Chapter Three: Return to Hogwarts
Hermione's alarm clock woke Ginny as usual at six-thirty on the first of September. Casting her eye at the camp bed against the far wall, Ginny noticed - and wasn't at all surprised - that her friend's bed was empty and indeed appearing not to have been slept in at all.
Ginny pulled on a robe and, after putting her feet into her slippers, padded out of her room. Instinctively, she made her way to the kitchen, where her mother had already begun the preparations for breakfast. However, Ginny ignored her, as a rather more interesting sight in the back window of the room caught her attention:
Haimric, bare-chested and wearing only a pair of jeans, was completely absorbed in a rather intense exercise routine with a pair of cliwkeyl, a type of short-sword favoured by the Ealbhari Rangers. She quickly let herself out of the back door and ran down to him.
Haimric's eyes flicked in her direction but he didn't acknowledge her for another two minutes until he had finished his practice routine. Then he placed the blades on the ground and turned to face her. "Good morning, Ginevra. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah. Hermione's clock woke me up as usual."
"Did it wake her up her too?" Haimric asked innocently.
Ginny grinned. "Of course not. She wasn't there."
Haimric chuckled. "I wonder if Ronald got much sleep last night."
"Doubt it." Ginny replied with a grin.
"As do I." Haimric agreed. The Amulet, which hung from Haimric's neck as usual, glowed slightly at that point, and Haimric began to shrink, his angular features shifting into Harry's more open, rounded ones. Once the transformation was complete, he reached out for Ginny and folded her into a hug.
"Mmmm," said Ginny. "I like you better this way. You're a much more huggable size."
"Are you ready for school?" Harry asked, holding her tight, occasionally caressing her hair.
"Uh-huh. Hermione made sure of that." Ginny told him. "I'm going to miss this."
"What?"
"Being able to just be with you, Harry,"
"We'll figure out something, Gin," Harry assured her. "Haimric's private room ought to help."
"You've got a private room?"
Harry nodded. "It's on the third floor, Dobby and some of the other house-elves linked it up to Gryffindor Tower for me. I'll have to show you it tonight."
"Yes you will, love." Ginny confirmed. "Now let's go and get some breakfast before Mum sends out a search party."
"Well, we can't have that." Harry said, and followed her back to the kitchen.
----
Luna and her bodyguard, Laura Grafton, arrived at the Burrow just as they were finishing breakfast. Jenna took Luna's bodyguard - a lean, athletic woman in her late twenties - to one side to brief her on the latest developments; Luna sat down between Hermione and Ginny and helped herself to a cup of tea and some toast. Once he was satisfied all was well, Harry returned to his breakfast.
Neville, his own bodyguard, and his new girlfriend, Megan Jones - Hestia's niece - Apparated in just as the L'Ordine drivers drew up outside. Two charcoal-suited agents got out of the cars, scanning the area. Harry went up to them. "Any problems on the way?"
"No, My Lord," The elder of the two confirmed. "Shall we go?"
"Yes."
The six students, plus Jenna, Tonks and Mrs Weasley got into the cars, then the four guards loaded the trunks into the cars and got in beside the drivers. "King's Cross, My Lord?" The driver of the lead car asked Harry.
"Please."
"As you wish."
When they reached the road, Harry noticed leather-suited motorcyclists on modern Daytona motorbikes moving into escort positions in front and behind the convoy. As they passed through the London suburbs, a third car and outrider joined them until they reached King's Cross.
Once they arrived at King's Cross, Jenna, Tonks and the bodyguards got out of the cars first, and checked that the station was as clear as it could be, then the rest of the passengers got out.
A short, flaxen-haired young girl jumped out of the third car and ran towards Harry. He bent down and scooped her up. Ginny stiffened slightly, then relaxed as she recognised the girl, who was talking very fast in what Ginny guessed was French.
Harry smiled broadly, waiting before Gabrielle paused to take a breath before speaking up. "Bonjour, petit. Dans l'attente de commencer l'école?"
"Je ne peux pas attendre!" Gabrielle confessed. "J'espère que je suis dans Gryffindor comme vous."
"J'espère tellement aussi, petit. Comment vos leçons Anglaises vont-elles?"
"Tout à fait bien," Gabrielle replied brightly. "Il est très difficile de parler l'Anglais."
"Si vous avez besoin de n'importe quelle aide faites-moi savoir."
"Merci."
"I hope my sister is not bothering you too much, Harry?" asked a feminine voice from behind Harry.
"Of course not, Fleur." Harry assured the older girl, who had just got out of the rear car. Bill, still dressed in his usual 'cool' clothes, right down to the earring and long hair, stood behind her. "I've had much worse greetings." He turned to Gabrielle. "Would you mind if I put you down now?"
"Non," said Gabrielle, though Ginny could tell she wasn't entirely happy with the idea - a sentiment that she herself could certainly understand.
As soon as she was on the ground, Gabrielle took off towards the platform and Harry was forced to either follow or let go. He chose the former.
"We'll catch up," Ginny promised him with a chuckle. Fleur and the Delacours' bodyguard followed her, while Bill stayed with the main group to get Gabrielle's luggage.
Ginny sidled over to Jenna. "Did you follow any of that? I'm just curious."
Jenny grinned, "Yeah, most of it. Harry asked her if she was looking forwards to coming to Hogwarts, and how her English lessons were going. Gabrielle told him that she 'couldn't wait' and that she hoped she'd be in Gryffindor-"
"I guessed that bit." Ginny
Jenny nodded, "She also admitted that she finds English hard. Harry said he'd help her if she needed it."
"That's our Harry," said Ginny.
"It is indeed," agreed Jenna, then turned to the bodyguards. "Are the trunks ready to go?"
"Yes, ma'am," replied the eldest guard - who had been on the first lead motorcycle during the journey to the station.
"Then let's catch up with Harry," said Jenna. "Mr Larson and Mr McGill, I want you on point. Laura, Tonks, could you cover our backs?" The four mentioned all nodded. "Mrs Weasley, I'd like you in the centre if possible. The rest of you, take flanking positions."
The group moved into the positions decided on by Jenna and then they set off with Bill, Ron, Neville and the eldest guard - a cheerful, stocky Irishman called Edward Miles - pushing the trolleys containing the student's belongings. Jenna's things were in a large rucksack that she slung onto her own back.
It only took them a few minutes to navigate the station's foyer and access Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Harry and Fleur were just getting out of the train a few carriages down. Bill manoeuvred around the group and headed for his girlfriend, passing Harry on the way.
"Gabrielle's all settled," Harry told them. "We found a compartment with a couple of new first years in it. She'll be fine."
"That's good," Ginny said. "Shall we find a compartment ourselves?"
"Don't forget you have to come up to the Perfects Compartment with us, Ginny." Hermione reminded her. Though she hadn't changed into her robes yet, she was wearing her brand-new Head Girl badge. "Harry, you should probably come too."
"No I shouldn't, Hermione." Harry replied evenly. "Professor McGonagall and I talked with Professor Dumbledore while I was at Caisteal McGonagall last week and decided what I'm still doing this year."
"I guess that's okay then," admitted Hermione, reluctantly.
Harry chuckled, and turned to help Ron lift Hermione's trunk onto the train.
Within a few minutes, Harry, Jenna, Neville and Luna were comfortably settled in their usual compartment at the back of the train. Mrs Weasley and the bodyguards left immediately, and after sharing a tender moment with Jenna and giving Harry, Hermione and Ginny hugs goodbye so did Tonks. Megan disappeared to find her own friends and catch up on the gossip, but not before promising Neville that she would be back before the train got to Hogsmeade.
Harry parked himself on one of the window seats and decided to have a nap. "Could you wake me when Ginny gets back?" he asked Jenna, who nodded. "Or when the trolley comes around."
His Companion nodded, and Harry rested his head against the seatback and closed his eyes, a minute or two later he was asleep.
----
"Wake up, love," said a voice, prompting Harry to open his eyes. He smiled as he was brought face to face with Ginny.
"How was the meeting?" he asked, sitting up so that Ginny could snuggle in next to him.
"Boring," Ginny summarised. "Nothing much new. Did you have a nice nap?"
"I did thanks," Harry admitted. He looked over Ginny's head at Jenna. "Has the snack trolley been past?"
Jenna nodded and handed him some Cauldron Cakes and iced pumpkin juice that had evaded Ron's voracious appetite. Harry and Ginny shared the treats and then relaxed back against the corner of the carriage, each luxuriating in the other's closeness.
Jenna went back to her chess game with Ron - as far as Harry could see, she appeared to be winning but he could see one or two lines of attack that Ron could use to regain control within the next four moves. Neville and Megan - who had clearly returned while Harry was sleeping - were napping in the other window seat. And Hermione and Luna were both engrossed in their reading - Hermione, a thick Ancient Runes text, and Luna her usual Quibbler.
The rest of the journey passed peaceably enough, and all too soon the train drew up at the platform of Hogsmeade Station.
Once he was certain that his young charge was safely in Hagrid's care, Harry joined Jenna, Ginny and Luna in one of the carriages. Ron, Hermione, Neville and Megan ended up in the one behind.
It didn't take long for the carriages to reach Hogwarts. Passing through the Entrance Hall, Harry was pleased to note that - as planned - Professor McGonagall had returned to her usual Start-of-Year post and was waiting to receive the new first years after their boat ride across the lake.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny quickly took their seats at the top end of the Gryffindor Table, while Neville escorted Megan to her seat at the Hufflepuff Table before seating himself. Luna of course joined the Ravenclaws, and Jenna walked up to the Staff Table and sat down with Professor McGonagall's empty seat on one side and TK Davis on the other.
A few minutes later, the first years filed in lead by Professor McGonagall. Harry caught Gabrielle's eye and gave her reassuring nod.
"Welcome all to Hogwarts School.
Where work and fun are both the rule...
A thousand years and more ago
Four wizards did this place make known
A place of learning of many kinds
A House for each, of different mind:
The daring Gryffindors, whose
Bravery you may well choose.
The clever Ravenclaw, where
Wit and learning is the fare.
Kind Hufflepuff of forest soil
May bring fun, but also toil.
The sly Slytherins, you may to depend
Use any means to their own end.
Now put me on,
I'm never wrong,
For I'm the Sorting Hat!"
"When I call your name, step forward and put on the Hat." McGonagall told the first years as she unrolled her usual parchment. "When you have been Sorted, go to the appropriate House Table."
"Abbott, Harold."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Constant, Mary."
"Gryffindor!" replied the Hat promptly
"Constant, William."
This time the Hat took a little longer, but after a few minutes deliberation, sent William to join his cousin in Gryffindor.
"Delacour, Gabrielle."
There was a long pause. "Gryffindor!"
"Edgecombe, Amrita."
"Ravenclaw!"
"Filch, Cerberus."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Higgs, Lester."
"Slytherin!"
"Johnson, Clarissa."
"Gryffindor!"
"Long, Devon."
"Gryffindor!"
"McGonagall, Demeter."
"Is she…?" Ron asked.
"She's Professor McGonagall's great niece," Harry explained.
"Shh!" hissed Hermione
The youngest McGonagall was like all her family declared a Gryffindor and promptly sat down in the empty chair between Gabrielle and the Constants.
"Macmillan, Amy."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Patil, Pasha."
"Hufflepuff!"
"Turpin, Brian."
"Ravenclaw!"
Finally, one the last student (Michael Zee, "Slytherin!") had been Sorted, McGonagall rolled up her parchment and took her place at the Staff Table.
Dumbledore rose to his feet. "I have a few start-of-term announcements to make. But they can wait until you have eaten."
With that, the four house tables, and the staff table, were magically filled with food and drink. Ron tucked in with his usual gusto. Harry carefully selected a few choice items, and after passing the jug of pumpkin juice to Ginny so she could have some, he started eating.
About ten minutes later, he became aware that Seamus had asked him a question. "Could you repeat the question?"
"Sure. What did you do over the summer, Harry?"
"This and that," Harry replied. "Haimric, Jenna and I spent most of July on assignment for L'Ordine. I can't talk about that, it's classified. I made it to the Burrow for my birthday - as you know - and spent about two weeks there. Ginny and I went to the Golden House for Ginny's birthday, Jenna and Tonks came along too. And I spent some time in Righlionn and visited Caisteal McGonagall for about a week. You?"
"Not much. Visited my dad's parents in Donegal. That was okay. Pity Ireland didn't make it into the finals this time isn't it?"
Harry nodded. "It is. From what I heard the Bulgarians swept the board this time around."
"They did," Ron confirmed darkly, then yelped as Hermione elbowed him in the side. "Better luck next time I guess."
"Agreed."
They spent the next hour or so enjoying the excellent cooking off the Hogwarts house elves. Once the last desert dish had disappeared from the tables, Dumbledore rose to his feet again. "Now that you are all fed and watered, I have a few Start-of-Term announcements to make. The Forbidden Forest is as always forbidden to all students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third-year. Several of the House teams will be looking for replacements this year, so if you are interested in playing, please see your Head of House or Madam Hooch.
"I would also like to welcome some new and returning staff members: For the first time in eight years, we have no replacement Defence Professor. However, Professor McGonagall will be resuming her duties as my Deputy and will be teaching Transfiguration this year alongside our new Transfiguration teacher, Professor Osterhagan, formally of the Schwarzwald Academy. I would also like to welcome Professors Anderson and Edingson, from Massachusetts School of Magic, as our new Divination and Charms professors; Professor Wilkinson will be taking over the teaching of History of Magic; Professor Yakovlev, late of the Durmstrang Institute, will be replacing Madam Pomphrey as Potions Master and finally, Professor Gladstone, will replacing Dr Daniels as head of Ancient Runes Department. I hope you will make all our new teachers fell welcome. And now, I believe it is time that - at least some of you - were in bed."
Hermione rose at that, and with the eager aid of the two new fifth-year Prefects - Tanya Spinnet and Frank Doyle - and the less willing aid of Ron, herded the Gryffindor first-years through the crowds.
Harry waited until the crowds had thinned out a little and Jenna had joined he, Neville and Ginny before making his own move. They dropped Jenna off at the door to the Staff Wing, and continued up to Gryffindor Tower. "What's the password?" Neville asked.
"Wolfsbane," replied Harry and the Fat Lady's portrait swung to one side to allow them entry. Ron was already waiting for them.
"Hermione's still settling one or two of the first years," he told them. "Gabrielle's fine though."
Harry nodded. "Shall we adjourn to my quarters?" he suggested. "Hermione should be able to join us when she's done. The password to both doors is on her list."
His three friends nodded and Harry crossed to a wooden panel on the opposite side of the room to the stairs. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
"Oh really?" said Ginny teasingly. "Do tell."
Harry chuckled, then the panel slid to one side and they were able to enter his quarters. The small room strongly resembled the Defence Against the Dark Arts office under Mad-Eye Moody, though the leather and crimson-and-gold velvet furnishings were rather more comfortable looking. There were also several bookcases and a small potions-making area with a lockable cupboard. The Sword of Gryffindor sat on the small mantelpiece, and several other bladed weapons - mostly of Japanese or Ealbhari manufacture - hung around the walls.
"Have a seat," Harry invited, sitting down in a rather large red-leather armchair himself. Ron decided on the sofa and Neville chose the pair to Harry's own chair. Ginny, after appearing to consider the situation for a moment or two, sat down on Harry's lap. Harry winced slightly, and shifted her so that her weight was lying more comfortably on him.
Hermione arrived about ten minutes later and joined Ron on his sofa. The five friends spent the next hour or so catching up on the summer's events and speculating as to what the next year had in store for them. Then, after sharing part of a small decanter of Glen Luibh with him, Ron, Hermione and Neville bid Harry goodnight and headed back through the portal to Gryffindor Tower. Harry showed Ginny around the rest of his quarters - which contained two more rooms, a bathroom even more luxurious than the Prefect or Head Boy's bathrooms, and a large bedroom with a king-sized, four-poster bed.
Ginny yawned. "I'd love to stay and chat, Harry. But I suspect I've got a full schedule tomorrow so I need to get some sleep. And even if we are dating I don't think Mum would take too kindly to me sleeping with you just yet." Ginny grinned, blushing slightly.
Harry chuckled and walked over to her. He gave her a warm hug and a passionate kiss on the lips. "Possibly, not. Good night, Ginny."
"Good night, Harry. Sweet dreams."
"Of you? Always," said Harry.
----
A/N: Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out, but I was very busy over the X-Mas and New Year holidays with work, and my Power Rangers fic also took up quite a bit of my time. William Constant and his cousin are the property of William Corlett and the BBC and appear in the book/TV series The Magician's House. Neville's change in girlfriends from Luna to Megan Jones - a character from the HPM interview that has not so far appeared in the books - was promoted by JKR's recent confirmation that N/L is non-canon. Chapter Four will be out as soon as possible, but don't expect it any sooner than mid-January. As always, feedback is very welcome.
