Author's Notes: Well, thank you all for the reviews. I have just reached the 13 thousand hit mark. I don't know if it's good ir not. Well, enough of this rambling, continue on with the chapter!
Chapter 17: Hogwarts
Well, here it is, Hogwarts, school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This was the threshold of Harry's own life, where magic really happened. Harry walked through the large iron gates of Hogwarts, glancing up at the large illustrious castle gleaming in the morning sunshine. Each of its' large windows tinted off a soft orange glow.
Tightening his grip around his black billowing robes, Harry paced himself and walked slowly forwards towards the main gates of the castle.He looked around, noticing the lush grass of the castle grounds swaying around his feet as a new breath of fresh air blew itself from the mountains.
Harry brushed back his hair and continued up the trek. Hermione would be expecting him this morning in one of her classes. Harry smiled, wondering what Hermione would be telling the class about his arrival. With his guess, he thought that he would keep it hushed up being a surprise.
Harry had been out of England for roughly two years and his first few steps in the Scotland heights gave him so many memories of his adolescence. Harry could just imagine a younger self rushing over to the lake with his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, laughing their head off at some joke they played on Professor Snape.
Harry smiled softly at the memory. So much has changed since his years at Hogwarts…
The Great Hall was bustling with morning chatter as a new day began at Hogwarts. Headmistress McGonagall stood up from her seat in the center of the staff table and clapped her hands three times.
All the chatter and murmurs immediately stopped as hundreds of heads gave their attention to the aged woman. McGonagall smiled.
"A tide of unexpected events has turned to Hogwarts today. It seems as if we have a visitor to our school." Students in every house immediately started talk excitedly amongst themselves as they tried to guess their visitor. A few murmurs about 'Ronald Weasley', their favorite Quidditch player, living in Hogsmeade, was paying his annual visit to Hogwarts on this fine November day.
McGonagall cleared her throat and clapped her hands again. The student body immediately silenced and turned their heads to glance at the Headmistress. "As by information, our dear Transfiguration teacher, Professor Granger would like to announce this visitor. Professor?"
Hermione stood up from her seat by the Headmistress and cleared her throat giving her fellow students a smile before starting. "It is to my greatest pleasure to announce that a great friend of mine will be visiting this school today. Many of you would probably know him, having read the many books on the most spectacular wizards of the century. He…has been gone from England for a very long time and I want all of you to show him the respect he deserves." The students were starting to get an idea if this visitor. Louder murmurs echoed off the Great Hall's stony walls. Hermione cleared her throat. "May I present to you, H-"
The Great Hall's majestic door's opened revealing a tall attractive man in his early twenties. His windswept hair in its' usually messy state, his piercing green eyes showing happiness as he slowly stepped through the doorway.
Gasps were heard around the houses as all the students now had the clear view of Harry's scar, now revealed as Harry ran a hand through his hair.
Hermione smiled widely before continuing. "Harry Potter."
The students topped over one another to get a closer view of Harry as he started to walk slowly towards the staff table. He was wearing khaki pants and a green sweater that made his eye color noticeable to all in the Great Hall. His black robes billowing behind him as he walked.
The loud murmurs started again.
"No way…"
"Is that really him?"
"Of course it's Harry Potter! Look at his scar!"
"Merlin!"
Harry was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable with all the stares in his direction. Quickening his pace, Harry caught sight of a group of girls sitting at the Ravenclaw table goggling at him with dreamy expressions. Harry eyes the Witch's Weekly issue that sat on their table. He inwardly groaned.
The students all had their back turned towards him as Harry made his way through the center of the hall through Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. McGonagall was waiting for him at the end of the long passageway.
If you looked at it from the entrance of the Great Hall, it would seem as if Harry was to be knighted by the Queen of England herself. Her subjects and guards on either side of Harry with a long passageway in the middle.
Harry reached the staff table to be greeted friendly by Headmistress McGonagall. "It's so great to see you Harry. Seems as if it was yesterday when I would be giving you a detention for sneaking in the hallway after curfew."
Harry smiled brilliantly. "Back in the day huh? Those were truly good times." McGonagall gave Harry one last, firm hug before Harry was promptly bone-crushed by Hermione.
"Hermione!" Harry managed to muffle out from her hug.
Hermione pulled away from Harry after several seconds before pulling Harry at arm's length to get a good look at him.
"Harry, it's just been so long. After classes today, you need to tell me and Ron everything!" Harry nodded his head noticing the stares he was getting from the student body.
The Headmistress cleared her throat. "Harry, you may take your seat beside Professor Granger for breakfast. After eating, Miss Granger would kindly lead you to her classroom where you'll be staying with her for the day, teaching the students."
The student body hurried to get their schedules out of their pockets to see who had Transfiguration and at what time. Groans were heard around the room and quite a few happy squeals of delight echoed around. Harry winced at one terribly high-pitched squeal as he moves his hands to cover his ears.
"Thank you Miss Longwell. Please continue with your breakfast, classes will start promptly in a quarter of an hour." The headmistress sat down and the chattering started again. Harry sat down next to Hermione before picking up his fork and knife, grabbing a fat piece of ham from a nearby plate.
"So Hermione, how's being a Professor at Hogwarts been to you?" Harry felt the hard stares of several girls in the Hall before lifting his head and glancing at one particular girl sitting at the Gryffindor table. She had long chestnut hair that went just past her shoulders. Her chocolate eyes shimmering as she idolized Harry's form.
Harry smiled at the girl causing her to blush furiously and turn in her seat to have her attention back at her plate, eating at a more quicker pace than normal.
"Well Harry, since after the war, more and more students come to Hogwarts each year with such happy expressions on their faces. It's all thanks to you and your never-ending goal to rid the world of Voldomort."
Harry smiled at Hermione. "I didn't do it alone, you helped. Your friendship and courage meant the world to me." Hermione smiled back at Harry before finishing up her breakfast.
Students were now starting to leave the Great Hall as Harry quickly stuffed waffles into his mouth and chewing quickly. Hermione had now stood up and was walking towards the staff entrance to the Great Hall. Harry quickly jumped up from his seat and followed. "This way Harry, the Transfiguration class will be awaiting our arrival." Harry followed Hermione as she led Harry forward through uncountable corridors and hallways. Hogwarts always seemed to change every year. Harry scratched his head. 'I don't remember ever stepping foot in this corridor…
"So Harry, would you like to come to my house after classes are done? Ron is dying to meet his best friend again. Took the day off Quidditch practice to wait for you." Harry caught up to Hermione's scurrying feet.
"Slow down Hermione. Never in my life could I keep up with you with your passion for learning and teaching new things." Hermione slowed down her pace to let Harry catch up to her. Harry continued while the two of them turned a corner.
"How have you and Ron been anyway?" Hermione stopped walking and beamed at Harry, holding up her left hand. Harry stared at the large diamond engagement ring on Hermione's hand before glancing at Hermione's bubbly face.
So the bugger finally asked her. "Congratulations Hermione! Ron is a lucky man to have you. What can I say, I'm feeling a bit jealous?" Hermione laughed softly at Harry's cheeky comments before lightly punching him on the shoulder.
"Prat!"
"Love ya too."
Harry and Hermione started to walk again, this time in a comfortable silence. After turning one last corner, for Harry was feeling a bit annoyed at all the portraits pointing their painted fingers at him and gasping, Hermione and Harry finally made it to the Transfiguration classroom.
A large group of excited students were waiting by the doorway. Hermione stepped forward and opened the door, eying all of the students to make sure none brought any Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes inside her classroom. Harry chuckled at her behavior. She made such a scary Prefect…
"You coming in Harry? I assure you, standing in the hallway is no fun." Harry quickly shook out of his memories before walking swiftly into the classroom to be greeted by masses of excited chattering from the students.
"Seventh Year Ravenclaws and Gryffindors Harry. They can be quite a bunch." Harry noticed the many dreamy stares he was getting while walking up to the teacher's desk.
Hermione cleared her throat loudly to the students. "Good morning students." The students all stopped their chattering to look at Hermione before answering, "Good morning Professor."
Harry, from his spot of leaning against the teacher's table with his arms crossed, quirked an eyebrow. How much discipline did Hermione have to do to get her students to do that, much less Seventh Years.
A triumphant face was clearly evident on Hermione's face as she turned back to look at Harry's surprised expression. "Surprised Harry? My first rule to teaching is discipline."
Harry stood up tall, towering over Hermione before eying the students. Harry had bet that Hermione had probably told her students to act this way. Or, in Hermione's personality, rather forced them to do this or get a failing grade. Harry glanced back at Hermione, her face was expressionless. Harry shrugged, Hermione could just be a great teacher. Harry went with the latter.
"Class, open your books and turn to page 434." Hermione's commanding voice was stern, daring anybody in the classroom to question her. Harry found himself shake a bit under Hermione's serious voice. She's gotten way over her head. Deciding to read something instead of standing by the window being admired by the girls in the class, Harry walked over to Hermione's desk where he opened the book and turned to page 434.
"Ancient History of Summonings!" Harry looked up at Hermione with wide eyes. Hermione gave Harry a smile before returning her attention back to the class.
"Who can tell me about Summonings?" One hand flew up in the middle of the classroom. "Miss Young?" Harry glanced at the girl. That same girl that blushed scarlet when Harry smiled at her.
The pretty brunette stood up and spoke in a barely hearable voice. "Summonings are when you order an object to come towards you and be at your disposal. They are usually swords, wands, anything solid to say the least." Hermione smiled.
"Excellent Marianne, Ten points to Ravenclaw!" Harry looked up from reading the chapter. "Yes, it is true that objects can be summoned by a flick of a wand." Hermione glanced at Harry. "Harry, would you care to demonstrate?"
Harry, who had his attention near the window where a flock of owls flew by stood up immediately to stand by Hermione. Feeling the stares directed on him, Harry cleared his throat. "Um…does anyone have an object that I can summon?" Everyone raised their hands. Harry was uttering broken phrases as he tried to decided which hand to pick.
Hermione, noticing Harry's nervousness, decided to help Harry with his current situation. "Miss Young, stand up please." Miss Young stood up slowly holding one of her textbooks in her arms.
"You can't be serious Professor. Harry summon things for her!" Harry glared owner of that voice.
"Who just said that?" A sandy haired Gryffindor boy raised his hand and stood up confidently, puffing out his chest.
Harry looked at Hermione, she didn't seem happy that someone from her own house had said that. "Mr. Price! How rude of you to say that comment to one of my top students! How dare you! From my own house too! Five points from Gryffindor!"
"No Professor, it's alright, I get that a lot." Harry turned his attention to the soft voice pleading to the Professor. It was Marianne. Harry silently walked over to Hermione.
"She kind of acted like you back in Hogwarts. You know, when you were first here. Please, for me, keep an eye on Marianne and make sure none of these ruddy bullies tear down her ego out any more. I used to keep my feelings bottled up inside myself. Not a good feeling." Hermione nodded.
Harry smiled at Marianne, walking forward. "Miss Young, may you please hold out your book." Marianne did what was told. With a flick of his wand, Harry summoned the book causing it to zoom into his hands with a plop.
Harry banished the book back to Marianne. "Thank you Miss Young." Harry walked back to his seat at Hermione's desk.
Hermione continued with her lecture. "Now, that is one type of summoning. Can anybody tell me about the other?"
Marianne again raised her hand. "Yes Marianne?"
"Professor, there is another type of summoning that was long extinct. It was the summoning of creatures." Everybody in the class immediately raised their heads, now clearly interested. "Creatures were summoned, usually out of another realm to brawl with one another. Some battles led to total war, destruction, and death. Some were summoned just for protection." Hermione smiled.
"Excellent Miss Young! Another ten points to Ravenclaw. Harry quirked his eyebrows.
"Merlin she has a sister," he muttered under his breath. Hermione stiffened, before walking back a few paces before turning to Harry, her elbows resting on the desk.
"Harry, I heard that." Harry smiled innocently. Hermione rolled her eyes before continuing.
"Can anybody tell me where these creatures were summoned?" This time, the sandy haired Gryffindor raised his hand.
"Where were all creatures summoned? Egypt of course." Harry's head shot in the air. This reminded him of Mr. Lee's conversation on the first day of his training. Hermione waved her wand at the chalkboard before a light sketch of Egypt was made in chalk.
"Yes Nelson, Egypt. Back in those times, Egypt was the first wizarding community on the globe. They relished the fact that they could control creatures from another realm and that gave them the advantage to keep opposing, growing magic communities small and weak." Harry held his breath.
"Simple times would be over real soon. Dark Kings and nobles ordered their creatures to attack their fellow neighbors for land and money. Small skirmishes were breaking all over Egypt causing widespread panic." Marianne raised her hand.
"Yes Miss Young?"
"Professor, the skirmishes were just the small stuff. Pretty soon, whole kingdoms fought against one another controlling armies of creatures."
"That is precise Miss Young. Egypt was dying by the years. Their once green and flourishing land was now desert. Their once happy lifestyle was now a living hell. War had taken control of Egypt. That is, until one man raised himself above all others. Not for money or wealth, he just wanted peace."
Harry stood up and walked over next to Hermione. "Can anyone explain to me how he defeated armies of creatures and dark kings?"
Nelson raised his hand. "Sir, legends say that he once controlled a terrible creature. So fierce and powerful that…that it coulddestroy the world if under rightful control." The classroom suddenly felt cold to Harry as he realized that clouds were gathering around the sun. Nelson continued.
"Some say the creature was a beast, he was a god. Some say the creature could not be defeated, no matter how many people opposed him. Every dark king feared this creature. The creature is rumored to be majestical, invincible, golden. It-"
Hermione cleared her throat. "That will be enough Mr. Price. Quite a load of rubbish if I might say. Even if it was studies, no clues were found of such a monster. No such thing existed. To technically give you all a reason for this, the realm in which monsters could be summoned was closed by someone. Never again were creatures summoned."
"Hermione, history is written by the winners, if I might add. What id they didn't want people to find out about this monster." Hermione was clearly annoyed of this rubbish. She looked annoyingly at Harry.
"History becomes legend…legend becomes myth. For all of you students here, if any day you have kids, this would be a good fair tale to tell them." Harry looked ever at the windowsill. The sun's rays were now shining through the window. The clouds were gone.
"Class dismissed!" Everyone started to pile up their textbooks and parchment into their bags and proceeded out of the door. Hermione sighed as she walked slowly over to the windowsill. "Such a monster couldn't of existed…"
Harry walked over to her. "Apple?"
To tell you the truth, Harry himself had no clue of this monster. Of course Mr. Lee had been explaining to him about these histories but such a thing was preposterous. Hermione took the apple and bit into it.
"Our next class will be second years Harry. Then my afternoon is free for you to come visit Ron and I." Harry smiled.
The group of second years walked into the class. At having seen Harry standing at the front of the class, the whole class squealed as their usual lazy attitudes turned to excited and anxious in a second.
Hermione shook her head. "Hufflepuffs Harry." Harry smirked. This is going to be fun…
Harry plopped down in his seat. "Who would've ever thought that second years could squeal so much. Aw! My head!" Harry whined as he rubbed his temples.
Hermione sat down next to him. "Oh honestly Harry, I have to go through that for months! You'll get used to it." Harry mumbled.He lifted his head andglanced around the Great Hall where all the students were having lunch. Harry couldn't help but notice Marianne sitting alone in her spot at the Ravenclaw table. Harry felt sorry for the girl.
It made him feel like he was back in his first year with Hermione acting like that. Hermione seemed to have caught Harry's eyesight. She tapped Harry on the shoulder.
"Go talk to her Harry. I'm sure you can tell her that there are people in the world who do care and love her." Harry nodded. He immediately stood up from his spot and proceeded to walk to the Ravenclaw table.
Headmistress McGonagall shook her head, a smile evident on her face. "That Harry, he's such a softie. I remember that it was his idea to save you from that troll." Hermione nodded her head, beaming.
"Yea, he's just so chivalrous sometimes. Great addition to his personality."
The headmistress sighed tiredly. "Some woman would be entirely lucky if she managed to catch Mr. Potter." Hermione glanced back at Harry.
Harry had just walked past a bunch of sixth years goggling at him. When he walked closer to them, they immediately tried to fix their hair or put on flashy smiles. Harry ignored the flirtatious girls and moved to tap Marianne on the shoulder.
"Miss Young, may I sit here?" Marianne who was sadly eating her lunch alone, scooted over instantly making room for Harry.
"If I may ask Mr. Potter, why would you want to sit with me?" Harry sighed. She was just like Hermione. She definitely needed a boost in her self confidence.
"I myself would very much enjoy the presence of a beautiful lady, wouldn't you say?" Marianne was shocked. Had the Harry Potter just called her beautiful. Most eligible bachelor?
"Did…you j-just call me b-beautiful sir?" Harry nodded, smiling softly.
"Please Marianne, call me Harry." Marianne shook her head, tears starting to form in her chocolate eyes.
Harry instantly felt sorry for the young women. People treated her this bad. She thought of herself like this?
"But no Sir, I mean Harry…nobody likes me. I'm starting to think I'm not attractive." Harry rubbed Marianne's back soothingly.
"Let me tell you the truth young lady." Marianne looked deeply into Harry's emerald eyes. "When I was a little younger than you, there was this girl I liked for a long time. No, she was not popular and no, she didn't think herself pretty. But do you want to know what I thought?"
"What did you think Harry?"
"I thought her the most beautiful girl in the world. She was shy, but that just made her mysterious and I itched to get to know her. All the popular girls do would just make fun of her. She would stand strong and ignore their comments. To tell you the truth Marianne, I personally didn't like any snobbish popular girls." Harry thought back on Cho and wrinkled his nose.
"Why is that. They are popular, lots of people like them, and they always get the dates."
"Well Marianne, they were snobbish. They had high expectations and they would dump their boyfriends the next day. Heck, when I went out with one, I got dumped probably thirty minutes into my date." Harry rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. Marianne giggled a little.
"Harry Potter got dumped?"
"Guilty as charged young lady. I myself stink at attracting the female population." Marianne looked around the room. Hundreds of jealous stares were directed on her. She smiled back to Harry.
"So why did you like this girl?"
"She had character Marianne. She was nice, she was thoughtful. She was as smart as anyone I met. Remind you of anyone?" Marianne shook her head.
"Well she used to be just like you Marianne. The type of girl who I would love to be my wife. She was responsible and once I got on her happy side, we would laugh all day long."
Harry patted Marianne's arm.
"Harry? Do you think anyone in this room likes me?"
Harry looked around the Great Hall. There was one particularly handsome young man at the Gryffindor tablewho just kept staring dreamily at Marianne. Harry glanced at the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. Several boys had their eyes locked on Marianne.
"Oh I'm sure there are definitely lots of boys who would love to get to know you. You just have to open up a bit." A soft smile was now evident in Marianne's expression as she wrapped her arms around Harry.
"Thanks Harry."
Harry patted Marianne's back. "Oh and if anyone dares mess with you, do not hesitate to report them to Professor Granger. She's an old friend. She can turn any male into rubble in front of her if she unleashes that anger on them. I've been in the line of fire a lot myself."
Marianne giggled.
"Ok Marianne, if any 'trouble' happens, do tell Professor Granger. You know she was just like you when she first came here. Now look at her. All powerful and intelligent, not to mention beautiful and clever."
Marianne nodded. "I personally look up to Hermione." Harry smiled.
"Clever girl…"
With one last friendly hug, Harry left the Ravenclaw table to join Hermione back in his seat.
"Well, I think that's settled." Hermione patted Harry's back. "Good job Harry, I'll keep an eye on her." Harry glanced over at Marianne. Several people were now sitting next to her and chatting happily. Marianne's face showed pure happiness as her eyes sparkled. Harry smiled. Job well done Harry.
"You ready to go meet Ron in Hogsmeade? We'll meet in our house."
Harry stood up along with Hermione. Yep, I think I'm ready to meet Ron again.
Harry made his way past Marianne and her new friends, winked at her, and proceeded to walk out of the Great Hall. Following Hermione, he was ready to finally meet up with his other best friend. The ever laughable Ron.
Author's Notes: Now that we've met Hermione and her current position, it's time to check on the rest of the Weasley family. The adventure has just started. Trust me, It'll be good.
-Apac