The Disclaimer and the dedication are on the first page.
Chapter 5: The New Student
The rest of the vacation passed uneventfully -well, almost, Percy was acting friendlier and came around once in a while. Yet he still acted as if he were a war hero.
On the 1st of September, everybody was packing at super-high speeds and everything was a huge chaos, as usual. Things were flying all over the place, everybody was asking where a thing or another was, owls were hooting, Crookshanks was meowing, the twins were around there, nobody knows why, a trunk fell down the stairs, with Ginny getting slightly injured in the process, an old book of Lockhart's accidentally fell from a shelf on Mrs. Weasley's head and, when, finally, they all moved towards London in Mr. Weasley's Ford Anglia, things settled down.
Mr. Weasley was driving and looked overall happy.
"Yes, Fudge is acting much nicer towards everybody else now, you know!" he said. "He likes Dumbledore again now and he's listening to everything he says. It's weird, actually. After all the time he spent trying to make him look like an old man who's losing his grip!"
"And how's the Order?" asked Harry, wanting to know more about the subject.
"Great! We had help from many unexpected sources!" he answered. "Two Death Eaters talking too loudly next to one of the Order, a lost letter, Jack Towers popped up once when we needed help and somebody from You-Know-Who's inner circle turning against them."
"Who?!" asked Harry curiously. This thing he didn't know, although the others were old news.
"Well, that's just it, we don't know", said Mr. Weasley. "It's weird, you'd think he or she would have contacted us by now."
They spent the rest of the time talking about different things and when they finally made it to King's Cross, they seemed to have talked about everything possible. They made their way to Platform 9 and walked through the barrier separating Platforms 9 and 10, getting, as usual, to Platform 9 ¾ where the Hogwarts Express waited for students to get in.
Kids and parents were walking all around with luggage and pets. Owls hooted, cats meowed, kids screamed 'good-bye', parents replied, elder students were calling each other and, generally, everything was noisy.
"Hi, guys!" they heard somebody yell from far way.
"Hi, Dean, hi, Seamus!" they replied looking towards them.
"Hello!" said a boy walking quickly past them.
"Hi, Ernie!"
They made their way to the train and hugged and were hugged by Mrs. and Mr. Weasley again and hurried into the train, looking for an empty compartment. They put their luggage down and sat, looking out the window, waving good- bye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The train started moving slowly after that and, just as they were about to get comfortable, Luna Lovegood appeared in the door and said in her usual dreamy voice:
"Hello, mind if I sit with you?"
"No, come in!" they said showing her a seat.
She sat down and took out the 'Quibbler', her father's magazine. As usually, she had a weird appearance: a necklace of weird-looking rocks, a wand stuck behind her ear for safe-keeping and some weird earrings about which Harry couldn't make up his mind whether they looked like cherries or hearts.
"How was your summer?" she asked, looking at Harry.
"Fine, thank you" he answered. "How about yours?"
"Wonderful. People sent letters saying that they read our article with you and it was real. Now we sell many more copies. Dad is very pleased."
Harry smiled and Luna started reading 'the Quibbler' again.
After about five minutes, Ron and Hermione went off towards the Prefect carriage, but came back in twenty minutes.
"We don't have to do anything this year", Ron said cheerfully. "On the train, I mean. The fifth years got it covered."
Before he could say anything else, a girl came in and said happily:
"Mind if I stay here? There's no free space left in this train."
"Come in!" they answered, looking straight at her.
She was about Harry's age, had shoulder-long black hair and gold earrings and looked overall nice.
"I don't remember seeing you around the school," Ron said. "Who are you?"
She giggled and said:
"My name is Amala Wright and there's a good reason for not seeing me around Hogwarts. I'm a transfer student from Transylvania. Who are you?"
"I'm Ginny Weasley", the girl replied. "That's my brother, Ron and those are Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood."
"Harry Potter!" she said smiling widely. "I heard about you. But who hasn't?! And it's nice to meet you too, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Luna", she said reaching out her hand towards each of them and shaking it while she said their names.
"So, how come you came here?" Ginny asked. "We didn't have any students coming here except for starting school, as much as I remember."
Amala smiled sadly and said:
"My parents moved to China and I didn't want to go with them. I live now with my Muggle uncle, who's British. But I miss my parents."
"What did your parents do in Transylvania?" Ron asked.
"They took care of dragons."
"Really?!" Ron said grinning. "Do you know my brother, Charlie Weasley?"
"I think I do." She answered after a moment of thinking. "Is he red- haired?"
"Yes, we all are!" said Ron.
"He's a nice guy. Saw him a few times when I visited my mum and dad at work"
They chatted happily for a few minutes about dragons and everything related or not related about that subject. Harry and Hermione listened to the conversation, and then the bushy-haired girl asked:
"What school did you go to?"
"Magalia"
"I heard about it. It's a good school."
"Not as good as Hogwarts, out of what I heard", she answered, making Hermione blush. "But my parents taught me many things, so I hope I'll be good enough for Hogwarts".
"'Course you will!" said Ron happily and Hermione stared at him.
They spent the next few hours telling her about things that happened in Hogwarts and she told them about her school.
"What's your favorite subject?" she asked them. "What are you good at?"
"I'm good at Defence Against the Dark Arts", answered Harry. "Hermione is good at everything, Ron is good at Defence too and Ginny is good at Charms and Defence. How about you, Luna?" he asked.
"After last year, at Defence", she said dreamily and Harry felt a wave of pride. So, he was a good teacher!
"How about you, Amala?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Well, I love Charms and Transfiguration, but I'm also great at Potions. Not too good at Defence, I'm afraid, like you guys."
"Potions?!" the Gryffindors asked.
"Yes", she answered puzzled seeing the amazement on their faces. "What?!"
"We have a most horrible teacher at Potions.." Harry answered.
"And he hates every Gryffindor in general Harry in particular" completed Ron.
"Why?" asked the girl curiously.
"Who knows?" answered Hermione.
"Because he's a git, that's why" said Ron hatefully.
"I'm trying to picture him", Amala said. "How does he look like?"
"Tall, ugly and slimy", replied Ron making everybody laugh, especially Luna. Harry thought it was funny to have such a weird person next to you.
"He's black haired and has a huge hooked nose." Said Hermione after they finished laughing.
"Slimy black hair", said Ginny, making them all laugh again.
"I think I have a good picture", Amala said. "I'm curious if it looks any bit like the original."
They spent a good day, having fun and telling Amala about Hogwarts. Different people were coming to visit and Ginny left to stay with her fellow fifth years.
Finally, in the evening the train stopped and everybody went out. The weather was beautiful, the stars were shinning and the air was warm. A familiar voice said, somewhere in front of them:
"Firs' years over 'ere! Firs' years 'ere!"
"Well, Hagrid is here!" said Hermione smiling.
"Who's Hagrid?" asked Amala.
"He's the Care of Magical Creatures teacher", answered Harry. "And he's a very good guy and our friend. Has a passion for monsters, though."
"He's huge!" Amala said, her eyes wide-opened but then looked at them and added. "Uh. sorry. I guess I. Is he the half-giant?"
"Yes", said Ginny chuckling from somewhere around "And he is taller then normal men. Ron, have you seen Dean?"
"No, can't say I have!"
"Then, I'll be coming with you" she decided.
Amala was still staring at Hagrid.
"Wow!" she said smiling. "Can't wait to have Care of Magical Creatures!"
The others smiled and led her towards the carriages.
"Wow! Thestrals!" Amala said enthusiastically. "I love them!"
The reptile-like horses with wings were looking around and Amala went towards one of them and petted it slowly. Harry and Ron were laughing about her total excitement about everything.
"You can see them too?" asked Luna dreamily.
"Yes, I saw a man die on a hospital bed once and could see them ever since." She answered.
"Somebody. close to you?" asked Ginny.
"Didn't even know the guy.", Amala replied. "Let's get in, shall we?"
Amala, Ron, Hermione and Harry got in the carriage -Ginny managed to find Dean- and it started going towards the castle. Amala looked surprised and extremely excited. Ron kept blowing his nose to hide his laughter. Harry had to admit it was funny. She was hyperactive, jumping all over the carriage. Luna didn't even hide her giggles and Hermione was smiling amused too.
"Wow, that's a wonderful place for a school!"
"Yes, it is!" Ron answered, chuckling, and pinned his Prefect badge on his chest.
"Wow, you're a Prefect!" the girl said enthusiastically. "Everything is such a surprise!"
Harry could hardly hold back his laughter. He doubted that even the first years were so surprised and enthusiastic. They got to the school shortly after that and entered the Great Hall, heading towards the Gryffindor table. The Great Hall was greatly decorated, as always, and Harry smiled. He was home again. Amala was looking around the Hall with big, surprised eyes.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin in a short while, so we should probably go to our seats", Hermione said and Amala bit her upper lip and said quietly:
"I have to be sorted too. should I have gone with the first-years?"
"Now that you mention it, maybe, yeah." said Ron, not looking too concerned and walking towards the Gryffindor table. Then he suddenly stopped, realizing that nobody followed him.
"Oh no!" she said looking a bit despaired.
"Don't worry, it'll be o.k.", Hermione reassured her as she was looking embarrassed around the Hall.
They stood there wondering which should be their next move. Ron was hiding his laughter hardly as Amala was obviously desperate. Maybe they should have just went and sat down at the Gryffindor table and see what happened next, standing in the middle of the Great Hall was not a good idea. Slytherins were laughing and everybody was staring at them.
"Please, sit down!" said a voice behind Harry. "Make yourselves at home!"
Harry turned on his heels and saw the speaker. She was a tall, brown-haired woman with brown eyes and a kind face, somewhere around 25 years.
"Yes, well, we'd love to, but our friend here", said Ron pointing towards Amala and managing to hold back his laughter, "has just come to Hogwarts and she's not a first year, so she came in the carriages, but she needs to be sorted."
The woman caught the idea and smiled.
"Sit down at the Gryffindor table before they come, dear. I think you have some friends there, right?"
"Yes, thanks."
They all went and sat down at the table. Harry noted how weird it was that the woman knew their house. Soon after that, the doors of the Great Hall opened and Professor McGonagall came in with a group of frightened students. She carried a three legged stool with an ancient-looking wizard's hat on top of it. She put the stool with the hat in front of the teacher's table and then backed off a little. The first years looked weird at the hat, obviously wondering what they were supposed to do with the thing. Then the rip near the hat's brim opened and the hat started singing:
Long, long time ago,
When Hogwarts was so young
The four founders had a fight
And all went down so wrong.
How could it happen?
Could this be?
They were good friends until before,
The Slytherin and Gryffindor,
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw,
But so different Salazar was,
That this friendship faded.
Now I come and warn you all
Not to follow this example
Because then for sure we'd fall
From within we'd crumble.
Now I'll divide you into four,
Although I'd wish not to,
But that is what I am here for
And I'll do it as I normally do.
If brave deeds for sure you'll do,
Then you're a proud Gryffindor, I assure you
If you have wit beyond the measure,
Then in Ravenclaw you'll be treasured.
If loyal and good you are above all,
Then in Hufflepuff you will stand tall
If for power you seek long
Then in Slytherin you belong.
But no matter where I put you,
Stay united and make friends
Not just in the house you belong to,
But everywhere take you your steps
And with this my song is finished
And the Sorting now begins!
The Great Hall broke into applause and Harry said:
"Again? A new warning?"
"I guess I'll still give warnings until all this is over." answered Hermione.
The applause stopped and Professor McGonagall started reading the list.
"Willow Abash"
The girl went to the Sorting Hat and Professor McGonagall put it on her head. In a few seconds, it said loudly
"Hufflepuff"
"Anna Bruges"
"Ravenclaw"
"Michael Bowler"
"Gryffindor"
The Gryffindor table cheered as the small boy came to their table.
"Jane Chase"
"Gryffindor"
Again, the Gryffindor table cheered.
"Alexandra Drover"
"Ravenclaw"
"Mark Evans"
"Gryffindor"
"Hey, that's a kid from Little Whinging!" Harry yelled over the cheers.
The Slytherin table cheered as the next student, Thomas Farrell went to their table. The Sorting went on and Harry noticed how many the newcomers seemed to be. After all the first years were Sorted, Professor McGonagall said:
"And a new student, who is in the fifth year: Wright, Amala"
The whole Great Hall looked at Amala who was bright-red as she got up and went towards the Hat. Professor McGonagall put it on her head and the Hat cried after a while of thinking:
"Gryffindor"
Amala went back to her seat and smiled widely. Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore got up and the Hall went quiet.
"Welcome, new-comers! And old-comers, welcome back! Thank you, and enjoy!"
At that moment, the tables were filled with food and everybody jumped on the food, which was as great as always. The table was filled with all kinds of things, from fried chicken to boiled rice and a few deserts too: chocolate, cakes, fruit, ice cream. Amala was thrilled and acted like a hyperactive sugar-addicted person. Most people around were trying to hide their laughter, not that the girl would notice them.
After getting less hungry, Amala asked Hermione:
"So. Which one is Snape?"
Hermione grinned.
"The second one on Dumbledore's right."
"He he! You're right, he is slimy! Got a pretty good picture of him before, though"
The Gryffindors around grinned.
After eating, Dumbledore got up again and the tables were cleared. Everybody was looking at him, waiting for the beginning-of-the-year speech. And they didn't have to wait long.
"After eating this magnificent feast, I'd like to make the usual notices. The forest near the castle is out-of-bounds for students, as its name says. That means that you are NOT allowed in it. Every year I say this and every year I find out that students were there. Oh, well."
As Dumbledore gave a small chuckle, Harry whispered towards Amala that he had been there every year, except the fourth.
"Next, the caretaker, Argus Filch has kindly reminded me for what he tells me is the four-hundred-and-ninety-fifth time that magic on the corridors between classes is forbidden and so are a number of things. If you need any details, there is a huge list fastened to his door of forbidden things."
He gave a look to the students, making it clear for everybody that he didn't actually believe that anybody would actually look at the list. And he was right, nobody ever looked at it.
"Third. As it has become a tradition here, we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mrs. Iris Rose."
The tall black-haired woman that told Amala to go to the Gryffindor table gave a small bow and the students applauded politely.
"Fourth: both Mrs. Trelawney and Mr. Firenze will teach Divination, in turns. With Mrs. Trelawney you shall learn how to predict an individual's future and Mr. Firenze will teach you how you can tell the future of humanity."
Hermione was smiling a little and Harry noticed that so did McGonagall.
"Fifth: Some of the Educational Decrees were removed and now teachers will be allowed to talk about things different from their subject in their classes. All student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs are permitted. And nobody who will be found in the possession of the 'Quibbler' will be expelled."
A few cheers were heard all around the Great Hall.
"Sixth. Oh, they're many!" Dumbledore said and moved on. "Mrs. Dolores Umbridge has given up the post of High Inquisitor, which has also been canceled."
The Great Hall exploded in applause. Even some teachers joined.
"Hmmm, Mrs. Umbridge has disappeared somewhere in the mountains", he added. "Seemed to have a weird feeling that people didn't like her. I tried to contact her, but she was nowhere to be found."
The Great Hall broke with laughter. Umbridge was deeply hated by everyone.
"But I do believe that Mr. Fred and Mr. George Weasley almost found her. They said something about thanking her for bringing them big profits at their joke shop."
The laughter got even more intense and Dumbledore looked at the walls, smiling slightly.
"Seventh issue. Everybody who got any kind of life-long ban will have the great pleasure to hear that they are now cancelled."
Harry grinned. That meant he was allowed to play in the Quiddich team again. In fact, he thought that this whole 'seventh issue' was about him, he couldn't remember anybody else with a life-long ban except for the Weasley twins, who weren't there any more, having fled last year.
"Did I miss anything?" Dumbledore said thinking hardly. "Oh, right, the dates of the Quiddich tryouts will be posted in the house common rooms. Thank you and now, off to bed!"
The students got up and Hermione and Ron called for the first years. This time, Amala went with them and Harry joined.
"Watch out for staircases, they move" warned Hermione and a few first-years widened their eyes in surprise.
"At my school", started Amala, "the castle was much smaller and less magical. Yes, food did appear on the table like here and staircases did change, but here everything seems alive."
"Almost everything is", responded Harry, sending her into giggles.
"Watch out for missing steps in the staircases." Hermione said jumping over one of them and the first years did the same.
After moving up and down and confusing the first years a lot, they almost made it to the Gryffindor Tower. But when the two Prefects were thinking it had been a safe journey, from somewhere above, a voice said loudly:
"Look, look, new ones. Oooh, I'm so going to have fun, wee-he!"
A few unidentified flying objects nearly hit the first years and Hermione yelled:
"Peeves! Stop it! Peeves!"
"A-ha-ha! Ickle Prefect want to get big, bad Peeves? Fat chance!" he said throwing some things at her.
Hermione ducked and said menacingly:
"If you don't stop it, I'll get the Bloody Baron, I saw him around here somewhere!"
"Ha! You didn't!" said Peeves, less sure of himself.
"I did!" Hermione said, making him back off.
"Now, why would missy Prefect call the Bloody Baron?"
"Because you're awful, Peeves! Now stop it, or I'll go call him!"
Peeves looked around and zoomed through a wall, mumbling something.
As the first years recovered, Ron explained:
"That was.uh. Peeves the Poltergeist. Don't let him get to you."
"Well, that was interesting", said Amala. "Oh, well."
Soon, they got to the Fat Lady's portrait.
"This is the entrance to the common room and dormitories." Hermione started explaining. "The password is 'red flower'. You must remember it in order to get inside and you mustn't give it to anybody from the other houses, all right?"
The kids nodded and Hermione turned towards the painting and said the password. The portrait moved itself and they all went through the hole. The common room was as cozy as ever and a fire was burning happily in the fireplace. Comfortable armchairs were around the place. Hermione led the first years to the dormitories and afterwards she came back to the common room and left with Amala towards their bedroom, leaving the boys alone.
"She's a nice girl, although very, very hyperactive, isn't she?" said Ron.
"Who, Amala?" said Harry sleepily walking up the stairs.
"No, McGonagall. Of course Amala!"
"I guess" Harry said and yawned.
They entered their bedroom, where Neville, Dean and Seamus were already in their pajamas.
"'lo, guys", said Seamus. "Harry, I never got the chance to, but I apologize for last year."
"No problem, Seamus", answered Harry smiling. "Hey, Ron, where are the fifth year Prefects?!"
Usually, the fifth year Prefects lead the first years to the dormitories and Harry noticed how odd it was that this year Ron and Hermione lead them. Ron looked surprised at him.
"I didn't think you noticed. The Head Boy and Head Girl said that they should have a longer meeting tonight. So they couldn't lead them."
"Aha" said Harry and collapsed on his bed.
In about one minute, he was in bed, dreaming.
()***&*&%%$%#%^&(*&*&%&$%^$*(())
Yahoo!!! Here's my new chapter and we're back at school! That means I had to work a lot on a Sorting Hat song, but I won't have to write another one this year!!! God, I'm no poet. Oh, well, you can't have everything in life, can you? REVIEW and tell me what you think. ;-)
Now, to my dear reviewers!!!
To mad nadz: Thank you and. is that a web page?
To patrick: Thanks! Yep, it's gonna be serious. And special. Especially about Jack Towers.
To Meghan: Thank you! And I hope you enjoy this chapter!
To Anthony: Thank you and here's the update.
To Naomie: Thanks! Here's the next chappie!
To bogdan-aq: I'm glad that you like my work. Si da, sunt din Romania. Chia unt din Romania.
To HonqMinq: I'm glad you like it. And the Green Flame Torch is waiting for any person on the light side to come and get it. But, yeah, Harry will. Predictable, isn't it? The unpredictable part is how he'll use it.
To the Red Dragons Order: I kept you last, because I have more to write to you *grins* Thank you for reviewing and I'm glad you liked my wolf scene!
Now, let's move to serious business! You dare threat me with Red Dragons?! Well, do send them!
*Gets up from the computer and goes to the window and looks outside.
"Kya? Kya, where are you?"
A beautiful Siberian Husky comes under the window.
"Finally! Where were you? Listen, girl, go get our old friend, will you? Tell him that I need a small favor."
The dog looks around and then climbs over the fence and gets to the other side and starts running down the street.
Grins deviously and goes back to the computer*
Chapter 5: The New Student
The rest of the vacation passed uneventfully -well, almost, Percy was acting friendlier and came around once in a while. Yet he still acted as if he were a war hero.
On the 1st of September, everybody was packing at super-high speeds and everything was a huge chaos, as usual. Things were flying all over the place, everybody was asking where a thing or another was, owls were hooting, Crookshanks was meowing, the twins were around there, nobody knows why, a trunk fell down the stairs, with Ginny getting slightly injured in the process, an old book of Lockhart's accidentally fell from a shelf on Mrs. Weasley's head and, when, finally, they all moved towards London in Mr. Weasley's Ford Anglia, things settled down.
Mr. Weasley was driving and looked overall happy.
"Yes, Fudge is acting much nicer towards everybody else now, you know!" he said. "He likes Dumbledore again now and he's listening to everything he says. It's weird, actually. After all the time he spent trying to make him look like an old man who's losing his grip!"
"And how's the Order?" asked Harry, wanting to know more about the subject.
"Great! We had help from many unexpected sources!" he answered. "Two Death Eaters talking too loudly next to one of the Order, a lost letter, Jack Towers popped up once when we needed help and somebody from You-Know-Who's inner circle turning against them."
"Who?!" asked Harry curiously. This thing he didn't know, although the others were old news.
"Well, that's just it, we don't know", said Mr. Weasley. "It's weird, you'd think he or she would have contacted us by now."
They spent the rest of the time talking about different things and when they finally made it to King's Cross, they seemed to have talked about everything possible. They made their way to Platform 9 and walked through the barrier separating Platforms 9 and 10, getting, as usual, to Platform 9 ¾ where the Hogwarts Express waited for students to get in.
Kids and parents were walking all around with luggage and pets. Owls hooted, cats meowed, kids screamed 'good-bye', parents replied, elder students were calling each other and, generally, everything was noisy.
"Hi, guys!" they heard somebody yell from far way.
"Hi, Dean, hi, Seamus!" they replied looking towards them.
"Hello!" said a boy walking quickly past them.
"Hi, Ernie!"
They made their way to the train and hugged and were hugged by Mrs. and Mr. Weasley again and hurried into the train, looking for an empty compartment. They put their luggage down and sat, looking out the window, waving good- bye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The train started moving slowly after that and, just as they were about to get comfortable, Luna Lovegood appeared in the door and said in her usual dreamy voice:
"Hello, mind if I sit with you?"
"No, come in!" they said showing her a seat.
She sat down and took out the 'Quibbler', her father's magazine. As usually, she had a weird appearance: a necklace of weird-looking rocks, a wand stuck behind her ear for safe-keeping and some weird earrings about which Harry couldn't make up his mind whether they looked like cherries or hearts.
"How was your summer?" she asked, looking at Harry.
"Fine, thank you" he answered. "How about yours?"
"Wonderful. People sent letters saying that they read our article with you and it was real. Now we sell many more copies. Dad is very pleased."
Harry smiled and Luna started reading 'the Quibbler' again.
After about five minutes, Ron and Hermione went off towards the Prefect carriage, but came back in twenty minutes.
"We don't have to do anything this year", Ron said cheerfully. "On the train, I mean. The fifth years got it covered."
Before he could say anything else, a girl came in and said happily:
"Mind if I stay here? There's no free space left in this train."
"Come in!" they answered, looking straight at her.
She was about Harry's age, had shoulder-long black hair and gold earrings and looked overall nice.
"I don't remember seeing you around the school," Ron said. "Who are you?"
She giggled and said:
"My name is Amala Wright and there's a good reason for not seeing me around Hogwarts. I'm a transfer student from Transylvania. Who are you?"
"I'm Ginny Weasley", the girl replied. "That's my brother, Ron and those are Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood."
"Harry Potter!" she said smiling widely. "I heard about you. But who hasn't?! And it's nice to meet you too, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Luna", she said reaching out her hand towards each of them and shaking it while she said their names.
"So, how come you came here?" Ginny asked. "We didn't have any students coming here except for starting school, as much as I remember."
Amala smiled sadly and said:
"My parents moved to China and I didn't want to go with them. I live now with my Muggle uncle, who's British. But I miss my parents."
"What did your parents do in Transylvania?" Ron asked.
"They took care of dragons."
"Really?!" Ron said grinning. "Do you know my brother, Charlie Weasley?"
"I think I do." She answered after a moment of thinking. "Is he red- haired?"
"Yes, we all are!" said Ron.
"He's a nice guy. Saw him a few times when I visited my mum and dad at work"
They chatted happily for a few minutes about dragons and everything related or not related about that subject. Harry and Hermione listened to the conversation, and then the bushy-haired girl asked:
"What school did you go to?"
"Magalia"
"I heard about it. It's a good school."
"Not as good as Hogwarts, out of what I heard", she answered, making Hermione blush. "But my parents taught me many things, so I hope I'll be good enough for Hogwarts".
"'Course you will!" said Ron happily and Hermione stared at him.
They spent the next few hours telling her about things that happened in Hogwarts and she told them about her school.
"What's your favorite subject?" she asked them. "What are you good at?"
"I'm good at Defence Against the Dark Arts", answered Harry. "Hermione is good at everything, Ron is good at Defence too and Ginny is good at Charms and Defence. How about you, Luna?" he asked.
"After last year, at Defence", she said dreamily and Harry felt a wave of pride. So, he was a good teacher!
"How about you, Amala?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Well, I love Charms and Transfiguration, but I'm also great at Potions. Not too good at Defence, I'm afraid, like you guys."
"Potions?!" the Gryffindors asked.
"Yes", she answered puzzled seeing the amazement on their faces. "What?!"
"We have a most horrible teacher at Potions.." Harry answered.
"And he hates every Gryffindor in general Harry in particular" completed Ron.
"Why?" asked the girl curiously.
"Who knows?" answered Hermione.
"Because he's a git, that's why" said Ron hatefully.
"I'm trying to picture him", Amala said. "How does he look like?"
"Tall, ugly and slimy", replied Ron making everybody laugh, especially Luna. Harry thought it was funny to have such a weird person next to you.
"He's black haired and has a huge hooked nose." Said Hermione after they finished laughing.
"Slimy black hair", said Ginny, making them all laugh again.
"I think I have a good picture", Amala said. "I'm curious if it looks any bit like the original."
They spent a good day, having fun and telling Amala about Hogwarts. Different people were coming to visit and Ginny left to stay with her fellow fifth years.
Finally, in the evening the train stopped and everybody went out. The weather was beautiful, the stars were shinning and the air was warm. A familiar voice said, somewhere in front of them:
"Firs' years over 'ere! Firs' years 'ere!"
"Well, Hagrid is here!" said Hermione smiling.
"Who's Hagrid?" asked Amala.
"He's the Care of Magical Creatures teacher", answered Harry. "And he's a very good guy and our friend. Has a passion for monsters, though."
"He's huge!" Amala said, her eyes wide-opened but then looked at them and added. "Uh. sorry. I guess I. Is he the half-giant?"
"Yes", said Ginny chuckling from somewhere around "And he is taller then normal men. Ron, have you seen Dean?"
"No, can't say I have!"
"Then, I'll be coming with you" she decided.
Amala was still staring at Hagrid.
"Wow!" she said smiling. "Can't wait to have Care of Magical Creatures!"
The others smiled and led her towards the carriages.
"Wow! Thestrals!" Amala said enthusiastically. "I love them!"
The reptile-like horses with wings were looking around and Amala went towards one of them and petted it slowly. Harry and Ron were laughing about her total excitement about everything.
"You can see them too?" asked Luna dreamily.
"Yes, I saw a man die on a hospital bed once and could see them ever since." She answered.
"Somebody. close to you?" asked Ginny.
"Didn't even know the guy.", Amala replied. "Let's get in, shall we?"
Amala, Ron, Hermione and Harry got in the carriage -Ginny managed to find Dean- and it started going towards the castle. Amala looked surprised and extremely excited. Ron kept blowing his nose to hide his laughter. Harry had to admit it was funny. She was hyperactive, jumping all over the carriage. Luna didn't even hide her giggles and Hermione was smiling amused too.
"Wow, that's a wonderful place for a school!"
"Yes, it is!" Ron answered, chuckling, and pinned his Prefect badge on his chest.
"Wow, you're a Prefect!" the girl said enthusiastically. "Everything is such a surprise!"
Harry could hardly hold back his laughter. He doubted that even the first years were so surprised and enthusiastic. They got to the school shortly after that and entered the Great Hall, heading towards the Gryffindor table. The Great Hall was greatly decorated, as always, and Harry smiled. He was home again. Amala was looking around the Hall with big, surprised eyes.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin in a short while, so we should probably go to our seats", Hermione said and Amala bit her upper lip and said quietly:
"I have to be sorted too. should I have gone with the first-years?"
"Now that you mention it, maybe, yeah." said Ron, not looking too concerned and walking towards the Gryffindor table. Then he suddenly stopped, realizing that nobody followed him.
"Oh no!" she said looking a bit despaired.
"Don't worry, it'll be o.k.", Hermione reassured her as she was looking embarrassed around the Hall.
They stood there wondering which should be their next move. Ron was hiding his laughter hardly as Amala was obviously desperate. Maybe they should have just went and sat down at the Gryffindor table and see what happened next, standing in the middle of the Great Hall was not a good idea. Slytherins were laughing and everybody was staring at them.
"Please, sit down!" said a voice behind Harry. "Make yourselves at home!"
Harry turned on his heels and saw the speaker. She was a tall, brown-haired woman with brown eyes and a kind face, somewhere around 25 years.
"Yes, well, we'd love to, but our friend here", said Ron pointing towards Amala and managing to hold back his laughter, "has just come to Hogwarts and she's not a first year, so she came in the carriages, but she needs to be sorted."
The woman caught the idea and smiled.
"Sit down at the Gryffindor table before they come, dear. I think you have some friends there, right?"
"Yes, thanks."
They all went and sat down at the table. Harry noted how weird it was that the woman knew their house. Soon after that, the doors of the Great Hall opened and Professor McGonagall came in with a group of frightened students. She carried a three legged stool with an ancient-looking wizard's hat on top of it. She put the stool with the hat in front of the teacher's table and then backed off a little. The first years looked weird at the hat, obviously wondering what they were supposed to do with the thing. Then the rip near the hat's brim opened and the hat started singing:
Long, long time ago,
When Hogwarts was so young
The four founders had a fight
And all went down so wrong.
How could it happen?
Could this be?
They were good friends until before,
The Slytherin and Gryffindor,
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw,
But so different Salazar was,
That this friendship faded.
Now I come and warn you all
Not to follow this example
Because then for sure we'd fall
From within we'd crumble.
Now I'll divide you into four,
Although I'd wish not to,
But that is what I am here for
And I'll do it as I normally do.
If brave deeds for sure you'll do,
Then you're a proud Gryffindor, I assure you
If you have wit beyond the measure,
Then in Ravenclaw you'll be treasured.
If loyal and good you are above all,
Then in Hufflepuff you will stand tall
If for power you seek long
Then in Slytherin you belong.
But no matter where I put you,
Stay united and make friends
Not just in the house you belong to,
But everywhere take you your steps
And with this my song is finished
And the Sorting now begins!
The Great Hall broke into applause and Harry said:
"Again? A new warning?"
"I guess I'll still give warnings until all this is over." answered Hermione.
The applause stopped and Professor McGonagall started reading the list.
"Willow Abash"
The girl went to the Sorting Hat and Professor McGonagall put it on her head. In a few seconds, it said loudly
"Hufflepuff"
"Anna Bruges"
"Ravenclaw"
"Michael Bowler"
"Gryffindor"
The Gryffindor table cheered as the small boy came to their table.
"Jane Chase"
"Gryffindor"
Again, the Gryffindor table cheered.
"Alexandra Drover"
"Ravenclaw"
"Mark Evans"
"Gryffindor"
"Hey, that's a kid from Little Whinging!" Harry yelled over the cheers.
The Slytherin table cheered as the next student, Thomas Farrell went to their table. The Sorting went on and Harry noticed how many the newcomers seemed to be. After all the first years were Sorted, Professor McGonagall said:
"And a new student, who is in the fifth year: Wright, Amala"
The whole Great Hall looked at Amala who was bright-red as she got up and went towards the Hat. Professor McGonagall put it on her head and the Hat cried after a while of thinking:
"Gryffindor"
Amala went back to her seat and smiled widely. Meanwhile, Albus Dumbledore got up and the Hall went quiet.
"Welcome, new-comers! And old-comers, welcome back! Thank you, and enjoy!"
At that moment, the tables were filled with food and everybody jumped on the food, which was as great as always. The table was filled with all kinds of things, from fried chicken to boiled rice and a few deserts too: chocolate, cakes, fruit, ice cream. Amala was thrilled and acted like a hyperactive sugar-addicted person. Most people around were trying to hide their laughter, not that the girl would notice them.
After getting less hungry, Amala asked Hermione:
"So. Which one is Snape?"
Hermione grinned.
"The second one on Dumbledore's right."
"He he! You're right, he is slimy! Got a pretty good picture of him before, though"
The Gryffindors around grinned.
After eating, Dumbledore got up again and the tables were cleared. Everybody was looking at him, waiting for the beginning-of-the-year speech. And they didn't have to wait long.
"After eating this magnificent feast, I'd like to make the usual notices. The forest near the castle is out-of-bounds for students, as its name says. That means that you are NOT allowed in it. Every year I say this and every year I find out that students were there. Oh, well."
As Dumbledore gave a small chuckle, Harry whispered towards Amala that he had been there every year, except the fourth.
"Next, the caretaker, Argus Filch has kindly reminded me for what he tells me is the four-hundred-and-ninety-fifth time that magic on the corridors between classes is forbidden and so are a number of things. If you need any details, there is a huge list fastened to his door of forbidden things."
He gave a look to the students, making it clear for everybody that he didn't actually believe that anybody would actually look at the list. And he was right, nobody ever looked at it.
"Third. As it has become a tradition here, we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mrs. Iris Rose."
The tall black-haired woman that told Amala to go to the Gryffindor table gave a small bow and the students applauded politely.
"Fourth: both Mrs. Trelawney and Mr. Firenze will teach Divination, in turns. With Mrs. Trelawney you shall learn how to predict an individual's future and Mr. Firenze will teach you how you can tell the future of humanity."
Hermione was smiling a little and Harry noticed that so did McGonagall.
"Fifth: Some of the Educational Decrees were removed and now teachers will be allowed to talk about things different from their subject in their classes. All student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs are permitted. And nobody who will be found in the possession of the 'Quibbler' will be expelled."
A few cheers were heard all around the Great Hall.
"Sixth. Oh, they're many!" Dumbledore said and moved on. "Mrs. Dolores Umbridge has given up the post of High Inquisitor, which has also been canceled."
The Great Hall exploded in applause. Even some teachers joined.
"Hmmm, Mrs. Umbridge has disappeared somewhere in the mountains", he added. "Seemed to have a weird feeling that people didn't like her. I tried to contact her, but she was nowhere to be found."
The Great Hall broke with laughter. Umbridge was deeply hated by everyone.
"But I do believe that Mr. Fred and Mr. George Weasley almost found her. They said something about thanking her for bringing them big profits at their joke shop."
The laughter got even more intense and Dumbledore looked at the walls, smiling slightly.
"Seventh issue. Everybody who got any kind of life-long ban will have the great pleasure to hear that they are now cancelled."
Harry grinned. That meant he was allowed to play in the Quiddich team again. In fact, he thought that this whole 'seventh issue' was about him, he couldn't remember anybody else with a life-long ban except for the Weasley twins, who weren't there any more, having fled last year.
"Did I miss anything?" Dumbledore said thinking hardly. "Oh, right, the dates of the Quiddich tryouts will be posted in the house common rooms. Thank you and now, off to bed!"
The students got up and Hermione and Ron called for the first years. This time, Amala went with them and Harry joined.
"Watch out for staircases, they move" warned Hermione and a few first-years widened their eyes in surprise.
"At my school", started Amala, "the castle was much smaller and less magical. Yes, food did appear on the table like here and staircases did change, but here everything seems alive."
"Almost everything is", responded Harry, sending her into giggles.
"Watch out for missing steps in the staircases." Hermione said jumping over one of them and the first years did the same.
After moving up and down and confusing the first years a lot, they almost made it to the Gryffindor Tower. But when the two Prefects were thinking it had been a safe journey, from somewhere above, a voice said loudly:
"Look, look, new ones. Oooh, I'm so going to have fun, wee-he!"
A few unidentified flying objects nearly hit the first years and Hermione yelled:
"Peeves! Stop it! Peeves!"
"A-ha-ha! Ickle Prefect want to get big, bad Peeves? Fat chance!" he said throwing some things at her.
Hermione ducked and said menacingly:
"If you don't stop it, I'll get the Bloody Baron, I saw him around here somewhere!"
"Ha! You didn't!" said Peeves, less sure of himself.
"I did!" Hermione said, making him back off.
"Now, why would missy Prefect call the Bloody Baron?"
"Because you're awful, Peeves! Now stop it, or I'll go call him!"
Peeves looked around and zoomed through a wall, mumbling something.
As the first years recovered, Ron explained:
"That was.uh. Peeves the Poltergeist. Don't let him get to you."
"Well, that was interesting", said Amala. "Oh, well."
Soon, they got to the Fat Lady's portrait.
"This is the entrance to the common room and dormitories." Hermione started explaining. "The password is 'red flower'. You must remember it in order to get inside and you mustn't give it to anybody from the other houses, all right?"
The kids nodded and Hermione turned towards the painting and said the password. The portrait moved itself and they all went through the hole. The common room was as cozy as ever and a fire was burning happily in the fireplace. Comfortable armchairs were around the place. Hermione led the first years to the dormitories and afterwards she came back to the common room and left with Amala towards their bedroom, leaving the boys alone.
"She's a nice girl, although very, very hyperactive, isn't she?" said Ron.
"Who, Amala?" said Harry sleepily walking up the stairs.
"No, McGonagall. Of course Amala!"
"I guess" Harry said and yawned.
They entered their bedroom, where Neville, Dean and Seamus were already in their pajamas.
"'lo, guys", said Seamus. "Harry, I never got the chance to, but I apologize for last year."
"No problem, Seamus", answered Harry smiling. "Hey, Ron, where are the fifth year Prefects?!"
Usually, the fifth year Prefects lead the first years to the dormitories and Harry noticed how odd it was that this year Ron and Hermione lead them. Ron looked surprised at him.
"I didn't think you noticed. The Head Boy and Head Girl said that they should have a longer meeting tonight. So they couldn't lead them."
"Aha" said Harry and collapsed on his bed.
In about one minute, he was in bed, dreaming.
()***&*&%%$%#%^&(*&*&%&$%^$*(())
Yahoo!!! Here's my new chapter and we're back at school! That means I had to work a lot on a Sorting Hat song, but I won't have to write another one this year!!! God, I'm no poet. Oh, well, you can't have everything in life, can you? REVIEW and tell me what you think. ;-)
Now, to my dear reviewers!!!
To mad nadz: Thank you and. is that a web page?
To patrick: Thanks! Yep, it's gonna be serious. And special. Especially about Jack Towers.
To Meghan: Thank you! And I hope you enjoy this chapter!
To Anthony: Thank you and here's the update.
To Naomie: Thanks! Here's the next chappie!
To bogdan-aq: I'm glad that you like my work. Si da, sunt din Romania. Chia unt din Romania.
To HonqMinq: I'm glad you like it. And the Green Flame Torch is waiting for any person on the light side to come and get it. But, yeah, Harry will. Predictable, isn't it? The unpredictable part is how he'll use it.
To the Red Dragons Order: I kept you last, because I have more to write to you *grins* Thank you for reviewing and I'm glad you liked my wolf scene!
Now, let's move to serious business! You dare threat me with Red Dragons?! Well, do send them!
*Gets up from the computer and goes to the window and looks outside.
"Kya? Kya, where are you?"
A beautiful Siberian Husky comes under the window.
"Finally! Where were you? Listen, girl, go get our old friend, will you? Tell him that I need a small favor."
The dog looks around and then climbs over the fence and gets to the other side and starts running down the street.
Grins deviously and goes back to the computer*