As Harry walked along the corridor to the Gryffindor Common Room, he accidentally bumped into two of his good friends, Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom. "Hey guys, sorry about that." he explained. The three of them began talking about the summer, the news of the world, and such. Neville seemed a lot more tuned in this year. He seemed to have studied a great deal, and just in time for N.E.W.T. classes. It was fortunate that they didn't have Snape this year, much to Harry's dismay. What he wouldn't give to see Snape one more time. As they rounded the corner to the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry saw Dobby carrying what seemed to be about 50 dishes in his hands, probably from the feast. Harry bid his friends goodbye and quickly ran over to help his former house servant. Harry grabbed a couple of plates from Dobby and set them on his arms, trailing the house-elf as dish after dish began to fall. Harry caught every one of them. Not bad for a Seeker. Dobby dropped his dishes, and from the corner of his eye saw Harry helping him along the whole way. "Harry Potter! Sir Dobby is soo sorry to have troubled you!" he exclaimed. "It is no worries, old friend. I owe you much more than that" he responded. "Harry Potter does not owe Dobby anything. For it is Dobby who owes Harry Potter his services for life!" he bellowed. "If only Kreacher would be kinder, and not show disrespect to Harry Potter, then he would not be slapped up so much by Dobby," Dobby continued, with a hint of triumpth in his voice. "Not to worry Dobby, if anyone can teach that rat a lesson its Dumbl-". Harry caught himself. Dobby walked forward and put his small hand on his. "Don't worry, Harry Potter. Those you love and cherish never go away. I promise you this, Harry Potter. you may be the 'Boy Who Lived', but those you love will alway return to life when you need them the most." With that Dobby gave Harry a hug and returned to picking up the dishes, the sock that Harry gave him four years ago wrapped snuggly around his neck.

As McGonnagall began to examine the Sorting Hat, numerous students were becoming anxious, with Ron and Hermione there to keep them in order. "You know, sometimes I used to think Head Boy position was so easy, I mean, Percy did anything." Ron said. "Oh Ron, you are such a prat sometimes, this is serious business," Hermione replied. "Oh by the way, how is Percy," She added. "I don't know," Ron said. "I know he is going to be at Bill's wedding during Christmas break," he said. BIll and Fleur were supposed to be married over the summer, but with planning and money, they decided to bump it back. Harry had offered many times to help with the money part, but Mrs. Weasley would not have it. As the two were trying to continue to calm down the crowd, McGonnagall slammed her fist on the ground. "Hat, damn you, speak, or I shall throw you into the Womping Willow, and have you come back and sing, with or without your mouth!" she bellowed. The Hat slowly opened his mouth, and recited:

Dear, Minerva, you are wrong,

For I have known that all along,

You wouldn't throw me in a tree,

For Dumbledore would surely see,

Who else would sort out these brats,

None other than the SORTING HAT!

So take your threats and toss them out,

You know what this is all about,

So clean me up and Ill be through,

Because there's Sorting left to do.

The Hat silenced. McGonnagall motioned Ron over to the side, while Hermione tended to two first years who decided that their quill could be used for flying daggers. "Weasley, do you happen to have any Chocolate Frogs?" she asked. Ron, confused, nodded his head, and pulled out three Chocolate Frogs from his robe. "All first years in this room, please excuse myself for one moment," she said. All of the first years left the room, with the Headmistress closing the door behind them. "I have something to say," McGonnagall whispered. "Dumbledore...never let the Sorting Hat eat chocolate. Now that the man is gone, the Hat will only speak for a Chocolate Frog. I need those Frogs, Mr. Weasley." Ron hid a snicker and Hermione quickly kicked him. The Headmistress gave the chocolate to the Hat. "There are your, you filthy hat. Now will your sort some students?" she nastily said. The Hat merely nodded, a signal that the Sorting should begin. Another year that Harry would miss the Sorting. The last year.

Harry awoke the next morning, ready for the first of his only three classes he had to take this year. It was a great feeling for both himself and Ron, who only had three classes. Hermione, surprisingly, only had four classes, which she said she needed for other activities. Harry didn't mind, He was way too excited for Quidditch tryouts later today. Neville had a full course load, which was surprising for anyone who knew Neville. Everyone else had the usual six, unless some wanted a break, or were Prefects and such. As Harry with Ron and Hermione to Defense Against the Dark Arts, he saw Ginny around the corner, but Harry didn't have the energy to say hi or anything. What was wrong with him? Why wasn't he more passionate? More caring. Because something else is on your mind, he said to himself. Ginny ran forward. "Harry, could I talk for a second?" she asked. Harry nodded and motioned Ron and Hermione to go to class. "Whats up?" Harry said, expecting to hear the expected. "I don't think you and me will work out." Ginny said. "It's not that I don't like you, I do, its that you like someone else." she gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked off to class, holding hands with Dean Thomas. Harry chuckled to himself and ran to class, late for Defense against the Dark Arts.

As Harry took his seat, many students were still wondering who the teacher was going to be for this year's DADA class. "Ron," Hermione whispered. Ron listened intently, wondering what Hermione had to say. "Do you think Harry is still like head over heels for Ginny...or Cho?" she asked Ron. Ron, smiling replied, "I doubt either. Cho is going out with Douglas Pratt, the new captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, and Ginny told me last night that she was seeing Dean. Hopefully Harry isnt mad?" he added. Hermione looked over at Harry, who was smiling, then smiled herself. "I think he's taking it pretty hard." Hermione said slyly. All of a sudden, the Gryffidors heard a rumble from outside, a loud one. Harry and Ron quickly turned around, while Hermione looked over her books again to see if she could have some good answers for the opening discussion. The door swung open, and the Gryffindors all began cheering. while the Sytherins let down a big sigh. Professor Hagrid was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

The students all took back to their seats as Hagrid walked to the front of the room. "G'mornin students. My name is Professor Hagrid. You may call me Professor Hagrid, or Professor Hagrid, but nothing else," he added comically. "This year, your final year here at Hogwarts, will be a terrific here in N.E.W.T. DADA. I will show you everything you need to know, and anything you want to know, even if it has nothing to do with the Dark Arts." Harry grinned. "So, our first lesson will be about Dragons. There are many varieties of Dragons, some big and some small, but there is only one way to cat'gorize em'. Anyone know how?" Hermione shot her hand up. "The only way to accurately catagorize dragons is by their dragon scales, which tell what country and how fierce one can be," she explained. "Correct, Miss Granger!" Hagrid said. "Ten points to Gryffindor. Now how can one tell the difference between a venemous dragon, as in the Triwizard Tournament, or a docile one, one that is non fierce." he added. "Ah Hermione again.." he said, pointing at Hermione. "Their eyes," she said. "Multi colored eyes tell you that they are venomous, contrary to those without multi-colored eyes." she added. "Ten More to Gryffindor," Hagrid said, beaming at Hermione. Pansy Parkinson muttered, "I got a question. How come your such a big oaf?" Hagrid turned around. "Ten points from Slytherin, no need to mock me, young one." Pansy Parkinson blew up. "Patrick here knew the answer, but you insist on giving these answers to the Gryffindor, I mean, I could go to the Head of House with this." she said threatingly. "You could, but without you Head of House present, I'm sure I will continue to give points how I see fit, now sit back down in er' seat." he demanded. "Then I want to talk with THEIR Head of House, Professor McGonnagall." she said, several other students rising up. "She is no longer the Head of House with Gryffindor," he continued, as Harry and Ron both took out their wands. "THEN WE WANT TO SPEAK TO THE HEAD OF HOUSE!" three of them bellowed. "Your speaking to him," Hagrid said calmly, a smile across his face. The Slytherins all sunk back into their seats. Harry smiled again.

As the tryouts for Quidditch loomed closer, Harry realized that he only needed a new chaser. He had everyone he needed. Hopefully a lot would turn out. In the meantime, he attended Ancient Runes with Hermione, something that he was sucked into. The last time I make a bet with Hermione about something that was taught in class. Harry said to himself. As the Professor Binns walked in, Harry let out a loud moan, heard by all ten students in the N.E.W.T. class. How Harry got in was amazing itself, but Hermione worked some magic herself. But of all Professors, he liked Professor Binns the least. If History of Magic was boring enough, now he's teaching a class thats as ancient as himself. "Man you owe me big time!" Harry whispered to Hermione. "I'll see you to that," Hermione said smiling, as the Professor began writing down notes on the board.

Sunset. Harry's favorite time of day. It was time for Quidditch tryouts. On his list there were only five players opting for the Chaser position, but there were about fifty outside just to see Harry fly. Harry had always been a good flyer, ever since first year. He got it from his father. He was one of the best, and Harry was making sure not to disappoint him. As the players all walked onto the field, Harry began to walk around the pitch, and clutching on to his broomstick. He then mounted and kicked off of it. He loved the feeling of the breeze as it braised his face. It was a feeling unmatched. Unless it was with those he held close to him. It seemed like he was losing those left and right though. As Harry landed, he heard a round of applause from those all around who were watching. He grabbed his checklist and began explaining what each player was going to do. "Everyone will just fly around, if thats okay, to get a feel for the pitch, I only have one opening this year, so I hope all of you are hear for the Chaser position. After flying for a bit, we will do some drills." He said. He looked at his clipboard. "Wow it seems as though we are missing one person," He added. Looking around he saw someone walking in the distance, towards the group. Harry's mouth dropped. So did everyone else around him, even Ginny. "Sorry I'm late, I hate to grab my mouthpiece," Hermione said. "Are we ready?"

Harry Potter and the Girl Who Lived. 2005. All Rights Reserved.