Chapter 3 Aboard the Hogwarts Express
August 31st came with an early awakening by Harry. Someone was shaking him away gently. "Rise and shine Harry." Hermione said. "It's too early, five more minutes." Harry said as he rolled over away from Hermione. "No Harry, we need to get to the platform in time, and traffic is going to be a pain. If I let you sleep anymore we'll be late. Today we get to go to Hogwarts. Get up" Hermione said as she left the room. Harry got up and dressed quickly. I'll sleep on the train anyway. He thought as he went downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast Harry went back upstairs to get his trunk, quite thankful he had packed the night before. They left and, as Hermione had expected, were stuck in the early morning traffic. They got to Kings Cross with 6 minutes to spare, and rushed to get carts and ran to the platform. Harry ran through the quite solid looking wall between platforms nine and ten and appeared on the magical platform. He saw a large group of people with flaming red hair talking to a group of people, one of which was wearing a bowler hat. "Took you long enough Potter, thought you'd be late after you got stuck in traffic." Moody growled. "How'd you..." Harry looked questioningly, then realized. He still had a guard. Are they going to realize I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. A little perturbed at the situation, Harry turned to a rather tall and gangly looking red head. "Hello Ron, good summer?" Harry said. "Hey mate, absolutely awesome. The World Cup was amazing. Fred and George had Lee run the store when they were away. They even got some orders from some foreign wizards. They're going to start a international catalog. The galleons are coming in hand over fist. They even let me work at the shop some, so I actually have some spending money." Ron would have kept talking, but Mrs. Weasley was ushering them towards the train. "You'll miss train if you're not careful. It's good to see you Harry. Have a good term." Mrs. Weasley said pushing Ron, Ginny, and Harry towards the train. "Stay out of trouble Harry, if anything happens, you should go to Dumbledore." Lupin said as Harry turned to say farewell to the Order members.
They entered the train and went to go find an empty compartment. They reached the last compartment and as Ron and Harry were about to sit down, Hermione slapped Ron on the arm and said heatedly, "Ron, we need to get to the prefect compartment before the meeting starts. You still remember, you are a prefect. Let's go!" "Sorry mate, it's actually very boring up there. I'll bring you back some food though." Ron said as he followed Hermione out and down the corridor. Harry laid down across the compartment, trying to get comfortable. Then the compartment door slid open, revealing Neville Longbottom, a round faced quite forgetful boy who, until last year, was at the bottom of most classes. Last year, with the escape of Bellatrix Lestrange, the deatheater responsible for Neville's parent's insanity and permanent residency at St. Mungo's, Neville had seen a new concentration and improvement that was a little unsettling. Neville had also been one of the fellow DA member's who went with Harry to the Ministry the previous year. "Hey Harry, is it ok if I stay here, everywhere else is full." Neville asked while clutching his toad, Trevor. "Sure, take a seat. Had a good summer? Hope your Grandmother wasn't too mad about your wand breaking." Harry said, hoping that his blunder that caused the death of Sirius had not caused Neville to also get in trouble. "Oh no, quite the opposite really, she was so proud that I fought the deatheaters that she got me a new wand. Mr. Ollivander said that it should work better than my father's did. She even got me my own broom, a Cleensweep 280. I've been practicing flying with my uncle over the summer. I might even try out for the team this year. You think they will let me play beater if I'm better than the ones they have now?" Neville said grinning. "I don't see why not, it's not like McGonagall would let them] captain put anyone that wasn't the best on the pitch. I'm just wondering who will be captain." Harry said as Neville began to sit down. Harry and Neville talked for quite a while. After about an hour Ginny, Ron, and Hermione walked in. "How was it, and before I forget, what's the Gryffindor password." Harry asked. "The meeting was boring as usual, and the password is "Whomping Willow." Harry and Ron then proceeded to talk about Quiddich, the World Cup, and play exploding snap with Ginny and Neville while Hermione buried herself in a book. Awhile later the compartment door slid open and a drawling voice said, "Wow, I didn't think they had a trash compartment on this train, and it's full of mudbloods, is that sanitary?" Ron was the first on his feet, followed by Harry, Ginny, and Neville. Hermione did her best to ignore Malfoy's snide comments about her parentage. Ron was turning a deep red and shaking with anger. Harry was the first to speak. "Malfoy, leave, I'm sure you remember what happened the last train ride, and I would be happy to let you relive it. Of course, a ferret might be a little better, don't you think so Ron?" Ron's mouth curved into a smile, and Malfoy's face lost the little color it had, the memory both incidences seemed to be fresh in his mind. He left mumbling curses under his breath.
After that, nothing major happened the rest of the trip, unless you count Harry's amazing loss to Ron in wizard's chess which involved a check mate with a queen and a pawn. After the game, Harry decided he might get some shut eye before they reached Hogsmead Station. The moment he was about to fall asleep, his scar burst into an intense pain he hadn't felt since the beginning of the summer. "HARRY, HARRY!!!! Ron, go get a towel and soak it in cool water." Hermione was yelling. Harry heard screaming and then realized it was his own voice and he suddenly stopped. He was on the floor and his scar was still burning. "Harry, what is it, what happened?" Hermione said with a look of concern in her eyes. "He's............ angry, something happened and now he's absolutely livid." Harry said, as though it was merely said through him, yet he knew they were true. "Who Harry? Voldemort?" Hermione asked. There was a shudder by most of the compartment. Harry and Hermione ignored it.
"Yes." Harry replied plainly, feeling very tired, but horrified by the thought of sleep.
"Here, this might help." Hermione said as she took the damp cloth Ron had returned with, chilled it with a spell from her wand, and laid it onto Harry's forehead.
"Thanks, but I'll be ok." Harry said as he struggled to get up. They all felt the train slow down. "We need to get changed, and quickly." Hermione said as she helped Harry stand fully. They changed and made there way off of the train after it stopped. Harry listened for the familiar voice in the crisp night air. "Firs' yers this way. Al' right ther' Harry?" Hagrid bellowed, looking over the top of all the students. Harry just nodded, truth be told he was not alright, but he wasn't going to tell Hagrid. He made his way to the Thestral pulled carriages, petted one of the beasts, and stepped into an empty carriage, saving seats for Ron, Hermione, and Neville. They all arrived about three minutes later. The carriage lurched forward towards the castle. They reached the steps and got out and walked up the steps. Harry entered through the doors and looked up. Finally, I'm home . he had walked about 4 steps when someone called his name. "Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall called out. As Harry approached she spoke again, "Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore has asked you to meet him in his office after the feast. The password is "Cotton Candy." Now, if you excuse me, I must attend to the new students. She left and Harry was left wondering, Why does he want to see me, I just got here. . Harry was then caught in the crowd heading towards the Great Hall. He took a seat next to Hermione and Ginny, Ron sitting across from him. They were giving him worried glances. "I'm fine!" Harry said in the kind of whisper that could be heard in a saw mill. Just then Professor McGonagall was seen taking an old and battered looking wizards hat and placing it on a three legged stool. The Hall fell silent, then the brim of the hat opened and it began to sing.
Ages and Ages ago Four great friends had a dream To make a school, and so They became an inseparable team They built a school far away from peering eyes To teach those who were gifted They had stronger ties And the walls were soon lifted Harmony was the glue And friendship was the bricks Love was in there too To make all of it stick Then rifts began And the friends were enemies Until mighty Slytherin Left, leaving three Peace again reigned But now only three walls remain And great Hogwarts will never be Until 1 unites with three Gryffindor with the brave For others they will save Ravenclaw with the noble, The smart, the hopeful, Slytherin with the pure Of themselves they are sure Hufflepuff with the kind For she never did mind Now I must sort you For that is my duty It is up to you To join in unity Come and try me on post hence Come, let the sorting commence
The entire hall clapped, and again whispers punctured the applause. "A bit like last year, isn't it," Ron said as he leaned towards Harry. After the applause died down, Professor McGonagall began to speak. "As I call your name, come forward, place the sorting hat on your head; and you will be sorted. Atkinson, Douglas." A small boy with dark hair went up. There was a moment of silence and then "GRYFFINDOR!" There was an explosion of cheers from the Gryffindor table. "I hope they hurry up, I'm starving." Ron said as his stomach gave a growl and Elizabeth McCarty was sorted into Hufflepuff. "Some things never change, do they?" Harry said smiling while Jessica Nepper joined the Gryffindor table. Finally the last first year, Mary Williamson, was sorted into Ravenclaw, and the hall fell silent as Dumbledore stood up. "Welcome to our new comers, and welcome back to our old comers. There is a time and a place for speeches, and this is not it. I only have 6 words. Don't fear the Flibbertigibbet. Tuck in." and with a wave of his hands, food magically appeared on all the tables. Ron was already stuffing his face with chicken and mashed potatoes when Harry began to reach for the plate of roast beef. Hermione looked up at Ron and looked appalled. "Ron, your mother did teach you manners didn't she?" Hermione said. "What? I'm hungry" Ron said after he swallowed. "That may be, but there should be some decency at the dinner table." Hermione and Ron continued to argue, but Harry really wasn't in the mood to stop them. He looked up at the staff table and looked for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and found her speaking quietly to Dumbledore. It was woman with sleek black hair, pail skin, and deep black eyes. She looked at Harry and smiled, revealing dazzling white teeth. He'd only seen one other person with a brighter smile, and that was Professor (for lack of a better word) Lockhart from his second year. She then turned back to the headmaster and continued her conversation. Harry turned back to his food.
After desert the plates were cleared and Dumbledore stood up. "Now that we are fed and watered, I have a few start of term announcements. To all first years, the forest on the grounds is strictly forbidden; I may remind a few of our older students as well." His gaze fell on Harry and Ron, who had been in the forest more times than they had ever wanted. "Second, Mr. Filch has reminded me, for what he says is the 724th time, that magic is not allowed in the corridors. Also, many new items have been added to those forbidden in the castle, a many of which come from a particular joke shop in Diagon Alley." Dumbledore smiled. "I would also like to introduce this year's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Grey." There was a loud applause for Professor Grey as she stood up. The applause died down and Dumbledore spoke again. "It is getting very late, and you have classes tomorrow, so advise you to head to your dormitories and sleep quickly." There was a large commotion as students exited. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all went to lead the first years to the dorms. Harry, however, went out and towards Dumbledore's office. He said "Cotton Candy" and the gargoyle leaped out of the way to reveal the escalator type staircase. He stepped onto the first step and was lifted spiraling slowly upwards. When he reached the door he heard two people conversing. He knocked. "Come in Harry," Dumbledore said. Harry entered and found who the other voice belonged to; it was Professor Grey. She smiled at him as he entered. "I see what you mean Headmaster. I haven't seen something like this in a long time." She said turning to Dumbledore. "I told you Laura. It is quite amazing." Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry, who was utterly confused at the whole exchange. "You wanted to see me sir." Harry asked. Dumbledore's expression then became serious, "Yes Harry, Ms. Granger sent an owl saying that you had a severe pain in your scar on the train. I called you here to tell you will need to continue with your Occlumency lessons." "I am NOT taking classes with Snape" Harry interrupted. Dumbledore continued, " Professor Snape Harry, and no, you will not take lessons with Snape." Harry's expression relaxed at this bit of news. "Harry, I'd like to introduce Laura Grey, your new Occlumency teacher." Professor Grey nodded to Harry, "It's a pleasure to meet you Harry. I hear that you're pretty good at Defense Against the Dark Arts. Along with Occlumency lessons, would you mind some defense lessons as well? If it is ok with the Headmaster, I mean." "Umm, sure, I wouldn't mind. Is it alright sir?" Harry asked. "I see no problems with it." Dumbledore said. "It's very late Mr. Potter, you might want to get a good night sleep before classes tomorrow." "Goodnight professors." Harry said as he left the room and headed back towards the dormitory.
August 31st came with an early awakening by Harry. Someone was shaking him away gently. "Rise and shine Harry." Hermione said. "It's too early, five more minutes." Harry said as he rolled over away from Hermione. "No Harry, we need to get to the platform in time, and traffic is going to be a pain. If I let you sleep anymore we'll be late. Today we get to go to Hogwarts. Get up" Hermione said as she left the room. Harry got up and dressed quickly. I'll sleep on the train anyway. He thought as he went downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast Harry went back upstairs to get his trunk, quite thankful he had packed the night before. They left and, as Hermione had expected, were stuck in the early morning traffic. They got to Kings Cross with 6 minutes to spare, and rushed to get carts and ran to the platform. Harry ran through the quite solid looking wall between platforms nine and ten and appeared on the magical platform. He saw a large group of people with flaming red hair talking to a group of people, one of which was wearing a bowler hat. "Took you long enough Potter, thought you'd be late after you got stuck in traffic." Moody growled. "How'd you..." Harry looked questioningly, then realized. He still had a guard. Are they going to realize I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. A little perturbed at the situation, Harry turned to a rather tall and gangly looking red head. "Hello Ron, good summer?" Harry said. "Hey mate, absolutely awesome. The World Cup was amazing. Fred and George had Lee run the store when they were away. They even got some orders from some foreign wizards. They're going to start a international catalog. The galleons are coming in hand over fist. They even let me work at the shop some, so I actually have some spending money." Ron would have kept talking, but Mrs. Weasley was ushering them towards the train. "You'll miss train if you're not careful. It's good to see you Harry. Have a good term." Mrs. Weasley said pushing Ron, Ginny, and Harry towards the train. "Stay out of trouble Harry, if anything happens, you should go to Dumbledore." Lupin said as Harry turned to say farewell to the Order members.
They entered the train and went to go find an empty compartment. They reached the last compartment and as Ron and Harry were about to sit down, Hermione slapped Ron on the arm and said heatedly, "Ron, we need to get to the prefect compartment before the meeting starts. You still remember, you are a prefect. Let's go!" "Sorry mate, it's actually very boring up there. I'll bring you back some food though." Ron said as he followed Hermione out and down the corridor. Harry laid down across the compartment, trying to get comfortable. Then the compartment door slid open, revealing Neville Longbottom, a round faced quite forgetful boy who, until last year, was at the bottom of most classes. Last year, with the escape of Bellatrix Lestrange, the deatheater responsible for Neville's parent's insanity and permanent residency at St. Mungo's, Neville had seen a new concentration and improvement that was a little unsettling. Neville had also been one of the fellow DA member's who went with Harry to the Ministry the previous year. "Hey Harry, is it ok if I stay here, everywhere else is full." Neville asked while clutching his toad, Trevor. "Sure, take a seat. Had a good summer? Hope your Grandmother wasn't too mad about your wand breaking." Harry said, hoping that his blunder that caused the death of Sirius had not caused Neville to also get in trouble. "Oh no, quite the opposite really, she was so proud that I fought the deatheaters that she got me a new wand. Mr. Ollivander said that it should work better than my father's did. She even got me my own broom, a Cleensweep 280. I've been practicing flying with my uncle over the summer. I might even try out for the team this year. You think they will let me play beater if I'm better than the ones they have now?" Neville said grinning. "I don't see why not, it's not like McGonagall would let them] captain put anyone that wasn't the best on the pitch. I'm just wondering who will be captain." Harry said as Neville began to sit down. Harry and Neville talked for quite a while. After about an hour Ginny, Ron, and Hermione walked in. "How was it, and before I forget, what's the Gryffindor password." Harry asked. "The meeting was boring as usual, and the password is "Whomping Willow." Harry and Ron then proceeded to talk about Quiddich, the World Cup, and play exploding snap with Ginny and Neville while Hermione buried herself in a book. Awhile later the compartment door slid open and a drawling voice said, "Wow, I didn't think they had a trash compartment on this train, and it's full of mudbloods, is that sanitary?" Ron was the first on his feet, followed by Harry, Ginny, and Neville. Hermione did her best to ignore Malfoy's snide comments about her parentage. Ron was turning a deep red and shaking with anger. Harry was the first to speak. "Malfoy, leave, I'm sure you remember what happened the last train ride, and I would be happy to let you relive it. Of course, a ferret might be a little better, don't you think so Ron?" Ron's mouth curved into a smile, and Malfoy's face lost the little color it had, the memory both incidences seemed to be fresh in his mind. He left mumbling curses under his breath.
After that, nothing major happened the rest of the trip, unless you count Harry's amazing loss to Ron in wizard's chess which involved a check mate with a queen and a pawn. After the game, Harry decided he might get some shut eye before they reached Hogsmead Station. The moment he was about to fall asleep, his scar burst into an intense pain he hadn't felt since the beginning of the summer. "HARRY, HARRY!!!! Ron, go get a towel and soak it in cool water." Hermione was yelling. Harry heard screaming and then realized it was his own voice and he suddenly stopped. He was on the floor and his scar was still burning. "Harry, what is it, what happened?" Hermione said with a look of concern in her eyes. "He's............ angry, something happened and now he's absolutely livid." Harry said, as though it was merely said through him, yet he knew they were true. "Who Harry? Voldemort?" Hermione asked. There was a shudder by most of the compartment. Harry and Hermione ignored it.
"Yes." Harry replied plainly, feeling very tired, but horrified by the thought of sleep.
"Here, this might help." Hermione said as she took the damp cloth Ron had returned with, chilled it with a spell from her wand, and laid it onto Harry's forehead.
"Thanks, but I'll be ok." Harry said as he struggled to get up. They all felt the train slow down. "We need to get changed, and quickly." Hermione said as she helped Harry stand fully. They changed and made there way off of the train after it stopped. Harry listened for the familiar voice in the crisp night air. "Firs' yers this way. Al' right ther' Harry?" Hagrid bellowed, looking over the top of all the students. Harry just nodded, truth be told he was not alright, but he wasn't going to tell Hagrid. He made his way to the Thestral pulled carriages, petted one of the beasts, and stepped into an empty carriage, saving seats for Ron, Hermione, and Neville. They all arrived about three minutes later. The carriage lurched forward towards the castle. They reached the steps and got out and walked up the steps. Harry entered through the doors and looked up. Finally, I'm home . he had walked about 4 steps when someone called his name. "Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall called out. As Harry approached she spoke again, "Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore has asked you to meet him in his office after the feast. The password is "Cotton Candy." Now, if you excuse me, I must attend to the new students. She left and Harry was left wondering, Why does he want to see me, I just got here. . Harry was then caught in the crowd heading towards the Great Hall. He took a seat next to Hermione and Ginny, Ron sitting across from him. They were giving him worried glances. "I'm fine!" Harry said in the kind of whisper that could be heard in a saw mill. Just then Professor McGonagall was seen taking an old and battered looking wizards hat and placing it on a three legged stool. The Hall fell silent, then the brim of the hat opened and it began to sing.
Ages and Ages ago Four great friends had a dream To make a school, and so They became an inseparable team They built a school far away from peering eyes To teach those who were gifted They had stronger ties And the walls were soon lifted Harmony was the glue And friendship was the bricks Love was in there too To make all of it stick Then rifts began And the friends were enemies Until mighty Slytherin Left, leaving three Peace again reigned But now only three walls remain And great Hogwarts will never be Until 1 unites with three Gryffindor with the brave For others they will save Ravenclaw with the noble, The smart, the hopeful, Slytherin with the pure Of themselves they are sure Hufflepuff with the kind For she never did mind Now I must sort you For that is my duty It is up to you To join in unity Come and try me on post hence Come, let the sorting commence
The entire hall clapped, and again whispers punctured the applause. "A bit like last year, isn't it," Ron said as he leaned towards Harry. After the applause died down, Professor McGonagall began to speak. "As I call your name, come forward, place the sorting hat on your head; and you will be sorted. Atkinson, Douglas." A small boy with dark hair went up. There was a moment of silence and then "GRYFFINDOR!" There was an explosion of cheers from the Gryffindor table. "I hope they hurry up, I'm starving." Ron said as his stomach gave a growl and Elizabeth McCarty was sorted into Hufflepuff. "Some things never change, do they?" Harry said smiling while Jessica Nepper joined the Gryffindor table. Finally the last first year, Mary Williamson, was sorted into Ravenclaw, and the hall fell silent as Dumbledore stood up. "Welcome to our new comers, and welcome back to our old comers. There is a time and a place for speeches, and this is not it. I only have 6 words. Don't fear the Flibbertigibbet. Tuck in." and with a wave of his hands, food magically appeared on all the tables. Ron was already stuffing his face with chicken and mashed potatoes when Harry began to reach for the plate of roast beef. Hermione looked up at Ron and looked appalled. "Ron, your mother did teach you manners didn't she?" Hermione said. "What? I'm hungry" Ron said after he swallowed. "That may be, but there should be some decency at the dinner table." Hermione and Ron continued to argue, but Harry really wasn't in the mood to stop them. He looked up at the staff table and looked for the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and found her speaking quietly to Dumbledore. It was woman with sleek black hair, pail skin, and deep black eyes. She looked at Harry and smiled, revealing dazzling white teeth. He'd only seen one other person with a brighter smile, and that was Professor (for lack of a better word) Lockhart from his second year. She then turned back to the headmaster and continued her conversation. Harry turned back to his food.
After desert the plates were cleared and Dumbledore stood up. "Now that we are fed and watered, I have a few start of term announcements. To all first years, the forest on the grounds is strictly forbidden; I may remind a few of our older students as well." His gaze fell on Harry and Ron, who had been in the forest more times than they had ever wanted. "Second, Mr. Filch has reminded me, for what he says is the 724th time, that magic is not allowed in the corridors. Also, many new items have been added to those forbidden in the castle, a many of which come from a particular joke shop in Diagon Alley." Dumbledore smiled. "I would also like to introduce this year's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Grey." There was a loud applause for Professor Grey as she stood up. The applause died down and Dumbledore spoke again. "It is getting very late, and you have classes tomorrow, so advise you to head to your dormitories and sleep quickly." There was a large commotion as students exited. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all went to lead the first years to the dorms. Harry, however, went out and towards Dumbledore's office. He said "Cotton Candy" and the gargoyle leaped out of the way to reveal the escalator type staircase. He stepped onto the first step and was lifted spiraling slowly upwards. When he reached the door he heard two people conversing. He knocked. "Come in Harry," Dumbledore said. Harry entered and found who the other voice belonged to; it was Professor Grey. She smiled at him as he entered. "I see what you mean Headmaster. I haven't seen something like this in a long time." She said turning to Dumbledore. "I told you Laura. It is quite amazing." Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry, who was utterly confused at the whole exchange. "You wanted to see me sir." Harry asked. Dumbledore's expression then became serious, "Yes Harry, Ms. Granger sent an owl saying that you had a severe pain in your scar on the train. I called you here to tell you will need to continue with your Occlumency lessons." "I am NOT taking classes with Snape" Harry interrupted. Dumbledore continued, " Professor Snape Harry, and no, you will not take lessons with Snape." Harry's expression relaxed at this bit of news. "Harry, I'd like to introduce Laura Grey, your new Occlumency teacher." Professor Grey nodded to Harry, "It's a pleasure to meet you Harry. I hear that you're pretty good at Defense Against the Dark Arts. Along with Occlumency lessons, would you mind some defense lessons as well? If it is ok with the Headmaster, I mean." "Umm, sure, I wouldn't mind. Is it alright sir?" Harry asked. "I see no problems with it." Dumbledore said. "It's very late Mr. Potter, you might want to get a good night sleep before classes tomorrow." "Goodnight professors." Harry said as he left the room and headed back towards the dormitory.