Chapter Twenty-One:
The Second Sorting
Harry spent his last fleeting moments abroad packing his trunk. He had awoken extra early for many reasons, but two stood out most prominently in his mind. The first was that he simply could not sleep; the effects of at last discovering what the MoonPearl Tear was capable of were unsettling rather than comforting. All Harry could think about, as he had tried in vain to rest, was what Voldemort was going to do with the powerful object. The possibilities were endless. The second reason for his early rise was that Harry was eager to get his packing done so he could have a long discussion with Ron and Hermione. After all two heads are better than one, and three are better than two.
Once Harry had placed the last of his clothes in his trunk his gaze fell on the two new schoolbooks that Mrs. Weasley had joyfully sent to him, the combined weight of these books had nearly made Errol's trip to Egypt his last. The first was entitled A Short Compendium of Apparition Laws and Regulations, a not-surprisingly large book that contained tiny print with no illustrations whatsoever, and the other was entitled An Introduction to Aurism, a book that highly interested Harry because of its subject matter and its author.
Harry picked up the books, placed them over his other new schoolbook (The Magus Guide), and closed the lid. He exited his room and ran into Ron and Hermione who were leaning against the wall adjacent to the entrance of Harry's room.
"Good morning, Harry," greeted Ron and Hermione simultaneously.
They obviously were ignoring the little skirmish they had had in order to help Harry as much as possible.
"Good morning," Harry replied cheerfully enough.
"We've been dying to talk to you," stated Ron.
Hermione quickly added, "About the MoonPearl Tear."
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked down to an early breakfast they continued their conversation.
"You don't think there's some other reason that You-Know-Who wants with the MoonPearl Tear, do you?" asked Ron in a tentative whisper.
They entered the metallic kitchen. Harry would never admit it, but Bill's home had the most fascinating kitchen Harry had ever seen. It wasn't that the kitchen was clean (it was resplendent); after all the Dursley's kitchen was clean and Harry hated the place. No, the reason Harry loved Bill's kitchen was the absence of normality.
Like the remainder of Bill's home, the kitchen was painted a shimmering shade of gold. All the food and drink was stored in a frigid room hidden behind a false wall. When Hermione had first encountered the blizzard room, she had gone on for hours about the difficulty of Meterologis Charms.
All the normal mechanisms, such as potato peelers, were magically automated. They performed their tasks most efficiently at the uttering of a single word.
"No idea," Harry admitted staring at a silver clock hanging from the ceiling.
"Well what I want to know is who Agapanthus is," stated Hermione, "There's something not quite normal about her."
"Well, it's more a question of what she is," replied Harry, "To put it simply, she's the guardian of the MoonPearl Tear."
"I knew it! I knew there was something off about her!" exclaimed Ron triumphantly as he depressed the latch in the wall that opened the panel to the raging frigid air of the blizzard room and entered.
"You knew?" inquired Hermione.
"Dumbledore told me after the Dementors attacked the school," answered Harry.
"That's what Lupin and Mr. Weasley were sent out to do you see. They were sent to awaken the guardian, Agapanthus," Harry stated, "That strange room we were in yesterday, the one where we found the directions we used to find the book, that's where they awakened Agapanthus."
"Then that's also where Lupin got attacked," added a frost tinged and red nosed Ron returning from the room with ample chilled milk and other food for everyone.
"Right," replied Harry.
Just then they heard a clamor as the rest of the home's occupants made their way downstairs into the kitchen.
"I'm telling you that's where I fought the Great Mummy!" exclaimed Lockhart, exasperated that yet again, no one was listening to him.
"All right Gilderoy, let's go see the nice camel," cooed Tonks as she steered Lockhart outside.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione abruptly ended their conversation and frantically began gobbling food like everyone else as they became caught up in the busy chaos of leaving. Before Harry knew it, it was time to head for the Egyptian Art Museum.
"Got your trunk Harry?" asked Mr. Weasley as he donned his cloak.
"Yes," replied Harry, then curiosity getting the better of him, Harry asked, "Why were you with Snape and McGonagall for the entire trip?"
"Well Harry, I was going to tell you later, but now is as good a time as any," answered Mr. Weasley with a sigh.
Mr. Weasley looked grim and ran his hand through his hair then continued, "Anat Sipher was sighted in Egypt the other day."
The name meant nothing to Harry, so he asked, "Who?"
"Anat Sipher is the owner of Papyrus Relics, that store that was robbed in the summer," answered Mr. Weasley, "Anyway she had been reported missing and we found her just the other day. Of course we were quite relieved, but now that her hiding place has been discovered we must protect her elsewhere."
Recognition swept through Harry's mind. He also noted that he himself had seen her, or at least thought he had seen her, by the Hydris leaf shop.
"Are you aware of the Room of Requirement in Hogwarts?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"I am," answered Harry, "That's where the DA trained last year."
"Excellent, we are planning to make the room of requirement a safe haven, a safe place where we can send Sipher. Dumbledore also thinks it's a good idea to have Gabriel stay there as well," said Mr. Weasley.
"Why do you want to keep her at all?" asked Harry.
"Why we want to know what Voldemort is plotting of course. You see we have no idea," answered Mr. Weasley.
A sudden pang of guilt struck Harry. Harry wondered if he should tell Mr. Weasley what he knew about the MoonPearl Tear or not.
Obviously, Dumbledore would have told Mr. Weasley if Dumbledore wanted him to know, thought Harry, but does Dumbledore know?
As though sensing Harry's dilemma, Agapanthus who had entered the room quietly strode over to Harry and said,
"We should go to the Art Museum now."
Mr. Weasley nodded and Harry followed Agapanthus out of Bill's house, pulling his trunk behind him.
"Bye, Bill! Thanks for everything!" called out Harry, waving frantically at Bill, who stood in the doorway to his home smiling at the departing hoard.
As the entourage made its way through the busy Market, Harry's glance wandered over all the things that he would most likely not see again in a long while. All the tiny shops and stands that were scattered across the crowded streets were to become a treasured memory.
Once at the museum Harry joined with Ron and Hermione and told them about his discussion with Mr. Weasley.
"Wait just one moment," began Ron as they made their way to the fateful painting of the Louvre, "That woman from the shop in Diagon Alley is here and you saw her?"
"And," added Hermione quickly, "She's going to stay at Hogwarts?"
"Yes," replied Harry.
Hermione was about to say something more when they arrived at the picture of the Louvre. She remained silent however as they were surrounded by the others in their party. Then Lupin grasped Harry's hand as they were whisked away into France.
When the swirl of colors, which was mostly from Ron's vomit, had subsided, Harry uncoupled his hands from Lupin and Agapanthus' and was led once again through a sea of people toward yet another picture.
"We're straight off to Hogwarts from here," said Tonks with a smile on her face as people stared at the insanity that was her hair.
"We can go straight to Hogwarts from here?" asked Harry incredulously.
"Absolutely," replied Moody cleaning his eye yet again.
However, they did not immediately set out for Hogwarts.
"We're sorry to report that the Blue Trip from the Louvre to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been delayed. We are sorry for any inconvenience," reported a disembodied voice.
Harry jumped and looked around at all the Muggles around. Surely they had just heard about a school for people capable of magic?
Sensing Harry's worry, Lupin quickly stated, "To the muggles the voice said over the PA that the east ward is going to be closed for the remainder of the day."
Harry was relieved, but another worry began to eat at him,
"Moony, are we going to make it back to Hogwarts in time?"
"I'm sure of it. Don't worry," replied Lupin.
Harry wondered if Lupin had simply said this in order to reassure Harry or if Lupin really knew for a fact that everything was going to be okay.
Harry got up to join Ron and Hermione. However, just as Harry approached the avidly conversing Ron and Hermione, all three of them were suddenly seized by the arm and steered into a desolate area of the room by Agapanthus.
"You all have passed your tests," stated Agapanthus eyeing each of them individually.
"Our tests?" inquired Ron.
"Didn't you realize? I have been testing you since you arrived in Egypt," answered Agapanthus with a small smile.
"It all makes sense now!" exclaimed Hermione smacking her forehead, "That's why you asked me about the artifact in Bill's home! Not to mention the whole escapade at the Library in Alexandria."
"Yes, very good," said Agapanthus, "I have also been testing Harry in class. I needed to make sure you see."
"Make sure of what exactly?" asked Harry looking from her penetrating eyes to the flash of fire emitting from her scarab beetle necklace as it caught the light.
"You will need magical power, wit, and teamwork to survive the task ahead," Agapanthus replied in a barely audible whisper, the exotic scent of her perfume wafting around them "I had to make sure you three were capable of it."
"What task ahead?" asked Hermione with a frown on her face.
"Why creating the MoonPearl Tear of course. We need to do it before Voldemort does," replied Agapanthus as though this was the most obvious thing in the world.
"What?!" exclaimed Ron.
Before Agapanthus could say anything further, Lupin approached them and said,
"We can leave now. The picture's been repaired."
As Harry followed Lupin and Tonks, he thought of what Agapanthus had said. She wanted them to create the MoonPearl Tear. But why? It made no sense. Actually making the incredibly powerful potion seemed to defeat the purpose of hiding the list of ingredients from Voldemort.
There was another problem with this plan. Harry only knew about the location of one half of the veracitector. They needed both halves in order to reveal the list of ingredients. Perhaps Agapanthus knew where the other half was.
As they neared the section where the Hogwarts picture hung, Harry noticed something odd. There was a man dressed entirely in black following them. He had been doing a good job of making it seem as though he were interested in Madonna of the Rocks, but Harry finally noticed that although the man remained in the shadows he definitely was only interested in going wherever they went.
Harry wondered if he should say something to Agapanthus or Lupin, but he was struck with curiosity. He wondered who it was that was following them. However, Harry didn't get a good look for they had reached a beautiful landscape picture of the Forbidden Forest near the lake.
"Alright, not everyone is going with you this time Harry," stated Mr. Weasley, "The people that are going to Hogwarts are obviously Harry, Ron, and Hermione; as well as Agapanthus, Lupin, Tonks, and Moody."
Everyone that was going to Hogwarts joined hands and it was now that Harry got a good look at his pursuer. On close inspection Harry realized that it was none other than Lucius Malfoy. Seeing Harry's gaze Lucius turned and gave Harry a big, eerie smile. All of a sudden, all colors began to swirl and Harry was shipped away from the malevolent smile of Lucius Malfoy.
When Harry opened his eyes he saw that he was at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, facing the lake. The last remnants of snow and ice remained, but they were only a fraction of what it had been when Harry and the others had left. Despite the cold, the sun was shining brightly. It was quite a change from arid Egypt.
"We're a bit early," stated Tonks breathing puffs of smoke in the cold air, "we can enter the castle and look around a bit if you like. It'll be a while until the Feast."
And with that Lupin, Tonks, Moody, and Agapanthus trekked slowly towards the castle.
"Where to then?" asked Ron enjoying the change of scenery.
"The Owlery, I suppose. I miss Hedwig," announced Harry setting off for the Owlery.
When Harry, followed by the others, entered the castle, he couldn't ignore how strange the castle seemed. It was eerily empty. The normally crowded and busy hallways were silent and somewhat foreboding.
As though reading Harry's thoughts Hermione, "Sure seems strange to be here without anyone else."
Ron nodded while stealing glances in all the empty classrooms as they passed down the corridor. Harry wondered where all the teachers spent their holiday. Then Harry smiled at himself for he realized that a great majority of them had been with him in Egypt.
When Harry, Ron, and Hermione finally arrived in the Owlery, Harry noticed that it too was nearly deserted. There weren't many owls at all. However, Harry did see Hedwig… and Gawaine.
"Hedwig!"
"Gawaine!"
As Ron walked over to check on Pigwideon, Harry and Hermione ran over to their owls to find something truly surprising. Underneath Hedwig was the largest assortment of…
"Eggs! Harry look!" exclaimed Hermione with a hand clapped over her mouth.
Indeed beneath Hedwig was a vast amount of eggs of varied colors. Harry counted and found that Hedwig was sitting over eight large eggs. Hedwig seemed quite happy to be sitting on the eggs and she preened then stretched her neck blinking over at Harry.
"I wonder who the father is?" asked Ron.
"Oh, well that's obvious, it's Gawaine," said Hermione still gazing lovingly at the eggs, "Oh, this is wonderful!"
"You know who would be excited to hear about this?" asked Harry with a smile on his face.
Moments later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were galloping down the stone walkway towards Hagrid's hut. All three of them had agreed that Hagrid would be excited about Hedwig's eggs.
When they reached the front of Hagrid's cottage, Harry knocked on the door loudly. The door creaked open slowly, clearly unlocked.
"Hagrid?" asked Harry stepping gingerly inside the hut.
The round room inside was as silent as the grave and Harry didn't see a sign of anyone present. There was a large mound of something on the sofa, but other than that everything appeared normal.
"Where do you reckon Hagrid is?" asked Ron tentatively.
"No idea," answered Hermione still peering in the darkest corners of the hut.
Harry stepped outside of the little shack and immediately heard loud footsteps coming from the forest.
"Hagrid? Is that you?" asked Harry aiming his voice towards the source of the footsteps.
"Harry?" asked Hagrid as his head peered from around the side of his hut.
Harry ran up and gave Hagrid an embrace around a middle that despite Harry's growth from his first embrace with Hagrid still didn't reach all the way around.
Hagrid chuckled and said, "Back from yer trip I see. You're early."
"Oh, Egypt was wonderful Hagrid!" exclaimed Harry truthfully.
"Come on in," invited Hagrid passing through the door then waving to Hermione and Ron, who were still inside.
"Always wanted to go to Egypt meself," stated Hagrid as he set about making tea for everyone.
"Oh you would have loved it Hagrid," said Hermione moments later, sipping her tea slowly.
Harry was relieved that Hermione had agreed to keep mum about the things that had been unearthed in the sandy country. The MoonPearl Tear was not something that could be shared with just anyone. Harry felt a slight pang of guilt. Harry trusted Hagrid with his life, but Harry was not comfortable with confiding his deepest secrets and worries to his friend who was sometimes a little indiscreet.
Harry turned his attention back to the present conversation at the sound of Hagrid's hearty laughter. Apparently Ron had said something rather funny.
Wiping tears from his eyes Hagrid said, "Really Hermione? You're going to learn something about Quidditch every week?"
Harry suddenly remembered Ron and Hermione's bargain and ghost of a smile touched his lips.
"Yes, I have agreed to partake in this ridiculous accord with Ron," replied Hermione with a haughty smile on her face, "Ron, you never told me what worthwhile class you would be taking."
"Oh, that's right," began Ron with a smirk to match, "I'm taking up Medi-Wizardry."
Both Hagrid and Hermione's eyes nearly shot out of their skulls, though their reactions were quite different.
"Well done Ron! Fine career, Medi-Wizardry," bellowed Hagrid.
"What? You're joking aren't you?" asked Hermione in disbelief.
"I most positively am not," replied Ron staring at Hermione, "I'm going to learn to mend bones, un-rot teeth, you know, tosh like that."
Hermione snorted and Harry decided that this was a prime opportunity for changing the subject.
"Hagrid, what's under that blanket? Over the sofa there?" asked Harry remembering the peculiar lump.
"You'll see at yer next Care of Magical Creatures lesson," answered Hagrid with a smile.
Harry then remembered the reason they had come by in the first place,
"Guess what Hagrid? Hedwig and Gawaine just had eggs!"
"Oh really? I'd be happy ter take care o' them. Until they're hatched o' course," said Hagrid.
Then seeming as though he had suddenly remembered to share news that he too had forgotten Hagrid said, "I have somethin' to tell yeh."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were hanging onto Hagrid's every word,
"Gweny's expectin'!"
Upon seeing their shocked face Hagrid laughed and said, "Only joking!"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all released a huge sigh of relief. On top of everything else, a family of giants inside the Forbidden Forest, was not a welcome burden. The remainder of their visit was spent discussing with Hagrid about the things they had done in Egypt. Of course they all left out major details, such as finding the instructions inside the pyramid. Hagrid however, did seem genuinely interested, and they would have stayed longer if it weren't for Hermione noticing the thestral-drawn carriages entering the castle.
"We should go," said Hermione, "We don't want to be late."
"Right," replied Ron, "I haven't eaten nice, wholesome British food for too long."
Harry smiled and after they had said their good-byes to Hagrid, they exited the hut and marched swiftly up towards the castle. Harry, Ron, and Hermione eagerly stepped inside the Entrance Hall and entered the newly rebuilt Great Hall.
"Wow," muttered all three in unison.
"Wow" was the only word to describe the eloquence and beauty of the new Great Hall. It seemed as though the previously immense room had been enlarged to an even greater size. The space was now very much like a cathedral. There was even a large stained-glass window version of the Hogwarts crest behind the Staff table.
Instead of candles floating, there were now tiny orbs of light. Harry soon realized that these were miniature pixie lamps. Harry took a seat at the Gryffindor table, behind a gleaming, golden plate. The table was set with red napkins and gold silverware.
"I wonder, who repaired the Great Hall?" asked Ron looking down at his plate, as though wishing it were full of food rather than empty.
"The teachers I expect," replied Hermione simply.
"No, it was the Ministry," said a familiar breathy voice.
Harry turned around to the Ravenclaw table to find Luna. She seemed to have grown more beautiful over holiday or perhaps it was that Harry hadn't seen her in so long.
"Ravenclaw table got switched with Slytherin, so now we're in this part of the Hall," stated Luna with a smile at Harry that was not just on her lips but also reflected in her eyes.
"How was your Holiday?" asked Harry, barely managing to make the sounds escape from his suddenly dry and clamped mouth.
"Nothing short of wonderful. I stayed at Hogwarts and I caught up with my uncle a bit," replied Luna in her dreamy voice, "I even got to help with redesigning the Great Hall, that's why I knew who the benefactor was. Anyway, how was your Holiday?"
"I had a good Holiday too. I went to Ron's home for a bit and then I went to Egypt," replied Harry as though the only exciting thing he had done over Holiday was walk down to the corner.
"You know what I heard? You'll probably be glad of this though, since you're Gryffindor Quidditch Captain and all, but the Ravenclaw Keeper, Frederick Jennings, broke both legs on a skiing trip over Holiday! He can't hang onto a broomstick. So now we have no Keeper. Isn't that wonderful? Blast those Muggles and their silly sliding-on-ice activities!"
Harry was about to ask for more details when he realized that there was a great deal of shouting going on behind him. Harry wheeled around to see Ron face-to-face with Malfoy. Harry sighed, Malfoy had been back for a grand total of five minutes and already he was causing trouble.
"I see your father has already muddled the Ministry. It's beyond repair now," roared Malfoy maliciously, "Passing the Anti-Muggle Abuse bill, tsk tsk, now we'll all have to obey your dad won't we Weasley?"
"At least he's got a father!" roared Harry standing up, "I wouldn't call that two-faced puddle of slime of yours a person, much less a father!"
More people had heard Harry then he had meant to, but the impact on Malfoy had affected him just as Harry had intended it to. It had stung him, Harry could see how much those words had hurt him and frankly, Harry didn't care. To Harry it was one point on his side in a game where Malfoy dominated.
Malfoy rushed up to Harry's face and spat. Harry blinked it away and Malfoy hissed in his ear,
"You listen to me Potter. Your days are numbered. I don't intend to return to Hogwarts after this Summer. Father's onto you and your little resistance group. He's been following you all over Egypt. The worst is yet to come Potter. Another thing I might add is that Father's finally letting me prove myself. I will become a Death Eater, a loyal servant to the Dark Lord and once I am under his protection, I swear that I will kill you and your pathetic excuses for friends, every last one of them."
Harry didn't flinch even though he knew that Malfoy had meant what he had said. This also confirmed Harry's fears of Lucius Malfoy being at the Louvre. After Malfoy stormed off to the Slytherin table, Harry sat down.
"Thanks Harry," muttered Ron staring at his plate again.
"What did Malfoy say?" asked Hermione.
Harry turned around and saw Luna who was still standing behind him. Harry knew that somehow she had heard everything that Malfoy had said.
"It was nothing. Usual Malfoy," Harry said with a chuckle.
Harry turned to Luna again. She didn't say anything, but her eyes gave away that she was deeply concerned with this turn of events. Harry was about to reassure her that everything would be fine when Dumbledore's voice rang throughout the Great Hall,
"Welcome back to Hogwarts! As you can see the Great Hall has been splendidly repaired. This is thanks to our new Minister Weasley."
The Great Hall erupted with applause and Harry saw Malfoy scowl from across the room. Dumbledore continued,
"There has been an increase in security around the school as you might have expected. Portions of the seventh floor are blocked from all students save those who have been given permission."
Harry expected this to have something to do with the Room of Requirement. After all, the Room of Requirement was on the seventh floor and it was holding some of the school's guests of honor. Harry returned his attention to Dumbledore,
"Let me now introduce you to the new system of electives that will be starting this semester. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening there will be an extra 45 minute session. On Monday you will have the first of your electives, while on Wednesday you will have a different one, and again a different one on Friday. These courses are graded and they will also have final examinations, so keep this in mind."
Dumbledore paused and looked around the Hall. He then continued,
"In light of this matter I would also like to discuss the Apparition Ed. Classes," began Dumbledore, "It is a requirement of all students. Due to the fact that Apparition is impossible on school grounds, Professor Flitwick shall be instructing you in Hogsmeade. Let me remind you that this is not a regular visit to Hogsmeade, any meandering around the village is completely unacceptable."
Again Dumbledore paused and after clearing his throat he said, "Now I would like to introduce to you new professors that have so kindly agreed to teach the electives."
Dumbledore stood and walked over to Tonks,
"This is Professor Nymphadora Tonks. She will be teaching the Animagus and Metamorphamagus elective."
There was a thunder of applause for Tonks. She stood, and screwing up her face in concentration, transformed her nose into a pig's snout. Everyone laughed and she sat down amidst smiles and applause.
Next Dumbledore stood behind Moody and said,
"This is Professor Alastor Moody, the real one I might add. He will be teaching those in Pre-Auror training."
There was some scattered applause for Moody. Many were still wary of him as though despite assurances it again might not be the real Moody.
Dumbledore walked behind and introduced several other new faces. Each of which got respectable applause. Harry began to fall into a stupor but was brought back to Earth by a loud eruption of noise. Not only was everyone clapping but they were cheering as well. Harry looked up to see who it was and Harry was shocked.
"This, I am proud to say, is Associate Professor Oliver Wood. He is a recent alumni of Hogwarts as I am sure many of you know. He will be giving the seminar on Famous Quidditch Matches. Professor Wood has kindly offered to give us his spare time for he is in training as Keeper in the English Quidditch Team."
Oliver stood and made a slight bow, his face as red as a stop sign. The applause continued. Ron was ecstatic, he had even forgotten about how hungry he was.
"Oliver Wood!" exclaimed Ron, "Did you hear that Harry? We should say hello, shouldn't we? And I get to be in his class!"
Harry had to admit that Oliver returning was wonderful and Harry was glad that Ron was so excited. After Dumbledore had quieted everyone he said,
"There is one more thing."
Professor McGonagall stood and exited the Great Hall. When she returned, she brought a stool and the old school Sorting Hat.
"What's going on? Another Sorting?" asked Ron.
Harry was as amazed as Ron was. Whatever was going on it was important. The Sorting Hat was never brought out a second time in the same term.
McGonagall sat the stool on the ground and placed the Sorting Hat on top of it. The brim ripped open and the Sorting Hat began its song,
"This is something that does not happen frequently,
A song for a Second Sorting is not made easily.
Therefore, this will be short,
I hope you do not expect more.
After all I usually have an entire year to plan a song,
After I sort this boy he will be thrown into the throng."
The students applauded and McGonagall then said,
"Tonight we are privileged with a Second Sorting. This is a very rare occasion indeed. A young man has just transferred from Beauxbatons and will now have to be sorted into a Hogwarts House."
McGonagall then called out, "Camardre, Luc."
There was squeal of delight from nearly every girl in the Great Hall. Even Hermione's full attention was on the person that had just entered the Hall.
Now striding into the Great Hall was a young man around Harry's own age. He had longish, curly hair as black as night. His eyes were an icy blue and he had an olive complexion. As he passed among the rows of students he gave Lavender Brown a brilliant smile and she fell out her seat with a sigh.
Luc picked up the Sorting Hat. He passed it up to Professor McGonagall, sat down patiently on the stool and waited as she placed it upon his head. There was a quiet murmur as people waited. It was taking a very long time. Harry had never known the Sorting Hat to take so long to decide, but finally the Sorting Hat cried,
"RAVENCLAW!"
There was tumultuous applause from the Ravenclaw table as Luc gracefully took his seat at it.
"I wonder if he plays Quidditch?" whispered Luna to Harry, "I'll talk with Cho. Maybe he can fill in for Frederick!"
Dumbledore quieted everyone once again and waved his hands. The Feast began. In all the excitement Harry didn't realize how quickly time flew. He had spoken with Hermione and Ron mostly. But he spoke with Luna and Ginny, as well as Seamus and Neville. The main topic was Luc. Harry wasn't anywhere near as excited as everyone else at Luc's arrival.
Finally, the plates cleared and Harry got up to leave when Dumbledore said,
"Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Luna Lovegood step this way please."
Harry looked curiously at Ron and Hermione but told them he would back in the Tower later and went to join Luna and Dumbledore.
"Harry, Luna, we are making the Room of Requirement, the room where the DA trained last year, into a safe haven for both Gabriel Lovegood and Anat Sipher," said Dumbledore, "I think it best if our heads of security and Gabriel's own niece are allowed access. You see, you must be present at the first lockdown in order to gain entrance."
Harry and Luna both shared tentative looks. Dumbledore then said,
"Please follow me."
Harry and Luna followed Dumbledore slowly up the Grand Staircase. When they finally reached the seventh floor they proceeded to the stretch of blank wall across from the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.
Dumbledore walked along the wall three times muttering something. After his third stroll, a solid metal door appeared which Dumbledore heaved open. Harry, Luna, and Dumbledore stepped inside the room.
Inside were some familiar faces and some that were not. The people that Harry did recognize were Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, Sprout, Moody, Tonks, and Agapanthus; Filch, Lupin, Gabriel Lovegood, and Anat Sipher. There were also three men all dressed in dark purple robes. The words Holesters of Hogsmeade were emblazoned on patches sewn to their robe fronts and wrists.
"These men are from Holesters of Hogmeade, the top magical security company around. They are all one could ever need. They are responsible for many of the protective charms in Gringotts bank and some already in place here at Hogwarts," stated Dumbledore.
"Now in order for this to work, we must have all the people inside the room take out their wands- a hand will do Argus- and place the tips together," instructed Dumbledore.
They all did so making a circle of wand tips (and one hand).
"Now, we all agreed upon the Security charm. It is to be backwards I do believe," reminded Dumbledore, "The Password is: Saruces. Now everyone say it with me."
"Saruces!" exclaimed everyone in the room.
A ball of purple light grew out of the wands and finger tips present in the circle. Streams of light began pouring out and snaking their way around the room. Some streams slipped outside of the room.
When the light subsided, everyone dropped their hands to their sides and Dumbledore said,
"I just love creating unusual passwords. The extra twist of reversing the words is a special favorite of mine."
He had said this while looking directly at Harry. Harry didn't know what to make of it but before he could say anything Dumbledore announced,
"Off to your dormitories."
Both Luna and Harry exited the room without a word. When they exited though they found that they reappeared at the top of the Grand Staircase instead of where the door had been.
"What happened?" asked Luna.
"Don't know," replied Harry.
When they made to turn to return to the room. They found that the entire section including the Room of Requirement had been placed behind a wall-sized mirror.
"Another precaution I expect," stated Harry looking at his reflection.
Luna nodded and without another word. They set off for their separate dormitories.