Ch. 3- another year
Start of the New Year
"Perhaps, it's a bad idea to join in the JQC you know Harry despite the protection it still can be a risk." Herminone said as they watch the first years nervously stand waiting to be sorted.
"I can't just hide all the time." Harry said resting his cheek into his hand as he starred as McGonagall pulled out her parchment. The old sorting hat had already sung it song for the past couple of years it had been singing about united and warning us against unseen evils though the hat was wise and for some, specific few knew exactly what the hat meant.
"Yeah Herminone do you expect him to just stay inside for the rest of his life?" Ron asked already holding his fork Ron's favorite part of the opening ceremony, the feast.
"I'm not saying you should become a hermit, Harry, just thought you shouldn't be taking unnecessary risks...like last year." Herminone said her hand instantly went to her head where she received the blow.
"How was I supposed to know that death-eaters would be there?" Harry asked raising his voice a little.
"Just common sense Harry, they want to kill you and your lucky they haven't so far." Herminone said still rubbing her head.
"Oh come off it you guys." Ron said as he clapped someone was just sorted into Gryffindor. Harry clapped as well and Herminone joined in not wanting to look bad on the first day on the job.
"Are you two both trying out for the Hogwart's team? Neville asked Ron and Ginny they both shook their heads glad that Neville had change the subject.
"I overhead Malfoy saying that he is going to knock you off your broom." Justin said setting up his plate for the evening feast he had all his forks and spoons lined up as well as his plate.
"I would like to see him bloody well try, Harry is going to be to fast for him to see." Ron said leaning back on his bench and crossing his arms Harry was glad that Ron was plenty of Confident for him, however he had his doubts. Harry glared across the Great Hall at Malfoy he was making some kind of gesture with his hands and talking rapidly the Slytherin table roared with laughter Harry got the impression that Malfoy was talking about him. The sorting was finished and Dumbledore had stood up the entire great hall fell silent, recent times had been dark times and all the students looked to Dumbledore for answers and information...what had he have to say?
"I would like to welcome you all to another year at Hogwarts and for our first years a very special welcome, a note to first years and some of our older students the dark forest is off limits to all students."
Harry and Ron exchanged smiles but Herminone stayed focus on Dumbledore. "I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher Professor Lynn Vaughn"
Harry and the others all turned their heads suddenly towards the woman who stood up, no one had noticed her and some wonder if she had been there the entire time? She was rather small and didn't look like she could fight off a pixie she was dressed in over large clothes but her small frame could been seen through the layers her light brown hair was tied up into a bon a lot like Professor McGonagall though from here everyone could see how odd her eyes were they were gray almost transparent.
"Professor Vaughn is very accomplished witch and has came on my wishes to fulfill the position."
A few students sighed that Dumbledore had appointed her and not the Ministry of Magic. The new Professor looked young, barely older than the 7th years Harry wondered how accomplished she could be? She sat back down between Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout.
"Now I know some of you have heard rumors about the cancellation of House Cup this year, and I am to clear this rumor and tell you that it is true."
The entire great hall erupted into whispers, groans, even some students yelled out their complaints. Dumbledore remained patient as the room settled back down.
"I am pleased to announce that our school will be taking in another form of Quidditch one where a great prize can be won. Hogwarts will be entering the Junior Quidditch Cup."
Whispers again ran through the room "For those who do not know what the Junior Quidditch Cup is, allow me to explain and for those whom are waiting patiently for the feast I am grateful." Dumbledore said taking a glance over this direction as Justin and Ron had their forks in their hands.
"It is a world wide tournament for all willing schools and academy to play against one another in the wonderful game of Quidditch. In one-month time games will be held every weekend in a single elimination style of play. Those who are victories shall move on to the next series of games those who lose are allow to support the other remaining teams if they so desire to do so. The tournament shall continue like this until two teams remain. The finals will be held with the support of the Ministry of Magic in England the same location as the Quidditch Cup was held three years ago. I want to assure everyone that every protection measure is being considered and I will personally promise the safety of all my students."
Everyone glanced around in excitement though Harry and Ron heard this before they were just as excited as everyone else.
"There shall be one team that will represent Hogwarts, try-outs will be this upcoming weekend for all positions. Being on a team now doesn't promise you a position on the team, and I encourage everyone to try-out. There will be two people for every position in case a player is injured during a game. There will be rules and other information posted in each common room, now let the feast begin!" Dumbledore said and extended his hands and the food appeared. Ron and Justin attacked the food all the nervous first years watch them in shock.
"Excuse me sir...are...you...um...Harry Potter?" A small girl asked. She had big blue eyes and neat curls that laid on her shoulders Harry wondered if he looked that small when he was her age he couldn't tell if she was any smaller than the rest of them.
"Um...yeah." Harry muttered and turned towards the food hoping that was all of her questions.
"I read about you in the updated of Hogwarts A History."
Harry blushed he didn't know that he was in that book, Herminone never told him that.
"You read that huh? You and Herminone would get along." Harry muttered and reached for a roll.
"Herminone Granger? I read about her as well, funny that she is one of the smartest girls in school and was placed in Gryffindor." The little girl said and started chewing on a chicken leg.
"She is very brave." Harry said looking down at her he hadn't noticed before but all her books were piled in her lap and one was open she was reading it between bites and her conversation with Harry.
"I am Acantha, Acantha Wells." She said holding out her hand, Harry took her tiny hand and shook it.
Herminone and Ron were starring at Harry as he shook the first year's hand they smiled when she looked up at them.
"This is Acantha Wells." Harry said introducing her to Herminone and Ron. Herminone and Ron begun to open their mouth to introduce themselves but she spoke first.
"I know who you are." She said and begun to look down the table at other faces. "I thought I was a sure bet for Ravenclaw, however the sorting hat thought I would do better in Gryffindor."
Ron raised an eyebrow and looked at Harry, Harry nodded back Herminone however was quite interested.
"Harry I must be going." Herminone said suddenly the three of them looked up. "I forgot I have some research I want to do before I go to sleep."
"About what?" Ron asked
"Never mind that." Herminone said. Acantha jumped up as well "I would love to know where the library is if you don't mind be following." She said with hopeful eyes.
Herminone smiled "Sure, come on."
"Bloody hell." Ron said as they disappeared through the great hall doors "I don't think I can deal with a little Herminone."
Everyone laughed even Harry, Harry glanced up at the head table everyone was sitting and talking, everyone except the new Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher he didn't see her leave, she would have to go by them. Perhaps when he was talking to Acantha?
Harry, Ron, and Neville headed up towards the common room they followed behind Ginny and the other prefect they were yelling for first years to follow them. They all smiled thinking when they had followed Percy their first year at Hogwarts.
"Harry have you seen Sir Nicolas?" Justin asked "I wanted to say hello before we went to bed." Harry shook his head he hasn't seem him at all there wasn't much ghost in the dinning hall at all exactly.
"I'm not sure." Harry admitted
"Hey ya Harry...how am I doing?" Ginny said coming running up all the first years were piling into the common room. "Great, just brilliant." Harry said though he hadn't been watching her.
Ginny ran back leading the students into the common room, Harry and his friends manage to go through them. A few students pointed at Harry, though he tired to avoid it and quickly headed up the stairs.
"Another year boys!" Dean said and jumped on his bed. His good friend Seamus threw a pillow at him Dean threw back the pillow and a sort time following all the boys proceeded to beat each other with pillows until they were all laying in beds and on the floor to exhausted to move.
"I think I want this one." Harry said sarcastically, "I think you all gotten lazy over the summer." He continued and suddenly he was bombed with all the pillows the boys manage one last hit and they all got Harry the same time. Harry laid beneath the pillows and sighed deeply, no where else in the world would he rather be than right here and right now.
Start of the New Year
"Perhaps, it's a bad idea to join in the JQC you know Harry despite the protection it still can be a risk." Herminone said as they watch the first years nervously stand waiting to be sorted.
"I can't just hide all the time." Harry said resting his cheek into his hand as he starred as McGonagall pulled out her parchment. The old sorting hat had already sung it song for the past couple of years it had been singing about united and warning us against unseen evils though the hat was wise and for some, specific few knew exactly what the hat meant.
"Yeah Herminone do you expect him to just stay inside for the rest of his life?" Ron asked already holding his fork Ron's favorite part of the opening ceremony, the feast.
"I'm not saying you should become a hermit, Harry, just thought you shouldn't be taking unnecessary risks...like last year." Herminone said her hand instantly went to her head where she received the blow.
"How was I supposed to know that death-eaters would be there?" Harry asked raising his voice a little.
"Just common sense Harry, they want to kill you and your lucky they haven't so far." Herminone said still rubbing her head.
"Oh come off it you guys." Ron said as he clapped someone was just sorted into Gryffindor. Harry clapped as well and Herminone joined in not wanting to look bad on the first day on the job.
"Are you two both trying out for the Hogwart's team? Neville asked Ron and Ginny they both shook their heads glad that Neville had change the subject.
"I overhead Malfoy saying that he is going to knock you off your broom." Justin said setting up his plate for the evening feast he had all his forks and spoons lined up as well as his plate.
"I would like to see him bloody well try, Harry is going to be to fast for him to see." Ron said leaning back on his bench and crossing his arms Harry was glad that Ron was plenty of Confident for him, however he had his doubts. Harry glared across the Great Hall at Malfoy he was making some kind of gesture with his hands and talking rapidly the Slytherin table roared with laughter Harry got the impression that Malfoy was talking about him. The sorting was finished and Dumbledore had stood up the entire great hall fell silent, recent times had been dark times and all the students looked to Dumbledore for answers and information...what had he have to say?
"I would like to welcome you all to another year at Hogwarts and for our first years a very special welcome, a note to first years and some of our older students the dark forest is off limits to all students."
Harry and Ron exchanged smiles but Herminone stayed focus on Dumbledore. "I would like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher Professor Lynn Vaughn"
Harry and the others all turned their heads suddenly towards the woman who stood up, no one had noticed her and some wonder if she had been there the entire time? She was rather small and didn't look like she could fight off a pixie she was dressed in over large clothes but her small frame could been seen through the layers her light brown hair was tied up into a bon a lot like Professor McGonagall though from here everyone could see how odd her eyes were they were gray almost transparent.
"Professor Vaughn is very accomplished witch and has came on my wishes to fulfill the position."
A few students sighed that Dumbledore had appointed her and not the Ministry of Magic. The new Professor looked young, barely older than the 7th years Harry wondered how accomplished she could be? She sat back down between Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout.
"Now I know some of you have heard rumors about the cancellation of House Cup this year, and I am to clear this rumor and tell you that it is true."
The entire great hall erupted into whispers, groans, even some students yelled out their complaints. Dumbledore remained patient as the room settled back down.
"I am pleased to announce that our school will be taking in another form of Quidditch one where a great prize can be won. Hogwarts will be entering the Junior Quidditch Cup."
Whispers again ran through the room "For those who do not know what the Junior Quidditch Cup is, allow me to explain and for those whom are waiting patiently for the feast I am grateful." Dumbledore said taking a glance over this direction as Justin and Ron had their forks in their hands.
"It is a world wide tournament for all willing schools and academy to play against one another in the wonderful game of Quidditch. In one-month time games will be held every weekend in a single elimination style of play. Those who are victories shall move on to the next series of games those who lose are allow to support the other remaining teams if they so desire to do so. The tournament shall continue like this until two teams remain. The finals will be held with the support of the Ministry of Magic in England the same location as the Quidditch Cup was held three years ago. I want to assure everyone that every protection measure is being considered and I will personally promise the safety of all my students."
Everyone glanced around in excitement though Harry and Ron heard this before they were just as excited as everyone else.
"There shall be one team that will represent Hogwarts, try-outs will be this upcoming weekend for all positions. Being on a team now doesn't promise you a position on the team, and I encourage everyone to try-out. There will be two people for every position in case a player is injured during a game. There will be rules and other information posted in each common room, now let the feast begin!" Dumbledore said and extended his hands and the food appeared. Ron and Justin attacked the food all the nervous first years watch them in shock.
"Excuse me sir...are...you...um...Harry Potter?" A small girl asked. She had big blue eyes and neat curls that laid on her shoulders Harry wondered if he looked that small when he was her age he couldn't tell if she was any smaller than the rest of them.
"Um...yeah." Harry muttered and turned towards the food hoping that was all of her questions.
"I read about you in the updated of Hogwarts A History."
Harry blushed he didn't know that he was in that book, Herminone never told him that.
"You read that huh? You and Herminone would get along." Harry muttered and reached for a roll.
"Herminone Granger? I read about her as well, funny that she is one of the smartest girls in school and was placed in Gryffindor." The little girl said and started chewing on a chicken leg.
"She is very brave." Harry said looking down at her he hadn't noticed before but all her books were piled in her lap and one was open she was reading it between bites and her conversation with Harry.
"I am Acantha, Acantha Wells." She said holding out her hand, Harry took her tiny hand and shook it.
Herminone and Ron were starring at Harry as he shook the first year's hand they smiled when she looked up at them.
"This is Acantha Wells." Harry said introducing her to Herminone and Ron. Herminone and Ron begun to open their mouth to introduce themselves but she spoke first.
"I know who you are." She said and begun to look down the table at other faces. "I thought I was a sure bet for Ravenclaw, however the sorting hat thought I would do better in Gryffindor."
Ron raised an eyebrow and looked at Harry, Harry nodded back Herminone however was quite interested.
"Harry I must be going." Herminone said suddenly the three of them looked up. "I forgot I have some research I want to do before I go to sleep."
"About what?" Ron asked
"Never mind that." Herminone said. Acantha jumped up as well "I would love to know where the library is if you don't mind be following." She said with hopeful eyes.
Herminone smiled "Sure, come on."
"Bloody hell." Ron said as they disappeared through the great hall doors "I don't think I can deal with a little Herminone."
Everyone laughed even Harry, Harry glanced up at the head table everyone was sitting and talking, everyone except the new Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher he didn't see her leave, she would have to go by them. Perhaps when he was talking to Acantha?
Harry, Ron, and Neville headed up towards the common room they followed behind Ginny and the other prefect they were yelling for first years to follow them. They all smiled thinking when they had followed Percy their first year at Hogwarts.
"Harry have you seen Sir Nicolas?" Justin asked "I wanted to say hello before we went to bed." Harry shook his head he hasn't seem him at all there wasn't much ghost in the dinning hall at all exactly.
"I'm not sure." Harry admitted
"Hey ya Harry...how am I doing?" Ginny said coming running up all the first years were piling into the common room. "Great, just brilliant." Harry said though he hadn't been watching her.
Ginny ran back leading the students into the common room, Harry and his friends manage to go through them. A few students pointed at Harry, though he tired to avoid it and quickly headed up the stairs.
"Another year boys!" Dean said and jumped on his bed. His good friend Seamus threw a pillow at him Dean threw back the pillow and a sort time following all the boys proceeded to beat each other with pillows until they were all laying in beds and on the floor to exhausted to move.
"I think I want this one." Harry said sarcastically, "I think you all gotten lazy over the summer." He continued and suddenly he was bombed with all the pillows the boys manage one last hit and they all got Harry the same time. Harry laid beneath the pillows and sighed deeply, no where else in the world would he rather be than right here and right now.