DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
The rest of the train ride went fairly well for Harry. The prefect meeting seemed to last forever, but Hermione and Ginny did not not bore Harry with girl talk, as Ron had feared. Neither did either of them mention anything about the scene at the platform. In fact, they didn't seem to talk about anything at all. The topic of discussion seemed to wander about wildly like a drunken flobberworm. At one point they were talking about what Defense Against the Dark Arts would be like, and only moments later they were discussing Crookshanks and the games he liked to play.
Harry eventually joined in the conversations, and both of the girls seemed to be quite pleased with that. It would be a long train ride, and he wanted to forget what he'd seen. He was on his way to Hogwarts, a place more like home than where he'd been.
He was reminded of the other reasons he liked Hogwarts some time later. Harry had heard some students in the hallway talking. They'd seemed to be arguing, but he couldn't hear what they were saying. Shortly after they began, they stopped, and were replaced by a light knocking on the door of the compartment.
"Hi Harry," a cheery looking face said as it poked into the compartment, "It's okay if we join you for a bit?" Harry didn't know when Neville had started counting himself as more than one person, but he nodded anyway. In his wake was Luna Lovegood. She seemed to ignore him completely and instead flopped down next to Hermione.
Neville froze. "Hello Ginny," he said as he stared at her. A smile came across his face and he made to sit between Harry and Ginny even though there was barely space for the school robes Harry had folded between them to control the odd feeling in his stomach. The questioning looks he got were enough to stop him, and he instead took a seat on the floor between Ginny and Hermione. Luna smiled at Ginny.
"Aren't you supposed to be at the prefect meeting?" Her voice had the same dreamy, sedate quality he'd remembered. She handed a rolled copy of Quibbler across to Ginny who took it and opened it up just as naturally as if she'd asked for it. Her reply was just as nonchalant.
"Wasn't interested. Ron will let us know if there's anything important happening."
"I wonder what McGonagall will say," Luna replied with a light laugh, "Three Gryffindor prefects skiving off the meeting. Though, given the situation..."
"Three?" Harry asked, "I'm not a Gryffindor prefect."
Luna seemed to ponder this fact, then looked back at him. "I'm not a Gryffindor prefect either, but there are still only three of them at the meeting."
"Katie Bell is watching the corridor with Hannah Abbot," Neville explained.
"She's doing what? What is she watching the corridor for?" Hermione remarked as she stood up and stuck her head through the door for a moment before coming back in to sit down with a perplexed look on her face. She looked over at Neville. "Why are Katie and Hannah standing in the corridor?" Neville shrugged as he looked up.
"Him, of course," he said with a nod toward Harry. "Loads of first and second years want to get a look at him. Ernie stopped us earlier, but then he had to go off to that meeting. Figured I'd have a better chance with Katie."
Harry slumped in his seat. He couldn't even get on a train without turning it turning into a prison. "That was you a moment ago, was it? Arguing with my guards?" His voice was a little more harsh than he'd intended, and Neville seemed offended.
"They're just trying to help," he said apologetically. "I would have helped them, but I thought you'd be here alone. Figured you'd want someone to talk to."
Harry scolded himself for his sour mood. He apologized to Neville, and stepped out to thank Hannah and Katie. He returned quickly, and smiled at Neville who seemed to be eying his seat. Harry didn't know why. The seats had never been that comfortable. The floor couldn't have been much worse, and after a few hours in the the seat, the floor didn't sound so bad.
The prefects meeting eventually ended, and Ron returned and made it past Harry's guards shortly afterward. He walked into the compartment shaking his head. "Bloody hell. You'd think they hadn't seen me leave here." He looked at his former seat, frowning. Hermione and Luna slid apart, and Ron sat rather uncomfortably between them.
"McGonagall's on the train, by the way," he announced. Ginny and Hermione both jerked their heads up to look at him. "Relax. I don't think she cared. Didn't say a word about it." Hermione ignored his advice and looked a little worried.
"Should we be walking the corridors?"
"Don't bother. Let Malfoy do the dull stuff."
As if taking this as a cue, Harry began to hear raised voices in the corridor. It sounded like more than three people were arguing. As the voices got louder everyone in the compartment stopped talking, hoping to hear something of what was being said outside.
Suddenly, Ron shot out of his seat and leapt out the door, closing it behind him. His voice became the loudest of the group.
"Shove off! There's nothing you need to see back here!" A pair of voices seemed to respond, but they were too muffled to hear, despite everyone trying. Hermione gave an exasperated sigh and opened the door slightly so everyone could hear what was being said. A voice Harry didn't recognize came through the crack in the door.
"—nothing to see then why can't we see it?"
"You can't see it because there's NOTHING TO SEE," Ron shouted, "That's what 'nothing to see' means. It's a miracle you made it through your sixth year, or is this your eighth?"
"What's Potter up to, Weasley?" a voice sneered. This one Harry recognized immediately. "What rules is he breaking this time? Couldn't wait to get to the castle, could he? Or is he hoping to get his name on a plaque for Most Detentions Earned Before the Start of Term? Maybe he's just scared and needed you lot to guard the hole he's hiding in. He's not so tough without his Mudblood mother to protect him."
Harry was out of his seat before he realized it. "No, Harry! Don't!" Hermione hissed as she blocked the door. She wouldn't have been able to stop him but as he took a step toward Hermione, Ginny grabbed him from behind.
"Harry, stop," she pleaded as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and tried to pull him back. She had grown a lot in the last year, but not nearly enough to stop him if he'd wanted to get to the corridor. He'd stopped cold, anyway. He could feel her breathing on his neck and it made it very hard for him to swallow. The fight continued outside, but he didn't move an inch.
"Piss off, Malfoy. You don't have your Inquisitorial Squad to help you anymore." Malfoy hissed something inappropriate back at Ron, but Ron didn't respond. Instead, the other boy spoke up.
"Why don't we see what McGonagall says, then? I suppose she'd love to hear about Potter breaking rules before he even steps off the train."
"I'm sure she would, Warrington. Why don't you go fetch her then? I'd love to talk to her." There was a short pause, then he continued, "Right, and take your ferret with you."
A moment later Ron returned to the compartment. Hermione was still guarding the door and Ginny was still holding Harry back, though he didn't seem to be trying very hard at getting away from her. His face was slightly red, and Ron gave him an apologetic look.
"Sorry Harry, but it would've been worse if that git would have made it back here." Harry was anything but angry with him. It had been almost two years since Harry and Ron had spent any amount of time angry with each other, and at that moment he felt distinctly proud to have Ron as his friend.
"I thought it was great," Harry said breaking a smile. Luna was also beaming at Ron.
"You were brilliant, Ronald!"
Hermione gave her a sidelong glance as she sat back down next to Ron, who seemed to be pleased with himself now that he was certain no one was angry with him. Neville handed Ginny the copy of Quibbler which she'd tossed aside to stop Harry.
The rest of the ride passed quickly as the six of them relaxed in peace. For a couple hours Harry was able to simply sit with his friends, and talk without any fear of what might happen, or who might interrupt them.
As the train pulled into the station, they all quickly put on their robes and walked out into the corridor. Waiting outside were a number of members of their former club, the D.A. Harry tried to tell them that he'd be okay to walk to the carriages, but they ignored him.
As the students spilled off the train, Harry saw Draco standing by the carriages, scowling. As Harry and his escorts approached, they saw him slowly pull his wand from his pocket and hold it behind his back.
"Why if it isn't the Great Harry Potter and his fan club, already marching about as if they own the place."
Katie Bell laughed at him. "Shove off, Malfoy, or you'll end up in a carriage with Filch and the smelliest second years."
"I haven't forgotten, Potter," he called out. "You won't always have them around to look after you."
"I'm sorry, Draco," Harry replied. "I can't play right now, I'm hungry. Perhaps some other evening." Draco seethed, but said nothing as he turned and strode off toward a carriage.
The large group walked on toward a group of empty carriages. A number of the other students easily broke up into smaller groups. Ron and Hermione walked toward one with Harry following them. Luna seemed to have disappeared as the rest of the students separated. Neville walked off to another carriage and opened the door. After a quick look inside he turned back toward the other carriage.
"There's more room in here, Ginny," he called out. Harry was already climbing into the other carriage and Ginny stopped in her tracks. She was already behind Harry and getting ready to join him. She wondered what she should do. She'd been the one to suggest that she and Harry appear only as friends. Would anyone get suspicious if she turned Neville down? It's just a carriage ride, she decided and grabbed the rail to step into Harry's carriage.
"There's room here, too," she replied. "We'll see you there." She climbed into the carriage to sit next to Harry again.
Harry felt much better as he made the final walk toward the entrance to Hogwarts. His dream and the horrible reality he'd seen that morning seemed as if they were a part of an old life. He was back where he was always meant to be.
When they neared the door, they noticed two wizards flanking the arch, both looking quite stern. One of them looked quite familiar to Harry.
"Clarence? What are you doing here? Where is Magnus?" The Auror frowned slightly as he looked to the other wizard, who was not Magnus Montnor, and then back to Harry.
"You should get inside, Harry. I'm sure Dumbledore will explain everything."
They walked into the Entrance Hall where there were stacks of the students trunks and cases, and cages for all sorts of pets. Past them was the entrance to the Great Hall. The majority of the students had already taken seats, but the Gryffindor table was noticeably less crowded.
Harry scanned the table quickly, trying to avoid eye contact with Colin and Dennis Creevey who were excitedly smiling and pointing at the empty seats next to them. Harry saw a large space nearer the front of the hall. Those seats were often left for prefects and much older students since other students didn't want to be near the first years, but the prefects were obligated to keep an eye on them.
Harry pointed the spot out, and started walking toward it. As he did, he noticed that most of the older Gryffindors were streaming in around him. He felt a little annoyed. As he sat down with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, he saw Neville and Seamus making their way over. Dean was trying to follow them, but was stuck behind a small pack of Ravenclaw girls who seemed to be comparing new robes.
Seeing the pack of Gryffindors who were seemingly following him everywhere was quickly eroding the good mood he'd been in. As the last of the students took their seats, the doors to the hall opened again
"Is this going to happen whenever I go somewhere? I don't need an army of Gryffindors protecting me. I've done just fine—"
"Relax, Harry, they aren't following you," Ginny said. Neville turned to look at Ginny curiously from the other side of Hermione. Her voice had been dismissive and distinctly casual. "When they... When they walked us to the platform, the Gryffindors were some of the first to queue up, and they all headed to the back of the train."
"I heard Malfoy was one of the last to go. Probably wanted to take notes," Ron said as he struggled to make his robes lay straight on his shoulders. "I just wanted to make sure Harry wasn't stuck talking to the boring professors."
"Is that why you pushed Katie back in line so you could be first?" Hermione asked.
"Oh? If you were so calm why were you trying to convince McGonagall to let the prefects on early?" Hermione ignored him, and pretended to be listening to whatever the hat was singing. "Ginny kept trying to tell everyone that you were just fine, but I think she was trying to convince herself more than anyone else. She's been acting a bit off all summer."
Ginny turned to glare at Ron when she heard her name, and caught Harry's eyes as she turned back to listen to the Hat's song. Ron continued in a lower voice. "Nobody knew where you were or what had happened. When we woke up, everyone was gone, and there was a note from Shacklebolt saying that you weren't at Privet Drive and that Mum should take us to King's Cross. Even after we got to the station, everyone said they hadn't any idea where you were."
"No one said they didn't know where he was," Ginny said frustratedly, "They just said they couldn't tell you where he was. And for as much as you are babbling on about it, I'd say it was a good idea." The first of the students were being sorted, and Ginny clapped mechanically as the first Gryffindor took a seat not far from her.
"So what are all these Aurors doing around here then? They don't expect the Death—" Ron paused as he noticed a frightened look from the first year who just sat down "—er— They don't expect something bad to happen, do they?"
"I wouldn't doubt it," Harry said quietly. He remembered Voldemort's threat, and began trying to casually search the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. If Randall York's daughter was a Gryffindor he'd have recognized her. As he searched he realized that the newly sorted first year was staring at him. He groaned silently to himself.
"You're— You're Harry Potter?" he stuttered.
"Nope. I'm Herbert Podwart—"
"Harry, stop that," Ginny scolded. "Harry, this is Stephen Lampwright." Harry reached across to shake Stephen's hand, "Welcome to Hogwarts, I'm Harry Potter. I'm on the Quidditch team and dark wizards attack me for no reason. How about you?" Stephen's eyes bulged as he let go of Harry's hand. Ginny reached out to slap Harry's arm, which made enough noise to draw the attention of many of the students nearby.
"He's really nice, I swear," Ginny explained quietly as Harry rubbed his arm. "He's had a bad day."
Properly chastised, Harry sat quietly through the rest of the sorting. As the last of the first years made her way to the Ravenclaw table, he scanned the table for anyone who resembled the Yorks. It was nearly impossible with everyone clapping and turning to chat with old friends.
"What are you looking at, Harry?" Ron whispered. "If you're looking for Cho, she's—"
"No... It's nothing," Harry answered. Luckily Ron was distracted by something far more interesting than whatever Harry had been looking at.
"I welcome all of you to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore called from the head table. "There is much which needs to be said, so let us all eat now, and I shall bore you later when your little minds are more addled by full stomachs. Enjoy!"
With a clap of his hands the tables filled with platters and bowls of food, and the students eagerly began their meal. Harry was much hungrier than he realized. He hadn't eaten since his meager supper the night before. However, after a pair of chicken legs and a cup of pumpkin juice he realized that he was much more tired than he was hungry. A long night in a bed sounded better to him than the treacle tart staring down the table at him.
Ron was eating as much as he always had, and even Hermione seemed more hungry than usual. Ginny, however, was eating even slower than Harry.
"Are you alright, Harry?" she asked. "You must be hungry."
"I'm fine," he replied, already feeling a little drowsy. "I er— didn't sleep well last night." Ginny winced.
"Right. Of course. Sorry about that." Harry waved his hand lazily at her in an attempt to let her know it hadn't bothered him. She smiled and changed the subject. "Do we know who the Quidditch captain is this year?" Ron's face lit up, and he put down his fork.
"Maybe it'll be Harry! You've been on the team as long as Katie!" Harry felt a little shaky. Could that have been what Dumbledore meant? He hoped not. Oliver had always seemed so tense. Harry just wanted to sleep.
"How can I be the captain when I'm off chasing the Snitch? No, Katie'd be a better choice. Or you," he said waving his fork at Ron and making him smile. "Besides, with my luck I'll spend most of the season in the Hospital Wing."
"Oh no, you won't," Ginny said seriously. "I'm done with playing Seeker. I'll tie you to a broom and have you catch the Snitch in your mouth before I do that again." Several nearby students broke out in laughter. Even Hermione was smiling as she chewed on some bread.
"You weren't bad, you did catch the Snitch."
"Well someone has to, don't they?" Ginny argued. She was obviously enjoying herself. "There were only two of us even trying, and he was dreadful. Even if I tried to be Seeker, everyone would just keep saying how I was 'almost as good as Harry Potter'." Harry laughed and reached for some of the treacle tart.
Neville had not been laughing, and was looking at Harry and Ginny with some confusion. When the laughing died down, he finally spoke up.
"Er... Ginny, when did you and Harry get to be such good friends?"
Ginny's fork clattered off her plate, and she only barely saved it from falling to the floor. "Over the summer holidays, I guess," she said uncomfortably. This seemed to confuse Neville even more.
"I thought you had stayed with your Aunt and Uncle, Harry?"
"Well, yeah," he said, unsure of what to say next. "I do have an owl." Dean wasn't far away, and the smile which had been on his face was slowly disappearing. Harry had to speak fast. "It was only a few times, and about Quidditch mostly. I— I was a bit stupid, really. I guess I—er..."
"Harry tried to convince Ginny be the reserve Seeker," Ron said between gulps of pumpkin juice. "Like he said, didn't think he'd make it through the season. A bit daft, if you ask me. And well, you heard Ginny."
With that, the table awoke from the quiet that had surrounded Harry. Everyone was either agreeing with Ron, or arguing about how long it would be until Harry injured himself again. Harry was happy for the change in subject, and Neville and Dean seemed to have mostly forgotten that Harry hadn't really answered their questions.
As Harry lazily continued his meal he wondered if he'd be able to keep the situation between him and Ginny a secret. He wanted to, but he didn't know how many more excuses he'd have to come up with. How was he supposed to talk to her if everyone was going to ask questions about it? He looked across the table at Ginny, and she smiled at him. Things never seemed so bad when she was smiling at him, and he found a little of his appetite returning to him.
The feast continued on for some time, and Harry spent most of the time listening to others talking and only occasionally joining in. It didn't seem long until most of the students had pushed their plates away and were sitting with contented smiles on their faces and were simply talking with friends they hadn't seen in two months. As expected, Dumbledore stood and began to speak.
"Very well. There are a few announcements. Argus Filch has, as always, posted on his door a list of items which are not to be used by students. New additions to this year's list include Sticky Snares, Firey Fizzbangs, and a large number of completely new items. For students wishing to save themselves a trip to his door, the additions bear a striking resemblance to the stock list at 'Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes'."
Harry thought that a little unfair, as they did sell some truly useful items. Ron and Ginny, however, were quite pleased. "Fred and George would be so proud," Ron said with a smile. "Filch's never done that with Zonko's, and everyone's sure to check the store out now."
"I also regret to announce that your Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor was not able to be with us tonight." There was a general murmuring from the students.
Seamus leaned toward Harry. "You suppose he's already been attacked by something nasty?"
Dumbledore silenced the quickly spreading rumors, however. "Kingsley Shacklebolt had some urgent business to attend to, but he will be with us early tomorrow morning. Along with a number of the Aurors, he will be teaching you how to defend yourselves in these dangerous times."
"As for the Aurors themselves, I'm sure you've all noticed that a number of them are stationed around the castle. Please show them your respect and courtesy. They are here for your safety, but I fear they are not used to environments as dangerous as Hogwarts."
"Also, as you were all notified, the International Confederation of Wizards will be gathering here in February. We have tried to plan some events which will be entertaining to everyone. There will be a Ball for students in their fourth year or higher, a pair of Quidditch matches, and a demonstration of sorts, which should be both entertaining and educational."
"Finally, there is a matter which needs attending to regarding some developments last year. Two new... groups were formed last year under the influence of Professor Umbridge, who, alas, decided not to return. Both of these groups were unauthorized by either Hogwarts or Ministry of Magic Rules."
"The so-called 'Inquisitorial Squad' has been disbanded. However, as it was organized by a Hogwarts Professor—" Hermione made a choking sound "—the members will not be punished." Malfoy, who had looked paler than usual before, now had a familiar smug look on his face.
"The second group, which I believe was called 'The Defense Association', was organized and joined by students in direction violation of both Ministry rules and the orders of Hogwarts Professors. After much discussion, we have decided not to punish the members of this group."
Neville practically collapsed on the table in relief. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all shared confused and worried glances.
"While the group went through some effort to keep its membership secret, many of the members are known to be in this hall. It was decided that the responsibility for the violation lay in those who organized the group, and not those who joined simply out of academic curiosity. It is, however, unknown which students were involved. If the organizers are not discovered, all members will need to be punished."
Hermione's mouth dropped open, and she leaned toward Harry and Ron. "That's not fair! Educational Decree Twenty-Four isn't in effect anymore!" she hissed.
Dumbledore was conspicuously looking away from the Gryffindor table. "I trust those responsible will identify themselves by joining me in my office tonight immediately after the feast is dismissed."
Harry sat back with a dumbfounded look on his face. Hermione's face was red with anger. Ron's was more pale with fear. Ginny was simply glaring at Dumbledore. Around the hall, various members sought out other members, but most ended up looking toward Harry.
"How could he?" Hermione said through clenched teeth. "He must know who it was."
"Even if he didn't, it's pretty clear now," Katie said from nearby. "Everyone is looking at you three."
"Let me go," Harry said. "Dumbledore won't expel me. He can't."
"You've been in enough trouble, Harry," Hermione said as she stood up with the rest of the students as they made their way out. "This wasn't even your idea. I was the one who convinced you."
"I helped," Ron said sullenly.
Ginny had already left. She was helping to guide the first years to Gryffindor Tower. Ron, Hermione, and Harry all walked out of the Great Hall along with the rest of the students, many of them giving the trio sidelong glances. Some of the looks were sympathetic or apologetic. Malfoy, however, looked positively cheerful.
When it came time to choose between going up to Gryffindor Tower or to Dumbledore's office, all three of them turned to walk to the Headmaster's Office. Each of them tried to convince the other two to go back, but it became obvious that it wouldn't happen. With solemn nods, they all turned and walked off.
"This'll be a Howler for me, for sure," Ron said in a low voice. "Even if he gives us a month of detention."
"We don't even know if he was serious about punishing us," Hermione whispered as they got closer. "Maybe the Ministry is making him do it, and we'll just get points taken away." However, she didn't sound very convinced that this was the truth.
As they approached the gargoyle that guarded the entrance, they heard talking. In the doorway were two students. One of them was Ernie MacMillan, a Hufflepuff prefect, and the other was Katie Bell. Her eyes popped open as she saw them and started mouthing something at them.
"What're they doing here? And what's she saying?" Ron whispered.
"Good evening, Harry, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said as his head poked out into the hall, "And Mr Weasley, as well." Katie scowled at them as they walked toward the small doorway. Dumbledore stepped past her into the hall to guide them past the gargoyle.
"Shall we wait for Miss Weasley or Mr. Longbottom?" he asked lightly. Ron stared back bravely.
"Ginny and Neville had nothing to do with this. Hermione and I organized it." Dumbledore merely smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Mr Weasley. I'll just leave the door open for them, then. Come along, it is getting late."
Ron tried to protest, but Dumbledore was already on the rising staircase leading to his office. Katie and Ernie were stepping on the stairs, but Harry was shocked to see that Cho Chang was right behind Dumbledore, and looking almost as disgruntled at Katie. Harry was the last to step onto the stairs.
On the way up, Katie kept glowering at Ron, who was right behind her. Ron got increasingly annoyed by this, until he finally had enough.
"What?" he hissed at her, but got no response. "Well? What were you trying to tell us before?"
Katie gave him a condescending look. "I was saying Go Away. Now we're all in trouble," she hissed.
"Well you should have told us!" Ron said back. Katie rolled her eyes.
They reached the top of the stairs and walked into Dumbledore's office. To Harry it was all too familiar. The rest of the students seemed a bit awestruck despite their fear of punishment.
"Sit down, please," Dumbledore said as eight chairs appeared around the room. Harry and the others each silently found a seat but Katie stepped forward immediately.
"It wasn't them, sir. Cho and I convinced Harry and Hermione to help us." Cho stood up and nodded her head sincerely. Ernie also walked up and purposefully put himself between Harry and Dumbledore, "—And I recruited most of the other members."
Harry just sat silently, staring at the three of them. They were still protecting him. His eyes met Dumbledore's, but he realized that he didn't look angry, or even concerned. Something strange was happening. Dumbledore had tricked them into coming up here. But why?
"Very well, Miss Bell, Miss Chang, and Mr. MacMillan. I trust that you will not dispute your punishments for such deliberate disobedience?" The three of them nodded, but Dumbledore said nothing more. Instead he seemed to stare off for a moment, then he relaxed silently.
Cho took a step back. Her eyes met with Harry's. There was a trace of embarrassment there, but mostly he saw a matching confusion. Their silent questions were answered a moment later when the sound of sharp quick footstep came echoing up the staircase. Someone else was coming.
Ginny had barely entered the room before she started talking as quickly as she could. "Headmaster, it wasn't his idea, I was—" With a crash she fell over an empty chair and was sent sprawling across the floor. She collected herself quickly and bounced back up on her feet. She stepped in front of the smirking headmaster and continued.
"It wasn't him. I was the one who convinced everyone else to come." She was gasping for breath, partly from the spectacular fall, and partly from the run from Gryffindor Tower. Dumbledore simply smiled.
"It wasn't who, Miss Weasley?"
"It wasn't H—" she started, but stopped suddenly. Ron covered his face with his hands. "It—er— It doesn't matter," she said lamely. "It was me."
"I'm certain you're right, Miss Weasley. And for that, I'm afraid you'll have to receive the same punishment. You have created an unsanctioned organization at Hogwarts, and as a result, you will have the privilege of being a part of all such organizations taken from you. However, since you all admitted your guilt, it shall only apply to Quidditch during this term."
Ginny stumbled back and sat down heavily, a hollow look in her eyes. Ernie seemed to accept it a little better. He gave Harry a nod and a small smile. Katie and Cho were taking it the hardest, Harry thought. They were looking at each other, the hollow defeat evident in their eyes. They'd had their last year of Quidditch taken from them to protect him. Harry couldn't stand it.
"It wasn't them, sir!" he shouted as he stood up. Katie and Cho both turned, frightened looks on their faces, "No! Don't!" they were both silently screaming, but Harry had been protected enough this day.
"Ron and Hermione suggested it, but it was my decision. I was the leader. I set up the first meetings." Dumbledore smiled and nodded. He looked to Ron and Hermione.
"Is this true?" he asked calmly. Ron was shaking his head violently, but Hermione was apologetically nodding. Dumbledore looked down to his desk and sighed. Katie collapsed onto a chair shaking her head in despair and muttering, "Best Seeker in ages but he can't keep his mouth shut."
"Very well, I'm afraid the same punishment will apply to you three as well. You are all banned from all Quidditch practices, matches, and related activities for a period of four months."
Ron's mouth dropped open. Hermione looked outraged. "To all of us?" she almost shouted. "But they didn't have anything to do with it!"
"In this case, admitting wrongdoing when you have not done anything wrong is no different than being the one who truly did break the rules. I'm afraid the punishment must stand."
Harry sat back down. Four months. Gryffindor wouldn't have him, Katie, Ron or Ginny. They'd be crushed by Slytherin. Katie and Cho were both frozen in shock, with almost hysterical gleams in their eyes. Ernie looked like he was going to be sick. Hermione tried to protest, though it wasn't what Harry expected.
"Sir? But—but I'm not on—"
"Would you prefer a harsher punishment Miss Granger?"
Hermione's mouth moved, but no sound came out. Finally, she squeaked out, "No." She looked back at Dumbledore suspiciously, but then turned and looked at the door, to see Neville Longbottom breathing heavily as he climbed the last steps.
"She... she wasn't part... part of it. It was—was me..." he panted. Dumbledore smiled and nodded as one of the chairs stiffly walked itself over to him.
"I thank you for that confession, Mr. Longbottom. You'll not be playing Quidditch for four months."
"'Kay," Neville said weakly as he fell into the chair.
"Now that you're all here, let us discuss the reason why you are here."
"Why?" asked Harry rebelliously, "How about we just invite Malfoy up here now so that he can get a early start on his gloating." Dumbledore laughed softly which only annoyed Harry more.
"I'm sure Mr. Malfoy would not be at all pleased were he here, and it is getting late, so let us get on with this. Now that you have been properly punished, I need some decisions made. There are eight spots, but I'm afraid we're still short four people."
"What spots?" Harry asked. "What are you talking about?" Dumbledore simply ignored him and started talking to himself.
"Miss Bell, let's see. No, I think you'll be busy enough that I should choose someone else. Miss Chang should be able to balance all of it, though. Miss Lovegood can join her. Of course Miss Granger is the obvious choice, but who to go with her?"
"I'm the obvious choice for what?" Hermione asked.
Dumbledore looked up with a twinkle in his eye. "For the Defense Association Council, of course. And I believe Miss Weasley will join you." Harry stood up and walked to Dumbledore's desk.
"But... I thought the D.A. wasn't going to be allowed?"
"That group won't be allowed. We do not have secret societies at Hogwarts. The new Defense Association will be run by a fair council of students, and led by you, of course. Mr. MacMillan will be on it, but I don't know who shall join him." Ernie perked up at hearing this.
"Hannah Abbot," he said nodding, "She wanted to come, but we thought it would look absurd to have so many. We flipped a Knut for it. I won."
"Very well," Dumbledore agreed, "There is still the issue of the Slytherins—"
"We have to let them join?"
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, I'm afraid so. This is to be fair. However, this is not a club for anyone who fancies some evening entertainment. You will have to trust your friends to select members who are trustworthy enough to join."
"I am not rewarding you for your disobedience," Dumbledore continued, as he scrawled across a piece of parchment. "You are to aid the Aurors in the defense of the school. There will be duty and responsibility for all members. And danger. However, after the scores returned from the O.W.L and N.E.W.T examinations, I am confident you will be prepared."
"I suggest you all return to your common rooms. You'll need your sleep. I'm sure you'll find a way to inform any former members that there will be a meeting in the normal location tomorrow night, but you must not let anyone else know that the Defense Association isn't disbanded. And until that meeting, you are not to tell anyone else what has been said here. Off you go."
The students filed out of the Headmaster's office, quite unsure of what to think. As they made their way back to their common rooms they tried to work out just what had happened. Harry was happy and nervous that the D.A. would still exist, but he didn't know if it was worth missing the first two Quidditch matches. Ron had been thinking the same thing.
"How're we supposed to fill four Quidditch positions for the Slytherin match?" he moaned.
"You don't have to," Cho said quietly. Ron froze.
"What does that mean? Are we supposed to just give up?"
"No," Katie said with a smile, "I don't know why he didn't announce it. McGonagall told me before the Sorting Ceremony. We're playing a short season this year. The first two games will be during the I.C.W. assembly. The last four will be played in March and April. There will be extra Aurors here during that time, but they couldn't be here all year."
A smile crept across Ron's face. "We won't miss a single match. Brilliant!"
"Exactly," Cho said with a yawn. "We should get back. It might take some work to track down Luna."
It had been a long day for Harry, and as he went off to sleep, he managed to forget about the ghostly corpses at King's Cross and had the long, dreamless, and heavy sleep that he'd needed.
Author's Notes:
So Harry's back at Hogwarts finally, and everything is as it's supposed to be (right?) Well, if you take a look at the chapter number (17) and realize there are 49 chapters in the story, you'll understand that Harry's ride is really just started.
I've been very happy with the response up to this point, but let's see how everyone likes where the story is headed. The previous 16 chapters were more than just a fun diversion. There were some important things happening in them, and you may eventually figure out just why some of those strange things happened.
Now. if you're interested in getting more explanations or asking for any clarifications or explanations, you can join the Yahoo group where I also post the chapters (and will eventually post a PDF of the whole story) as well as answer various questions people ask me in reviews. The URL is:
http/groups. than that, thanks for reading. Review if you like, ask questions if you have them, but do try and enjoy yourselves. I'm adding another 14 chapters today, but be prepared to be disappointed at the end. I've cut off the upload before something I hope everyone will enjoy: a rare chapter filled with action, followed by a somewhat baffling conversation (at least, that's how I remember it. Maybe it'll be better when I edit it).