Chapter 3

Good to be Back

Harry was sitting in the Three Broomsticks Pub talking to Madam Rosmerta when he felt someone watching him from behind. He turned around and looked up into the eyes of Hagrid.

"Hagrid! Nice to see you! Coming for a Butterbeer?" asked Harry.

"No Harry I just made some Screwt Scale Tea. You can come back and try some if you like..." said Hagrid.

"Oh, Hagrid, I almost forgot. I have dinner plans with Hermione and I wouldn't want to spoil my appetite." said Harry, quickly making an excuse, and trying to forget the unpleasant memories of biting into very hard homemade dragon cookies.

"Right then. Well I guess I'll be taking you to Dumbledore now. Come with me, Harry."

"Dumbledore? But what does he want with me?" asked Harry.

"Well I'm not sure right now but he specifically asked me to bring you back to Hogwarts. It seemed important. We should be going."

"Alright. Goodbye Madam Rosmerta. Nice talking to you and thanks for the Butterbeer" said Harry.

"No problem Harry. Come by anytime, you too Hagrid." replied Rosmerta, who was cleaning the bar.

Outside Harry boarded Hagrid's motorcycle. They flew towards Harry's old school. He hadn't seen it since the day he graduated. It looked like the Womping Willow was madly thrashing around because some students were apparently trying to picnic under it. The Forbidden Forest was still dark and gloomy, but from the air it didn't quite look so scary or as big as he remembered. They landed in front of Hagrid's cottage. Boy it's good to be back, thought Harry.

"Hey Harry I just have to grab something in my hut for Dumbledore. Do you mind?" asked Hagrid.

"Not at all Hagrid." said Harry. Hagrid opened the door and Fang shot out and pummeled Harry to the ground. "Nice to see you too Fang!" laughed Harry. Hagrid disappeared inside.

"Ok Harry, let's go." said Hagrid. The pair walked up the hill, past the ... lake, and into the entrance hall of Hogwarts.

"Oy it's Harry Potter! Look Barry! Look over there!" shouted none other than Dennis Creevy himself.

"Hello Dennis. How's Colin?" asked Harry.

"He's great. Right now he's in Transylvania taking pictures of vampires and Transylvanian dragons for the Ministry" said Dennis. "By the way, why are you here?"

"Ya know Dennis, I really don't know, but I do have to go so I'll see you around" said Harry.

Hagrid and Harry climbed the front staircase. They passed by the moving staircases and suits of armor. The people in the pictures started whispering frantically when they saw Harry. They finally reached the top level and stopped in front of a large gargoyle.

"Evil Weevil" announced Hagrid into the statue. Suddenly the gargoyle spun around into the wall and a golden staircase appeared. The two men entered and the staircase began to move. Up and up it wound until it stopped in front of a doorway into Dumbledore's office.

"Ah, welcome. Welcome again Mr. Potter. So glad you could make it. Please, have a seat" said a silky voice. Harry looked around and saw Dumbledore.

"Professor? What am I doing here?" asked Harry. "Is something wrong?"

"No Harry. I just need to talk to you about something. Hagrid, do you have my package?" asked Dumbledore.

"Oh. Right. Here it is sir." answered Hagrid. He handed the headmaster a small, leather package. Dumbledore slipped it into his pocket.

"That will be all Hagrid, thank-you."

"Ok. Then I guess I'll be going now" said Hagrid, looking as if he wanted to stay and hear the news. He soon left and the office was quiet once again.

Dumbledore took a few seconds to begin speaking. "Harry, I have been considering this for some time now. I have also been discussing this with the Ministry. Harry we think that this is the best route and that you are the person for the job."

Harry was trying to concentrate on what the headmaster was saying, but he really wished he would just tell him what was going on. "Professor, may I just ask what you are talking about?"

"Oh sorry Harry, this is just really important. Listen to me, this will be the greatest opportunity of your life. I am handing down the position of headmaster to you, Harry. Both the Ministry and I hope that you will consider this offer and do what you think is right for you. I know you must be shocked, but remember Harry, that I think you are the only one that could fulfill this task in my place," finished Dumbledore.

Harry sat there, stunned. This had been his third surprise in two days. What next?