"C'mon!" Ginny raced through the station, dodging people. "We're going to miss it!"
"Oh, leave it, Gin," Ron puffed. "We'll just go back and take Dad's car."
"Don't think I'm going to let that happen again," Ginny argued. "I remember how angry Mum was at you. You may be a git sometimes, but I like having my brother alive."
"Thought you said Mum wouldn't commit murder?" teased Ron, and Ginny stuck her tongue out at him.
"Almost there," Harry panted, pointing up at the plastic sign that indicated that they were on platform eight.
"So do we have to run?" Ron protested.
Ginny grinned. "Full speed ahead to nine and three-quarters!" She launched into overdrive, and Ron groaned.
"Excuse me!" called a small voice from behind them, and Harry turned to see a small, dark-haired girl running after them. She had a cart in tow, with an owl in a cage resting on top that looked like it might topple off at any moment. "Excuse me, did you say nine and three-quarters?"
Harry smiled down at her. "First time at Hogwarts?" he said kindly.
She nodded, her eyes bright and anxious. "I'm afraid I'm going to be late, and I can't find the platform--"
"Well, come on with us. Here, let me take your owl... poor thing's going to fall off your cart there--" Harry lifted the cage off the girl's cart, and they started running again.
"I'm Melody," she said breathlessly. "Melody Salpeter."
"Well, Melody," Harry replied, as they came to a stop, "you just watch Hermione here, okay? See how she does it."
Hermione smiled down at the girl before she took off running at the barrier and disappeared.
"Whoa," Melody gasped, her eyes wide. "That's amazing."
"Would you like to try now?" Harry asked.
She shook her head.
"I'll go," Ron offered, and pushed his cart through the wall.
"C'mon now," Harry said. "Give it a go." He remembered Mrs. Weasley's words of wisdom. "It's best to do it at a bit of a run."
Melody took a deep breath, gripped her cart, and took off toward the barrier. A moment later, she'd vanished.
"You go," Ginny said. "She'll be wanting her owl."
Harry smiled and ran ahead. "Here you are," he said, setting Melody's owl on top of her cart.
"That was wicked," she appraised, beaming up at him. "Thanks."
"No problem," he said, as Ginny came rushing through.
The whistle blew then, and they hurried onto the train. "Bet there's not going to be a single compartment free," Hermione said.
No sooner than she had opened her mouth, a door slid open. "Hermione! Harry! C'mon, sit with us!"
"Hi, Neville," Hermione returned. "Hi, Luna."
Neville bent forward as they settled into their seats. "You won't believe it," he said gravely. "There are so many people not coming back this year."
"The Patil twins?" guessed Hermione.
"No," Neville said, his eyes downcast. "They're back. Their-- well, their parents were killed. They're living with their aunt now, and she thought this would be the safest place for them to go."
Hermione covered her mouth. "Oh, no."
"But the Creevey brothers aren't coming back," he continued, "and Malfoy obviously isn't coming back..."
"Seamus?" Harry wondered.
Neville grinned. "I hear he fought with his mum for weeks, but he's here."
Harry smiled. "I'm glad."
"Me too. Dean's back, too, so nothing will have changed there. But as for creepy Slytherins, guess who else is gone?"
Harry shrugged. "Who?"
"Goyle," Neville said dramatically. "Rumor has it that he's moving on to the Death Eaters, just like his old pal Malfoy."
"Git," spat Harry.
"I think you mean 'gits,'" Luna said suddenly, "in the plural sense."
Ron erupted in laughter.
"Ron," Hermione interjected, "oughtn't we get to the prefects' carriage?"
"Oh, right!" He jumped to his feet. "I completely forgot."
"What do they need you for?" Harry grinned. "They just need to get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl..." He broke off as a slow smile spread across Hermione's face.
"You two?"
Hermione nodded. "We weren't going to say anything," she said, "because we were coming with you-- but seeing as we're going back to Hogwarts, at least for a little while, well... we may as well get on with our duties, right?"
"I shouldn't have expected any different. Of course you were going to be Head Girl, Hermione." He laughed. "Go on."
She grinned and led Ron out of the compartment.
Harry shook his head, watching his friends go. "Did you know?" he asked, turning round to face Ginny.
"Yup," she said. "You should've seen Mum when the owl came."
Harry chuckled. "I bet."
"School owls," Luna put in, "should not be used this year." When no one interrupted her, she kept going. "They are all unregistered Animagi, you know, Death Eaters installed by You-Know-Who to read the students' mail and eat their pound cakes."
"Right," Harry said with a perfectly straight face. "Thanks, Luna."
She nodded and went back to staring out the window.
"I wonder," Neville said, pulling the cord on a Chocolate Frog, "who the new teachers are going to be this year." He handed his card to Harry, who checked to see what famous witch was on the back-- it was Sairish Isra, "noted alchemist of the early seventeenth century." He pocketed it.
"Oh," Ginny said brightly, "do you remember Tonks at all? Younger witch, pink hair? She's a Metamorphmagus... anyway, she's teaching Transfiguration."
"And there's an Auror coming to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry added. "Eva Wingfield."
"I've heard of her somewhere before," Neville mused.
"Hermione says that Lupin mentioned her in our third year Defense Against the Dark Arts class," Harry replied.
Neville laughed. "And you think I'd remember something like that?"
After a long train ride, during which Snape and Malfoy were thoroughly abused and they had all discussed the best ways in which to torture the pair of them, the Hogwarts Express came to a halt.
Harry followed Neville into the rain, taking a big breath of the damp night air. "Firs' years over here!" came the familiar call, and he turned to see a gaggle of kids pressed around Hagrid, shivering in the rain. He recognized Melody among them, her eyes wide, clutching a cloak around her, and wished he could tell her that though Hagrid looked like a fierce half-giant, he was really just a huge teddy bear.
"C'mon," Luna called, climbing into one of the great thestral-drawn carriages.
"I don't think I like it," Ginny declared, as Harry helped her in.
"What?" He sat down next to her.
She nodded at the creatures. "Being able to see them."
"I," Luna professed, "think they look peaceful."
Ginny shuddered. "They're creepy." She edged closer to Harry, and he put a protective arm around her.
Harry gazed up at the outline of Hogwarts, glittering like a mosaic of fireflies against the night sky. He knew what awaited him inside-- the Great Hall with its roaring fire, tables full of puddings and delicious dishes, and the only room he'd ever thought of as home. And a lot of empty seats, he realized suddenly, dodging raindrops as he made his way into the castle.
"Guess who else isn't coming back?" Hermione said sadly as she slid into place at the Gryffindor table across from Harry and Ginny.
"Who?" asked Ginny.
"Romilda Vane," replied Hermione.
"What happened to her?"
"She died," Hermione said quietly, absentmindedly playing with a knothole in the table. "She and her little brother and her dad-- all murdered."
Harry let out a breath. "She was a right piece of work," he declared, remembering the love potion, "but I'd never have wished that upon her."
Hermione pursed her lips. "Are they doing the Sorting backwards?"
"What?" Ron turned. Sure enough, they had started off with Blaise Zabini's little sister Allyn, who looked nothing like her brother with piercing green eyes and a mane of long, shocking red hair. Within seconds, she had taken her place at the Slytherin table.
"Maybe," Ginny suggested with a sad smile, "It's McGonagall's way of trying to keep Professor Dumbledore's spirit alive."
"Look," Hermione said, pointing. "It's the girl from the train station."
They all watched Melody climb up onto the stool. "Very tough," the Sorting Hat growled softly. "Courage I see here, lots of courage... but also a very sharp mind. Well then... better be... Ravenclaw!"
The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers as Melody took her seat.
Ginny shrugged. "Least she won't be getting anything in green."
Her brother chuckled. "Blimey," he said, "this is a small group."
"Loads of kids are probably being kept home because their parents don't think this place is safe anymore," Harry pointed out, as "Hauser, Max," a tall, black-haired boy, headed to the Slytherin table. "Just because Dumbledore's gone..." He felt suddenly defensive of Professor McGonagall, who congratulated "Franco, Gisela," a pale blonde girl with light blue eyes, as she became a Slytherin. "She's no Dumbledore, but she's not going to let this school fall to the dogs."
Hermione stoutly agreed. "She's a master of discipline, and very smart and organized."
Ron snorted.
"What?"
"Sorry, but you sounded just a smidge like Percy there."
She flicked him on the arm, and the foursome watched the rest of the Sorting Ceremony in silence, all the way through "Andrabi, Huda," who became a Gryffindor.
The chatter in the Great Hall died down as Professor McGonagall came to the podium, which was already dripping with candlewax.
"Good evening," she intoned, looking out through her tiny glasses at the sea of students blinking back at her. "Welcome back to Hogwarts. I have a few start-of-term notices-- first, I would like to welcome our two newest staff members. Here to take the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Head of Gryffindor House is Professor Wingfield; taking over my Transfiguration post will be Professor Tonks. Also, taking over responsibilities as Head of Slytherin house this year will be our Potions master, Professor Slughorn."
The Great Hall broke out into a round of applause.
Ginny giggled. "Professor Tonks."
"I can't see myself calling her that," Harry admitted, while Ron shook his head in agreement.
"Second, as always, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students. Third, tryouts for the House Quidditch teams will be taking place soon-- any interested individuals should talk to their Heads of House. And finally, Mr. Filch, our caretaker, would like me to remind all students that there is a ban on all products bought at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." She sighed. "You know, I sat in my office for hours before you all arrived this evening, wondering what I would say to you when this time arrived. I wondered-- what could I possibly say to you at a time like this? And I realized-- you are so used to the words of Professor Dumbledore at the start of each term, his wise words and idiosyncratic eccentricities-- I think some of you might yet remember his idea of 'a few words--' that anything I had to say here would be unfit for this hall, for this time." She paused, drawing in a shaky breath. "I miss him terribly," she went on, "as I know you all do-- and he misses us." She smiled, trying desperately to suppress tears. "And fortunately for me, someone came to tell you that tonight." Without another word, she turned and went back to her seat.
A low murmur ran through the students in the Hall, which was quickly silenced as a clear, colorful song echoed off the walls and filled the entire space.
"It's Fawkes," Ginny realized, "isn't it?"
Harry watched, wide-eyed, as the bird swooped down and alighted gracefully on the podium, singing in a strong voice. The dulcet tones of the song told of loss, of faith and hope, and of strength, all at once. Hermione dabbed a tear from her eye.
The first-years, who had never heard phoenix song before, whispered excitedly amongst themselves.
"It's a real live phoenix!" Gisela hissed to the Zabini girl.
She sniffed rather haughtily. "He matches my hair," was all she said.
Slowly, the glorious melody died down, and Fawkes stood silently upon the podium, scanning the students. With a flick of his wings, he soared through the air and landed on the Gryffindor table, his talons clicking softly on the wood. Upon landing, he made a small bow to Harry, who couldn't move for shock, and took to flight again, disappearing from the room. Several of the students stared, astonished.
Uncomfortable, Harry shifted in his seat, wishing they would all look away.
"That's Harry Potter," said a first-year Ravenclaw knowingly, and Melody dropped her fork.
"I met him," she replied, "at the train station..."
The other Ravenclaw shook his head. "Yeah, right," he said, putting his napkin in his lap.
Professor McGonagall clapped her hands then, and food appeared on the table in front of them.
Ron began to heap his plate with lamb chops and roast chicken, when he noticed Harry hadn't touched a thing. "Going to eat, then?" He raised an eyebrow.
He stabbed a potato with his fork. "Yeah."
"Hello!" came a jovial voice from the end of the table, and Nearly Headless Nick emerged from a dish of cranberry sauce. Several first-years shrieked.
"Aw, Nick," Ginny groaned, "that's just plain tasteless."
Nick looked down and stifled a laugh. "Sorry," he said airily to the first-years, who were still mostly frozen mid-bite.
"How was your summer?" Hermione asked politely.
"Well, my annual request to join the Headless Hunt..."
"Denied?" guessed Ron.
But Nick grinned. "Granted."
"Congratulations!" Harry choked out. "How did--"
"New times, new rules," said Nick, who had obviously been bursting with this news. "The first ride was just last night. It was splendid!"
"Where did you go?" Ginny wanted to know.
Nick stuck his nose in the air. "I can't tell you that!" he exclaimed, appalled. "You're not a member of the Headless Hunt."
"Well, I--"
He flew down and wedged himself between Ginny and Harry. "It was exhilarating!" he puffed, and Harry fancied that his cheeks would have been glowing if he were alive. "We rode through Staplecross, and Newenden, and Little Hangleton, where we met this poor, ragged woman floating around in the trees by a huge old mansion..."
"Sounds like loads of fun," Ron lied, helping himself to more potatoes.
Nick looked affronted. "Well, if that's how you feel about it..." And with a tilt of his head, he glided away.
"Well done," Ginny said sarcastically, turning back to her food.
Hermione just smiled.
"Hey, Harry," Seamus called, as the boys unpacked their trunks. "Look what I got on the train today!" He tossed him a card.
"You've got to be kidding," Harry groaned. "They've put Rufus Scrimgeour on the Chocolate Frog cards?"
Ron grabbed it out of his fingers. "This is good kindling, this is."
Seamus grinned. "That's what I figured."
"I won't even save him to collect the set," Harry declared. "But I'm one closer, myself." He showed Seamus the card Neville had given him.
Seamus let out a low whistle. "Nice. That's a rare one."
"Sairish Isra?" Ron gasped, peering over Seamus' shoulder. "Wicked. I'd give anything to have her."
"Ahem," came a withered-sounding cough, and Harry turned to see Professor McGonagall holding Fawkes' perch. "I wonder if I might interrupt?"
Seamus, Dean, and Neville quickly made themselves scarce, while Ron simply sat down on the edge of his bed and stared as Professor McGonagall sat the perch next to Hedwig's cage.
"Professor Dumbledore," she began, "all-seeing as he was, has left some things for you."
Harry gaped at her. "How did--"
"A few weeks before-- before he died," she said, settling herself into a sitting position on the edge of Harry's bed, "he was acting rather strangely. Like-- well, like a man who felt death upon him."
"So he knew?" Harry asked, unable to stop himself.
"Albus knew a great deal," she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "I always wondered just how to classify him. He wasn't a Seer-- even if he had the true gift, I wouldn't put him with Sybill Trelawney. He had a different magic about him altogether-- always one step ahead of everyone else." She smiled fondly.
"I don't understand, Professor. If he knew that Malfoy wanted to kill him-- and I told him that Malfoy was up to something, of course he would have found out-- why didn't he do something to protect himself?"
"He always had the best interests of others at heart," Professor McGonagall replied sadly. "I guess you could say that kindness was his biggest weakness."
Harry leaned up against the wall. "He knew." Involuntarily, his fists clenched.
"Don't be angry, Potter," Professor McGonagall said softly. "If there's one thing I'm sure he would tell you, it would be to leave your anger." She paused. "It's your wits you've got to use now. And his."
He turned, surprised.
"He's left you his Pensieve," she told him, rising. "And this." She handed him a letter, sealed with the Hogwarts crest.
"And Fawkes?" Harry nodded toward the phoenix, who had flown in through the window and was now preening on his perch.
Professor McGonagall smiled. "He came of his own free will." With that, she turned and left.
"Bloody hell," Ron said. "I wonder what all that meant?"
Harry shrugged and sat down, the letter in his hands. He carefully tore it open.
Harry--
In just a few short hours, I hope to embark upon what will surely be one of the biggest challenges I have faced; a journey to find, and destroy, one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. Of course, you will know all about that, as I hope to bring you with me.
However, I fear that soon I will be leaving on one of life's greatest adventures-- which, of course, is death. And in that case, it will fall to you to find and destroy the rest of the Horcruxes.
I am leaving you my Pensieve-- and all the contents of my office-- in the hope that you will be able to complete what I have begun. I know that you must be filled with hate, and shock at the treachery that has taken place, but I would counsel you to remember that you have power the Dark Lord does not. You know how to love, Harry, and I know that may seem inconsequential at times-- but believe me, it is of the utmost importance. Be aware of your feelings. And don't turn away from those who can provide you with comfort.
Fawkes, I am quite sure, will find it in his heart to come to you in the long run. You were loyal to me, Harry, like no other, and he will be loyal to you.
I shall miss you greatly. Good luck.
Warmly,
Albus Dumbledore
Tears prickling in his eyes, Harry slipped the letter back into the envelope.
Curiosity was killing Ron. "What'd it say?"
"I'm going to find that bloody house-elf tomorrow morning," is all Harry would say; and without another word to Ron, he slipped the letter under his pillow, pulled his comforter over his head, and fell asleep.