simply. Tonks was stunned.
…
"Sure." It came out so easily. But she could feel butterflies forming in her stomach already.
"Good. Be ready by seven on Friday evening then." And with that, he stood up and disappeared into his room like Charlie had a few minutes ago.
Yes. It had been a good day.
*
Forgive me! Please, I will try my HARDEST to update more frequently from now on. I have just had so much to do in the last few months, that I haven't had a chance!! But my exams are all done by Monday, and then I start the new term. I have the rest of the week oiff, I'll try to get at least half the next chapter done by then.
Until then, toodles. Please REVIEW!!!
Peace
~Angi
