What to expect in this chapter: Expect to meet three new characters that will greatly impact everyone in different ways. Expect Ron/Hermione's fighting to get worse, and Harry still unsure of what to do about his feelings for Ginny.
P.S.- Please, Please Review! I thrive on it!
Chapter 3- Malfoy & Weil and Harmone
After they walked out of the train and they reached the castle by the carriages, they soon poured themselves into the great hall. Now here they were awaiting the first years to come in for the annual sorting ceremony. Harry was feeling pretty restless. He just wanted to sorting ceremony to start so it could be over, so he could eat. From living on broth and beans for weeks Harry was pretty eager to start eating. All of a sudden Ginny, who was sitting next to him, tapped him. Harry turned to her. Ginny had a smile on her face, and she pointed right across from them, where Ron and Hermione were sitting. Of course, they were bickering like mad.
"No Ron, I don't want to talk about it, "Hermione said in an annoyed voice looking away from Ron.
"Hermione, look at me", Pleaded Ron.
"And why should I? "She said still not looking him in the eye.
Ron looked as he if was losing patience. "I-er- don't know. You know what? You're stubborn Hermione. Sometimes I think you more trouble than your worth!"
Hermione then looked at Ron with a look as cold as ice. "So are you Ronald Wealsey, and you know what? I won't give you any more trouble ever again! Goodbye, "She blurted as she got up from her seat.
"Fine then, Fine! Goodbye- then, "Ron stammered.
Just a minute later Hermione sat down in an empty seat next to Ginny.
Harry then looked at Ron. "What happened?" he asked curiously.
Ron looked really upset. "What else, Harry? The usual. Hermione overreacting about every little thing," he said as he was eyeing Hermione.
Hermione of course heard his and she ignored him even more and she started talking to Neville Longbottom. Harry turned to Ginny and she smiled at him. Harry felt his face go red. Why did he always have to feel so nervous and awkward around Ginny now? Harry knew why. He liked her. A lot. And he still wasn't sure how she felt about him. And he wasn't sure what to do about his feelings. He supposed if he told Ron that he liked his sister, he could be okay with it. He really wasn't sure what he would think. Maybe he could talk to Hermione. She was usually good at giving advice, especially when it came stuff like this. But he peered over at Ron, then at Hermione and decided he wouldn't say anything yet, because they had their own problems.
Harry then looked up at the head table and noticed Dumbledoore talking to a man that he had never seen anymore. The man had red hair, was tall, and seemed to be in this late thirties, early forties. The man also looked extremely polite. Dumbledoore then noticed Harry and gave him a small smile, and Harry gave a little wave back. Harry then noticed that most of the teachers were sitting up at the head table. He then seen Snape out of the corner of his eye. If it was even possible, Snape looked more furious than ever. He peered at Harry, and gave him a look of death. Harry saw that there was an extra seat next to Snape. Just then the doors to the great hall opened and the first years started coming into the great hall, headed by Professor McGonagall and Hagrid. Hagrid noticed Harry and gave him a small wave, Harry waved back. The first years gathered around the front of the hall, and the sorting ceremony soon started. Professor McGonagall was standing near the sorting hand that was sitting on a school. She then held the sorting hat in hand.
"Now when I call your name, you may step forth and I will place the sorting hat on your head, "Said Professor McGonagall.
"Adams, Abigail, "She called.
A really short, curly-blonde haired girl, nervously stepped up and sat on the stool while the sorting hat was placed on her hat.
A few seconds later, the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Everybody clapped. The girl smiled widely, relieved, and ran toward the HUFFLEPUFF table.
The sorting ceremony sort of dragged on, and Harry was so preoccupied with his hunger, he was not paying attention. Of course, Ron was neither, and he looked as if he had fallen asleep. He looked over at Ginny and Hermione who were intently paying attention. He just wished the ceremony could be over already.
"Malfoy, Benjamin," Professor McGonagall shouted.
Harry immediately turned his head, and he noticed that Ron had woken up. He and Ron gave each other curious glances, as well as Ginny and Hermione. Everybody turned at looked at a pale boy with dark blonde hair, walking up who looked older than eleven. The sorting hat was placed on the boys head. Harry glanced over at Draco, who appeared to be nervous.
Within a few more seconds the sorting hat shouted. "GRYFFINDOR!"
Everybody clapped except the Slytherins and the Gryffindors. Benjamin came and sat down at the Gryffindor table close by Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.
The boy was smiling politely. "Hello. I'm Benjamin."
"Uh- Hi, Ron here, "Said Ron gingerly, staring at him.
"Hi, I'm Ginny", Said Ginny, who was also looking at him curiously.
"Hello. Er- I'm Harry," He added. But he didn't know what to think about Benjamin.
Benjamin gave Harry a look of amazement. "Harry Potter? I''ve heard much about you. I've always wanted to meet you!"
Hermione then suddenly looked in Benjamin's direction. "I'm Hermione. Are you related to Draco?"She added bluntly.
The boy looked at around at everyone, who was all eager to hear his answer. The boy shook his head. "Yes. He's my cousin, "Benjamin announced.
"Malfoy's your cousin?" Ron asked.
Benjamin shook his head. "Yeah. Is that a problem?" he said.
"It's just that everyone knows that the Malfoy's are with the Slytherins, "Hermione pointed out.
Benjamin eyed Hermione. "Well that's not exactly true then is it? I got into Gryffindor, didn't I?"
"You mean to tell me that you wanted to be in Gryffindor? "Ron asked surprisingly.
"I was praying that I would get to be in Gryffindor," Said Benjamin. "And now I am," he added with a smile.
Harry peered over at Malfoy who was looking really enraged at the Slytherin table. He kept looking over in Benjamin's direction. His arms were crossed and he was shouting at Crabbe and Goyle.
It seemed that everybody was a little less uneasy around Benjamin now. But no one was really talking to him either. Harry gave Benjamin a little smile. Harry noticed that the Sorting Ceremony was now over. No one else at the Gryffindor table realized it either, probably because of the commotion with Benjamin.
Just then Professor McGonagall tapped her Goblet. "Your attention, please," she said firmly.
Dumbledoore then rose from his seat and began to speak. "Before the feast I have a few special announcements I would like to announce. I am pleased to introduce to you your new defense against the dark art's teacher, Professor Richard Weil.".
The man that Harry had spotted Dumbledoore talking to stood up and smiled. Everyone clapped that was, except for Snape, Harry noticed he had a vicious look on his face and was eyeing Professor Weil with a look of detest.
"Now, my final announcement. I am pleased to inform you that there will be a change in all your potion's classes and for the Slytherin house. Professor Snape is still the head of the house, and will still be teaching. However, Professor Sharon Harmone will be joining him as the co-head house of Slytherin, and she will assist Professor Snape in the classes as well. However, Professor Harmone has not arrived just yet, due to the fact that she is coming all the way from America."
Harry was smiling. Everyone around him seemed to be smiling, Especially, Ron Hermione, Ginny, and Neville. Well that was except for Malfoy, who was shaking his head at the Slytherin table. This was great, Harry thought. They wouldn't have to put up with Snape anymore. Well only if Professor Harmone was fair. She could be exactly like Snape, and it could make the whole situation worse. Obviously the empty seat next to Snape was for Professor Harmone. And that's why Snape looked so miserable sitting up there. He definitely did not want an assistant.
"Let the feast begin! "Dumbledoore announced.
Then all of the plates and goblets filled up with food and drinks right before their very eyes. Harry then remembered how extremely hungry he was. He grabbed everything in sight.
A little bit into the feast, Harry still wasn't done eating. He could see that Ron and Hermione were still not talking either. But no one was doing much talking. Everybody still seemed to be eating.
"Harry?" asked Neville Longbottom.
Harry looked at Neville. Neville seemed to be staring at the door to the great hall.
"Who's that blonde woman over there? "Neville pointed to a young woman, who was walking up toward the head table. This woman looked as if she couldn't be anymore than in her early twenties. She had long blonde hair, and she was wearing robes of bright red, and was wearing black high-heeled shoes. Harry had an idea of who she was, but he couldn't imagine that they could have a teacher that young and well - pretty.
As Harry was about to Answer Neville, Dumbledoore stood up and the chatting stopped abruptly.
"Excuse me Students. I am sorry to disturb the feast, but I would like to introduce you to Ms. Professor Harmone, who has just arrived. We are very glad to have her here, "Dumbledoore beamed.
"It's nice to be here too, Professor Dumbledoore, "Professor Harmone announced while, Harry noticed she spoke in an American accent. The woman then smiled brightly and then sat down next to Snape. Snape appeared to be very annoyed.
"You may get back to the feast. Thank You," Finished Dumbledoore.
"That's our new potion's teacher? ",Said Ron gazing at Professor Harmone. She's very"- but Ron's voice trailed off as Hermione glared at him from across the table. Ron scrunched down his seat, looking down. Harry had a feeling what he was going to say.
"I just hope she's nicer than Snape, "Blurted Ginny.
"Yeah. That's for sure. If the two of them teamed up, they could make all are lives miserable, "Added Harry.
Neville shook his head. "Trust me, Nobody is worse than Snape, Harry, "He said nervously.
"Potter!" Sneered an annoying voice that belonged to Draco Malfoy. Harry and his friends turned around, and there was Malfoy right behind him with a dirty look on his face, with Crabbe and Goyle right beside him."
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Hissed Hermione.
Malfoy snickered. "I'm just here to say hello to my cousin. That's not illegal, is it Granger?"
"For you it is, "Added Ron glaring at Malfoy.
"Sticking up for your girlfriend, eh Weasley?" Smirked Malfoy.
Ron's ears flushed. He didn't say anything. Hermione quickly peered at Ron, but then started picking at her food. Harry couldn't stand this anymore. He couldn't stand how Malfoy thinks he could talk to people however he felt like.
"You know what Malfoy? If you want to say hello then your cousin, then do it. If you don't then leave. No one cares what you do, "Harry said cooly.
Draco glared at Harry but did not say anything. He then looked at Benjamin.
"Hello, Draco, "Benjamin said with a forced smile.
"Ben, "Malfoy hissed. "I bet you're just crushed that you have to sit here with this lot."
"No, actually Draco, I belong here, "Ben said coldly.
Malfoy started to laugh. "You- You actually want to be part of a house that has- Saint Potter! Sniveling Wealsey's Then Draco looked over at Hermione. "And a Mudblood!"
"That's enough! I am not taking this anymore! "Shouted Ron angrily. Ron then got up, leaped across the table, and punched Malfoy in the face.
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny and the rest of the table couldn't help but think it was rather funny. Crabbe and Goyle had backed away, and Ron and Malfoy were fighting. Malfoy knocked Ron into the table, and some goblets and food fell over onto the floor. Then Ron pushed Malfoy to the ground, and was about to pull out his wand. Everybody in the great hall turned away from their table to look at this display between Ron and Malfoy.
"Ron, don't. It isn't worth it!" Hermione shouted.
"Wealsey! Malfoy! "Harry heard Snape thundering toward where Ron and Malfoy was fighting.
Snape broke up the fight, and separated Ron and Malfoy.
"What is going on here?"Snape growled furiously.
But Ron nor Malfoy did not say anything. Ron looked at Harry panicked.
Snape then looked at Harry. "Wealsey, Potter! In my office now!"
Snape then turned to Neville and Ginny. "You, Longbottom and Ms. Wealsey. Take Mr. Malfoy to the hospital wing immediately!"
Neville nervously shook his head. Ginny sighed. Harry noticed that Malfoy had a bloody nose, but Ron had nothing on him.
"My office now! "Snape spat at Harry at Ron.
"But, sir, Harry is not involved!" Ron started to say.
"Shut your trap! "Added Snape.
Hermione gave a sympathetic look toward Harry and Ron as they were dragged to Snape's office.
"It doesn't surprise me Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley, that you two would cause trouble on the first day. I should except no less from you, "Snape growled as he peered from Harry to Ron who were standing in Snape's office.
"But, Professor, Harry had no part in it, really," Pleaded Ron.
"Hold your tongue, Weasley! Now, since the fact that Professor McGonagall is not here to give you the punishment you deserve, I suppose I will decide what punishment will be suitable for you two. Now for you Mr. Potter-"
Just as Snape was about to give Harry and Ron a verdict, the dungeon door opened and Professor McGonagall and Professor Harmone walked in. Harry and Ron exchanged a relieved look at one another. Snape looked very unpleasant as he looked at the two teachers walking in.
"What is she doing in here?" Snape hissed at Professor McGonagall referring to Professor Harmone.
"I simply wanted to remind you Severous that since she is now co-head of Slytherin, she gets to be involved in this, "McGonagall stated. "I talked to Professor Dumbledoore and he says it's up to yourself and Professor Harmone to decide on a punishment for these two gentlemen, "she added.
Snape looked very angry. "Very Well, "He said through clenched teeth, trying not to show his hostility to Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall made a gesture toward Snape then walked out of Snape's office.
Harry didn't think this was fair. Why was Dumbledoore letting Snape and Professor Harmone decide on their punishment? Harry hadn't even done anything wrong. And Ron was totally justified, since Malfoy was acting like a jerk like always. There was no way that they would get out of this. Harry looked at Ron with a nervous glance.
Just then Professor Harmone smiled at Harry and Ron.
"You two should take a seat, "Harmone said nicely. But as Harry and Ron looked around there were no seats. Just then Harmone took out her wand and muttered something under her breath, and two comfortable looking chairs appeared into the air close by Snape's desk. Harry couldn't believe she was being his nice, and apparently Ron thought that two because he was smiling a bit.
"So guys, What are your names? "Harmone said smiling, who was standing in front of Harry and Ron in front of Snape's desk. Snape, who was standing close by her, did not look happy, Harry noticed that Snape was giving Professor Harmone an icy stare.
"I'm Ron Wealsey," Said Ron nervously.
"It's nice to meet you, "Harmone said extending her hand. Ron, who was surprised, shook it.
Harmone then looked at Harry. "Oh, er- I'm Harry Potter."
Harmone's eyes lit up. "The Harry Potter? I've heard quite a lot about you. It's a pleasure, "she chuckled, as she shook Harry's hand.
"All right! What is this nonsense?" Snape interfered.
But Harmone did not say anything. She just gave Snape sort of a half-smile. Harry then seen Snape grimace more.
"If you would like to help-Ms. Harmone, then I suggest you leave me to deal with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley!" Snape said eyeing her with disgust.
But Harmone just laughed. "I don't think so. That's not how I do things. I think you need to hear these guys' side of the story, first before we even think about punishing them," She said firmly glaring at Snape but still remaining her cool, calm self.
Snape looked at her for a moment. "Fine! I will allow them to say their side of the story for one minute, but they will indeed be punished!"
Harmone grinned. "Good. Now, guys, go ahead."
Harry and Ron had told Professor Harmone everything that happened, including how Malfoy had called Hermione a Mudblood. And that's why Ron had lost his temper. Harry also put in that it wasn't Ron's fault of course, and that he wasn't even involved. He was just sitting at the table. Of course, Snape pretended as if he wasn't even listening.
"Well that's completely understandable, "Harmone said with a sympathetic smile. "Malfoy is a trouble maker. There's always one in every school, and well, I dated mine in highschool- but that's a whole other story," Harmone recalled with a smile on her face. Snape was staring at her, looking appalled.
Harmone noticed Snape but ignored him and continued on. "Anyway. That's a very horrible word he called your friend Hermione, and you just lost your temper. Anyone would have done that in your position. I would have probably done the same thing.", She said to Ron. Then she turned to Snape. "It seems me that you have the wrong guys in here. And as a matter of fact, why is Harry even in here? He was not even involved in this," Harmone pointed out.
Snape glared at them. "So he claims. But see Ms. Harmone, I know Mr. Potter better than you do. I know how he works."
"Well, of course you would know Harry better than I would, Severous. But I'm new here. I think that I'm exactly what this school needs. An unclouded mind- with no personal vendettas," She added causally but firmly. Harry noticed that Professor Harmone was holding something that was around her neck. It was a red-ruby necklace. It was rather striking. How had he not noticed it before? But then Harry focused on the matter at hand. Harry of course had expected Snape to respond rather badly to this. There was no way that Professor Harmone was going too win. Snape would punish them for months.
"How do you know my first name?" Snape said through clenched teeth.
Harmone ignored this comment. "So we decided then? Great! Harry, Ron, you two get back to the feast. We'll deal with Mr. Malfoy later." She added. Snape just stood there leaning against his desk with his arms folded looking more furious then Harry had ever seen him. But he said nothing.
Harry and Ron didn't need to be told twice. They got up quickly from their seats and smiled widely at Professor Harmone. Harry didn't know how to thank her Professor Harmone.
As Harry and Ron entered the hall, Ron started laughing. "Man that was bloody brilliant! We don't get in trouble for once and Malfoy gets all the blame. It's about time!"
Harry agreed. "I know! After all this time, Snape finally gets someone to stand up to him. And a teacher for that matter!"
"I never thought she would be that nice. I thought for sure she would be another Umbridge, Ron added."Don't even remind me, "said Harry. "I still have scars on my hand."