Disclaimer: wait let me check… ::rummaging through papers:: nope, I don't own Harry Potter… some woman named J.K. Rowlings does… hmmm… oh well ^_^

A/N: This isn't as long as I would have hoped but expect another chapter by the weekend ^_^Thanks for reviews… keep them coming… they encourage me to write more! I want to post the chapter ASAP so I will wait until next chp to do my thank-yous! ^_^

Chapter 8 The Return Home

Harry watched as they came closer to the castle.  He noticed that he was more excited than anything.  The school had come to be the closest thing to a home that he had ever known. 

The carriages stopped in front of the school.  Harry got out and turned around to help Ginny.  Hermione followed Ginny and Ron jumped out last. 

People were laughing and talking excitedly everywhere.  Harry suddenly felt a hand clasp him hard on the back.   Harry turned around to see Neville, who had grown considerably during the summer.  He had definitely grown a couple of inches but he was still relatively stocky.

"Hey Harry! How was your summer?  Excited to be back?"

Harry, overwhelmed with the sudden onset of questions, just nodded.

Ginny pushed by and swung her arms around Neville, enveloping him in a fierce hug.  "Hey Neville, I'm sorry I didn't get to write more… We were away for most of the summer."

Neville let go of Ginny and smiled, "That's okay, I was in contact with Luna – she filled me in on where you were."

Harry noticed Ginny smile slyly, "So – you talked to Luna over the summer?"

Neville shifted uneasily and spoke as the color began to creep up on his cheeks, "Hey you all have to see – I finally got my own wand!  I'm sure I will be better now.  I know I will!"

Ron snickered quietly at the brutally obvious change of subject.  He was stopped abruptly as Hermione nudged him in the side.  He turned to glare at her but she was addressing someone behind Neville.

Harry turned around to see Luna walking toward them; he could see that she was carrying a copy of the Quibbler.  Her long wavy hair had been cut shorter.  It fell just below her shoulder.  Harry noted that her pale eyes were gleaming with excitement.  She waved and walked next to Neville. 

Ginny greeted her similarly to the way she had greeted Neville.  Luna returned the hug.  Harry noted that they had indeed become closer since the previous year; although he did not know they had been in correspondence. Luna smiled at Neville, who shifted awkwardly and addressed Harry, "We should probably be getting inside now."

Harry noticed that they had indeed become a few of the only people who had not yet entered the castle.

Hermione led the way and they followed through the doors.  Harry felt more at ease once he had entered the doors.  He could not figure out why exactly, he just felt somewhat safer and less anxious.  Whatever difficulties he had to face he knew that he was at least surrounded by people who supported and cared for him.

Almost as if on cue Harry noticed a familiar blonde haired boy push through the crowd, flanked on both sides by two large figures.  Harry was surprised to discover that Crabbe and Goyle had managed to become even more gargantuan than they had been in previous years.  Harry thought that Draco might want to rethink having them around, as they made him look extremely harmless in comparison.  Unfortunately for Harry he had long figured out that Draco was about one million times more dangerous than Crabbe and Goyle; and size had nothing to do with it. 

Draco turned and his eyes met with Harry's.  Upon seeing his smug expression, Harry felt the anger build up throughout his body.  He felt the sudden urge to punch something, rather hard. 

Harry felt a hand lightly touch his arm.  He turned out of surprise and saw Ginny next to him.  She nodded her head lightly in the direction of the Great Hall. 

Harry nodded and he followed Ginny as she led the way.  As soon as he walked in he saw that the others had already made their way to the Gryffindor table.  Harry took the seat to the left of Ron. Ginny took a seat in between Hermione and Neville who were on the other side. 

Harry looked toward the head table.  Hagrid waved energetically from his seat and Harry smiled widely.  Harry noted that there was not a chair for the defense teacher, as the students would be doing the teaching.  He was slightly surprised to see that both Firenze and Professor Trelawney were at the table, although only the latter was sitting.  His eyes moved on to the vacant chairs that belonged to Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.  He knew that McGonagall would accompany the first year students into the Great Hall but he was not sure where Dumbledore was. 

Harry suddenly had the feeling that someone was watching him.  He looked around for several moments before his suspicions were confirmed.  Professor Snape was staring coldly at him from the head table.  Harry could still not believe that two people who were supposedly on the same side could hate each other so vehemently.  Harry thought that Snape looked even more irate than usual. 

Harry was pulled out from his wandering thoughts as someone placed a hand over his shoulder.  Harry turned and saw Professor Dumbledore standing over him.

"Harry, I need to ask that we round up the selected students from the DA who you suggested to teach.  I would like to make an announcement during the feast about who will be teaching so I fear we must all miss the sorting ceremony this year."

Harry was not terribly disappointed at this as he had not been present every year.  He nodded in reply.

Dumbledore smiled, "Well I will go get Mr. Macmillan and Miss Chang.  If you would get Miss Lovegood we can meet out in the corridor and use an empty classroom to discuss the arrangement."

Harry nodded and turned his head as he heard the doors open.  Professor McGonagall appeared with the first years behind her.  He motioned his four friends who had heard what Dumbledore said.  They all got up from the table as inconspicuously as possible.  Harry made his was over to the Ravenclaw table and spotted Luna sitting near two girls who were quietly giggling and shooting glances in her direction.  She of course had no idea as her face was buried in her copy of the Quibbler. 

For some strange reason Harry felt angry at the two girls for laughing at Luna.  They looked up at him as he spoke, "Luna, I need you to come with me.  Professor Dumbledore arranged a special meeting."  He looked determinedly at the two girls as he said this and they fell silent.  One of them turned red as his eyes met hers. 

Luna closed her magazine and quietly got up from the table. 

He knew that the girls were still staring at him as they walked to the back doors.  In fact many eyes were on them, including the spiteful ones belonging to Draco Malfoy.  They opened the doors and found that the rest of the group was already present.  Dumbledore nodded at him and turned to walk down the hall.  Harry could hear the sorting hat song begin and grow softer as they walked along.

                   Another year has made its start

                  Thus the sorting will begin

                   But we must all be of one part

                   Every house remain akin

                   Although I pointed out last year

                   The importance of the matter

                   I feel the need to make sure it's clear

                   So quiet all your chatter…

As the sounds of the song diminished Dumbledore led them all into a classroom off to the right.  Harry did not think that it had been used in years.  The inside reminded him very much of Meracordia Castle, dusty and dark.

As they entered, the candles on the walls lit and revealed several chairs arranged in a circle. 

Each person sat down in one of the chairs.

Dumbledore sat down last and opened up the discussion.

"I have asked you all hear to ask a favor.  As you know our previous Defense against the Dark Arts teacher will not be returning to us this year.  My brother Aberforth was going to take the position until business carried him elsewhere."

"Harry has been kind enough to aid me in my problem.  He has suggested the seven of you, as well as himself to teach the classes.  Now I understand that this is a lot to ask on such short notice but there are incentives.  I have outlined what material I wish to be taught and I will be preparing all of the exams.  I myself will teach the fifth, sixth, and seventh year classes, thus I will allow each of you to forgo your exams in Defense against the Dark Arts."  Hermione gasped slightly and he added, "That is if you wish to."

He looked around at each person, "So who wishes to be a part of this?"

Ginny spoke first, "I will."  Ron nodded fervently along with Hermione.  Ernie spoke, "Of course I would love too."

Cho looked first at Harry and he smiled so she nodded lightly at Dumbledore.  Luna absently looked up and nodded as well.

Harry noticed that Neville was staring intently at the floor.  His hand was shaking as he gripped his wand at his side.  Harry glanced up at Dumbledore who was also looking pensively at the boy.  Neville, noticing the lack of noise in the room looked up sheepishly. 

"I would do it but I don't think I am the right person for the job."

Ginny sat up straight, "And why not?"

He looked down once again, "Everyone knows I have never been that good at defense – I will probably only get someone hurt."

Dumbledore looked pointedly at Neville, "Mr. Longbottom I would not ask anyone to do this who I did not think was perfectly capable of performing this task.  You have proven yourself time and time again and I am afraid that in this case I will not permit you to back down."

Neville looked up and was indeed taken aback.  He looked frightened and grateful at the same time.  Harry thought that he could see pride and determination peering out through Neville's eyes.  Neville quietly muttered an affirmation.

"Brilliant," Dumbledore rose from his chair, "I have already taken it upon myself to determine which years I wish each of you to teach.  You will work in pairs, as I doubt any of you are prepared to tackle this task by yourself.  Mr. Macmillan and Miss Granger will teach the first year students. Mr. Weasley and Miss Lovegood will teach the second years, Mr. Longbottom and Miss Chang will teach the third years, and Harry and Miss Weasley will teach the fourth years."

"The classes that you will teach will be incorporated into the schedules that you receive with your own classes on it.  I would like to point out that if you at anytime feel overwhelmed by the schedule do not hesitate to tell someone.  You are all doing this as a favor to me and I do not wish for any of you to suffer in your own classes.  Especially Miss Weasley, Miss Lovegood, and Miss Chang, as each of you have important exams in the coming year."

Dumbledore paused for a moment and continued, "Well, I believe that is all for now.  You can all return to the feast where I will be announcing the arrangements that we have set -- Harry, I need a quick word with you before you go."

Harry nodded at the others and they filed out the door.  He looked questioningly at the old headmaster.

"Harry I wanted you to know that you have been placed in the Advanced potions class.  I did not want you to be confused when you received your schedule."

Harry shook his head, "But I don't understand; I only received an E for potions on my exams last year.  I thought Sn... Professor Snape didn't accept that."

Dumbledore smiled, "Well he doesn't, but I believe that Professor McGonagall put in a strong personal favor to him.  She explained that she had made some sort of promise that she could not go back on – I want to warn you however that Professor Snape was not very happy about this decision – be prepared."

Harry nodded, "I wouldn't expect anything else."

They walked back to the feast in silence.  Harry figured that McGonagall had meant what she said when she told Umbridge she would do anything to make sure Harry became an Auror.  Harry guessed that this included being enrolled in Advanced Potions.  It felt strange to have her as an ally but he very much doubted that she would treat him any differently in her classes.

He mused to himself as the pieces fell in place.  Why Snape had suddenly become so much angrier with him.  It was because he had again managed to get something that was denied to every other normal person.  He wondered how McGonagall had managed to convince Snape to take Harry in.  She must have had something on him; he didn't know any other possibility.

                   ~~~***~~~***~~~

They had made it to the end of the feast where Dumbledore made the usual yearly announcements.  The announcement of the DADA teachers was met with cheers from every table except the Slytherins, who were the only house not represented in the teachers.  Draco Malfoy looked especially livid and stared at Harry every chance he got.

The feast ended and they had all made their way back to the respective common rooms. 

Harry noticed that there was a paper on the board already about Quidditch.  Apparently everyone wanted to get an early start with try outs.  He knew that they would have several important spots to fill, as Angelina, Alicia, and the twins were no longer there.  There was also a footnote which Harry lingered on for a moment that read: Captain will be decided by majority vote of established team in agreement with Head of House. 

Harry had to admit that he would like to be Quidditch captain.  In the back of his mind he thought that he would be the most likely one to get it.  Even though Katie Bell was a year older she would be leaving next year, so they would have to pick a new one anyway. 

He looked away and sat down in his favourite armchair.  Ron and Hermione had moved to a corner and were playing a game of wizard chess to disguise a conversation that they were having in hushed tones.  Ginny plopped herself in the chair opposite Harry's and hugged her knees up to her chest. 

She looked at Harry, "Can I ask you a question?"

Harry nodded and she continued, "Well after hearing Neville I started to wonder whether or not I should teach.  I mean… I didn't fight all that well last year at the Ministry. I do not know if I have anything to offer."

Harry couldn't help but smile, "Ginny don't worry, that's how I always feel.  First of all you did really well last year and I believe you can do it.  Don't be worried though if we get lost we'll make something up."

Ginny smiled mischievously, "This is going to be interesting."

Harry was almost worried for a split second.  He reckoned that Ginny might end up having more Fred and George in her than everyone thought. 

They continued to talk for a while about the DADA classes and a small amount about Quidditch.  Hermione eventually got up from the corner and announced that she would be going to bed.  She ended up convincing Ginny to go up with her.  After Ginny and Hermione had both went up to their rooms Harry was challenged by Ron to play a game of Wizard's Chess.  Harry noticed that Ron was sweating more than normal and he was definitely not concentrating on the game which was unusual for him.

Harry sensed that Ron wanted to tell him something but instead he was doing a rather remarkable impression of a fish.  Every time he opened his mouth as if to speak he closed it quickly and would repeat the action several seconds later.  The common room was unusually empty so Harry decided to help him along.

"Ron what are you doing?"

Ron looked up from the game where he had just captured Harry's bishop.  "Whatcha talking about?"

Harry smiled, "Well firstly because you could have beaten me about ten minutes ago and it looks like you are catching flies with your mouth."

Ron reddened and sat back in the comfy armchair.  "Okay but you can't get mad."

Harry didn't admit that he probably knew what Ron was about to tell him.  He let him continue with his awkward procession instead.  He couldn't help himself.  He nodded at his best friend, "I won't get mad."

Ron breathed in heavily and paused before exhaling.  "Well, you see, Hermione and I… well we are close… and well… she is brilliant… and I like her… and well… you know."

Harry faked confusion and naivety, "Of course Hermione is brilliant, and I already knew that."

Ron bit his lip in frustration, "No… I mean yes… but it is different… I like her."  He paused and looked at Harry, waiting for him to show some kind of understanding.

Harry smiled, "I'm not stupid, and I know that too.  So let's summarize your long complicated confession.  You like Hermione, she likes you.  Therefore you too are a couple."

Ron's jaw dropped slightly before he regained his composure, "Almost… I mean we admit that we like each other but we aren't really anything official… I'm still surprised that she likes me though."

"That makes two of us," Harry replied.

He quickly ducked a half hearted punch that Ron threw his way.  "Shut up, you git."

  Harry smiled, "Seriously though I am happy for you two."

Ron looked more relaxed than he had all night as he gathered up the chess game which had been finished at some point during their conversation, not that either had really paid much attention.

Ron flung his free arm around Harry's shoulder as they walked up the stairs, "Now all we have to do is find someone for you, mate."

Harry cringed, "Judging from the past, I think I will stay single for a while.  My life has enough drama in it already."

Ron smiled encouragingly, "You-know-who won't be around forever. This will end eventually, mate."

Harry nodded absently as memories of a prophecy floated back into his mind.  He looked at Ron, "It will end…  somehow." 

                   ~~~***~~~***~~~

mpe: Yea you are right it was a typo… the last word is wohsi not woshi… thanks ^_^

Thanks to my beta… "Bootstrap" SPUD Jim ^_^ Be prepared for a longer chp later in the week!