Chapter 10

Zack sat bolt up in bed, forehead glistening with sweat, and his ears ringing.

"DRINKING…FIGHTING…ARRESTED! I AM COMPLETELY FLABBERGASTED…A BUNCH OF GROWN MEN!!!

The volume and tenor of Molly's voice still echoed in his head. He had never witnessed such a display of pure rage. Quite impressive, really. He reached over, poured himself a glass of water and wiped his eyes. The clock had yet to strike 7:00 am. A gentle snoring echoed across the room and Zack remembered he wasn't alone; Harry was still here.

"What if the Ministry had found out?! MUGGLE JAIL!?"

Zack's own parents were annoyed but not angry – they knew Barney and Mick and so were no strangers to the police station. Granted, it has been a few years. Zack scratched his head, yawned, and lay back down. He almost nodded off when…

"Time to get up lazy bones," a female voice said in a mocking tone. Someone opened the curtains.

"Not...now...mum," he said into his pillow. But he rolled over and saw a figure standing between himself and the window. It was definitely not his mother. "Hermione?"

"Nice to see you haven't forgotten me." She turned her head, and the sun hit Zack full in the face.

"Shit!" He raised his arm to block the sun. "Can't you warn a body before you do that?"

"From what I hear you deserve it. Putting poor Molly through an ordeal like that…Muggle jail of all places." She shook her head.

"Oh, please. Harry has told me all about your adventures during your time here."

She chuckled. "Touché. Speaking of Harry, where is he?"

"Don't know. I heard him snoring earlier."

"So are you getting up or what?"

"I don't know. Why don't you join me instead? It's nice and cozy." Zack threw back the sheet and smiled at her. Her cheeks flushed and she turned her head.

"Hey, 'Mione, what's going on?" Harry said as he walked into the room. Hermione turned toward him, raising her hands to her cheeks. Harry looked over at Zack and then back at Hermione. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Yeah. Hermione was just about to go to bed with me," Zack said.

"I…I…Harry…he…" she spluttered.

"Or should I stay?" Harry offered with a wink.

"The more the merrier, I say," Zack responded.

Hermione crossed her arms and pursed her lips. She was not amused. "Are you both quite finished?"

Harry and Zack chuckled, their mirth growing as they alternated looking at each other and Hermione. Finally her lips twitched, and she grinned at the two laughing men. "Can we go get some breakfast or are you two planning on making asses of yourselves all day?"

Zack wiped away a tear from his eyes. "You…should have seen the look on your face. It was priceless." She just stared at him. "By the way, you look great. The sunshine agrees with you."

"It is far too late for flattery, Flood. I'm going on to breakfast. Harry, you coming?"

"Sure. Uh, Zack?" Harry asked, while trying in vain to smooth out his coarse black hair.

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to catch a quick shower. I'll see you there."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I'm certain we all appreciate that, thank you."

Zack winced. "Snarky, I like that. You sure you wouldn't care to join me? The shower has plenty of space for two."

Hermione stared with dead eyes at Zack. "Coming Harry?" She turned and walked out the door with nary a backward glance.

Harry snorted. "You're either brave or stupid, mate. She's killed two people, you know."

Zack blanched. "Has she? Uh, hmmm. I'll, ah…see you at breakfast then."

Zack joined Harry and Hermione a little while later in the Great Hall, where they talked about Hermione's adventures obtaining Octopus Tree bark in Madagascar. The octopus tree had been hidden behind a spell of confusion, and the tribal leaders refused to tell her the counter spell unless she brewed them a batch of the strongest love potion she knew. The Ministry had traded several flying broomsticks for access to the tree, but the elders wanted to amend the agreement.

Hermione absentmindedly stirred her coffee and took a sip. "The tribal leader was having a hard time convincing his first three wives he needed a fourth, and the love potion would force them to agree. Plus, the prospective fourth wife couldn't stand the sight of him. Can't say I blame her," Hermione said.

"So what did you do?" Harry asked.

"There were too many trees to try and guess, but there was no way I was going to help this…man exploit these women for his own…"

"Lust?" Zack suggested.

"Gratification," she finished. "So I got the tribal leader alone and told him I was through being nice. I told him I would turn him into a newt, and his first wife into a crayfish, if he didn't help me."

"A newt and crayfish?" Zack asked and took a sip of coffee.

"Crayfish love to eat newts." Hermione answered evilly.

Zack swallowed hard. "So what happened when he called your bluff?" he asked.

Harry chuckled. "Hermione, bluff?"

She smiled wickedly. "Once I reversed the transfiguration he seemed very eager to help."

"Uh…I see. Remind me to never make you mad," Zack said. She laughed and Zack felt a little weak in the knees.

"How is it they didn't force you to help them?"

"While they are wizards, they are untrained and uneducated."

"Certainly no match for the 'greatest witch of her generation'" Harry commented.

"Shut up, Harry." Hermione snapped self-consciously.

Zack smiled. "What's octopus tree bark used for anyway?"

"There is a new sleeping sickness making the rounds, and the bark has powerful stimulating properties we hope will work to counteract the illness. It's a fascinating story how…"

Zack and Harry were most grateful as the sound of footsteps interrupted Hermione's lecture. Dumbledore strode toward them.

"Welcome back, Hermione. I trust you were successful?" the old man asked with a smile.

"It wasn't easy, Headmaster. Would you like to hear about it?"

"Perhaps later. I'm here to get Mr. Flood. We have decided to sort him now instead of waiting for the ceremony on Thursday."

Harry's eyes widened. "Oh really? Is that…okay?"

Hermione spoke first. "Well, it's only happened once before. But that was in 1692 and the child was frozen by a spell but thawed out too late…"

Dumbledore interrupted. "Ahem, thank you Professor Granger. I hate to interrupt, but I expect the Heads of the Houses will be at my office any moment. Shall we go?"

"Can we come too, Headmaster?" Hermione asked, standing up and brushing away some crumbs from her shorts.

"I think it would be better if we kept the group small. Zack will tell you all about it later. Besides, classes begin in five days and you have a great deal of…" He never finished as Hermione bolted past them with a muffled apology toward the stairs to the lower level.

Dumbledore smiled and led Zack out of the hall to his office. Zack's mouth stood slightly agape as he gawked at the books, bottles, and many other unidentifiable items crammed into the room.

"So Zack, what do you think of my office?" Dumbledore asked walking around his desk and sitting down.

"Fascinating. The word 'packrat' comes to mind though."

"Packrat?"

"It's a Muggle moniker for a person who hardly ever gets rid of anything."

"I see." Albus scratched his chin and looked around. "If you think this is bad, I fear what you would think of my house." His blue eyes twinkled.

Zack heard a mysterious tapping from above and looked up to see a strange and colorful shape outside of the window.

"Excellent, I was hoping Fawkes would return today. Adaperio." The window opened and a large bird with brilliant plumage flew in and landed on a perch next to the desk. "Zack, this is Fawkes. He is a phoenix."

Zack raised an eyebrow. "A phoenix - as in a bird that dies and is reborn from its ashes?"

"Very good, Zack. I see you have been reading your textbooks."

"Not exactly, the phoenix is a mythical bird…was a mythical… Let me start again. Muggles are taught that phoenixes are mythical creatures."

Fawkes stretched his wings, nibbled at a nearby food dish, and turned his black eyes toward Zack.

Zack smiled and shook his head. "Wow, so phoenixes are real. Next you'll be telling me that vampires and werewolves…are real." Dumbledore's grin disarmed Zack, and he knew that there were many more truths than could be dreamt of in his philosophy, so to speak.

A light rapping on the door interrupted them. "Ah, it appears the Heads of the Houses have arrived."

Zack's mouth grew dry. His eyes scanned a row of bottles and flasks on a sideboard. I wonder if any of those bottles are alcoholic?

The door opened and in walked Professors McGonagall, Snape (and his scowl), Flitwick, and Sprout.

Sprout was smiling and giggling. "Isn't this exciting, Albus?"

"Yes, indeed, Pomona. In fact, we are all here to bear witness to another first in the long and illustrious history of Hogwarts. No one has ever been sorted prior to the official Sorting ceremony, but given the situation, I felt it best. Does anyone wish to lodge a complaint? Severus?"

Snape took in a deep breath and let it out thorough his nose. "Can we just get on with it? Some of us have better things to do." He cast a withering glance in Zack's direction.

Prick.

Albus stifled a laugh, went to a bookshelf behind his desk, and took down a most disreputable looking, pointed, brown hat.

"Zack, if you would sit on that stool in front of my desk, we can begin."

Zack took a seat on the stool and turned to face the inquisition...er...the Heads of Houses. He rubbed his sweaty palms together and tried to work up some spit to alleviate his dry throat.

Dumbledore approached Zack, holding the top of the severely worn hat. "There is no need to be nervous. I am told the pain only lasts for a few hours." Zack's eyes went wide and he snapped around to look at the Headmaster. Undisguised mirth danced in Dumbledore's blue eyes and Zack forced a grin. Funny. "Zack, after I place the hat on your head it may speak to you." Sure, why not? "After a few moments, the hat will announce the house to which you will be assigned. Are you ready?" Zack let out a deep breath and nodded. Albus slowly lowered the hat onto Zack's head.

"Hey, you're OLD!" the hat said gruffly.

"Thanks, but 32 is not that old," Zack replied in his head.

"Wait a moment; I'm feeling something I haven't sensed in many years. Ah, now I've got it. Greetings to the heir!"

"The heir? What does that mean?"

"If you don't know, I won't tell you. Find out for yourself, if you're so keen to know."

Zack harrumphed. "I thought you were going to sort me into a house."

"Ah, yes. You are clearly a Ravenclaw, but your advanced age is a real concern, and I don't feel right assigning you to that house. Give me back to Dumbledore."

"Okay." Disappointed, Zack took off the hat and handed it to Dumbledore. The professors stood silent at this action.

Albus took the hat. "Is there something wrong, Zack?"

"He...er...it wants to talk to you."

"How interesting." Albus quickly put the hat on his head. After a minute or two, he removed the hat and gave it back to Zack. "Put it back on Zack."

Zack complied and the hat immediately announced "Ravenclaw…with an exception."

The professors murmured among themselves for a moment and then a smiling Flitwick came up to Zack and shook his hand. "You are a most welcome addition to the house."

Zack flushed slightly. "Thank you, but I am interested to know what the Sorting Hat and the Headmaster discussed."

"Yes, Headmaster," Flitwick asked, "can you share with us what you discussed? What's the exception?"

"I would like all of you to stay so we can discuss the arrangements. Zack, if you would care to go back to your room, I will come by and fill you in on all of the specifics in a little while."

Professor Flitwick spoke up. "Excuse me Headmaster, as the boy has been assigned to my house, I think it should fall to me to pass on this information."

"Quite right, Filius. In fact, this might be a good opportunity for you two to get to know each other."

That settled, Zack went back to his room and waited for his new Head of House to pay a visit. After twenty minutes of putzing around he took to opening the door every few minutes to see if the diminutive wizard was on his way. After he'd the door for the third or fourth time he was surprised, to spy his cat, Russell, enter the hallway from a secret cat door.

Zack stood, hands on hips, looking down at the grey cat at his feet. "Well, what have YOU been up to?" Russell meowed at him and looked over her shoulder down the corridor. Zack took a few steps in that direction. "Did you hear something, girl?" He heard a whooshing sound but saw nothing. Interesting. "Let's…" Zack began but Russell trotted into the room before he could finish. Zack spent the next hour on his back with a purring cat lying on his chest. A knock on his door startled the cat who leapt off his chest, leaving a small scratch behind.

"Ouch! Watch the claws."

A muffled voice from the other side of the door inquired. "Is everything okay in there?"

"It's fine, just my cat. Come in."

Professor Flitwick came in and scratched the top of Russell's head. She rubbed her body against his robes and walked out the still open door.

"Hello, Professor. I was beginning to wonder if I'd been forgotten," Zack said closing the door behind them.

The professor levitated himself into a chair and smiled. "I apologize for the long delay, but we felt it better to take our time so as to avoid any future…problems."

"As in how to provide sleeping quarters for a full grown adult with 11-year-olds."

"Exactly. Some of the teachers felt you should stay where you are, but others – including me – felt accommodations should be made within Ravenclaw tower." Flitwick paused for a moment.

"Would you like something? A drink, maybe?" Zack asked.

"No. Thank you for offering. I am curious to know how much you know about Hogwarts?"

"I've read Hogwarts: A History. But that's about it."

"That is a relief, I must say."

Zack chuckled.

Flitwick's face turned a light shade of pink. "Not that I wouldn't be happy to tell you all about the history of Hogwarts."

"I understand, Professor. Don't worry about it."

"All right. Class schedules will be dropped off in the common rooms this evening after the Sorting has been completed. Do you have any other questions?

"Where will I be staying?"

"Did I not tell you? How odd. The very reason I came here and I forgot. Hmm. Perhaps I should take some vitamin potions. What do you think?"

"Vitamins are always a good idea. But Professor, I'm still wondering…"

"Yes, yes. In short, rooming with 11 year-old boys is out of the question and displacing the prefects would be unfair. Unfortunately, there is no extra space in the tower to fashion a separate room, so you will be staying here for the time being. However, I hope to convince Dumbledore that a few modifications," Flitwick swished his wand around, "would do the trick, but he is not yet convinced. Now, do not be glum, I've been here a long time and I am sure we can arrive at some kind of compromise. Now there was one other thing, before I go I would like to give you something." He pulled his wand out of his robes and pointed it at the open window. "Accio gift." Seconds later a box flew in through the window to land softly on a table in front of Zack.

"When will I learn to do that?" a wide-eyed Zack asked.

Flitwick smiled. "Not for a few years, I think. You have a great deal to learn before you can magically retrieve items. Now, open the box, if you please."

A wry grin on his face, Zack looked appreciatively at the tiny wizard. "Thanks – I don't know what to say." Zack lifted the lid off of the box and saw a patch with the Ravenclaw symbol sewn into a tremendously long blue and bronze striped scarf. Zack took it off and tossed it around his neck. "Well, how do I look?"

"Marvelous. Blue suits you, I think. I hate to gift and run but I really must be going. Much to do before Thursday, much to do. If you need anything, do not hesitate to contact me." Flitwick left before Zack could thank him again.

&&&&&&&&

Zack's wand case stood closed on his bedside table. Zack paced the floor, absent mindedly picking up spell books and then setting them down again. He walked to the window and stared outside. After a few minutes he took a deep breath and looked over his right shoulder. This is stupid; just open the damn thing. He looked at the wand for a moment and then picked it up gingerly with his left hand, half expecting some kind of reaction. The door to the room opened and Harry walked in.

"What you doin' Zack?" Zack turned and Harry's gaze went to the wand. "So that's it, huh?" Zack nodded and sighed. "What the problem?"

"How am I supposed to the fit this piece of wood on my person so everyone doesn't notice it AND it doesn't hurt me?"

Harry laughed. "Is that all?" Harry absent-mindedly scratched his scar for moment. "All school robes come equipped with a wand pocket, so I'm guessing you mean your regular clothes. Hmmm... this might be a good time to practice some spells, and I can show you how to wear a wand at the same time."

They got out a pair of Zack's old jeans and turned them inside out. Harry took Zack's wand and looked it over, occasionally raising his eyebrows and pursing his lips.

"I've never seen a wand like this before. It feels…how do I say it…more substantial for lack of better word." He handed it back to Zack. "No matter, the important thing is to fix the size of the wand in your mind."

Zack looked at his wand not knowing for sure why he was doing it. "Okay, I got it."

"The spell we'll be using is Engorgio, which is a growth spell."

"Hermione used it once when I was in the hospital."

"Good. So this won't be new to you. What I'm going to do is extend the pocket of your pants so it accommodates the size of your wand. Now here's the tricky bit, I won't extend the entire pocket just a section wide enough for your wand. Watch." Harry took out his wand and pointed it Zack's left pants pocket. "Engorgio," he said in a level voice and a portion of his pocket magically extended several inches and stopped.

"That's amazing! How come the entire pocket…hell, how come the entire pair pants didn't grow?"

He tapped his forefinger on his forehead. "It's all in the mind of the wizard, Zack. Magic isn't hard, control is hard. The secret is to concentrate on the result you want and then to make it happen. Before you start, you won't be able to do what I just did, but trying is how you get better. Ready?"

Zack looked at the altered pants pocket, at his own wand, and then at Harry. "Okay, but if the entire room expands, it's your fault."

Harry chuckled. "Stop stalling, I can reverse anything that happens."

Zack took a couple of deep breaths and focused on the pocket and tried to imagine the pocket expanding to perfectly accommodate his wand. "Okay, here goes." He pointed his wand at the pocket and said somewhat forcefully, "Engorgio." A stream of light impacted the pocket from his wand and the pocket exploded in size to fill half the room in a couple of seconds, knocking Harry off his feet, and it wasn't stopping. "Shit!" Zack flicked his wand repeatedly at the pants. "Stop – Stoppio – Stopgorgio..." Great, I'm going to choke to death on my own pants.

"Finite Incantatem!" A muffled voice said from the floor and pants stopped growing. "Great Merlin's ghost Zack, what the hell were you thinking?!"

Zack's face flushed. "I'm sorry, Harry. I guess I don't know my own strength."

"Obviously."

"Should I help dig you out?"

"Not necessary. Reducio." The pants quickly shrunk back to their normal size. Harry brushed himself off and looked amusedly at Zack. "Dare we try again?" Zack nodded in the affirmative. "Zack, try to think of magic as a water faucet. The spell starts the water, but it's you that determines the flow of the water. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, I think so."

They tried several more times, in fact, but while Zack improved he never did get it exactly right. There was clearly more to this magic "thing" than Zack thought. Harry suggested they stop for the day and he left to go talk to someone but Zack hardly heard what he said. Through a muddle of thoughts, Zack, bone tired, stumbled toward his bed, falling face first onto his pillows.

&&&&&&&&

The days preceding September 1st flew by in a haze of activity. The house elves were in constant motion, the teachers were busy with lesson plans, and Zack was trying in vain to cast one successful spell before Bethie got here. Harry was called away soon after their first lesson and Hermione looked too frazzled to be bothered. So Zack endeavored, on his own, to cast a spell that worked, but his attempts at lighting a candle were not very successful as evidenced by the many pools of dried wax that littered the floor.

Thursday the 1st finally came and Zack felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He didn't even practicing and spent his time wandering instead. He stopped by Hagrid's hut but the groundskeeper wasn't in. Nervous energy coursed through Zack's body, and he decided he needed a good long run. It was warm and sunny so he decided to go sans shirt. His body complained at first, but soon fell into a rhythm. The idyllic surroundings made running a joy and he ran much longer than he intended. His body was soaked in sweat by the time he slowed to a walk to cool down. The hairs prickled on the back of his neck and he shivered.

I'm being watched. He scanned the area around him and thought some bushes moved on the edge of the forest. He meandered over to the edge of the forest and peered in. He saw Professor Tillinghast attaching a piece of paper to an owl and sending it off. How odd. She looked around and walked quickly deeper into the forest. Without thinking, Zack followed. However, the forest was thick with vegetation, and with the twists and turns, Zack soon lost sight of her. He stopped to try and hear where she might have gone but the silence was complete. He shivered. I better get the fuck out of here. He turned around but didn't even see a hint of where he came in. He looked for a trail and thought he saw one 20 yards or so to his right. Taking one last glance around, he made for the path. But as he approached it, he realized that the word "trail" was giving it far too much credit. Somewhere in the back of his brain a question lingered – Is it time to panic yet? He walked for a few minutes, a cold sweat pouring off his body, and he flicked away flies with his shirt. He yawned mightily. Damn, that run must have taken more out of me than I thought. Up ahead he saw a moss covered tree that looked to be the perfect spot for a nap. Just a couple minutes and I'll be raring to go. By the time he reached the tree he was stumbling, his eyes nearly closed and his mouth hanging open. He was asleep almost instantly.

A distinguished looking man with a well groomed van dyke and wispy grey hair on his head looked worriedly out an open window. He blew on his hands and clutched a worn heavy brown cloak tightly around his neck. The only light in the room was the fading sunlight. He sat down on a dark wooden chair and rubbed his hand vigorously on his heavy wool pants.

The horizon reflected a deep purple and the worry lines on the man's face deepened. His eyes went wide and he expelled a deep breath as he spied a raven. The giant raven seemed out of place and flew awkwardly above the buildings, dodging plumes of smoke that spewed out of every chimney as far as the eye could see.

"Finally." The man peered slowly out the window surveying the streets below. A torch lighter and a single carriage were all that he saw. He backed away and the raven flew straight into the open window and alit on a wooden chair.

"Well…what are you waiting for?" the old man asked.

The bird shimmered a pale silvery blue and started to grow and change shape. After a moment a rugged man with unkempt black hair in brown leggings and heavy wool sweater sat in place of the bird. "Scheiße, it's kalt. May we not have a fire?"

The older looking man waved a wand and the window closed. He waved it again and the curtains closed, and with one last flourish he lit a fire in the tiny fireplace.

"Guten abend, Herr Doctor Fludd. I am sorry for my tardiness. The winds over the Channel were brutal."

"Good evening to you as well, Herr Doctor Maier. I still fail to understand why you refuse to Apparate? It would be much quicker, not to mention warmer." Fludd moved closer to the fire to warm his hands.

"Perhaps for you Robert, but not for me. Let us not argue again. Afterall, I bring good news."

The old man turned back toward his guest. "She agreed to see us?"

"Ja…indeed. I spoke with her mother and on the evening of October 26, she will see us at her house, but we must be there after sunset and before the moon reaches its zenith. She was quite clear on that point."

"The day after tomorrow then, good. Do you have something for me?" Fludd asked.

"Of course." Maier carefully removed a package from his inside his coat and handed it over.

Fludd carefully unwrapped the package to reveal what looked like a flower but was shaped like a cross. He picked it up and passed his other hand over the multicolored object. The cross glowed a brilliant shade of crimson. "Ah good. I am quite glad to have it back in my possession."

"You should have seen her, Robert. As soon as she touched the cross, her eyes rolled back into her head and she fell back into her mother's arms. A moment later, Cassandra agreed to see us with those explicit instructions."

"It is amazing that such a powerful seer should be so young. How old did you say Miss Trelawney was Michael?"

"Not more that 10-years-old, I would say."

"Zack. Time ter get up." A gruff voice sounded in Zack's head dissolving the dream.

"ZACK!"

The voice was much louder that time and Zack cracked his eyes open. A moment later his whole body shook and he was suddenly thrown into the waiting arms of a huge, hairy man smelling vaguely like treacle tarts.

"Wha' the fuck? Hagrid?" Zack asked groggily.

"'Bout time you woke up. I had to convince the tree to le' go a ya."

"Tree?" Zack asked, bleary-eyed.

"Yeh fell into the trance of the Slumber Tree. Good thing I found yeh. Don' take long for the tree to swallow yeh up."

"I think you can put me down now." Zack rubbed his eyes and shook his head to try and get rid of the cobwebs. He looked up at the disheveled but smiling giant and smiled. "Thanks Hagrid. How did you convince the tree to let me go?"

"Well I...er…." Hagrid pointed at the tree and Zack saw a noticeable fist mark about six feet up on the trunk."

"That sure would convince me."

"How did'ya come to be here anyway? The forest is off limits, yeh know?"

"I…thought I saw someone and I chased…it into the forest. I lost it, and myself for that matter. I grew tired, then saw this really comfortable tree…well, you can figure out the rest."

Hagrid cast a doubting eye at Zack. "I think yer leavin' out somethin', but it ain't none of my concern. You jes be careful, and stay out of the forest. Now follow me and we'll get you back to Hogwarts to get cleaned up. The kids come back today!"

&&&&&&&&&&&

Zack stood in the shower letting the cool water wash over his head and back. He kept replaying the dream in his head. The dream was so real and this time he remembered it almost completely. Fludd…I wonder if…

But his thoughts dissolved as an all too familiar voice wafted into the bathroom. "Oompa Loompa, doom-pa-dee-do, oompa loompa…"

"Hello Peeves," Zack said with resignation, getting out of the shower and grabbing a towel. "Nice song. Where did you come by it?"

Peeves zoomed around the bathroom spinning around and around. "Dumblydore sings it sometimes. Oompa loompa…"

Figures. "Shouldn't you be getting ready to douse the students with a hose or something?" Zack asked, as he quickly brushed out his hair and put on some deodorant.

"Dumblydore always bans Peevesy from feasts." The ghost zipped into a corner and poked at a spider's web.

I can't imagine why. "Still, I'm sure you have something planned for after the ceremony." Zack rubbed his face and decided not to shave. He splashed on some cologne and walked out of the bathroom with Peeves trailing him.

"I do, I do! Me loves teasing the ickle firsties! Ickle firsties, ickle firsties…" Peeves whizzed through the ceiling and disappeared.

Zack exhaled in relief, dropped his towel, and strolled over to his wardrobe. He heard a quick knock at the door, and turned in time to see Hermione walk in. Her eyes widened as she looked him up and down; then she blushed furiously to the roots of her hair and spun around.

"Aren't you dressed yet?!" she shouted at the wall as Zack sprinted to retrieve his towel.

"Obviously not. Haven't you heard of knocking?"

"I knocked! Besides, the door wasn't even closed all the way," she protested while averting her eyes. "Besides, you should be ready; the train has already arrived and the students will be here in a few minutes!"

"Shit, they're here! Give me five minutes." Madly dashing from dresser to wardrobe, Zack put on his school uniform, complete with a black robe and a pointy hat. "You can turn around now."

She turned and, still a little flushed, cast an appraising eye on Zack. He spun around for effect. "Now you look like a proper wizard."

"What would you say I looked like a couple of minutes ago?"

The door opened before Hermione could respond, and she and Zack both looked as Ginny Weasley walked in, dressed in full Gryffindor regalia.

"I hope I'm interrupting something," Ginny said, staring at Hermione.

"As a matter of fact, no," Hermione answered. Ginny raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. "Oh, come on Ginny, this is ridiculous. I'm fully dressed as you can plainly see."

"That's never stopped me," Ginny replied.

Cat fight, cat fight! For a fleeting moment Zack wondered what a threesome might be like… "I hate to break this up, ladies, but we need to get to the feast," Zack said diplomatically. "However, I would add that I'm touched at this…"

"Shut up, Zack," Hermione said sweeping out of the room.

"Hi, Ginny," Zack said as he followed her out of the room.

"Shut up, Zack," she responded.

He looked at her with a quivering lower lip. "What'd I do?"

She glowered at him, chuckled, and hooked her right arm in his left and led him out the room. "So Zack, I see you've managed to keep all your limbs since I saw you last…as least, all of the ones I can see."

Zack laughed. "You want to check and see for yourself?"

She suddenly palmed his crotch. "Seems like everything is in order. Just to be sure, I think I should do a more thorough check later." She paused and then whispered. "Hagrid told me what happened earlier today."

"Great. Now everyone thinks I'm an idiot." Hermione, several paces ahead of them, turned her head slightly. "You just keep walking Miss Nosy."

Hermione chuffed, quickened her pace and was soon out of sight as Zack and Ginny chuckled.

"How did you manage to find a Slumber Tree? I didn't even know the Forbidden Forest had one – not that I'm surprised."

"It's a long story. How about I tell you over dinner?"

"Okay." The bells chimed the eight o'clock hour. "We'd better hurry."

They arrived in the main hall as the first of the students arrived. Hermione was already at the head of the hall. The ceiling was filled with stars, reflecting the clear night sky. Ginny led Zack to a small table to the right of the dais. The stares of the students filing in made Zack feel a bit nervous.

"You okay, Zack?" Ginny asked

"Just tired, I guess."

"Didn't you sleep most of the afternoon?" she asked and winked.

"You're a riot. Actually, the sleep was anything but restful. I'm fine, really. But I have to admit I'm feeling out of place." He scanned over the room at the students and felt very old. "I don't see Bethie anywhere."

"First years don't come in until everyone else is seated so they can be sorted. Snape sure looks good tonight."

Zack looked up at the dais and saw the professors getting situated. Snape was standing, talking with McGonagall and Hagrid…and not looking too pleased about it. "He looks the same to me."

"Exactly."

"Ginny, just a minute ago you palmed my crotch in the hallway."

"And a minute ago you weren't flirting with Miss Granger."

"Touché." Zack absently mindedly scanned the room and noticed that the group of professors seemed a little confused. "What's with the professors?"

Ginny looked and shook her head. "I don't know. I'll go and find out; you stay here."

A minute later she came back with a frown on her face.

"What is it Ginny?"

"Dumbledore isn't here yet…and he's ALWAYS here for the Sorting. They are not sure what to do. Oh look, here comes McGonagall."

Sure enough, Professor McGonagall strode up the middle aisle, concern clearly etched on her face. As soon as she reached the other professors, they huddled together. The students gradually came to notice the odd behavior of the teachers and the absence of the Headmaster. The noise in the Great Hall lowered to a murmur. A side door clanged open and a bedraggled Dumbledore walked into the hall. The silence was complete except for the wind intermittently rattling the windows.

Dumbledore turned to face the throng of students and smiled a tired smile. "Good evening, everyone!" he said in a loud voice.

His greeting met with a few scattered replies and then, after a brief pause, the noise level increased exponentially as the students talked and pointed at Dumbledore. Albus ignored them as he took off his cloak and called Snape and McGonagall over for a quick discussion. Even from where he sat, Zack could tell that Snape and McGonagall were not happy with what they were being told. As the discussion ended, McGonagall stomped off toward the front of the hall with a glare at Snape, who looked like he'd just bitten into a particularly sour apple.

Zack caught Albus's eye as he walked slowly towards the dais. Dumbledore gave him a wink and tired smile, which Zack returned. Albus sat heavily in a chair against the wall behind the other teachers who all looked at him with odd glances. He waved off their concern and took out a small notebook and began to read.

"Ginny, is this odd or is it just me?"

"No, this is truly odd. I'm a little worried, Zack."

Zack grinned and squeezed her hand. "Oh look, here come the first years! And there's Bethie." Zack waved as the group walked by. "Hi Bethie!" Bethie glanced quickly at him, turned resolutely away, and continued walking up the aisle.

Ginny grabbed his hand pushed him into his seat. "Zack! Sit down and stop embarrassing the girl."

"What?"

"You can't really be that daft…can you?" Zack gave her a quizzical look.

"Um…"

"Men," she huffed as if that explained everything.

The group of 40-or-so 11-year-olds walked to the front of the Great Hall, where the Sorting Hat sat on a stool. Minerva McGonagall stood, wearing a remarkably large, pointed black hat kinked at the end, an odd mixture of concern and anger on her face.

"What is she waiting for?" Zack asked in hushed tones.

"Well, normally Dumbledore makes an announcement, but…oh wait, it looks like Severus is going to make the announcement."

"So, now it's Severus."

Ginny gave him a look and Zack chuckled.

Snape reached the podium at the front of the teacher's table. He glanced with distaste at Dumbledore who urged him on with a wave of his hand. Snape turned back to the students and glowered, waiting for the crowd to quiet down.

"Welcome to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I would like to announce that Headmaster Dumbledore has decided that I should preside over the welcoming feast and Sorting ceremony this year." The crowd stirred uncomfortably but quickly quieted as Snape renewed his glower. "I have a few start of term notices so stay silent. A reminder that the Forbidden Forest has its name for a reason, so avoid it or you shall likely die." As he finished the sentence he looked pointedly at Zack. "Now, everyone has likely heard that this is an odd year at Hogwarts as we have an unusually old first year student. Mr. Flood, please stand up so everyone can see you."

Zack felt his face flush; he cast a withering glance at Snape and then stood up with a smile and gave a wave. The group of students all looked at him like a crowd would look at a bearded lady. I'm such a friggin' idiot. "I'm…"

"That's enough, Mr. Flood. Sit down, you're not running for office."

Zack heard a few chuckles from the crowd and sat down. Prick.

"Professor McGonagall, please proceed with the Sorting, if you would, so we can eat."

Minerva turned and glared at Snape and then turned back to face the crowd. "Perhaps you forgot the Sorting Hat song, Professor," she said icily.

"Ah yes, the song. Proceed…if you must."

Zack watched Dumbledore as this odd drama unfolded. Albus seemed amused at the by-play of the two professors, but soon went back to his book and to drinking a mug of tea that appeared out of nowhere.

Minerva bit off a reply and moved the hat from a side table to a lone stool that sat in front of the dais and the group of first years. Soon the hat began to speak.

'An ugly ol' hat your eyes may behold,
But sight can be fooled, or so I'm told,
I am both brilliant and wise
So bother not with any disguise.
Your mind I will read, front to back
and decide where you go, for that is my knack ,
Greetings all, for I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And your fate I will tell.
Perhaps in Gryffindor you will go,
Where live the brave and foolish,
Or maybe Hufflepuff is your house,
Where toil is a virtue and imagination a vice;
Or into wise old Ravenclaw,
where live the smart but cold,
Or lastly Slytherin could be your fate
who'd sell their parents for a nickel…and not get caught!
So put me on! And do it fast as I'm tired and cranky!
And just want a nap!
Hurry up slackers!'

The song ended and most students sat mouths agape although there was some scattered and thin applause lasting only a few seconds. Snape, however, had a wry smile on his face.

Minerva glared at Snape and Zack could see the muscles in Minerva's jaws twitch. She took a deep breath, glowered at Dumbledore, and then faced the students. "AMBOY, Duke!" she bellowed.

The entire group jumped backward at the bellow. Several students fell down and a few students laughed, but stifled it quickly. A pale boy with straw colored hair pulled himself from the group and hesitantly made his way towards the stool. Minerva waited, holding the hat aloft, tapping her foot. "No need to be afraid," she said in a softer tone. The boy, still unsure, did finally sit on the stool. Minerva placed the hat on his head and a moment later...

"Slytherin!" the hat announced, and the table farthest from Zack started clapping madly as the young man hurried over to his new house mates.

Zack whispered to Ginny. "Is it in alphabetical order?"

"Yes, except for the movie version of The Philosopher's Stone."

"ARCHER, Genevieve!"

"What?"

"Nothing; yes, it's in alphabetical order. Why?"

"Hufflepuff!" the hat shouted, and another roar could be heard.

"Elizabeth won't be for a while yet then. Tilden."

Ginny nodded and then scooted a little closer to him. A moment later Zack felt a hand on his thigh.

"COOPER, Alice"

Zack ignored Ms. Weasley and looked over the new students. He made eye contact with Elizabeth and winked at her when she smiled at him. She pursed her lips and shook her head almost imperceptibly from side to side and turned back to watch the next student to be sorted.

"Gryffindor!"

Zack's eyes opened wide as Ginny slid her hand up his thigh.

"GEILS, Jay!"

"Ginny…," Zack whispered and pushed her hand away.

"Ravenclaw!"

"You're no fun," Ginny whispered hiding a smile. "Hey Zack, who is that blond professor that keeps looking over here?'

Zack turned to see Professor Tillinghast looking at him. She looked away when their eyes met. Hmmm. "That's Professor Tillinghast. She's teaching a news class - International Magic Studies."

"Pretty, and she seems to be particularly interested in you."

"Jealous?"

Ginny raised an eyebrow.

"Well, maybe not. It's nothing, she's just being nice, I think," Zack answered innocently. "Besides I think you seem to have some groupies of your own," Zack said pointing out the several young men whose eyes were fixated on their table.

Ginny tossed her hair and flashed a brilliant smile, causing a noticeable reaction amongst the young men. "I hadn't noticed."

Zack chuffed. "Seriously, Ginny about Vala, I…" he paused for a moment and shook his head. "It's nothing."

Ginny gave him a quizzical look, but Zack brushed it off and went back to watching the Sorting.

"STEELY, Dan!"

"Hufflepuff!"

A few more students were sorted and then.

"TILDEN, Elizabeth!" Bethie stiffened at the sound of her name and then calmly strolled to the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head…

"Slytherin!" it announced almost immediately. The Slytherin table cheered. She walked quickly over to greet her new housemates.

The remaining students were sorted, and Snape stood up. Before he could say anything Professor Flitwick attracted Snape's attention and walked over to speak to him. Snape bent down to hear what Flitwick had to say, sighed, and turned back to the throng.

"Before we begin the feast, Professor Flitwick kindly reminded me that we have not announced that Zack Flood was sorted into Ravenclaw." Some applause started but Snape cut it off. "Enough of that." Snape looked over at Dumbledore, who rose from his seat.

"Let the feast begin," Dumbledore said, spreading his hands. The tables filled with all sorts of delicious looking food and Zack's stomach grumbled audibly, reminding him just how hungry he was. Ginny had already dived in, spooning a healthy portion of mashed potatoes and roast beef on her plate, all the while chewing on a roll. Zack stared at her.

"Wha?" she muffled through her full mouth, stabbing a chicken thigh with a serving fork and putting it on her plate. She took a drink of pumpkin juice from a goblet and looked pointedly at Zack. "Are you going to eat or what?"

"I guess table manners are non-existent here?"

"I'm using the utensils, aren't I?" she said, heaping a spoonful of beets on her already full plate.

"When in Rome…" Zack started and proceeded to take some of everything on the table and stuff himself.

Soon the clinking of glasses, ringing of silverware, and loud conversations subsided to a dull roar punctuated by a groan or two. More than a few of the students fought to stay awake as Snape finally stood and announced the end of the feast. "Prefects, please escort the first years back to their houses. Classes start early, so I recommend going straight to bed. Students dismissed."

Zack watched as a pretty young girl stood up at the Ravenclaw table and ordered the first years to line up and follow her out. She looked over at Zack and blushed as he smiled at her.

"Must you always be such an outrageous flirt?" Ginny asked.

"I can't help it if I'm irresistible."

"Oh, you're resistible all right." Hermione said from behind Zack.

"Ah, a sneak attack. Very cunning, Hermione."

She smirked. "That's professor to you."

"A thousand pardons, Professor Granger, ma'am." Zack said standing and bowing low.

Hermione smiled. "So what did you think of everything?"

"Pardon me while I have a word with Severus," Ginny said getting up and walking towards the exiting professor and his black robes.

"Quite all right, really go ahead, don't mind me, I'll be fine, no worries…" Zack carried on far after Ginny was out of earshot.

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked.

"Just being silly. Everything was fine, except Bethie left before I could talk to her…and of course Dumbledore. What was all that about?"

"I wouldn't worry about Elizabeth, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to talk to her later. As far as the Headmaster, I do know that he was called away earlier today on some urgent Ministry business. But, I haven't heard any details. Frankly, I am a little concerned. He looks more tired than I've ever seen him," Hermione said looking back at Dumbledore who was now talking with Flitwick.

"I'm sure a good night's sleep will pep him right up." Zack said hopefully.

Hermione smiled wanly in reply.

"All right. There is one other thing -- Snape could have been a bit more…"

"Festive?" Hermione offered.

"Human."

"Zack, you'd better watch it with him. He can make your life hell around here if he wants to."

Zack turned and watched as Ginny smiled and laughed while Snape ran fingers around the inside of his collar and smiled weakly. Dumbledore had come over and shook his head in apparent agreement while shaking Ginny's hand. Snape noticed Zack watching them, abruptly said something to Ginny and Albus and left, his robes billowing, as always, behind him. Ginny shrugged her shoulders, said something to Dumbledore, who chuckled and then bent down and gave Ginny a peck on the cheek, which she returned. She turned and came back towards them when a gangly blond haired boy in a Slytherin robe bravely walked to her and handed her what looked like a magazine and a pen. She patted him on the cheek, and gave him back the magazine and pen after signing it. Zack thought the boy's knees almost gave out as he watched her walk away.

"So it's all settled," Ginny announced, sitting down.

"What is?" Zack asked. "And what was all that about?"

"I have fans," she said and waved to the awestruck boy who still stood clutching the magazine in the middle of the room. "A magazine shoot." Zack and Hermione exchanged blank looks and Ginny continued. "We have new line of clothes for the stylish young witch and wizard, and Dumbledore has agreed to let us use Hogwarts as the backdrop."

"What were you talking to Snape about then?" Zack asked.

"I'd like to use him as a model for some the new adult fashions."

"Why is Merlin's name would he agree to that?" Hermione asked.

"He hasn't…yet." Ginny answered raising her eyebrows suggestively.

Hermione buried her face in her hands and Zack laughed out loud.

"It's time for bed, I think; classes start bright and early tomorrow." Hermione checked her watch, stood, stretched, yawned, and bid the others good night.

"Zack? Didn't you want to talk about your experience with the tree?"

Zack sighed. "I do, but…just not tonight. Will you be here for breakfast?"

"As long as it's an early one; I need to be back at my office by nine am, and the walk to Hogsmeade is a fairly long one."

"Good, we can talk about it tomorrow then. Tomorrow," he moaned. The pit dropped out of his stomach.

"What is it?" Ginny asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Class…class with a bunch of 11-year-olds…tomorrow…I need help."

"How about I sleep in your room tonight?" Ginny offered.

Zack stood up straighter and leered at Ginny. "THAT would meet any man's definition of help, I believe."

She laughed and arm in arm they walked back to Zack's room.

Thanks to my beloved beta readers: Lillith, Juliane, and Crow. I also want to apologize to the readers of my story for the long delay in posting chapter 10. I had a great deal of writing to do at work, plus this chapter was just plain hard to write for some reason (I completely rewrote it four times). Anyway, I hope you like it and I want to extend a special thanks to all those who take the time to submit reviews.

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