Disclaimer: I am but a poor college student trying to make my way in the
world. I wish that I was JK Rowling, but unfortunately, the role of
creative genius in the writing world was already taken.
A/N: Just a quick hello to all. I'm sorry that I haven't written in a really long time. With the holidays and school ending, I haven't had a whole lot of free time. I'm so popular because I've been going out every night (Hey-going to your cousin's house for dinner is going out). I also just have to ask all my readers to do me a favour. I wrote this poem (And now I have just noticed the great big spelling mistake in the title). It should be called The Altar, but it is labelled The Alter. Meh. I was wondering if you guys could read it and then give me some feedback on it. It has absolutely nothing to do with Harry Potter, but I just want to know what people think of it. Thank you ever so much.
Also, please review!!!!!! I am dying to hear back from my beloved readers. I know that you are all dying to know what is going to happen with Ginny, but you just need to relax because I'm not going to tell you until later. Much later. Well, onto the story.
Chapter 7:
As the carriages pulled to a stop, the group of six friends jumped out and landed firmly on the gravel path that would lead them into the castle. As they were taking their trunks and pets out of the carriage, Ron began to complain, "I'm starving. I hope that there aren't many first years this year or long speeches like last year. Umbridge went on forever about how she wanted to change the school and all that. Waste of bloody time if you ask me. We didn't even listen to her."
"Ron, that was a very important speech. It told us exactly where the Ministry stands. Or at least stood at the time. I have no idea what they think now. No one does," Hermione lectured, "If there is another speech tonight, which there will probably be, make sure everyone keeps a sharp ear."
"Hermione, you have a sharp enough ear. We don't need to listen. We'll just find out what was said later. I just want to know who the new professor is and that's all," Ron replied.
"Come on, you two, or we'll be late!" called Harry, who was running to catch up with Ginny. He finally reached her at the entry. As he put out his hand to tap her on the shoulder, the sudden movement startled her and she twirled around on him, her wand clenched firmly in her palm. "What do you think you are doing, Gin?" he asked in a worried tone.
"Harry," she said with a look of realization on her face, "I am so sorry. I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. That's twice now that I have done that to you."
"It's okay Gin. Everyone's a bit jumpy after everything that has been happening lately. That's what wars do to people. Before you know it, there will be little Mad Eye Moodys running around yelling 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE' to everyone they meet," he said with a smile.
"And let's not forget about elementary wand safety. Remember to never put your wand in your back pocket. We don't want any blown buttocks'," she replied with a giggle and tucked her wand safely back into her robes.
"Naturally. I bet that is what most battle scars are from. People being careless and sitting on highly unstable wands. A good wand for that job would have been Ron's old one," Harry said, joining in on the laughter.
"It's good to hear you laugh again. I haven't heard that sound for a while now."
"Well, you wouldn't be bubbling over with excitement if you were me," Harry replied, the joy of the moment now a memory. "Listen, I wanted to pull you aside quickly before the feast to ask what the secret idea was that you had on the train."
"Well," replied Ginny, "It goes a little like this." she pulled him close and whispered her brainstorm to him.
~ Inside the Great Hall~
The large crowd of students wandered into the hall and divided into their respective houses. As usual, the Great Hall was bustling with activity. Old friends being reunited, new friends being created, and the enemies looking on with sheer loathing. Harry and Ginny walked into the room and quickly found spots next to their friends.
"Where did you two go off to?" asked Hermione.
"Yea, where? Remember that that is my little sister, Harry," said Ron accusingly.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Ron. We weren't doing anything that you and Hermione wouldn't do," Ginny said defiantly. With that said, Ron turned bright pink and Hermione replied hotly, "We don't do anything. I mean, I do have a boyfriend after all."
"What? Who? Is it that Vicky? Oh, isn't that precious. Hermione and Vicky!" Ron shouted as Hermione blushed. Everyone turned to see what was happening.
"Ron, sit down and stop making an idiot out of your self. Hermione, Ginny just said that because she was tired of the accusations, and Ginny, just ignore them," Harry said, trying to sort out the situation.
At that moment, the doors to the Great Hall swung open and in walked several young children. The first years had arrived. In front of the group was a stern looking Professor McGonagall, who was carrying a three legged stool and the patched and frayed Sorting Hat. When they finally reached the teachers table, she set the stool down and gently placed the Sorting Hat upon it. Everyone watched in silence as the brim of the hat opened and it began to sing.
When it had finally finished its song and Professor McGonagall had gone through the entire list of first years, Dumbledore stood. "As usual, there is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Let me just say welcome back to another year and tuck in."
All of a sudden, the plates were overflowing with different kinds of food. Ron grinned at Harry and reached for a chicken wing. "I have missed this so much," he said with a full mouth and sprayed mashed potatoes in every direction.
"Ron, could you at least show some decorum? For goodness sake, we are in public. People can see," scolded Hermione. She turned to Harry and Ginny, "So, what exactly are you planning on doing in memory of the Marauders? I remember you saying that you had an idea that would get us in trouble if we were caught. Isn't that right Harry?"
"Well, I don't know if you and Ron should do it. I mean you are prefects and I don't want you to get into too much trouble," he said.
"Don't spoil the fun Harry," Ginny said with a smile, "Lupin was a prefect and he never got into too much trouble."
"Fine, I'll tell you, but we are doing it today. As in right now," Harry said.
"What are we doing?" Ron chimed in. Ginny filled them in on the plan quickly. Ron started to smirk, "You are a genius Ginny. Where did you come up with that idea?"
"Well, I do spend a lot of time with Fred and George. That might have something to do with it," she replied.
"Alright, it's time. Are you all ready?" Harry asked.
Three voices answered yes and so they turned and faced the Slytherin table. Harry nodded and let them know that it was time to cast their spells. Suddenly, Malfoy (Harry's target), Crabbe (Ginny's target), Goyle (Ron's target), and Pansy Parkinson (Hermione's target) were all starting to look quite different. Their hair colours changed to a deep scarlet with gold streaks running through it and as if they were paying homage to Fred ad George, they began to shout out things such as "EAT DUNG SLYTHERIN" without really meaning to. For some reason, they just couldn't control what they were saying. Harry and his friends started to laugh, as did everyone else in the Great Hall.
A silent shadow fell across Harry and he looked up, trying to contain his joy. Standing above him was a very displeased McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, I suppose that Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, and yourself had nothing to do with this little scene," said the cross professor.
"Why of course not, Professor," said Harry innocently.
"If I am to find out otherwise, you will find yourselves all in detention. Is that understood?"
"Yes, professor," they all said in unison. Professor McGonagall turned and began to walk back to the staff table, but as she left, Harry thought he saw the beginnings of a smile play across her lips.
"That went well," commented Ginny. Harry had to admit that it was a great plan.
"Did you see the look on Snape's face? He looked like he was going to kill us," complained Hermione, "He knows it was us. We'll get detention for sure."
"Just relax, 'Mione. He doesn't have any proof that it was us. Besides, that prank was wicked. We have been missing out for years. No wonder the Marauders had so much fun at Hogwarts," said Ron.
"Listen Ronald (they were heading into dangerous territory now), I know that it was fun to do, I'm just saying that we should be more careful. All the teachers knew it was us. They just can't prove it, but they might catch us next time," replied Hermione coolly.
Before this conversation could turn into another shouting match, Professor Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall fell silent. He looked up at the four tables and said in a booming voice, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Let me begin by telling all the first years that the Forbidden Forest is just that. Forbidden. I must also remind a few of our older students the same (Harry and Ron looked at each other and grinned), and Mr. Filch has been so kind to remind me that there is to be no duelling in the corridors. You will find a list of forbidden items on the door to his office as well. We also have a few new teachers on our staff this year. Due to reasons beyond my control, Professor Umbridge is no longer teaching at Hogwarts and therefore, we were in need of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and, unlike other years, we received three applications. Therefore, we have asked all three to be the new professors. Please join me in welcoming Professors Banford, Dixon, and Daniels."
The three men stood up. Harry, who had been watching Dumbledore, caught their sudden movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to face them. They were oddly familiar, but where had he seen them. Then it hit him. "Ron, those men, do they look familiar to you?" he asked hesitantly.
"Them? Sort of. Where do you reckon we've seen them before?" he responded.
"I think that I saw them at Snape's house. Do you remember when I woke up and asked about them?"
"Yeah. What do you reckon they are doing here?"
"I don't know, but I have a feeling that we are going to find out before the term is out."
Just then they were interrupted by the sounds of students getting up and leaving the entrance hall. Hermione and Ron (whom she was dragging) were at the front of the line where they were leading the group of First Years to Gryffindor Tower. Harry stayed for a bit longer at the table, while all of the young children had passed. He had thought that he was the only one left, so he began to get up and then he saw Ginny watching him curiously. She approached him and asked, "Are you thinking about him?" She didn't have to even elaborate on who 'him' was.
"Sort of. I mean, I know that I haven't been moping around lately, but I still wish that he could have seen our prank. I know that sounds stupid and childish, but still. I wish that he was still here to help me out with things," he said, feeling a lump rise in his throat. He would not cry in front of her. He had promised himself that.
"Harry, he would have been proud of you today. You came in with your head held high. You pranked Slytherin house and you didn't get detention. He would have wanted that. You even made Snape more mad than usual. And, if you ever need someone to talk to about anything, please don't hesitate in asking me. I know that I am year younger than you, but I know what it's like when you have no one who will listen. Alright?"
"Alright, Gin," he replied, "Well, do you think that we should head on up? I mean, we don't want to be stuck out in the corridor all night."
"Sounds like a good plan. Let's go."
And with that said, they walked off out of the Great Hall and up the many moving staircases to their dormitory. When they reached it, they found Ron waiting for them. "It's about time you two showed up. Off snogging somewhere?" he asked sarcastically.
Ignoring this comment, Harry looked at Ron and said, "Thanks for waiting for us. What's the new password?"
"Why, Eat Dung Umbridge, of course."
"Oh, how silly of me not to get that one right away,"
"Um, boys? Do you mind if we go in? I'm getting a bit tired."
"Sure Ginny," replied Ron. He said the password and the three of them headed into the common room. Ginny split from the group and went up the stairs to her room, mumbling goodnight to the people below. Harry and Ron, after watching Ginny disappear up the staircase went and did the same. When they had reached the room, though, sleeping was not on the agenda. They opened the door to their sixth year room and saw that Neville, Dean, and Seamus were waiting for them. Neville got off his bed and approached the two that had just entered.
"I've told them all I know about what happened, but I don't know it all. Maybe you can help explain."
"What do you mean, Neville?" asked Harry.
"Well, they want to know about last year."
A/N: Just a quick hello to all. I'm sorry that I haven't written in a really long time. With the holidays and school ending, I haven't had a whole lot of free time. I'm so popular because I've been going out every night (Hey-going to your cousin's house for dinner is going out). I also just have to ask all my readers to do me a favour. I wrote this poem (And now I have just noticed the great big spelling mistake in the title). It should be called The Altar, but it is labelled The Alter. Meh. I was wondering if you guys could read it and then give me some feedback on it. It has absolutely nothing to do with Harry Potter, but I just want to know what people think of it. Thank you ever so much.
Also, please review!!!!!! I am dying to hear back from my beloved readers. I know that you are all dying to know what is going to happen with Ginny, but you just need to relax because I'm not going to tell you until later. Much later. Well, onto the story.
Chapter 7:
As the carriages pulled to a stop, the group of six friends jumped out and landed firmly on the gravel path that would lead them into the castle. As they were taking their trunks and pets out of the carriage, Ron began to complain, "I'm starving. I hope that there aren't many first years this year or long speeches like last year. Umbridge went on forever about how she wanted to change the school and all that. Waste of bloody time if you ask me. We didn't even listen to her."
"Ron, that was a very important speech. It told us exactly where the Ministry stands. Or at least stood at the time. I have no idea what they think now. No one does," Hermione lectured, "If there is another speech tonight, which there will probably be, make sure everyone keeps a sharp ear."
"Hermione, you have a sharp enough ear. We don't need to listen. We'll just find out what was said later. I just want to know who the new professor is and that's all," Ron replied.
"Come on, you two, or we'll be late!" called Harry, who was running to catch up with Ginny. He finally reached her at the entry. As he put out his hand to tap her on the shoulder, the sudden movement startled her and she twirled around on him, her wand clenched firmly in her palm. "What do you think you are doing, Gin?" he asked in a worried tone.
"Harry," she said with a look of realization on her face, "I am so sorry. I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. That's twice now that I have done that to you."
"It's okay Gin. Everyone's a bit jumpy after everything that has been happening lately. That's what wars do to people. Before you know it, there will be little Mad Eye Moodys running around yelling 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE' to everyone they meet," he said with a smile.
"And let's not forget about elementary wand safety. Remember to never put your wand in your back pocket. We don't want any blown buttocks'," she replied with a giggle and tucked her wand safely back into her robes.
"Naturally. I bet that is what most battle scars are from. People being careless and sitting on highly unstable wands. A good wand for that job would have been Ron's old one," Harry said, joining in on the laughter.
"It's good to hear you laugh again. I haven't heard that sound for a while now."
"Well, you wouldn't be bubbling over with excitement if you were me," Harry replied, the joy of the moment now a memory. "Listen, I wanted to pull you aside quickly before the feast to ask what the secret idea was that you had on the train."
"Well," replied Ginny, "It goes a little like this." she pulled him close and whispered her brainstorm to him.
~ Inside the Great Hall~
The large crowd of students wandered into the hall and divided into their respective houses. As usual, the Great Hall was bustling with activity. Old friends being reunited, new friends being created, and the enemies looking on with sheer loathing. Harry and Ginny walked into the room and quickly found spots next to their friends.
"Where did you two go off to?" asked Hermione.
"Yea, where? Remember that that is my little sister, Harry," said Ron accusingly.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Ron. We weren't doing anything that you and Hermione wouldn't do," Ginny said defiantly. With that said, Ron turned bright pink and Hermione replied hotly, "We don't do anything. I mean, I do have a boyfriend after all."
"What? Who? Is it that Vicky? Oh, isn't that precious. Hermione and Vicky!" Ron shouted as Hermione blushed. Everyone turned to see what was happening.
"Ron, sit down and stop making an idiot out of your self. Hermione, Ginny just said that because she was tired of the accusations, and Ginny, just ignore them," Harry said, trying to sort out the situation.
At that moment, the doors to the Great Hall swung open and in walked several young children. The first years had arrived. In front of the group was a stern looking Professor McGonagall, who was carrying a three legged stool and the patched and frayed Sorting Hat. When they finally reached the teachers table, she set the stool down and gently placed the Sorting Hat upon it. Everyone watched in silence as the brim of the hat opened and it began to sing.
When it had finally finished its song and Professor McGonagall had gone through the entire list of first years, Dumbledore stood. "As usual, there is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Let me just say welcome back to another year and tuck in."
All of a sudden, the plates were overflowing with different kinds of food. Ron grinned at Harry and reached for a chicken wing. "I have missed this so much," he said with a full mouth and sprayed mashed potatoes in every direction.
"Ron, could you at least show some decorum? For goodness sake, we are in public. People can see," scolded Hermione. She turned to Harry and Ginny, "So, what exactly are you planning on doing in memory of the Marauders? I remember you saying that you had an idea that would get us in trouble if we were caught. Isn't that right Harry?"
"Well, I don't know if you and Ron should do it. I mean you are prefects and I don't want you to get into too much trouble," he said.
"Don't spoil the fun Harry," Ginny said with a smile, "Lupin was a prefect and he never got into too much trouble."
"Fine, I'll tell you, but we are doing it today. As in right now," Harry said.
"What are we doing?" Ron chimed in. Ginny filled them in on the plan quickly. Ron started to smirk, "You are a genius Ginny. Where did you come up with that idea?"
"Well, I do spend a lot of time with Fred and George. That might have something to do with it," she replied.
"Alright, it's time. Are you all ready?" Harry asked.
Three voices answered yes and so they turned and faced the Slytherin table. Harry nodded and let them know that it was time to cast their spells. Suddenly, Malfoy (Harry's target), Crabbe (Ginny's target), Goyle (Ron's target), and Pansy Parkinson (Hermione's target) were all starting to look quite different. Their hair colours changed to a deep scarlet with gold streaks running through it and as if they were paying homage to Fred ad George, they began to shout out things such as "EAT DUNG SLYTHERIN" without really meaning to. For some reason, they just couldn't control what they were saying. Harry and his friends started to laugh, as did everyone else in the Great Hall.
A silent shadow fell across Harry and he looked up, trying to contain his joy. Standing above him was a very displeased McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, I suppose that Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, and yourself had nothing to do with this little scene," said the cross professor.
"Why of course not, Professor," said Harry innocently.
"If I am to find out otherwise, you will find yourselves all in detention. Is that understood?"
"Yes, professor," they all said in unison. Professor McGonagall turned and began to walk back to the staff table, but as she left, Harry thought he saw the beginnings of a smile play across her lips.
"That went well," commented Ginny. Harry had to admit that it was a great plan.
"Did you see the look on Snape's face? He looked like he was going to kill us," complained Hermione, "He knows it was us. We'll get detention for sure."
"Just relax, 'Mione. He doesn't have any proof that it was us. Besides, that prank was wicked. We have been missing out for years. No wonder the Marauders had so much fun at Hogwarts," said Ron.
"Listen Ronald (they were heading into dangerous territory now), I know that it was fun to do, I'm just saying that we should be more careful. All the teachers knew it was us. They just can't prove it, but they might catch us next time," replied Hermione coolly.
Before this conversation could turn into another shouting match, Professor Dumbledore stood up and the Great Hall fell silent. He looked up at the four tables and said in a booming voice, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Let me begin by telling all the first years that the Forbidden Forest is just that. Forbidden. I must also remind a few of our older students the same (Harry and Ron looked at each other and grinned), and Mr. Filch has been so kind to remind me that there is to be no duelling in the corridors. You will find a list of forbidden items on the door to his office as well. We also have a few new teachers on our staff this year. Due to reasons beyond my control, Professor Umbridge is no longer teaching at Hogwarts and therefore, we were in need of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and, unlike other years, we received three applications. Therefore, we have asked all three to be the new professors. Please join me in welcoming Professors Banford, Dixon, and Daniels."
The three men stood up. Harry, who had been watching Dumbledore, caught their sudden movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to face them. They were oddly familiar, but where had he seen them. Then it hit him. "Ron, those men, do they look familiar to you?" he asked hesitantly.
"Them? Sort of. Where do you reckon we've seen them before?" he responded.
"I think that I saw them at Snape's house. Do you remember when I woke up and asked about them?"
"Yeah. What do you reckon they are doing here?"
"I don't know, but I have a feeling that we are going to find out before the term is out."
Just then they were interrupted by the sounds of students getting up and leaving the entrance hall. Hermione and Ron (whom she was dragging) were at the front of the line where they were leading the group of First Years to Gryffindor Tower. Harry stayed for a bit longer at the table, while all of the young children had passed. He had thought that he was the only one left, so he began to get up and then he saw Ginny watching him curiously. She approached him and asked, "Are you thinking about him?" She didn't have to even elaborate on who 'him' was.
"Sort of. I mean, I know that I haven't been moping around lately, but I still wish that he could have seen our prank. I know that sounds stupid and childish, but still. I wish that he was still here to help me out with things," he said, feeling a lump rise in his throat. He would not cry in front of her. He had promised himself that.
"Harry, he would have been proud of you today. You came in with your head held high. You pranked Slytherin house and you didn't get detention. He would have wanted that. You even made Snape more mad than usual. And, if you ever need someone to talk to about anything, please don't hesitate in asking me. I know that I am year younger than you, but I know what it's like when you have no one who will listen. Alright?"
"Alright, Gin," he replied, "Well, do you think that we should head on up? I mean, we don't want to be stuck out in the corridor all night."
"Sounds like a good plan. Let's go."
And with that said, they walked off out of the Great Hall and up the many moving staircases to their dormitory. When they reached it, they found Ron waiting for them. "It's about time you two showed up. Off snogging somewhere?" he asked sarcastically.
Ignoring this comment, Harry looked at Ron and said, "Thanks for waiting for us. What's the new password?"
"Why, Eat Dung Umbridge, of course."
"Oh, how silly of me not to get that one right away,"
"Um, boys? Do you mind if we go in? I'm getting a bit tired."
"Sure Ginny," replied Ron. He said the password and the three of them headed into the common room. Ginny split from the group and went up the stairs to her room, mumbling goodnight to the people below. Harry and Ron, after watching Ginny disappear up the staircase went and did the same. When they had reached the room, though, sleeping was not on the agenda. They opened the door to their sixth year room and saw that Neville, Dean, and Seamus were waiting for them. Neville got off his bed and approached the two that had just entered.
"I've told them all I know about what happened, but I don't know it all. Maybe you can help explain."
"What do you mean, Neville?" asked Harry.
"Well, they want to know about last year."