Chapter 7: Reunions and Surprises
"A prized piece of intelligence is not just the gaining of knowledge but in how it is used. For in some situations information is useless if you are too slow to act upon it." Engraving of a quote by Rowena Ravenclaw in the Ravenclaw tower
Kingscross Station was an extraordinary place under normal circumstances. Easily one of the busiest and most frantic stations in the world, it served to connect people of all kinds to an even greater amount of destinations. From a seat, one could pick out the businessmen and women from the students, to the workers, panicked tourists tripping over their bags, all of whom came and went with a typical degree of city normality. But what made this station special, was on two specific days each year one could witness the eccentric onslaught of a very peculiar crowd of travellers. These were, Harry observed, the most entertaining to watch. Wizards and Witches from across the country came in ragtag packs to say goodbye to their children who led the charge onto Platform 9 ¾ where the Hogwarts Express waited stoically.
For Harry, however, it wasn't necessarily the extravagant wizards and eccentric witches who were the amusing ones, but the muggles brilliant reaction's to such sights. Unified in their incredulity they looked at the caged owls, the swinging cauldrons or the barely contained frogs in little first year's hands as if they had second heads. One man even walked straight into a stone pillar so intent was his staring at a witch's hat- one that would have put McGonagall's to shame.
Despite their simplicity over their magical counterparts, Harry really could appreciate why was so fascinated with them sometimes. Simply sitting here and admiring their focus, their ingenuity, the speed at which they walked without heed to the thousands that stalked by them, among the cacophony of clutter that spewed from every shop, toilet, platform, corner and crevice of the terminal, they went on with their own lives, uninterested in the magic that surrounded them: Baring the few who gawked at an excited first year who was juggling his toad attempting to get it back into it's cage that is.
The fact that as many muggles were in this building as perhaps wizards and witches existed in the magical Britain made it all the more intriguing. Kings cross was Harry's last glimpse of the real world outside of his own. The grand station a reminder that his adopted world sat overcrowded by an oblivious muggle one.
Harry began to feel his heart beat more solidly as he took one last look. This was his last piece of anonymity before he ventured into a world where he was famous. It was also, his sinking heart told him, perhaps the last time he would stand on the border of both worlds as a simple student at school eagerly awaiting a year of adventure.
Remus had apparated him in early and bid him farewell for the term. The two had spent all of yesterday catching up after having returned from his recent Order mission. Considering his last few weeks had been nothing but intense studying and training, Harry very much appreciated his friends company once more. It served brilliantly to loosen him up before the coming school year, which if his last five were anything to go by, was bound to be just as interesting. He would miss his marauder friend over the coming months until Christmas, although the knowledge that they still had the mirrors for contact was a welcome substitute.
"Excuse me," a nervous voice broke his stray thoughts. Blinking, Harry turned to see a small girl looking up at him.
"Would you know how to get onto Platform 9 and ¾." She said, a strange sense of hope in her blue eyes. She must have seen Hedwig, pretending to sleep in her cage, to guess he was a wizard. Her parents were a few feet behind her trying to persuade an information guide that Platform 9 3/4 surely must exist.
"Of course, it can be a little confusing if it's your first time. You know what, I'll show you how to get on." Harry offered, deciding that it would probably be easier if he met the unsurprisingly late red headed family and the rest of his friends on the platform. The girl beamed in response and summoned her parents over.
Upon arriving at the gate to their Platform, the girl and particularly her muggle parents looked sceptical when Harry gestured to a solid brick wall opposite. This will be tricky.
"Okay, it's going to sound crazy, but you'll get used to that with this place. Just run, not too fast, but not too slow either, at the wall in front." Harry smiled. The parents stared back in utter disbelief, the mother with a raised eyebrow, looked like she wanted to go and grab another attendant to ask. The girl seemed sceptical, before smiling.
"Okay, watch and follo-," but before Harry could finish the young girl had sprinted forward and straight through the barrier.
"Charline!" "Oh My God!" Were the most discernible of the wails from the mother and father. Harry just chuckled and finished his sentence. "-follow us through."
He arrived to see a gobsmacked Charline with her mouth open gaping at the Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 and 3/4. Seemingly she had forgotten about the wall she'd just walked through and was taking in the great red steam train and the magical atmosphere that coated it's collection of rowdy passengers. If she had been walking, Harry thought, she would have likely walked into a pillar as well.
"Quite a sight isn't it." Harry said as he pushed his cart beside hers. A slow nod was all he received. Moments later her parents sped through the barrier, eyes scrunched, body's clenched as if they were diving through a ring of fire, and nearly colliding with Harry and the girl.
"Woah, sorry!" -"I'm so sorry dear!", "Oh, my"- Her parents said before being cut off by the striking whistle of the Hogwarts Express announcing its impending departure. Turning, they took in for the first time the train and the wonders of the wizaridng world. Hundreds of students were already lining up on the platform, embracing parents, greeting friends, even a few opportunistic ones casting spells. Only twice a year was Kings Cross such a haven of total other-worldly activity, and Harry was glad to be experiencing it once more.
Turning, he couldn't help but smile at the family's reactions. Their eyes were so wide they reminded Harry of Ron's every year at the Christmas feast. "How did-
"Magic," Harry cut them off. "It'll just be simpler if I say magic did it. Welcome to Platform 9 and ¾."
The girl looked up at him with extraordinary glee. It hadn't been so long ago he'd been the one tumbling onto Platform 9 ¾ and had his life turned completely upside down. The Hogwarts express stood there sturdily, waiting as it always had, to propel him far away from the Dursley's captivity and into magical freedom. How things change, Harry thought. For now he was leaving behind the control he had attained at the Dursleys and wading into the uncertainty waters of Hogwarts. There the true magical rollercoaster would begin.
A hoot from the girl's bird pulled their attention back to the present. She had a small and messy brown owl which stared unflinchingly at Hedwig. The smaller owl was almost an exact extension of the girl in front of him, so much so that Harry would have believed that this was her in Animagus form.
"Her name's Maowi." The girl said proudly while stroking her feathers through the cage. Harry reached into his pocket and gave the girl a small owl treat to give to her.
"That's a nice name. And what's yours?"
"I'm Charline, but I prefer Cherrie." She said.
"I'm Harry, its nice to meet you all." Her father and mother introduced themselves as well, and thanked Harry's for his help. "Well, I'll let you get on board and say your whistle means there's only a few more minutes before departure. Have a good trip and if you need anything at school let me know." He said addressing the nervous Cherrie whose eyes were flicking between the massive train and the people now flocking on.
"Thank you." She replied, although she sounded more nervous than before.
Harry took a step away before stopping. He knew what it was like to be here. He bent down on one knee. "I know its scary, but trust me as soon as you step on that train, everything changes, everything is exciting. And if you don't find anyone on the train you can always come and sit with me and my friends, okay?" She nodded uncertainly, but smiled nonetheless. He smiled back and stood again. After a swift mouthing of thank you from her parents Harry was off weaving through the enchanted crowd of Platform 9 and ¾ towards his friends.
Ignoring the stares and the comments as he walked by Harry hurriedly approached, two of his friends who were closest to him. "Hey guys!"
"Hey Harr- woah! What happened to the glasses?" Neville said, spinning around and shaking Harry's hand.
"Yeah, well these are a little easier for the types of situations we seem to find ourselves in."
"Hello Harry," intoned the always interesting Luna. Harry stepped forward unthinkingly to hug her as he said hello, which completely took the girl by surprise, as well as him, he realised half way through. She seemed happy with the gesture and a slight pink colour suffused her cheeks afterwards. Before he could ask them how their summers were two orange orbs charged into him. If it weren't for the colour of their hair, Harry thought he would have reacted more defensively. Thankfully, the Weasley twins let him go moments later.
"Harry…" One of them started.
"Our illustrious business partner…
"How the devil are you?" Before Harry could answer the other twin interrupted.
"Never mind about that Fred, you can clearly see how well he's been doing. No glasses, nice muggle clothes, the slightly thicker and if I'm not mistaken more muscly frame, I'd say he's doing pretty handsomely. He's trying to show us up brother."
"Don't be silly Freddo, our new suits are far too dashing to be outdone. Although, I daresay our investor here might give us a run for our money soon enough." The two quipped.
"Hey guys, it's great to see you but where's-?" Just as he was inquiring, a bushy jungle of hair engulfed him.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry managed to get out.
"Harry, wow! It's so good to see you." She took a second to scan him up and down. "You look so different to when we last saw you! What happened? We were sad not to see you at the Burrow this summer," she half stated half inquired.
"I know Hermione, I'll explain later okay. Hey Ron." Harry said as he clasped hands with his best friend, who came up last.
"Good to see you mate. You combed your hair in a different way?" Ron said making fun of the only thing about Harry that wasn't different.
"Hey Harry." Ginny said as she came into view between the twins to hug Harry. As they parted, he felt a strange tug at his heartstrings, as if a brief moment they were connected. Ginny had become increasingly important to him ever since the Ministry, her encouraging and forthright letters over the summer were particularly helpful. "Wow, you look like you're doing well!" She said addressing his new look. Before he could reply finally caught up to everyone and saved him from addressing his rapidly forming blush.
"Harry dear, it's lovely to see you." came up to him and consumed him in one of her trademark motherly hugs. "My you look better, have you put on weight? Well, perhaps a dabble more would do, if only I'd had you for a few days this summer, I'd have taken care of that right away." She continued happily. Harry was unspeakably grateful for her motherly fussing over him sometimes.
"Hello , it's good to see you too. No ?" Harry questioned looking around.
"Unfortunately not, dear. Arthur wanted to be here but is extremely busy with his new job in the ministry. He says he looks forward to seeing you at Christmas though."
"And I, him ." Harry stated earnestly.
Behind him, he could hear Hermione greeting everyone else fervently. "Neville, wow it's great to see you," she said as she threw her arms around him, "looks like Harry's not the only one who's grown over the summer." Almost instantly she seemed to realise what she'd said and tried to clarify her meaning, "Well, er that is to say you're all taller and…"
A slight blush seemed to form on Neville's cheeks to mirror Hermione's, but he didn't shy away from the praise. "Thanks Hermione, you've grown too. I don't think any of us have anything on Ron though." Neville said quickly gesturing to the now towering Ron. It was hardly hidden, but Harry noticed Neville seemed a lot more comfortable than he had a few months ago: something he would have to commend him on later.
Breaking their reunion the Hogwarts Express gave its iconic steam whistle roar and let the last of the stragglers know that it was now or never for boarding. Harry embraced the Weasley matriarch once more before he grabbed the twins and pulled them to the side.
"Guys, I was wondering if you could do me a favour."
"For our illustrious chosen one.." One said
"We'd be humbled." The other finished.
"Listen, I know you've been inventing and making some cool things recently -"
"-Since you've known us." Ron and Hermione began to yell to jump on.
"Well, how would you feel about directing some of that into, let say - getting people out of jams type situations?"
"You mean, distractions, misdirect?"
"Sort of." Harry paused to take in the intrigue on their faces. "How would you guys like to try some new stuff?"
"A challenge, young Harry?"
"We can hardly shy away from one of those now, can we brother?"
"Here are some designs I came up with over the summer." He Handed the twins a few crumpled up pieces of paper. They took them and looked them over, grins expanding across their faces the more pages they turned. The Hogwarts express began to move.
"Harry, it would be out pleasure!"
'HARRY! You'll miss the train!. Boys, let go of him will you!" came and batted them form behind.
"Perfect! I'll be in touch." Harry said as he turned and jogged next to the now moving train and leapt on board, landing in front of Ron and Hermione. "So, you guys want to lead us to a compartment?" He asked.
"How can you be so blasé about that Harry? You nearly missed the train!" said Hermione, as they waved to the twins and .
"Nice one, mate! And I wish we could but we have prefect duty, best not be late." Hermione looked on proudly at this before she turned and led the way.
Ron held back and said, "Padma's going to be there, and the twins's did a good job of reminding me this summer how much of an idiot I was at the yule ball. They also suggested that women like a man who admits he was wrong, and maybe, slightly idiotic."
This made Harry smile. "That's always a good start, mate. Come and find us later," and with a swift nod from Ron, he was off after Hermione, leaving Harry and the rest of them to find an empty compartment.
"Are you coming Ginny?" Neville said.
"No, that's okay guys, I'm going to go find Dean. I'll see you later." She said animatedly and hurried off in the other direction.
Harry endured seemingly endless amounts of gawping and muttering as he walked by the already taken compartments: he should have donned his invisibility cloak, he thought. The Daily Prophet had recently dubbed him 'the chosen one' or some such rubbish and apparently now everyone wanted to be his friend again. It was funny how things could change in less than a few months. This time last year they would rather bolt the compartment curtains for fear of catching his palpable craziness, whereas now they were pressing their faces up against the compartment windows in adulation; or in interest, he was never sure which. How fickle fame and the Hogwarts rumour mill were, Harry thought peevishly. For the most part he ignored the stares and eventually they found an apartment further down the train. He kept his eye out for the Diagon Alley girl, but didn't seem to pass her on the way there.
As they all settled in and chatted about their summers Neville broke into his story about the Diagon Alley attack. Harry already knew most of it thanks to their letters over the summer.
"Thankfully, there were no lasting effects of the curse. It just rendered me super, well - wobbly for a certain period of time. I guess it rebounded or something so it's effects were lessened."
"I'm glad you weren't too hurt, Neville," said Luna, who pulled her eyes away from her magazine to address him. "You seem to have also shaken off some of your terrible Wrackspurts that were weighing on you before. You too, Harry. Congratulations to the both of you, they can be a terrible affliction, you know."
"Uh, thanks Luna," Neville commented as Harry nodded politely, not really sure where to go with it. "I actually got my new wand a few days before the attack on Diagon Alley." He said and pulled it out to show them.
"I'm dead lucky I had it in time- wooahhh!" As Neville said excitedly he flicked it a little too dramatically and a few random sparks shot from the end of his wand. Harry dodged to the side and jammed hard into the door as the sparks burnt tiny holes in the seat where he'd been sitting.
"Merlin, Harry, I'm so sorry!"
"Blimey, Neville. What happened?" Harry asked, as all three of them hastily patted the scorched bits of material.
"Sometimes it does that. I've been itching to try it out at school this year. I guess the anticipation has gotten the better of me a few times." Neville chuckled nervously.
"A few times?"
"Well, my uncle Algae's eyebrows took a bit of a singing when I showed it to him a few weeks ago too."
"You're lucky you can move faster than his Uncle, Harry." Luna chimed in, the excitement apparently enough to break her concentration on her article.
"Yeah, quick moves Harry. Speaking of, you haven't mentioned. Are we really doing the DA again this year?"
Before he could respond, Luna beat hit it. "Yes, I'd like to, it was nice to have friends there and to be with you at the ministry, Harry."
"We are your friends Luna," Harry said while looking at her and smiling, "and yes, there will be a DA again this year. As long as there's need and interest, I'd like to help teach and learn with you guys."
At Harry's comments, Luna perked up and a smile proceeded to don her face for the next half an hour while she loftily read her magazine - the cover of which was upside down- and listened to the boy's idle chatter. While, Harry had enjoyed his letters back and forth with his friend over the summer, it was in talking in person with Neville that he could really see the change in his friend. Sure, he was still shy still, but he didn't seem to let it own him, and he held himself with a certain pride now that Harry had to admire in his friend. When he questioned him about it Neville responded in kind.
"Well Harry, you're actually as much to blame for that as I am. When you wrote me that first letter," he said these words slightly more subtly which Harry appreciated, "it awakened me to the reality of our current situation, and if that wasn't enough, witnessing the attack on the Alley did nothing if not hammer the point home, you know." Harry could only agree only too much with that.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." He said under his breath, thinking back to the devastating state Diagon Alley was in at the end of the attack he'd witnessed.
"Do you?" Neville asked raising his eyebrow.
Harry realised what he had said and swiftly covered. "Uh, well, I saw pictures in the prophet and heard about it enough from you guys and Dumbledore to know it wasn't anything good."
Neville looked at Harry a little unbelievingly for a moment before shaking it off. Despite their budding friendship, Harry had chosen not to share with Neville, as well as any of his other friends, his extra training over the summer or his little foray into Diagon Alley. He didn't want to be cruel about it, but he couldn't risk telling them yet and having them go to Dumbledore out of concern, thinking his actions to be more reckless than effectual. And telling one would mean placing the burden on that friend of not being able to tell the others. He would judge when was the right time to tell them as the term went on, he thought.
Ron and Hermione came in a short while later at which point Neville proceeded to catch them up on everything. With the odd comment from Luna, Hermione's insightful remarks, Ron's light hearted complaints and Neville's friendliness, Harry was incredibly grateful to be back amongst his friends again. The only person missing right now was Ginny, he thought, a little put out.
The five of them chatted amicably for a while, first about the Death Eater attacks, OWL results – Hermione predictably aced them – and everyone's general summer holidays. Harry told everyone about his trip to Godric's Hollow with Dumbledore. All the while he could see Hermione was itching to ask him questions. He just wondered which she'd settle on first.
"Okay Harry, but I still don't understand why you didn't join us at the Burrow for the last few weeks?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, what happened? You could have studied at the Burrow and taken quidditch breaks in between." Ron asked with a wink.
"Well, I wanted to time and space to study sure, and think." Harry began. "I actually got a lot of room this year at the Dursley's. I needed time to get over what happened with Sirius and think about what I can do now. Like it or not, last year was horrible, and not just because of Umbridge, but because we were so constrained and confused about our whole situation. We knew he was back and yet nobody believed, half the wizarding world thought I was crazy, the other half an attention seeker. Not even the teachers or Dumbledore could do anything against Umbridge or the Ministry in the end. We were so busy trying to be heard fighting against her that I didn't have time to consider what's would happen after. We're at war now. At least in our failed mission to the Ministry we were able to finally shed light on Voldemort and clarify that the danger is real. Now that people know, the lines have been drawn and we can start to prepare unhindered by our own people."
Harry wished he didn't have to lay it down so hard with his friends. But now was the time for preparation, while they still had it. He looked around the compartment and into each of his friends eyes, all of whom were giving him their undivided attention. The greatest moments in life you remembered not because of the specialness of the occasion, but because of how they made you feel. And right then, Harry was met by the eyes of friends who trusted him; they didn't judge, just gave him their unspoken support in what was to come.
It was Neville who finally asked, "Okay mate, so what's the plan?"
Just as Harry was about to answer, a young girl came to the door and handed Harry and Neville notes before blushing and sprinting away as if her tail was on fire. Harry looked at his friends amusedly before opening the missive.
Dear Harry,
I would like to cordially invite you to share a spot of afternoon tea with me and a few others in Compartment C. Please come as soon as you're ready.
Professor H.E.F. Slughorn
"Who's Professor Slughorn?" Ron chimed in from his position over Harry's shoulder.
"The new defence teacher I should imagine mate," said Harry. "Shall we Nev?"
Neville nodded and the two exited the compartment not really sure what to expect or why they had been invited, although Harry had a sneaky suspicion.
On their way there, he saw Cherrie animatedly talking with a few girls and boys her age in a carriage. He gave her a quick wave, to which she bashfully waved back, causing her a few of her clearly non-muggle friends to openly gape at her.
Arriving there they found Slughorn sitting inside his large compartment animatedly chatting with a few people who were already inside. As Harry took in the room, he immediately locked eyes with the same heart stopping ones he'd seen in Diagon Alley. Those exceedingly beautiful blues of hers widened as they met his. At some point, Harry must have stopped as Neville almost crashed into his back. Hoping people attributed his sudden stop to the incredibly portly Slughorn, who stood to greet them, Harry came back to himself and shook the man's hand. Thankfully, if anyone had discerned the direction of his gaze, Slughorn's baritone voice was easily enough to interrupt the tide of their thoughts.
"Of course, you must be Harry Potter! Splendid to meet you m' boy. Please come and sit," he said as he bounced up, gesturing to a place opposite himself. He was an overly large man with a comically old fashioned bow tie and suspenders that looked like they needed the support of a great deal of magic to harness his massive frame. He was bald, but where he lacked it on his head he made up for in his long wispy silver moustache.
"This is Neville Longbottom," Harry continued, who shook hands with the rotund man before sitting next to Harry.
Despite his incessantly thrumming heart, he avoided the temptation to think about the girl and instead tried hard to maintain his outer composure. Looking at her surely wouldn't have helped either. His memory hadn't played any tricks on him, she was just as stunning as he remembered from that day in Diagon Alley.
"Now just in case you two haven't met everyone, this is; Blaise Zambini," he said gesturing to the lanky and sullen boy in the corner who merely nodded at him before looking away; "Cormac McLaggen," who shook Harry's hand a little too hard; "Ginny Weasley, I believe you know," Ginny seemed annoyed that she had to sit next to the large man, but smiled amusedly at them regardless; "that's Arbus and Melanie Curry," Harry thought he recognised them as two seventh year Ravenclaw twins; "Marcus Belby and finally Daphne Greengrass," So it was Daphne. Harry's heart fluttered as their eyes met once more. He nodded politely as if they were meeting for the first time. She returned the gesture albeit minutely before looking away. Harry just hoped his outer cool was as casual as hers.
The blood seemed to beat unnaturally loudly around his body for the next few minutes as idle chatter was exchanged around the room. Harry sat stock still and tried to look like he was paying attention, all the while wanting to glance at Daphne. The whole summer he'd been working on gaining more control for himself. He'd trained and studied and planned until he'd almost collapsed. And now, With just a few chosen words to the right people, she could ruin everything.
Harry willed his Occlumency walls to raise and calm his mind. He took a few deeper breathes, and visibly relaxed a little. Come on, Harry, focus…
As Mclaggen rabbited on about his family's prestige, Harry ventured a glance in her direction. She appeared to be staring out the window, yet in the next moment their eyes met in the reflection. If Harry knew what it was like to be helpless staring down the wand of the most dangerous dark wizard of all time, he knew nothing compared to the vulnerability he felt in that moment.
As sweat began to form on his brow, Slughorn's wonderings broke their gaze.
"So Daphne, how's your mother? She passed on her unique potions talents to you I hope?"
For her part, Daphne pretended to be interested and replied, "Not as such unfortunately professor, my sister is the Potions prodigy of the two of us."
"Ah I see," Slughorn replied slightly disheartened. "And what about your grandfather's knack for Charms? Surely you inherited some of that genius."
"A little." Was all she conveyed as her face betrayed her dark thought and she sat back once more. Her impassive countenance of before soon replaced it, but Harry, making sure not to stare, wondered what caused her to change her demeanour. Any information gleaned about her could be useful if she ever tried to use his secret against him, he thought.
Oblivious to her discomfort but interpreting a lack of conversation, Slughorn turned to Harry. "Well, now then. Harry m'boy!" He got the feeling he'd just been thrust centre stage. Everyone's ears seemed to move like rabbits as they awoke from their respective day dreams and narrowed their concentration on the budding conversation.
"Yes, Professor."
"Well, if the rumours are to be believed, not to mention the Prophet, then you are 'the chosen one' are you not?"
"The latest in a line of extraordinary exaggerations from the prophet about me." Harry replied sarcastically. He was interested to see if Slughorn picked up on it though.
"Ah, so you don't believe it to be true- that you have special powers or what not?" He probed, clearly hoping Harry would answer in the affirmative as he eyed him like a prize for his mantle. A small snort from Zambini in the corner indicated his apparent cynicism.
"Like you could ever do anything other than sulk, Zambini." Neville chimed in from Harry's side surprising the room, most of whom were used to a much more timid boy.
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree it would appear, Mr Longbottom. I seem to remember the same loyalty from your father, many years ago." Neville blushed at this, but didn't seem to retreat from the praise. Slughorn's eyes were practically alight, before they once again came to rest on Harry.
"The only thing,I believe the Daily Prophet has ever printed that's true about me is the shape of my scar and the colour of my hair. And to be fair they have pictures that demonstrate that for them." Harry stated plainly.
"I see, well perhaps we will have to learn about you more in Slug Club this year then, eh, Harry," Slughorn said suggestively. "Still your mother was a brilliant potions student. One of my favourites: lovely lily." Harry glanced down at the memory of his parents, but tried to retain a neutral face. "Surely, you retained such a talent?"
To Harry's great relief, Ginny chimed in. "I'm sorry Sir, do you mean to say that you'll be teaching potions this year?"
"Well of course, Ms. Weasley, I was potions master here for decades." He answered heartily with pride. If everyone else wasn't listening before, they sure as hell were now.
"So who's going to be the new defence teacher then?" Neville asked, but as soon as he had, Harry already knew the answer. His favourite subject; his most loathed teacher.
"Why, Professor Snape, naturally." Slughorn stated, as if it weren't the most shattering news in the world. The Slytherins' looked intrigued, whereas everyone else sat back utterly gobsmacked. Snape teaching Defence against the dark arts was a catastrophe which didn't need to wait long to happen.
Slughorn didn't seem to notice the plight of most of the room and the rapidly darkening sky outside must have reminded him of the time. "Good gracious, it's that dark already. You lot had better get back to your carriages and change before we get there. Hurry now. I shall see all of you in class and if any of you need something don't hesitate to ask." He said the last bit while clearly focused on Harry. A trophy indeed, Harry thought.
He didn't catch Daphne's eye again as they left but vowed to come up with a way to talk to her alone soon. She hadn't seemed to harbour any ill will towards him in the meeting, but was certainly not showing any initiative to convey a message either. Harry would have to be careful about how he approached her when he got the chance. As far as he knew, she still held his secret, just as he had held hers, however he got the feeling that if he pushed too hard, their confrontation could easily become conflict.
"Hey, Harry." Some girls giggled as they past the boys on their way back along the train.
Harry wanted to say "Hey people who thought I was crazy last year and now can't get enough of the 'Chosen One' crap." But what actually came out was, "Hi." They carried on giggling as they walked in the other direction.
"Smooth." Neville said with a smirk.
Harry had the decency to look abashed, before he was shoulder barged hard from behind.
"Potter." Malfoy spat with disdain.
The teen looked far more ragged than his usual haughty appearance, with sunken sleep deprived eyes and slightly unkempt hair – a hasty departure from his usually pruned exterior. He barely even acknowledged their presence before he carried on out of sight.
"Was that.."Harry began.
"-Weird. Yeah, he didn't even have his beaters with him." Certainly food for thought, Harry mused. They discussed his actions, or lack thereof, as they carried on back to their compartment and shared it with everyone when they returned.
"Ah, you know Malfoy. Maybe he's just acting." Ron said.
"When has Malfoy ever not acted like and uptight ass," Neville pointed out. They had to agree to that.
"Since, we first got here, any chance Malfoy's had to rub something in my face, he's done it." Harry said speculatively. "Something's up .."
"Maybe the fact his father failed Vol- You-Know-Who at the Ministry hit him hard," Hermione said. "You know, Lucius is in Azkhaban now."
"Where he bloody deserves to be!" Ron replied. "If anything, Malfoy's just upset that he can't go crying to daddy anymore. I highly doubt You-Know-Who would be willing to buy him all new brooms for the Quidditch team this year."
They had to laugh at that thought. There was something highly disturbing, yet similarly amusing about the image of Voldemort playing petty inter house politics with quidditch brooms.
"Maybe he's having a tough time without his father. We did see him arguing with his mother when we were in Diagon Alley." Hermione said.
"What?" Harry dived in. "How come you never said anything?"
"Well…sorry Harry, we didn't think too much of it. We couldn't even hear what they were saying from Fred and George's window. He was angry with her for some reason, then he stormed off towards Knockturn Alley."
"Knockturn Alley? - Did you see him meet anyone or go in anywhere?"
"No, sorry Harry. We stayed at Fred and George's. Don't worry, I'm sure it's just Malfoy being dramatic." Harry couldn't quite believe this. Malfoy acting strange was one thing, but Malfoy actively not antagonising them was akin to hell freezing over. Before he could speculate on it further the lights of Hogsmede station came into view and they all rushed to change in time.
From here, they all began their usual routine of dismounting the train, greeting an always welcoming Hagrid and grabbing a carriage up towards the castle. As they ascended the hill, Harry found himself relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of his closest friends once more.
If he was honest with himself, he was a little upset that Ginny hadn't opted to join them. He'd seen her and Dean walking together down the platform with a few other Gryffindors. He felt a strange sensation when he saw them, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Finally, they arrived at Hogwarts and made their way into the wondrous Great Hall to await the sorting.
Every year as Harry stepped over the threshold of the wide entrance doors he always wished for a quieter year than the one before. This year, however, was different. He knew that just wasn't a possibility anymore and wishing for it was to do so in vein. So, instead he settled into his seat, and with his friends alongside him, readied himself for the year of danger and adventure that inevitably lay ahead. He just hoped it would be at least a little balanced out by happiness, mischief and preparation time with his friends too.
Once they'd seated, the Sorting Hat gave its usual speech about unity in the face of evil and the tough times ahead. McGonagall then read out the names and ushered the frightened first years forward. When Cherrie's name was called she scowled a little at her given name and then ascended the stairs. Harry could tell she was shy in front of everyone just as she was in front of the imposing Hogwarts Express, but saw a gleaming courage there too. She didn't back down nor stutter as she approached the stool.
"Hufflepuff!" The Hat cried out after a few seconds. Cherrie leaped up with glee and headed to the table with the biggest cheer. Harry had hoped she would join Gryffindor, but in the end thought she would find as much if not more happiness in the fiercely loyal Hufflepuff house. She certainly appeared to enjoy the immediate camaraderie that hers housemates bathed her in as she sat at their table.
Once the sorting was finished Dumbledore rose and approached the pedestal to begin the new year.
"Welcome, welcome, to another year at Hogwarts." His commanding voice breached every conversation. Hundreds of heads whipped around, focused on him and awaited his cue. As if enjoying or basking in the palpable anticipation Dumbledore appeared to pause for an extra second longer than normal before announcing. "Without further a due, the Feast." He exclaimed happily, gesturing with arms open wide to the room.
The exquisite smells of freshly cooked chicken, beef, potatoes, gravy and more, assaulted their noses as a variety of dishes appeared transcending the anticipation to satisfaction among the student body. Everyone advanced heartily into their meals after a long day's journey, all except for Harry who remained transfixed on the Headmaster's retreating form.
Was he the only one who had noticed?
Looking around he caught only Hermione similarly glancing concernedly at the Headmaster.
"Did you see that?"
She nodded. "It looked like his hand was half burnt off," whispering back. Unease laced her voice. "Did he mention anything to you over the summer when you saw him?"
"No. And I'm not sure if he had it then or not." Harry tried to recall every detail of his encounter with the Headmaster.
"Do you think it's hurting him, he looked like his normal self?" Neville suggested, having picked up their conversation.
"He doesn't look hurt. That's not to say it's not bad though. Maybe you can find out when your summer lessons start."
"Good idea. Although, I have no idea when that will be."
"Whas sat?" Ron interrupted mouth half full of food.
Not wanting to draw attention to it in the Great Hall Harry deftly changed the subject. "Never mind. What classes did you drop again?" to Ron. Hermione seemed to understand that discussing this if front of prying ears perhaps wasn't the best idea.
"History, Astronomy and Divination: thank god. Biggest wastes of time ever. Although, I will miss my afternoon naps with Binns." Harry and Neville had to laugh at that while Hermione frowned disapprovingly.
They chatted aimlessly for a while about lessons this year. The Great Hall seemed more alive than ever as everyone revelled in being away from the trouble that awaited them outside the safety of the Hogwarts gates. Harry also noticed, the whispers directed at him were far more overt than normal. A new year, a new teacher, and a new Hogwarts rumour mill. I wonder what will be circulating by this time tomorrow.
At that ominous thought, Harry tuned back in as Hermione asked him which classes he'd kept. "I had hoped to take potions, but I only got an EE on the OWL so my Auror career is out I guess. Snape only accepted O's -."
"-Which is crazy as with him as a teacher that can only leave a handful of students." Neville finished for Harry a little more vehemently than expected.
The other three looked at looked at him astonished.
"Sorry, it's just I would have wanted to carry on as well. I got an EE somehow and I was practising with all my ingredients over the summer in anticipation for taking it this year. As it turns out it's a lot more fun when someone isn't breathing down your neck the entire time," said Neville.
"Yeah, that I can easily imagine." Harry replied, both boys having shared being on the receiving end of Snape's ire for years now. And then a thought hit Harry and a dawning realisation seemed to hit Neville at the same time too. "wait, if Slughorn is here to teach-."
"-then we might have a chance of getting in." Neville finished.
"What are you two talking about?" Hermione asked, baffled by the boys direction.
Before they could answer the Headmaster's booming voice once again effortlessly shut down every conversation and drew all eyes to him. He had approached the pedestal and waited for the silence to become absolute, smiling genially over his half-moon spectacles the entire time. Harry tried to look sheepishly back at Hermione and Ron. They would find out soon enough, he thought.
"It is now common knowledge that Lord Voldemort and his followers are once again active and gaining in strength-."
At the mention of Voldemort and his Death Eaters many of the students shuddered or even visibly recoiled. Harry was more interested in Malfoys reaction or lack thereof as he glanced over Hermione's shoulder. The blonde slytherin appeared infinitely darker and his eyes took on a haunted look as the Dark Lords name was mentioned. This, as well as his demeanour, was an eerie retreat from his usual mockery, which he revelled in spouting during the headmaster's speeches. Something had happened with Malfoy, Harry new it. And he didn't like it one bit.
"I urge caution at all times. Make no mistake, the current threat is one of the highest proportions and will come to affect us all-."
As he drew his eyes back to the Headmaster he caught Daphne, sitting with her sister and a few other Slytherins, subtly inspecting Malfoy's behaviour. She surveyed the room a second later only to stop when she caught Harry's gaze; blue eyes locked with his green.
"I cannot emphasise enough how dangerous the present situation is…"
Dumbledore carried on and she broke the contact.
Why was she observing Malfoy?
Why was she interested?
What did she want?
"If you notice anything amiss or are concerned at any point for your safety, please approach a member of staff…"
At that, Harry took a moment to glance around the room. The warm smiles and airy glows of the students pre-term glee had gone, replaced with the powerful thrashing of reality at the gates. There were so many innocent faces in the crowd, so many children. Harry took them all in. He couldn't let anything happen to them, he wouldn't. He thought back to all the training he'd put himself through over the last month and knew it wasn't in vain.
"And with that a few announcements," Dumbledore's voice broke Harry's reverie."I have the great pleasure of introducing Horace Slughorn to our faculty. Professor Slughorn will be taking on the role of Potions Master once more." The early signs of applause instantly gave way to a mixture of chatter and confusion.
"Consequently," Dumbledore carried on, "Professor Snape has graciously agreed to take over the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts." The Slytherins applauded avariciously and the professors politely. The rest of the hall sat in stunned silence. A fact Snape seemed to bask in; his pale lips twisting into a tiny smile beneath his hooked nose, a foreboding gesture if ever there was one, Harry thought.
Ron's face was a picture. But it mirrored his own when he found out. Hermione was equally stricken, though wore it with more grace than the boys.
"Harry, tell me this is a nightmare," Ron pleaded. Unwittingly Harry shook his head. "Why don't you look so shocked?" Ron inquired aghast.
"Slughorn mentioned it earlier. Sorry guys, I guess we were a little rapped up with Malfoy to mention it." Harry apologised. Ron looked dumbfounded.
"Bloody hell! You were sitting on this the entire time and you didn't say anything." Neville and Harry had the decency to look ashamed. Ron slammed his head on the table, straight into his half-empty desert bowl, causing many who weren't already entirely gobsmacked to snigger.
"Well, a little heads up next time would be appreciated." He muttered, voice half distorted by a profiterole. "I was this close to being rid of him!"
"Oh, it's not the end of the world Ron." Hermione said nudging his head and handing him a napkin.
On that bombshell, Dumbledore ended his speech and a moaning Ron and an eager Hermione sped off to get to their prefects duties. Neville and Harry decided to hang behind everyone else; if Harry thought the stares and whispers were intense on the train that was nothing compared to the full force of Hogwarts gossip tree. Almost the entire hall was sniggering while stealing glances in his direction as they shuffled towards the exit.
"I think it's the absence of your trademark glasses that has people talking more than they already were." Neville ventured to Harrys vexed look.
"Really? I honestly thought they would hardly notice that. They seem only to see me through their golden chosen one goggles now. Last year, it was through the crazed and deceitful lens the Daily Prophet painted."
"True, but clearly a lot has changed since then." Neville replied indicating to Harry's physical appearance.
"You're one to talk Nev. You're suddenly a lot more assertive this year. And it's only been the first evening."
Neville shuffled his feet at the praise, his former shyness shining through. "Our Ministry fight changed all of us, how could it not? Not to mention a certain reveal a little later in the summer." Neville insinuated with a smirk.
"If it felt like a just dropped a bomb on you, then that's exactly how I felt like when I was told. I know you've said you're okay since but, are you?" Harry inquired.
"In all honesty, I'm probably better than your doing and for good reason. Although, given your outer cool, I'd say you're handling it well considering its …implications."
Harry thought about that for a second before replying. "Crying about it won't help anyone. Nor will sitting by waiting for someone else to help."
Neville nodded to that. There were only a few students left in the Hall now, the left over aromas from the feast were fading as their voices echoed around the great stone walls. Just as they stood to leave, Harry felt a strange buzzing in his pocket. It was so faint he barely caught it, but he was able to concentrate on it long enough to realise it was a charms spell. He drew his Holly wand and immediately cast finite.
Neville turned and raised an eyebrow at him.
Harry put his hand into his pocket to discover a small crinkled piece of paper. It definitely hadn't been there before. He glanced around looking for the culprit, only to see no one was now left hanging around. He unfurled the paper and found a hastily scribbled note.
Midnight tonight. 4th floor unused classroom. Come alone!
Could it be …? But how had they made the note appear in his pocket without seemingly anyone being here. That was impressive.
"Who's it from Harry?" Neville asked, interpreting the concern on Harry's face.
Harry took a few seconds to think. "I'm not sure, Neville. But if I'm right, I may need you to do something for me tonight."
Neville looked confused, but for his part nodded in acceptance as the boys left the wonders of the Great Hall, another interesting year at Hogwarts already underway.
It was quarter to midnight. The castle was deserted as Harry walked purposefully through the ancient stone structure. He could hear the wind howling outside, the slow dripping of water somewhere, the creaking of the Whomping Willow and all manner of noises only heard in the dead of night.
And yet, he was not afraid. He approached the 4th floor unused classroom with caution, but knew before he entered that someone else was present. He had known before he left Gryffindor tower. He'd intended to be here first for the meeting, but upon seeing her name leave the Dungeon, he knew she would beat him here. The Marauders Map had once again proved to be utterly invaluable in potentially dangerous situations. He could see she was alone. She had honoured their unspoken agreement. He hadn't brought anyone and neither had she.
However, the note didn't say he couldn't tell anyone. A charmed coin was wrapped in his non-wand hand, so if he needed he could call for help. Harry just hoped Neville would come running if it came to it.
Approaching the door, he cast a charm revealing spell over it that he had learnt over the summer.
'Specialis Revelio,' he spoke in his mind.
It remained the same colour. Nothing was amiss- yet. He pushed the worn door open causing its creaking hinges to groan in exhaustion. Light from the hallway torches bathed the darkened room, revealing no one. Stepping inside, he surreptitiously cast the charm again, finding no traces of magic in the room that were a danger to him.
Relinquishing his grip on the coin, he pulled out his left hand, channelled his magic and used it close the door; all the while keeping his wand ready in his other hand.
Silence decked the room now. The only light poured in through the windows from the incandescent moon. Harry didn't move. His senses were on high alert. Sweat was beginning to form on his back.
"I know you're here." Having broken the silence he cast Incendio and a torch to the side lit up to his right. The room's tables were stacked on the opposite side of the room to the torch. Adjacent to him, where he knew she was hiding, dozens of piled chairs made a haphazard fort. The space directly in front of him was empty.
Before he could call her out again he felt something move behind. Suddenly a wand was pressed into his back, its tip serving as a dagger to his prideful caution. He froze.
"Pretty reckless of you Potter." A sinuous voice sliced the silence.
She walked around him to reveal herself, wand aimed directly at his chest, where inside his heart hammered so hard it almost broke free. There, at a safe distance away, stood Daphne Greengrass. She wore a lithe black cloak and had her hair tied back, her blue eyes piercing him, daring him to move.
He tried to regain as much aplomb as possible. "You invited me here. I assume it wasn't to point your wand at me, otherwise you would have done so in Diagon Alley."
"Maybe I've changed my mind since then, Potter." She spoke plainly.
He could act here. He could take the wand from her, summon it with his hand. Shield with the other in case. But he didn't. He didn't come here to fight. And he sensed neither had she. Her features while for the most part were poised and steady, displayed a fleeting softness.
"Why did you ask me here then?"
She seemed to think for a few seconds, before she lowered her wand, slowly. Her gaze never moving from his and her grip never loosened. Constant Vigilance echoed in Harry's mind. He gripped the coin tighter.
"Did you tell anyone?" She asked sharply, almost desperately. She didn't need to confirm what, he knew what she was asking as it was equally the question that was burning in him.
"Yes." Her grip unmistakably tightened on her wand as her eyes narrowed. "Someone I trust. Did you?"
"Knowledge is power, Potter."
"That wasn't an answer." Harry all but demanded, his grip tightening too.
"No, I didn't. For the time being your secret is safe." Harry deflated. He hasn't realised how much he was counting on keeping his little summer excursion under wraps. If Dumbledore or anyone from the order found out…
"Thank you." He said earnestly. "But, how do I know you're telling the truth?"
"Not all snakes are slimy and deceitful creatures Potter."
"And not all Gryffindors are blindly honourable, yet here we are."
Silence engulfed the space between them, the only noise coming from the flame which danced moodily to his side. He wanted to request a vow of secrecy from her, but knew she wouldn't go for it. And for some reason he didn't want to seem stupid in front of her. Daphne appeared to be considering him, and then her features loosened. "I give you my word that I have not told anyone Potter. I can lose from this as well you know."
"And what do you have to lose exactly?" Harry seized his opportunity. She stammered, her head turned to the side.
He waited, hoping the silence would serve to coax the answers from her.
"A lot, but not as much as you do I'd imagine," she countered. "Which begs the question, who were you hiding from. It's obvious from Voldemort," she said without flinching. "If he knew you were there, they would have Beelined for you." She paused staring directly into Harry's eyes. "But from someone else as well?" How did she know so much?
"Or better question, who are you still hiding from?" She said, this time curiously.
"What do you want exactly?" Harry had had enough of this dance.
Her face softened at that. "To know you and your friend will keep your tongue's. And to reassure you that if you do, so shall I. There's no need to make things difficult for either of us here."
"Meaning your fellow snakes wouldn't be too happy if they discovered you were helping the 'chosen one' against their master."
"Not all of us follow that line, Potter! There are good and bad eggs in every batch. You of all people should know that, what with Black."
Harry's heart almost shot through this chest at the mention of Sirius' name. "You wouldn't know anything about it, Greengrass!."
"- And neither do you about Slythrerin. So don't go pointing fingers before you have all the facts!" The two stood glaring daggers at one another.
Harry tried to control his breathing, tried to remember his occlumency training he'd worked so hard on over the summer. If just the mention of Sirius's name could throw him off this badly, he would have to redouble his efforts. He took a calming breath and tried to relax a little.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- . You have my word as well that I will not tell anyone, and neither will my friend."
"Good." She said and finally relaxed a little herself. All of a sudden the empty room didn't seem so crowded. The fire lighted Daphne's face as she seemed to be debating her next thought.
"Something else you want to know, Greengrass." Harry could bet it would be more of the same as last year, only this time about the Ministry.
"How did you do it." She asked. That was a surprise.
"Do what?" He had no idea where she was going with this.
"In Diagon Alley. In the shop. We we're beaten, our wands were gone, I thought that was where we'd die. Death Eaters don't take prisoners. I'd- I've only ever been scared like that once before. The fear it, - grips you, stops you I look into your eyes and you see me and you're not afraid. You even winked." Harry felt embarrassed at that. "But you somehow blocked him and attacked simultaneously. You saved our lives. How?"
"Uh - firstly, I'm sorry about the wink, I don't know why I did it, I… And secondly, I got lucky…- I didn't even know if what I was going to do would work."
"That wasn't luck, Potter. And I doubt there was someone else there helping us, because they hadn't shown themselves before then."
"I -,"Harry truly considered what to say next. How could he possibly explain that without giving away too much. He glanced around the room searching for inspiration, before back into her eyes as she waited patiently. In that moment she didn't seem like a Slytherin prying for information, but a person who'd nearly died and who wanted to know how she was still here. " -I saw Dumbledore and Voldemort face off in the Ministry at the end of last year. It was beyond anything I've ever even dreamed of. The way they wielded magic as if they controlled everything around them and could harness it at will. It was as breath-taking as it was frightening. Being there, I realised how hilariously underprepared I am. The Daily Prophet may call me the chosen one, but all that does is confirm the target that's been painted on my chest ever since the night my parents died."
Daphne remained silent, giving him her undivided attention.
"If I'm going to survive this war, if others are who I care about, I've got to be more able to do what they did. Otherwise I'm useless when it counts. So, I spent the whole summer before that studying and preparing. Trying out whatever I could in order to use it if it ever became necessary. And I guess in that situation a bit of …, wandless magic did."
Her reaction to that was laughable: her eyebrows skyrocketed. "Wandless magic! That's something I've never even heard of. I mean accidental magic here and there, sure. But not purposeful wielding of magic without a wand."
"I don't think we have anywhere near the capacity we would with a wand," Harry interjected. "But from what I saw in the fight. It's definitely possible."
"And clearly, from what you demonstrated last month it's possible to learn."
Clocking her meaning, this caught Harry completely off guard. He hadn't been expecting her to ask for help. " Woah, I'm just getting to learn this stuff myself, I can't exactly teach you it either…"
"Easy there Cowboy. I wasn't asking for help, nor do I need it. Tell me the name of the book and I'll find it. The rest is up to me. After all, if a Gryffindor can do it, it can't be too difficult."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Its not that simple. It's not just what a book can tell you. It's what I understood about magic and what I had to learn. It took me countless hours just to do something small. And even then I was just trying things out. Books only inspired me to try. They don't teach the techniques." He finished his small tirade and took a breath. Daphne looked less than impressed. And even a little deflated. "Look, I can write down a few book titles to point you in the right direction."
She nodded at that, then paused. "Why do I sense there's a but lurking around the corner there."
"But-," Harry exhaled. He wasn't sure if he should even ask her this. How did he know she'd be truthful? "- I want to know what you think about Malfoy. I know you saw him. He's acting strange. Still arrogant, but withdrawn and darker. What's he up to?"
"I don't know."
"But, what do you thi-"
"I don't know." She said with a punctuating finality. Apparently, she wasn't willing to breach her Slytherin honour. Harry thought he'd gone too far in asking her. This time the silence that stretched between them separated them by a mile. Daphne stared at the floor, the flame flickered ominously as the teens seemed to come back to reality.
"Well, for what its worth, thanks. I don't think I would have made it through the battle in the shop without your help. And thanks for not saying anything about it. I swear as long as you keep it secret, so will I." Their eyes met as she nodded at that.
"I'll write the books out for you on the paper note you sent. Clever charm: a two way paper." He backed away towards the door, and just as he opened it.
"Thanks." She said from behind him. Harry took one last look at her, she remained where she was eyes fixed on him. He closed the door behind him, checked the corridor was clear, then walked back up towards Gryffindor tower, plenty on his mind to think about.
An interesting year indeed.
