CHAPTER 3
The four long tables were still in place, nothing had changed since the last day Harry had seen it, but what caught his attention was the people in it. All the professors were there, but along with them, were all the members of the order and some new faces Harry didn't recognize. They were all seated on the far side of the four tables, eating. When they heard the doors open, the people gathered turned around to see the new-comers. Suddenly, all conversations stopped. For a moment or two, everyone was frozen in place, but then a certain red-head and a bushy- haired girl ran to Harry. The boy hadn't seen Hermione and Ron among the other people. The three long-time friends hugged and Hermione even had a few tears rolling on her face.
"Harry. Where were you ?"
"We were so worried."
"We thought you were dead."
"How did you escape ?"
"Where did you go ?"
"Why didn't so say you were all right ?"
"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger. Please, let Harry talk." Said Dumbledore with a huge smile on his face.
Suddenly, everyone moved to Harry hugging him, patting him on the shoulder, looking for injuries.
"Please. Everyone, I am fine, but let me explain."
Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed and Mrs. Weasley pushed Harry forward and sat him down at a table so he could eat.
"Harry ? Who's that ?" asked Remus, with a suspicious look on his face.
In all the commotion, Nathaniel had been completely forgotten.
"Is he an enemy ? Give me a minute alone with him and he'll spill everything." Threatened Moody.
"NO. Wait, he's my friend."
Harry had quickly got up and placed himself between Nathaniel and everyone.
"This is Nathaniel. He's a druid. Professor Dumbledore, I think you already knew about him."
"Ah... Yes indeed, but I wasn't expecting Mr. Orion until September." Replied Dumbledore.
"I thought it would be good to come early and get to know the grounds before term started."
"A very judicious idea. I believe Harry would be glad to show you around."
"I think everyone wants to hear about Harry, so I think I'll let him speak and explain everything first." Proposed Nathaniel.
Harry explained everything that had happened to him since the attack. Once he had finished, everyone stayed silent for a moment, taking in what Harry had told them. Dumbledore was the first to speak:
"Harry, before we continue further, I have to apologize to you." Started Dumbledore with a sad look in his eyes, the familiar twinkle in them gone.
"What for ?" asked Harry confused.
"I should have removed you from the Dursleys the moment you told me about Voldemort's return. I made a mistake and you had to pay for it."
"Professor, I understand why I had to stay at the Dursleys. It's not your fault. As powerful as you are, you can't predict everything or protect everyone you wish to. I don't blame you for what happened. Besides, if I hadn't been at the Dursleys, I wouldn't have met Nathaniel, one of my best friends. So, I tell you, no, I ordered you not to blame yourself for that." Explained Harry with a smile which Dumbledore returned.
"Now, Honey, you have to eat something after everything you went through." Added Mrs. Weasley.
"Mrs. Weasley, I'm fine. I ate before coming here. I'm not hungry. In fact, I would like to move a bit. The druids forced me to relax for an entire week. I thought I was going insane."
"Hey, don't blame us. You needed to rest." Complained Nathaniel.
"How about we go to the Gryffindor tower and settle in ?" suggested Harry.
"Not so fast, Potter. Mr. Orion hasn't been sorted yet. Maybe, he's not a Gryffindor."
"I'm sure he's a Gryffindor. There is no doubt about that ?"
"What's a sorting ?" asked Nathaniel.
"You will see immediately. Accio sorting hat." Said Dumbledore with a wave of his wand.
Soon after, the familiar battered old hat flew through the window and into the headmaster's hand. "This is the sorting hat. We use it to place the students in four different houses depending on their behavior and abilities. Gryffindor students are brave and strong, Slytherin are sly and crafty, Ravenclaw are smart and intelligent and finally Hufflepuff are patient, loyal and just. Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are all Gryffindors."
"I see."
"Now, please put the hat and we'll see in which houses you'll do better."
Nathaniel took the hat and put in on his head. Suddenly, the hat started to talk.
"Already, I am required to choose new students. I haven't finished my poem yet. Ah... I see, you're not a normal new student. Druid, I see. Quite powerful... Hmm, this is hard. You're very courageous and brave, nothing stops you, but you're also a fast and dedicated learner. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, I wonder. You would do well in both houses. Oh... but what do I see here, in the back of your mind ? A mischievous side, you like to have fun. Breaking rules is one of your favorite thing to do. Then there is no doubt. GRYFFINDOR!!!"
"Alright. Told you he was a Gryffindor." Said Harry with a smile.
"Well, then it is settled, you will be a Gryffindor. Now, Harry, I know you are eager to be with your friends, but there is one thing left to decide. Because of the attack, you couldn't have made your class decision. We still need to know which classes you want to take ? You're already late and the professors have started making plans. It is becoming urgent. The same thing applies to you, Mr. Orion."
"Well, what classes do you propose ?" asked Nathaniel.
"Here." Said McGonagall.
With a flick of her wand, a little pamphlet appeared in front of Nathaniel. Inside were a list of classes and a description.
"Well, Hermione, Ron, what did you take ?" asked Harry.
"We needed to decide what we wanted to do in the future so we could choose the necessary classes." Replied Hermione.
"Really ? What did you decided ?" inquired Harry.
"I decide to work in Muggle relations. I know a lot about it, so I could help."
"Yes indeed and when you'll finish Hogwarts, it will be my pleasure to take you as a trainee." Replied Mr. Weasley with huge smile.
"How about you Ron ?" "Well, at first, I wanted to try auror, but during the summer, I realized how much work and good grades you need to become one and I'm not willing to dedicated that much time to school. So, I decide to try something a bit similar, but still different."
"And that would be ?"
"Curse-breaker for Gringotts. It seems fun. You travel all around the world, searching for ancient treasures, breaking centuries old curses and Bill said I could be his trainee when I finish Hogwarts."
"But, what courses do you both need for that ?"
"For Muggle relations, I need muggle studies, obviously and transfiguration if I have to take care of magical objects in a muggle's possession." Explained the girl.
"That's all ? Hermione, you'll die if you only have two set of homework to do."
"That's not funny. Charms aren't required, but Mr. Weasley said it's good to have that too. Since Voldemort returned, I chose DADA too and just to be safe, I took Care of the magical creatures in case a magical creature finds its way into muggle territory." Continued Hermione.
"Five classes. That's better for your quota." Joked Harry.
"Shut up, Harry. Ron, tell him about your classes." Ordered Hermione.
"Well, I have to take Care of the magical creatures because some treasures are guarded by animals. Then there is Charms because those spells work best against curses and I need to know a lot about curses, hexes and jinxes so DADA too. I'll take transfiguration too because Bill say it's useful. Sometimes, you don't have everything you need with you so being able to transfigure something is very useful. And unfortunately, I need to learn about ancient races so that means I have to take History of Magic." Explained Ron.
"Professor Binns for you." Joked Harry.
"Well, how about you ?" asked Ron.
"Well, you already know I'm going for Auror so, that means Transfiguration, Charms, DADA and unfortunately Potions, but I will add Care of the magical creatures in the lot. You never know when you'll be facing a basilisk, right ?" said Harry referring to his second year.
"Than, it is settled for you, Harry. Mr. Orion ?" asked Dumbledore
Nathaniel had been absorbed in his pamphlet since the beginning of the conversation, but when he heard his name, he looked up and closed the pamphlet. "I made my choice. I'll take Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Care of the magical creatures, Potions, Herbology and Ancient runes."
Everyone looked at him with wide-eyes. Even Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Are you mad ?" exclaimed Harry.
"What did I do ?"
"You took seven classes !"
"Is that wrong ?" asked Nathaniel, concerned he had somehow offended the wizards all around him and had compromised his mission for the druids.
"No, not exactly. It's just..." started Hermione, but Dumbledore interrupted.
"The average classes a student in his sixth year take is three. Because Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are aiming for a more difficult career, they need four classes and even then, they added a extra class. For Miss. Granger, her love of studies will help her get through with more classes than necessary. I have to admit I haven't met a single student during my time as Headmaster that took seven classes in one year."
"Oh, but I know I can do it. Care of the magical creatures, herbology and potions are things druids learn at a very young age. I'm sure I know more than most wizards my age. I have no problem whatsoever with charms and DADA, but I have to admit I'm not that good with transfiguration. You see, druids don't think highly of transfiguration. Some of the elders believe it is not right to modify what nature has create. So young druids aren't trained in transfiguration, although things are changing. I think it's necessary. Ancient runes is a subject that always fascinated me. It's a powerful kind of magic and I have been taking lessons with one of the master druid in my village. I think I can handle it."
"If you are sure, but I ask you tell me right away if you have too much homework."
"I will."
"Well, I think everything has been settled and explained."
"Not quite, Professor. I was wondering why is the order here ?" asked Harry.
"That is simple. The headquarters of the order has been moved to Hogwarts. Kreacher has proved himself to be dangerous to our cause which is why we changed our meeting place. We have settled in the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side."
"You mean Fluffy's old room ?"
"Yes. We have changed the decorations since then to make it more comfortable. Harry, of course, you are aware that this must be kept secret."
"You don't even need to tell me, but how are you going to explain order members walking around the school."
"There won't be any. Dumbledore modified the wards on the school to allow order members to apparate in it. This way, we can meet without any students knowing about it." Explained Remus.
"Speaking of apparating, Harry, you realize this year we're going to learn to apparate ?" said Ron excitedly.
"Of course, I remember. I also know that this summer is the last one we'll be prevented from using magic outside the school. Next summer, the Dursleys will be in for a surprise." Replied Harry.
"Now, now Harry. I know you are better than that." Putted Dumbledore although he had a strange mischievous glint to his eyes.
Harry wondered if Dumbledore would help him get his revenge on the Dursleys if he asked him too.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Nathaniel got up from their places and made their way to the door. Just before they had left, Dumbledore stopped them
"Oh and Harry, I think you ought to know your Occlumency lessons will start tomorrow."
"but Professor..."
"I will expect you to be in my office after breakfast."
"You mean, you're the one who's going to teach me ?" asked Harry a huge smile on his face.
"Yes I will and if you do well, maybe we will try Legilimency too. Knowing Voldemort's plans would be extremely useful to us."
"Thank you, Professor."
"My pleasure, Harry."
The four long tables were still in place, nothing had changed since the last day Harry had seen it, but what caught his attention was the people in it. All the professors were there, but along with them, were all the members of the order and some new faces Harry didn't recognize. They were all seated on the far side of the four tables, eating. When they heard the doors open, the people gathered turned around to see the new-comers. Suddenly, all conversations stopped. For a moment or two, everyone was frozen in place, but then a certain red-head and a bushy- haired girl ran to Harry. The boy hadn't seen Hermione and Ron among the other people. The three long-time friends hugged and Hermione even had a few tears rolling on her face.
"Harry. Where were you ?"
"We were so worried."
"We thought you were dead."
"How did you escape ?"
"Where did you go ?"
"Why didn't so say you were all right ?"
"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger. Please, let Harry talk." Said Dumbledore with a huge smile on his face.
Suddenly, everyone moved to Harry hugging him, patting him on the shoulder, looking for injuries.
"Please. Everyone, I am fine, but let me explain."
Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed and Mrs. Weasley pushed Harry forward and sat him down at a table so he could eat.
"Harry ? Who's that ?" asked Remus, with a suspicious look on his face.
In all the commotion, Nathaniel had been completely forgotten.
"Is he an enemy ? Give me a minute alone with him and he'll spill everything." Threatened Moody.
"NO. Wait, he's my friend."
Harry had quickly got up and placed himself between Nathaniel and everyone.
"This is Nathaniel. He's a druid. Professor Dumbledore, I think you already knew about him."
"Ah... Yes indeed, but I wasn't expecting Mr. Orion until September." Replied Dumbledore.
"I thought it would be good to come early and get to know the grounds before term started."
"A very judicious idea. I believe Harry would be glad to show you around."
"I think everyone wants to hear about Harry, so I think I'll let him speak and explain everything first." Proposed Nathaniel.
Harry explained everything that had happened to him since the attack. Once he had finished, everyone stayed silent for a moment, taking in what Harry had told them. Dumbledore was the first to speak:
"Harry, before we continue further, I have to apologize to you." Started Dumbledore with a sad look in his eyes, the familiar twinkle in them gone.
"What for ?" asked Harry confused.
"I should have removed you from the Dursleys the moment you told me about Voldemort's return. I made a mistake and you had to pay for it."
"Professor, I understand why I had to stay at the Dursleys. It's not your fault. As powerful as you are, you can't predict everything or protect everyone you wish to. I don't blame you for what happened. Besides, if I hadn't been at the Dursleys, I wouldn't have met Nathaniel, one of my best friends. So, I tell you, no, I ordered you not to blame yourself for that." Explained Harry with a smile which Dumbledore returned.
"Now, Honey, you have to eat something after everything you went through." Added Mrs. Weasley.
"Mrs. Weasley, I'm fine. I ate before coming here. I'm not hungry. In fact, I would like to move a bit. The druids forced me to relax for an entire week. I thought I was going insane."
"Hey, don't blame us. You needed to rest." Complained Nathaniel.
"How about we go to the Gryffindor tower and settle in ?" suggested Harry.
"Not so fast, Potter. Mr. Orion hasn't been sorted yet. Maybe, he's not a Gryffindor."
"I'm sure he's a Gryffindor. There is no doubt about that ?"
"What's a sorting ?" asked Nathaniel.
"You will see immediately. Accio sorting hat." Said Dumbledore with a wave of his wand.
Soon after, the familiar battered old hat flew through the window and into the headmaster's hand. "This is the sorting hat. We use it to place the students in four different houses depending on their behavior and abilities. Gryffindor students are brave and strong, Slytherin are sly and crafty, Ravenclaw are smart and intelligent and finally Hufflepuff are patient, loyal and just. Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are all Gryffindors."
"I see."
"Now, please put the hat and we'll see in which houses you'll do better."
Nathaniel took the hat and put in on his head. Suddenly, the hat started to talk.
"Already, I am required to choose new students. I haven't finished my poem yet. Ah... I see, you're not a normal new student. Druid, I see. Quite powerful... Hmm, this is hard. You're very courageous and brave, nothing stops you, but you're also a fast and dedicated learner. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, I wonder. You would do well in both houses. Oh... but what do I see here, in the back of your mind ? A mischievous side, you like to have fun. Breaking rules is one of your favorite thing to do. Then there is no doubt. GRYFFINDOR!!!"
"Alright. Told you he was a Gryffindor." Said Harry with a smile.
"Well, then it is settled, you will be a Gryffindor. Now, Harry, I know you are eager to be with your friends, but there is one thing left to decide. Because of the attack, you couldn't have made your class decision. We still need to know which classes you want to take ? You're already late and the professors have started making plans. It is becoming urgent. The same thing applies to you, Mr. Orion."
"Well, what classes do you propose ?" asked Nathaniel.
"Here." Said McGonagall.
With a flick of her wand, a little pamphlet appeared in front of Nathaniel. Inside were a list of classes and a description.
"Well, Hermione, Ron, what did you take ?" asked Harry.
"We needed to decide what we wanted to do in the future so we could choose the necessary classes." Replied Hermione.
"Really ? What did you decided ?" inquired Harry.
"I decide to work in Muggle relations. I know a lot about it, so I could help."
"Yes indeed and when you'll finish Hogwarts, it will be my pleasure to take you as a trainee." Replied Mr. Weasley with huge smile.
"How about you Ron ?" "Well, at first, I wanted to try auror, but during the summer, I realized how much work and good grades you need to become one and I'm not willing to dedicated that much time to school. So, I decide to try something a bit similar, but still different."
"And that would be ?"
"Curse-breaker for Gringotts. It seems fun. You travel all around the world, searching for ancient treasures, breaking centuries old curses and Bill said I could be his trainee when I finish Hogwarts."
"But, what courses do you both need for that ?"
"For Muggle relations, I need muggle studies, obviously and transfiguration if I have to take care of magical objects in a muggle's possession." Explained the girl.
"That's all ? Hermione, you'll die if you only have two set of homework to do."
"That's not funny. Charms aren't required, but Mr. Weasley said it's good to have that too. Since Voldemort returned, I chose DADA too and just to be safe, I took Care of the magical creatures in case a magical creature finds its way into muggle territory." Continued Hermione.
"Five classes. That's better for your quota." Joked Harry.
"Shut up, Harry. Ron, tell him about your classes." Ordered Hermione.
"Well, I have to take Care of the magical creatures because some treasures are guarded by animals. Then there is Charms because those spells work best against curses and I need to know a lot about curses, hexes and jinxes so DADA too. I'll take transfiguration too because Bill say it's useful. Sometimes, you don't have everything you need with you so being able to transfigure something is very useful. And unfortunately, I need to learn about ancient races so that means I have to take History of Magic." Explained Ron.
"Professor Binns for you." Joked Harry.
"Well, how about you ?" asked Ron.
"Well, you already know I'm going for Auror so, that means Transfiguration, Charms, DADA and unfortunately Potions, but I will add Care of the magical creatures in the lot. You never know when you'll be facing a basilisk, right ?" said Harry referring to his second year.
"Than, it is settled for you, Harry. Mr. Orion ?" asked Dumbledore
Nathaniel had been absorbed in his pamphlet since the beginning of the conversation, but when he heard his name, he looked up and closed the pamphlet. "I made my choice. I'll take Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Care of the magical creatures, Potions, Herbology and Ancient runes."
Everyone looked at him with wide-eyes. Even Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Are you mad ?" exclaimed Harry.
"What did I do ?"
"You took seven classes !"
"Is that wrong ?" asked Nathaniel, concerned he had somehow offended the wizards all around him and had compromised his mission for the druids.
"No, not exactly. It's just..." started Hermione, but Dumbledore interrupted.
"The average classes a student in his sixth year take is three. Because Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are aiming for a more difficult career, they need four classes and even then, they added a extra class. For Miss. Granger, her love of studies will help her get through with more classes than necessary. I have to admit I haven't met a single student during my time as Headmaster that took seven classes in one year."
"Oh, but I know I can do it. Care of the magical creatures, herbology and potions are things druids learn at a very young age. I'm sure I know more than most wizards my age. I have no problem whatsoever with charms and DADA, but I have to admit I'm not that good with transfiguration. You see, druids don't think highly of transfiguration. Some of the elders believe it is not right to modify what nature has create. So young druids aren't trained in transfiguration, although things are changing. I think it's necessary. Ancient runes is a subject that always fascinated me. It's a powerful kind of magic and I have been taking lessons with one of the master druid in my village. I think I can handle it."
"If you are sure, but I ask you tell me right away if you have too much homework."
"I will."
"Well, I think everything has been settled and explained."
"Not quite, Professor. I was wondering why is the order here ?" asked Harry.
"That is simple. The headquarters of the order has been moved to Hogwarts. Kreacher has proved himself to be dangerous to our cause which is why we changed our meeting place. We have settled in the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side."
"You mean Fluffy's old room ?"
"Yes. We have changed the decorations since then to make it more comfortable. Harry, of course, you are aware that this must be kept secret."
"You don't even need to tell me, but how are you going to explain order members walking around the school."
"There won't be any. Dumbledore modified the wards on the school to allow order members to apparate in it. This way, we can meet without any students knowing about it." Explained Remus.
"Speaking of apparating, Harry, you realize this year we're going to learn to apparate ?" said Ron excitedly.
"Of course, I remember. I also know that this summer is the last one we'll be prevented from using magic outside the school. Next summer, the Dursleys will be in for a surprise." Replied Harry.
"Now, now Harry. I know you are better than that." Putted Dumbledore although he had a strange mischievous glint to his eyes.
Harry wondered if Dumbledore would help him get his revenge on the Dursleys if he asked him too.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Nathaniel got up from their places and made their way to the door. Just before they had left, Dumbledore stopped them
"Oh and Harry, I think you ought to know your Occlumency lessons will start tomorrow."
"but Professor..."
"I will expect you to be in my office after breakfast."
"You mean, you're the one who's going to teach me ?" asked Harry a huge smile on his face.
"Yes I will and if you do well, maybe we will try Legilimency too. Knowing Voldemort's plans would be extremely useful to us."
"Thank you, Professor."
"My pleasure, Harry."