The Phoenix's Prophecy
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 8.
~*~*~*~
"For once, we're not late!" Hermione exclaimed, as she seated herself in their compartment on the train.
"Yeah. I guess it had something to do with Moody coming and waking us up at an ungodly time in the morning, insisting that we *would* be late if we didn't get up then and there." Ginny grumbled, seating herself beside the window, while Harry collapsed across from her, and Ron sat down beside him.
"And the fact that they brought us here in those heavily armed ministry cars." Ron added.
"And the fact nearly all of the members of the you-know-what were bloody there." Harry said sarcastically, looking disgruntled. Ginny shot him a grin.
"Hey, everyone loves the famous Harry Potter." She teased. Harry snorted.
"Since when?"
"Since now, apparently." A new voice cut in. Everyone looked up in surprise, and all mouths, save for Harry's, fell open.
"Neville?" Hermione breathed, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. And indeed, there stood Neville, looking shockingly handsome with his hair waved slightly away from his forehead, and his new self-confidence evident in the way he was grinning at them all, cheekily.
"Hello, 'Mione. Greetings Ron. Longtime-no-see, Ginny. Hey, Harry."
"Nope, sorry. I'm fresh out of hay." Harry teased, as Neville seated himself beside Ron. Neville shot him a grin, ignoring the others' stunned glances.
"How was your summer, Neville? Knock over anymore hot-dog stands?" Harry asked jokingly. Neville glared, but it wavered into a smile.
"No. But I did manage to set a firework off underneath the Headmaster's chair at dinner." Neville informed him. Harry realized that Neville must be talking about the Headmaster of Salem Academy.
"Why were you at the school?" Harry asked in curiosity. Neville shrugged.
"They start and end school earlier than we do. I would spend most of my time in May's office, while classes were held, and then I'd join the others in the kitchens for dinner. Usually, they eat in their 'Mess Hall', as they call it, but since I was there, Jackson, Rose, Shane, Shirah, Raya and I were all allowed to eat in the kitchens. It was sort of funny how we managed to set off the firework, though..." Neville trailed off dreamily, and Harry grinned.
"Oh, and Harry. I have a letter for you, from Rose." Neville added, waking up enough to pull the letter out of his pocket and hand it to Harry.
"Sorry. Confidential information, for Harry's eyes only." Neville stated, when he saw Ron trying to look over Harry's shoulder.
"Oh, yeah. That's friendly, Neville. Leave us out of it." Ron snapped, sitting back in his chair and pouting. Neville shrugged and grinned, while Harry opened the letter.
//Dear Harry:
Do you remember Jackson's note on your Birthday, when he told you he knew something that no one else did? Well, we've finally figured out what it is!
We're coming to Hogwarts! Honestly! I can't tell you when, or why, but I just wanted you to know that you'd see us sooner than I expected! You should find out about it, tonight, at the Sorting Feast, because Neville said that was when Professor Dumbledore would most likely announce it.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that, and how much I miss you and can't wait to see you! I have to make this short, because I am writing this in Divination (boring class! Silly Divination teachers, I already know more than any of them do!).
Lovingly yours,
Rose//
Harry turned wide eyes towards Neville, and the other boy nodded eagerly. Harry noticed that Ginny was looking at him curiously, and he slowly nodded his head, putting the letter beside him on the seat. Ginny, making sure that Ron and Hermione were occupied, quickly reached over and grabbed the letter, hiding it up her sleeve before anyone could see.
Neville noticed this and let out another grin, quickly starting up a conversation with Ron and Hermione, to keep them preoccupied. Ginny took this time to read the letter, and then she too, turned wide eyes towards Harry.
'She's coming?' Ginny mouthed, handing the letter back to him. Harry nodded, but his attention was taken as the compartment door slid open. Luna Lovegood was standing in the doorway, looking as far-away as usual.
"Is this seat taken?" She asked in a misty voice, that reminded Harry of Professor Trelawny. Ginny and Hermione shook their heads, while the three boys shared a 'look'.
"How was your summer, Luna?" Hermione asked politely. Luna turned to stare at her with ever-surprised eyes.
"Wonderful. Papa and I were this close to catching a whooser."
"I am not going to ask." Ron muttered, turning back to his conversation with Neville.
The rest of the train ride was uneventful, and spent talking, playing exploding-snap, and sleeping.
~*~*~*~
"AHHHH! I thought we would never eat!" Ron groaned in ecstasy, before stuffing a wad of chicken into his mouth. Hermione, who was across the table from him, shot him a disgusted look, while Ginny giggled beside her. Ginny had chosen not to sit with the other fifth-year girls, instead, she chose to sit with her brother, in hopes of getting perhaps a little more information from Harry about Rose's impending arrival.
"So she never said anything before?" Ginny asked quietly, when Ron and Hermione were caught up in an argument. Neville, who was sitting on Harry's other side, leaned in so he could hear.
"No. Jackson said something about knowing a 'secret' in my Birthday letter, but that was all I know. I'm surprised she didn't know sooner, considering May works at the school." Harry muttered back. Neville shook his head carefully.
"May isn't allowed to tell them everything. I mean, she is a close friend to the Headmaster, Professor Moore, but even he doesn't tell her everything." Neville commented, biting into a roll. Harry nodded and took that time to look around the Great Hall, curious to see if anything had changed.
There was Ernie at the Hufflepuff table, his Prefect badge shining in the candle-light. There was Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones, giggling with each other, while they shot glances at a place suspiciously close to him...meaning they probably noticed Neville's change as well.
Then there was Cho. She was seated at the Ravenclaw table, talking with one of her friends, but her eyes just happened to raise and catch Harry's. She shot him a smile, which Harry returned, though he noticed that he no longer felt that fluttering in his stomach whenever she looked at him.
His gaze traveled over his own table, to Dean and Seamus, who seemed to be in an argument, Lavender and Parvati, who were giggling and staring at...shockingly...Ron. Harry grinned as Ron, who seemed oblivious to their stares, continued to converse with Hermione over something. Across from him, Ginny was sitting silently, seeming to be deep in thought, while Neville was looking cautiously over at the Slytherin table.
Turning, Harry saw why. Draco Malfoy was staring straight at Harry, with a look of loathing on his face, while Pansy Parkinson hung on his arm and sent him sickly sympathetic looks. Crabbe and Goyle were sitting on Draco's other side, Crabbe throwing equally hateful looks at Harry, while Goyle, surprisingly, kept his eyes on his plate.
"Goyle keeps looking over here, Harry." Neville mumbled out of the corner of his mouth.
"They all are. What makes him any different?" Harry asked shortly. Neville frowned.
"They are looking at you like they want to kill you. But he...seems almost like he wants to talk to you, or something." Neville commented. Ginny overheard and a mean grin came to her face.
"Perhaps he fancies Harry." She giggled. Neville made a disgusted face, while Harry stared at her in horror.
"Ginny!"
"Just kidding. Ignore them, Harry. they're just trying to scare you. And just for the record, Malfoy's father hasn't gotten out of Azkaban, yet. So he will be even more violent towards you, now." Ginny warned. Harry shrugged. He had delt with Malfoy before, and he would do it again, if he had to.
Dinner seemed to go by quickly, after that, and soon, Dumbledore was standing up to give his start-of-year speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! First of all, I would like to remind all of you that the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, no matter how many times some of you have managed to sneak into it." There were resounding snickers from many of the students, at this.
"Secondly, I would like to introduce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Hendreckson."
Harry jumped as a young woman with bright brown eyes and curly black hair nodded to her attentive audience. Professor Hendreckson was the second female professor that they had had so far, but she seemed very different from Umbridge. Her face was composed of soft lines, that seemed far from devious (unlike Umbridge's), and her smile held a deep kindness behind it.
"Where'd they pick up someone like that?" Ron asked. Neville gulped, and leaned towards Harry.
"Harry, that's Rayana's aunt Sheryl, from her other side! She lives with Raya and her family...or she did..." Neville trailed off as Dumbledore continued, leaving Harry to ponder this.
"Lastly, I would like to announce that we are doing something a little different this year, when it comes to Quidditch." At Dumbledore's words, there was a resounding groan, but he smiled and held up his hand.
"We, along with several other schools, have decided to set up a tournament. Each house will play houses from the other schools, and eventually, it will be narrowed down to the two best teams, who will play each other. This event is transpiring, so that we can have inter-continental cooperation in this time of dire need and danger." Dumbledore finished.
"Time of who-a-what-a?" Ron asked, frowning in confusion. Harry shrugged, felling just as puzzled...but then it clicked.
"NEVILLE! They are coming because of the tournament!" Harry exclaimed, looking excited. Neville grinned and nodded.
"You knew this whole time?" Harry asked, dryly.
"Yup!" Neville said proudly, grinning at Harry as he got up from the table and started for the doors. Ginny's eyes were sparkling as she joined them.
"I'll get to meet Rose!" She exclaimed. Harry nodded absentmindedly, as he caught sight of Malfoy just up ahead of them, walking with Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle. But, Harry was startled to see, Goyle looked back at him, with a look Harry could only interpret as one thing.
Desperate.
~*~*~*~
Harry walked nervously towards Dumbledore's office, that night, his hands fisted at his sides. He still hadn't decided fully if he was willing to put in the effort to teach the class, again.
And this time, it would be with permission, and not behind the professors backs.
"Come in, Mr. Potter." Called Dumbledore's voice, as Harry cautiously opened the door to his office. Harry stepped inside, immediately feeling comforted by Fawkes's presence in the room. The bird knew Harry well enough, to fly over to him and perch on his shoulder, as Harry moved closer to Dumbledore's desk, where the man himself sat.
"Good evening, Harry." Dumbledore murmured, a small smile on his lips, motioning Harry to sit down. Harry managed a weak smile back, and sat, causing Fawkes to fly down onto the arm of his chair.
"Now. I will get right to the point. Have you made your decision?" Dumbledore asked. Harry sighed, thinking of all the questions he still had.
"May I ask you a few things, first?" He asked hesitantly, almost afraid Dumbledore would refuse him. But the professor nodded his approval and Harry sighed.
"First off, would others be allowed to join, if they wished to?"
"Only if you want them to."
"Could I recruit assistants to help teach the newcomers the spells the older members have already learned?"
"Yes. Now, may I make a suggestion before you continue?"
"Sure." Harry muttered, still trying to sort out his thoughts.
"You could assign one night a week, per say, to teaching the older members, and then set aside another night, so any of the older members that are available at the time, could come and help you teach the newer members."
Harry thought this over, and slowly nodded. It would be hard to dodge Quidditch practices, clubs, etc., but it would be easier than trying to teach the older and newer members all in one night.
"What about the arriving schools?" Harry asked, wondering if he could, perhaps, bring Rose, Jackson, and maybe all of their friends, into the group. Dumbledore looked thoughtful.
"Do you have anyone particular in mind, Harry?" Dumbledore asked carefully. Harry sighed and nodded.
"I won't go into the details, but yes. I have a few people who I think would be willing to join." Harry murmured. Dumbledore stared at him curiously, but didn't ask.
"Professor...I was wondering...how many students in the old group sent letters to you, asking for you to continue? I only want those who truly wish this to continue, to come to the lessons...that is, if I choose to teach them." At Harry's words, the old Professor gave a very uncharacteristic grin.
"All but the Ravenclaw girl who betrayed you last year." Dumbledore stated. Harry stared at him in shock. *Everyone* had wanted him to teach again?! Well, if they thought he was good enough...
"Professor...I think I'll do it. We will need all the knowledge we can get, if we are going to defeat Voldemort. I may have to be the one who kills, or is killed by him, but others will have to fight as well. They might as well learn." Harry commented. At this, Fawkes gave a soft, musical crow, and Dumbledore smiled.
"Very well then, Harry. I am proud of your decision." Dumbledore stated, standing up. Harry stood up as well.
"Professor, one last thing. How will we tell the others that this class is going to continue?" Harry asked. Dumbledore smiled again.
"Use the coin, Harry. I will alert anyone I feel would like to join, from now on. But I will make sure to tell you, so you can approve or disapprove of the choices." The old professor commented. Harry nodded, and walked towards the door, feeling happy.
"Oh, and Harry?"
Harry turned to see Professor Dumbledore now stroking Fawkes slowly.
"Good luck."
~*~*~*~
As Harry walked back to his dormitory, his thoughts returned to the start- of-term feast. So many things had changed since last year. The people, the professors, even the ghosts seemed to be different, somehow. Every house but Slytherin seemed to be coming together and intertwining with each other.
But it was the 'every house but *Slytherin*', that worried Harry the most. Harry knew that some of the Slytherins were from non-deatheater families. But even they seemed to shy away from the unions being made.
"Perhaps they are afraid of the other Slytherins." Harry mussed quietly, as he went down a shortcut towards the Gryffindor common-room. But both unfortunately and fortunately, he wasn't going to get there any faster than if he had taken the long way.
"Ouch!" Harry muttered, as he tripped over something in the dim corridor. Biting back a rather foul word, Harry glared at the thing that he had tripped over, only to have it unravel into a shocked expression.
For there, on the floor, sat a wincing figure. A large, figure, that held a rather thick book in it's hands. But it was the face of the figure, that caused Harry the most shock.
"Goyle?"
The other boy looked up, a look of almost-dread on his face, so unlike his usual stupid look. His hands seemed to almost shake as he attempted to hide the book behind him, still keeping eye-contact with Harry.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, a bit snappishly. Goyle frowned slightly.
"I could ask the same for you."
Harry stepped back in surprise. About the only thing he had ever heard from Goyle was a few guffaws and grunts. Perhaps a few words here and there, but never an actual sentence. Growling softly in annoyance, Harry took out his wand and whispered the spell to light it's tip.
"I was talking to Dumbledore. What are you doing here?" Harry asked again, unsure of why he felt compelled to answer the big lump. Goyle stood slowly, keeping the book carefully hidden behind his back.
"I was...reading."
"In a hallway, with almost no light?" Harry asked suspiciously. Goyle shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes."
"Why?" Harry asked, trying to suppress a glare. Goyle's face became hard and he looked at a spot over Harry's shoulder.
"Privacy." He grunted. Harry looked surprised.
"What? You couldn't find a private place in your common-room?" He asked sarcastically. Goyle flinched.
"Too much noise. Malfoy would ask too many questions." Goyle said shortly. Harry frowned.
"Goyle, what are you reading?" He asked sharply, feeling more than a little suspicious about this. Goyle sighed and pulled the book from behind his back, handing it to Harry. Obviously the boy seemed a bit nervous about the fact that Harry still had his wand out. Harry smirked at this, and looked at the title of the book, only to get another surprise.
"'Hogwarts-A History'?! You're reading this?" Harry asked, aghast.
"No, Potter. I'm eating it." Goyle growled, pulling the book from Harry's grasp and holding it possessively. Harry raised an eyebrow, and had the strange desire to laugh at Goyle's comment.
"Look, Potter. You don't tell anyone I was here, and I won't tell anyone you were. Fair?" Goyle asked, looking nervous. Harry thought for a moment, but realized that there was no real proof that Goyle was doing anything other than trying to get some privacy, so...
"Fine. But I'm watching you, Goyle." Harry warned. Goyle turned and walked quickly away, but not before Harry heard him mumble:
"I'm sure you are."
~*~*~*~
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 8.
~*~*~*~
"For once, we're not late!" Hermione exclaimed, as she seated herself in their compartment on the train.
"Yeah. I guess it had something to do with Moody coming and waking us up at an ungodly time in the morning, insisting that we *would* be late if we didn't get up then and there." Ginny grumbled, seating herself beside the window, while Harry collapsed across from her, and Ron sat down beside him.
"And the fact that they brought us here in those heavily armed ministry cars." Ron added.
"And the fact nearly all of the members of the you-know-what were bloody there." Harry said sarcastically, looking disgruntled. Ginny shot him a grin.
"Hey, everyone loves the famous Harry Potter." She teased. Harry snorted.
"Since when?"
"Since now, apparently." A new voice cut in. Everyone looked up in surprise, and all mouths, save for Harry's, fell open.
"Neville?" Hermione breathed, a slight blush rising to her cheeks. And indeed, there stood Neville, looking shockingly handsome with his hair waved slightly away from his forehead, and his new self-confidence evident in the way he was grinning at them all, cheekily.
"Hello, 'Mione. Greetings Ron. Longtime-no-see, Ginny. Hey, Harry."
"Nope, sorry. I'm fresh out of hay." Harry teased, as Neville seated himself beside Ron. Neville shot him a grin, ignoring the others' stunned glances.
"How was your summer, Neville? Knock over anymore hot-dog stands?" Harry asked jokingly. Neville glared, but it wavered into a smile.
"No. But I did manage to set a firework off underneath the Headmaster's chair at dinner." Neville informed him. Harry realized that Neville must be talking about the Headmaster of Salem Academy.
"Why were you at the school?" Harry asked in curiosity. Neville shrugged.
"They start and end school earlier than we do. I would spend most of my time in May's office, while classes were held, and then I'd join the others in the kitchens for dinner. Usually, they eat in their 'Mess Hall', as they call it, but since I was there, Jackson, Rose, Shane, Shirah, Raya and I were all allowed to eat in the kitchens. It was sort of funny how we managed to set off the firework, though..." Neville trailed off dreamily, and Harry grinned.
"Oh, and Harry. I have a letter for you, from Rose." Neville added, waking up enough to pull the letter out of his pocket and hand it to Harry.
"Sorry. Confidential information, for Harry's eyes only." Neville stated, when he saw Ron trying to look over Harry's shoulder.
"Oh, yeah. That's friendly, Neville. Leave us out of it." Ron snapped, sitting back in his chair and pouting. Neville shrugged and grinned, while Harry opened the letter.
//Dear Harry:
Do you remember Jackson's note on your Birthday, when he told you he knew something that no one else did? Well, we've finally figured out what it is!
We're coming to Hogwarts! Honestly! I can't tell you when, or why, but I just wanted you to know that you'd see us sooner than I expected! You should find out about it, tonight, at the Sorting Feast, because Neville said that was when Professor Dumbledore would most likely announce it.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that, and how much I miss you and can't wait to see you! I have to make this short, because I am writing this in Divination (boring class! Silly Divination teachers, I already know more than any of them do!).
Lovingly yours,
Rose//
Harry turned wide eyes towards Neville, and the other boy nodded eagerly. Harry noticed that Ginny was looking at him curiously, and he slowly nodded his head, putting the letter beside him on the seat. Ginny, making sure that Ron and Hermione were occupied, quickly reached over and grabbed the letter, hiding it up her sleeve before anyone could see.
Neville noticed this and let out another grin, quickly starting up a conversation with Ron and Hermione, to keep them preoccupied. Ginny took this time to read the letter, and then she too, turned wide eyes towards Harry.
'She's coming?' Ginny mouthed, handing the letter back to him. Harry nodded, but his attention was taken as the compartment door slid open. Luna Lovegood was standing in the doorway, looking as far-away as usual.
"Is this seat taken?" She asked in a misty voice, that reminded Harry of Professor Trelawny. Ginny and Hermione shook their heads, while the three boys shared a 'look'.
"How was your summer, Luna?" Hermione asked politely. Luna turned to stare at her with ever-surprised eyes.
"Wonderful. Papa and I were this close to catching a whooser."
"I am not going to ask." Ron muttered, turning back to his conversation with Neville.
The rest of the train ride was uneventful, and spent talking, playing exploding-snap, and sleeping.
~*~*~*~
"AHHHH! I thought we would never eat!" Ron groaned in ecstasy, before stuffing a wad of chicken into his mouth. Hermione, who was across the table from him, shot him a disgusted look, while Ginny giggled beside her. Ginny had chosen not to sit with the other fifth-year girls, instead, she chose to sit with her brother, in hopes of getting perhaps a little more information from Harry about Rose's impending arrival.
"So she never said anything before?" Ginny asked quietly, when Ron and Hermione were caught up in an argument. Neville, who was sitting on Harry's other side, leaned in so he could hear.
"No. Jackson said something about knowing a 'secret' in my Birthday letter, but that was all I know. I'm surprised she didn't know sooner, considering May works at the school." Harry muttered back. Neville shook his head carefully.
"May isn't allowed to tell them everything. I mean, she is a close friend to the Headmaster, Professor Moore, but even he doesn't tell her everything." Neville commented, biting into a roll. Harry nodded and took that time to look around the Great Hall, curious to see if anything had changed.
There was Ernie at the Hufflepuff table, his Prefect badge shining in the candle-light. There was Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones, giggling with each other, while they shot glances at a place suspiciously close to him...meaning they probably noticed Neville's change as well.
Then there was Cho. She was seated at the Ravenclaw table, talking with one of her friends, but her eyes just happened to raise and catch Harry's. She shot him a smile, which Harry returned, though he noticed that he no longer felt that fluttering in his stomach whenever she looked at him.
His gaze traveled over his own table, to Dean and Seamus, who seemed to be in an argument, Lavender and Parvati, who were giggling and staring at...shockingly...Ron. Harry grinned as Ron, who seemed oblivious to their stares, continued to converse with Hermione over something. Across from him, Ginny was sitting silently, seeming to be deep in thought, while Neville was looking cautiously over at the Slytherin table.
Turning, Harry saw why. Draco Malfoy was staring straight at Harry, with a look of loathing on his face, while Pansy Parkinson hung on his arm and sent him sickly sympathetic looks. Crabbe and Goyle were sitting on Draco's other side, Crabbe throwing equally hateful looks at Harry, while Goyle, surprisingly, kept his eyes on his plate.
"Goyle keeps looking over here, Harry." Neville mumbled out of the corner of his mouth.
"They all are. What makes him any different?" Harry asked shortly. Neville frowned.
"They are looking at you like they want to kill you. But he...seems almost like he wants to talk to you, or something." Neville commented. Ginny overheard and a mean grin came to her face.
"Perhaps he fancies Harry." She giggled. Neville made a disgusted face, while Harry stared at her in horror.
"Ginny!"
"Just kidding. Ignore them, Harry. they're just trying to scare you. And just for the record, Malfoy's father hasn't gotten out of Azkaban, yet. So he will be even more violent towards you, now." Ginny warned. Harry shrugged. He had delt with Malfoy before, and he would do it again, if he had to.
Dinner seemed to go by quickly, after that, and soon, Dumbledore was standing up to give his start-of-year speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! First of all, I would like to remind all of you that the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, no matter how many times some of you have managed to sneak into it." There were resounding snickers from many of the students, at this.
"Secondly, I would like to introduce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Hendreckson."
Harry jumped as a young woman with bright brown eyes and curly black hair nodded to her attentive audience. Professor Hendreckson was the second female professor that they had had so far, but she seemed very different from Umbridge. Her face was composed of soft lines, that seemed far from devious (unlike Umbridge's), and her smile held a deep kindness behind it.
"Where'd they pick up someone like that?" Ron asked. Neville gulped, and leaned towards Harry.
"Harry, that's Rayana's aunt Sheryl, from her other side! She lives with Raya and her family...or she did..." Neville trailed off as Dumbledore continued, leaving Harry to ponder this.
"Lastly, I would like to announce that we are doing something a little different this year, when it comes to Quidditch." At Dumbledore's words, there was a resounding groan, but he smiled and held up his hand.
"We, along with several other schools, have decided to set up a tournament. Each house will play houses from the other schools, and eventually, it will be narrowed down to the two best teams, who will play each other. This event is transpiring, so that we can have inter-continental cooperation in this time of dire need and danger." Dumbledore finished.
"Time of who-a-what-a?" Ron asked, frowning in confusion. Harry shrugged, felling just as puzzled...but then it clicked.
"NEVILLE! They are coming because of the tournament!" Harry exclaimed, looking excited. Neville grinned and nodded.
"You knew this whole time?" Harry asked, dryly.
"Yup!" Neville said proudly, grinning at Harry as he got up from the table and started for the doors. Ginny's eyes were sparkling as she joined them.
"I'll get to meet Rose!" She exclaimed. Harry nodded absentmindedly, as he caught sight of Malfoy just up ahead of them, walking with Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle. But, Harry was startled to see, Goyle looked back at him, with a look Harry could only interpret as one thing.
Desperate.
~*~*~*~
Harry walked nervously towards Dumbledore's office, that night, his hands fisted at his sides. He still hadn't decided fully if he was willing to put in the effort to teach the class, again.
And this time, it would be with permission, and not behind the professors backs.
"Come in, Mr. Potter." Called Dumbledore's voice, as Harry cautiously opened the door to his office. Harry stepped inside, immediately feeling comforted by Fawkes's presence in the room. The bird knew Harry well enough, to fly over to him and perch on his shoulder, as Harry moved closer to Dumbledore's desk, where the man himself sat.
"Good evening, Harry." Dumbledore murmured, a small smile on his lips, motioning Harry to sit down. Harry managed a weak smile back, and sat, causing Fawkes to fly down onto the arm of his chair.
"Now. I will get right to the point. Have you made your decision?" Dumbledore asked. Harry sighed, thinking of all the questions he still had.
"May I ask you a few things, first?" He asked hesitantly, almost afraid Dumbledore would refuse him. But the professor nodded his approval and Harry sighed.
"First off, would others be allowed to join, if they wished to?"
"Only if you want them to."
"Could I recruit assistants to help teach the newcomers the spells the older members have already learned?"
"Yes. Now, may I make a suggestion before you continue?"
"Sure." Harry muttered, still trying to sort out his thoughts.
"You could assign one night a week, per say, to teaching the older members, and then set aside another night, so any of the older members that are available at the time, could come and help you teach the newer members."
Harry thought this over, and slowly nodded. It would be hard to dodge Quidditch practices, clubs, etc., but it would be easier than trying to teach the older and newer members all in one night.
"What about the arriving schools?" Harry asked, wondering if he could, perhaps, bring Rose, Jackson, and maybe all of their friends, into the group. Dumbledore looked thoughtful.
"Do you have anyone particular in mind, Harry?" Dumbledore asked carefully. Harry sighed and nodded.
"I won't go into the details, but yes. I have a few people who I think would be willing to join." Harry murmured. Dumbledore stared at him curiously, but didn't ask.
"Professor...I was wondering...how many students in the old group sent letters to you, asking for you to continue? I only want those who truly wish this to continue, to come to the lessons...that is, if I choose to teach them." At Harry's words, the old Professor gave a very uncharacteristic grin.
"All but the Ravenclaw girl who betrayed you last year." Dumbledore stated. Harry stared at him in shock. *Everyone* had wanted him to teach again?! Well, if they thought he was good enough...
"Professor...I think I'll do it. We will need all the knowledge we can get, if we are going to defeat Voldemort. I may have to be the one who kills, or is killed by him, but others will have to fight as well. They might as well learn." Harry commented. At this, Fawkes gave a soft, musical crow, and Dumbledore smiled.
"Very well then, Harry. I am proud of your decision." Dumbledore stated, standing up. Harry stood up as well.
"Professor, one last thing. How will we tell the others that this class is going to continue?" Harry asked. Dumbledore smiled again.
"Use the coin, Harry. I will alert anyone I feel would like to join, from now on. But I will make sure to tell you, so you can approve or disapprove of the choices." The old professor commented. Harry nodded, and walked towards the door, feeling happy.
"Oh, and Harry?"
Harry turned to see Professor Dumbledore now stroking Fawkes slowly.
"Good luck."
~*~*~*~
As Harry walked back to his dormitory, his thoughts returned to the start- of-term feast. So many things had changed since last year. The people, the professors, even the ghosts seemed to be different, somehow. Every house but Slytherin seemed to be coming together and intertwining with each other.
But it was the 'every house but *Slytherin*', that worried Harry the most. Harry knew that some of the Slytherins were from non-deatheater families. But even they seemed to shy away from the unions being made.
"Perhaps they are afraid of the other Slytherins." Harry mussed quietly, as he went down a shortcut towards the Gryffindor common-room. But both unfortunately and fortunately, he wasn't going to get there any faster than if he had taken the long way.
"Ouch!" Harry muttered, as he tripped over something in the dim corridor. Biting back a rather foul word, Harry glared at the thing that he had tripped over, only to have it unravel into a shocked expression.
For there, on the floor, sat a wincing figure. A large, figure, that held a rather thick book in it's hands. But it was the face of the figure, that caused Harry the most shock.
"Goyle?"
The other boy looked up, a look of almost-dread on his face, so unlike his usual stupid look. His hands seemed to almost shake as he attempted to hide the book behind him, still keeping eye-contact with Harry.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked, a bit snappishly. Goyle frowned slightly.
"I could ask the same for you."
Harry stepped back in surprise. About the only thing he had ever heard from Goyle was a few guffaws and grunts. Perhaps a few words here and there, but never an actual sentence. Growling softly in annoyance, Harry took out his wand and whispered the spell to light it's tip.
"I was talking to Dumbledore. What are you doing here?" Harry asked again, unsure of why he felt compelled to answer the big lump. Goyle stood slowly, keeping the book carefully hidden behind his back.
"I was...reading."
"In a hallway, with almost no light?" Harry asked suspiciously. Goyle shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes."
"Why?" Harry asked, trying to suppress a glare. Goyle's face became hard and he looked at a spot over Harry's shoulder.
"Privacy." He grunted. Harry looked surprised.
"What? You couldn't find a private place in your common-room?" He asked sarcastically. Goyle flinched.
"Too much noise. Malfoy would ask too many questions." Goyle said shortly. Harry frowned.
"Goyle, what are you reading?" He asked sharply, feeling more than a little suspicious about this. Goyle sighed and pulled the book from behind his back, handing it to Harry. Obviously the boy seemed a bit nervous about the fact that Harry still had his wand out. Harry smirked at this, and looked at the title of the book, only to get another surprise.
"'Hogwarts-A History'?! You're reading this?" Harry asked, aghast.
"No, Potter. I'm eating it." Goyle growled, pulling the book from Harry's grasp and holding it possessively. Harry raised an eyebrow, and had the strange desire to laugh at Goyle's comment.
"Look, Potter. You don't tell anyone I was here, and I won't tell anyone you were. Fair?" Goyle asked, looking nervous. Harry thought for a moment, but realized that there was no real proof that Goyle was doing anything other than trying to get some privacy, so...
"Fine. But I'm watching you, Goyle." Harry warned. Goyle turned and walked quickly away, but not before Harry heard him mumble:
"I'm sure you are."
~*~*~*~