AN: Would you rather have long chapters every month or two, or would you like a short chapter every week or two?
Just thought I'd throw that out there. HC
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The first Hogsmede trip of the year was looming closer. Harry grew decidedly more nervous with every passing second. This time he would ask Ginny to come with him and not flake out and go alone.
The clocks now seemed to run at double speed. Harry was given thousands of opportunities to ask her, but he failed to do so.
Suddenly it was a week away. Five days. Three days. Two days. The night before. He had to ask her now.
He found her in the Common Room, doing some reading for Charms, "Hi Ginny."
She looked up and smiled, "Hello, Harry."
He sat in the seat beside her, "So I was wondering if-" he said, just as she was saying, "Would you like to-"
They laughed and Ginny said, "You go first."
His palms started to sweat, "WouldyouliketogotoHogsmedewithme?"
She laughed again, "What?"
Harry took a deep breath, "Would you like to go to Hogsmede with me?"
"You mean, like a date?"
Harry nodded.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, "I'd love to go."
Harry smile with relief, "Great. I'll meet you at the gate."
She kissed his cheek, "Sure."
Someone snapped a picture, "Creevey!" Harry yelled and exploded after the small boy, "I want that film Creevey!"
The whole room was laughing at the boys running out the portrait.
XXX
At breakfast the next morning, a small owl landed on Harry's plate. It held out its note than hooted and took off.
Harry took the piece of parchment, wrapped into a tight roll, and read it,
Mr. Potter,
Please join me in the headmaster's office directly after breakfast. DO NOT BE SEEN! The password will be the same as the one to Gryffindor Tower until you use it once. Please be PUNCTUAL.
Professor McGonnagall
Harry stood from the table and walked over to Ginny, "Something's come up, Gin, I'll meet you later."
"Okay."
Harry pecked her on the cheek and walked out of the Great Hall.
He watched all around him as he walked to the office, carefully making sure no one saw him. But someone did see him ascend the golden staircase to Dumbledore's former office.
XXX
Harry was feeling nervous. The last time he'd gone to this office, he'd been resorted into Gryffindor.
XXX
Three days before the term started, a very hung-over Sirius dropped off Harry at the school, "Be good," Sirius had said, "I'll see you at Christmas."
"Maybe."
"You will. I'll pick you up two days after break starts."
"Whatever."
Harry watched Sirius's motorbike drive off over the forest. Though he would never have admitted it, he was still feeling shocked over Dumbledore's death. He was even more shocked, however, that he cared. He, a Slytherin, had cared. This was something totally new for the boy, to care about an adult. Hell, the only other person he'd cared for at the time had been Ginny.
His early arrival was for security and Sirius's state of mind and, though it was a little annoying, it was nice to be the only student at Hogwarts. He could use the Library to finish his homework, speak to the teachers (as long as he did not outright disturb them) and eat in the kitchens with Dobby the elf for company.
Professor McGonnagall jerked him out of his thoughts, "Mr. Potter, please come with me," and she lead him to the headmaster's office.
She sat in Dumbledore's old chair and motioned for Harry to sit across the desk. He sat and she eyed him quietly, "Mr. Potter, I believe that you are currently in the Slytherin House."
Harry nodded.
"And now that Professor Snape has left—"
"They haven't found him yet?" Harry interrupted.
Snape had disappeared after Dumbledore's death last June.
"No, I'm afraid not. Now, as I was saying, now that he has left, the Slytherin House may become a more hostile place to be."
Harry nodded.
"So, I believe it in your best interest to ReSort you."
Harry nodded again, "That will be fine, Professor."
McGonnagall took out her wand and summoned the Sorting Hat from its place. It landed on Harry's head.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," it had said, "What a surprise."
I doubt it, Harry thought.
"So right you are. Ah well, I suppose you wish to be Sorted."
Not especially.
Professor McGonnagall wishes you to be Sorted. So you shall be a GRYFFINDOR!"XXX
Harry awoke, so to speak, in front of the office door. He knocked.
"Come in, Mr. Potter."
Harry turned the knob and walked in.
XXX
Cliffie! Mwa Ha Ha Ha Hhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa!
I love all of you who put me on alert! 34 Authors and 52 different Stories.
: -( But I only have 24 reviews (The reviewers rock by the way). Can somebody else R and R? HC