A/N: Sorry couldn't update yesterday. I won't be able to update for the
next few days as I am extremely busy writing a Euro'04 report for a local
newspaper. From now on most chapters would be like this if not longer. The
main problem was the Sorting song. I took a lot long to write it than I
expected. The story is going to be much more interesting from the next
chapter. Anyways I'm disappointed as very little people are reviewing it.
Come on guys chapter 6 and only 7 reviews in total. That is beyond
pathetic. I don't think I'm that bad.
HoshHikari4ever: Am I that predictable. Hope this chapter catches you by surprise a bit.
AutumnKate: Thanx for the review and the words of encouragement.
The New Term Begins
"Harry, Alice you better get your things down here right away, or you are going to be late." Hermione called out from the kitchen. Soon the two young children came down with pulling their trunks along the way. As they entered the kitchen, Harry spoke up.
"Mum, I'm going to be in Gryffindor wouldn't I? Honestly I don't want to be in Slytherin. And how do we get sorted? Uncle George was telling me it was painful and we had to fight something, a troll may be."
"Oh, Harry, don't you ever read?" his clever sister retorted.
Harry scowled heavily at her but didn't say anything to her especially in front of mum. Mum always took on her side just like uncle Fred had said. She was indeed like mum in her old days.
"Mum how are going to be sorted?"
"Well if you don't know about that it is best to keep it a secret."
"You know about it don't you?" he sneered at Alice.
"What if I do?"
"Harry, Alice don't you dare break off into a row now. We are already late and if you don't want to walk to Hogwarts I suggest you complete your breakfast now."
Both of them sat down. Harry continued to scowl at Alice but didn't speak anything about it. They quietly ate their bacon and eggs. Both of them were eyeing each other precariously. They only stopped when Ron entered the room.
"Hermione is everything ok? The Ministry cars have arrived. Children when you have finished bring your trunks to the porch."
He then moved into the kitchen and started on his own breakfast. Ten years haven't changed Ron a bit. He was still ravenous when it came to food. Soon he had finished off his bacon and eggs and was starting on a toast. Hermione entered the kitchen.
"Everything fine Hermione?"
"Yes Ronald everything is indeed fine unless you consider a big gluttonic git like yourself."
Ron looked insulted but he shrugged and got up. Ten minutes later they were in the cars headed towards Kings Cross station. They traveled in silence. When they reached the platform Ron got two trolleys and they loaded their trunk and their owl cages atop the trunk and moved along platform 9 ¾.
Harry broke the silence as they approached platforms nine and ten.
"Dad, our ticket says its platform 9 ¾. But here there is only platform nine and ten."
"I know kid. Platform 9 ¾ is an exclusive wizarding platform. So it is protected from muggles that they cannot see it."
They walked along till they approached the barrier.
"To get to the platform you must pass through the barrier." He pointed to the red brick wall.
Harry looked at him skeptically.
"Here I'll help you the first time."
Ron placed a hand over his son and motioned him to walk towards the barrier. They walked towards it and in an instant they had passed through it and now were looking at a red train with a black engine. Steam was blowing from its chimney.
Harry looked amazed.
"Cool, huh?"
"Wow."
A moment later Hermione and Alice had appeared behind them. They were not looking remotely astounded. Ron shrugged. Fred was right. His little girl was just about clever as Hermione if not better.
They walked to the nearest compartment and hauled their trunks inside. Once they were in they quickly found an empty compartment and they sat down. There was still another ten minutes to go before departure.
"Hello everybody." The twins just walked inside the compartment.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked tersely. She was still sore on them regarding the incident a few days back.
"Just seeing off our dear old nephew"
"And niece"
"Oh squirt I have something for you too. We got you something we nicked from old Filch in our first year. It's not the original though. But we have been recreating it over the summer."
"Poring over our brains."
"Remembering stuff."
"It's just a prototype. We made it especially for you."
Fred handed Harry an envelope.
Harry proceeded to open it.
"No, no don't open it now. Open when you are safely tucked inside your dormitories. It's a rather sensitive stuff."
"Ok. But what's it anyway?"
"Ah my little nephew you don't want to spoil the surprise now do you?"
"Let's put it this way, that was the secret of our success. And we believe that since mum and dad failed miserably at it, we think you are apt enough to continue our legacy."
"Yeah that thing will probably teach you more than any teacher in the school. It sure did teach us more than anything at school didn't it Fred?"
"What legacy?"
Fred looked hurt.
"What legacy? Haven't your parents told about our history at Hogwarts? Explain George."
"Harry I don't know if your parents told this but we were one of the greatest troublemakers in the history of the school."
"Wow you really were."
"Yeah. We found about more about the school other than anybody. Well other than the original creators of course."
"Yeah if there was a trophy for the greatest number of detentions served then our name would be on it."
"And if there was a shield for the greatest trouble makers in Hogwarts we ought to be the first to receive it."
Harry sniggered. Hermione looked suspicious. Ron bemused.
"What did you give him?" she asked carefully.
"Oh, my dearest sister – in – law you certainly wouldn't want to know." Fred spoke in a voice filled with mock concern. The twins and Harry sniggered. Even Ron laughed.
Hermione looked carefully at them. Then realization hit her. Her eyes went round and she clapped her hands over her mouth.
"No way are you giving that to my son."
"What are you talking about Hermione?" George asked innocently.
"You are not going to give that map to Harry."
"What map?"
"Great going Hermione. You just spoilt the surprise for our favorite nephew." Fred said sarcastically.
Ron looked surprised.
"Is that the the map I think it is?"
"Yes it is little bro."
Ron looked tensely first towards Hermione then the twins and then at Harry. Finally his face broke into a grin.
"Ron you can't be serious about giving Harry the map. It is too dangerous."
"Oh come off it 'Mione it is just a map. And we know most of it after all. We used it so many times remember."
"It is not just a map Ron. You know it as well as I do. Harry is not taking the map."
"Oh Hermione, there is nothing wrong about him having the map as well he exercises a little restraint over himself. We will always watch him." Ron looked pleadingly at her. But she still glared at him although her expression faltered slightly. He looked around the compartment and knew that she was going to be overruled.
"Well, now that's settled and as your dear mother had messed up your surprise you may as well open it now, Harry."
He opened the envelope and looked inside. He brought out two pieces of parchment. One was blank and on the other instructions was written. He read the instructions and then he cleared out his throat and brought out his wand.
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!"
He gasped. From the point on the parchment where his wand tip had been held lines of ink were starting to form. At the top of the map words were forming
"Weasleys Wizarding Weezes along with Messer's Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs proudly present 'The Marauders' Map'"
The lines continued to form.
"This is a map of Hogwarts and apart from the regular passageways there are several hidden passageways and they feature in this map. It is the perfect friend for law breakers. So if you want to skive off classes and are in shortage of skiving snackboxes, this is your friend. Not that you will be in shortage of though. We will make sure you have plenty. Also if you are in the wrong side of the law then this will help you in a hasty retreat. Even old Filch doesn't know as much as we do."
"Wow, it's, it's..."
But exactly was the Marauders' Map in his opinion, no one found out. Because at that precise moment a loud scream and a cackle of high pitched laughter rang through the air.
Ron leapt from the seat. He quickly looked at the window and with a quick glance he had seen all that he needed to see. He looked over at his family and his older brothers.
"It's them." He spoke grimly.
The reaction was instantaneous. Fred and George leapt from their seats and jumped onto the platform. Hermione followed them. Ron looked over at his children.
"Now I want you to promise me that no matter what happens out there on the platform you will not step out of the compartment." They both mutely nodded. Both of them look frightened. Even Alice, she was the smarter one.
Ron hugged both of them and hurried out of the compartment. Outside he saw a fierce battle going on. No one had thought about a possibility of a death eater attack. There were curses flying everywhere. Red jets of light were streaking about the air. The children were horrified. They were trying to board the train as fast as possible seeking the refuge of the Hogwarts Express. He watched Hermione helping a few older girls, probably fifth or sixth years on the train. He saw Fred and George casting spells and charms on the parents nearby. There were already a lot of bodies lying around.
They were strewn pell-mell around the platform. He rushed over to the nearest person and bent over him. He checked his pulse. To his relief he was alive.
"Probably stunned." He thought.
He proceeded to move over to the next person when a cold voice drawled out.
"My, my what do we have here, a little weasel."
Ron froze. He had heard the voice so many times during his fifth year. He could never mistake it. It was a voice devoid of any form of pity or emotion. Ron slowly turned around. He saw that the death eaters were closing in on him. He had to react fast or they would trap him. He quickly got his wand out and cried "Expelliarmus"
But the death eaters were too fast for him. His wand flew out of his hand and landed near the feet of the nearest death eater.
"Pathetic. After all these years I thought you might have been able to know to use a better spell than that. My wand is yearning to make you scream here in front of your mudblood wife, Granger and your filthy blood traitor children. But the dark lord has his orders to only stun and disarm. So be careful Weasley or else you would be under great pain soon enough. Come on fellow death eaters. Our job here is done."
With a pop sound the death eaters disapparated away. The leader remained behind.
"Tell me weasel, did I ever give you a present? I would think not. Well here's to a happy birthday to you. Amoro Stupefy" a red jet of light struck Ron straight in the chest. The spell was so strong that it blasted him off his feet and he landed twenty metres back demolishing a stack of trolleys kept there. With another high pitched cackle Pansy Parkinson disapparated away.
Hermione rushed over to Ron. Fred and George were soon at the scene. Hermione checked Ron's pulse. With a sigh of relief she found out that he was alive but his breathing was shallow and inconsistent. Tears sprang to her eyes.
"Enervate" she mumbled but Ron remained motionless.
Hermione wiped away her tears with the hem of her robes. She looked at Ron closely and screwed up her face in concentration as if trying to remember something. Fred and George were looking anxiously at their little brother.
"Amoro Enervate."
Ron opened his eyes. He looked up at Hermione groggily.
"Ron you gave us a big fright bro."
"Yeah when you got hit by that curse we thought you had had it."
"Bro, you were blasted off twenty feet."
"I thought it must have been Explosion Hex."
"Well apparently you got hit by a stunning spell at point blank range." Hermione spoke up.
"Blimey, that must have been some stunning spell then."
"That was because it was an Amorous spell." Hermione answered.
"A what – ous spell?" all three chorused.
"Don't you ever read?"
"Cut off the lecture and tell us about it." Fred retorted.
"Well an Amorous spell is a charm which amplifies the effects of a simple charm many folds. That death eater used an amorous spell on you. That would explain the power of the stunning spell."
"Yeah especially when the person casting the spell is a f wimp like Dolores Umbridge." Ron replied.
"What?" the others shouted.
"Yeah I recognized her by her voice. I could never forget it especially after the way she had tormented us 'Mione."
"Let's go 'Mione. Fred would you kindly call on the driver and inform him to start the train. We are already running quite late."
He unsteadily got up to his feet. Hermione and George supported his body. Ron complained of a sore back and a few aching ribs. They slowly made towards the compartment and when they arrived Ron collapsed on the seat. Both Harry and Alice were ashen faced. Alice's face was white with fear. There were scratch marks on her cheek were apparently she had dug her fingernails in fear. Harry was too shocked to speak.
"Well I must be off fellows. Lee is alone at the shop and it is time that I relieve him of his duties. Good luck Ron & Hermione. Harry, remember what I told you. And Alice don't fuss about your brother too much." George waved them goodbye as the train gave a jerk and started to move slowly. He exited the compartment leaving the family to themselves.
There was silence. Everyone remained quiet. Harry and Alice were horrified at what they saw and Ron and Hermione pondered over what they would explain to the children.
Soon the train started to move fast. It was going across the country. There was greenery all around. Eventually Ron broke the silence.
"Do you know anything about what you saw earlier at the platform?" he sounded stupid. Why the hell would they know anything about what happened around the platform?
Both of them nodded their heads.
"Well, it's going to take some time then." He looked at both of them. Both were still pale but they were listening to him with rapt attention. He looked over at Hermione, she was pale and her eyes were glistening. Ron placed his arm over hers and gave a gentle squeeze reassuring her.
"You know about you-know-who, don't you? How much do you know? Alice, tell me. It would be better if I know how much to tell you."
Alice looked at her parents and spoke up.
"I know that about thirty years back there was an evil wizard. He was extremely powerful. He killed anyone who stood in his way. But twenty-five years back, he met his downfall at the hands of a little boy known as Harry Potter. But thirteen years later he got back his powers. He became more terrible than ever before until the boy-who-lived brought him down again."
"Well you know much more than you ought to know." Ron said. Hermione looked shocked.
"It's going to make things a lot easier for me. You said you read about Harry Potter. How much do you know about him?"
Alice frowned.
"There isn't much about him anywhere. Most of it's in the restricted section of the library."
"And for good reason too."
"Why? Why would anyone be so protective about a single wizard's life?"
"Because his life was most intriguing. And there are many horrors in his life, which can never be put on text. And without that anything written about him would be incomplete."
Alice looked contended with the answer but Harry spoke up.
"How do you know so much about him?"
"Let's just say we met."
"You met. You met and he told his life story to you even when there are no written accounts about it. Come on, I'm not that thick enough to believe that."
"I didn't think you'd believe it. Just forget it. Harry Potter's life is more shocking than you can even imagine."
"No fair. You told me the same thing back then. I want to know about Harry Potter."
"Keep quiet Harry."
"It is bad enough that we are having this conversation with you two. Don't make it worse. Listening to Harry Potter's biography will give you nothing but trouble. You will be having nightmares." Hermione scolded.
"How do you know that I will be having bad dreams and nightmares? I am mentally strong enough, I might not be having them after all."
"You will. Everyone does."
"No they don't. You know it, but it doesn't affect you does it?"
"Yes it does." Hermione looked flushed.
'The boy sure can wiggle out his own needs.' Ron thought about his son.
"Well since you give us no choice we are going to tell you about it. How much do you know about that anyway?"
"Well I know he was brought up by muggles and he was an excellent quidditch player. That's all." Alice replied.
"You know correct. Damn good quidditch player he was. Probably best seeker of the century. Even better than Charlie. Some of his captures are legendary. There are pictures of them in the flying instructors' office. He was indeed brought up by muggles as his parents were murdered by you-know- who. They were horrid. They were the greatest piece of shit. They despised him. Treated him like a house elf, maybe worse. But things turned better. He arrived in Hogwarts and he had friends for the first time in his life."
He paused and then looked at his children. They were hanging on to every word of his. He looked at Hermione. She was very anxious and nervous. She was fidgeting continuosly. He closed his eyes and his memory got back to his school days. His first and second years. They were such good times. They had so much fun, the three of them. He opened his eyes dreamily and a smile appeared on his faces. He once again looked over at Hermione and nodded slowly.
"His first true friends. Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger."
There was a sharp gasp.
"We had loads of good times. We had lot of adventures. In fact that was the best part of my life. It always is. In these seven years you will make friends and enemies. Friends will stay by your side all your life and enemies who will be after your neck your entire life. But all that changed on the last day of school. In our seventh year. He finally defeated you- know-who but at a terrible price."
He paused again. Both Alice and Harry were listening intently. There was a pin drop silence inside the compartment. He looked over at Hermione for an assurance. She silently nodded.
"Something happened that night that changed our lives forever. He did fulfill his destiny of vanquishing you-know-who but he had to sell his soul to him. He became the new dark lord and his powers far surpassed that of you-know-who. On that very night he killed a thousand wizards and witches using a single hex. He was sent off to Azkaban without a trial. Nobody thought he deserved it after killing all those wizards. He remained there for ten years but this summer he broke out from prison. Only the second person to do so. His godfather was the only other wizard that accomplished that task. He again killed a hundred ministry aurors and destroyed all the Azkaban guards. He destroyed all protection wards and enchantments that bounded the place. He is now on the run. I think he is trying to get to Hogwarts. So there will be overwhelming protection charms around the place. Well that's about it, the life story of Harry Potter."
"Wow. He sure had a great life. He must have been really powerful too."
"It must have been hard on you, you were his best friends." Alice sympathized.
Ron looked up to meet his daughter's eyes.
"It was. It really was. We never could believe he had turned dark. We knew him better than anyone. But everybody was against him. I mean everybody. They sort of stopped us from doing anything. We were made to shut up. Even Mum and Dad believed he had turned our backs to us. But when he didn't protest about the judgment we came to the understanding that he might have in fact changed. A part of me still believes that he might have been subject to unfairly. But all the evidence points to him and there were witnesses. He wouldn't have a chance even if they allowed a trial."
Ron now had tears running down the length of his face freely. Hermione flung her arms around him and broke down completely. Ron patted her head slowly comforting her.
"Oh why Ron why? Why did he do it? Why is he torturing us to relive those memories again?"
"Those were the best part of his life. He relives them but to enjoy himself. You have to admit that it was our best times too. But it causes us pain to think of it whereas it causes him pleasure and satisfaction."
"Why does he torture us mentally for this? Why does he cause so much pain? What did we do to deserve this suffering?"
The last statement of Hermione flashed a light inside Ron's head.
"Hermione, do you remember what he told us? He told us we were going to suffer how we treated him."
"Yeah, so what does tha" Hermione stopped in mid sentence.
"He knows we will be there Hermione. He knows that our children are going to Hogwarts this year. What if " he paused.
"We can't let that happen Ron. We have to tell Dumbledore right away." Hermione said.
"I know what is at stake Hermione. I'll speak with him first thin when we get to the school."
"But he might already have planning to attack the school by now. Oh Ron we have got to stop him. What are we going to do?" she was visibly shaking.
"Hermione take a grip on yourself. You are not setting a good example to your children if you start panicking just at the thought of him. Especially not in front of Alice. I want her to become a good dueler and you are not helping her at all."
"Why is it about Alice and not me?" Harry asked quizzically.
"Because son your sister here has almost all the traits of her mother which includes a hopeless dueler and exccedingly poor in quidditch. Forget quidditch, she was hopeless even at flying."
Harry sniggered and Alice scowled.
"What's there in flying anyway? After all it's just a game."
Harry opened his mouth to argue but Ron stopped him.
"That's exactly what your mother would've said wouldn't you Hermione?"
Hermione seemed to have recollected herself. Steadying she answered.
"I certainly wasn't hopeless at dueling and I'm certainly not that bad at flying as you are making out to be."
"Oh yeah. Remember the time when I hexed with my eyes closed. Ha, you can be good at spells and jinxes but when it comes to the real thing you are hopeless. You're even too shy to admit it. And what was that about your flying abilities. I still get tears in my eyes when you turned upside down on your broom at the Burrow. And remember our first flying lesson. Your broom kept rolling on the ground. It didn't even fly up a few inches above the ground."
By now both Ron and Harry were howling with laughter and rolling on the floor. Hermione looked a shade of deep red. Alice rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her book.
After Ron and Harry had finished laughing they got back to their seats. Their ribs were paining from the laughter. Eventually Harry asked.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were going to be at Hogwarts?"
"It's simple isn't it?" Alice spoke, her face still on the Standard Book of Spells Part 1.
"Why?"
"They want to keep an eye on us." Alice sounded as if was obvious.
"Was it that obvious?"
"Um – no, don't worry I'm also on the slower side. We aren't going to interfere in any of your activities."
"We know how important it is for you two to go through this phase of life on your own. We will only help to guide you. You must do the rest. You must find where your loyalties lie. You will make your friends and create your enemies. We will stay aloof from this matter and just keep an eye on you that's all."
"It is important that whatever you learn at Hogwarts, you learn alone."
Soon the Hogwarts Express steamed into the Hogsmead station.
As the four descended onto the platform they heard a voice.
"Firs' years, firs' years this way."
"Go on." Ron told them.
The two walked over to the source of the voice. As the person turned around they stared at the face covered by unmanned untamed beard. His long hair covered the rest of his face. Only his eyes were glittering in the light of the lantern that he was holding. He was huge. Not like a common man. He stood ten feet tall. He towered over the two timid children.
"Ah yea' mus' be Ron an' Hermione's kids. Yer uncle Charlie tol' me all abou' ye two. Yer parents were all right. Yer Mum mighta been the cleverest witch ever to come ter Hogwarts. Topped in all lessons. Passed with three hundred and twenty percent and all. Yer dad was a great quidditch player. He was a ruddy brilliant keeper. He was as good as Wood. Mighta played for England if he had applied for it. Gryffindor never lost the cup the entire seven years yer dad was in school. Yer dad and his gang were all in the team and they won the cup without conceding a single point."
Harry and Alice beamed at him. They had never learned about their parents' achievements.
"Um – who are you?"
"Me. I'm Rubeus Hagrid. I'm the care o' magical creatures teacher. Yer uncle Charlie was supposed ter come to pick ye up. He's the gamekeeper now. But he was away today so I filled in. Ok, I think everyone has assembled. So everyone follow me."
They followed Hagrid to a lake. There were several boats on the bank though none of them had oars.
"Alrigh' everyone get on the boats. Six per boat. Careful now, be slow and steady."
When they were all aboard Hagrid raised his arm forward and all the boats started to move forward. Soon they got their first view of Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry. The castle stood out against the night sky. There were spectacles of light from all parts of the castle. Almost everybody gasped at the spectacular sight. They all felt a certain degree of warmth emanating from that castle. They felt comfortable.
Soon they were standing in the entrance hall. A sallow skinned man was looming in front of them. Hagrid had left them under his charge. He wore black robes. His lips were thin and he had greasy slimy hair.
"Ah, ickle firsties. How truly pathetic and midget like! I do hope some of you posses some brain so that you land in Slytherin. The rest of you might be just like brainless baboons that normally land in Hufflepuff and Gryffndor."
He spoke slowly and his voice was barely audible. Yet everyone caught up with each word. His eyes landed upon Harry.
"Ah, a Weasley. It has been quite some time since we had the last one leaving this place. No doubt that you would be the same as your predecessors. Adamant fools nosing around looking for trouble. Weaseling out from the clutches of the law. Breaking school rules and destroying school property. Strutting around the school. You might not be in Slytherin, but beware if I ever catch you breaking a law then I will personally see to it that you were expelled. I will not let the headmaster take pity on you like he did in your father's case."
Harry looked as well as all the color of his face has drained away.
Professor Snape turned around and motioned them to follow.
"Please tell me Alice what they do at the Sorting ceremony. It's not something painful is it? I don't want to be in Slytherin. Please tell me, I'd do anything."
Alice looked over at her brother. Though they were of the same age born a few minutes apart from each other (they were fraternal twins) he always looked up to her as an elder sister. She looked over at her brother. He was looking terrified.
"Relax Harry. It's just the Sorting Hat."
"A hat? What are we supposed to do with it?"
"You will be playing chess with it. Honestly Harry, you put it on." She said sarcastically.
"So, I put it on and it tells you the House you are in right?" he looked relieved.
"Yes, now if you don't mind I would like to move on and enter the Great Hall."
All of them entered the Great Hall and were spellbound by the captivating sight their eyes met with. The huge hall was filled with light. There were candles that remained suspended above them. The ceiling was huge and looked as if made of glass as it showed the clear night sky above them. There were four house tables and all of them were filled with older students. The two of them saw and recognized the red and gold banner above one of them with a roaring lion as the logo. They looked around and saw one draped in silver and green with a snake etched on the banner. At another end there was a canary yellow banner with a badger as it's symbol and at the far end was a blue banner with an eagle bearing the house mark. At the end of the hall there was the staff table. At the opposite end there was the staff table.
They watched with curiosity as the entire hall became quiet.
A very old battered hat was placed in front of them. They watched the hat with curiosity as a skit appeared in the hat and it broke into a song.
Once upon a time a thousand years ago
I was a hat newly sewed on a wizard's head.
Four great wizards and witches of their ages
Lived in harmony among themselves.
Brave Gryffindor proposed to start an institution
Which would be the temple of magical education.
So was made Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry
It's existence producing great sorcerers of all age.
But they faced a problem
How to sort the young ones into their houses.
Gryffindor pulled me over his head
Giving me the task to place you wherever you want to choose.
You could be brave as a Gryffindor
Or clever as Ravenclaw.
Yet loyal as Hufflepuff
And cunning as Slytherin.
So come on over and place me over your head
That I may place you to where your heart belongs.
Do not tarry, as time is precious
As long you take the difficult it becomes.
As the hat broke off and fell silent, the Great Hall erupted in applause. Professor Snape cleared his throat and the hall fell silent at once. He started to call out the names one by one. As a name was called out, the boy or girl walked up to the stool with the hat and placed it over their head. The hat would then call out the house. Eventually the silky voice called out.
"Weasley Harry"
Harry had a lump in his throat. He slowly walked up to the stool and with trembling hands he placed the hat over his head. He had a feeling that a number of pair of eyes was watching over from the staff table. As soon as the hat had touched his head tiny voice spoke in his brain.
"Another Weasley,eh ? There hadn't been any for quite some time. Nothing to worry, I know exactly where to place you. GRYFFINDOR."
There was a loud applause from the table on the right. Harry trembling all over walked up to the Gryffindor house table. As soon as he reached the table, Alice hugged her with joy. She had also kept up with the Weasley tradition. Soon enough the sorting ceremony finished.
Harry looked as an extremely looking wizard who was sitting in the middle of the staff table rise. He looked on as the man known to him as Dumbledore spoke up.
"I just have two words to speak or the moment. Tuck in."
Within moments the four tables were groaning under piles of wonderful dishes. For once Harry understood why his father was described as a senseless glutton. Very soon his mouth was full of mashed potatoes and sausages. He crammed his mouth with as much food possible.
"Use some manners Harry." Alice frowned.
With the puddings the feast ended. When everyone had finished their meals and filled Dumbledore stood up and surveyed the hall.
"It has been over fifty years since I was Headmaster of this great institution. Yet it doesn't feel anything different from the first time I addressed the school from this podium. This may as well be the last time I would be addressing you like this. I would be leaving the school tomorrow."
There were gasps all around the hall. A few members of the staff were looking astonished.
"But you do not have to worry. Professor Mcgonagall would be the new Headmistress of the school. I have every faith in her that she would rise to the occasion splendidly."
There was an applause but the Gryffindor table clapped the hardest.
"Last year a lot of our teachers resigned in order to help the Ministry in the present crisis. So we have a lot of new faces on the staff table, as you must have noticed. It gives me great pleasure to welcome back four previous Hogwarts students. Without further ado I give you Professor Granger-Weasley. She was one of the most gifted witches to ever set foot in this hall. As Professor Mcgonagall would be unable to continue to teach Transfiguration due to her additional duties as Headmistress Professor Granger-Weasley would be taking up that subject. Also she would be the head of Gryffindor House."
The Gryffindor table burst into a tremendous applause. Hermione got up and acknowledge the applause.
"Next I give you Professor Chang. She would be teaching Charms and also will take up the position of head of Ravenclaw house."
There was another loud applause and the Ravenclaw table clapped hard. Cho stood up and waved towards the Ravenclaw table.
"The third change you will be observing is Professor Longbottom who will be teaching Herbology. He was a very gifted Herbology student when he was at school and you will find him as a suitable replacement for Professor Sprout."
There was a much milder applause. Neville stood up and broke into a small nervous grin.
"Last of all I give you Mr. Weasley who will be helping you with your flying lessons."
The entire hall erupted in a giant ear deafening applause. The Gryffindor table was on their feet. Both Harry and Alice were looking ecstatic. Ron stood up and gave Harry a wink.
"I also have managed a suitable Defense Against the Dark Arts. He is from Durmstrang but he was here in Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. So we welcome him back too. He is very much gifted and I hope you utilize him as much as you can. I give you Professor Patterson."
There was a mild applause and to everyone's surprise the Slytherin table seemed much pleased. Professor Patterson stood up and nodded.
"Lastly I give you Mr.Malfoy. He will aid Professor Snape in the potions class. Professor would be away in the middle of the year for Ministry business."
The Slytherin gave him a standing ovation. The Gryffindor were giving him death stares. Even some teachers were staring at Malfoy uncomfortably. Snape however looked very pleased.
"Lastly I remind all of you all that the Forbidden Forest is essentially forbidden to all students. Also portable swamps along with cursing yoyos are banned along with a thousand and three more items. The full list is at Mr.Filch's office. Anyone interested may view it. Now that announcements are done, prefects escort the first years to their dormitories."
Harry and Alice braved through the students towards the staff table. They soon spotted their parents and went towards them.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Alice squealed.
"And spoil the surprise, not on your lifetime." Ron beamed at them.
"After all I couldn't let my son be on his first broomstick and not be there to watch it."
"And you two, you are going to refer to as Professors during school. Otherwise it's going to be detentions for you."
"Well it's getting late so you two better get back to your dormitories."
They quickly followed the Gryffindor first years out of the hall. Oblivious to the family union, a person was watching them silently from a distance. His gaze shifted over to Professor Chang. She was still extremely pretty. Her face was still the same. Her lips were the same puffy red. But her body had developed a lot over the ten years. She looked a lot more different, sexier. He caught himself staring at her. He was looking intently at her gracious features. She had a little word with Professor Mcgonagall before turning and walking away. He stared at her retreating form. Her small hips swaying as she walked away. Her curvaceous features were so – so feminine.
Eventually all the Professors left the hall for their quarters. He was alone left behind in the hall. He looked around the hall and contemplated the place, which had been his home for seven years. The place he had always known as his actual home. He shrugged and spoke to himself.
"Yes, it is good to be back home."
HoshHikari4ever: Am I that predictable. Hope this chapter catches you by surprise a bit.
AutumnKate: Thanx for the review and the words of encouragement.
The New Term Begins
"Harry, Alice you better get your things down here right away, or you are going to be late." Hermione called out from the kitchen. Soon the two young children came down with pulling their trunks along the way. As they entered the kitchen, Harry spoke up.
"Mum, I'm going to be in Gryffindor wouldn't I? Honestly I don't want to be in Slytherin. And how do we get sorted? Uncle George was telling me it was painful and we had to fight something, a troll may be."
"Oh, Harry, don't you ever read?" his clever sister retorted.
Harry scowled heavily at her but didn't say anything to her especially in front of mum. Mum always took on her side just like uncle Fred had said. She was indeed like mum in her old days.
"Mum how are going to be sorted?"
"Well if you don't know about that it is best to keep it a secret."
"You know about it don't you?" he sneered at Alice.
"What if I do?"
"Harry, Alice don't you dare break off into a row now. We are already late and if you don't want to walk to Hogwarts I suggest you complete your breakfast now."
Both of them sat down. Harry continued to scowl at Alice but didn't speak anything about it. They quietly ate their bacon and eggs. Both of them were eyeing each other precariously. They only stopped when Ron entered the room.
"Hermione is everything ok? The Ministry cars have arrived. Children when you have finished bring your trunks to the porch."
He then moved into the kitchen and started on his own breakfast. Ten years haven't changed Ron a bit. He was still ravenous when it came to food. Soon he had finished off his bacon and eggs and was starting on a toast. Hermione entered the kitchen.
"Everything fine Hermione?"
"Yes Ronald everything is indeed fine unless you consider a big gluttonic git like yourself."
Ron looked insulted but he shrugged and got up. Ten minutes later they were in the cars headed towards Kings Cross station. They traveled in silence. When they reached the platform Ron got two trolleys and they loaded their trunk and their owl cages atop the trunk and moved along platform 9 ¾.
Harry broke the silence as they approached platforms nine and ten.
"Dad, our ticket says its platform 9 ¾. But here there is only platform nine and ten."
"I know kid. Platform 9 ¾ is an exclusive wizarding platform. So it is protected from muggles that they cannot see it."
They walked along till they approached the barrier.
"To get to the platform you must pass through the barrier." He pointed to the red brick wall.
Harry looked at him skeptically.
"Here I'll help you the first time."
Ron placed a hand over his son and motioned him to walk towards the barrier. They walked towards it and in an instant they had passed through it and now were looking at a red train with a black engine. Steam was blowing from its chimney.
Harry looked amazed.
"Cool, huh?"
"Wow."
A moment later Hermione and Alice had appeared behind them. They were not looking remotely astounded. Ron shrugged. Fred was right. His little girl was just about clever as Hermione if not better.
They walked to the nearest compartment and hauled their trunks inside. Once they were in they quickly found an empty compartment and they sat down. There was still another ten minutes to go before departure.
"Hello everybody." The twins just walked inside the compartment.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked tersely. She was still sore on them regarding the incident a few days back.
"Just seeing off our dear old nephew"
"And niece"
"Oh squirt I have something for you too. We got you something we nicked from old Filch in our first year. It's not the original though. But we have been recreating it over the summer."
"Poring over our brains."
"Remembering stuff."
"It's just a prototype. We made it especially for you."
Fred handed Harry an envelope.
Harry proceeded to open it.
"No, no don't open it now. Open when you are safely tucked inside your dormitories. It's a rather sensitive stuff."
"Ok. But what's it anyway?"
"Ah my little nephew you don't want to spoil the surprise now do you?"
"Let's put it this way, that was the secret of our success. And we believe that since mum and dad failed miserably at it, we think you are apt enough to continue our legacy."
"Yeah that thing will probably teach you more than any teacher in the school. It sure did teach us more than anything at school didn't it Fred?"
"What legacy?"
Fred looked hurt.
"What legacy? Haven't your parents told about our history at Hogwarts? Explain George."
"Harry I don't know if your parents told this but we were one of the greatest troublemakers in the history of the school."
"Wow you really were."
"Yeah. We found about more about the school other than anybody. Well other than the original creators of course."
"Yeah if there was a trophy for the greatest number of detentions served then our name would be on it."
"And if there was a shield for the greatest trouble makers in Hogwarts we ought to be the first to receive it."
Harry sniggered. Hermione looked suspicious. Ron bemused.
"What did you give him?" she asked carefully.
"Oh, my dearest sister – in – law you certainly wouldn't want to know." Fred spoke in a voice filled with mock concern. The twins and Harry sniggered. Even Ron laughed.
Hermione looked carefully at them. Then realization hit her. Her eyes went round and she clapped her hands over her mouth.
"No way are you giving that to my son."
"What are you talking about Hermione?" George asked innocently.
"You are not going to give that map to Harry."
"What map?"
"Great going Hermione. You just spoilt the surprise for our favorite nephew." Fred said sarcastically.
Ron looked surprised.
"Is that the the map I think it is?"
"Yes it is little bro."
Ron looked tensely first towards Hermione then the twins and then at Harry. Finally his face broke into a grin.
"Ron you can't be serious about giving Harry the map. It is too dangerous."
"Oh come off it 'Mione it is just a map. And we know most of it after all. We used it so many times remember."
"It is not just a map Ron. You know it as well as I do. Harry is not taking the map."
"Oh Hermione, there is nothing wrong about him having the map as well he exercises a little restraint over himself. We will always watch him." Ron looked pleadingly at her. But she still glared at him although her expression faltered slightly. He looked around the compartment and knew that she was going to be overruled.
"Well, now that's settled and as your dear mother had messed up your surprise you may as well open it now, Harry."
He opened the envelope and looked inside. He brought out two pieces of parchment. One was blank and on the other instructions was written. He read the instructions and then he cleared out his throat and brought out his wand.
"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!"
He gasped. From the point on the parchment where his wand tip had been held lines of ink were starting to form. At the top of the map words were forming
"Weasleys Wizarding Weezes along with Messer's Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs proudly present 'The Marauders' Map'"
The lines continued to form.
"This is a map of Hogwarts and apart from the regular passageways there are several hidden passageways and they feature in this map. It is the perfect friend for law breakers. So if you want to skive off classes and are in shortage of skiving snackboxes, this is your friend. Not that you will be in shortage of though. We will make sure you have plenty. Also if you are in the wrong side of the law then this will help you in a hasty retreat. Even old Filch doesn't know as much as we do."
"Wow, it's, it's..."
But exactly was the Marauders' Map in his opinion, no one found out. Because at that precise moment a loud scream and a cackle of high pitched laughter rang through the air.
Ron leapt from the seat. He quickly looked at the window and with a quick glance he had seen all that he needed to see. He looked over at his family and his older brothers.
"It's them." He spoke grimly.
The reaction was instantaneous. Fred and George leapt from their seats and jumped onto the platform. Hermione followed them. Ron looked over at his children.
"Now I want you to promise me that no matter what happens out there on the platform you will not step out of the compartment." They both mutely nodded. Both of them look frightened. Even Alice, she was the smarter one.
Ron hugged both of them and hurried out of the compartment. Outside he saw a fierce battle going on. No one had thought about a possibility of a death eater attack. There were curses flying everywhere. Red jets of light were streaking about the air. The children were horrified. They were trying to board the train as fast as possible seeking the refuge of the Hogwarts Express. He watched Hermione helping a few older girls, probably fifth or sixth years on the train. He saw Fred and George casting spells and charms on the parents nearby. There were already a lot of bodies lying around.
They were strewn pell-mell around the platform. He rushed over to the nearest person and bent over him. He checked his pulse. To his relief he was alive.
"Probably stunned." He thought.
He proceeded to move over to the next person when a cold voice drawled out.
"My, my what do we have here, a little weasel."
Ron froze. He had heard the voice so many times during his fifth year. He could never mistake it. It was a voice devoid of any form of pity or emotion. Ron slowly turned around. He saw that the death eaters were closing in on him. He had to react fast or they would trap him. He quickly got his wand out and cried "Expelliarmus"
But the death eaters were too fast for him. His wand flew out of his hand and landed near the feet of the nearest death eater.
"Pathetic. After all these years I thought you might have been able to know to use a better spell than that. My wand is yearning to make you scream here in front of your mudblood wife, Granger and your filthy blood traitor children. But the dark lord has his orders to only stun and disarm. So be careful Weasley or else you would be under great pain soon enough. Come on fellow death eaters. Our job here is done."
With a pop sound the death eaters disapparated away. The leader remained behind.
"Tell me weasel, did I ever give you a present? I would think not. Well here's to a happy birthday to you. Amoro Stupefy" a red jet of light struck Ron straight in the chest. The spell was so strong that it blasted him off his feet and he landed twenty metres back demolishing a stack of trolleys kept there. With another high pitched cackle Pansy Parkinson disapparated away.
Hermione rushed over to Ron. Fred and George were soon at the scene. Hermione checked Ron's pulse. With a sigh of relief she found out that he was alive but his breathing was shallow and inconsistent. Tears sprang to her eyes.
"Enervate" she mumbled but Ron remained motionless.
Hermione wiped away her tears with the hem of her robes. She looked at Ron closely and screwed up her face in concentration as if trying to remember something. Fred and George were looking anxiously at their little brother.
"Amoro Enervate."
Ron opened his eyes. He looked up at Hermione groggily.
"Ron you gave us a big fright bro."
"Yeah when you got hit by that curse we thought you had had it."
"Bro, you were blasted off twenty feet."
"I thought it must have been Explosion Hex."
"Well apparently you got hit by a stunning spell at point blank range." Hermione spoke up.
"Blimey, that must have been some stunning spell then."
"That was because it was an Amorous spell." Hermione answered.
"A what – ous spell?" all three chorused.
"Don't you ever read?"
"Cut off the lecture and tell us about it." Fred retorted.
"Well an Amorous spell is a charm which amplifies the effects of a simple charm many folds. That death eater used an amorous spell on you. That would explain the power of the stunning spell."
"Yeah especially when the person casting the spell is a f wimp like Dolores Umbridge." Ron replied.
"What?" the others shouted.
"Yeah I recognized her by her voice. I could never forget it especially after the way she had tormented us 'Mione."
"Let's go 'Mione. Fred would you kindly call on the driver and inform him to start the train. We are already running quite late."
He unsteadily got up to his feet. Hermione and George supported his body. Ron complained of a sore back and a few aching ribs. They slowly made towards the compartment and when they arrived Ron collapsed on the seat. Both Harry and Alice were ashen faced. Alice's face was white with fear. There were scratch marks on her cheek were apparently she had dug her fingernails in fear. Harry was too shocked to speak.
"Well I must be off fellows. Lee is alone at the shop and it is time that I relieve him of his duties. Good luck Ron & Hermione. Harry, remember what I told you. And Alice don't fuss about your brother too much." George waved them goodbye as the train gave a jerk and started to move slowly. He exited the compartment leaving the family to themselves.
There was silence. Everyone remained quiet. Harry and Alice were horrified at what they saw and Ron and Hermione pondered over what they would explain to the children.
Soon the train started to move fast. It was going across the country. There was greenery all around. Eventually Ron broke the silence.
"Do you know anything about what you saw earlier at the platform?" he sounded stupid. Why the hell would they know anything about what happened around the platform?
Both of them nodded their heads.
"Well, it's going to take some time then." He looked at both of them. Both were still pale but they were listening to him with rapt attention. He looked over at Hermione, she was pale and her eyes were glistening. Ron placed his arm over hers and gave a gentle squeeze reassuring her.
"You know about you-know-who, don't you? How much do you know? Alice, tell me. It would be better if I know how much to tell you."
Alice looked at her parents and spoke up.
"I know that about thirty years back there was an evil wizard. He was extremely powerful. He killed anyone who stood in his way. But twenty-five years back, he met his downfall at the hands of a little boy known as Harry Potter. But thirteen years later he got back his powers. He became more terrible than ever before until the boy-who-lived brought him down again."
"Well you know much more than you ought to know." Ron said. Hermione looked shocked.
"It's going to make things a lot easier for me. You said you read about Harry Potter. How much do you know about him?"
Alice frowned.
"There isn't much about him anywhere. Most of it's in the restricted section of the library."
"And for good reason too."
"Why? Why would anyone be so protective about a single wizard's life?"
"Because his life was most intriguing. And there are many horrors in his life, which can never be put on text. And without that anything written about him would be incomplete."
Alice looked contended with the answer but Harry spoke up.
"How do you know so much about him?"
"Let's just say we met."
"You met. You met and he told his life story to you even when there are no written accounts about it. Come on, I'm not that thick enough to believe that."
"I didn't think you'd believe it. Just forget it. Harry Potter's life is more shocking than you can even imagine."
"No fair. You told me the same thing back then. I want to know about Harry Potter."
"Keep quiet Harry."
"It is bad enough that we are having this conversation with you two. Don't make it worse. Listening to Harry Potter's biography will give you nothing but trouble. You will be having nightmares." Hermione scolded.
"How do you know that I will be having bad dreams and nightmares? I am mentally strong enough, I might not be having them after all."
"You will. Everyone does."
"No they don't. You know it, but it doesn't affect you does it?"
"Yes it does." Hermione looked flushed.
'The boy sure can wiggle out his own needs.' Ron thought about his son.
"Well since you give us no choice we are going to tell you about it. How much do you know about that anyway?"
"Well I know he was brought up by muggles and he was an excellent quidditch player. That's all." Alice replied.
"You know correct. Damn good quidditch player he was. Probably best seeker of the century. Even better than Charlie. Some of his captures are legendary. There are pictures of them in the flying instructors' office. He was indeed brought up by muggles as his parents were murdered by you-know- who. They were horrid. They were the greatest piece of shit. They despised him. Treated him like a house elf, maybe worse. But things turned better. He arrived in Hogwarts and he had friends for the first time in his life."
He paused and then looked at his children. They were hanging on to every word of his. He looked at Hermione. She was very anxious and nervous. She was fidgeting continuosly. He closed his eyes and his memory got back to his school days. His first and second years. They were such good times. They had so much fun, the three of them. He opened his eyes dreamily and a smile appeared on his faces. He once again looked over at Hermione and nodded slowly.
"His first true friends. Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger."
There was a sharp gasp.
"We had loads of good times. We had lot of adventures. In fact that was the best part of my life. It always is. In these seven years you will make friends and enemies. Friends will stay by your side all your life and enemies who will be after your neck your entire life. But all that changed on the last day of school. In our seventh year. He finally defeated you- know-who but at a terrible price."
He paused again. Both Alice and Harry were listening intently. There was a pin drop silence inside the compartment. He looked over at Hermione for an assurance. She silently nodded.
"Something happened that night that changed our lives forever. He did fulfill his destiny of vanquishing you-know-who but he had to sell his soul to him. He became the new dark lord and his powers far surpassed that of you-know-who. On that very night he killed a thousand wizards and witches using a single hex. He was sent off to Azkaban without a trial. Nobody thought he deserved it after killing all those wizards. He remained there for ten years but this summer he broke out from prison. Only the second person to do so. His godfather was the only other wizard that accomplished that task. He again killed a hundred ministry aurors and destroyed all the Azkaban guards. He destroyed all protection wards and enchantments that bounded the place. He is now on the run. I think he is trying to get to Hogwarts. So there will be overwhelming protection charms around the place. Well that's about it, the life story of Harry Potter."
"Wow. He sure had a great life. He must have been really powerful too."
"It must have been hard on you, you were his best friends." Alice sympathized.
Ron looked up to meet his daughter's eyes.
"It was. It really was. We never could believe he had turned dark. We knew him better than anyone. But everybody was against him. I mean everybody. They sort of stopped us from doing anything. We were made to shut up. Even Mum and Dad believed he had turned our backs to us. But when he didn't protest about the judgment we came to the understanding that he might have in fact changed. A part of me still believes that he might have been subject to unfairly. But all the evidence points to him and there were witnesses. He wouldn't have a chance even if they allowed a trial."
Ron now had tears running down the length of his face freely. Hermione flung her arms around him and broke down completely. Ron patted her head slowly comforting her.
"Oh why Ron why? Why did he do it? Why is he torturing us to relive those memories again?"
"Those were the best part of his life. He relives them but to enjoy himself. You have to admit that it was our best times too. But it causes us pain to think of it whereas it causes him pleasure and satisfaction."
"Why does he torture us mentally for this? Why does he cause so much pain? What did we do to deserve this suffering?"
The last statement of Hermione flashed a light inside Ron's head.
"Hermione, do you remember what he told us? He told us we were going to suffer how we treated him."
"Yeah, so what does tha" Hermione stopped in mid sentence.
"He knows we will be there Hermione. He knows that our children are going to Hogwarts this year. What if " he paused.
"We can't let that happen Ron. We have to tell Dumbledore right away." Hermione said.
"I know what is at stake Hermione. I'll speak with him first thin when we get to the school."
"But he might already have planning to attack the school by now. Oh Ron we have got to stop him. What are we going to do?" she was visibly shaking.
"Hermione take a grip on yourself. You are not setting a good example to your children if you start panicking just at the thought of him. Especially not in front of Alice. I want her to become a good dueler and you are not helping her at all."
"Why is it about Alice and not me?" Harry asked quizzically.
"Because son your sister here has almost all the traits of her mother which includes a hopeless dueler and exccedingly poor in quidditch. Forget quidditch, she was hopeless even at flying."
Harry sniggered and Alice scowled.
"What's there in flying anyway? After all it's just a game."
Harry opened his mouth to argue but Ron stopped him.
"That's exactly what your mother would've said wouldn't you Hermione?"
Hermione seemed to have recollected herself. Steadying she answered.
"I certainly wasn't hopeless at dueling and I'm certainly not that bad at flying as you are making out to be."
"Oh yeah. Remember the time when I hexed with my eyes closed. Ha, you can be good at spells and jinxes but when it comes to the real thing you are hopeless. You're even too shy to admit it. And what was that about your flying abilities. I still get tears in my eyes when you turned upside down on your broom at the Burrow. And remember our first flying lesson. Your broom kept rolling on the ground. It didn't even fly up a few inches above the ground."
By now both Ron and Harry were howling with laughter and rolling on the floor. Hermione looked a shade of deep red. Alice rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her book.
After Ron and Harry had finished laughing they got back to their seats. Their ribs were paining from the laughter. Eventually Harry asked.
"Why didn't you tell us that you were going to be at Hogwarts?"
"It's simple isn't it?" Alice spoke, her face still on the Standard Book of Spells Part 1.
"Why?"
"They want to keep an eye on us." Alice sounded as if was obvious.
"Was it that obvious?"
"Um – no, don't worry I'm also on the slower side. We aren't going to interfere in any of your activities."
"We know how important it is for you two to go through this phase of life on your own. We will only help to guide you. You must do the rest. You must find where your loyalties lie. You will make your friends and create your enemies. We will stay aloof from this matter and just keep an eye on you that's all."
"It is important that whatever you learn at Hogwarts, you learn alone."
Soon the Hogwarts Express steamed into the Hogsmead station.
As the four descended onto the platform they heard a voice.
"Firs' years, firs' years this way."
"Go on." Ron told them.
The two walked over to the source of the voice. As the person turned around they stared at the face covered by unmanned untamed beard. His long hair covered the rest of his face. Only his eyes were glittering in the light of the lantern that he was holding. He was huge. Not like a common man. He stood ten feet tall. He towered over the two timid children.
"Ah yea' mus' be Ron an' Hermione's kids. Yer uncle Charlie tol' me all abou' ye two. Yer parents were all right. Yer Mum mighta been the cleverest witch ever to come ter Hogwarts. Topped in all lessons. Passed with three hundred and twenty percent and all. Yer dad was a great quidditch player. He was a ruddy brilliant keeper. He was as good as Wood. Mighta played for England if he had applied for it. Gryffindor never lost the cup the entire seven years yer dad was in school. Yer dad and his gang were all in the team and they won the cup without conceding a single point."
Harry and Alice beamed at him. They had never learned about their parents' achievements.
"Um – who are you?"
"Me. I'm Rubeus Hagrid. I'm the care o' magical creatures teacher. Yer uncle Charlie was supposed ter come to pick ye up. He's the gamekeeper now. But he was away today so I filled in. Ok, I think everyone has assembled. So everyone follow me."
They followed Hagrid to a lake. There were several boats on the bank though none of them had oars.
"Alrigh' everyone get on the boats. Six per boat. Careful now, be slow and steady."
When they were all aboard Hagrid raised his arm forward and all the boats started to move forward. Soon they got their first view of Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry. The castle stood out against the night sky. There were spectacles of light from all parts of the castle. Almost everybody gasped at the spectacular sight. They all felt a certain degree of warmth emanating from that castle. They felt comfortable.
Soon they were standing in the entrance hall. A sallow skinned man was looming in front of them. Hagrid had left them under his charge. He wore black robes. His lips were thin and he had greasy slimy hair.
"Ah, ickle firsties. How truly pathetic and midget like! I do hope some of you posses some brain so that you land in Slytherin. The rest of you might be just like brainless baboons that normally land in Hufflepuff and Gryffndor."
He spoke slowly and his voice was barely audible. Yet everyone caught up with each word. His eyes landed upon Harry.
"Ah, a Weasley. It has been quite some time since we had the last one leaving this place. No doubt that you would be the same as your predecessors. Adamant fools nosing around looking for trouble. Weaseling out from the clutches of the law. Breaking school rules and destroying school property. Strutting around the school. You might not be in Slytherin, but beware if I ever catch you breaking a law then I will personally see to it that you were expelled. I will not let the headmaster take pity on you like he did in your father's case."
Harry looked as well as all the color of his face has drained away.
Professor Snape turned around and motioned them to follow.
"Please tell me Alice what they do at the Sorting ceremony. It's not something painful is it? I don't want to be in Slytherin. Please tell me, I'd do anything."
Alice looked over at her brother. Though they were of the same age born a few minutes apart from each other (they were fraternal twins) he always looked up to her as an elder sister. She looked over at her brother. He was looking terrified.
"Relax Harry. It's just the Sorting Hat."
"A hat? What are we supposed to do with it?"
"You will be playing chess with it. Honestly Harry, you put it on." She said sarcastically.
"So, I put it on and it tells you the House you are in right?" he looked relieved.
"Yes, now if you don't mind I would like to move on and enter the Great Hall."
All of them entered the Great Hall and were spellbound by the captivating sight their eyes met with. The huge hall was filled with light. There were candles that remained suspended above them. The ceiling was huge and looked as if made of glass as it showed the clear night sky above them. There were four house tables and all of them were filled with older students. The two of them saw and recognized the red and gold banner above one of them with a roaring lion as the logo. They looked around and saw one draped in silver and green with a snake etched on the banner. At another end there was a canary yellow banner with a badger as it's symbol and at the far end was a blue banner with an eagle bearing the house mark. At the end of the hall there was the staff table. At the opposite end there was the staff table.
They watched with curiosity as the entire hall became quiet.
A very old battered hat was placed in front of them. They watched the hat with curiosity as a skit appeared in the hat and it broke into a song.
Once upon a time a thousand years ago
I was a hat newly sewed on a wizard's head.
Four great wizards and witches of their ages
Lived in harmony among themselves.
Brave Gryffindor proposed to start an institution
Which would be the temple of magical education.
So was made Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry
It's existence producing great sorcerers of all age.
But they faced a problem
How to sort the young ones into their houses.
Gryffindor pulled me over his head
Giving me the task to place you wherever you want to choose.
You could be brave as a Gryffindor
Or clever as Ravenclaw.
Yet loyal as Hufflepuff
And cunning as Slytherin.
So come on over and place me over your head
That I may place you to where your heart belongs.
Do not tarry, as time is precious
As long you take the difficult it becomes.
As the hat broke off and fell silent, the Great Hall erupted in applause. Professor Snape cleared his throat and the hall fell silent at once. He started to call out the names one by one. As a name was called out, the boy or girl walked up to the stool with the hat and placed it over their head. The hat would then call out the house. Eventually the silky voice called out.
"Weasley Harry"
Harry had a lump in his throat. He slowly walked up to the stool and with trembling hands he placed the hat over his head. He had a feeling that a number of pair of eyes was watching over from the staff table. As soon as the hat had touched his head tiny voice spoke in his brain.
"Another Weasley,eh ? There hadn't been any for quite some time. Nothing to worry, I know exactly where to place you. GRYFFINDOR."
There was a loud applause from the table on the right. Harry trembling all over walked up to the Gryffindor house table. As soon as he reached the table, Alice hugged her with joy. She had also kept up with the Weasley tradition. Soon enough the sorting ceremony finished.
Harry looked as an extremely looking wizard who was sitting in the middle of the staff table rise. He looked on as the man known to him as Dumbledore spoke up.
"I just have two words to speak or the moment. Tuck in."
Within moments the four tables were groaning under piles of wonderful dishes. For once Harry understood why his father was described as a senseless glutton. Very soon his mouth was full of mashed potatoes and sausages. He crammed his mouth with as much food possible.
"Use some manners Harry." Alice frowned.
With the puddings the feast ended. When everyone had finished their meals and filled Dumbledore stood up and surveyed the hall.
"It has been over fifty years since I was Headmaster of this great institution. Yet it doesn't feel anything different from the first time I addressed the school from this podium. This may as well be the last time I would be addressing you like this. I would be leaving the school tomorrow."
There were gasps all around the hall. A few members of the staff were looking astonished.
"But you do not have to worry. Professor Mcgonagall would be the new Headmistress of the school. I have every faith in her that she would rise to the occasion splendidly."
There was an applause but the Gryffindor table clapped the hardest.
"Last year a lot of our teachers resigned in order to help the Ministry in the present crisis. So we have a lot of new faces on the staff table, as you must have noticed. It gives me great pleasure to welcome back four previous Hogwarts students. Without further ado I give you Professor Granger-Weasley. She was one of the most gifted witches to ever set foot in this hall. As Professor Mcgonagall would be unable to continue to teach Transfiguration due to her additional duties as Headmistress Professor Granger-Weasley would be taking up that subject. Also she would be the head of Gryffindor House."
The Gryffindor table burst into a tremendous applause. Hermione got up and acknowledge the applause.
"Next I give you Professor Chang. She would be teaching Charms and also will take up the position of head of Ravenclaw house."
There was another loud applause and the Ravenclaw table clapped hard. Cho stood up and waved towards the Ravenclaw table.
"The third change you will be observing is Professor Longbottom who will be teaching Herbology. He was a very gifted Herbology student when he was at school and you will find him as a suitable replacement for Professor Sprout."
There was a much milder applause. Neville stood up and broke into a small nervous grin.
"Last of all I give you Mr. Weasley who will be helping you with your flying lessons."
The entire hall erupted in a giant ear deafening applause. The Gryffindor table was on their feet. Both Harry and Alice were looking ecstatic. Ron stood up and gave Harry a wink.
"I also have managed a suitable Defense Against the Dark Arts. He is from Durmstrang but he was here in Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. So we welcome him back too. He is very much gifted and I hope you utilize him as much as you can. I give you Professor Patterson."
There was a mild applause and to everyone's surprise the Slytherin table seemed much pleased. Professor Patterson stood up and nodded.
"Lastly I give you Mr.Malfoy. He will aid Professor Snape in the potions class. Professor would be away in the middle of the year for Ministry business."
The Slytherin gave him a standing ovation. The Gryffindor were giving him death stares. Even some teachers were staring at Malfoy uncomfortably. Snape however looked very pleased.
"Lastly I remind all of you all that the Forbidden Forest is essentially forbidden to all students. Also portable swamps along with cursing yoyos are banned along with a thousand and three more items. The full list is at Mr.Filch's office. Anyone interested may view it. Now that announcements are done, prefects escort the first years to their dormitories."
Harry and Alice braved through the students towards the staff table. They soon spotted their parents and went towards them.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Alice squealed.
"And spoil the surprise, not on your lifetime." Ron beamed at them.
"After all I couldn't let my son be on his first broomstick and not be there to watch it."
"And you two, you are going to refer to as Professors during school. Otherwise it's going to be detentions for you."
"Well it's getting late so you two better get back to your dormitories."
They quickly followed the Gryffindor first years out of the hall. Oblivious to the family union, a person was watching them silently from a distance. His gaze shifted over to Professor Chang. She was still extremely pretty. Her face was still the same. Her lips were the same puffy red. But her body had developed a lot over the ten years. She looked a lot more different, sexier. He caught himself staring at her. He was looking intently at her gracious features. She had a little word with Professor Mcgonagall before turning and walking away. He stared at her retreating form. Her small hips swaying as she walked away. Her curvaceous features were so – so feminine.
Eventually all the Professors left the hall for their quarters. He was alone left behind in the hall. He looked around the hall and contemplated the place, which had been his home for seven years. The place he had always known as his actual home. He shrugged and spoke to himself.
"Yes, it is good to be back home."