Last Chapter
"Hello Ron." She turned on her heel and ran out the door. Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Draco were all silent for a minute then they busted into a fit of laughter. Ron's face went pure white faster then a set of traffic lights then turned so red his face looked redder then his hair (if at all possible).
At dinner that night the topic of conversation had turned from Ginny and Draco to what Lavender had done in The Three Broomsticks. At what time Lavender and her friends entered the Great Hall. The talking stopped as if someone had turned off the volume. Their heads twisted around to watch as Ron stood up unexpectedly, and started walking towards Lavender. They met halfway amid the tables. There was a sudden intake of breath as they watched what unfolded in front of them. Ron took a deep breath, grabbed Lavender and kissed her. Except for the Slytherin table, the whole of the Great Hall busted into applause.
Surprisingly Professor McGonagall stood up and the Hall went quiet again. Ron turned to face Professor McGonagall, thinking he was in trouble for kissing Lavender in the Great Hall, but when he turned his attention went to the owl that had landed in front of Professor McGonagall. Holding what looked like a professionally written letter Professor McGonagall stood and addressed the students.
"As you all know one year ago we lost our dear Headmaster Dumbledore during an attack here at our school." She stopped and bowed her head. "Today the Ministry of Magic voted on the new Headmaster. For the remainder of this school year and pending when this person decides to step down, our new Headmaster will be…" She took the envelope from the owl and opened it. "Our new Headmaster is Kingsley Shacklebolt. And amid the unexpected departure of Professor Snape your new Potions Master will be Professor McKnight"
Professor McGonagall folded up the letter and placed it on the table. "Headmaster Shacklebolt will commence his new position tomorrow morning. He will provide a speech along with the change of several rules he wishes to alter or include any new ones he wishes to add. He will also make those announcements tomorrow in addition: trips to Hogsmead, Quidditch, Clubs and Organizations, Mail and Class schedules. I hope that all of you will show the same respect to our new Headmaster as you did with Headmaster Dumbledore. Now let us therefore say good night. Ms. Weasley will please stay behind."
With the usual boisterous scraping racket, hundreds of students got up off the benches and began to file out of the Great Hall towards their dormitories. Ginny waited until most of the students were outside in the Entrance Hall before she walked over to meet Draco at the Slytherin table.
"Goodnight Ginny. I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast." He kissed her check lightly.
"Night." She too kissed his check and watched him walk out into the Entrance Hall. When he was out of sight she turned to face the Head's table and found that almost all of the teachers were still sitting there.
"Please come forward Ginny, you are in no trouble." Ginny let out a sigh of relief and walked up to the table.
"Ginny according to you O.W.L scores you got an Outstanding on all you subjects except Ancient Ruins which was an Exceeding Expectations. Now because of this your teaches and I have all agreed that next year you will only be here for half the school year, so after Christmas break you will not have to return to Hogwarts for the remainder of the school year." Professor McGonagall handed Ginny an envelope. "Please take this home over the summer and have your parents sign it. This sheet just tells us that your parents know about our arrangements and agree with our decision. Now off to bed with you."
The teachers got up and began to make their way towards the Entrance Hall. "Professor McGonagall when my parent's sign it should I send it back to you by owl?" Ginny held up the envelope.
"No, Ms. Weasly your parents will know how to handle this. Good night." With that the professors exited the Great Hall and they all made their way to their offices. Ginny stared at the letter then she too headed to bed.
The following morning, after Ginny had explained everything to Harry, Ron and Hermione, they made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast with the rest of the Gryffindors, but when they got there what looked like the entire student body was standing outside the doors. Ginny spotted Draco and waved him over.
"Good morning Ginny." He pecked her lightly on the check. "Hey Ron, Harry." He shook their hands. "Hermione." He kissed her hand. "What's all this turmoil about? You guys got any idea why they're not letting us in? I've been waiting here for almost half an hour but no ones been allowed in yet."
Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. "No idea. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."
Twenty minutes later
Dean Thomas was the first student to become infuriated with the doors stubbornness; he walked up to the doors and began to pound them.
"Let us in there you stupid door, we're all starving. Let us in there."
But the doors didn't budge. Kid's even asked it politely to open. A number of kids even tried to charm the door to open, but to no avail. Ron was standing at the door, examining the key hole when there was a loud click. The hall fell silent and looked at the door. Then, quite distinctly, they heard the sound of someone or something moving behind the door. Ron got up off his knees and pressed his ear against the door, listening intently. Surely someone was going to let them in.
The next second Ron screamed and jumped as the door gave another loud click and swung open. A tall, black wizard with a single gold hoop in his ear stood in the middle of the door.
"Welcome," the man said in a slow, deep voice. "My name is Kingsley Shacklebolt for those of you who don't know me." His head turned towards Ron. He gave a small smile. "Now, I am going to run things a little differently today with your brunch." A hushed whisper went around the room like a gust of wind. It was now half passed eleven.
"You will still be seated at your house tables but we are going to play some games as well as eat our brunch. I wish to get to know my students and allow my students to get to know more about me and their other professors." The students exchanged looks of curiosity. "Now when you go into the Great Hall I want you to find a place to sit but please remain standing. You may go in now."
The four long House tables in the Great Hall were filling up under the clear blue ceiling, which was just like the sky they could see through the high windows. Hundreds of candles were floating in midair all along the tables, illuminating the silvery ghosts that were standing in a line along the West side of the Hall, the teaches were standing in front of their table waiting for the students. When all the students were standing at their table where they wished to sit Headmaster Shacklebolt shut the doors leading out to the Entrance Hall.
"Now, I am going to ask the Heads of House to please stand at the head of their table." Professor's McGonagall, Sprout, and Flitwick walked down from the Heads table to stand in front of their houses table. Headmaster Shacklebolt looked around the room.
"Oh yes Slytherin. Ladies and gentlemen your new Potions Master and Slytherin's new Head of House will be Professor McKnight" Headmaster Shacklebolt stepped to one side as the doors began to open. A tall woman, about the same height as headmaster Shacklebolt came walking into the Great Hall. She was of fair complexion; her long red hair that went down to the middle of her back was in a tight ponytail. She was wearing a set of light green robes that flared at the arms. She was very pretty and looked like she was of a kind nature.
"Thank you Headmaster, it feels good to be back here at Hogwarts again. I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here again and to teach new students new things and to learn new things from new students." Professor McKnight inclined her head to the Headmaster then walked to the front of the Slytherin table.
Headmaster Shacklebolt followed Professor McKnight on the way to the front of the hall and up to the staff table with the remaining professors. "Please remain standing. Now I am going to ask each student and professor to state their first and last name, tell us a little regarding your family unit life, if you have any pets, what your hobbies are and your plans for the summer. When you are finished you may have a seat and start to eat. I'll start so you all have an example of what I'm looking for in your answers."
"My name is Kingsley Shacklebolt. I have no children and have not been married. I am the eldest of three siblings, two younger sisters and a brother. My youngest sister's name is Tanisha; she is a single mother of two and works as a governess in the United States of America. My other sister, Kanishia, who is my twin, works in London. She is married with three children and has one granddaughter. My brother, Emmanuel, died of Small Poxes two months after he was born. My mother and father are both also deceased.
I have two cats and a bird at my family residence. I like to do things outside, I also like to read, write stories and poetry and I like to listen to music."
The Great Hall was silent for a moment.
"Now then I have a list of every students name here in my hand so when the list calls your name I would like you to tell the student body about yourself." The hall stood quietly as Professor Shacklbolt placed the long list on the table and stepped back.
The list suddenly jerked upwards as if a hook had been placed at the top of the parchment. The students and staff watched as it rose above the tables, just enough so the end of the parchment was a foot off the ground, and watched it as it swung back and forth as if a breeze was flowing through the hall. Suddenly there was a loud voice that issued from the parchment.
"Neville Longbottom."
Neville jumped as the parchment stopped swinging just above him. Harry who was standing next to Neville gave him a small smile and nodded his head. The whole of the Great Hall was staring at Neville as he tried to get his mouth to form words.
"My name is Neville Longbottom. I was born July 30, 1980. I live with my Grandmother because my parents are at St. Mungo's. I have no siblings. I have a pet toad named Trevor. I love Herbology so I do some reading over the summer and I visit my parents."
Neville sat down and tried to look as little as possible. The Hall was silent for a moment before Harry started to clap. The rest of the Gryffindors followed suit as did the rest of the tables, except the Slytherin table. But Harry could distinctly saw Draco clapping along as well. The parchment began to move again it stopped above the Staff table.
"Minerva McGonagall."
Everyone's head turned to stare up at Professor McGonagall. She on the other hand was not as nervous as Neville had been but you could still see she was nervous.
"My name is Minerva McGonagall I was born October 4, 1925. I have no remaining family. I am the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am also the head of Gryffindor House and Professor of Transfiguration. I have the ability to turn into a cat! My passions include Quidditch and Magical History. My plans for summer include getting ready for the next school year and a little vacation before I return to Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall bowed her head and sat down as everyone clapped and like the rest watched to see what table the parchment would stop over next. It stopped over the Slytherin table.
"Draco Malfoy."
Draco stood there as if he had not heard his name being called.
"My name is Draco Malfoy. I was born June 5, 1980. My mother's name is Narcissa (Black) Malfoy and my farther is Lucius Malfoy. I am an only child and live at the Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire, in southwest England. I have an eagle owl. I play on the Slytherin Quidditch team as Seeker. My plans for the summer include nothing. I have not made any plans yet except to maybe read some and ride my broom." Draco sat down. A few students, mainly Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione and a few other Gryffindors and the staff applauded.
The parchment swung back and forth between the five tables for about two hours. Soon there were only a handful of people standing.
"Rubeus Hagrid."
Hagrid stood there staring at all the faces staring up at him. Hermione gave a little wave.
"My name is Rubeus Hagrid I am the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts and also the Care of Magical Creatures professor. My mother, Fridwulfa, was one of the last British giants; abandoned my father and me when I was 3 years old. My father died during my second year here at Hogwarts. I have a half brother named Grawp, who is a giant. I have a dog named Fang, a Hippogriff named Witherwings, a Cerberus named Fluffy and I had a dragon named Norbert and a spider named Aragog. For the summer I plan to stay here at Hogwarts and help to clean up the school and grounds before the next school year and then if I have the time I'm planning to have some fun with my animals. I love animals." By the time Hargrid was done his face was so red it looked like he had been outside in the sun for a month and when he sat down he drain a pitcher of pumpkin juice.
"Harry Potter."
Every face was staring at Harry as he began to tell about himself.
"My name is Harry James Potter. I was born July 31, 1980 to Lily (Evans) Potter and James Potter who were both killed October 31, 1981 by Lord Voldemort. I currently live at number 4 Privet Dr., Little Whinging, Surrey with my mother's sister, Aunt Petunia Dursley, Uncle Vernon Dursley and Cousin Dudley Dursley. I have been raised by them since I was one. I have no siblings but I do have a pet owl named Hedwig. I was given Special Award for Special Services to the School by Professor Dumbledore my second year and won the Triwizard Tournament Championship in my 4th year. I am the Gryffindor Quidditch Seeker and team captain. I can Speak Parseltongue, cast spells without a wand and I am particularly skilled in Defense against the Dark Arts and I want to be an Auror. For my summer I plan to go and find Lord Voldermort and kill him." There was a sudden intake of breath and a few screams when Harry said Voldermort's name but Harry took no notice and sat down as a single tear fell down his check. The Hall became quiet and everyone stared at Harry. Slowly the Hall began to clap along with the professors.
"Ginny Weasley."
Nobody noticed that Ginny was talking until she gave a loud false cough much like Dolores Umbridge that many, if not all of the students looked towards the door.
"Thank-you. My name is Ginevra Molly Weasley. I was born August 11, 1981. My mother's name is Molly (Prewett) Weasley my Father's name is Author Weasley; he is Head of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Most of you already know my brother's but for those who don't know Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and Ron Weasley are all my brothers. I like to play chess and Quidditch with my brothers. We all live in "The Burrow," near Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon. I have a pet Pygmy Puff named Arnold and I like to read. For my summer…no plans yet." A few people clapped and looked up to watch where the parchment would move to next. But it did not move.
"Ron Weasley it called out."
Ron's face went red.
"My name is Ronald Bilius Weasley. I was born March1, 1980 to Molly (Prewett) Weasley and Author Weasley, Head of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. My siblings include Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and Ginny Weasley. As my sister said we live in "The Burrow," near Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon. I have a pet owl named Pigwidgeon. I call him 'Pig' for short. I am the Gryffindor Quidditch keeper. I like chess, sweets and the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team. For my summer I too have no clue what I will do."
Ron sat down and he too tried to look as small as possible while he watched the parchment. Again it did not move.
"Hermione Granger."
Hermione was so excited that she started to jump up and down. Before she noticed what she was doing everyone was laughing at her. She blushed when she realized what she was doing, cleared her throat then began.
"My name is Hermione Jane Granger. I am the first Wizard to come out of the Granger family! I was born September 19, 1979. I am an only child. My family and I love to travel all over. I have a cat named Crookshanks. Some special skills I have include Logic, Arithmancy, portable waterproof fires and Apparition. I have plans to go to Africa for the summer with my parents and then I'm going to go to India with a friend of mine for two weeks." Hermione talked so fast that many of the people in the Hall did not know what she was talking about.
The parchment rolled itself up and floated back into the awaiting hands of Professor Shacklebolt. "Very good everyone. Now please help yourselves to some lunch and when you are done will you please retire outside for some games and fun.
There was a great clatter as the food appeared and the students began to eat. Steadily the students began to filter out and the teachers began to decorate. When the last student was out the door they were shut and locked again.
I hope you liked this chapter. I was not sure what to write until my little brother made the suggestion. Hope to see you all again soon
