Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

By: Fred and George Weasley are MY Kings

Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat "Song"

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!

FIRSTLY REVIEWS:

Dream Unbeing: I am so sorry this is late… my email is messed up and it didn't send me your review. I know I make so many mistakes with usage and spelling all the time, and I am sorry about it. I plan to revise it once my story is complete. Thanks for reviewing!

Slayerofevilpeguins: Cool name! Harry is not going to get the broom… He will consider it, but some circumstances (Hint! Hint!) ends up changing his mind. You are so right about the broom being way too cheap! The Firebolt was like 300 galleons, so I am going to make the Bindlstrike be around 800 galleons… Technology is expensive after all! Thank you so much for reviewing! You're the best! Merry belated Christmas! Have a great New Year too!

ADJ: I know what you mean about waiting forever for a person to update and the chapter is really short… I thought about that before I updated, but I made it a goal to update before X-mas no matter how far I was, so I did. The prophecy did come out rather quickly because I don't feel like prolonging it anymore than is needed. I hate slow moving stories. As for Aberforth, I read somewhere that his name meant, "to stray off path". I took this literally and figured he was missing because he did indeed stray. In order for him to stray, I figure he can't really be anything like Dumbledore… so I made his looks exactly opposite to symbolize their differences. I am probably wrong too. Also, thanks for explaining AU stories :) As for as Harry's popularity, Umbridge, Percy, etc. -Yes handling all those issues will be interesting I admit it. We'll just see what happens! Thanks for reviewing!

Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat's "Song" (notice the quotations please!)

Harry and Ginny headed to find an empty compartment after they boarded the train and parted from Hermione and Ron who went to the prefect compartment. They found a compartment already containing Neville and Luna.

"Hey Harry! Hey Ginny!" Neville said as he saw them enter. Harry smiled in return as Ginny waved

"Hello," Luna said quietly, sitting and intently gazing out the window not even looking as Harry and Ginny sat down.

"So how was your holiday?" Neville asked, trying to start a conversation.

"Quite well," Harry lied. "How was yours?"

"Well, not too bad considering what's been going on." Neville said, with a sad smile. Harry nodded understanding that Neville was talking about Voldemort's return. Ginny had joined Luna in remaining quite, and buried herself in an issue of Witch Weekly. Harry and Neville too fell quiet, and preoccupied themselves with other things. Ron and Hermione returned and broke up the silence by striking up a game of exploding snaps. Harry and Ron also started a chess game, giving Harry an opportunity to try out his brand new chess pieces.

After Ron had beaten Harry horribly at chess, Hermione said in an undertone, yet still audible to only Ron and Harry, "Let's go in the prefect compartment, quick." Her voice was rushed, and strained. She stood up and left the compartment followed by Ron and Harry. "We're… err… going to find our robes. Left them in the luggage," Ron lied, as they left Ginny, Luna, and Neville all bearing questioning looks.

"What?" Ron hissed to Hermione, as he shut the compartmentdoor behind him.

"Not in the middle of the corridor, Ron, honestly. We need something more private. Come on," Hermione said leading them down the corridor and right by the prefects' compartment. Harry had a sinking feeling that he wasn't going to like the news as they entered the door. Just like Hermione had hoped, the compartment was deserted. She picked up an issue of The Daily Prophet off the small table in the middle of the compartment. "That's what Moody and Dumbledore were doing in Diagon Alley at Gringotts," she said holding the paper flat so Harry and Ron could see. A bold and large font spread the entire width of the front page proclaiming: Meeting to Secure Goblin's Alliance has a Fruitless End. There was a picture of the wizarding bank Gringotts, to the left of the article.

"Dumbledore, Fudge, Moody, and some other ministry employees went to the Goblins to get them to join our side," Hermione started, "The article says that the Ministry wouldn't give into the goblin's request, so the goblins left Gringotts, and are joining forces with Voldemort."

"They always have been…strange little blokes," Ron said, smiling, obviously not seeing the seriousness in the situation that Hermione saw. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the comparison that Ron had chosen to use.

Hermione looked revolted. "You two are unbelievable. Do you realize how important this is? Goblins are very powerful creatures. Voldemort already has dementors as allies. Imagine what he can do with the help of Goblins, especially considering that the order doesn't have any alliances. Lupin warned us about taking this seriously with maturity. And you two laugh!"

"Hermione, look…" Ron started, but was cut off.

"No, Ron, you look. Grow up. This is serious. It may be the final thing that decides whether we live or die. You both need to see the importance in this, especially you, Harry. Lupin was right about everything. Things are changing, and we need to change with them." Hermione, then left, giving her two friends some time to think about what she had said.

Now, it's going to be assumed that you have been lectured by a parent/trusted adult. It is also going to be assumed that you have likewise been lectured by a friend for the same reason. However, the friend normally has a bigger impact on you because you know that they understand your certain situation whereas the adult may not. This time was no different. Harry and Ron had listened to Lupin, but had eventually, and individually, concluded that he had exaggerated. But now that Hermione had given them another lecturethat had hadabout the same content, they took it more to heart.

"You know I didn't mean to be careless," Ron said to Harry. "I just don't like to think about everything changing. It depresses me."

"You know I suppose your right… we don't like to think about things changing. Only problem is we don't have a choice." Harry said, realizing that he too had the same problem. He tended to block unhappy thoughts as much as he could, seeing that there were so many inhis life. The two sat in silence for a bit, then both of them figured they should head back to their originalcompartment. They slid open the compartment door and found Malfoy, Goyle, and Crabbe striding down the corridor all with smug faces, which darkened as they saw Ron and Harry.

"Well, look who it is," Malfoy said, drawlingly, "Come to beg me to have a ride on my Bindlstrike?"

"Well, considering you don't have the brain power run it, at least if we rode it, there would be a purpose for buying it." Harry stated. Crabbe and Goyle both stepped forward, wearing angry expressions. Malfoy, however, looked slightly amused. "Tisk, tisk, Potter. I try to be nice and you insult me. I suppose I will let it slide, seeing as I have someone to impress," Malfoy said with a haughty look towards Ron, who was red with anger. Crabbe and Goyle both looked very confused, apparently not knowing about Malfoy and Ginny, which didn't surprise Harry. Malfoy would never let it slip that he had been secretly dating a member of the Weasley family. Weasley's were, after all, a disgrace to prejudice Purebloods like the Malfoys. Harry felt his hatred for Malfoy increase... something he never thought possible.

"Best be off, then. Don't want to be caught in your company," Malfoy said as he and his cronies walked by Harry and Ron. "Oh and Ron," Malfoy said turning back, "Give my love." Malfoy sneered, then turned the corner out of sight followed by Goyle and Crabbe.

"That filthy…" Ron continued on cursing Malfoy with every distasteful word he possessed in his vocabulary. "He is just using Ginny to get back at me! She was stupid enough to fall for it too. I don't know which is worse."

Ron's poor mood continued throughout the rest of the trip especially when Ginny tried to make conversation with him. Hermione also wasn't in very good spirits after the spat she had with Harry and Ron and had consoled herself by burying herself in Arthimacy for the Advanced. Finally the train reached the beloved destination.

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Stepping off the train, Harry felt a rush of gratitude, happy to finally be back home again. He clamored into the carriage pulled by therestrals, followed by Ron and Hermione. The ride was slightly bumpy and silent, but Harry did not mind in the least. They finally entered the Great Hall and sat down ready to begin the feast.

Professor McGonagall led in the small and frightened first years, all lined up in front of the old sorting hat. The hat looked older and shabbier than ever, and it also appeared as though it had been stitched up along the side. All of the students, quieted down waiting for the legendary sorting hat song that started off every school year. The hat however remained silent, not moving. Students began to whisper all with wondering expressions. Harry gave a questioning look to Ron and Hermione who were both seated across from him. They both shrugged, lost for any explanations. The teachers all seated at the staff table appeared to be shocked. McGonagall looked up at Dumbledore, not knowing what to do. Dumbledore even looked worried, but nodded his head as if signaling to carry on with the sorting.

The first years were all called up one by one sorted into houses. "Why didn't it sing?" Ron whispered to Harry as John Aaroen was called up first. Harry shook his head and simply shrugged. Nearly Headless Nick who was sitting next to Hermione overheard Ron's question said quietly, "It's never done this before…except the year that he-who-must-not-be-named came to power, a long time ago. This is a very bad omen…truly horrible." Harry, Hermione, and Ron all exchanged glances as Borea Hiper was placed into Gryffindor.

Once the sorting was over, the feast began, but the happy chatter that normally accompanied it was lessened. Students all seemed to be wondering about the sorting hat's silence, for they were all talking quietly and suspiciously among themselves. Harry, however, noticed more stares then normal. Few people even waved and smiled, whom he had spoken to only once or twice before. He returned the gestures only with a faint smile, feeling slightly awkward like he normally did at an excessive amount of attention from others. Ron and Hermione didn't appear to notice as they steadily ate their third helpings.

After everyone had stuffed themselves to the point of near explosion, Dumbledore stood up and gave his annual beginning of the year speech. "Welcome, everyone to another great year at Hogwarts," his voice was warm, and his blue eyes were bright with joy. "As you all know, or are going to find out, the forbidden forest is out of bounds. Also a new rule set, seeing as the current situation is, students are not allowed out of the school building past 5:00 in the evening, and will be required to check into their dormitories by 5:30 The prefects will be in charge of making sure all students are accounted for, and will immediately contact me or the head ofthe house if a student is missing. I am sure you all understand that Voldemort has returned and we have to take precautions to ensure the safety of all our students. Quittiditch is to still be practiced, but only under the supervision of four staff members." Dumbledore stopped, giving the students (all of whom were slight appalled, from Dumbledore's bluntness) a chance to soak up this new information.

"On a much more cheerful note," Dumbledore continued, "I am pleased to announce that a new teacher is joining our staff, and filling the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Tonson Hall, please stand if you would." All of the students had been so preoccupied with the sorting hat's silence, that they had not noticed the new teacher sitting onthe dim side of the table. He stood up. Professor Hall rose to about six feet, with an athletic build. He had brown wavy hair and deep brown eyes, and a dominant, pointy chin. He smiled, gave a light wave, and then returned to sit. Lavender Brown and Parvati both began whispering immediately. Ron looked at them in disgust, and Harry heard something sound suspiciously sound like "He's gorgeous!"

Harry also couldn't help but notice Snape's face bearing an expression of pure hatred as he too focused his attention on Professor Hall. Harry felt pleased that at least Snape was again denied the position. Dubledore the concluded his speech by proclaiming,"I am sure it will turn out to be a great year, once again… Well I am sure you are all tired after stuffing yourselves with that delicious feast… So everyone best be off to bed. Classes begin in the morning, and you all need your rest."With that being said everyone stood, all now feeling rather sleepy, and headed to the dormitories. Ron and Hermione left immediately to retrieve the first years, and Harry left with Dean and Seamus who were both talking about the new rule imposed by Dumbledore. "It's really going to cause a lot more problems, you know. No one is going to follow it." Dean said as they climbed the staircases with their fellow Gryffindor classmates.

"I s'pouse Dumbledore's has to do something to keep tabs on us, though." Seamus said shrugging.

"I just hope we'll actually be able to have quittditch practice… Four staff members is quite a lot." Harry said shaking his head as they reached the painting of the Fat lady. "Hyperborea," Dean said, and portrait swung open, revealing the warm and cozy common room with its comfy red armchairs and the crackling fire. Harry was feeling rather tired, and after many protest from fellow Gryffindors who were celebrating being back, he went to sleep promptly.

The four-poster bed was waiting for him as he entered the sixth year boys' dormitory. He changed into his pajamas, and laid down in bed waiting for much desired sleep to claim him. However, he lied awake thinking. He missed Sirius. Sirius had always been there for him when he needed him… Harry was just trying to be there for Sirius in return. Instead, he was the reason Sirius had died. Dumbledore claimed responsibility, but Harry knew he had a bigger part in it. Why had he been so stupid? If only I could change back time like Hermione and I did third year, Harry thought, rolling to his side. Then he remembered what Dumbledore had said to Harry after that: 'The aftermath of our actions are so complex, that predicting the future is a very hard process indeed.' Dumbledore was right.

Harry also couldn't help but remember seeing Sirius go through the veil, and Luna saying that they would see the people they lost again when they too went through the archway. He realized she was right, and with that comforting thought he fell into a peaceful sleep.

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Harry woke the next morning just in time to go down a grab a quick breakfast as well as overlook his schedule. Ron and Hermione were already down eating, and Harry couldn't help but feel like they were discussing him before he sat down to eat. "What have you got today?" Harry asked Ron as they both got their schedules.

"I have Herbology in Greenhouse three first, then Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then… Advanced potions." Ron said, emphasizing his disgust for the last course he listed. "What do you have?"

"I have the same, except for Herbology… I have Care of Magically Creatures." Harry said examining his schedule.

"Listen to this," Hermione said interrupting their conversation. She was holding another copy of the Daily Prophet. "It says here: supposedly Dolores Umbridge is the reason why negotiations went haywire last week when the meeting to secure the alliance with the goblins was held. Umbridge was immediately fired from the position that she held at the ministry. Details on what exactly she did are not available, but it has been reported that she greatly insulted the general goblin public, giving them more reason to join the Dark Lord. Leave it to Umbridge to mess things up for the Order."

"What do you think she said?" Ron asked.

"Well, my guess is that she probably mentioned something about goblins being inferior to all wizards. We all know how much she hates half-breeds or other magical creatures."

"At least she got fired from the ministry. Fudge finally came to his senses."

"I don't know about Fudge… I think he still has a bit of a security issue with whether or not Dumbledore will replace him. I suppose I shouldn't complain seeing as he now has finally accepted that Voldemort is back…" Hermione stopped, distracted by something over Harry's shoulder. Harry followed her gaze and turned to look.

"Harry why are a group of Hufflepuff fourth years staring and smiling at you?" Ron asked as he too, turned and looked in the direction that his friends were.

"No idea," Harry said swiftly turning around, not wanting the girls to think he noticed. He knew he had gained some popularity from the publicity that the Daily Prophet had given him after Fudge finally admitted Voldemort was back, but he hadn't been expecting this. Sure, he was used to the stares and whispers, even though they made him quite nervous, but this was a different matter.

The rest of the day went on with many people acting the same way the Hufflepuff girls had. Harry found it annoying, but was pleasant all the same. Harry found his first class, Care of Magical Creatures, very educational but slightly disappointing since Hagrid was again gone. Harry figured that Hagrid was off trying to again gain the giants allegiance, and was dissapointed that he hadn't heard anything from Hagrid since hs birthday, when Hagrid had sent a card.

Defense Against the Dark Arts, however, was probably the most interesting class of the day. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all had it the same hour so they all walked in together and sat in the front next to Lavender Brown who was heard saying, "This class is worth taking just so I can look at the teacher!" ProfessorHall arrived promptly on time and didn't speak the first few minutes into the class period, but instead got himself organized.

"Alright, everyone please listen. I am Professor Tonson Hall, as you all know. I was asked to teach you all I know about defending yourself from the dark arts by your headmaster and I very well plan to teach you everything I know." Professor Hall stopped, and then continued, "If any student is late, has unsatisfactory attitude, or unsatisfactory work they will immediately be out of my class. This is 6th year and I expect 6th year maturity and work ethic." Harry sensed a certain strict air surround Professor Hall and could tell the others did. On the bright side, he appeared to know what he was doing, and had gained some respect from the students.

"We will have practical lessons, as well as theory lessons. Today, to break you all out of your lazy summer habits, we will have a practical lesson – wands only." There was some shuffle as the students all put their books back in their bags with excited faces. It looked as though they finally had a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who they would actually be able to compare to Lupin.

The rest of lesson consisted of the students each dueling each other practicing different hexes (very harmless ones) and were each individually dueled by Professor Hall. The whole class period reminded Harry of the D.A. meetings that they had held last year and the class was over before anyone knew it.

Advanced Potions was dreadful as was to be expected seeing that Snape would be teaching. Snape was in a particularly nasty mood and didn't feel any need to hide it, and he openly insulted Harry. The lesson was not particularly on anything, but just consisted on Snape giving a boring, dreadful lecture about the type of effort and work he expected and required in his advanced potion class. Much to Harry and Ron's disgust, Malfoy was also enrolled in the class along with his cronies and Malfoy also very openly ridiculed Harry and Ron. The day had its ups and downs, but Harry was just thankful to be back where he belonged.

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He was running fast, scared out of his mind with his throat and lungs burning. That crazy man had killed his mother and was probably going to kill him too. The evil man had magic, the boy knew. The boy had never believed in that before, but he saw it with his own eyes. He stumbled over a rock and fell to the ground. He picked himself up, panting, out of breath only to find the man standing in front of him, the man's red, hideous eyes glaring at him. The man was speaking but the boy was too petrified to understand. He closed his eyes knowing he was going to die. There was a green flash as the boy fell dead to the ground.

Harry woke his scar burning, his whole body shaking. He rubbed his forehead, feeling cold tears come to his eyes. The curtains from his four-poster bed were pulled back as Ron's head appeared over him. "Harry, what's wrong? Are you alright?" Ron appeared to be the only one up, and it seemed to be about 6:00 due to the light.

"Ron, Voldemort killed the boy that he took…I have to tell Dumbledore. Voldemort killed him, I saw him." Harry said panicing. Ron nodded and looked somewhat fearful. The two went to Professor McGonagall's office after they had both gotten dressed and Harry had calmed down. Harry's scar was still burning. Harry quickly told Professor McGonagall about what he had seen.

"Potter, after what happened last year, we have to take precautions before we jump to any conclusions. I can see by your current state that this appeared very real, and it may have been… I will inform Dumbledore immediately, but I want you both to go back to your dorms and get ready for the school day, and not speak of this to anyone else including Miss Granger." McGonagall said sternly.

"Professor, this was real I know it…" Harry said pleadingly.

"Potter, it may or may not be. Whatever the case, you will need to start up occulmecy lessons again with Professor Snape to stop this business. Now you two go back to the dorms now, please." Harry and Ron both stood up and were going through the door when McGonagall called out, "Potter, wait. I have something for you." She then went and fished out what appeared to be a letter and handed it to Harry. "It's from Professor Lupin, he asked me to give this to you. I suggest you destroy it after you read it. He had me deliver it for fear of the owl being intercepted." Harry took the letter and left McGonagall's office with Ron by his side. He was feeling a bit annoyed that McGonagall seemed to believe that this was just Voldemort messing with him, and he was even more depressed that he would have to start private lessons with Snape again.

When they returned to the dorms everyone else was up and getting ready for the second day of school. Harry joined them and their chatter, but could not shake the image of the boy falling to the ground. He felt awful throughout the whole day, knowing he should've told someone about the first image he had. He also didn't get a chance to read Lupin's letter until he went to the library to finish his Defense Against the Dark Arts homework. He opened the letter. It read:

Harry,

I realize how harsh I was at Diagon Alley, and I feel quite awful about it. However, I really want you three to understand that you need to look at all of this with maturity. It's going to be hard times ahead, but at least you will always have the order. I know that it is not necessarily my position to play the father figure, but I fear that after Sirius's death that no one else will fill the part. Therefore, I feel it my duty to come to the role for your sake and my own.

I just want to give a word of advice. Please, please be careful of who you trust even among your classmates. Always be on the offensive. It has come to Clara's attention that there may very well be a spy working against the order. Please know that you can always come to Clara, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and me but be suspicious about others. I also know your new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Tonson Hall and know that he is also very trustworthy. Please take my warning seriously, and show this to Ron and Hermione as well. Take care and be careful.

Lupin

Just as he finished reading, Luna Lovegood came up and sat down across from him with her books under her arm. She appeared to be not her usual dreamy self. "Hello Harry, mind if I join you?"

"No, not at all," Harry said tucking his letter in his bag and unrolling his parchment. "How was your first two days back?"

"Been a bit crazy, actually. The teacher have been relentless, especially that Professor Hall." Luna said frowning.

"Yeah, tell me about it. We have to complete a 15 inch essay on hexes...Why are you taking that?" Harry asked as he saw her take her Arithmacy text out of her bag.

"Well next year when we choose our careers... well, Iwant to become a Healer, and I have to take this course in order to become one." Luna said opening the text and, writing on her parchment. Harry was surprised. He didn't see dreamy Luna becoming something as serious as a Healer. She did seem very determined though, as she began adding inches to her parchment.

"But you're only a fifth year..."

"I know, but... well it means a lot to me.I am really serious about it, and I figure I should start preparing for my career earlier rather than later." Luna replied.

Before he could ponder about Luna's career selection any longer, Harry's attention was directed towards a table to his right. Ginny was sitting down trying to do homework and ignore Malfoy the best she could as he sat across the room from her staring at her, and trying to speak to her. No one else seemed to notice. Harry was very glad that Ron was not here to witness this. He couldn't help but think that maybe Malfoy did have genuine feelings for Ginny. Then as soon as the thought entered his mind he shook it off. Malfoy didn't care about anyone but himself.

Harry must've been staring at Ginny because Luna, who had stopped to take a breather from her essay, said, "Harry, it's not very polite to stare, you know." Harry didn't bother to explain himself, but was surprised to see Luna's face fall and turn a little pink. Her voice had even seemed a little angry when she had spoken. Harry shook it off, and began working on his Defense Against the Dark Arts essay once more. His concentration failed quickly and he began thinking about the boy he had seen murdered. He couldn't help but think of it. He was sure the boy had been a muggle. Why would Voldemort kill a muggle? Just like Hermione always said, there was a logical explanation for everything and this was no exception.

"Harry, are you all right?" Luna asked, and Harry realized she was looking at him intently, looking somewhat worried.

"What? Oh yeah… Just thinking that's all."

"Okay… You looked… upset."

Harry just smiled in return and shook his head. He almost considered telling Luna, but Lupin's warning came back to him loud and clear. He didn't know whether or not he trusted Luna, but decided to play it safe. She had helped in the department of mysteries, after all. But then, he hadn't known her for very long.

"Well, I am all finished," Harry, said packing his bag and standing.

"See you later then," Luna said without looking up.

Harry walked past Ginny with a quick smile, and gave a look of hatred towards Malfoy as he left the library. It had certainly been a long two days.

A/N: Okay so Chapter 7: We first find out what Moody's business at Gringotts was and that the Goblins have made an alliance with Voldemort. We also learn that Umbridge is one of the reasons WHY goblins joined the dark side. Secondly, we have Hermione lecturing Harry and Ron – This was done for the sole-purpose of showing how all the teenagers are being forced to mature/grow up because of this war that all of wizard-kind is now in. Malfoy struts about only in front of Harry and Ron. I want to point out that he is not telling anyone else. He is still a smug pratt, but he doesn't hex Harry and Ron, or set Goyle and Crabbe on them. Why? He is terrified of them saying something. Harry and Ron don't realize it yet, but they have a major weight over Malfoy's head. Then the sorting hat's silence… Why? Well the sorting hat gave a warning of sticking together the previous term, so this year it has decided that all the advice it can give has already been given, and it in a sense remains quite to attract attention… make the students realize that it meant business last year.

We have Harry's vision, which is VERY important! It has a lot to do with the Half Blood Prince (Hint! Hint!) We have Lupin's letter (we learn that there is for sure a spy), time with Luna (we see that everyone is effected by the war, not just the trio), and we again have Malfoy and Ginny. I think that's all. Hope you liked the chapter. REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!

ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS OR COMPLAINTS? If so, please share!

PS: Unlike previous years at Hogwarts, 6th year students all take classes based on their individual career selections. They are no longer separate by Houses and years, but each is separate from all other, with their own individual schedules.

Preview for next chapter: More on classes! DADA, Potions, and other required Auror courses. Dumbledore and Harry have a chat (occulmecy comes up) and a few other surprises occur. I know I said that old flames and new flames would come up in chapter 7, but I decided it didn't make any sense for it to happen in chapter 7 and have decided to prolong it. It won't come up in chapter 8 either. Well thanks for reading! REVIEW!

This Chapter has been revised:) If you notice any errors, please let me know. Thanks!