Chapter 18
Harry Potter, soul of Hogwarts

Luna's POV

"Can I read next?" I ask, losing just a hint of my dreamy tone and looking a lot more focused. Of course have I been aware of all of my surroundings the entire time, but by looking as if I'm half asleep, will people underestimate me and my abilities, making sure I will only make friends with those that respect me for me.
My dad had taught me that after my mum's death and I had followed the advice if only to honor her and the amazing and unusual spells the woman had made while alive. By being unusual myself I showed great honor to my mother and because I told no one of her death everyone in school thought me crazy and Loony.
But it had never mattered to me, unlike all that poor Harry has had to go through and as I had easily seen him whiten in pure fear and worry when Sirius Black said the sorting was coming up, do I know it will be better for him to have family close and to have someone he barely knows reading this oncoming chapter.

Some students, mostly my fellow Ravens, complain that I shouldn't be reading, but I say: "I just want to know of why Harry suddenly seems like a Ghost." Everyone looks at the boy, who cringes and I use the distraction to walk over to the owl stand. The distraction works and most of the complainers look shocked when they hear me read.

The Sorting Hat

"Yes! The sorting!" The twins cheer and I snicker, but Sirius looks worried at a still whitened Harry and asks: "Harry, what's wrong?" But the boy shakes his head and says: "No talking, just read." I wonder what the boy knows or heard during his Sorting, as it's more than obvious that he holds up a mask and read on.

The door … upper floors.
Harry wondered if all wizarding schools and homes were this big.

"Many Family Mansions are. The Potters even own between the 4 and the 7 of them, depending on the official owning rights and how the family inheritance goes." Sirius answers and Harry looks at him shocked, while some of the lesser fortunate Purebloods start to look at the boy in serious greed and Narcissa says:
"First things to learn; ownership and inheritance. It seems that our dear Headmaster kept Mr. Potter from knowing what has been his birthright to know about since his parents' deaths, most likely together with all the reports about what is rightfully his." This angers a lot of students, mostly the Purebloods and Madame Bones says:
"The further we get into these books, the more we get that people will have to answer for." And Mrs. Tonks then finally speaks up and says: "You are right, Cissy. No wards, severe physical and sexual abuse and holding back on inheritance. A lot of people will be held responsible." I fully agree with the two and read on.

They followed … within Hogwarts.

"For some that is now true in more than one way, isn't it pup?" Sirius coos at his son and when the boy looks at him, he says: "You after all have the Weasleys that consider you their brother and your four parents were all Gryffindors." The boy smiles, some of his color returning to him and I happily continue reading.

You will … wig blue.
This had happened one month before the roof scandal and Harry knew it had played a part in the teachers agreeing to expel him.
He kept … him screamed.
He wanted to do the same, but then out of pain, because of the small crack in his left ankle that burned when he landed back on his feet.
"What the –." … you know."
This made Harry wonder whether or not this was mandatory. Perhaps the ghost they saw above their heads were representatives of the Houses or something and this was their way to hopefully get some more students for their House.

Now the teachers snicker and Pomona says: "You are the first to figure that out so quickly, Mr. Potter. Most students only realize it after hearing first years talk about it and those are usually in their Fourth or Fifth year." The boy turns red and Hermione says: "I wonder how this reading spell affects the ghosts." I wonder the same and read on.

"Move along … opposite wall."
Harry spotted them sending the First years hopeful glances just when they were about to float through the walls and shook his head.
"Now, form …with stars.

Everyone smiles at the amazing description, the teachers and elder students smiling in pride and Fleur says: "It did indeed look very pretty when I first came here. And I must admit those candles give off more warmth than I thought they could." To this professor Flitwick, my Head of House and absolutely favorite teacher says:
"That is because there is a small charm placed on them that lets the fire come out from the top and the heat from the downside. Add to that the fact that the walls are charmed not to let the heat out, unless the temperature affects the students or the meals and you have a perfectly warmed up Hall." The French girl nods and I read on.

He heard … A History."
Harry had, of course, also read about a few things concerning Hogwarts, but he had been far more interested in his other books and so, while he had bought the same book, was it now lying at the bottom of his trunk – and Harry didn't think he'd ever pull it up again.

"You actually read it?" Hermione asks ecstatic and Harry asks: "Never said I didn't, did I?" The girl squeals, while Ron looks confused and he asks: "If you read it, why don't you know what Hermione knows?" And Harry answers: "Because I only read up on the Houses and Quidditch. The rest didn't interest me much."
The boy nods and Hermione, looking slightly downtrodden at hearing this, asks: "Why not? I thought you were crazily interested in Hogwarts." And Harry answers: "I was. I just wanted to base my judgment about Hogwarts on my own experiences and not from a book." The girl nods in understanding and I read on.

It was … the house.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, but the Sorting Hat is charmed to be constantly in the school or on the grounds. Anyone trying to steal it or take it off the grounds will be transported to the Dungeons, while the Sorting hat will return to its regular stance in the Headmaster's office." Professor McGonagall explains and I read on.

Maybe they … to sing:

Knowing I have inherited my mother's brains, but not her talent in singing as nature was my forte and not culture, I look up and say: "Those that know me, know I have no singing voice. Those that don't, I won't sing." And Ginny and Collin, who are my only friends at Hogwarts, fake to sigh relieved, making me giggle as I read.

"Oh, you … a troll."

Ron and Harry look at each other shocked and Percy, who turns white at seeing their joined glance says: "No way, was there really a troll?""You heard that yourself." Ron tells his brother with a raised eyebrow and Percy says: "Yeah, but after hearing that Professor Quirrell was a thief, I thought he had lied to distract the students."
Harry nods and says: "The distraction part, true. The lie." And his wince says it all, making students whiten in fear and while a worried Sirius pulls Harry closer, does Mrs. Malfoy ask: "And why were we not informed of this?" And McGonagall answers: "Ask Albus, it was his decision not to inform you." The woman nods and I continue reading.

Harry smiled … for him.

"Mate, next to only a few of us who wanted to follow in our family's footsteps and know what House they wanted to be in, that House would have been perfect for all First years." Ron says, snickering at the words I read, but I can't help but agree with the young now 14 year old boy as I felt the exact same back then.
And I knew what House I had wanted to be in. I had wanted to follow my mother and be a brilliant witch and had thus wanted to be in Ravenclaw. But when I saw the studious, even-looking students of Ravenclaw I had doubted if that was really the House for me. Only the thought of following in my mother's footsteps had reaffirmed my beliefs.
I look at Harry with a smile, trying to tell him I know how he feels and his gentle smile back shows me he understands and that he's grateful for me caring. Many other students also smile at the black-haired boy in understanding and he smiles as he leans his head on Viktor's shoulder, while Sirius rubs his shoulder and I read on.

Professor McGonagall … "Boot, Terry!"

"The Boots are Half-bloods that helped a lot of Muggles during the First War. Terry's grandfather, I believe, died saving 14 Muggles of a Giant attack." Sirius explains and Terry turns red, while his proud grin proves the man's words and many students praise him for his grandfather's actions before I read on.

"RAVENCLAW!" The …with cheers.

"There is one thing I would like to know, Lavender." Harry tells the curly brown haired girl and she looks at him as he asks: "Why were you named after a color if your last name is also one?" The girl snickers, her face proving that she has been asked this question a lot, but isn't bothered by it in the slightest and says:
"My mum. She told me my eyes were almost lavender instead of baby blue when I was born and dad was so ecstatic about this he immediately signed my birth papers with that name." Harry nods with a smile and I read on, happily remembering the many happy times I shared with my parents without getting lost in said memories.

Harry could … unpleasant lot.
Many of them were either scowling at other Houses – reminding him of how his Uncle always scowled at him – or were large and sturdy and reminded him of Dudley and his gang.
He was … liked him.
And even during holidays, if he came to playgrounds the kids at Privet Drive would constantly run from whatever play toy he wanted to sit on – whether it was the slide or the swing.
When he was 9, something he quite well remembered, a few younger students had even accused him of being the reason Dudley pestered them so much and they had chased him off the playground, throwing rocks and sticks at him – with their parents watching and one of them throwing insults at him.

"THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS!" Almost half the school shouts and Viktor snuggles Harry closer, while Sirius now softly runs his hand over Harry's body – obviously looking for bruises, before he too sits closer and wraps his arms around the boy. I feel somehow as if this reminds me of something, but shrug it off and read on.

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin." … a Gryffindor.

Everyone – especially his year mates – look at the tanned, blue eyed 14 year at hearing this. "It said that my carefree attitude was better fitted in Hufflepuff, but that my need to prove I can be whoever I want to be no matter what my talents was better fitted for Gryffindor. In the end I was allowed to pick for myself and I picked Gryffindor."
The boy explains and I see Harry look at him shocked, before a relieved smile appears on the black-haired boy's face and he asks: "So you disagreed with the choice of the Sorting hat too, sort of then?" Dean nods and Ron asks: "Didn't the Sorting Hat want you in Gryffindor, mate?" Which makes Harry whiten as he looks at his best friend.
The boy is obviously scared of his slip-up, but then sighs and shakes his head as he goes to look at the table again. All Weasleys look worried and Ron asks: "What House did he want to sort you in?" But Harry keeps looking at the table worriedly, adamantly not saying a word and while Sirius and Viktor tighten their holds on his sides, do I read on.

"Granger, Hermione." … the train.
The magical world was the only home he had, the only place he could hope to be a person, a someone – not a freak or a waste of time and space. He couldn't be send back to the Muggles. Not now, not now that he was this close to having a possible home.

Everyone looks at the boy in worry and Harry, while still looking straight at his plate, asks: "Professor McGonagall, has there ever been such a case?" And the woman, who shows him a comforting smile, says: "While I remember that some problems have occurred during a Sorting, has there never been a case where a Student wasn't sorted."
Harry smiles at her, raising his eyes to look at her without raising his head and Sirius says: "I'm sure there have been loads of Sorting cases where the student were placed somewhere no one would expect. I mean, look at me. The first of the Black family to ever be Sorted in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin." Everyone nods and I read on.

When Neville …"MacDougal, Morag."

"It was trying to see if I had any traits of my parents in me. Said I had just about everything my mother was known for, but had the guts and adamant determination of my dad. That in the end made it decide Gryffindor for me. It told me I could best flourish there." Neville says with a smile and Harry smiles and nods, obviously agreeing.
I smile at the kind black-haired boy and then look at the brown-haired boy a year older than me who has the same love for plants as I do for animals and all that is believed not to exist. Wondering if I can talk to him about what plants I can best use as food to lure secret creatures out of their hiding places, I shrug and read on.

Malfoy swaggered … screamed: "SLYTHERIN!"

"I do wonder if you would have been sorted differently had the Sorting Hat taken a closer look." Harry mutters and Draco looks at him shocked, but he still has his head down, obviously not in the mood to look others in the face. I wonder what it could be that makes him want to hide from the opinion of others so badly and read on.

Immediately Harry's choice of House was made a little easier. Would he be Sorted in Slytherin, he could just as well wave a life of his own choice goodbye. He was not going to Slytherin. He had, during the holidays thought of it a little and had wondered if his fame could crick the reputation up a notch, but the idea of being told what to do and who to befriend by an eleven year old made him know he would never be a Slytherin.

Many Slytherins now groan, obviously feeling stupid and some even glare at Malfoy, who is now red and imitating his cousin, holding a staring contest with the mirror image of himself in his golden plate. Then Draco says: "I really should have used the time we had in that side room to apologize." And many Snakes nod, before I read on.

Malfoy went … left now.
While he waited Harry again went over the Houses. If he went to Ravenclaw he could actually achieve to the best of his ability and really become a person all of his own. On the other hand was garden and practical work more his thing than books.
If he got to go to Hufflepuff he could be assured of true friends and perhaps bonds he could later use to forever get away from the Dursleys. But on the other hand would the Hufflepuffs perhaps expect of him to tell them everything about himself before he was ready.
Gryffindor would mean he would have a chance to achieve and show how well he could work with magic. He could build strength and help others and more importantly, grow enough bravery to stand up to his relatives. On the other hand, would the House of the brave not increase people's expectations of him being a perfect, strong and brave hero?
And finally Slytherin. Sure it had Malfoy, but he was just a single student and that Greengrass girl that had been sorted there before him didn't seem to be that interested in the blond. If he would go there he could do whatever he needed to get away from the fame, people's expectations and – one day his relatives – but then there was the rumor of all Slytherins going dark and the fact that the killer of his parents had been in that House.
All in all, as he listened to students being sorted, he was no further in what House was best for him and he was even more worried as he would have to lie his fate in the hands of a – a hat.

Everyone looks shocked, many of the students sharing glances with each other before looking at Harry and Professor Snape says: "I don't believe I've ever heard of a student evaluating the Houses and what they could mean to him or her before the Sorting." The other Heads also shake their heads and Harry turns red.
"You really have a good head on your neck, lad. You have all the talents your father had when he was still training when I wanted to make him Head Auror." Mr. Moody then tells the boy and for the first time since the start of the chapter, the boy looks up and asks: "Really?" And the nod from the old Auror makes the boy smile as I read on.

"Moon" … "Nott" … "The Harry Potter?"
This really did nothing to help Harry's nerves and he quickly spared a glance at the Teachers, trying to see what their expectations of him was. But before he could look at more people than professor McGonagall, who seemed to have some kind of giddy expectation shining in her eyes, had he arrived at the stool and he turned back to the Student body.

"You really wanted him in your House, didn't you Minerva?" Asks a giggling professor Sprout and while professor McGonagall turns slightly red at being found out by an eleven year old, does she say: "James and Lily, I admit, were my favorite lions and were even close friends of mine by the time Lily was pregnant of Harry.
James even made a contract saying I would be named Godmother if Harry was to fall for Daphne Greengrass. If not, her mother, Louisiana would be Godmother." Now, while the girl in question looks up at hearing her name called, does Harry looks shocked and asks: "Why would my dad think I would fall for Daphne Greengrass?"

And Minerva answers: "Because he held a Pureblood party at Hogwarts for your birthday a week before it, to make sure Voldemort would not be able to attack. He invited the Greengrasses, the Weasleys, Sirius, Remus, some of his Auror friends and some members of, what the Fourth book called, The old crowd.
You were exceptionally keen on playing with Daphne and even helped her up when Mr. Weasley accidentally tripped her as he wanted to grab a toy James had taken along. He saw how careful and playful you were with her and that brought him to that decision." Harry nods and then he looks at the young Slytherin girl.

The blond-haired, soft blue eyed girl looks back at him, her eyes showing zero emotion, but after their eyes meet and hold for a few minutes a soft warmth shows in them and she says: "I don't believe I have a chance anymore to have your love, but perhaps we can find a way to still make your father happy, Potter."
Harry smiles at the girl and says: "I'd like that. And call me Harry." The girl nods and says: "Daphne." Harry nods back, still smiling widely and the timid girl shows a small smile back, shocking many other snakes, which makes me know she barely ever smiled. I shake my head at how little House mates know of each other and read on.

The last … put you?"

Now I have the eyes of many, most of them wide with shock, on me and professor Snape asks: "Potter had the qualities for every House available, before he was even Sorted?" I nod and Professor Flitwick says: "It seems like it, Severus. Although I wonder what then made the Sorting Hat decide on Gryffindor." I agree with him and read on.

Harry gripped … be GRYFFINDOR!"
Relief beyond any was in his heart and a large smile on his face. Gryffindor, the House of the brave and it took bravery and strength to be able to be and show yourself to others. It also took strength to show yourself as something others expected, if only to protect yourself.
Yep, he was definitely sorted in the right House.

Now all of the Gryffindors smile widely, the twins even going so far as to cheer for their fellow Lion all over again and Oliver is one of the students smiling the widest, obviously overjoyed he still got to have his Seeker. Then Harry spares a small glance at his mum and says: "Mum, about me almost being a – you know."
Sirius looks shocked and asks: "Wait! That was why you wouldn't look at us? Why you looked so nervous?" Harry nods and while the teachers now share an understanding look with each other, does Sirius quickly and fiercely hug the boy, making his squeak in shock – and I also detect a small hint of fear coming from his tone.

Sirius then looks down at the boy's hair and says: "Although I can't deny that it would have shocked me senseless and that I would have thought of why, can I also not deny that you have traits that fit Slytherin perfectly and everything that makes you who you are – is everything that makes you a son I am proud to call my own.
Yes, I am quite against Slytherin, but that is personal and has reasons that lie deep in my own past. You are my future and I am not going to let my past ruin my future, Harry, not with you. You mean just too much to me, you did when you were my Godson and you do now. And no House can ever change that, baby of mine."
He then kisses the boy on the forehead and Harry, obviously having been scared shitless, loosens up and everyone smiles as the boy clings to his mum and cries his eyes out, pushing himself into every part of Sirius and obviously begging for love and comfort – love and comfort Sirius is only too happy to give as he strongly hugs his son.

Ron then goes on and says: "I know I have some influence on this too, mate. And I'm sorry. I know how I always complain about Slytherins being evil and being bastards and all, but you're my best friend, my brother in all but blood. Sure, it would have been harder to become the friends we are now, but I wouldn't have let that stop me, you know."
Harry doesn't respond to the boy's words – or at least not immediately visibly – as the only visible sign of reaction is a strengthening hold on Sirius' robes. Then Draco lies a comforting hand on the boy's head, which lies on the man's shoulder and says: "You would have been more than welcome in Slytherin, cousin."
And other Snakes nod, all of them smiling. I too smile, having been wanting for a chance to unite Hogwarts since I came here, if only to create a miracle that would make my mother proud and I think: "Harry Potter, Soul of Hogwarts." I then wait with reading until the boy is done crying, but Sirius signals me and I read on.

Harry heard … seen earlier.
As he sat down, he caught a small smirk disappear off professor McGonagall's face. The ghost … the ghosts.

This makes many students, mostly the Slytherins laugh and Hagrid says: "I forget how funny Harry can sometimes describe people.""Personally, after all Dumbledore has done to him, can I only agree with the slightly insulting description and do I hope we will hear more of it." Mrs. Malfoy sneers and while everyone nods in agreement, do I read on.

Harry spotted … the table hoping with all his might he could share this happiness with his new friend and that they could grow even closer and a … to him. The quick hopeful look at his brothers made it clear to Harry that Ron really loved his brothers and took great value in their opinions of him.
"Well done … across Harry before excitedly talking with one of his friends. As "Zabini … ages ago and seeing that had been almost his only decent meal in two days –thrown up dinner not counting along – he wanted to eat and gain health and strength.
Albus Dumbledore … Percy uncertainly.
He knew the man was held in high regards and didn't want to ruin it with his fellow House mates, but those words and the weirdness of them almost made him doubt the man's sanity. And he really wanted to know who to trust with secrets he hoped he could spill soon.
"Mad?" said … mint humbugs.

Now suddenly the tables fill with food as well, many of the things mentioned in the book appearing on the tables as well and I easily take the book to my seat, leaning it against the orange juice jug and taking some vegetables, potatoes and some spaghetti as I simply read on, happily listening to everyone enjoying their meals.

The Dursleys … him sick.

"And that's not starving in what way?" Hermione asks, but Harry doesn't seem to be eating. Or willing to let go of Sirius anytime soon. The boy has stopped crying and yet he is still clinging to Sirius, who smiles, leans down and whispers something that the spell doesn't catch but that does make Harry nod and let go.
He then slowly sits back down on his seat while Sirius, Viktor and Remus help him put together a nice and healthy dish, cutting some slices of Treacle tart in pieces and combining it with other things and Harry happily eats everything they give him, the grownups making sure he eats mostly healthy things and not too much.

Then Harry stands up and Sirius says: "Sorry people, but my son just went through a mental, emotional hell and so I'll allow him some time to take a nap and get his emotions back up to date. He'll return once he's slept his fears away." Everyone nods and Sirius leaves to the antechamber with his son.
A little later he returns and tells Remus: "Left a comfortable four-poster bed in the chamber. Had to convince him to take it and not to change it into some cot." He shakes his head and says: "That boy has a luxury lacking that's almost terrifying for someone of his status." Remus and the Malfoys nod and Remus asks:
"And if he gets a nightmare? That graveyard and that House thing must have surely scared him quite a lot, don't you think?" Sirius nods and says: "Don't worry, I put a warming charm on the blanket along with a temperature control spell and a warning spell if his emotions or his dreams go out of control." Remus smiles at his mate and I read on.

Harry piled … he wanted, but by the twinkle that Harry spotted in his eyes did he realize that this was exactly what the ghost was expecting and hoping for. He had played them and the conversation and had steered it into this direction, but Harry wondered why.
"Like this." … seating arrangements.

"No, I most certainly didn't, but I was also nervous. Father had asked me to report to Uncle Sev about my meeting with Potter and I didn't want to let them know how badly I had screwed up and what I had actually said. I was frantically trying out a story that would make me look as the victim and him as some kind of bully."
He then shakes his head and says: "I guess the Sorting hat noticed that when he was nearing me. He must have sensed what I was planning." The others nod, some of them glaring at him and Lucius says: "We are getting quite the list to discuss, aren't we Draco?" The boy pales, lowers his head and nods ashamed as I read on.

"How did … treacle tart a treat Erica had gotten him addicted to, the talk … others laughed.
Harry couldn't laugh along and didn't even try to fake a laugh. The situation Seamus was in reminded him too much of his mother and sister and look where that lead him. He couldn't laugh, but he did feel jealous at Seamus. Had his aunt accepted his mother's magic as easily as Seamus' dad he would have never been hurt, he was sure of it.

Now everyone who had laughed about the thing whitens and Seamus stutters: "N-never thought of it – that way." And all the others nod, admitting they never did either while many Muggleborns now look scared of the chances. Professor Snape then sighs and says: "This happens with many Muggleborns and Muggle-raised wizards.
According to a report done by Phillip Dorigrues in 1888 at least 34% of the Muggles who raise a Magical child or have a witch or wizard for a spouse abuse the wizarding parts of their families out of pure anger, hatred or jealousy. That report was done again in 1964 and then it was concluded that this happened within 52% of the families."

Everyone whitens and Professor McGonagall says: "Wait a minute. That report was brought out on the 3rd of June in 1970 and a week later Voldemort started his smear campaign against Muggles. It must have been the final drop he could take against Muggles and their influence on our world." Everyone looks at her and she says:
"Like Mr. Potter I am not trying to sugar-coat the actions of this maniac, it's just that I always wondered why he started on that date and what the reasons behind his Muggle hatred really were – not to mention how he got as much magical power as he had." The students and staff nod and after taking a quick sip of my drink, I read on.

"What about … the road.

"EXCUSE ME!" Professor McGonagall shouts and Hermione shouts: "That's an outrage! That's child abuse, that's what that is!" To which Neville tries to calm the girl down, but then Ron says: "No wonder you doubt yourself so much. With family members like that." The boy turns red and lowers his head while I think:
"Poor Neville and Harry. If they had had their parents, none of this would have happened." I then shake my head and decide to take most of the attention away from the shy boy, who is turning more and more red the longer the students either look at him in pure shock or whisper to each other about this and so I read on.

They were … Harry's forehead.

This shocks us all, but then Hermione stands up and says: "Throughout the book our bad connection with professor Snape will make us believe something of him that is not true. It is true that it was happening, but not by him. This too was something he was framed for." The students nod, but as I read on, Hermione asks Ron: "But how did he do this?"

"Ouch!" Harry … Arts, Snape."

"Although I do believe I can teach you an adequate thing about Dark Arts and while my belief is strong on the fact you cannot fight that what you do not know, have I come to love my dungeons and – as Lucius said before – do I have quite the talent with its ingredients. I can also admit to be quite pleased with my latest conquest,
Gained with the help of Mr. Potter." The man ends and Draco asks: "What is it, uncle Sev?" And Professor Snape shocks us all as he says: "Basilisk ingredients." Most of the students, that are obviously crazy for Potions, have excited smiles on their faces, while the rest looks either shocked or scared or even terrified.

"Rest assured that the Basilisk from which I have gained the ingredients has been, years ago, dealt with and that it is quite dead. The space it resides in is luckily enough charmed to keep the ingredients in top shape and I have saved everything in my office. Small parts of these ingredients will be open for public eye after the second book."
This causes excited mutters to rise out of the Potions lovers and I too smile, wondering if I could use a Basilisk part to better enchant my home or perhaps create a cure for something like lycanthropy or perhaps the insanity of the Longbottoms. Deciding to discuss this later, I cough to get everyone's attention and read on.

Harry watched Snape for a while wondering if the man's strange dislike of him could affect him and his work in Potions like uncle Vernon's constant dislike affected his home life, but Snape … Weasley twin.

Now Mss. Prewett stands up, her face red with rage, but Bill seems to have seen this coming as he suddenly pulls something and the woman seems to choke, before sitting down. Bill then taps something in his hand with his wand and a purple collar and leash appear, the collar tightly wrapped around the woman's neck.
"You thought you could train us like dogs and control our lives to your liking and your liking alone and shouted at us as if we were untrained pups whenever we did something, so now we control your temper. And that will continue until you either stop reprimanding us for every little thing or until we've found you a new home, bitch."

The woman looks shocked and then Bill says: "Now sit before I do punish you." And he pulls the leash again, making the woman choke again as she sits down. Bill nods and then looks at his dad, but Mr. Weasley seems to be looking at the wall on the other side of the Hall as if it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen.
I snicker at his ignorance of the woman's humiliation and Sirius says: "If you really want to get rid of her, you can always leave her with Callidora. She is after all related to the Crouches and the Weasleys and is a sister of Lucretia, who is Molly's aunt by marriage and my aunt by blood." Mr. Weasley smiles at the man and I read on.

"I have … painful death."

Now many of the students who hadn't gone to Hogwarts during that year – meaning the First to Third years – whiten along with several Ministerial members, the Malfoys, Sirius and Remus and Sirius asks: "Do I want to know why he told the students something so dreadfully terrifying?" And Ron and Hermione shake their heads as I read on.

Harry laughed … at least."

"I can assure you, Mr. Weasley, that up until that point only a small group of teachers knew of the severity of the Third Floor corridor and why it was forbidden. Although I still don't understand why Albus never gave you all an example of explanation to make you understand why not to enter that corridor in the first place."
And while Professor McGonagall shakes her head, do I see Sirius and Remus look even more worried as Ron, Hermione and Harry share a dark look and Ron mutters: "So we were right, after all." And he grumbles, making many of those around him wonder, but he only mutters: "My first rage against him." Before I read on.

"And now …rather fixed.

"He does it every three years. It's a wonderful song, I don't deny that, but to do it every time and time again and in front of so many students, some who have yet to fully grow their voices and all – it's a pure nightmare after the first couple of times, no offense." Flitwick explains and the students nod in understanding as I read on.
But then Sirius interrupts me as he whispers: "Must have done so after our graduations then." And Minerva says: "To be honest, Mr. Black, was the day after Halloween the first time Albus let the school sing the song, in honor to Lily and James and after that he let it be sung at the Start of the year banquet every 3 years."
The man nods, a small smile on his face and then Remus says: "He even invited me to come over and sing along the first time he did that. I do admit that the false tones were painful to my ears, but I did feel better as I knew why he had initiated it." This makes Sirius hug his beloved closer and I continue the chapter, smiling slightly.

"Everyone pick …all rot."
Harry loved doing this, but kept his tone low. He had not sung since Erica died, but the woman had always commented him on his wonderful voice. He sincerely hoped that once he had proven himself he could show people how good he was in singing.

Everyone smiles and Sirius asks: "Is he really good?" And all of the Quidditch team players and the Gryffindor boys of Fourth year nod and Ron says: "We always wake up with his voice on Sundays. It's a heavenly way to wake up at 8.30, I tell you." The other Fourth years nod in agreement and then Oliver says:
"He often showered last and we then faked to leave, moving the door in such a way it sounded as if we had left. A little sound proof charm on our shoes and we were able to enjoy his singing for at least 10 to 20 minutes every three practices. He especially sings great songs if we win a game." The other players nod and I read on.

Everybody finished … you trot!"
Harry really wondered about the sanity of the man and scrapped him of his list of adults to trust his secrets to for now, but while this happened was there still the fact he couldn't deny that singing filled him with a wonderful feeling he hoped practicing magic would also give him.

Everyone smiles and Sirius says: "Glad to see he's still enjoying Hogwarts already. Even with crazy Headmaster, mysterious dangers and people expecting too much out of him." Everyone nods and I see the man sending another look at the closed door that hides a sleeping Harry. I smile at his worry, concern and love and read on.

The Gryffindor … Bloody Baron?"

"Wrong move, bro." Fred says, shaking his head, but with a small smile at his face to show he is only joking and George goes on: "You really should have waited with the Baron card. That should be your last resort. Playing it this early makes Peeves think he already beat you." The young adult turns red and as he smiles at his brothers, do I read on.

There was … all ducked. Harry could barely duck right, because of his side hurting, but he used this to look around for a way to distract the Poltergeist.
"Go away … and vanished just when Harry saw a slightly mean, but effective way to distract Peeves, but he decided to use that another time if needed, dropping the … we are."
Harry didn't really see why a Poltergeist that had lived for hundreds of years should listen to someone who had only been at Hogwarts for five years, but let it pass, deciding not to mention this to Percy. Nonetheless was there one thing he had already learned about Hogwarts; Peeves was someone who pulled pranks on people, unless you could distract him with ways he could pester those you didn't like, knew all that well or didn't care about.

Now students look at each other and Professor Snape says: "Although I agree with Mr. Potter's earlier words that this could have some slightly mean results, can I only compliment him on his method of staying out of the Poltergeist's way." And many students nod, but then Ron and Hermione both snicker and Ron says:
"Then just wait for the end of the book. It's the whole reason Harry is the only one of our year who can fight Peeves. And then I mean in such a way it's as effective as the Bloody Baron." The man looks interested and while I wonder what the young black-haired did to gain that reputation and other students mutter about this, do I read on.

At the … the wall.
Harry wondered what kind of magic was used to let a portrait or something of the like and a password guard something and decided it would be handy to learn about – if only to protect his stuff from his uncle.

"So amazingly curious." Professor McGonagall says appraisingly and Professor Sprout goes on: "And yet he barely shows so in classes. Why on earth could that be?" And one of my House mates, Terry Boot, answers: "I think we'll learn about that in the next chapter, professors." The female teachers nod and I read on.

They all …leg up and Harry was surprised he didn't seeing his height and found … and shaking.
The sudden move of jumping up to a sitting position hurt his side and the after ache told him he had been lying on it a little too much during his nightmare. He rolled … at all.

I don't look fazed by the words at all, although the mentioning of the side wound does hurt me and many students look shocked that Harry has dreams like that. I then walk the book back to its original place as dinner only disappeared when Gryffindor tower was mentioned and Sirius says: "I'll go see if Harry's awake yet."
He leaves the room and everyone holds silent, all of the students and staff looking at the ajar standing door. Then Madame Pomfrey stands up and says: "I might as well use this opportunity to give him his Full Physical." And she too leaves the room. I then walk back to my seat and while everyone waits, do I think:
"Could I really make an insanity or werewolf cure with help of Basilisk Potion? And what about Phoenix tears? Going by the last book they are quite powerful. Could a mix of those get me the results I want? What are the results of such a mix anyway?" And with that I let my mind drift off, for once getting a dreamy look that's real.