Everybody had celebrated the fact that Harry hadn't been committed, and the red gargoyle himself began to enjoy the next few days before the beginning of term.
It involved mostly catching up with the London Clan, who volunteered to help pitch into cleaning Sirius's house, by throwing away junk and scrubbing the walls as well as help with the upcoming war. Kreacher had cursed at them for throwing away useless heirlooms he declared valuable, that included a locket with a serpent on it that nobody could open, and a musical box that when opened played a creepy musical tinkle that made him, Harry, and Sirius feel weak and sleepy, until Ginny saved the day by closing it shut.
The morning before September 1st, letters came for Ron and Hermione, saying they've been accepted as Prefects of Gryffindor. Brooklyn was quite happy for them, and after a time, Harry ended up feeling the same. He felt that Ron deserved this kind of promotion after everything, especially since he was the next to youngest with Ginny, and his brothers overshadowed him.
They had an enjoyable dinner party in honor of Ron and Hermione becoming Prefects before going to bed, and Griff had requested to come along with Brooklyn to Hogwarts, and the red gargoyle didn't mind another gargoyle coming with him, rather it would be great to have somebody else to help him patrol the school, especially now that Voldemort and Demona threaten the school, even if the Ministry wouldn't believe it yet.
He had a very weird dream that night, involving a room full of strange silver blue globes. They ended up glowing really bright, and Brooklyn even thought he saw Demona there among them, standing next to one with a piece of parchment underneath, despite the bright glow of the balls, he could read:
Dark Lord
?
Harry Potter
What does that mean? And what the heck are these spheres? He wondered, moving closer to one of them, reaching out with his hand, until Demona charged at him, her red eyes flashing, and he fell back, pulling out his wand.
"You won't be able to protect the boy forever, Brooklyn…" her hissing voice rang in his head, everything swirling into black fog…
He gasped awake, hearing Ron telling them that Mrs. Weasley was waiting to go. He, Griff, and Harry all went down together, had a quick breakfast, packed, and took a rental car from the Ministry that Mr. Weasley was somehow able to acquire, despite them bashing their honor. Brooklyn recalled of how they lost that old Ford Angela, which was still a wild car in the forest right now, and still felt a teensy bit guilty about it.
Sirius ended up tagging along in his dog form, even though Mrs. Weasley said no as they walked along King's Cross, he began chasing a few cats for Harry and Brooklyn's entertainment. Brooklyn smiled a little seeing Sirius free like this after being cooped up in that dirty house for so long.
"Padfoot! Are you barking mad? You'll blow the entire operation!" Moody growled, his magical eye swirling everywhere. Sirius then coaxed the brothers into a private waiting room, where he turned back to a human, much to Harry's fear.
"Sirius, you shouldn't be a human right now!" He cried out. Brooklyn sat down next to him.
"Yeah, what if somebody sees you?" Brooklyn asked in worry, but Sirius only smiled.
"Well, I had to see you two off, didn't I? What's life without a little risk every now and then?"
"We don't want you to be thrown back into Azkaban," Harry protested. Sirius simply put an arm around his godson.
"Don't you boys worry about me. But, I want to give you this, Harry." He handed Harry a photo. Since it was magic, the people were moving. Brooklyn recognized some of them.
"What is this?" He asked curiously, spotting Harry's Parents in the photo. "This is the Original Order of the Phoenix. That's McKinnon. She had been killed three weeks after this had been taken. Voldemort had wiped out her entire family. And there are Frank and Alice Longbottom."
Brooklyn felt his heart clench at the sight of Neville's parents. His mother looked quite beautiful here, with her round jolly face full of life and color. He remembered that dark haired woman in the pensive being involved with torturing them into madness. A fate worse than death to the gargoyle, as he remembered the curse being on him that night. Brooklyn felt one of the bruises on his arm, wincing softly, wondering how they looked now, worse than him, maybe.
"And days don't go by that I don't miss your parents," Sirius murmured, gazing down at Lily and James.
Harry then had another pressing question. "Do you think there is going to be another War, Sirius?"
"It...feels like it did before," he admitted, taking Harry's hand. Sirius let Harry keep the photo and then looked to Brooklyn. "Please look out for him well, my friend," he pleaded. The gargoyle nodded determinedly. Like he promised earlier, he would only return to his Clan only when Harry no longer had to worry about Voldemort.
They then walked through the magical barrier, and got onto the train after some last minute hugs. Tonks gave Brooklyn her own, saying she would hopefully see him for the holidays.
Brooklyn watched out the window, sitting next to Harry and Griff, the griffin gargoyle looked quite excited about going to this magic school for the first time, and Brooklyn couldn't wait to give him a tour and introduce him to the other students. Una had given a pendant to Griff to allow him to be flesh and blood during the day like Brooklyn. Sirius in his dog form ran after the train, letting out happy yips until it went too fast and was gone from the station.
Katie had joined them in their compartment, since Hermione and Ron were now Prefects and had to sit in the private one up front. Brooklyn introduced Katie to Griff, who liked her right away.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade station at last, and the group stepped out together to the carriages pulled by the Thestrals that were waiting.
While they walked there, Malfoy spotted them.
"I'm surprised the Ministry's still letting you and Monster Freak walk around free, Potter. Better enjoy it while you can. I bet there's a cell in Azkaban with your names on it, or better yet, Potter, the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures could do something about the Freak infestation!" He taunted, gray eyes gleaming as he eyed the new gargoyle, who frowned at the blond kid. So this was the bully Brooklyn warned him about, whose father had slipped the diary into his hands in the first place.
Harry and Brooklyn both lunged at Malfoy, but Griff grabbed his friend's arms. He didn't want a fight on his first day, while Ron grabbed Harry. Malfoy stalked off, smirking back at them.
"What'd I tell you, complete nutters, the pair of you!"
"Just stay away from us!" Screamed Harry furiously. Brooklyn was mad, too, but he couldn't help but feel a tad worried about how his brother yelled at Malfoy, his eyes glowing. He just prayed Harry didn't get out of control and attack Malfoy in his gargoyle form.
Ron glared after Malfoy, guiding Harry away. "It's only Malfoy, what did you expect?"
As they approached the carriages, Brooklyn saw that Harry was just now staring at the Thestrals, eyes wide. Why couldn't he see them before?
"Brooklyn? Do you—" He nodded. "Yeah, Let's talk about it later," he muttered. They chose the only carriage left, that had only one girl inside with blond hair, holding a magazine called the Quibbler upside down. She spotted them.
"You two aren't going mad, I can see them, too, you're just as sane as I am." She said in a voice that reminded Brooklyn of the Divination teacher. But the tone was a little more friendly.
They sat down in the carriage, Griff ending up next to the new girl, who gave him a small smile, while Katie and Harry sat with Brooklyn on one side, and Ron and Hermione next to Griff and the girl.
"Everybody, this is Loony-er-Luna Lovegood. She's in Ginny's year, a Ravenclaw." Hermione introduced, blushing when she almost said Loony. She seemed nice, even if she was reading an upside down magazine and wore radish earrings.
Brooklyn held out his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Luna," he said in a gentle voice. She smiled, and shook his hand. "Likewise."
With that, she flipped her magazine upside down again and disappeared behind it. Brooklyn spotted that she was wearing a necklace, and decided to try and make polite conversation.
"Uh, interesting necklace," he complimented. Luna looked up at him in surprise, but she smiled, taking a hold of it.
"It's a charm, actually, keeps away the Nargles." She explained. Brooklyn was a little confused. What in the world were Nargles?
As the carriage began to move, Katie took a hold of Brooklyn's hand, and he smiled at her. He was glad to be back with Katie again, to spend more time with her. She was also glad to see him, too.
"Brooklyn, I just want you to know my family supports you, Harry, and Dumbledore. We don't read the Prophet anymore, only until they post the truth," Katie said in her beautiful voice. Just hearing this made his spirits a little bit lighter, as he gently squeezed her hand.
"Thank you," he murmured, glad that Katie was on their side.
Griff was simply amazed at the design of the castle when the group ventured in, it looked centuries old in his eyes. Maybe eventually King Arthur could get a tour of this place when the time was right.
They arrived in the Great Hall, that followed another long Sorting ceremony, then Dumbledore stood up for an announcement before the food showed up. Brooklyn looked up at the High Table, and noticed Hagrid was gone, remembering that he had a mission from Dumbledore in the mountains.
"Good evening, children and Guardian!" He called in a cheerful voice, standing up before them all as usual. "Before we begin, I have a few changes in starting this year, we are pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank who will be in charge of Care of Magical Creatures while Hagrid is on temporary leave. And also, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge."
The gargoyle froze, now just seeing that toad faced woman from the hearing sitting there, wearing a sickeningly pink outfit with her black hair bow on her head. His eyes narrowed. Why did Dumbledore ask this woman to be the new Professor, of all people? She didn't seem so pleasant at the hearing, being senior under secretary to the Minister, at that.
"I'm sure you will all join me in wishing the Professor good luck. As usual our caretaker, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you—."
"Hem, Hem!"
Umbridge had interrupted Dumbledore. Nobody ever interrupted him before. She calmly stood, and walked to the podium near him, as though she ran the place.
Griff frowned. "What's the toadwoman up to?" He muttered silently to Brooklyn. He shrugged in response, as Umbridge began to speak to everybody.
"Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me."
Not many people looked happy, rather, most of them were glaring at her. And Brooklyn saw Umbridge then drifting her eyes onto him and Griff, something glinting in them, and Brooklyn immediately felt a new rush of hatred at this new Professor that tried to convict his little brother that day. She continued to speak.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school," she said, staring at the two gargoyles once more before looking away. "Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve must be preserved. Perfect what can be perfected and pruned practicing that ought to be prohibited." She then let loose that silvery girly laugh he despised, and went to sit down.
Dumbledore smiled, but Brooklyn thought it was more like a grimace than anything else. The students clapped, but half heartedly.
"Thank you, Professor Uumbridge, that was most illuminating. As I was saying…"
Ron had rolled his eyes. "Illuminating, that was a whole load of waffle to me," he huffed.
"But what does that mean? I didn't like the way she was looking at us," Griff asked, not liking the look of this toadwoman one bit.
Brooklyn frowned. "She had been in the hearing for Harry, Fudge's closest secretary. Guess he wanted her to spy on us," he muttered in an angry tone. Harry's face fell at this.
"Just great, we won't be able to pass our OWLs if she's here!" Brooklyn glared up at the woman who continued to stare at everyone.
"She won't get away with it if she tries messing with one of us, I'll make sure of that," he said in a determined tone, as Hermione and Ron began to lead the first years to the Common Room.
"Just please don't get in trouble," Harry begged him. Brooklyn gave a smirk.
"I'm sure if I can survive the Diary, Dementors, and Voldemort, I bet I can handle old toadface." He proclaimed confidently.
Later that evening, Harry and Brooklyn both entered the Common room together, where the kids were chatting. They stopped as soon as they saw the brothers walk in, some of them narrowing their eyes. Griff had gone with McGonagall to speak with Dumbledore about being a secondary protector of the school.
Dean and Seamus were sitting at a table, and Brooklyn greeted them.
"Hey, guys! Was your holiday fine?" He asked, trying to be cheerful despite the overbearing silence. Seamus just looked away, and Dean nodded.
"Yeah, was better than Seamus's." That's when he spotted a Daily Prophet in Seamus's hands. No way.
Seamus threw the newspaper on the table and stood up to face them. "Me mum didn't want me to come back this year," he said.
Brooklyn frowned at Seamus. He couldn't believe that this kid would really buy the Ministry's lies, even his mother!
"Listen, whatever they're saying about us, about Harry being nuts and me being a lie spreading devil, it's a load of bull. Do you seriously believe them?"
Seamus nodded, making the gargoyle's anger rise. "Yeah, none of us were there the night Cedric died!"
Harry growled. "Well, then, why don't you just read the Prophet like your stupid mother, that will explain everything!"
"Don't you dare have a go at my mother!" Seamus spat back, his eyes flashing.
Brooklyn stomped his foot on the ground, causing some first years to scurry away. "He'll go at anybody who calls us liars and Dumbledore mad! either deal with it, or rip the papers! Do you see some of these bruises? He did this to me with the blasted torture curse! And they've been there since the Third Task! And I almost lost my mind from watching him torture my brother!" He snarled, rising to his intimidating height, but Seamus didn't lose his glare.
Neville quickly came up to them. "My gran says the Prophet's a load of rubbish. It has gone downhill, not the three of you. She cancelled our subscription, and she always said that if he ever came back, then he's back." He said, trying to ease the tension. Brooklyn smiled at the round faced boy's words. So far him and Katie were supporters. Besides the Weasleys, of course.
"Thanks, Neville," Harry muttered, as Ron came over.
"What's going on?" He asked.
"Potter and the gargoyle are both mad, is what's going on! Do you believe the rubbish they're sprouting out about You-Know-Who?" Seamus demanded in a heated voice. Ron folded his arms.
"Yeah, I do, and I'm a Prefect, so you'd better watch your mouth if you know what's good for you!"
Seamus just shook his head, walking away while muttering about them being mad. Brooklyn glared after Seamus while he and Ron guided Harry to bed.
Harry threw his cloak onto his bed, undressing in his anger. Ron and Brooklyn ninth watched, sharing passing glances with each other.
"You okay?" Ron asked. Harry didn't look at them. "Fine," he grumbled.
"Seamus is just bang out of order, mate. But he'll come through, you'll see."
Harry turned sharply, his eyes now having the gargoyle glow. "I said I'm fine!" He hissed. Ron nodded, still looking worried, though.
"Ron, could you perhaps, I mean, this is something for me and Harry to discuss privately, okay?" Brooklyn murmured silently. Taking the hint, Ron backed out, leaving the brothers alone.
Harry sat down heavily on his bed, and the gargoyle thought he could see his brother's neck twitch slightly. He shut his eyes, clenching his fists, cursing Voldemort silently for putting him and Harry through all this before sitting down next to him.
"Hey," he mumbled, giving his best smile. Harry looked up at him, his face looking scared, before suddenly giving his brother a tight hug. Brooklyn was pretty surprised, but he hugged him in return.
"I'm here, little bro. It will be okay," he said gently, as Harry buried his face into his chest. The two of them remained that way for a time before going to bed. Brooklyn wouldn't let Harry go through this alone.
