Welcome Back to Hogwarts
Harry shoved his way past several Ravenclaws. As he pushed passed them he could finally see who was actually involved in this altercation. Several older Ravenclaws passed around the trunk of a small, blond girl Harry knew to be Luna Lovegood. The only other student Harry recognized was the seeker of Ravenclaw, Cho Chang. She didn't participate directly, but just stood by and laughed with the rest of them.
While Harry had not been able to practice with his wand over the summer, he had not been lazy. His seeker reflexes had only been honed by hours of physical exertion. Before the group knew what was happening, Harry snatched the trunk away from them.
"Should you not be doing something?" Harry looked pointedly at the Prefects badge on Chang's chest.
The pretty Prefect frowned and stammered, "Huh, right, move along people."
Harry just shook his head. Part one of his plan complete, now came part two. He felt a little guilty as he turned to Luna. "How are you Luna, do you want to join me in my compartment?"
Luna looked with big eyes at Harry. "I'd love to."
HPU
After initial chatter about their expectations for the upcoming year, both Harry and Luna turned to reading, and a companionable silence settled.
Ten minutes after the train started, Hermione Granger peeked in.
"Here you are Harry." Hermione entered the compartment. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen. She had clearly cried, and also clearly washed up to try to hide it.
"Hermione are you all right?"
"I'm fine." She gruffly responded. Instead of elaborating, she looked inquisitively to Luna, who was reading The Quibbler, upside down.
"How did the prefects meeting go?" Harry asked.
"As good as it could have, with Malfoy and Parkinson there. Angelina Johnson and Roger Davies will make a decent head team. We just spoke of the responsibilities, and how we will divide the different duties."
Hermione did not seem to want to elaborate too much, and a short and much more uncomfortable silence filled the compartment.
"I assume you already know each other, since you are in the same house, but just to be formal, Hermione, may I introduce you to Luna Lovegood. Luna, this is my good friend Hermione." Harry stumbled through an overly elaborate introduction. He was trying to lead the conversation to somewhere that would take Hermione's mind off whatever had her upset. He wanted to ask her more about that, but Luna was clearly not close enough for Hermione to share right now.
"I'm not your friend, Harry?" Luna seemed to have caught on Harry's objective. She tried to lighten the mood. "I thought we were close enough for you to ask me to the Yule Ball!"
"If we want to get too particular about it, I think we are acquaintances at this stage. After all, you did say 'no' to me."
"How many girls did you ask out? Luna, Fleur, myself… any others?" Hermione entered the teasing.
"To be honest Fleur was the sixth or seventh." Harry was a bit red. He did not like where this was going.
It was a valiant attempt, but this made the room suddenly very uncomfortable. Harry was not sure why, apart from his embarrassment, it seemed to be a lighthearted topic.
Luna came to the rescue: "So have you read the newest Quibbler? The Ministry is over run by the Rotfang Society. My dad thought that they would be loosing the next generation, but it looks like they are able to recruit new members."
"What is the Rotfang Society?" Harry had never heard from them.
"I thought everybody knew about them. The Quibbler often writes about it." Luna responded. "Albert, Lord of Rotfang was an average wizard who in the nineteenth century advocated for the eradication of exceptionally dangerous wizards by using dark magic and gum disease. He build a secret society to apply his theories to the wizarding government. They took over the Ministry, and his society has control of it to this day."
"And what does Percy Weasleys have to do with that?" Hermione asked skeptically.
"This summer, Percy was made the secretary of Madam Bones, the Director of Magical Law Enforcement. It makes him the youngest wizard to hold such a key position in a long time. And the only way that he could have moved up to be the right hand of the most important director of the Ministry was if he became a member of this society."
"Wow, that's impressive. After only one year out of Hogwarts, and he already moved up that much." Harry commented, "But I'm not that surprised. Bones was very impressed with Percy, at the … end of the last task. Even Moody recommended him."
"I read about that too, but the Daily Prophet did not say anything about the Rotfang Society." Hermione chimed in.
"Well the Prophet is just the propaganda paper of the Ministry." Luna stated categorically. "Just look how they covered the whole Triwizard Tournament. No probing questions about mismanagement. Nothing questioning the Ministry's account of the last task. My dad has been digging all summer about the death of Fleur Delacour, but for once no one is speaking."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Once again the oath prevented Harry from saying anything and loyalty to Dumbledore sealed Hermione's lips on the subject. "Maybe you are right about the Prophet. It is rather one sided. I have my doubts about the Rotfang conspiracy, however."
"Speaking of the papers, their report on the Dementor attack in Diagon Alley was a bit strange, no?" Harry tried to steer the conversation away from controversial topics.
"They lied out of their … bottoms." Hermione started fuming. "The Aurors claimed all credit, but if you had not been there, several people would have been kissed!"
"You were the mysterious savior of Diagon Alley?" Luna asked, "Dad and I were looking for the real story. We found lots of descriptions of a blond guy, where you there under glamours?"
"Yes, we were there incognito." Harry answered. "Which is why I would like you to keep my name out of the Quibbler. It was nice to discover Diagon Alley without being starred at."
"All right, my dad will be a bit disappointed, but we keep our sources safe. At least we can confirm the ineptitude of the Ministry. So, you know the Patronus charm. Can you teach it to me?"
"We'll see about it. Maybe we'll have time." Harry was much more positive inside. That would be a nice carrot to build his network.
"Harry, did you get a letter for underage use of magic?" Hermione asked, "I was nervous if that blew our cover."
"It should not have." Luna answered. "In places filled with magic, like Diagon Alley, the trace does not work well, so usually the ban of underage use of magic is enforced there by people watching. And by children not knowing this tidbit."
"But in the commotion that was not on anybody's mind." Hermione got it. Then she frowned. "What about the homes there? Do the children not sneak some charms in their rooms?"
"That depends on the parents. I would venture to guess that children in the magical world do get more practice then Muggle raised. It's one reason I like visiting Knockturn Alley. They don't care about the law there." Luna stated. "You can just practice in some corners, but you have to be careful to keep away from the hags."
Hermione brightened up, ideas clearly forming for next summer. But Harry wanted to return to the Dementors. "Do you know what was behind the attack? Why were the Dementors there and not at Azkaban?"
"The Prophet had no explanation. They just spoke of some 'unfortunate accident.'" Hermione said.
"The Quibbler is much more reliable. It says that the Rotfang Society is behind it. It wants to remind people that a strong Ministry helps everyone."
"They threaten the lives of countless wizards and witches to make a point?" Harry asked doubting.
"I do think the Ministry has to be behind it in some way." Hermione defended Luna. "I would think magic makes most functions of the Ministry rather gratuitous. They need to make clear that they have a purpose in other ways."
"The Ministry does have secrets, I'm just not sure this is one of them." Harry said. "But I would be interested in reading the article."
Luna smiled proudly at that, and handed over the newspaper. Harry quickly read the relevant article. He did not find any tangible proof for the Rotfang Society, but since he saw how the Daily Prophet lied about the events, he put more stock in the Quibbler.
Meanwhile Hermione and Luna began talking about poetry. Apparently, Hermione had begun writing poetry as a hobby this summer, and Luna shared this passion. Harry listened a little bit to them.
He discovered that poetry was not for him.
"I'm going to look for Mafalda, see you." He informed the two and left.
HPU
After a short search Harry found several Weasleys and a Greengrass in a compartment two wagons forward. Usually the Weasleys' red heads drew the attention, but the after effect of the blood harvesting ritual left Mafalda with blue hair and made her the visual center to any crowd she was part of.
"Hello, how are you all, mind if I join you for a little while?" Harry asked as he entered the compartment.
"Come right in oh mighty Champion." One of the twins beckoned.
"A friend of my cousin is a friend of mine." The other added.
Harry sat down next to the two twins. On the other side, Ginny sat next to the window, next to her was Mafalda, and by the door was Isolde Greengrass. With Harry's presence, the compartment was now filled.
"So how was the summer of Hogwarts' triumphant Champion?" the first twin added.
"I think I was the first to ask how you are?" Harry joked back. "But, summer was uneventful." Harry decided to not mention Knockturn or Diagon Alley. "I studied my books, and worked in the yard. How about you? Did you have more fun?"
"You read your textbooks?" The right twin was aghast. "I thought, you knew better."
"Truth be told we were not much better." Ginny chimed in. "We helped Mafalda with catching up. The ministry gave a special dispensation of the restrictions for underage magic, just for the Burrow. It was fun."
"So, you caught up?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure, but we went through most of the books, besides potions." Mafalda said. Harry was sad to see her withdrawn. Apparently even the twins had not been able to bring the fun loving firsty back.
"What about your parents. Were you able to see them, while you were at the Burrow?"
"My parents could come most weekends." She again answered curtly.
"Have your wounds healed?" Harry was digging very hard here.
"I'm better." Mafalda did not seem to want to dwell on it, but after a moment of hesitation, she elaborated. "I have to take five potions a day to close the wound. My back is slowly closing up. The hole is almost gone, but it leaves behind this blueish skin that is very sensitive. The healers say that I might have that for the rest of my life."
That had gotten the biggest response so far. She clearly was worried about it. Harry wondered if there was a ritual they could do to help. The healers might not have studied illegal magic, even if it could help. He would have to talk to Hermione about it.
"Mafalda has been doing amazingly. Most would not have been able to pick up after such dreadful torture. She will come back strong." Isolde tried to cheer up her friend.
"I know, I took too long to find you last year." Harry berated himself. "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask. I'm great at DADA and I'll find whatever else you need."
"Thanks, Harry, I know you did all you could. …"
At that moment, Malfoy burst open the door and laughed. "Blue is even dumber as a hair color than red, Weasley." His bookends peaked into the room behind him.
Before he had even finished his tasteless joke, Harry pointed his wand at the offending ponce. A few moments later the three older Weasleys and Isolde joined with their wands.
"Would you like to repeat that, Malfoy?" Ginny asked.
"I could give you all detention for drawing wands! At a prefect, no less!" Malfoy sputtered. Despite his grand words, he edged out of the compartment. He did not seem to have expected such a dramatic response.
A moment later he stalked down the corridor.
Harry sighed. Did Malfoy have to make these asinine appearances every year during the train ride. He seemed to pried himself on them. Did he think he had to make up for lost time during the summer?
To everybody's surprise, Goyle stayed behind for a second. He lowered his head conspiratorially, and lowered his voice, "I'm sorry for what happened to you, Weasley. I'm glad to see you are doing better. Sorry about the boss, he is dumber then me sometimes."
After these surprisingly kind words, Goyle ducked out of the compartment and run after his 'boss.'
The six in the compartment looked at each other dumbstruck. 'What was that?'
"Well, that was nice." Ginny said after a second. "Who would have thought that the muscle could think for himself."
"It is definitely a first for me. I have never seen them say anything remotely useful." Harry said.
Harry stayed in the compartment for another twenty minutes. They had a nice conversation about expectations of the upcoming year and about Quidditch, and then returned to Hermione and Luna.
HPU
It was already turning dark, when there was another knock on the door. Harry had been dozing off, but jumped quickly into being alert.
The head of Slytherin's Quidditch captain peaked into the room. "There you are, Potter. I have been looking for you. Mind if Warrington and I come in for a little bit?"
Without a clear answer Montague and Warrington entered.
"Sure, if you don't mind the presence of my friends, Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood."
"As long as it does not affect your Quidditch skills, I don't care what scum you associate with, Potter." Montague said as he sat down next to Harry. Warrington sat down next to Luna, who was next to Hermione. "I just wanted to hear from you, that you are ready for the upcoming season. I know it's been a while since we all played. That bloody tournament wrecked last year."
"Language!" Hermione said reflexively, before turning red when both Slytherin guests looked at her … amused.
"Please forgive me, fair lady." Montague responded after a second, with a big flourish and a bigger smirk on his face. "Please tell me you have flown since our last match." He said turning again to Harry.
"I have touched my broom several times since then, but I am a bit rusty. I was quite busy last year, with the Tournament and all." Harry reminded him.
"Fair enough, I'll just have to make practice harder, to make up for that failure." Montague deadpanned.
"I'll remind you that I did fine the first year, and I had never used a broom to fly before then."
"Yea, sure, but was the competition as good as this year?" Warrington entered the conversation. "I don't know about Seeker, but all four houses are staked this year."
"What is your estimation of the Seeker position?" Montague added.
"Yeah, you're right, it will be competitive. All Seekers are returning from two years ago." Harry shook his head. "It looks like this will be a hell of a year for Seekers. The other three all were good last season, and only could get better."
"Who will be your biggest challenge?" Warrington asked.
"Hard to tell. I don't know who improved the most. Based on the fact Chang had OWL's last year, she probably didn't spend the same time on Quidditch, as the other two. Diggory and Ginny are both very driven. I think they have professional aspirations. It's Diggory's last year, so based on that, I'm going to say he'll be the most motivated. He'll have to have a good showing if he wants to make it to the pros. But they all will be hard. What about the teams as a whole?"
"Apart from Diggory and Abercrombie, Hufflepuff lost its entire team over the last two years. Ravenclaw has almost as much to rebuild. Gryffindor will have the most experienced team. They will only have to replace Wood. Which will be hard. He is a maniac in the sky and is now with Puddlemere United, I think." Montague said.
"Who do we have to replace?" Harry asked. "Bole and Derrick, right? Anyone else?"
"No, just the two beaters." Montague said. "Should not be too hard. I have my eyes out already. Malfoy was saying Goyle and Crabbe. What do you think?"
"They seem to be of the right composition." Harry thought of their brunt way. "If they win the try out, they should be on the team, if not, whoever wins should. Give it to the best. The beaters need to fit into our tactics. Speaking of tactics, I've been thinking, could I not be involved a bit more in the Chaser play?"
"You think you are ready to be a 'chasing Seeker?'" Montague seemed conflicted between excitement and disbelieve. "In the pros, it is fairly common for seekers to be involved part of the time with the chasers. But it is risky if you are not ready for it. It's hard to be contributing to chaser play and finding the Snitch. A chasing Seeker has to be hyper alert to be successful. I would not be opposed to practice it a little and introduce it slowly. You are a prodigy at seeking after all. But it would be something we introduce slowly. Could be a secret weapon of sorts." At that he looked dubiously at the two Ravenclaws.
"I have had some ideas for plays, where I could occasionally swoop in and help the chasers, but would keep my main focus on the Snitch." Harry said.
"I'll look up some stuff. All Chasers and you are very experienced, even Malfoy, I'll definitely look at it. If we can make it work it might just be the edge we need to win the cup." Montague thought out loud.
"I could probably get some ideas from Flint. We have been in contact, and I think he is a genius at figuring out Quidditch plays." Warrington added.
"Sounds like, we have a plan. I'll let you know about practice time and what not." Montague finished their visit.
HPU
Not much later, the train arrived at Hogsmeade Station. The students made their way to the castle, straight to the Welcoming Feast. Just before the Harry's group from the train entered the Great Hall, Harry spied Snape.
"Go on without me, I have to talk with Snape for a moment." He waved Hermione and Luna to continue on without him, and went to his Head of House. Snape was scanning the incoming crowd for signs of trouble.
"Professor Snape, could I have a moment of your time?"
"Of course Potter, what do you want?"
"Sir, I know before the summer you said that you will not continue our lessons. I have studied on my own since, and I would like to show you that I would not be a big burden on your time. Could I show you?"
Snape sighed and erected a quick privacy shield. "Potter, you know as well as anyone that the situation in Wizarding Britain has drastically changed at the end of the last school year. That is why I will be unable to help you with this. Again, I can only encourage you to continue your self study. This is the last I want to hear from you about this."
Snape quickly took down the privacy shield and moved on to monitor the students again.
Harry was a bit miffed that he had been rebuffed again. He moved on to the Great Hall for the feast, and wondered how he could further sharpen his fighting skills. Sparring with Theo would help, but he needed a greater challenge to truly improve.
The sorting was even less engaging then the year before. The only name that stuck out to Harry was the first one, Abercrombie, Euan, who got sorted into Gryffindor. The reason Harry noticed it, besides the fact that it was first, was that he shared the last name with Aspen Abercrombie, one of the Hufflepuff Chasers.
Other than that, the feast passed by uneventful. Harry enjoyed the company of Theo, Mafalda and the Greengrass' sisters, as well as the delicious cooking of the Hogwarts elves.
But of course this being Hogwarts, there had to be something strange to start any year.
The Headmaster began his usual announcements after dessert: "I would like to begin the announcements with a warm welcome back of Mafalda Weasley. We are all very glad that she has safely returned."
Short applause erupted.
"It is late, so I'll make the announcements brief, otherwise I'll fall asleep making them. In order to make Hogwarts safer, fifteen more items, including several potions have been placed on the banned items list. Please consult Mr. Filch for the complete list. The forbidden forest remains forbidden.
"To our great surprised, we also have a new DADA teacher. May I introduce to you Madam Umbridge, who comes to us at the urging of the Minister."
A short, stout woman stood up at the Head table. She was so short and stout that it was hard to tell that she had risen. A lackluster round of applause made its way through the room.
"Please go…" Professor Dumbledore was about to dismiss the students.
"Hem, hem." Madam Umbridge coughed a very fake and grating cough to get attention.
"All right Madam, if you would like to share some words…" Dumbledore genially responded, and sat down with a serene smile.
"Children, it is my pleasure to help you learn this year." Umbridge looked around with a sugary smile. "But teaching is only part of why I am here. In my regular job, I work closely with the Minister for Magic. We, in the Minister's office, have for many years looked with concern at Britain's premier school of magic. We have been observing unusual events and heard many disturbing rumors." At this point she looked straight at Harry. "I know rumors are like smoke in the air, very hazy. So, for the time, we felt that a path of restrain in our dealings with the school would be best. The events of last year, however, have taught us that we need to pay closer attention.
"Given this background, I have been given the mandate to make this school safe again. Minister Fudge personally guaranteed me all means necessary to accomplish this. You will likely see some Aurors patrolling the grounds. The DADA text has also been adjusted to conform to the new expectations.
"I think with your cooperation, we will quickly find that the Ministry is the suitable way of keeping Wizarding Britain safe. Thank you."
Umbridge sat down, and Dumbledore quickly dismissed the students?
"What was that supposed to mean?" Harry asked Theo quietly as they left to go to the Dungeons.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think Fudge wants to make sure that we all remain docile sheep." Theo replied.
A.N. I just read a cool story. I think it is my new favorite of Rorschach's Blot's storys: Make a Wish! I think it is the most entertaining independent 'Harry goes and has a fun summer' story I have read in a while. Anyway, please review! Thanks.