A/N: Hey. Um…yeah. Here ya go. Lol.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter. Now that we've covered that, here's the new chapter!

Chapter 11

"Now Harry," said Dumbledore, "We have several topics to address with you."

Harry nodded slowly.

"Minerva, why don't you go first?"

"Alright, Albus," she replied. "Now Harry, I have a proposal for you. How would you like to be the new Gryffindor Quidditch Captain?"

Harry's eyes widened in shock. Being Quidditch Captain had always been one of his dreams. Even one of his former captains, who now played Quidditch professionally, Oliver Wood, had once said that Harry had the determination that makes a good captain. It was something that Harry had always wanted, and now it was actually happening.

After thinking for no more than two seconds, Harry nodded enthusiastically, "Yes!" Harry yelped, excitedly.

"Very well," Professor McGonaggle said happily. "Now on to the next topic. I need to talk to talk to you about your new prefect privileges…and responsibilities. Since there is now, only one 6th year Slytherin prefect, you are occasionally going to help patrol corridors with Miss Parkinson."

Harry sighed sadly. He had seen this coming, but that didn't make the situation any better.

Professor McGonaggle continued, "I know it's not the most ideal job, Mr. Potter, but it is your duty."

Harry nodded. Professor McGonaggle turned to know if you are planning on continuing the DA."

"Oh," said Harry, "yeah, I think so. There's not a problem with that is there, sir?"

"No, of course not. I was hoping you were planning on continuing it. But now you actually have permission."

Harry smiled inwardly.

Dumbledore continued, "And I would also like to give you, and your team members, some special privileges. Like an extended curfew."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

Dumbledore smiled, "Yes Harry, extended curfew. But only by an hour and a half. You, and all of your members, will be treated like semi-superiors. Sort of like prefects, only with much different responsibilities. Your responsibility, Harry, is to defend our school. Because you and I both know, that we're at war, and always in danger. You will receive a list of all your privileges on a later date."

Harry nodded in understanding.

"I just wanted to make sure you were planning to continue, considering the large amount you have on your plate this year," Dumbledore clarified.

Harry nodded and said, "Well, personally, I think the responsibility has a lot to do with my character. I mean, it stinks, but if I'm able to rise to these challenges, it just makes me a better person doesn't it?"

McGonaggle smiled, "Very wise, Harry. Quite profound actually."

Harry chuckled, with a slight smirk. He turned back to Professor Dumbledore. Albus couldn't help but notice how much more like James Harry was getting every day. Not the arrogant jerk he had once been, but the mature, sarcastic, friendly, and funny man that he had known and loved.

"Is that all you wanted, Professor?"

"No, just one more thing Harry," replied Dumbledore, "It's about that night right after you had come to headquarters when you eavesdropped on the Order meeting.

Harry looked down, pretending to have a sudden interest in his feet. Anything to divert his eyes from the headmaster.

"I don't blame you Harry."

He looked up, thinking, You better not. I had every right to know that information. It's not my fault you won't tell me anything.

"Harry, you were in every right to know that information. But, you see, Harry. I was actually planning on telling you about it once you got to school. I just didn't want to interrupt your…period of grieving."

Harry sighed.

"I don't want you to loose trust in me, Harry. Not again."

Harry looked at the ground for a number of seconds. They sat in silence for a few moments, when Harry finally spoke up.

"So…what's this prophecy got to do with?" Harry asked, slightly bitterly.

"Don't worry, Harry. It's nothing life altering. This prophecy predicts the way Voldemort can be vanquished."

Harry's eyes widened. Was there another way? Something other than the Killing Curse? Aveda Kedavra?

"What does—" Harry said, but Dumbledore cut him off.

"Sadly, we do not know the contents of this prophecy. Just what I have told you. Luckily, Voldemort doesn't know what the prophecy says either. But he does know about it. He knows exactly what we know."

"So, why didn't Voldemort try to get me to get this from the Department of Mysteries, also?" Harry asked.

"Because this prophecy is not in the Department of Mysteries. We don't know where it is. It's lost."

Harry sighed.

"So we're even with Voldemort? We know everything he knows?"

Dumbledore nodded.

Harry fixed an accusing stare at Dumbledore.

"Did you learn this from Snape?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Yes, Harry. I did learn this from Severus. But please remember to call him Professor Snape."

Harry sighed. It was highly unsettling to be semi-thankful towards an enemy. Especially when that enemy was Snape.

Professor McGonaggle looked at the pair, apparently befuddled.

"So…Harry knows that Serverus is our spy in the Death Eaters? How?"

This caused Dumbledore to chuckle even more. "Well Minerva, I didn't tell him. You'll just have to ask him."

The transfiguration teacher looked fixedly at Harry waiting for an answer.

"Well…I just kind of figured, I guess. I mean, it's not like that Order was going to pass up the opportunity. He did it last time, why not do it now? I guess that I just I assumed."

McGonaggle smiled. "Mr. Potter, you're smarter than I give you credit for."

Harry smirked smugly.

"Very well Harry, you may go join your friends in the Great Hall," Professor Dumbledore said.

Harry made his way to the door, smiled at the professors, and then exited.

When he arrived at the Great Hall, he sat down next to Ron, who was next to Hermione. Ginny was across from Harry. She had reapplied her lip-gloss, which reminded him to wipe the pink off his mouth. Ginny smirked as she saw this. She opened her mouth to greet Harry, but was interrupted by Hermione.

"Harry, look at the staff table."

Harry glanced over towards the table and skimmed the different professors. There was the greasy-haired, slime-ball of a potions professor, Snape. Then the tiny Professor Flitwik, and Professor Sinistra. Next to him were professors' Vector, Sprout, Trewlaney, and Binns. Next to the ghost, Binns, was Hagrid, sitting much higher than the rest because of his enormous height. And then, at the end of the table was Tonks.

Harry's eyes widened at the sight.

"Tonks is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" Harry asked quickly.

Hermione nodded happily, "Yep."

"That's great!" Harry exclaimed.

Ron joined the conversation, "Yeah I know. She'll be really good. But I am a bit worried. I mean, she's so clumsy. What if she accidentally kills one of us, or something?"

This caused Harry to laugh loudly, along with Ginny. Hermione, though, didn't seem to think it was all that funny.

"Ron! That was insensitive! You know Tonks is a magnificent auror, and will be an amazing Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and—"

"Okay! Okay! I get the point. Sorry Hermione, I was just making a joke."

Hermione scowled at him.

"Anyway, Harry…what'd Professor Dumbledore want?"

Harry looked down at Hermione. "Oh just discussing things like my new prefect duties and the DA."

"You should have asked McGonaggle who the new Quidditch Captain is while you had a chance," Ron said.

Harry sighed happily, "I didn't need to ask."

Hermione smiled and mouthed, "Congratulations" to him from behind Ron.

Harry smiled happily at her.

"Why didn't you have to—" Ron began. But then comprehension dawned on his face. "Wait…are—are you the new captain?" Ron questioned, eyes wide as galleons.

Harry nodded happily, followed by Ron grinning widely.

"Congratulations mate! Oh, this is going to be awesome! Will you let me help? Can I help you with strategy and tactics? You're going to let me say keeper, aren't you? Are you going to—"

Ginny, luckily, cut him off, "For Merlin's sake Ron! Calm down and stop asking questions!"

Harry laughed softly. And that's when Dumbledore preformed the Sonorous spell, and began to speak.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I hope that you all enjoyed your summer. Now, I'm sure you're all awaiting the feast to start, so let the sorting begin!"

All the first years piled out of a door, and Professor McGonaggle set the stool at dusty hat out in front of everyone. The Sorting Hat opened it's brim wide, and broke out in song.

"I've been here many years, you see,

and do my duty to this school,

by placing you where you need to be.

Now, Hogwarts is very old,

made by brilliant founders,

with hearts of gold.

First Gryffindor,

The bold and brave,

In Godric's house,

Bravery he gave.

Then Slytherin,

The folks of stealth and cunning,

Those pure of blood,

And with wands they will go gunning.

Next Ravenclaw,

Those of wit and learning,

The smartest ones go there,

With knowledge what they're earning.

Last Hufflepuff,

The loyal and caring,

They're kind and full of spirit,

And always up for sharing.

Those are the houses,

I've told their story,

But you must unite,

To see them in their glory.

For without unison,

The school will fall from within,

But now my song is done,

Let the sorting begin.

There was scattered applause, most people pondering the Sorting Hat's message. Harry, though, thought it was quite fitting. Well, except for the fact that Gryffindor's were supposed to get along with Slytherin's. Fat chance of that happening.

"Very well," Professor McGonaggle spoke, loudly, "first up: Anderson, Bradford!"

A shy curly-haired skinny boy walked up to the stool and sat down, putting the hat on. A few moments later the hat shouted "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Next was Attler, Jacob, and so on. No one, until the end of the B's was announced a Gryffindor.

"Boyse, Kaitlyn!" The red, wavy-haired put the Sorting Hat on.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Then were Callder (Slytherin) and Collins (Ravenclaw).

The sorting went on as normal as usual, until they got the M's.

"Malfoy, Saiph!"

Harry's eyes widened, as Hermione gasped. Ron said loud enough for the entire table to hear, "WHAT!" Ginny's jaw dropped open. Harry glanced momentarily over at Neville, who was mumbling nervously to himself, "Another one? No, no, there—there just can't be. Oh no, no, no."

A small boy, with platinum white-blonde hair and cold, icy blue eyes walked over the Sorting Hat, confidently, and sat down. The very moment the hat touched Saiph's head, it yelled "SLYTHERIN!" immediately.

He smirked smugly, and walked over to the Slytherin table, and sat next to Draco Malfoy. Draco nodded, acknowledging him (which is much better than he does to Crabbe and Goyle. He practically ignores them). It seemed as though Malfoy saw Saiph as an almost equivalent, and treated him with respect.

Harry immediately turned to Ron.

"Malfoy doesn't have any siblings. Cousin?"

"I guess so," Ron replied thoughtfully.

They turned their attention back to the sorting as they heard cheering all around them. A new Gryffindor had been sorted (Brown, Josephine).

The sorting continued back to normal, and before they knew it, they had already reached Z. The final person sorted, Worthington Zabler ("RAVENCLAW!").

Dumbledore stood up as the applause faded from Ravenclaw table.

"Welcome all new students, and welcome back to all the old. Now, there is a time for speech making, but now is not that time. So, with that said, let the feast begin! Tuck in!"

The plates quickly filled themselves with delicious food. Roasts, chicken, turkey, and more amazing food. Potatoes, cranberries, pumpkin pies, treacle tarts, fudge, and more.

Ron turned to Hermione, who looked reluctant to eat anything.

"You're not still on about that spew thing, are you?" he asked exasperatedly.

Hermione shot daggers at Ron. "It's not spew its S.P.E.W.!"

"Wutver," Ron said, mouth stuffed full of food. Harry suspected he was trying to say "Whatever" but he couldn't be too sure.

Once they had stuffed themselves to the brim—even Hermione, who was too hungry not to eat—they sat back, and enjoyed relaxed conversation. Soon there after, Dumbledore stood up, ready to begin his speech.

"Alright, I hope everyone enjoyed their delectable meals. Now, Mr. Filch would like to remind you all that Filibuster Fireworks, Homework Completing Quill, Exploding Pops, and every Weasley's Wizard Wheezes product are strictly prohibited. For the entire list of restricted items, please look at the list attached to Mr. Filch's office door. I must also remind you that the Forbidden Forest is exactly that—forbidden. No student is permitted in, unless given permission. So now all first year students should know. And a few of our older students ought to know that by now also," he added, casting a meaningful glance toward Harry and his friends, eyes twinkling.

Harry looked at the ground, tapping his foot, pretending to have a sudden interest in the floor. Ron whistled, tunelessly in a fake way, and looked all around the Great Hall. Blush crept over Hermione's cheeks. Ginny couldn't help but laugh loudly at the sight.

"It is now even more important to stay out of the Forbidden Forest than usual, now that Lord Voldemort is back."

There were several jumps and gasps at the name, as usual. Harry just rolled his eyes.

"You all must remember to be prepared in the war and act rationally." He cast one last meaningful glance at Harry, which caused Harry to let out a long sigh. "Well, you should all know that there are several starting up this year. Some also restarting. Some of these clubs include: the Dueling Club, the Defense Association—I'm assuming that's what it really stands for, the Charms Club, and the Astronomy Club. Now, some of these, you should know, will only have one meeting a month, like the Dueling Club. Well, it's late and I'm sure you would all like to be getting to bed. So, good night all, you may go."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all got up from the table.

"First years!" Hermione called, "Follow us! First years, this way!"

They began to walk, first years following. Eventually, the rest of the Gryffindor prefects caught up with them, and continued to the lead the way. When they arrived at the portrait, Harry actually knew the password for once.

"Godric's Hollow."

Everyone entered, and Harry plopped into his favorite squishy armchair by the fire and sighed.

"It's been a long day," Harry stated as Ginny sat in the chair next to him, Ron and Hermione across from them.

Ginny sighed, "You can say that again," she said as she threw Harry a smile. He smirked slightly and smiled back.

"You gave us quite a scare Ginny," Ron said. "You don't know how bad we freaked out. I mean, being soulless is like being dead. No more sister. And, of course, Harry here totally blamed himself. I swear, the guy was crying like a little baby."

Harry sighed, "I'm right here, Ron. Right here."

Hermione and Ginny both giggled, while Ron chuckled.

"Just telling it like it is, mate. Anyway, I'm off to bed." Ron stood up heading towards their dormitory.

"I'll be in there soon," said Harry, nodding slightly.

"'Night Ron," Hermione said, as Ginny waved.

Ron exited the room.

"So," Hermione began, staring fixated at Harry and Ginny, "what's new with you two?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Harry furrowed his brows, "Er—nothing," he said slowly, looking at Ginny questioningly. She nodded.

Hermione smirked. "Well, I'll leave you two alone, and go to bed. 'Night all." And Hermione swept swiftly out of the room.

Harry turned abruptly to Ginny. "She knows something. I swear if she tells Ron, I'll be forced to kill her."

Ginny giggled slightly, "Yeah she may need a talking to."

There was an awkward silence.

"So…you okay and everything? I mean after the whole dementor fiasco?" Harry asked.

Ginny smiled sweetly and nodded. "I'm fine. You?"

"I'm okay…now."

More silence followed.

"So…um…the, uh…food was good," Ginny stated, desperate for a topic of conversation and no more silence.

Harry chuckled.

"Yeah, the food was good. They always have good food."

Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "It's going to be good being back this year."

"Yeah. But I wish classes didn't start tomorrow. This is my OWL year!"

"Ouch. You're in for a handful. Uh…no pun intended there."

Ginny laughed. "That was actually a good one," she said, grinning happily. "But I am looking forward to the DA this year."

Harry nodded, excitedly. "It's going to be great this year. I already have my first lesson planned and everything. I got it all planned when we were at Grimmauld Place."

"Really? Well, what is it?"

"You'll just have to wait and find out."

Ginny pouted, flirtatiously.

"Fine! Fine! I give! Okay…so first we're going to be reviewing what we learned last year. Then I'll be teaching you new shield charm. It's called the Blockadeous Charm. It's really old, so not many people really know about it. But it's really powerful, too. When used with others, it can block the Imperius Curse and the Cruciatus Curse. But it's very, very advanced magic. Like…harder than a patronus. Not much harder, but it's still harder. But, unlike a patronus, there's nothing around to make it harder. But you have to concentrate really, really hard. The more you concentrate, the more powerful the shield. You get it?"

Ginny nodded. "Thanks for telling me."

"Yeah, well. And please Ginny, don't tell anyone."

"I won't tell anyone, Harry. I promise."

He could tell she was being sincere, and he was thankful for it.

"Thanks, Gin."

There was a comfortable silence.

"I'm glad you're okay, Ginny. You really scared me. I-I thought I'd lost you." A tear trickled down Harry's cheek, eyes red and puffy.

Ginny pulled him into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Harry," she whispered.

Harry sniffled and buried his head in her shoulder.

It was nice for Ginny to see Harry like this. So…vulnerable. Instead of that hard outer shell that he would put up to disguise his true feelings. The mask that hid his emotions. It was nice for Ginny, seeing the true Harry. A vulnerable Harry. Like trading places for a moment in time. Harry had always been the one to save Ginny. In the chamber and with the dementors. But maybe this time, Ginny could be the one to save Harry. Not physically, but emotionally. They understood each other better than anyone else understood them. So maybe, just maybe, she would be the one to save him, and not just the other way around.

A/N: Mkay, so I just noticed I have way too much crying in this fic. But sadly, you're in for a tiny bit more later. After that, though, hopefully I won't have anyone cry for a while…um…yeah. So…review please! K thanks.