I own nothing, J K Rowling IS Harry Potter. All my 'ideas' are basically ripped from stuff I enjoy; Harry Potter (duh!), Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dragonball, The Matrix, The Lion King, 24, and anything else that even remotely looks far too creative for me to just make up! Don't say I didn't warn you alright!
Chapter 11 – Something Old, Something New
The first of September dawned, and Grimmauld place was abuzz with four teenagers and two soon-to-be (with one being 'again') Professors rushing around making sure they left nothing behind. Finally, after a somewhat rushed breakfast which included questions like "has anyone seen my Defence homework?" and "if anyone finds any lesson plans, please let me know!" everyone was ready to go to Kings Cross to board the Hogwarts Express. Again, the Ministry provided cars for the occasion, and in what must go down in 'Hogwarts: A History' itself, they arrived at the station with half an hour to spare.
After the normal goodbyes, they students and teachers boarded the train and headed off to find spare carriages. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny spotted Luna Lovegood, and decided to share a compartment, with Neville joining them not long after, while Trent and Remus sat in the one opposite. At precisely eleven o'clock, the train departed platform 9¾ bound for Hogwarts.
The six students were describing their respective summers (again, Harry had to dodge a multitude of difficult questions, but did so admirably), when they were interrupted by the sound of the door sliding open. 'Damn, that's every year so far! Why can't he just stay put for once?' Harry cursed as Draco Malfoy stood at the door smirking at them, with Crabbe and Goyle towering behind him.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Five disgusting Gryffindor's and one totally loco Ravenclaw."
"Malfoy, this is starting to get old, I'd recognise your foul stench anywhere. I'd say it's a pleasure to see you again, but we all know that I'd be lying. Did you visit your father this summer?" Harry asked a little too innocently.
Draco narrowed his eyes in reply "shut your mouth, Potty. At least I've got a father."
Ron was about to restrain Harry, but found he had no need. Harry was laughing instead.
"What's so funny, Potter? Have you finally lost it after all these years without having any parents" Draco sneered
"Maybe I have, Malfoy. It's just that you're all talk and no action. You like to hide behind people. Your father, those two goons with you. I'd go on, but I'd be wasting my time."
Draco's eyes narrowed even more until they were mere slits. "So, I'm no action hey Potter, well it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top in that duel that we never finished three years ago."
"I s'pose it will be, remind me to turn my back. You Slytherin's seem to be masters at stabbing people there."
"Ahem, I think that's quite enough gentlemen."
Draco whirled around "who're you, when my father hears about…"
"Last time I checked, your father ain't taking any visitors. My name is unimportant. I'm the new Defence Professor, so I'd suggest you be on your way before I start giving out detentions."
Draco looked like he might argue, but turned away and started back down the train, not before saying "see you in class, Potter, and may the best Slytherin win."
Harry watched as Draco, Crabbe and Goyle sauntered off back to their carriage before Trent turned to him.
"It's better to avoid a fight than get caught up in one Harry. He's not worth your time, just try to ignore him alright? And I have a few suggestions to what curses you should use against him."
Harry smiled and nodded before Trent went back to his carriage to resume his talk with Remus about what kind of things he should expect during his classes.
The rest of the trip went smoothly, with the six students only being interrupted once more, but this time by the lunch cart. After they'd finished, Neville showed them his new wand. "Twelve inches, dragon heartstring. It feels more right than my Dad's ever did!"
"That's because it's the wand that chooses the wizard, Neville. I'm sure Mr Ollivander told you that."
"Well yes he did, but I still have trouble believing it…"
"Then don't believe it, just accept it. I know my wand chose me, and I'm glad it did. I'm sure your new wand will work wonders" Harry replied and Neville nodded.
Then they took turns in getting into their robes for their arrival at Hogwarts. Once the train came to a stop and they departed their carriage, Harry heard an all too familiar voice
"Firs' years, firs' years. 'ver 'ere please. C'mon, this way. We gotta ge' you all ready for th' feast"
"Hi Hagrid, hope you had a good summer."
"Oh, 'ey 'arry. Yeah I did, thanks fer askin'."
"No problems, I'll let you get back to taking the first years up then."
"Yeah, see you later 'arry"
"Hopefully, but I expect I'll be rather busy this year"
Hagrid nodded in understanding, before lumbering off to where the first years were gathering. Harry and the others went off in search for an empty thestral powered boat. They settled in, and before long, the familiar sight of the magnificent castle that is Hogwarts came into view and Ron whispered "I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing that sight" the others agreed before disembarking from their carriage and heading up towards the Great Hall, with Ron grumbling about how they should have the feast before the sorting. He was hushed by a slap from both Ginny and Hermione, much to Harry's and Neville's amusement.
Once everyone had settled down in the Great Hall, the doors opened to reveal Professor McGonagall and several frightened first year students. Just like every other year, the sorting hat was seated at the front of the teachers table, and had finished its song. Once again it reminded everyone of the need to unite under one banner and eliminate the house rivalries, the first years were then been sorted before Dumbledore stood up to address the school.
"Good evening all, I hope most if not all of you had a thoroughly enjoyable summer. There are a few announcements that need to be made before the feast starts. Firstly, I would like to tell the first years, and a few of the older ones" with that he glanced in the direction of the where Harry and his friends were sitting before continuing,
"That the Forbidden Forrest is called that for a reason. Do not venture in there at any time. Mr. Filch has increased his number of prohibited items to…ah I don't know how many it is now. A list of those items can be seen outside his door. The final thing is that I'd like to welcome, and in one case welcome back, two new Professors who have decided to join us this year; Trent Fuller and Remus Lupin."
After he said the last name, the entire Hall, the Gryffindor's especially, erupted into loud cheers, and boos in the case of most of the Slytherin table. It was quite some time before Dumbledore managed to calm everyone down.
"Yes I know many of you remember Professor Lupin, but unlike last time, he will not be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, that job has been given to Professor Fuller. Both of them have decided to co-teach the new subject; Duelling. I trust you treat them with respect, just like you do with the rest of your Professors. Right, I've rambled on for too long, let's eat!" with that he clapped his hands and all the tables were filled with all sorts of food.
Ron looked like all his Christmas' had come at once, and attacked the food with gusto, and to the surprise of others, so did Harry. Harry looked up at the staff table to see Remus and Trent chatting away 'probably swapping pranking stories' Harry thought, when Harry's Divination teacher, Professor Trelawney, suddenly grabbed Trent's arm and started speaking. Harry couldn't make out what she said, but the looks on those Professor's nearby, including Dumbledore, told Harry that whatever it was, it was her third real prediction. The feast continued and the teachers acted like nothing happened, so Harry thought nothing of it until someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"Would you please accompany me to the Headmaster's office, Harry? I believe we have a certain club of yours to discuss" Trent told him.
Harry nodded, quickly finishing his desert, got the common room password from Hermione ('Snuffles') before following Trent towards Dumbledore's office. They walked in relative silence, with Trent merely saying which portraits were in different positions when he was here last, and before long, they arrived at the foot of the gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office. Trent spoke to password 'Portable Swamp'. Harry stifled a laugh and Trent just raised his eyebrows but said nothing as they took the revolving stairs into the inner sanction of the Headmaster's office. Once they walked in, Harry wasn't surprised to see Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, but he was surprised that Remus was already in there.
"Good evening Harry, and Professors Fuller and Lupin. I gather you enjoyed the feast?"
"Yes, Albus, we did. Just cut to the chase, some of us have lessons tomorrow."
"Of course, Trent. Harry, I gather that Trent here told you to be here for us to discuss that defence club you started last year."
"Yes sir, he did mention that."
"Well, we will do that now. I would like you to disband it for now. Despite you helping a lot of students last year, I think it best if you didn't do it this year. Professors Fuller and Lupin will be teaching a mandatory Duelling class, so I don't think it necessary for yours to continue. We also need to discuss what Professor Trelawney said at dinner."
Harry nodded before saying "I did notice that sir, but couldn't hear what she was saying."
"And that's what I'm going to tell you" Dumbledore informed him.
"But hang on a minute. Last year you didn't want to tell me anything, why such a drastic change?"
"Because I've learnt what happens when I do keep things from you. And I don't want you to suffer any more hurt than is necessary."
Harry just sat there staring. He could hardly believe that this was the same Albus Dumbledore whose office he basically destroyed some three months ago.
Albus just looked at Harry before saying "well, here's what she said; two brothers, separated by fate, one devoted to the light, the other consumed by darkness, will meet again in a titanic struggle, from which only one shall emerge.We have reason to believe that once again, she is prophesising your ultimate battle with Voldemort. You are Voldemort's brother as you share the same blood, and also have brother wands. The rest is just repeating what you know. You might have noticed that all those possessions that were inexplicably destroyed that night, have been replaced" Dumbledore smiled at Harry.
Harry again was speechless, did his Divination Professor once again predict his final battle with Voldemort. He looked towards Remus and Trent, both of them sending Harry telepathic messages not to mention anything about what they talked about in the Spirit Room before he said anything.
"I see. I'm sorry for not being very talkative, it's just a fair bit to take in."
"No apology required, Harry, just know that I've all but given up hiding things from you should you ask the questions. Welcome back, and goodnight night gentlemen" Dumbledore replied, before ushering the three of them down the stairs and into the hallway.
They made their way towards Gryffindor tower, before Harry spoke up "you haven't told him yet have you? I mean, I think that prediction is more for you than me, Trent."
"I reckon you're right on both counts, Harry. I haven't told Albus yet, but I will when I feel the time is right."
"Ah, so someone else who he has kept secrets from then, hmm" Remus nudged.
Trent just grinned. "But of course Remus, who hasn't he kept information from?"
"Point taken. We can discuss this after class tomorrow, Harry. If I'm not mistaken, Duelling is your last class of the day."
"After double Defence and Potions" Harry grinned. "You know, I think it's the first time we've started off with my favourite subject"
"Well then, I'll try not to disappoint you, Harry. You'd better get some rest."
"Thanks. Goodnight Professors" Harry yawned as he reached the portrait of the Fat Lady before saying the password, and heading off to bed.