Walking up the stone steps of the Hogwarts castle and into the great entrance hall, felt like coming home to Harry. Oh, how he missed this place. Even with Dumbledore and his constant meddling hanging over his head, this still felt like his one, true home. He took a deep breath, taking in the familiar air and with a big smile, started walking towards the great hall.

"POTTER", he heard a snear behind him.

He inwardly let out a curse. Oh, boy! he thought. Here we go again. He turned around to see Professor Snape walking up to him, looking more like the the great, menacing dungeon bat as ever, cloak billowing and greasy hair around his pale face.

"Why are you not in uniform, Mr Potter?", Snape said with distain in his voice. "The savior is apparently to important to follow simple school rules now. 50 points from Gryffindor!".

Harry heard Ron moaning behind him at the lost points, but he just smiled. He would not let Snape get to him this year. "Sorry Professor", he said calmly. "I forgot and I did not have time to change on he train". He then snapped his fingers and his muggle clothes and leather jacket instantly transfigured to the school uniform.

He could have laughed himself silly at the look of complete shock at Snapes face. He could of course have done the same transfiguration, both on the train and in the carriage on the way to Hogwarts, but just to see the look of complete disbelief on Snapes face was definitely worth it. He was just sorry that Professor McGonagall was not there to se the excellent example of wandless transfiguration. He also silently thanked Azoth for drilling him in the subject. Actually, if not for Snape, he might even have kept his precious outfit, leather jacket and all. Smirking, he left the gaping potions master in the hall and walked into the great hall.

Whispers followed him ad he calmly walked to the Gryffindor table and sat down. Ron and Hermione quickly followed and almost before she had sat down Hermione pounded on him. "Harry! What was that?", she hissed. Harry just waved his hand as to say "later" and then shrugged. Hermione just frowned, but stayed quiet as Dumbledore got to his feet at the staff table. The talk and laughter echoing around the Hall died away almost instantly.

"The very best of evenings to you!" he said, smiling broadly, his arms opened wide as though to embrace the whole room. "

What happened to his hand?" gasped Hermione.

She was not the only one who had noticed. Harry now saw what Azoth had been talking about before. Dumbledore's right hand was as blackened and dead-looking. Whispers it the room; Dumbledore, interpreting them correctly, merely smiled and shook his purple-and-gold sleeve over his injury.

"Nothing to worry about," he said airily. "Now…to our new students, welcome, to our old students, welcome back! Another year full of magical education awaits you…"

"It looks as if it's died," said Hermione, with a nauseated expression. "Must be a cure of some kind…old curses…and there are poisons without antidotes…" she mumbled

"…and Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. "Those wishing to play for their House Quidditch teams should give their names to their Heads of House as usual. We are also looking for new Quidditch commentators, who should do likewise. "We are pleased to welcome a new member of staff this year, Professor Slughorn"— Slughorn stood up, his bald head gleaming in the candlelight, his big waistcoated belly casting the table into shadow — "is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master."

"Potions?"

"Potions?"

The word echoed all over the Hall as people wondered wheel they had heard right. "Potions?" said Ron and Hermione together.

"Professor Snape, meanwhile," said Dumbledore, raising voice so that it carried over all the muttering, "will be taking the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"Oh, fuck" said Harry, a little bit too loudly that many heads turned in his direction.

Snape, who was sitting on Dumbledore's right, did not stand up his mention of his name; he merely raised a hand in lazy acknowledgment of the applause from the Slytherin table, yet Harry was sure he could detect a look of small triumph on the features he loathed so much.

"Well, there's one good thing," Ron said savagely. "Snape'll be gone by the end of the year. The job's jinxed. No ones lasted more than a year…Quirrell actually died doing it…Personally, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for another "accident", he said with his hands doing in cavitation marks.

"Ron" said Hermione, shocked and reproachful. Harry just smirked.

"He might just go back to teaching Potions at the end of the year," said Hermione reasonably. "That Slughorn bloke might not want to stay long-term. Moody didn't."

Dumbledore cleared his throat. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were not the only ones who had been talking; the whole Hall had erupted in a buzz of conversation at the news that Snape had finally achieved his heart's desire. Seemingly oblivious to the sensational nature of the news he had just imparted, Dumbledore said nothing more about staff appointments, but waited a few seconds to ensure that the silence was absolute before continuing.

"Now, as everybody in this Hall knows, Lord Voldemort and his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength."

The silence seemed to tauten and strain as Dumbledore spoke. Harry glanced at Malfoy. Malfoy was not looking at Dumbledore, instead seemed to keeping his eyes firmly on the woof of the table. Harry notices that he was sitting a little bit away from his usual gang.

"I cannot emphasize strongly enough how dangerous the present situation is, and how much care each of us at Hogwarts must take to ensure that we remain safe. The castle's magical fortifications have been strengthened over the summer, we are protected in new and more powerful ways, but we must still guard scrupulously against carelessness on the part of any student or member of staff. I urge you, therefore, to abide by any security restrictions that you teachers might impose upon you, however irksome you might find them — in particular, the rule that you are not to be out of after hours. I implore you, should you notice anything strange or suspicious within or outside the castle, to report it to a member of staff immediately. I trust you to conduct yourselves, always, with the utmost regard for your own and others' safety." Dumbledore's blue eyes swept over the students before he smiled once more. "But now, your beds await, as warm and comfortable as you could possibly wish, and I know that your top priority is to be well-rested for your lessons tomorrow. Let us therefore say good night. Pip pip!"

With the usual deafening scraping noise, the benches moved back and the hundreds of students began to file out of the Great Hall toward their dormitories. Harry, who was in no hurry at all to leave with the gawping crowd, lagged behind allowing most of Gryffindors to draw ahead of him. Hermione had darted ahead to fulfill her prefect's duty of shepherding the first years, but Ron remained with Harry.

"What really happened this summer, mate", he asked as they started to make their way up the stairs towards Gryffindor tower.

"I already told you Ron, I can't really give you all the details"

"But...", Ron started

"No, Ron. Look...like I said I will tell you later, just not now, ok?". Ron seemed to know that he wouldn't get anything else from his best mate and thankfully shut up.

They climbed through the portrait and into the common room. There, Harry was almost instantly bombarded with questions from his housemates, especially Colin Creevy who was brandishing his new camera, trying to take his picture.

"Where did you get that scar, Harry", she squeaked as Harry headed up for his dormitory saying he was going to bed. Really, he was not really tired, just sick of all the questions and lack of personal space. Finally being able to shake Colin of him, he went up to is bed, pulling the curtains around him.

He sighed as he laid down. This was going to be a long year.

Harry woke up early the next morning. Being so use to going up before the crack of dawn for Azoths grueling training program, he couldn't see a reason to stay in bed any longer. He was actually surprised that the annoying demon had not shown his face yet, or at least standing over him as he woke up. Quickly getting dressed and taking a couple of book out of his bag, he headed down for the great hall and breakfast.

The hall was almost empty, accept for a couple of older Ravenclaw students and surprisingly Draco Malfoy. He looked terrible and like he didn't have any sleep at all. Big dark circled was under his eyes and he sat slummed at the table, looking really miserable. Harry sat down at the table, opened his book and started to read.

Sime time later, more students started to fill up the hall and with them Ron and Hermione.

"Good morning", Harry said happily, sipping his black coffee that had magically appeared a bit earlier, along with the rest of the breakfast dinks.

"Morning", Ron said, a little sleepily. "Why didn't you wait for us mate?", he asked as he sat down.

Harry shrugged. "Wanted some peace and quiet before the lessons today so I could read my book", he jut said showing them the book in his had.

Hermione, who was just poring herself a cup of tea, glanced over at the cover of the book. She stoped abruptly and put the teapot down with a clatter.

"Harry!", she said. "That book is in german"

"Yeah, I know. So?"

"You speak german?", Ron asked looking dumbfounded

"How else would I be able to read this book?"

Hermione started to pick up each book in Harrys pile and read each title. "Harry?"

"Hm?", Harry said, not looking up from his book

"How can you read all these? They are all in different languages? French, German, Latin, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Galiec… Swedish?,"

"There is no way you speak Swedish, mate!", Ron exclaimed

"Ingenting är omöjligt, min käre vän", said harry grining. His demon side was purring with delight.

"What the hell was that?", said Ron

"But how?", Hermione asked ignoring Rons question. "When did you learn all this?"

Harry closed the heavy book with a loud thump and said simply. "I did have a lot of time on my hands this summer".

They were interupted by the post, as usual delivered by owls swooping down and dropping letters and packaged in their owners laps. Harry looked up, but could not see any white among the tawny and brown, but, he didn't really expect any letters yet anyway. Harry noticed that Malfoy, who was usually getting packages very often from home, also did not get anything this morning.

Going back to finishing his coffee and some bacon and eggs he didn't notice the big speck of black flying into the hall. Then there was a loud CAW and he looked up again. A huge Raven was circulating above, much bigger than any Raven he had ever seen. It finally swooped down and sat itself on Harrys shoulder, ruffling its feathers.

It leat out another shrill CAW. In his head though, Harry heard a voice that he knew all too well. "Good morning, little demon", it said, sounding very amused.

"Azoth", Harry mumbled

"Er...Harry?", said Ron looking nervous. "What is that?"

"This annoying creature is Azoth. You just had to make an entrance didn't you" said Harry, stroking the birds silky black feathers. Azoth nipped at his ear playfully. "Ow! You jerk! Stop that", Harry said laughing and then turning to Ron again. "He is a friend".

"You didn't tell me you could take another form", he asked in his head, now also highly amused.

"Well you never asked if I could, kid", Azoth answered and Harry could just see hm smirking.

"Hey Harry", he heared Seamus call from further down the table. "Cool bird!"

"Ehm...Thanks"

"I am not sure if that is allowed, Harry", said Hermione, indicting the Raven, still on his shoulder.

"Well, he is not really mine, Hermione. I don't own him like an owl, he is his own". Azoth let out a low CAW at this, as to say "thats right". The raven flapped his wings and then started to fly off.

"See you later, kid"

"Yeah, later Azoth".

After they had eaten, they remained in their places, awaiting Professor McGonagall's descent from the staff table. The distribution of class schedules was more complicated than usual this year, for Professor McGonagall needed first to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s. Hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions, and shot off to a first period Ancient Runes class without further ado. Neville took a little longer to sort out; his round face was anxious as Professor McGonagall looked down his application and then consulted his O.W.L results.

"Herbology, fine," she said. "Professor Sprout will be delighted to see you back with an 'Outstanding' O.W.L. And you qualify for Defense Against the Dark Arts with 'Exceeds Expectations.' But the problem is Transfiguration. I'm sorry, Longbottom, but an 'Acceptable' really isn't good enough to continue to N.E.W.T. level. Just don't think you'd be able to cope with the coursework."

Neville hung his head. Professor McGonagall peered at him through her square spectacles. "Why do you want to continue with Transfiguration, anyway? I've never had the impression that you particularly enjoyed it."

Neville looked miserable and muttered something about "my grandmother wants."

"Hmph," snorted Professor McGonagall. "It's high time your grandmother learned to be proud of the grandson she's got, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have - particularly after what happened at the Ministry."

Neville turned very pink and blinked confusedly; Professor McGonagall had never paid him a compliment before. Harry felt like it was well deserved.

"I'm sorry, Longbottom, but I cannot let you into my N.E.W.T. class. I see that you have an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charm however - why not try for a N.E.W.T. in Charms?"

"My grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option," mumbled Neville.

"Take Charms," said Professor McGonagall, "and I shall drop Augusta a line reminding her that just because she failed her Charms O.W.L., the subject is not necessarily worthless." Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on Neville's face, Professor McGonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of her wand and handed it, now carrying details of his new classes, to Neville.

Professor McGonagall turned next to Parvati Patil, whose first question was whether Firenze, the handsome centaur, was still teaching Divination.

"He and Professor Trelawney are dividing classes between them this year," said Professor McGonagall, a hint of disapproval in her voice; it was common knowledge that she despised the subject of Divination. "The sixth year is being taken by Professor Trelawney." Parvati set off for Divination five minutes later looking slightly crestfallen. Harry snorted at her antics.

"So, Potter, Potter…" said Professor McGonagall, consulting her notes as she turned to Harry. "Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transfiguration…all fine. I must say, I was pleased with your Transfiguration mark, Potter, very pleased indeed. Now, why haven't you applied to continue with Potions? I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror?"

"It was, but you told me I had to get an 'Outstanding' in my O.W.L., Professor."

"And so you did when Professor Snape was teaching the subject. Professor Slughorn, however, is perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T. students with 'Exceeds Expectations' at O.W.L. Do you wish to proceed with Potions?"

"Yes," said Harry, "but I need to get the books and ingredients then"

"I'm sure Professor Slughorn will be able to lend you some," said Professor McGonagall. "

Very well, Potter, here is your schedule. Oh, by the way- twenty hopefuls have already put down their names for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I shall pass the list to you in due course and you can fix up trials at your leisure."

"Oh, I was going to tell you Professor, I am handing over my badges. I have no interest being a prefect or Quidditch captain this year".

Professor McGonagall looked at him with a surprised but stern look. "What ever do you mean, Potter? Being a prefect and captain is privilege".

"Yes, but it also takes time", said Harry matter of factly. "And I want to focus on my studies this year".

"Well...I am happy that you are taking your studies so seriously. If you are quite sure?"

Harry put his hand into his pocket and pulled up the two badges and handed them over to McGonagall.

"I will discuss this with the headmaster", she said

Harry just nodded. McGonagall then turned to Ron and started fixing his timetable. Harry ignored the looked of outrage he got from Hermione and som of his other classmates. A few minutes later, Ron was cleared to do the same subjects as Harry, and the three of them left the table together.

When they where out of earshot from McGonagall, Ron rounded on Harry.

"What the hell mate? You got prefect and Captain but you are just handing them over to someone else?", he almost shouted

"Ron, I have no interest in either", Harry said sighing. He knew this was going to be a problem.

"But, QUIDDITCH! What about the team?", Ron said outraged.

"I just don't have the time, Ron", said Harry and walked away, waving his hand lazily in goodbye. He really needed a cigarette.

Ron and Hermione looked at each other.

"Is it just me or do you feel like this is not the same Harry we met before the summer?", Ron asked after several minutes of shocked and tensed silence.

"Yes", Hermione agreed "There is something he is definitely not telling us".