Chapter 8: Questions Are Answered
Ron, Harry and Ginny all stared round at Ali in amazement; the person who had just saved Hermione, their best friend, was none other than the Weasley's "hot" neighbour Ali. Hermione looked at them in disbelief, they knew this girl?
"What is going on here?" demanded Hermione "Who are you? And how did you get Hagrid back?"
Ali looked at Hermione and smiled sympathetically, Hermione looked terrified, and with good reason, after all she had almost died. "My name is Ali, and I live next door to Ron, that's how I know them."
"Oh okay." Said Hermione, some of the confusion from her face retreating, "but how did you do that?"
"Yeah, I mean, he must've been under the Imperious curse, or something, I didn't think spells could break it!" said Harry, looking confused and hopeful, if there was a spell that could break it, things would be much harder for Voldemort.
"Hagrid was under the Imperius curse, and there wasn't a known spell to break it. Until now. My aunt has been working on it for years, and finally had a breakthrough the other day. We've tried practicing it putting the Imperius curse on each other and such, but, well, it's never as strong if you don't mean it. So we didn't know if it would work, in a real situation. But it does! Oh this is the best news!" Ali looked ecstatic. "You realise what a difference this could make to the war?" she said, looking at them all as they took in her explanation.
"Wow," Said Hermione, looking at her saviour in awe. "Your aunt must be amazing! It's really difficult to develop spells, and people have been trying that one for years!"
"I guess you'll find out," Replied Ali "She's the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
"Thank god!" cried Ron "Someone who knows what they're talking about!"
Just then Neville came running up to them "You better get into a carriage they're heading up to the school now!"
"Oh gosh!" exclaimed Hermione picking up her things and running towards them, the others close on her heels. They found a carriage and all climbed in, there was an awkward silence, when everyone looked at each other as though willing someone to say something, in the end it was Harry who spoke.
"So Ali, I hope this doesn't sound rude, but what are you doing here?"
"Oh, em, I'm going to be a student at Hogwarts."
"They don't accept students unless they're first year though do they?" asked Ginny looking confused
"They didn't." said Ali, "But there are a few new students from all different years this term, because of you-know-who. Dumbledore's admitting students need a place to go, because of something he did. Like me, my parents were killed by You-Know-Who earlier this year, but I used to be home schooled, because, emm, well, I just was. I went to live with my aunt after my parents died, but obviously she's here, so she asked Dumbledore about me attending, and he said yes right away, he said there were several similar situations. So I wouldn't be out of place."
"That's a really good idea," said Hermione, "It'll be a great help to those in bad situations."
"Yeah, it's good of Dumbledore, and it's good to see you again Ali." Said Ron "I have a question though, then again maybe you won't know, but anyway, are you going to be sorted with the first years?"
"Oh no." replied Ali "all the new transfers had to go in a special compartment on the train, the other students aren't supposed to know about us yet, but I'm sure it won't matter." She said with a reassuring smile at all of them. "We got sorted on the way here; I'm in Griffindor, what houses are you guys in?"
"Ooh! We're all Griffindor too!" said Ginny, smiling, "I take it you'll be in my year?"
"I think so, 5th?"
"Yeah, oh this is great; we'll be in the same classes then, well, mostly."
"Cool," Ali replied grinning.
Now that the serious conversation was out of the way, chatter returned to the normal back to school topics, what the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor will be like, who'll be on the quidditch team, what the new griffindors will be like. The group made their way into the great hall, and settled into their seats at the Griffindor table, preparing to watch the sorting. Professor McGonagall walked out with the sorting hat and placed it upon the stool. The whole hall turned to watch the hat intently as it began to sing.
Last year I gave a warning,
But I fear it was not heeded,
Stay together strong and true,
For the strength will soon be needed,
This school was founded years ago,
By the greatest of the time,
They built a school to protect and educate,
But they were treading a thin line,
Proud Slytherin wanted the purest of blood,
Bold Griffindor the strongest of heart,
Good Hufflepuff the most hardworking,
Sharp Ravenclaw set the smartest apart,
They were great friends at first,
But that was not to last,
They found they could not agree,
For they each wanted certain students outcast,
So they each picked their favourites,
And kept them for their house,
Those rivalries grew strong but now,
It's time for the old flames to be doused,
Outside dangers are ever growing,
And Hogwarts more at risk than ever,
You must unite together, to avoid a deadly end,
Come my friends, it's now or never,
Though now is not the time for warnings,
Much as I hate it, it's my duty to divide you
Come place me on your head,
I can tell things about you, you never even knew,
I will put you where you belong,
Help those that are lost to be found,
Give you friends and family,
With whom your fate will be bound,
If you all unite together,
There is nothing you should fear,
Hogwarts will survive, be strong,
For I'm sure the end is near!
Hermione looked around at her friends, "That's even worse than last year! It hardly talked about the houses at all!"
"Well things have got worse since last year, haven't they?" said Harry, looking disconcerted.
"Yeah, they have." Agreed Ron, and everyone turned their attention back to the sorting where Emma Bowen was being placed in
"Ravenclaw!" A huge cheer erupted from the Ravenclaw table, as the girl made her way over there.
"Sarah Colmes" called Professor McGonagall and a small girl with jet black hair, and piercing blue eyes stepped forward,
"GRIFFINDOR!" Sarah looked delighted as she ran over to the table, which was in an uproar celebrating its latest member.
"Jamie Colmes" was next, obviously Sarah's twin, they looked identical, except for the length of their hair, and the hat was very quick with its decision then too,
"GRIFFINDOR!" Jamie looked just as pleased as Sarah did. Harry looked over at the newest additions to Griffindor and was surprised by the pang of grief that hit him, Jamie looked quite like Sirius, and Harry realised how much he missed him. It was just Jamie's appearance though, it was the look in his eyes, Harry had gotten so used to that look, it was the same look he had seen Fred and George share so many times, it looked like Griffindor had some new pranksters. Harry hadn't thought about how much he was going to miss Fred and George this year; they had always been around for some comic relief when things got too bad. Just looking at those first years reminded him how he felt then, and just how much had changed. He looked back at his friends, Ron and Hermione, and realised that as much as their world had changed, they hadn't, and they would always be the same people Harry could count on and trust, he was so thankful for that. When he turned back to the sorting, he realised that most of the students had already been sorted.
"Darryl Stevens"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Alicia Teiden"
"Slytherin!"
"Calum Webster"
"Ravenclaw!"
And with that the sorting was over. Most students' eyes then flicked from the hat to Dumbledore, awaiting their food. Dumbledore stood up and not to disappoint simply said, "Enjoy the feast!"
"Eventually!" called Ron, as he reached forward helping himself to the food that had recently appeared.
Hermione refrained from commenting on Ron's eating habits, but Harry noticed she did give him disapproving look, maybe she was making the effort to be nice because they were now a couple? Harry didn't know, but he thought it made a welcome change not to have to endure a row whenever they were around each other. The feast passed quite quickly, after the shocks the day had produced everyone was hungry and content to just eat in relative silence. Harry paused to look around the great hall, everyone looked so happy, carefree, and he wished he could feel the same. He glanced at Ron, who to anyone else looked happy enough; Harry however could see the concern in his eyes. The eyes that never left Hermione, just watching their wordless exchange Harry saw how much they cared about each other, and he realised that outside, when Hermione almost died, she hadn't been the most scared; Ron was. Harry was so happy for them, but at the same time there was a hint of jealousy that went along with it. He wished he had someone that would be that scared for him.
"What are you talking about?" he thought to himself "You have." It was then that he realised it was true, outside when death had threatened them, he was willing to give up his own life to save his friends, without hesitation, and he saw, in a brief look they had exchanged that his friends were willing to do the same for him. The thought brought a smile to his face, and his train of thought was disturbed when Hermione turned to face him.
"What're you smiling like that for Harry?"
"No reason," said Harry "Just happy." That seemed to be enough for Hermione who smiled at him in reply and returned to her food.
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Dumbledore rose from his place at the teachers table to address the Hall. "Welcome Students! I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer, and will have an equally enjoyable school year. Before we get into the usual welcome back speech I must inform you about some new students that are joining our school. They are not in first year, but spread through any number of years and they are here because they have suffered at the hands of Voldemort, that is all you need to know about them, until they see fit to tell you more. Now with that out of the way I must remind all students that The Forbidden Forest is indeed forbidden, as is the village of Hogsmede to anyone younger than third year. As you all know the Ministry finally accepted Voldemort's return at the end of June, so I must urge all students to be on their guard when travelling around the school grounds. But, in light of such oppressing danger we have decided to run a Defence group every Friday here in the Great Hall, all students are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group will help you practice defensive magic and prepare you for the danger you may unfortunately have to face. Now, I regret to inform you all that Professor Umbridge has left the school." The twinkle in his eye as he said this gave away the fact that he did not regret it at all, and a distinct cheer was heard all around the hall.
Dumbledore smiled in acknowledgement and returned to his speech, "But it is with great pleasure I introduce her replacement, Professor Danson" he turned to her, and she stood acknowledging the polite applause from the pupils.
"Because Professor Umbridge is no longer High Inquisitor then all decrees she made have become invalid, as have any quidditch bans" he continued looking at Harry as he said the latter part. Harry smiled back at him, a sigh of relief escaping his mouth. He hadn't really feared that he would still be banned from quidditch, but it made him feel a lot better to hear it out loud. This lead Harry to think about quidditch and what a dreadful state the Griffindor team was going to be in. They would need three chasers, and he didn't know about beaters, he had never played with the two that were on the team at the end of last year. Ginny wanted to be chaser though that was one less to worry about. Before he could get too far into his thoughts though Dumbledore called the feast to an end.
"Now" continued Dumbledore, "I think I have waffled on for quite long enough, so I bid you all goodnight!"
The Hall was suddenly alive with movement, everyone rushing to get to their common rooms. Harry looked for Ron and Hermione who he had lost in the crowd, but he saw them fighting over which way to lead the first years, and decided to stay out of it, resigning himself to walking back alone.
"Harry?" It was Professor McGonagall, "could I have a word with you?"
"Oh god" thought Harry, "This must be about potions!" but out loud he simply said "Yes, of course Professor."
"Right, come along to my office then." She gestured him inside, and he stood rather awkwardly, waiting for her to speak. "Have a seat then" she said "We have a few things to discuss."
"Okay" Harry settled himself into the seat opposite her desk.
"Now, firstly, I presume you got my note about Potions?"
"Yes"
"And you are prepared to work especially hard?"
"Yes, thank-you Professor, for getting me into that class" said Harry, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Not at all, I told you I would help you and so I shall." She said looking rather determined
"Now, there is something I require your help with, though only if you can cope with it as well as your studies."
"Umm, okay, I'm sure it won't" said Harry, looking confused "What is it?"
"Well, we have a quidditch team in dire need of a captain, would you be up to the task?"
"What? I, uh, Yes! Of course!" Harry was euphoric, this wasn't what he expected at all, he couldn't believe it; Quidditch Captain!
"I thought you might say that. Now I understand we are in need of a few players?"
"Um, yes we will be."
"Okay, we'll hold tryouts on Friday then. I'll leave it up to you to advertise for players; no doubt you're more than capable." She smiled, looking over at the cup fondly "I would hate to see this cup go"
"It won't!" said Harry determinedly, he couldn't wait to tell Ron and Hermione, and Sirius! He would be so happy for Harry. Harry began to fidget; he couldn't wait to tell everyone. McGonagall must've noticed because she dismissed Harry then,
"You must be eager to return to the common room" she said "Off you go then."
Harry practically leapt out of his seat, and ran most of the way back to the common room, a grin plastered onto his face. It was only when he reached the portrait hole that he realised he had a problem. He didn't know the password. He looked around desperately for a sign of anyone from Griffindor, and was relieved to find Ron there.
"Thought you might need to find out the password" said Ron
"Yeah, thanks, what is it?"
"Conoscasi"
"I recognize that, what is it?"
"It's the spell that Ali used earlier; Dumbledore thought it might be a good idea to remember it."
"Yeah I guess so," said Harry as they walked through the portrait hole and up the stairs,
"Where were you anyway?" asked Ron curiously
"Had to go see McGonagall"
"What about?"
"Well, a bit about Potions" said Harry still grinning,
"And that's what you're so happy about?" said Ron, completely confused
"No, I'm Quidditch captain!"
"Oh" said Ron, a flash of jealousy crossing his features, "Well it was always gonna be you!"
"It was?" said Harry, looking flattered
"You're unbelievable sometimes, the youngest seeker in 100 years, one of the best players in the school, and you don't think you'd get Captain? Harry quidditch is your thing, you're a natural, and you'll make a great captain." Ron blushed
"Really?" said Harry embarrassed, "So you're not jealous?" he had been afraid Ron would react badly, but as soon as he said it he realized it was a stupid question.
"Of course I'm jealous, but you deserve it and I'm happy for you!"
"Come on, let's go tell Hermione!" Harry said enthusiastically
Hermione looked round from the couch where she was reading at the mention of her name, "Oh hi Harry, tell me what?"
"That I'm quidditch captain!"
"Ooh Harry well done!" enthused Hermione "I'm so proud of you!"
"Yeah, you'll be great at it Harry," added Ginny, who was sitting beside Hermione, "I guess this means you're back to Seeker then?"
"Uh, yeah" said Harry awkwardly, he had forgotten that Ginny had been playing his position in al the excitement.
"No, don't worry about it, I want to be a chaser anyway!" she said quickly noticing the look on his face, "When are tryouts?"
"Friday," he replied
"Ooh, can anyone try out?" piped up Ali from the corner
"From second year and up, yeah, but it's only the position of Chaser that's open"
Ali's face fell, "So I'd have to compete against Ginny?"
"Oh, no" replied Harry, "We need three, all of them left at the end of last year."
"And a beater" Ginny put in
"What?" asked Harry
"Uh, Andrew, well, he, he was killed in the summer, by Voldemort."
"Oh god." Said Harry, suddenly feeling quite sick, looking around at his friends he realized he wasn't alone in that sentiment.
"That's awful!" declared Hermione.
"Anything to do with V-V-Voldemort is" said Ron, still trying to get used to saying the name aloud.
"Mmm" murmured Ginny in agreement "Well, anyway." started Harry, trying to move the conversation along, to hide his guilty feelings, "Are you going to try out Ali?"
"Yeah, I think I will."
"Good," replied Harry, blushing slightly, "I, uh, have to go make some posters, to, um, advertise for tryouts" he stammered, as he headed towards the boys dorms
"Oh okay, g'night Harry!" called Ginny
"Yeah, night!" added Ali,
"See you tomorrow" said Hermione,
"Want a hand?" asked Ron,
"Yeah, okay," agreed Harry,
"I'll be there in a minute," he said gesturing towards Hermione, Harry smiled knowingly at him, and went upstairs.
**************************************************************************** ************************************
Harry and Ron eventually managed to produce some half decent looking posters, neither of them had very much artistic talent. By the time they got to bed they were exhausted. Harry was lying in bed almost asleep, when his thoughts drifted to quidditch and then to Ali, and he fell asleep with a smile on his face. Ron's thoughts lingered on Hermione before he too fell asleep grinning.
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A/N: I know, I know, I said this would be up sooner, but it just wouldn't flow. I'm still not entirely happy with it, but I know you'll want to read it, and to be quite honest I can't see how to improve it. As always please review, I love to know what you think!! -More soon!!
Replies to my reviewers - *blesses them, and wishes for their lives to be filled with good!*
Hplova4eva - Delighted to see you're still reading and liking it, hope that continues!
Anna L. Black - Ecstatic that you're so positive. - I'm so relieved to know you liked the Malfoy encounter, I was worried about him, as I really like him, and wanted to get him right!
Dreamer43 - Thanks, glad you liked. This chapter should remind you of Ali, if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
Ron, Harry and Ginny all stared round at Ali in amazement; the person who had just saved Hermione, their best friend, was none other than the Weasley's "hot" neighbour Ali. Hermione looked at them in disbelief, they knew this girl?
"What is going on here?" demanded Hermione "Who are you? And how did you get Hagrid back?"
Ali looked at Hermione and smiled sympathetically, Hermione looked terrified, and with good reason, after all she had almost died. "My name is Ali, and I live next door to Ron, that's how I know them."
"Oh okay." Said Hermione, some of the confusion from her face retreating, "but how did you do that?"
"Yeah, I mean, he must've been under the Imperious curse, or something, I didn't think spells could break it!" said Harry, looking confused and hopeful, if there was a spell that could break it, things would be much harder for Voldemort.
"Hagrid was under the Imperius curse, and there wasn't a known spell to break it. Until now. My aunt has been working on it for years, and finally had a breakthrough the other day. We've tried practicing it putting the Imperius curse on each other and such, but, well, it's never as strong if you don't mean it. So we didn't know if it would work, in a real situation. But it does! Oh this is the best news!" Ali looked ecstatic. "You realise what a difference this could make to the war?" she said, looking at them all as they took in her explanation.
"Wow," Said Hermione, looking at her saviour in awe. "Your aunt must be amazing! It's really difficult to develop spells, and people have been trying that one for years!"
"I guess you'll find out," Replied Ali "She's the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
"Thank god!" cried Ron "Someone who knows what they're talking about!"
Just then Neville came running up to them "You better get into a carriage they're heading up to the school now!"
"Oh gosh!" exclaimed Hermione picking up her things and running towards them, the others close on her heels. They found a carriage and all climbed in, there was an awkward silence, when everyone looked at each other as though willing someone to say something, in the end it was Harry who spoke.
"So Ali, I hope this doesn't sound rude, but what are you doing here?"
"Oh, em, I'm going to be a student at Hogwarts."
"They don't accept students unless they're first year though do they?" asked Ginny looking confused
"They didn't." said Ali, "But there are a few new students from all different years this term, because of you-know-who. Dumbledore's admitting students need a place to go, because of something he did. Like me, my parents were killed by You-Know-Who earlier this year, but I used to be home schooled, because, emm, well, I just was. I went to live with my aunt after my parents died, but obviously she's here, so she asked Dumbledore about me attending, and he said yes right away, he said there were several similar situations. So I wouldn't be out of place."
"That's a really good idea," said Hermione, "It'll be a great help to those in bad situations."
"Yeah, it's good of Dumbledore, and it's good to see you again Ali." Said Ron "I have a question though, then again maybe you won't know, but anyway, are you going to be sorted with the first years?"
"Oh no." replied Ali "all the new transfers had to go in a special compartment on the train, the other students aren't supposed to know about us yet, but I'm sure it won't matter." She said with a reassuring smile at all of them. "We got sorted on the way here; I'm in Griffindor, what houses are you guys in?"
"Ooh! We're all Griffindor too!" said Ginny, smiling, "I take it you'll be in my year?"
"I think so, 5th?"
"Yeah, oh this is great; we'll be in the same classes then, well, mostly."
"Cool," Ali replied grinning.
Now that the serious conversation was out of the way, chatter returned to the normal back to school topics, what the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor will be like, who'll be on the quidditch team, what the new griffindors will be like. The group made their way into the great hall, and settled into their seats at the Griffindor table, preparing to watch the sorting. Professor McGonagall walked out with the sorting hat and placed it upon the stool. The whole hall turned to watch the hat intently as it began to sing.
Last year I gave a warning,
But I fear it was not heeded,
Stay together strong and true,
For the strength will soon be needed,
This school was founded years ago,
By the greatest of the time,
They built a school to protect and educate,
But they were treading a thin line,
Proud Slytherin wanted the purest of blood,
Bold Griffindor the strongest of heart,
Good Hufflepuff the most hardworking,
Sharp Ravenclaw set the smartest apart,
They were great friends at first,
But that was not to last,
They found they could not agree,
For they each wanted certain students outcast,
So they each picked their favourites,
And kept them for their house,
Those rivalries grew strong but now,
It's time for the old flames to be doused,
Outside dangers are ever growing,
And Hogwarts more at risk than ever,
You must unite together, to avoid a deadly end,
Come my friends, it's now or never,
Though now is not the time for warnings,
Much as I hate it, it's my duty to divide you
Come place me on your head,
I can tell things about you, you never even knew,
I will put you where you belong,
Help those that are lost to be found,
Give you friends and family,
With whom your fate will be bound,
If you all unite together,
There is nothing you should fear,
Hogwarts will survive, be strong,
For I'm sure the end is near!
Hermione looked around at her friends, "That's even worse than last year! It hardly talked about the houses at all!"
"Well things have got worse since last year, haven't they?" said Harry, looking disconcerted.
"Yeah, they have." Agreed Ron, and everyone turned their attention back to the sorting where Emma Bowen was being placed in
"Ravenclaw!" A huge cheer erupted from the Ravenclaw table, as the girl made her way over there.
"Sarah Colmes" called Professor McGonagall and a small girl with jet black hair, and piercing blue eyes stepped forward,
"GRIFFINDOR!" Sarah looked delighted as she ran over to the table, which was in an uproar celebrating its latest member.
"Jamie Colmes" was next, obviously Sarah's twin, they looked identical, except for the length of their hair, and the hat was very quick with its decision then too,
"GRIFFINDOR!" Jamie looked just as pleased as Sarah did. Harry looked over at the newest additions to Griffindor and was surprised by the pang of grief that hit him, Jamie looked quite like Sirius, and Harry realised how much he missed him. It was just Jamie's appearance though, it was the look in his eyes, Harry had gotten so used to that look, it was the same look he had seen Fred and George share so many times, it looked like Griffindor had some new pranksters. Harry hadn't thought about how much he was going to miss Fred and George this year; they had always been around for some comic relief when things got too bad. Just looking at those first years reminded him how he felt then, and just how much had changed. He looked back at his friends, Ron and Hermione, and realised that as much as their world had changed, they hadn't, and they would always be the same people Harry could count on and trust, he was so thankful for that. When he turned back to the sorting, he realised that most of the students had already been sorted.
"Darryl Stevens"
"Hufflepuff!"
"Alicia Teiden"
"Slytherin!"
"Calum Webster"
"Ravenclaw!"
And with that the sorting was over. Most students' eyes then flicked from the hat to Dumbledore, awaiting their food. Dumbledore stood up and not to disappoint simply said, "Enjoy the feast!"
"Eventually!" called Ron, as he reached forward helping himself to the food that had recently appeared.
Hermione refrained from commenting on Ron's eating habits, but Harry noticed she did give him disapproving look, maybe she was making the effort to be nice because they were now a couple? Harry didn't know, but he thought it made a welcome change not to have to endure a row whenever they were around each other. The feast passed quite quickly, after the shocks the day had produced everyone was hungry and content to just eat in relative silence. Harry paused to look around the great hall, everyone looked so happy, carefree, and he wished he could feel the same. He glanced at Ron, who to anyone else looked happy enough; Harry however could see the concern in his eyes. The eyes that never left Hermione, just watching their wordless exchange Harry saw how much they cared about each other, and he realised that outside, when Hermione almost died, she hadn't been the most scared; Ron was. Harry was so happy for them, but at the same time there was a hint of jealousy that went along with it. He wished he had someone that would be that scared for him.
"What are you talking about?" he thought to himself "You have." It was then that he realised it was true, outside when death had threatened them, he was willing to give up his own life to save his friends, without hesitation, and he saw, in a brief look they had exchanged that his friends were willing to do the same for him. The thought brought a smile to his face, and his train of thought was disturbed when Hermione turned to face him.
"What're you smiling like that for Harry?"
"No reason," said Harry "Just happy." That seemed to be enough for Hermione who smiled at him in reply and returned to her food.
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Dumbledore rose from his place at the teachers table to address the Hall. "Welcome Students! I hope you have all had an enjoyable summer, and will have an equally enjoyable school year. Before we get into the usual welcome back speech I must inform you about some new students that are joining our school. They are not in first year, but spread through any number of years and they are here because they have suffered at the hands of Voldemort, that is all you need to know about them, until they see fit to tell you more. Now with that out of the way I must remind all students that The Forbidden Forest is indeed forbidden, as is the village of Hogsmede to anyone younger than third year. As you all know the Ministry finally accepted Voldemort's return at the end of June, so I must urge all students to be on their guard when travelling around the school grounds. But, in light of such oppressing danger we have decided to run a Defence group every Friday here in the Great Hall, all students are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group will help you practice defensive magic and prepare you for the danger you may unfortunately have to face. Now, I regret to inform you all that Professor Umbridge has left the school." The twinkle in his eye as he said this gave away the fact that he did not regret it at all, and a distinct cheer was heard all around the hall.
Dumbledore smiled in acknowledgement and returned to his speech, "But it is with great pleasure I introduce her replacement, Professor Danson" he turned to her, and she stood acknowledging the polite applause from the pupils.
"Because Professor Umbridge is no longer High Inquisitor then all decrees she made have become invalid, as have any quidditch bans" he continued looking at Harry as he said the latter part. Harry smiled back at him, a sigh of relief escaping his mouth. He hadn't really feared that he would still be banned from quidditch, but it made him feel a lot better to hear it out loud. This lead Harry to think about quidditch and what a dreadful state the Griffindor team was going to be in. They would need three chasers, and he didn't know about beaters, he had never played with the two that were on the team at the end of last year. Ginny wanted to be chaser though that was one less to worry about. Before he could get too far into his thoughts though Dumbledore called the feast to an end.
"Now" continued Dumbledore, "I think I have waffled on for quite long enough, so I bid you all goodnight!"
The Hall was suddenly alive with movement, everyone rushing to get to their common rooms. Harry looked for Ron and Hermione who he had lost in the crowd, but he saw them fighting over which way to lead the first years, and decided to stay out of it, resigning himself to walking back alone.
"Harry?" It was Professor McGonagall, "could I have a word with you?"
"Oh god" thought Harry, "This must be about potions!" but out loud he simply said "Yes, of course Professor."
"Right, come along to my office then." She gestured him inside, and he stood rather awkwardly, waiting for her to speak. "Have a seat then" she said "We have a few things to discuss."
"Okay" Harry settled himself into the seat opposite her desk.
"Now, firstly, I presume you got my note about Potions?"
"Yes"
"And you are prepared to work especially hard?"
"Yes, thank-you Professor, for getting me into that class" said Harry, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Not at all, I told you I would help you and so I shall." She said looking rather determined
"Now, there is something I require your help with, though only if you can cope with it as well as your studies."
"Umm, okay, I'm sure it won't" said Harry, looking confused "What is it?"
"Well, we have a quidditch team in dire need of a captain, would you be up to the task?"
"What? I, uh, Yes! Of course!" Harry was euphoric, this wasn't what he expected at all, he couldn't believe it; Quidditch Captain!
"I thought you might say that. Now I understand we are in need of a few players?"
"Um, yes we will be."
"Okay, we'll hold tryouts on Friday then. I'll leave it up to you to advertise for players; no doubt you're more than capable." She smiled, looking over at the cup fondly "I would hate to see this cup go"
"It won't!" said Harry determinedly, he couldn't wait to tell Ron and Hermione, and Sirius! He would be so happy for Harry. Harry began to fidget; he couldn't wait to tell everyone. McGonagall must've noticed because she dismissed Harry then,
"You must be eager to return to the common room" she said "Off you go then."
Harry practically leapt out of his seat, and ran most of the way back to the common room, a grin plastered onto his face. It was only when he reached the portrait hole that he realised he had a problem. He didn't know the password. He looked around desperately for a sign of anyone from Griffindor, and was relieved to find Ron there.
"Thought you might need to find out the password" said Ron
"Yeah, thanks, what is it?"
"Conoscasi"
"I recognize that, what is it?"
"It's the spell that Ali used earlier; Dumbledore thought it might be a good idea to remember it."
"Yeah I guess so," said Harry as they walked through the portrait hole and up the stairs,
"Where were you anyway?" asked Ron curiously
"Had to go see McGonagall"
"What about?"
"Well, a bit about Potions" said Harry still grinning,
"And that's what you're so happy about?" said Ron, completely confused
"No, I'm Quidditch captain!"
"Oh" said Ron, a flash of jealousy crossing his features, "Well it was always gonna be you!"
"It was?" said Harry, looking flattered
"You're unbelievable sometimes, the youngest seeker in 100 years, one of the best players in the school, and you don't think you'd get Captain? Harry quidditch is your thing, you're a natural, and you'll make a great captain." Ron blushed
"Really?" said Harry embarrassed, "So you're not jealous?" he had been afraid Ron would react badly, but as soon as he said it he realized it was a stupid question.
"Of course I'm jealous, but you deserve it and I'm happy for you!"
"Come on, let's go tell Hermione!" Harry said enthusiastically
Hermione looked round from the couch where she was reading at the mention of her name, "Oh hi Harry, tell me what?"
"That I'm quidditch captain!"
"Ooh Harry well done!" enthused Hermione "I'm so proud of you!"
"Yeah, you'll be great at it Harry," added Ginny, who was sitting beside Hermione, "I guess this means you're back to Seeker then?"
"Uh, yeah" said Harry awkwardly, he had forgotten that Ginny had been playing his position in al the excitement.
"No, don't worry about it, I want to be a chaser anyway!" she said quickly noticing the look on his face, "When are tryouts?"
"Friday," he replied
"Ooh, can anyone try out?" piped up Ali from the corner
"From second year and up, yeah, but it's only the position of Chaser that's open"
Ali's face fell, "So I'd have to compete against Ginny?"
"Oh, no" replied Harry, "We need three, all of them left at the end of last year."
"And a beater" Ginny put in
"What?" asked Harry
"Uh, Andrew, well, he, he was killed in the summer, by Voldemort."
"Oh god." Said Harry, suddenly feeling quite sick, looking around at his friends he realized he wasn't alone in that sentiment.
"That's awful!" declared Hermione.
"Anything to do with V-V-Voldemort is" said Ron, still trying to get used to saying the name aloud.
"Mmm" murmured Ginny in agreement "Well, anyway." started Harry, trying to move the conversation along, to hide his guilty feelings, "Are you going to try out Ali?"
"Yeah, I think I will."
"Good," replied Harry, blushing slightly, "I, uh, have to go make some posters, to, um, advertise for tryouts" he stammered, as he headed towards the boys dorms
"Oh okay, g'night Harry!" called Ginny
"Yeah, night!" added Ali,
"See you tomorrow" said Hermione,
"Want a hand?" asked Ron,
"Yeah, okay," agreed Harry,
"I'll be there in a minute," he said gesturing towards Hermione, Harry smiled knowingly at him, and went upstairs.
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Harry and Ron eventually managed to produce some half decent looking posters, neither of them had very much artistic talent. By the time they got to bed they were exhausted. Harry was lying in bed almost asleep, when his thoughts drifted to quidditch and then to Ali, and he fell asleep with a smile on his face. Ron's thoughts lingered on Hermione before he too fell asleep grinning.
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A/N: I know, I know, I said this would be up sooner, but it just wouldn't flow. I'm still not entirely happy with it, but I know you'll want to read it, and to be quite honest I can't see how to improve it. As always please review, I love to know what you think!! -More soon!!
Replies to my reviewers - *blesses them, and wishes for their lives to be filled with good!*
Hplova4eva - Delighted to see you're still reading and liking it, hope that continues!
Anna L. Black - Ecstatic that you're so positive. - I'm so relieved to know you liked the Malfoy encounter, I was worried about him, as I really like him, and wanted to get him right!
Dreamer43 - Thanks, glad you liked. This chapter should remind you of Ali, if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
