CH.15

Disclaimer: Blah blah blah; yadda yadda yadda...

August was spent hanging out, playing Quidditch; and catching up on the holiday homework-in Harry and Ron's case. When the Hogwarts letter came, it also contained the results of their O.W.L. results. Ron managed to get 10 O.W.L's, whereas Hermione, (to no one's surprise) scored a record 18 O.W.L's; but Harry also did surprisingly well too; he managed to score13 O.W.L's. But the most surprising thing was that he managed to get an 'O' in Potions- which meant he would be able to take N.E.W.T. level Potions. He was now one step closer to his goal of being an Auror.

On the flip side though, there was not much news to be had of Voldemort or his Death Eaters. And that was a worrisome situation. Because in this case, no news was definitely not good news! It was a sure sign that wherever Voldemort was, he was most definitely up to something, and to be sure it would be something big; and with nasty repercussions. This had many members of the Order quite concerned, though they tried not to let it show…

Soon enough however, the time came to go back to Hogwarts.

The morning they were to catch the Hogwarts Express, was as usual, sheer chaos. Ron, Harry, and Ginny were busily scrambling around trying to make sure they had everything packed before leaving for King's Cross Station. Hermione, already packed, helped the others get ready. And so as usual, they made it to the station with just a few minutes to spare.

Once on the train, Harry and Ginny went to find a compartment to sit in, while Ron and Hermione went to the Prefect meeting in the Heads' compartment. Finding a compartment with only Neville and Luna sitting in it, Ginny and Harry went to sit down.

After the Prefect meeting Hermione and Ron went to find the others and sit down for the duration of the ride to Hogwarts. They only got up occasionally to patrol the corridors. It seemed like it was business as usual as Harry and Malfoy got into yet another confrontation; and Ron continued to trounce Harry at Wizard Chess. Unbeknownst to the Golden Trio and Ginny, there would be something of a surprise waiting for them at Hogwarts.

Once the train ride was over, they all gathered into a carriage for the ride up to Hogwarts. They entered the Great Hall, with Ron already whining about being hungry, as they made their way to the Gryffindor table. Sitting down at their usual spots, they waited for the Sorting Ceremony and Start-of-Term announcements to be made. Idly scanning the staff table, Harry did a double take, exclaiming "Bloody hell!"

At Harry's exclamation, both Hermione and Ron turned to him questioningly.

"Guys, look who's sitting at the staff table," said Harry.

"Bloody hell; I didn't know Remus was coming back!" said Ron, "Did you have any idea Harry?"

"No, he never said a word to me." said Harry, "Did you know Hermione?"

Flushing somewhat guiltily, Hermione nodded, "Yes actually. I was aware that Dumbledore had asked him to come back, at the beginning of the summer."

"WHAT! And you didn't think to tell us?" asked Harry and Ron, looking extremely hurt and angry.

"I'm sorry guys. But Dumbledore asked me not to say anything. He was trying to help pull Remus out of the depression by asking him to come back. So he wouldn't have to stay alone in that house. And so I promised I wouldn't say anything." said Hermione, "Besides, I didn't want Remus to have to deal with any guilt trips causing him to come back if he wasn't interested."

"We would have never given him a guilt trip." said Ron indignantly.

"Yeah, right." scoffed Hermione; "I think I know you guys fairly well now after all these years, and you are so full of it."

Harry had remained quiet throughout this exchange, but when he spoke up what he said surprised both Hermione and Ron.

"She's right. Whether we did it on purpose, or not, we most likely would have made him feel pressured." said Harry.

"So you're not too upset with me then?" asked Hermione hopefully.

"I suppose I can understand your point of view." conceded Harry and Ron grudgingly.

After the sorting, Dumbledore stood up to speak-. "I would like to welcome back all the returning students, and welcome all the new faces. While there is a time for speeches, this is not yet the moment- So tuck in." With that food appeared on all the tables. Ron was randomly piling his plate full of food, while Hermione carefully chose what she wanted to eat- settling on steak and kidney pie, and steamed broccoli, with a helping of spinach salad.

When the last of the desserts disappeared from the table, Dumbledore stood up again to speak.

"Before heading up to our nice comfortable beds, I have a few announcements to make. First, the 'Forbidden Forest' is, as stated- forbidden; which a few of the older students would do well to remember. (At this the Trio shared smirks) Also, our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that magic in the corridors between classes are strictly prohibited. And also that items from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes are forbidden; anyone caught with them will be have them confiscated and given a week's worth of detention. Lists of forbidden items are posted outside the door of Mr. Filch's office. Also, a warm and hearty welcome to our returning Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher- Professor R.J. Lupin."

As Remus stood up to wave at the students, a thunderous wave of applause could be heard throughout the Great Hall, along with a few wolf whistles.

Standing up with the rest of the Gryffindors, Hermione caught Remus' eyes, and winked at him while giving him a wolf whistle of her own.

Remus broke eye contact, blushing slightly.