Chapter 5
Something Old, Something New
The rest of the August dwindled away as the hours in the library grew rapidly. The main focus had been determining which of the possible artifacts belonging to Rowena Ravenclaw could possibly be a Horcrux and locating the object. According to the books they recovered from the Chamber of Secrets, Godric Gryffindor had very few magical relics. His sword and the Sorting Hat were clearly the most well known since the amulet he had owned at one time had been destroyed by quarreling descendents. Rowena Ravenclaw, on the other hand, had quite a few magical heirlooms that been dispersed among her descendents. It was believed that Ravenclaw had even placed spells on the artifacts, allowing only those who were worthy to touch them.
That left one to wonder how Voldemort could have gotten his hands on one of them.
Scrimgeour had yet to contact any of them with news on the Death Eater attack at the Ministry which wasn't much of a surprise. Voldemort had a history of going for something obscure that no one would miss for some time. All Harry could do was hope that it wasn't something that would have a drastic affect on the war. He didn't think they would be able to handle any more setbacks. Morale was already at an all-time low with the loss of a leader even though many had turned against Dumbledore not to long ago because he chose not to follow Fudge.
The arrival of September first brought about several changes at Hogwarts. A team of Aurors had arrived to serve as protection along with the new Transfiguration teacher. Scrimgeour had taken Harry's advice to heart and found a middle-aged Auror by the name of Augustus Williamson who had covered the Transfiguration section of Auror training for the past few years. He wasn't as tall as Kingsley and had his long hair pulled back in a long ponytail. To Harry, it seemed that Williamson was either trying to portray a rebellious side or he was desperately trying to hold onto his youth. The man was strict like McGonagall but also had a tendency to try and be humorous with the Aurors, even if none of them seemed to share Williamson's sense of humor.
To help Williamson out, Professor McGonagall would cover the sixth and seventh year Transfiguration classes which was actually a good thing for Harry. McGonagall wouldn't question absences like Williamson would. McGonagall understood that, at the moment, Harry had more important matters on his mind than his Transfiguration homework.
Like the year before, Harry wouldn't be riding on the Hogwarts Express like everything else. The difference this year was that neither were Ron or Hermione. They refused to take a portkey to Platform 9 ¾ just to spend hours coming back to their original location. Harry had to admit they had a point and with the new security measures that would be implemented before the students boarded the train, he couldn't blame Ron and Hermione for wanting to avoid it all.
As Professor McGonagall had warned, all students would be checked for dark artifacts and Voldemort's mark before being allowed to step on the train. Any student found with either or both would immediately be taken into custody and interrogated. All trunks would be thoroughly searched, no matter how embarrassing it was for the students. All parents were aware of this. Some protested that it was an invasion of privacy but Professor McGonagall, the Board of Governors and the Ministry insisted that it was for the safety of the students. If the parents didn't like it, their children could stay at home.
Remarkably, two-thirds of the students were predicted to return and the majority of the non-returnees were Slytherins. Draco Malfoy's imprisonment in Azkaban had certainly proven that no one was above the law. Scrimgeour had been determined from the moment he became Minister to prove that he was nothing like Cornelius Fudge, his predecessor. Scrimgeour didn't care how much money someone or their family had since it seemed that many of the wealthier families were known supporters of Voldemort. Any connection to Voldemort meant a long interrogation and possible imprisonment.
Harry had to admit that Scrimgeour was certainly doing all that he could to live up to his promises. There was still a lot of pressure placed on the Aurors to protect the wizarding world but they weren't the only defense anymore. Scrimgeour had formed a committee in the Ministry to help prepare the public better. Many former members of the D.A. that Scrimgeour had hired were a part of the committee to give a more unbiased point of view. Many in the Ministry still believed that children had no place fighting in a war when there were more experienced 'adults' available. Of course all the 'children' had to do was remind the 'adults' about the Hogsmeade attack and that ended the arguments. That night had been the biggest slap in the face for the Ministry in a long time. Children had accomplished what 'trained adults' had not.
The majority of September first was spent like every other day for Harry, Ron and Hermione. They reviewed their coursework, helped with research, discussed possible steps to take concerning everything they had learned over the past two months, and more research. Harry desperately wanted to venture out to find another Horcrux but Sirius and Remus didn't share his eagerness. They knew Harry was giving into his impatience and frustration but it was hard not to. Two more Horcruxes needed to be destroyed before they could begin to plan attacking Voldemort. There was so much to be done and they were just sitting around, hoping Voldemort didn't catch on to what they were really doing.
Harry was pulled out of his thoughts quickly when Sirius cursed loudly. "We're late!" Sirius exclaimed looking at the clock. "The Sorting Ceremony's already started!" Everyone looked at the clock and saw that Sirius was right. They had completely lost track of time.
Without another thought, Harry, Ron and Hermione put their robes on and rushed out of the Marauder Quarters followed closely by Sirius, Remus and Tonks. They were nearly to the main entrance of the Great Hall when Sirius and Remus broke off from the group and ran to staff entrance. Tonks remained a step behind Harry, her wand already in hand. She was now Harry's official bodyguard, assigned by the Minister of Magic to ensure Harry's safety.
Harry skidded to a halt in front of the large doors with Tonks, Ron and Hermione nearly running into him. Glancing over his shoulder, Harry motioned for them to be quiet before slowly opening one of the doors and slipping into the Great Hall. Everyone else followed suit just in time to see Sirius and Remus enter from behind the High Table, whisper their apologies to Professor McGonagall and sit in the two vacant chairs by Hagrid. Professor Flitwick, the new Deputy Headmaster, was standing in front of the table, waiting as the final first year student put the Sorting Hat on his head and sat down on the stool.
There was a moment of silence before the hat shouted, "Hufflepuff!"
Applause erupted from the Hufflepuff table, giving Harry, Ron and Hermione the opportunity to go to the Gryffindor Table. Waves of nervousness, eagerness and excitement bounced off the walls, making it difficult for Harry to ignore. Surprisingly, there were three open spots by Neville and Ginny leaving Harry to wonder if someone was trying to give him a not so subtle hint. Two can play at that game. With everyone's attention on Professor McGonagall rising to her feet, Harry quickly cut off Ron but sitting beside Neville leaving Ron and Hermione to take the remaining spots to his right.
"A little warning would have been nice," Ron hissed as he sat down beside Harry and Hermione sat down beside Ginny.
"Welcome to Hogwarts first years," Professor McGonagall began loudly, "and to our returning students, welcome back! Since we are all hungry, tuck in!"
A few students cheered (Ron being one of them) as Professor McGonagall sat down and the food appeared out of nowhere on the five long tables. With everyone preoccupied with filling their plates, Harry took the opportunity to glance around the Great Hall. Tonks was stationed along the wall close to the Gryffindor Table in a similar fashion to the other Aurors that were positioned around the room. Each one of them had their wand in hand and was scanning for any sign of trouble. The Slytherin table certainly had the least amount of students but there were enough to fill over half of the table. Harry couldn't help noticing that the majority of the sixth years had returned except for Crabbe, Goyle and Nott. That was surprising.
Gryffindor certainly had the most students returning and most of them were trying to be subtle about looking down the Gryffindor table constantly but failing miserably. Harry felt a slight nudge to his right and turned to see Neville smiling at him. The once pudgy, nervous boy had grown into understanding and tall seventeen-year-old. Waves of curiosity with a slight hint of nervousness poured off of Neville which was a surprise. Neville's nervousness had normally focused on teachers and Slytherins.
"So you know about Ginny, eh?" Neville asked quietly earning a guarded look from Harry. "She was talking to Luna on the train. She really fancies you, Harry, and I mean really."
Harry's glanced over at Ginny, who was talking quietly to Hermione, and sighed. "I figured it out at Bill's wedding," he said. "I'm still trying to figure out a well to tell her I don't feel the same way without losing her as a friend."
Neville cringed. "Good luck with that one," he said bluntly. "Just thought I'd warn you so you weren't caught off guard." Harry nodded his thanks. "Are we going to have the D.A. again this year? A lot of people were asking on the train."
Harry winced. It had been a headache last year when everyone wanted to join the D.A. This year would only be worse with what happened at the end of last year. "I honestly don't think I'll have the time for the D.A. this year, Neville," Harry said as he ran a hand through his hair. "If the Council wants to continue without me…"
"I figured as much," Neville said thoughtfully before taking a bite of his potatoes. "I think everyone knows you're going to be busy with the war and all. They're just hoping that you'll be around enough to make life here interesting."
Harry stared at Neville with a raised eyebrow. "Who are you and what have you done with Neville?" he asked.
Neville smiled and shrugged his shoulders before taking another bite of potatoes. "Shocking, isn't it?" he said good-naturedly. "I'm just saying it like I see it, Harry."
"So Harry," interrupted Dean Thomas from across the table and gaining attention from those around them in the process. "Any news on the warfront? The 'Daily Prophet' hasn't been reporting much since the attack on the Ministry."
"What makes you think I would know anything?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"C'mon Harry," Seamus Finnigan urged loudly with a grin. "Everyone knows you where here over the summer. You must've heard something."
"Why don't you speak a little louder, Seamus," Ron jumped in. "I don't think You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters heard you." Seamus winced slightly and looked at Harry apologetically. "It doesn't matter if Harry knows anything about the war," Ron continued. "He doesn't have to tell us anything."
Seamus glared at Ron before turning his attention to his plate. "I was just curious," he said grudgingly.
Discussions turned to more lighthearted even though Harry's presence had been noticed. Harry didn't miss the stares and giggles that girls around him shot his way since the uncomfortable waves of emotions they were projecting made it impossible. It took every ounce of self control for Harry to refrain from saying something that would surely reveal that he wasn't as oblivious as they all believed him to be.
Time seemed to pass agonizingly slow. After spending so much time with only a few people, Harry had nearly forgotten just how overwhelming teenage emotions could be. He had lost his appetite halfway through dinner and had nearly lost what little he did eat when dessert appeared. When Professor McGonagall finally rose to her feet, Harry nearly let out a sigh of relief. He could hardly wait to get away from it all.
The talk and whispers quickly died as everything turned their attention to the High Table. "Now that we are all fed," Professor McGonagall began, "there are a few start of term notices. First off, as you all may have noticed, there are several Aurors here tonight and they will remain at Hogwarts throughout the year for your safety. Do not pester them unless you are in need of their assistance. Secondly, there will be tighter restrictions and penalties for unauthorized magic use. Detailed rules have been posted on the notice boards in each Common Room. Also, Mr. Filch has asked me to remind all of you that there is still a blanket ban on all joke items from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."
There were a few moans and groans causing a few scattered laughs.
"It is also my duty," Professor McGonagall continued, "to inform all of you that Quidditch and Hogsmeade visits have been suspended." As expected, cries of outrage and disbelief filled the Hall. Professor McGonagall raised her hands to silence the protests which died almost instantly. "The wizarding world is currently at war. Death Eaters attacked Hogsmeade and nearly attacked Hogwarts only months ago. This has been decided for your safety."
A few whispers could be heard but no one else loudly protested anymore. Everyone seemed to understand that creating a fuss wouldn't change anything. There would be no Quidditch or Hogsmeade visits until Voldemort was no longer a threat. End of story.
"On a lighter note, we would like to welcome two new members of staff this year," Professor McGonagall said before gesturing to Kingsley. "Professor Shacklebolt has agreed to take on the Defense Against the Dark Arts post and Professor Williamson—" she motioned to Williamson "—has agreed to help teaching the majority of the Transfiguration classes during this transition period. Both are trained Aurors and are given the same rights as the rest of the Aurors stationed at Hogwarts. They do not have a sense of humor concerning pranks or any sort of false alarm that endangers the safety of Hogwarts. We are lucky that the Minister of Magic and the Governors have allowed us to remain open. Abusing such a gift will result in expulsion from Hogwarts. You have been warned."
The silence in the hall was deafening. Professor McGonagall had made it clear that she would be as strict as Headmistress as she had been while Deputy Headmistress. She was not warm and welcoming as Professor Dumbledore had been. Harry knew she couldn't afford to be with the present climate but he could tell he wasn't the only one who missed 'Grandfather Professor Dumbledore'.
"As I'm sure you've noticed by their late arrival," McGonagall added as she cast a glance to Sirius and Remus, "Sirius Black and Remus Lupin will both be here when their schedules allow to help with security and provide a hand to those who need them. Please treat them as you would any other staff member." Applause and cheers erupted from the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. Professor McGonagall waited patiently for everyone to calm down before continuing. "If anyone has any questions or concerns, please seek out a member of the staff, Head Boy or Head Girl. Now, I believe we have beds waiting for us. The Aurors will begin patrolling in half an hour which should be plenty of time for everyone to make it to their Common Rooms. Good night."
Conversations broke out as benches moved back and students began to file out of the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione were instantly at Harry's side followed by Tonks. Students who had moved towards Harry to try and talk to him suddenly halted at the sight of an armed Auror and settled on whispering loudly to each other. Harry let out an irritated sigh and continued on his way towards the Gryffindor Tower. I really should have expected this. It's been like this for the past six years. Why did I think it would be any different?
"It wasn't much of a surprise, was it?" Hermione asked thoughtfully. "Enough people get hurt in a war without adding Quidditch to it."
"Women," Ron growled angrily. "Don't understand anything."
"What was that, Ron?" Hermione asked casually although there was no doubt that she had heard exactly what Ron had said.
"Nothing," Ron muttered grudgingly earning a satisfied smirk from Hermione.
Harry smiled. It was strange that something as insignificant as Ron and Hermione bickering could be so refreshing. It just proved to show that no matter how many things had changed, some things never would. Ron and Hermione would always be Ron and Hermione no matter how old they got. They would always find something to fight about no matter how silly it was.
It didn't take long for the student population at Hogwarts to figure out who the Head Boy was. Jealousy poured off of the male students while the female students seemed to the have an overabundance of the emotions that made Harry feel extremely uncomfortable. Stares and whispers followed him wherever he went but no one dared to approach while Tonks was shadowing him. Everyone seemed to think that having a personal bodyguard meant that you were unapproachable.
Tonks wasn't much help since she thought that the entire situation was hilarious. The female population of Hogwarts was practically throwing themselves at Harry's feet and Harry wanted to hide from it all, something that not many seventeen-year-old boys would do. Tonks couldn't help acting like the 'proud aunt', which made several students stare at her nervously. Harry had no doubt that there were quite a few students that believed Tonks was out of her mind.
Ron and Hermione, however, were on Harry's side. They understood that even though the situation may be funny, Harry had enough on his plate without adding the attention of star struck girls. Ron made no effort to be discrete when he started voicing his opinion extremely loudly on how messed up people's priorities were and how rude people could be. Hermione, on the other hand, said nothing but had her wand in hand with a calculating look on her face that made her look a little frightening.
Harry didn't think he had ever been so grateful to have Transfiguration for his first class of the day. Professor McGonagall was as strict as ever which made it extremely difficult for everyone to focus on anything other than coursework. After that, Harry quickly fell into the same routine he followed during the summer. He would throw himself completely into the topic covered until the class was over and then move onto the next. Potions followed Transfiguration which Harry was pulled out of half way through class for a meeting with one of Scrimgeour's representatives to inform Harry of the latest Voldemort rumor.
Apparently, Voldemort was looking for a werewolf to replace Fenrir Greyback in his inner circle, someone who would be just a vicious towards those who didn't follow Voldemort as Greyback had been. It wasn't surprising but it did serve as a reminder that the war was indeed progressing and Voldemort was once again trying to instill fear in the wizarding world.
Harry couldn't block the dread that rose in him with the revelation. The last thing they needed was the wizarding world to fear and persecute every werewolf because of the terror a few created. Remus could be persecuted. That frightened Harry more than he cared to admit. He didn't want to think of what an angry mob would do to one of the most well-known werewolves in the wizarding world.
It was extremely difficult to think about anything other than Voldemort after that revelation. It only proved that the sooner the war was over, the better it was for everyone. Werewolves were only the beginning. Voldemort would continue signaling out more magical creatures knowing that the wizarding world's fear would provide all of the incentive needed. They would join Voldemort for 'protection', leaving the witches and wizards one more enemy to conquer.
Why was it that no one else saw it?
Jumping into Horcrux research was extremely easy that evening for Harry. The sooner they found and destroyed the remaining two hidden Horcruxes, the sooner they could plan the attack on Voldemort and end his reign of fear. School and N.E.W.T.s seemed even less important than before. What was he doing here trying to have a somewhat normal life when there was nothing but madness outside the castle walls?
"Harry?" Remus asked quietly as he sat down beside Harry and rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, is everything all right?"
Ron, Hermione and Sirius stopped paging through their books and glanced up curiously. Harry let out a frustrated sigh as he tried to concentrate on the page he had been trying to read for the past ten minutes. "Everything's fine," he said trying to sound sincere.
Sirius let out a snort. "That's a lie," he muttered earning a glare from Harry. "Come on, Harry. I'm just as upset as you are. We both know what this new information means for Remus—"
"—I think you're making quite a few assumptions, Sirius," Remus interrupted although no one missed how tense he became. "All we know is that Voldemort is searching for a replacement to Greyback. The Ministry hasn't announced any actions being taken against werewolves—"
"—yet," Sirius added angrily, "but you know it will. Harry and I are just looking out for you, Moony. If the Ministry wants to set an example they may try to use the most well known werewolf—"
"—who has openly stood against his own kind to help with the war?" Remus asked incredulously. "That makes no sense. Scrimgeour would be better off openly declaring war against the werewolves—which he won't do. My position in the wizarding world gives other werewolves hope that their lives don't end with the bite. I would be concerned about Scrimgeour insisting I become the Ministry's liaison if anything. Who better to convince the werewolves not to join Voldemort than one that has been publicly accepted in the wizarding world?"
"Fear is a powerful motivator, Remus," Harry said quietly. Although Remus' theory made sense, Harry couldn't help fearing for the worst and knew that Sirius felt the same way. "You know how Scrimgeour was last year. He was more worried about public opinion than doing what was right."
"Harry does have a point," Ron added with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Remus let out an annoyed sigh. "That was before he had formed a truce with the-boy-who-lived," he said as patiently as he could.
"I agree with Remus," Hermione said thoughtfully. "Scrimgeour needs you, Harry. He knows that you're doing something to help that no one else can. To alienate you by targeting Remus could very well cost him the war. Remus has credibility because he is your guardian and because he was one of the few adults that helped the night Hogsmeade was attacked."
"That's a very rational defense, Hermione," Sirius said dryly, "The problem is that not everyone is rational during a war. Scrimgeour may be hesitant to do anything to Remus but all it takes is one person to complain about a werewolf being near their children." Sirius turned his gaze to Remus. "Don't you dare try to push this off as me being too overprotective, Moony. You know I'm right. Harry and I have every right to worry about this."
Remus ran a hand over his face, waves of frustration poured off of him along with a hint of fear. "It's pointless to worry about what may or may not happen," he said firmly. "Harry, Ron and Hermione already have enough to worry about. Let's just concentrate on the matter at hand. Whatever tomorrow brings, we'll deal with it then."
Not another word was said until Tonks arrived to take Harry, Ron and Hermione back to the Gryffindor Tower. Remus did have a point. Whatever Srimgeour and the Ministry did would happen no matter how much worrying they did. It just seemed so hard not to worry when the inevitable decision concerned family. Harry didn't have to think about where his priorities were. If Remus threatened, he would walk away from everything to protect a member of his family.
That's probably what Remus is afraid of.
A/N: I'm back. I actually got a little writing done on my vacation but not as much as I had hoped. Unknown Relations will be updated next as soon as I possibly can. I come from a family that usually needs a vacation to recover from the vacation so we shall see how it all works out.