Chapter 7: Weapons and Guests
Hogwarts never looked so good to Harry Potter. This has been him home since he was eleven and he was glad to be back. But he knew he would miss it again for after this year he will be starting his training to become an aurora. With Storm by his side and Ron and Hermione following, he walked into the Great Hall.
Harry turned to Strom to see her reaction but she didn't look like she was impressed with any of it. In fact, she acted as if this wasn't the first time she's seen the Great Hall. As if sensing his curiosity, Storm turned toward him and gave him one of those heart-stopping smiles.
Storm took a seat beside Harry and Ron and Hermione took a seat across from them. All eyes turned towards the door as the new first years filed into the Great Hall. Storm however was staring at the main table. Harry turned and saw that Professor Lupin was back. Tonks was also there, sitting beside Lupin. Did Storm know Lupin and Tonks?
Before he could ponder this anymore, the sorting hat began its' song. It talked of the four founders and the troubles, but then it sang something it never sang before.
And in our midst A weapon sits To help us fight And win this mighty battle,
No one knows The power it holds The strength and the will And ability to kill To help Harry Potter.
With the conclusion of the song, all eyes turned towards Harry. Whispers erupted around the room discussing the song. McGonagall, however, ended all this by starting the sorting. Everyone turned to see the sorting and who would be joining which house.
With the new first years seated and the feast over, Dumbledore stood to give his welcome.
"First off, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As you might notice, we have several additions to this years student body and staff. We have many transfer students and I would like to welcome each of you. Also, I would like to welcome back Professor Lupin. He will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Dumbledore paused here as the tables erupted into applause, except the Slytherin table of course. "I would also like to welcome the new assistant teacher for Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Tonks."
There was applause to welcome the teachers and students. But Dumbledore did not appear to be done with his speech.
"Now on a much sadder note, there will be more rules to follow this year. We are only trying to insure your safety with the war looming over us," Dumbledore paused and looked over the sea of worried faces. "All students are to be in their dormitories by curfew. The Forbidden Forest is strictly off limits and Hogsmeade trips will be supervised and limited. No one is to go out of bounds. Quiddich practices will have to be approved and if necessary, supervised. Thank you and off with you all."
Talk filled the Great Hall as the students started to file out. Talk of the sorting hat's song and of the new rules seemed the most popular of topics. Harry turned to Storm.
"So Storm, what do you think?"
"I think," Storm started off slowly, "that it's going to be hard for me to follow all these rules since I've been on my own for so long. As for you mate, you have to figure out that song."
"I know. I hate riddles," Harry said seriously. Who wouldn't after all those riddles in his fourth year.
"Don't we all." Storm laughed and turned to Hermione.
"Cheer up mate," Ron joked later as they laid in their beds, "at least you know you got a weapon on your side." Harry could just agree.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I would like to think my little black kitty Raven who helped me type this (even though she made a lot of mistakes) and for tearing up my bamboo bead curtain when I removed her from the keyboard. Thanks to all the people reading this also, you guys rock! Vote: Who thinks J.K. Rowling should bring Sirius back? I DO!