AN: Un-betad
Chapter 32:
Year 2
Lockhart?
Hermione
Another year at Hogwarts.
In the interest of honesty I must admit I didn't know how I felt about that. On one hand it was school, magic school, a chance to learn new things. A chance to improve myself. Perhaps most importantly though was the fact that I would finally get the chance to see my friends again. My friends who had both stopped sending letters half way through the summer. I had known Alex might not be able to get in contact during the summer, but Pansy's abrupt stop in communication was unexpected.
On the other hand it meant another year at Hogwarts, with all the near death experiences that came with going to Hogwarts. Or maybe it was just Alex's friends that had to deal with the near death experiences. Certainly none of the other students seemed to have nearly so much…insanity in their lives.
Killer Quidditch balls.
Honestly.
"Ready, dear?" Daddy asked, as we stood outside the entrance to Platform 9 ¾. Mum had to work today. For some reason their dental practice was especially busy today. Daddy barely had enough time to even drop me off at Kings Cross, as it was he was already going to be late getting to work.
"Yes, Daddy!"
"And you're sure you don't want me to walk you in?" Daddy asked.
I tactfully refrained from rolling my eyes. "Yes, Daddy."
"Alright dear," Daddy said smiling, before pulling me into a hug. "Remember your Mother and I are just a letter away." I nodded and he continued. "Have a good semester."
"Love you, Daddy," I gave him another squeeze before pulling away and pushing my cart through the barrier. I didn't bother with a running start, all the books agreed that was only necessary the first time, and came out the other side to see a platform bustling with activity. There were hours yet until the Express was due to leave, so I was surprised at the amount of people here, but really surprised me was who was here.
Aurors.
Lots of Aurors.
From where I stood I could see a dozen milling about the platform and a few flying clockwise around the Express. I stood there for a long minute trying to figure out why there was a contingent of law enforcement standing guard. I must have taken too long because one of the Aurors made his way over.
"Morning," He said with a politely vacant smile. "Need any help getting your things onto the Express?"
I nodded, "Yes sir." Neither Alex nor Pansy would let me hear the end of it if I gave up the chance to find out what was going on.
"Please, call me Mr. Shacklebolt. Sir just makes me feel old," Mr. Shacklebolt said before flicking his wand at my trunk causing it to float. "Would you like me to help you get your trunk onto the Express?
"Yes, Mr. Shacklebolt." I said as we started for the train. Conversation stalled as we entered the express until we reached my chosen cabin. Before he could leave I spoke up. "Sir, I mean, Mr. Shacklebolt?"
"Yes?" Mr. Shacklebolt replied.
I hesitated a moment before just deciding to go for it. "Why are there so many Aurors here? I mean I've never seen any on the platform before, let alone this many. So, uh, is there anything going on?" I am far and away a better actor than Alex, but I admit my execution needs some polish.
"There's nothing to worry about. Dumbledore asked the Ministry to step up our presence and my boss may have gone a little overboard." Mr. Shacklebolt said. "I'd best be off. Have a good year Miss Granger." With one last politely empty smile and a slight incline of his head he was off, closing the door behind him.
"Nothing to worry about?" I glanced out of the compartments window at the Aurors who had taken up positions around the platform. "Does anyone ever believe that?" I sighed before pulling out my Transfiguration textbook and sitting down.
888
Hermione
I put the book down with a sigh and glanced anxiously out of the window before pulling my wand out. "Tempus." It showed exactly what I knew it would show, that the Express was due to leave in ten minutes.
Ten minutes and still no sign of Alex or Pansy.
As though summoned by my thoughts the compartment door opened and in walked Pansy with a look of carefully controlled calm etched on her face. With unhurried motions she settled her trunk next the other two and sat down across from me.
I opened my mouth but she cut me off before I could speak.
"I am fine, it has just been a long week," Pansy said, a week smile gracing her face. "And before you ask, no I don't want to talk about it."
I hesitated a moment before agreeing. "If you're sure."
"I a-," Pansy's eyes narrowed before her hand flashed across the cabin and grasped something before yanking her arm backwards. Pansy and an invisible opponent—it had to be Alex, right?—rolled around the floor of the compartment before Pansy managed to get the upper hand and pinned her foe. A moment later Alex slowly faded into view leaving the two of them in a…odd position.
Alex's face was firmly planted on the carpet. Pansy was kneeling on Alex's arms and Alex's legs were trapped under Pansy's arms.
I stared wide-eyed at the them for a moment before sighing. "Hello Alex, how are you?"
Apparently deciding to act as if nothing was wrong Alex answered in a perky, if muffled, voice. "Fine, and you?"
"Good," I said before looking at Pansy. "Are you going to let her up?"
"Why?" Pansy asked, an easy smile adorning her face. "She seems happy exactly where she is."
Alex gave a thumbs up at that and I sighed before tilting my head to the side. "Alex, how long were sitting there?"
"…twenty minutes," Alex said. I could see a blush working its way up her face.
"For someone who can completely disappear, you're horrible at staying unnoticed," Pansy said, finally letting Alex up.
"Hermione didn't even notice me coming in, or me putting my trunk up," Alex said as she got up and sat down next to me. "I am very sneaky."
"Hermione was reading, a dragon could have gotten past her without her noticing," Pansy said rolling her eyes as she took a seat next to Alex.
I wanted to take offence at that but she had a point so I decided to interrupt before Alex could agree with her. "So how was your summer, Alex?"
"First half was great but things kinda went downhill after the ghouls kidnapped me," Alex said, idly looking at the trunks. If anyone else had said that I would have thought they were just fishing for a reaction. With Alex though, I knew she was being honest…and fishing for a reaction.
"Just you, or…?" Pansy asked, frowning.
"My Aunt and cousin, but thankfully they were too busy being drugged to be conscious for the ordeal," Alex said, turning to face Pansy. "Everyone got out ok, well everyone but the ghouls that is." A darkly satisfied look flashed across her features before settling into a half smile. "But I'm not quite ready to talk about that yet. Perhaps once we've settled in?" Alex gave to room a deliberate once over before arching her brow.
I frowned, had she sensed something? "So aside form that, how was your summer?"
"Ah, could have been better." Alex winced and Pansy's frown deepened. "After the kidnapping things were…tense. I stayed at the Jensen's for most of the summer, but I did get some great books on my birthday!"
"Anything interesting?" I asked.
"Well my Aunt Lu Si got me the latest in The Gods Are Bastards series!" Alex said, an eager smile spread across her face.
I leaned towards Alex. "Really?!"
"Ravenclaws!" Pansy muttered, rolling her eyes.
888
Alex
Time flies when you're having fun, before I knew it the Express was coming to a stop at Hogsmeade station and we were riding the thestral drawn carriages up the hill towards Hogwarts.
"Is there anything we should be prepared for this year?" Pansy asked.
"Well, the basilisk is dead so there shouldn't be any attacks from that angle. Unless of course someone raises it from the dead, but that seems unlikely," I paused trying to think about how to phrase this next part. I felt more secure talking here than I did in our compartment, after all Hermione's charmed trunk wasn't here, but there was no reason not to be circumspect. "If things go like I remember them then I'll need to check the first years out to make sure none of them have their hands on the Dark Lord's diary."
Pansy blinked, "His…diary?"
"Is it one of his…?" Hermione trailed off suggestively.
"Yep, but aside from that nothing springs to mind. I mean we don't have Lockhart for defense this year so we should be able to actually learn something," I said a smile tugging at my lips. Whatever this year had to throw at me, at least I wouldn't have to deal with that fop.
Pansy and Hermione exchanged a look before Pansy spoke up. "Lockhart is our Defense Professor. Didn't you read the newsletter?"
"Newsletter?" I asked.
"It comes attached with our Hogwarts' supply letter every year," Hermione said.
"Why does Hogwarts need a-," I stopped abruptly as we passed through the ward line. The all-encompassing feel of Hogwarts magic pressed down on me robbing me of my breath.
"Alex?" Hermione asked, concern coloring her tone.
"F-fine," I gasped. It hadn't been nearly this strong last month,
"The wards have been upgraded," Dragon said, speaking for the first time since we went school shopping. "You'll be fine in a moment."
Pansy's eyes shot wide open. "What the hell?!"
I got my breathing under control and gave the two of them a reassuring smile. "Sorry, I thought I was ready to sense Hogwarts again but the wards have been given what feels like twenty times more power than when I was here a month ago." The carriage had come to a stop and outside the other students were already entering the castle. "Looks like we need to get going." I opened the carriage door and started walking on shaky feet towards Hogwarts. A moment later Pansy and Hermione started following.
We followed the crowed to the great hall where Pansy pulled off and went to sit with the Slytherins. Though not before giving me a probing look. Hermione and I found our seats just in time to watch the first years enter the hall. I glanced up and down the table as Professor McGonagall started calling out names and sighed when I noticed a distinct lack of refreshments. I gave a moment's thought to simply asking the house-elves for a glass of water before deciding to put my ludicrously expensive equipment upgrades to good use.
I focused on the Mokeskin lining of my sleeve and whispered, "Water bottle." One moment there was nothing and the next a bottle of water slipped form my sleeve and into my waiting hand. I popped the cap and took a sip of ice cold water.
Ahh.
One of the best things about using properly enchanted Mokeskin in place of your standard spatial expansion charms is what I like to call the Pause Feature. Anything that goes into the Mokeskin lining of my sleeves ceases to progress in time until I bring it out again. Which meant that cold water stayed cold, hot coco stayed hot and potions wouldn't lose any of their potency.
And to think, Dragon had wanted to buy a multi compartment trunk instead.
"It would have been awesome, and you know it!" Dragon muttered. I rolled my eyes, recapped the bottle and it back up my sleeve. Professor McGonagall was still calling out first year names so I turned my attention to the head table.
My eyes settled on the empty seat that were Madam Hooch usually sat and despite the solid warmth of the Great Hall a shiver went down my spine. Madam Hooch, Voldemort, had sat there day after day watching me. Watching my friends. Planning to sacrifice us!
And I'd had no idea.
I'd been so focused on Quirrell. So sure that he was actually the culprit, even after it became patently clear that that wasn't the case. Letting my preconceptions blind me was a huge mistake. One that almost got me and Hermione killed. One that did get Quirrell killed.
I can't afford to make mistakes like that.
Not anymore.
"Alex, what's wrong?" Hermione gripped my hands and drew them under the table. "And don't say you're fine, you're obviously not." She deliberately ran her thumb over my hands.
My furry hands.
I swallowed, "Ah, thanks." I focused on my hands, the fur faded and my nails shortened. A moment later they returned to their usual pristine condition, leaving no evidence of anything out the ordinary.
"Alex?" Hermione asked.
I pulled her into a hug. "We'll talk after dinner, promise." I nodded towards the head table where Dumbledore was standing. "But it looks like it's time to pay attention." We pulled away from each other and turned towards the head table, but Hermione's hand stayed on mine.
"I hope you are all as excited as I am for another knowledge filled year here at Hogwarts." There was a smattering of applause. "Although I find it more likely that you are far more excited for tonight's feast." The applause, particularly from the Gryffindors, was nearly deafening. Dumbledore let it go on for a few seconds before raising his hand for silence, it came near instantly. "But first I have some news to share, so please bear with me a moment.
"Firstly, as I'm sure some of you noticed, Hogwarts siege wards have been activated." Hermione and I traded looks as whispers filled the Great Hall. Dumbledore's eyes rested on me for a moment before he continued, voice grave. "The Ministry has received confirmation, Bellatrix Lestrange is alive." The Great Hall fell completely silent. "Trips to Hogsmeade have be restricted to once a month. Students will be required to stay in groups of ten while off grounds and Hogsmeade itself will be under heavy Aurora guard. If an Aurora gives you an order you will do it, or I will know why." Dumbledore's eyes traveled the Great Hall looking for dissent. "Am I understood?"
As one the student body voiced its agreement.
"Good," Dumbledore smiled, a bit of tension leaving his frame. "Now on to more pleasant matters." Dumbledore clapped his hands and the welcoming feast appeared. "Please, eat."
For a long moment there was only silence but before long the sounds of hushed conversation and eating broke out.
"Bellatrix Lestrange!" Anthony Goldstein said. "That can't be right, can it?"
"I thought she was dead," Padma Patil said. "I remember reading about it somewhere."
"You're right. It was a huge story, front page of the Prophet and everything," Roger Davis said.
"Ok, but she was dead, right?" Anthony asked, at Davis' nod he continued. "So it can't be her, I mean…dead people don't just come back to life! Right?"
Wouldn't be the first time I thought before taking a bite of my dinner. Oh, roast duck. Delicious!
There was an abrupt silence around me, casing me to look up.
Hermione, along with our immediate table mates were looking right at me. "What?" I blinked at them.
"What do you mean 'it wouldn't be the first time'?" Davis asked, in a poor imitation of my voice.
"Oh, did I say that out loud?" I asked. I really needed to work on that.
"Yes Potter, you did." Davis said, looking for all the world as if he was in pain.
"Ah," I said. "Well it wouldn't be the first time someone failed to stay dead, would it?"
"I think they're asking who else came back to life," Hermione said, her voice sounding a little strained.
I thought for a moment. I couldn't just say Voldemort, though that seemed to be who Hermione thought I would say. I took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Heinrich Kemmler." Was it just me or had it suddenly gotten colder all of a sudden? "He was killed six times, but he just kept coming back. Until the White Council, the entire White Council, The Wanded Ministries and every ally they could call on finally put him down for good in 1961." Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, it was one of the few times in history that White Council and the Ministry of Magic every worked together.
As I waited for someone to respond I took the chance to take an especially large bite of the duck. As I chewed I noticed that nobody was talking. In fact everyone nearby was staring at me.
No, not at me.
Behind me.
With a sinking feeling in my gut I slowly turned around, expecting to see a professor. Instead I found the Grey Lady, Ravenclaw's house ghost, looking resplendent in her floor length rob, as she stared at me.
Ghosts do not need to breathe. They do not need to blink. They have no muscles, so they have no need to even move. You could almost be fooled into thinking they were simply transparent statues, if it were not for their presence. Ghosts are not people, they're not even the souls of people. What they are, is the memory of a person burned onto the world as they died. For all that they resemble people there is an inherent wrongness to their presence. It is as if your very soul rejects them.
At least that's how the textbooks describe ghosts. No matter how much of an instinctual aversion I have for Binns' class, I can't say that I ever quite felt like that. Though I will say that The Grey Lady's gaze caused my stomach to clench a little.
For a long moment we just stared at each other, I unable to speak and she apparently unwilling. I redoubled my chewing efforts as she continued to stare at me, before settling for a small wave.
The books describes ghost's voices as 'akin to the grinding of stone' or 'like the rattling of chains'. The Grey Lady's voice was melodious. "Speak not that cur's name, Lady Potter. Tis unworthy of you."
I finally managed to swallow the duck. "I-I'll keep that in mind!" I ducked my head in a shallow facsimile of a bow. One she returned with in-kind before departing, a faint smile on her lips.
I turned back around and absently reached for my cup and took a drink only to spit it back out. "Pumpkin juice!" I quickly asked for a glass of ice water to rinse the taste from my mouth.
As I was doing that the others were shaking themselves out their ghost induced disquiet.
"Binns is bad enough, are the other ghosts going to start bothering us as well?" Anthony asked, glancing about uneasily.
"Probably, the siege wards funnel power to the castle's ghosts. So that they can help in case of an emergency," Hermione said. "I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."
"Great," Anthony said. "First Lestrange is back from the dead, now we have to deal with a haunted castle!"
"Hogwarts has always been haunted," Padma said. "Most of the ghosts just stayed invisible."
"That doesn't help!" Anthony shouted. His voice a sharp contrast to the near complete silence of the Great Hall.
At some point during our conversation Dumbledore had once again stood up and had been patiently waiting for us to finish. Anthony's face turned bright red and he ducked down as the silence stretched on, until finally Dumbledore smiled and stared talking, mercifully taking the attention off of us.
"I trust, as we are all fed and watered, you will help me in welcoming our new Defense Professor, famed adventurer and award winning novelist, Gilderoy Lockhart!" Dumbledore waved towards his right and a dark haired man stood up. An easy, confident, smile adorned his face as he made to speak, before he said a word though he paused and looked towards Dumbledore for permission.
Dumbledore sat down and waved him on.
"Thank you for that wonderful introduction Professor, I shall do my best to live up to it." Professor Lockhart said. The Lockhart I remembered had looked young and artificially confident. Professor Lockhart, on the other hand looked more like a dignified forty. The slightest hint of grey touched his dark brown hair and he spoke with a bone deep self-possession that could not be faked. "I flatter myself to think that most of you will have heard of me before now, but for those of you who have not, I thought I would give you a brief overview.
"I was born in London, but moved to America before I could have the privilege of attending Hogwarts. Once I was old enough, I began traveling the world and once that got too harrowing for my blood, I decided to write about my adventures instead." Professor Lockhart paused, a note of uncertainty entering his voice as he continued. "This will be my first time teaching, so I hope you all will forgive me my inevitable missteps." He cleared his throat. "That said, I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in my classroom this year."
Professor Lockhart inclined his head towards Dumbledore before retaking his seat.
Dumbledore stood, returning Professor Lockhart's nod with one of his own before turning to face the students. "I had hoped to introduce your new Flight Instructor, but sadly he's feeling a bit under the weather at the moment."
My mind flashed back to Madam Hooch's mysterious illness at the begging of last year, and for a moment I had no idea how to feel. I mean Voldemort wouldn't try the same thing two years in a row would he?
"I hope you will all give Professor Lupin a warm welcome when he feels up to joining us." Dumbledore said. "Now that that's out of the way I believe it's time for the last matter of the night. The school song, pick your favorite tune and sing along!"
As the rest of the school began to imitate the world's worst choir, my mind—minds?—was occupied by another thought.
"Uncle Moony?!" Wolf, Dragon and I said as one.
