Disclaimer: For a full disclaimer, see Chapter 1.
A/N: Thanks to all who are enjoying this story. And once again, thanks to LongEarMage for being my beta.
Chapter 22. Back to Hogwarts
The next two days flew by. Ginny and Harry stayed at the house in London and had Ginny's things moved there. Ginny's parents had joined them the night before Ginny had to go to King's Cross to catch the Hogwarts Express. Dobby had seen to it that Ginny was packed and ready, much to Ginny's chagrin. She had offered to pack but Dobby was insistent that it was his duty. Harry had told Dobby to go with Ginny back to Hogwarts and make sure she was comfortable.
September 1st dawned bright and cheerful. Everyone was up early and enjoyed a good breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were both happy and sad for Ginny. She was entering her last year and was Head Girl; but soon, she would move out completely and Molly was concerned about how life would change.
Arthur had arranged for a car to take them to Kings Cross. Harry had invited his in-laws back to the house for lunch before they went home. Ginny was excited at the prospect of being Head Girl, but didn't want to miss out on being with her friends. Harry, having been Head Boy, assured her that she wouldn't miss much. As they rode to the station, Harry and Ginny discussed how they could spend time together while she was at school. Harry would be allowed one weekend a month while in training and a whole two weeks at Christmas to spend with Ginny, either at Hogwarts or the Burrow or their home in London.
Before they knew it they had arrived at the station. As they stepped onto Platform 9 ¾, Harry felt a sense of longing to be able to go to Hogwarts again. As he and Ginny said their goodbyes, Harry saw Luna and Neville not too far away. They had their arms around each other and shared a gentle kiss before separating. Ginny said goodbye to her parents and caught up with Luna as they boarded the train.
Harry and the Weasleys watched the train pull out of the station before Harry waved Neville over to say hello. Molly inquired as to how his mother was doing, and he let them know that she had recovered from the attack almost completely. Molly asked Neville to pass on the invitation to his parents for tea soon, which he promised to give to them. He told Harry he would see him after dinner before apparating home. Harry led Molly and Arthur back out to the car and quietly looked out the window all the way home.
***
Luna and Ginny walked down the corridor until they found an empty compartment. Luna settled in as Ginny and Colin, who had just found them, went to get instructions from Professor McGonagall and to relay the instruction to the Prefects. Once they had completed their duties, they went back to their compartment and caught up with everyone on the events of the summer. The news that Ginny and Harry had gotten married soon made its way to everyone on the train, and they were interrupted many times by well-wishers. Luna caught Ginny up on what had transpired between her and Neville while Colin showed them pictured he had taken of his trip to Paris with his family.
After the Trolley had come and gone, the subject of Harry finally came up. Colin asked Ginny how he was doing in training. "Pretty well, from what he told me yesterday," said Ginny. "He really can't discuss much; most of what he is learning is not for general knowledge."
"I bet he has to sit a lot in class and learn things," said Dennis, Colin's brother.
"From what Neville told me, they are not doing much sitting. There is a lot of physical training and they work on cases as well," said Luna. "He wouldn't tell me much, but he said that their instructors think that they are doing quite well."
Ginny watched as Emily, Colin's sister sat there quietly with an expression of awe on her face. "So, Emily," said Ginny, "are you excited?"
She answered meekly. "Yes, I am. I am just glad that I got a chance. Colin and Dennis have told me all about it, so I can picture some of it."
Ginny smiled. "Well, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. That's part of my duties as Head Girl." Emily nodded and started watching Colin and Dennis, who has started a game of Wizard's Chess.
***
As Harry entered the house, the smell of food reminded him how hungry he was. He led the way into the informal dining room as Ross brought out a tray of food. They chatted as they ate lunch and Harry made a point of letting them know that if they needed him to be sure and let him know. They were just getting ready to leave when someone knocked at the front door. Ross answered it and announced ushered Albus into the sitting room.
"Albus!" exclaimed Molly. "What a pleasant surprise. I wouldn't have expected you to be able to get away since tomorrow will start the term!"
"Well, I had some business with Kingsley at the Ministry and some news for Harry, so I thought I would drop by."
Harry turned to Ross and whispered something before turning back to his grandfather. "We've just had lunch, but I've asked Ross to bring us some coffee and biscuits. What is this news?"
Albus smiled at Harry. For so many years he had wanted to tell Harry the truth, but had obeyed Lily's wish that he not be told while in school. He marveled at how like her Harry was. And he was so like his father as well. There was no doubt as to his parentage. "We have gotten news of an attack being planned near Hogwarts, so I spoke with Arthur here and after Kingsley and I discussed it, we have decided that we should have some Ministry personnel stationed at the school."
Harry looked from Arthur to Albus. "Ministry personnel?"
Arthur laughed. "Well, you can train as well at Hogwarts as at the Ministry…perhaps even better. So pack your bags, my boy. You and Neville are being assigned to Hogwarts."
There was another knock at the door, and soon Neville came in. "I just received an owl from the Ministry to come here to meet with you, Professor. Has there been another attack?" Neville looked alarmed but ready.
Albus looked at Harry and nodded. "No, mate," said Harry, "but we've got our first Auror assignment."
"Where are we going?"
"Hogwarts," replied Harry. "So pack your bag and we need to grab our gear."
"I expect you both there at the Feast. I should be going back," added Albus. "Harry, both you and Neville will be assigned a room at the school and you will be training in the unused classroom next to my office. I will see you shortly."
After Arthur and Molly went home, Harry and Neville rushed to pack.
***
Ron and Hermione were being briefed on house points by Minerva, who had just apparated back to Hogsmeade and walked back to the school after giving out assignments to Ginny and Colin. Hermione knew the basics from being Head Girl, but now she was allowed to give detentions as well. They were informed as to what time to be in the Great Hall, and that there were cards with their names on them on their chairs.
After Minerva left, Hermione checked in with her parents and then she and Ron headed down to the Feast. As she entered the Great Hall, she was welcomed by Albus and shown to her seat. She noticed that the table was longer than usual; most of the seats were occupied but several were not. She was going to go see the names on the cards, but her parents entered the room and were seated next to her. Arabella Figg sat down in one of the empty chairs, which left three unoccupied. Three people walked in with the hoods of their robes covering their faces. Ron mentioned to Hermione that since Albus was not worried, she shouldn't be either. The three sat in the unoccupied chairs. The only staff member not present was Firenze, who never attended these feasts anyway.
***
Ginny and Colin asked Luna to save them a seat in the carriage so that they could make sure that everyone got off safely. They gathered their belongings as the train pulled into the Hogsmeade station and left the train. They could see Hagrid as he called the familiar 'Firs' Years' and he waved to them. They made sure Emily was following Hagrid and everyone had gotten off the train, and then jumped in the last carriage with their friends for the ride to the castle.
As they entered the castle grounds, Ginny felt a sadness coming over her. She was going to miss Harry terribly between visits. She had so many great memories with him here at school. She was jolted from her reverie as the carriages stopped and everyone proceeded up inside and up the marble staircase toward the Great Hall. Every time Ginny climbed these steps she could feel the thrill of her first year as she waited here to be sorted.
Ginny joined the other Gryffindors at the house table, and then looked up to see Ron and Hermione deep in conversation with each other. Ron looked up and waved, and then Hermione smiled at her. As she scanned down the table, she saw Arabella looking around in awe at the tables filling up. Her eyes came to rest on the three figures next to Arabella.
"Who do you suppose they are?" asked Dennis Creevy, nervously.
"I don't know," said Colin. "Do you know, Ginny?"
"No," she replied. "Everyone else is up there already. I guess Professor Dumbledore will tell us shortly." As she said that, the doors to the Great Hall opened and Professor McGonagall led the first years toward the staff table. As usual, the stool with the Sorting Hat stood in front of Albus' seat.
As Ginny watched the three strangers at the staff table, she saw one lean toward the other for a moment. Then the hat began its song:
Welcome, all who enter here, to those who hold a life so dear,
To them we give our promise true, when time has come and gone anew,
Some must go on, and new ones stay, as flowers bloom and fade away,
That truth we know and sometimes hard, to stay refreshed we change the guard.
Through founders four, this school was made, to give our wizard students aid,
In times of old, when I was new, I watched it grow from just a few,
Into this school it sprouted strong, though one of four treated the others wrong,
We now can proudly stand and say, Hogwarts was where we made our way.
In Gryffindor if you are placed, courage and loyalty are you base,
If Ravenclaw is your house of choice, then wisdom is what you voice,
In Hufflepuff you will reside, if diligence is what's inside.
In Slytherin shrewd people land, if that is what there is at hand.
I am the Sorting Hat you see, you cannot hide who you are from me.
When the hat was finished, everyone applauded. Ginny wondered what its message was as she watched the Sorting begin.
"Andrews, Daniel."
"Ravenclaw!"
And so it went as the students were sorted. From Daniel Andrews to Sara Witt, Ginny watched as the sorting progressed. At each new Gryffindor announcement, she cheered with the others. But she pondered what the hat was trying to say until she saw Albus stand.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, so we begin another year. Congratulations to our new students and welcome to those returning. As usual, there are announcements to be made. But first, we must eat to celebrate the renewal of our friendships!" He clapped his hands and food appeared on the tables.
As everyone ate, Colin asked Ginny what was the matter. "I'm trying to figure out what is going on. Between these three strangers and the Sorting Hat's strange song this year, I'm worried that things will change for the worse."
After everyone was done, Albus once again stood and clapped his hands. The food and dirty dishes disappeared. "Now, I have some announcements to make. First, Mr. Filch has posted on his door the latest list of items prohibited. The list is rather long, so I suggest that each of you review it. Also, the Forest is out of bounds to all students." He paused and smiled at Ginny. "Please congratulate our new Head Girl, Ginny Potter, and our new Head Boy, Colin Creevy." He paused for the applause. "It is also my pleasure to welcome some new staff members. Miss Arabella Figg will be assisting Madam Pince in the library. Sadly, Madam Hooch has left us, but is having solid success with Puddlemere United. We are very fortunate to have procured the services of Mr. Ronald Weasley in her place. Also, Mrs. Hermione Weasley will be teaching Arithmancy while Professor Vector is on Sabbatical this year. Please welcome them and show them your respect." There was more applause as Albus sat down.
Minerva stood up. "As most of you know, the Daily Prophet has been reporting about a series of attacks carried out by Death Eaters. We have been very fortunate to have the Ministry provide us with some personnel to make sure you are safe. Please welcome Nymphadora Tonks, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter, who will be staying at Hogwarts during this term."
The three removed their hoods and Ginny stared at Harry with her mouth open.
