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Chapter Three – Welcome Back

A week later, it was the early morning of September first. Mrs. Weasley was obviously trying not to cry, giving everyone hugs and kisses for no other reason except she had to 'make them last' for a couple of months. She even hugged Harry and Hermione in passing as she did with her children. Mr. Weasley wasn't as dramatic, although he did pat everyone on the back now and then.

The rest of the Order acted their usual selves and Tonks spent some time the previous evening giving them tips on surviving Hogwarts for their sixth (and Ginny's fifth) year. Her ideas were sometimes a bit eccentric, like 'Sleep during History of Magic and copy down someone's notes during lunch.' Or 'Never walk on the left side of the hall.' They didn't ask about this tip; they really didn't want to know.

For breakfast, Mrs. Weasley made her 'Special pancakes with a secret syrup recipe made by my great-great-great-great-great grandmother.' Or was it great-great-great-great? No matter, the food was delicious, but there were not many people to share it. Only Tonks, Mad Eye, the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione were seated at the table. Severus went back to Hogwarts and Remus was back at his own flat. Some other members of the Order only dropped in occasionally, so it wasn't really anything big for them not to be there.

They received mail from Charlie and Bill; nothing from Percy. The two older brothers apologized for not being able to see their siblings, but had been tied up or had other plans. The Weasley family each wrote back a little something, while Hermione hawked over them to make sure their grammar was proper. After a certain point, though, Ginny told her to shove it, playfully, of course.

Their method of getting to King's Cross was the same as they did to go to Diagon Alley. However, this one hosted more chaos than the last, making sure that everyone had their luggage set, nothing was lost, and that they had enough parchment and quills to get them through the semester. The ride in the car was a bit quiet with the adults up front, no doubted that they would miss the kids. However, Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, seemed to enjoy the silence and filled the car with a soft humming noise.

"It's going to be so quiet with you lot gone," Mrs. Weasley said, almost sadly. "You'll be coming home for Christmas, won't you? Hermione, maybe your parents could come. . ." What had happened the previous year made Mrs. Weasley more reluctant to let any of them go. They had left a bit late, so they really had little time to say good bye once they got to the station.

Arthur and Tonks helped them load their luggage onto the train, while Moody kept watch, glancing around. Mrs. Weasley gave her final hugs, kisses, and goodbyes while they were waiting. She reminded the teenagers on how to enter Platform nine and three quarters – casual, as to throw the muggles off. As far as anyone knew, a muggle never found out about the Platform, despite the fact that King's Cross was packed with them. Then again, the gateway was also heavily charmed to prevent and revealing.

The three dragged their trunks down the hall (the main problem had been actually getting it onto the train, not so much as pushing it,) peering into compartments to see if they were empty. Some belonged to the enemies (mostly Slytherins) of the trio, although a few Ravenclaws disliked Hermione; jealousy more than anything. Curiously enough, Draco was sitting alone in a compartment, mindlessly playing with his wand. The next compartment up held his two goons, Goyle and Crabbe, along with some other of his favorite Slytherins.

There were no empty compartments, but somewhere near the back was one that hosted Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Ginny had abandoned them to go sit with some friends, so the three others asked if they could cram in with the two. Kindhearted and good spirited, that, or just uncaring, they said yes and the trio plunked themselves down.

Neville was a plump, slightly nervous boy in Harry's year. He was a Gryffindor as well, and showed his true colors the previous spring, helping Harry and the others at the Department of Mysteries in their time of need. Although he and Harry were on different ends of extremities in some cases, they also had a lot in common. They both saw the thestrals, and they both lost people they loved. However, Neville seemed to look on the bright side of things when he wasn't scared of something, but today he looked a little pale.

Luna Lovegood was a Ravenclaw in Ginny's year, and who was teased on quite often. She was called 'Loony Luna Lovegood' and in some cases, for understandable reasons. She dressed oddly, more odd than the standard witch, and acted even more strange. She had long blonde hair and dreamy eyes that seemed sleepy or dazed most of the time, and her personality reflected that. That day she wore her robes, as well as a pink boa and her coconut sized hoop earrings. She lowered The Quibbler (which her father was the editor of; it was also upside down, but that's not the point,) and greeted the three with hugs. Neville and Harry met eye to eye; she had greeted him the same way. Ron cough-snorted at this and Hermione smacked his arm.

"Hey, you guys. How was your summer? Neville, what's up?" Harry said, sitting across from him as he slid his luggage under the seat. Ron sat down next to him and Hermione sat next to Neville. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Neville . . . did something happen to Trevor?" She asked tenderly. There was no sign of the toad in sight. Neville paled even more.

"A . . . a cat got him!" Neville said in dry sobs. Luna looked awkward, obviously already hearing about it, and turned back to her magazine. Harry and Ron met eye to eye; it was just a toad. Then again, Ron would be miserable without Pig, his hyper owl, and Harry would be mortified without Hedwig. Hermione, however, gave off sympathy.

"Oh, Neville. I'm sorry; but he's in a better place now."

"Yeah, and there's a cat that's not starving anymore!"

"RONALD!" Hermione scolded. Luna lowered her magazine and changed the subject.

"Did you guys here about the new professor? I hear he has two heads and owns a Crunkle Hooker. I don't think anyone should own such wonderful creatures; maybe I can show him my dad's latest editorial on it."

"Come on, Luna, there's no such thing as Crunkle Hookers, my father would know – he's friends with people in the Control of Magical Creatures!

"That's because their invisible," Luna said disdainfully.

"Well how-" Ron began to argue, but Hermione hushed him.

"Come on, Ron. They'll be calling the prefects soon. We should be back sooner, this time."

The two left, and as they walked down the hall, Harry could see that Hermione was lecturing him, what with her expressions and hand gestures. They disappeared quickly though, so Harry was stuck by himself with two of the strangest people he knew. He slumped back in his seat and was about to say something when he was saved by the trolley.

A short, old woman with a friendly face and pink cheeks came past their compartment and stopped to greet them. She was earlier than usual, but insisted it was better that way so they students would be hungry for dinner. Harry bought a bunch of things (he was having a craving for sugar at the time) and then bought some stuff for Hermione and Ron, since the witch didn't stop by the prefects' compartment as 'not to disturb them.' Before she left, Harry looked at the two other companions and asked if they wanted anything. They said no, but thanked him, and Harry was left with a large pile of junk food for himself. It felt awkward to eat it, so he resorted to popping a chocolate into his mouth only now and then.

"So, Harry . . . um . . . how was your summer?" Neville said. He remembered how upset Harry was over his loss, and was careful not to step on the wrong nerve.

"It was fine, Neville. Thanks. I had to stay with the Dursleys for about a month, then I went to the Grimmauld. Yes, I'm doing fine without Sirius, although I do miss him," He added, to answer the question that would eventually be asked. "What about you?"

The three exchanged short summaries of their summers (although Luna's was quite long, but it was mainly drabble about random animals she and her dad had been looking for,) and the subject went towards the new year and O.W.Ls scores, although Luna went back to her magazine when the topic approached that, for she had yet to take the tests.

About ten minutes later, Hermione and Ron came back, with nothing to report but a whole bunch of rules.

"We're not supposed to let our friends into specified Prefect areas," Hermione warned, sitting back down. "I personally think that it is unfair, but then again, it wouldn't be a privilege if everyone knew about it. And I really don't want to break any rules, so. . I'm sorry." She clearly felt guilty for not being able to tell Harry about some of their freedoms and places they could go. The year before, since there was such chaos, there really wasn't much enforcement on any rules.

"Yeah," Ron nodded, "So that means I can't tell you that the Prefects' bathroom on the fifth floor's password is Knobber-wabble." Harry grinned.

"Ronald!" Hermione snapped.

"Oops. . ." The redhead said innocently. Glancing over at Neville and Luna, Harry figured that they "didn't hear" the password, so to speak. Harry probably wouldn't use it; he didn't want to get caught, either.

"So, did you hear anything about the new professor?" Neville asked, turning to Hermione. The brunette shook her head, curls and frizz bouncing a bit.

"Ron asked, but Professor Mcgonagall just said that the professor was at Hogwarts. She didn't even say 'she' or 'he.' And now I am almost dying to find out. I hope it's not another Umbridge or Moody." Hermione muttered, scrunching up her eyebrows. "I don't mean to sound rude when I talk about our professors, but that woman was just a . . . a . . ."

"Bitch." Ron quipped up.

"RONALD!"

"What! I was just finishing your sentence."

"Must you be so crass about it?" Hermione reprimanded.

"What's crass mean, Harry?"

For another six hours, the group rode the train, talking, playing games, and eating Harry's junk food. They put on their school robes and hats as they neared Hogwarts.

Getting off the train was a bit hard; everyone wanted to get off at once and the narrow hallways were packed. Luckily, there was a door by their compartment, so the group got off pretty quickly. Luna went over to greet some fellow Ravenclaws and the other four went in search for other Gryffindors. They spotted Hagrid, a half giant friend, who was guiding the first years.

"First 'ears this way, first 'years this - Harry!" Hagrid bellowed, greeting him and the other three. They waved to one another and left Hagrid to do his job, guiding the first years towards the boats that would take them across shore.

"Come on, Harry. We can't dawdle or we won't have a carriage to ride in!" Hermione shouted over the roar of other students.

They found an empty compartment quickly, although two second years had to cram in with them. The ride was quite and bumpy, although the two young boys whispered to each other now and then, glancing at the other four. Words such as 'bigger' and 'hex us' popped up now and then. Ron obviously heard, because he was grinning.

As they neared the castle, the second years looked in awe, mouths gaping and eyes wide. Harry couldn't help but feel the same way; Hogwarts was his real home. Okay, so maybe he didn't miss the homework and tests, but everything else about the school was something he enjoyed.

As they got off, the second years (who happened to be Slytherins as he saw their robes in the moonlight,) went back to their other house members and the four teenagers headed into the entrance chamber. Ghosts lazily flew around and Professor Flitwick was there to greet them; Professor Mcgonagall was probably waiting for the first year students. At first, they thought Flitwick was waving to them, but they realized he had his wand raised and was yelling to someone; Peeves, the poltergeist.

Peeves held dung bombs in his arms and was swooping down on the crowd, threateningly. He made a beeline for Harry with one of the bombs, but as the Gryffindor ducked a way, a spell was shouted. "Arresto Mementum! Reotracto Reflectin!"

The spell caster was unidentified, but the effect was quite humorous. The dung bomb slowed down in a jolt and shot back towards Peeves and booted him in the stomach, exploding as it did. The smell, since Peeves was high up in the air, was not overly bad. Flitwick cast a spell to get rid of the odor and the poltergeist flew into the walls, angrily. The fat friar was giggling.

The Great Hall was lit with hundreds of candles, possibly thousands of candles. The first thing Harry looked for was the new Defense against the Dark Arts professor. He scanned the table but didn't spot anyone knew, which was really weird. Was someone taking over for the position? If Snape got the job . . .

Students filtered into the Great Hall quickly and took their seats. He spotted Cho Chang, her long hair, swaying hips, and all, but did not get a 'feeling' in him anymore when he saw her. After the previous year, he thought that enough was enough and chose to move on, although he had no one to move on with, so to speak.

He scanned the Hall and paused on Draco Malfoy. He wore his robes as usual and his hair was slicked back for the most part. Harry took notice to how slender he actually was. Strangely enough, although he was petite in shape (although not height) he still had control over many people. This probably had to do with the thugs that always sat on either side of him. That day, however, Pansy Parkinson was attached to his arm, stroking it. The picture was sickening, and Malfoy appeared to feel the same. For just a moment, their eyes met. Draco looked away, lazily, and took his attention elsewhere.

"Malfoy's a freak," Harry muttered to Ron. His best friend took no time in agreeing with him full heartedly and the two went onto chatter, while Hermione shushed them as the first years came in.

There were about forty first years, most looking around with curiosity and fear. Harry remembered his first year, nervous about whether or not he would be placed into any house. A tall, lanky girl saw him and smiled halfheartedly – he returned it. He looked up near the Head Table and saw the three legged stool and the old hat, looking plain and beat up as ever.

Professor Mcgonagall passed them and stood in front, gazing not only at them but at everyone with her firm 'do not laugh' expression. She looked at Harry, and Hermione, and Ron, as well as others from his house and the others. Finally, when there was utter silence, she spoke up.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, I am Professor Mcgonagall. Before the introduction and feast begin, we will have the Sorting Ceremony.

Though I'm old and frayed,
Once a year, on your head I'm laid.
You may think it's funny,
That I know where you'll be,
But be in no doubt, I have a mind.
So give me a chance and see.
Bold and brave is Gryffindor,

With valiance is what they seek,

And then there are the thoughtful Hufflepuffs,

Who think before they speak.

The Ravenclaws are brilliant,

Who know just what to do.

Strong minded Slytherins there are,

Know just where to turn to.

You all have questions and I have replies,

So come and see where your true heart lies.

And then there was silence for a moment, before the roar of clapping began. Hermione commented on the shortness of the song, although she did like it. Harry enjoyed the changing expressions of the first years' faces, some going to fear and others to a sense of relief. As the first student was called, Harry tuned out. He was sure he would learn their names throughout the year.

The new prefects in his house were Colin Creevey and some girl he didn't know. Through all the hats he couldn't see who the other prefects of other houses were. He knew Luna wasn't a prefect and he was pretty sure Cho wasn't one, either.

His gaze went back to the Sorting Hat and watched as several first years were sorted (only one went into Gryffindor, although there were now a few at the table,) and he saw a door behind the Head table open. A woman entered, whispered something to Professor Dumbledore, and then sat down in between Hagrid and Flitwick. She was young and pretty (for a teacher), with short, red hair, and small framed glasses. The professor (he assumed she was the new one,) was tall and overweight, but she didn't seem huge or terrifying. She placed her hands on her lap and looked around, smiling at students and even at Harry.

Filch came up and took the stool and hat, glaring at students as he went. Albus smiled softly and rose, calming the crowd once more. Albus was the headmaster and had a calm, friendly appearance. Today, he wore soft blue robes and a flower behind his ear.

"Welcome, students, welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. For those of you who are new and for those of you with bad memories, I am Albus Dumbledore, your headmaster. I have several announcements to make. Professor Sprout, your Herbology instructor, will be out for one week. Until then, you will not have her lessons." There were cheers amongst the crowd. It was not that they didn't like Professor Sprout, but any teenager was glad for some free time.

"I would like to welcome your new Defense against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Sombra." The young woman waved and pushed her glasses up (in a bit of a nerdy fashion.)

"As you know, there is a war going on. Do not worry; Hogwarts is going through extra measures in keeping all students here safe. However, to prepare you for life outside the school or any possible attacks, Professor Sombra has suggested bringing about the Dueling Club once more. Professor Sombra?"

"Thank you," she said, rising from her seat. "I am aware of the D.A. that took place this previous year and I am proud of those who did it and thought enough to create it. I ask, however, that you discontinue it behind our backs; for the single reason that someone could easily get hurt. I do not want the creators' of this to take offense by my comment, but I and the rest of your professors' feel that it is best for the welfare of everyone. Tutoring, however, is very much welcome, so long as the numbers are small and the teacher is qualified.

"But onto the Dueling Club. Saturday, after lunch, and Mondays and Thursdays after dinner, there will be a Dueling Club in the antechamber in the next hall for all those in second year and above. Meetings will last an hour and a half and I will always be there, as well as your Professors Snape and Flitwick will be there often. First years, there will be two classes: On Sunday and Friday after lunch. Meetings for first years will be two hours long. You do not need to attend any meetings, but if you do, please frequent. Thank you."

She sat down and students clapped; Harry looked over at Snape, whose expression was neutral. However, the man caught him staring and narrowed his eyes, sneering. Albus stood back up.

"I want to welcome you all back to Hogwarts and I hope this will be a more joyful year. My final words are simply to enjoy the feast!" He clapped his hands and the food appeared. Some of the new students sprung back in surprise at all the food they saw, but the other ones dug in.

"Moon shadow," Hermione said. The fat lady in her pink dress grumbled, slightly tipsy at the moment, and the door swung open. Harry and Ron yawned, unlike some of the students who headed straight for the couch or tables, they were tired. "Good night Harry, Ron. Come on Ginny, let's go upstairs." Hermione hugged the two boys and then waved good night, splitting up and heading up to the girls' dormitory.

Harry and Ron met up with the other sixth year boys and they went up together. Harry was extremely tired and was ready to flop down on his bed, right then and there. But he didn't, for there was something on it.

Every year, the boys' had the same beds. Or at least, in the same order. Dean, Ron, Harry, Seamus, and Neville, all in that order. So when there was a note on the bed, they all knew who it was for.

Sitting on the bed, with the boys hovering around him, Harry picked up the note and studied it. It was a folded up piece of parchment and with it, was a single red rose. There were Oo's from everyone, causing Harry to blush, and they encouraged him to open it.

Harry –

Of luminous glow your skin shines at night,
Wandering fingers on your body – delight.
Like Adonis you bring the highest passion,
Earn you in my secret fashion.
Read into the words, before the lines,
You have now been given one of the many signs.

The wording was in a very elegant, drawn out fashion and very distinct, but it didn't look familiar to him. The writer was obviously a romantic, for the poem was very intimate and there had been a rose. It was all very baffling and he was extremely tired then. He read it several times and realized that it was almost like a riddle. He'd ask Hermione first thing in the morning.

"Ooh," Seamus smirked, "Harry's got a girlfriend!"