Chapter Five:
Back at School
The light seemed to be dimming. Although there were storm clouds in the sky, Harry had the feeling that it was around sunset. He looked out the window into the rain.
"Harry?"
His head spun around. He hadn't been expecting anyone. Everyone had left about fifteen minutes ago, but Harry didn't know where they'd gone. He was somewhat relieved to see Ginny standing in the doorway. But then, those strange feelings he had gotten earlier came rushing back. "Hey."
Ginny smiled at him and walked over to the seat across the compartment. "May I?" she asked, indicating the chair. "What makes you think you even have to ask?" Harry replied.
Ginny plopped down in the red velvet seat and looked directly into Harry's eyes. Her gaze seemed to see right through him, into his inner thoughts. This made Harry want to look away, but at the same time, he just couldn't.
"So," he said, "What's new?"
She gave him a small grin and said, "Nothing, really. Everyone's just gone to have a walk around the train, but I didn't really feel like it."
"Ah," Harry said. "Say, er, did you call me last week?"
Ginny smiled again. "Yeah," she said, "I was gonna tell you about Hermione coming."
Harry looked confused. "Oh."
"Yes," Ginny continued, "She wanted it to be a surprise, but I didn't think your relatives would think much of that."
Harry laughed and said, "You got that right."
Even though Harry seemed happy on the outside, Ginny could tell that there was something he was hiding. Maybe he had been hoping for more reason behind her telephoning him than to alert him of an arriving friend. But no, he hadn't ever felt that way about her, she was just being childish...
"Why did you think I called?"
How could she have known that was what he had been thinking? Harry looked at her shockingly, and then his face turned an embarrassingly dark shade of red. "Oh, I dunno, I hadn't really given it any thought."
Ginny looked a bit hurt by this comment. "Oh."
Harry looked up at her and saw the same disappointment behind her eyes as there was behind his. There was no question. She obviously felt the same way, otherwise, well, she had to, didn't she? All the signs were there. Harry just wished he knew what to say next. He would have paid all the money in Gringotts to have some sort of smooth line to say to her. But all he could do was gaze into her eyes, her beautiful, brown eyes. He looked closely and saw that there were splashes of other colors recognizable, and was in the middle of admiring such a beautiful thing when something amazing happened.
At the same moment, they both leaned forward. His lips brushed against hers and it was almost as if fireworks had started shooting up in the background. The kiss was far too short, however, because she pulled away less than three seconds after it started.
Harry blushed again and started to apologize, but she just grinned at him. His sentence was cut off by his surprise when she grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him to her. He was in such shock that he had his eyes open for the first bit, but he soon found it much nicer to have them closed.
Harry didn't know how long they carried on like that, but the footsteps that they heard approaching the door came only too soon. They hastily pulled apart as the entrance flung open, with Ron and Hermione behind it. Ron looked completely oblivious to what had just happened; he obviously hadn't seen. But Hermione didn't look so carefree. She was staring intently at the pair of them, her brow furrowed. Harry could tell that he wouldn't be able to keep this major event from her much longer.
***
Unfortunately for Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed in the same compartment as him and Ginny until they arrived at the Hogsmeade station. As everyone was grabbing their things, Harry leaned over to Ginny and whispered, "We'll talk later."
She nodded in agreement, and then they accompanied Ron and Hermione to one of the "horseless" carriages waiting to take them up.
Harry looked at the thestral, and frowned. These creatures brought back bad memories... His mind flashed to Sirius and he felt as if he was going to pass out. He grabbed the side of the carriage, and looked in at his three friends. "You alright, Harry?" said Ron. It took him a moment to recover himself, but soon enough, Harry was in the carriage with them. He took a seat next to Ginny, with Hermione sitting by Ron across from them. In the dark, her hand groped for his, and when she found it, Ginny held tight. "It'll be okay," she said. Harry gave her a weak smile. Just then, Ginny turned away. Harry was confused by this, at least until he saw Hermione's uneasy eyes looking at them. Their hands still held tight, but they acted indifferent towards each other.
"So Harry, we've got to start talking about Quidditch."
He looked at Ron, completely confused.
"What?" he began, "Who's captain?"
"Well, we won't know who until I open this."
Harry looked at what his best friend was holding. He had just pulled it out of his front pocket. It was a small envelope, dark blue in color.
Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron. Ginny looked at her brother and said, "And what is that?"
"This," he said, "is the letter Angelina left me, naming the new captain."
Hermione and Ginny both gaped at Ron. Harry, however, looked troubled.
"Oh don't worry, I'm not opening it until tomorrow morning."
Harry looked slightly relieved at this bit of news, but then he wondered what was stopping Ron from opening it. Ginny seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Why not just read it now?" she asked.
"Ginny, Ginny, Ginny, you don't know what this is, do you?" said Ron.
Hermione looked at it closely, examining every fold.
"I suppose there's some sort of enchantment on it, then?" said Hermione.
"Right you are, Hermione. It's a reverse Howler."
Ginny looked at her brother, utterly confused.
"What?"
Ron tried explaining. "Instead of exploding if I don't open it, it explodes if I do."
Everyone stared at him expectantly.
"It opens itself at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Something to look forward to, eh?"
Harry gave way to a small grin. Ron was becoming more and more like his older twin brothers with every sentence he said.
Hermione looked at Ron curiously. "Angelina knows how to do that kind of spell?"
"Well, its not that hard," Ron began, "All you have to do..."
But Harry didn't get to hear the rest of Ron's explanation, because they had arrived at the castle. They piled out of the carriage, with Harry in the front. He was closely followed by Ginny, who had only just broken their handhold. The four of them stepped into the Great Hall, and Harry had to admit, it felt great to be home.
***
Harry sat across from Ginny and Hermione at dinner, with Ron at his left. They were in the middle of a discussion on the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who didn't seem to be present at the moment. Harry wondered who on earth they had landed this year, when Professor Mcgongal marched in, leading a multitude of first years to the front of the room. It was only when he saw them walking in a line did he remember about Evans.
He scanned the room quickly for him, and saw him standing near a small girl with light blonde hair, apparently trying to chat her up. Harry looked at him intensely, thinking. Hermione seemed to get it too. She tried to nudge him under the table, but accidentally hit Ginny's leg instead. It was a good thing that Hermione didn't realize that the two of them had been playing footsie for the past ten minutes. When she finally found Harry's shin, she kicked it softly and said in an undertone, "How is it you know him?"
Harry looked at her, and said back, "Lives in my neighborhood."
Hermione wrinkled her nose. "And what did you say his name was?"
"Mark. Mark Evans."
Hermione seemed to think that this was incredibly interesting, and gazed upon the youth even more intently. Ron looked at them and said incredibly loudly, "Who?"
Ginny seemed to have caught on, and she shushed Ron and then motioned to the small boy in the youngest group of children.
'The pimply one?" said Ron, apparently looking at the boy to Mark's right.
"No," said Hermione, "That one."
"What about him?"
The three of them looked at Ron, eyebrows raised.
"He doesn't look, a bit familiar to you, Ron?" Ginny asked.
Ron looked confused. "What? Do we know him from somewhere? What's going on?"
But just then, the sorting hat started its song.
*
Boys and girls
Of Hogwarts School
For years and years
I've sorted you.
*
I know what to look for
I know what to test
To tell you where
You belong the best.
*
For there are four houses
Each look for different traits
Listen to me carefully
I make no mistakes
*
Bold Gryffindor, for example
Calls for bravery and grace
Brains, to be sure,
But courage in first place
*
Wise Ravenclaw prizes smarts
Way above the rest
A strong thirst for knowledge
And eager to be the best
*
Humble Hufflepuff
Kind above all else
Thinks about others
Not only theirselves
*
And Great Slytherin,
They know what they want
They're quick and shrewd
Talents they flaunt
*
So step up, be not afraid
I'll tell you where to go
Whatever is in your mind
To me will surely show.
**
The Great Hall erupted with applause.
"Wow," said Ron, "It was a bit shorter this year, got straight to the point, didn't it?"
But Harry was hardly listening to him, because he was staring intently at the ceremony. Amery, Christine had just been put in Ravenclaw, but it wasn't her who he was concentrating on.
"I wonder what house he'll be in, then?" Hermione said.
Harry thought that Evans would be in Gryffindor. He looked so much like Sirius, it was wrong to put him anywhere else.
But after Edwards, Theodore had been added to Hufflepuff's ranks, Professor Mcgonagall called out, "Evans, Mark!"
The four of them became immensely quiet, even though Ron still had no idea what was going on.
Evans walked up to the front of the room and sat on the small stool. Mcgonagall placed the hat on his head and they awaited the answer. After what seemed to be centuries, the hat proclaimed, "SLYTHERIN!!!!"
Harry sat there, very still. Mark had seemed like a generally good kid. And he just, well, maybe it was coincidence that he looked so much like Harry's old godfather, but what about his eyes? There was definitely something happening, and Harry wanted to find out what.
***
Dumbledore stood up. Everyone in the Great Hall grew silent, waiting for his start-of-term notices. Harry looked up at the headmaster out of respect. The old man who he had met in his first year had definitely aged quite a bit. In the past six years, many more wrinkles had formed themselves on his face. Harry knew that he was at least somewhat related to causing most of these. Nonetheless, Albus Dumbledore still had the presence of a very powerful man.
"Welcome," he started, "To what will hopefully be a fun-filled and semi- educational year here at Hogwarts."
He took a short break for a small applause, and then started again.
"Many of you must have noticed by now that there is no one occupying the seat two to my left, which is usually reserved for our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Not to worry, though. I have secured a man who was only too happy to take the job, and I'm sure you'll all like him. Now, then, there are a few things I would like to say to you regarding new school rules. Due to recent events, a higher level of security will be imposed here at Hogwarts. A list of these rules will be posted on your house bulletin boards. First years should note..."
Harry tuned out at this point; he already knew about the forest being off limits and first years not being allowed on the house Quidditch teams. Both were rules that he had overlooked, now that he thought of it. Harry had been in the forest on many occasions, all incredibly dangerous. He had also been the youngest seeker for Gryffindor in over one hundred years. His mind drifted to all the other rules he had broken, but just then everyone in the Hall started to rise and start up to bed.
***
Back in the dormitory, Harry and Ron were getting into their pajamas, talking to the rest of their roommates about the new house Quidditch team.
"So who are you planning on having this year, Weasley?"
Ron looked at Dean, smiling. "Well, seeing as I haven't been named captain yet, I can't answer you until tomorrow. But let's just say Derrick and Bole are off for sure. They couldn't hit a bludger to save their lives. Which, ironically, is what their job is anyways, so..."
Ron didn't even finish talking. The other three boys were laughing at his last joke. However, Harry just wasn't in the mood. He lay down in his bed and stared up at the hangings.
Harry wished he believed that Ron would be chosen. He knew how badly Ron wanted it. Besides, Harry hadn't even been on the team for the end of last year. Why would Angelina choose him? But a small part of Harry secretly wished that it would be him who would be named captain. He suddenly felt bad that he was being so selfish, and rolled over, trying to hope that Ron would get the spot.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"This Harry you speak of," said the old man, "He is a friend of yours?" No, thought Sirius, he was more than a friend. He was my responsibility; He was like my own son. "What does it matter?" said Sirius. "I need to get out of here, and if you're not going to help me, then you may as well clear out." The old man stooped down to Sirius' sitting position. "I will help you," said the man, "But under one condition." Sirius didn't like the sound of that. "Yes?" "You must help someone for me. For us," he said, motioning to the rest of the people. Sirius was immensely confused by this. "Alright," he said, "Now tell me how to get out of this ruddy place." The old man closed his eyes. "It is very difficult." "But you said it can be done, I-" The old man held up his hand to silence Sirius. "It can, but only one person has ever done it before." "And who would that be?" inquired Harry's godfather. The old man sighed and said, "He goes by the name of Potter. James Potter."
The light seemed to be dimming. Although there were storm clouds in the sky, Harry had the feeling that it was around sunset. He looked out the window into the rain.
"Harry?"
His head spun around. He hadn't been expecting anyone. Everyone had left about fifteen minutes ago, but Harry didn't know where they'd gone. He was somewhat relieved to see Ginny standing in the doorway. But then, those strange feelings he had gotten earlier came rushing back. "Hey."
Ginny smiled at him and walked over to the seat across the compartment. "May I?" she asked, indicating the chair. "What makes you think you even have to ask?" Harry replied.
Ginny plopped down in the red velvet seat and looked directly into Harry's eyes. Her gaze seemed to see right through him, into his inner thoughts. This made Harry want to look away, but at the same time, he just couldn't.
"So," he said, "What's new?"
She gave him a small grin and said, "Nothing, really. Everyone's just gone to have a walk around the train, but I didn't really feel like it."
"Ah," Harry said. "Say, er, did you call me last week?"
Ginny smiled again. "Yeah," she said, "I was gonna tell you about Hermione coming."
Harry looked confused. "Oh."
"Yes," Ginny continued, "She wanted it to be a surprise, but I didn't think your relatives would think much of that."
Harry laughed and said, "You got that right."
Even though Harry seemed happy on the outside, Ginny could tell that there was something he was hiding. Maybe he had been hoping for more reason behind her telephoning him than to alert him of an arriving friend. But no, he hadn't ever felt that way about her, she was just being childish...
"Why did you think I called?"
How could she have known that was what he had been thinking? Harry looked at her shockingly, and then his face turned an embarrassingly dark shade of red. "Oh, I dunno, I hadn't really given it any thought."
Ginny looked a bit hurt by this comment. "Oh."
Harry looked up at her and saw the same disappointment behind her eyes as there was behind his. There was no question. She obviously felt the same way, otherwise, well, she had to, didn't she? All the signs were there. Harry just wished he knew what to say next. He would have paid all the money in Gringotts to have some sort of smooth line to say to her. But all he could do was gaze into her eyes, her beautiful, brown eyes. He looked closely and saw that there were splashes of other colors recognizable, and was in the middle of admiring such a beautiful thing when something amazing happened.
At the same moment, they both leaned forward. His lips brushed against hers and it was almost as if fireworks had started shooting up in the background. The kiss was far too short, however, because she pulled away less than three seconds after it started.
Harry blushed again and started to apologize, but she just grinned at him. His sentence was cut off by his surprise when she grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him to her. He was in such shock that he had his eyes open for the first bit, but he soon found it much nicer to have them closed.
Harry didn't know how long they carried on like that, but the footsteps that they heard approaching the door came only too soon. They hastily pulled apart as the entrance flung open, with Ron and Hermione behind it. Ron looked completely oblivious to what had just happened; he obviously hadn't seen. But Hermione didn't look so carefree. She was staring intently at the pair of them, her brow furrowed. Harry could tell that he wouldn't be able to keep this major event from her much longer.
***
Unfortunately for Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed in the same compartment as him and Ginny until they arrived at the Hogsmeade station. As everyone was grabbing their things, Harry leaned over to Ginny and whispered, "We'll talk later."
She nodded in agreement, and then they accompanied Ron and Hermione to one of the "horseless" carriages waiting to take them up.
Harry looked at the thestral, and frowned. These creatures brought back bad memories... His mind flashed to Sirius and he felt as if he was going to pass out. He grabbed the side of the carriage, and looked in at his three friends. "You alright, Harry?" said Ron. It took him a moment to recover himself, but soon enough, Harry was in the carriage with them. He took a seat next to Ginny, with Hermione sitting by Ron across from them. In the dark, her hand groped for his, and when she found it, Ginny held tight. "It'll be okay," she said. Harry gave her a weak smile. Just then, Ginny turned away. Harry was confused by this, at least until he saw Hermione's uneasy eyes looking at them. Their hands still held tight, but they acted indifferent towards each other.
"So Harry, we've got to start talking about Quidditch."
He looked at Ron, completely confused.
"What?" he began, "Who's captain?"
"Well, we won't know who until I open this."
Harry looked at what his best friend was holding. He had just pulled it out of his front pocket. It was a small envelope, dark blue in color.
Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron. Ginny looked at her brother and said, "And what is that?"
"This," he said, "is the letter Angelina left me, naming the new captain."
Hermione and Ginny both gaped at Ron. Harry, however, looked troubled.
"Oh don't worry, I'm not opening it until tomorrow morning."
Harry looked slightly relieved at this bit of news, but then he wondered what was stopping Ron from opening it. Ginny seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"Why not just read it now?" she asked.
"Ginny, Ginny, Ginny, you don't know what this is, do you?" said Ron.
Hermione looked at it closely, examining every fold.
"I suppose there's some sort of enchantment on it, then?" said Hermione.
"Right you are, Hermione. It's a reverse Howler."
Ginny looked at her brother, utterly confused.
"What?"
Ron tried explaining. "Instead of exploding if I don't open it, it explodes if I do."
Everyone stared at him expectantly.
"It opens itself at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Something to look forward to, eh?"
Harry gave way to a small grin. Ron was becoming more and more like his older twin brothers with every sentence he said.
Hermione looked at Ron curiously. "Angelina knows how to do that kind of spell?"
"Well, its not that hard," Ron began, "All you have to do..."
But Harry didn't get to hear the rest of Ron's explanation, because they had arrived at the castle. They piled out of the carriage, with Harry in the front. He was closely followed by Ginny, who had only just broken their handhold. The four of them stepped into the Great Hall, and Harry had to admit, it felt great to be home.
***
Harry sat across from Ginny and Hermione at dinner, with Ron at his left. They were in the middle of a discussion on the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who didn't seem to be present at the moment. Harry wondered who on earth they had landed this year, when Professor Mcgongal marched in, leading a multitude of first years to the front of the room. It was only when he saw them walking in a line did he remember about Evans.
He scanned the room quickly for him, and saw him standing near a small girl with light blonde hair, apparently trying to chat her up. Harry looked at him intensely, thinking. Hermione seemed to get it too. She tried to nudge him under the table, but accidentally hit Ginny's leg instead. It was a good thing that Hermione didn't realize that the two of them had been playing footsie for the past ten minutes. When she finally found Harry's shin, she kicked it softly and said in an undertone, "How is it you know him?"
Harry looked at her, and said back, "Lives in my neighborhood."
Hermione wrinkled her nose. "And what did you say his name was?"
"Mark. Mark Evans."
Hermione seemed to think that this was incredibly interesting, and gazed upon the youth even more intently. Ron looked at them and said incredibly loudly, "Who?"
Ginny seemed to have caught on, and she shushed Ron and then motioned to the small boy in the youngest group of children.
'The pimply one?" said Ron, apparently looking at the boy to Mark's right.
"No," said Hermione, "That one."
"What about him?"
The three of them looked at Ron, eyebrows raised.
"He doesn't look, a bit familiar to you, Ron?" Ginny asked.
Ron looked confused. "What? Do we know him from somewhere? What's going on?"
But just then, the sorting hat started its song.
*
Boys and girls
Of Hogwarts School
For years and years
I've sorted you.
*
I know what to look for
I know what to test
To tell you where
You belong the best.
*
For there are four houses
Each look for different traits
Listen to me carefully
I make no mistakes
*
Bold Gryffindor, for example
Calls for bravery and grace
Brains, to be sure,
But courage in first place
*
Wise Ravenclaw prizes smarts
Way above the rest
A strong thirst for knowledge
And eager to be the best
*
Humble Hufflepuff
Kind above all else
Thinks about others
Not only theirselves
*
And Great Slytherin,
They know what they want
They're quick and shrewd
Talents they flaunt
*
So step up, be not afraid
I'll tell you where to go
Whatever is in your mind
To me will surely show.
**
The Great Hall erupted with applause.
"Wow," said Ron, "It was a bit shorter this year, got straight to the point, didn't it?"
But Harry was hardly listening to him, because he was staring intently at the ceremony. Amery, Christine had just been put in Ravenclaw, but it wasn't her who he was concentrating on.
"I wonder what house he'll be in, then?" Hermione said.
Harry thought that Evans would be in Gryffindor. He looked so much like Sirius, it was wrong to put him anywhere else.
But after Edwards, Theodore had been added to Hufflepuff's ranks, Professor Mcgonagall called out, "Evans, Mark!"
The four of them became immensely quiet, even though Ron still had no idea what was going on.
Evans walked up to the front of the room and sat on the small stool. Mcgonagall placed the hat on his head and they awaited the answer. After what seemed to be centuries, the hat proclaimed, "SLYTHERIN!!!!"
Harry sat there, very still. Mark had seemed like a generally good kid. And he just, well, maybe it was coincidence that he looked so much like Harry's old godfather, but what about his eyes? There was definitely something happening, and Harry wanted to find out what.
***
Dumbledore stood up. Everyone in the Great Hall grew silent, waiting for his start-of-term notices. Harry looked up at the headmaster out of respect. The old man who he had met in his first year had definitely aged quite a bit. In the past six years, many more wrinkles had formed themselves on his face. Harry knew that he was at least somewhat related to causing most of these. Nonetheless, Albus Dumbledore still had the presence of a very powerful man.
"Welcome," he started, "To what will hopefully be a fun-filled and semi- educational year here at Hogwarts."
He took a short break for a small applause, and then started again.
"Many of you must have noticed by now that there is no one occupying the seat two to my left, which is usually reserved for our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Not to worry, though. I have secured a man who was only too happy to take the job, and I'm sure you'll all like him. Now, then, there are a few things I would like to say to you regarding new school rules. Due to recent events, a higher level of security will be imposed here at Hogwarts. A list of these rules will be posted on your house bulletin boards. First years should note..."
Harry tuned out at this point; he already knew about the forest being off limits and first years not being allowed on the house Quidditch teams. Both were rules that he had overlooked, now that he thought of it. Harry had been in the forest on many occasions, all incredibly dangerous. He had also been the youngest seeker for Gryffindor in over one hundred years. His mind drifted to all the other rules he had broken, but just then everyone in the Hall started to rise and start up to bed.
***
Back in the dormitory, Harry and Ron were getting into their pajamas, talking to the rest of their roommates about the new house Quidditch team.
"So who are you planning on having this year, Weasley?"
Ron looked at Dean, smiling. "Well, seeing as I haven't been named captain yet, I can't answer you until tomorrow. But let's just say Derrick and Bole are off for sure. They couldn't hit a bludger to save their lives. Which, ironically, is what their job is anyways, so..."
Ron didn't even finish talking. The other three boys were laughing at his last joke. However, Harry just wasn't in the mood. He lay down in his bed and stared up at the hangings.
Harry wished he believed that Ron would be chosen. He knew how badly Ron wanted it. Besides, Harry hadn't even been on the team for the end of last year. Why would Angelina choose him? But a small part of Harry secretly wished that it would be him who would be named captain. He suddenly felt bad that he was being so selfish, and rolled over, trying to hope that Ron would get the spot.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"This Harry you speak of," said the old man, "He is a friend of yours?" No, thought Sirius, he was more than a friend. He was my responsibility; He was like my own son. "What does it matter?" said Sirius. "I need to get out of here, and if you're not going to help me, then you may as well clear out." The old man stooped down to Sirius' sitting position. "I will help you," said the man, "But under one condition." Sirius didn't like the sound of that. "Yes?" "You must help someone for me. For us," he said, motioning to the rest of the people. Sirius was immensely confused by this. "Alright," he said, "Now tell me how to get out of this ruddy place." The old man closed his eyes. "It is very difficult." "But you said it can be done, I-" The old man held up his hand to silence Sirius. "It can, but only one person has ever done it before." "And who would that be?" inquired Harry's godfather. The old man sighed and said, "He goes by the name of Potter. James Potter."