DISCLAIMER: That part of this world and those characters you've seen before belong to their Creator: JKR. The rest is mine - although I cannot quit my day job as I make no $$$
A/N: And yet another chapter! (For those who wonder why telling Muggle Borns about the Club is not a problem, that's the next Chapter…)
CHAPTER SIX: THE SORTING
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 1991 – HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, SCOTLAND, U.K.
Sally-Anne Perks, who until a few weeks ago had never known that magic was real, was not the only one getting an education on the train. Harry and Hermione were as well. One might think it was an education in kissing, which they were doing when they thought no one was looking. The reality was they were learning just what "hiding in the open" had meant last year. Last year, the Club consisted almost exclusively of First through Fourth Years. Dora Tonks was the lone exception. The First Years (this year's Second Years) included only about three who had been to Japan. About a third of those years were in the Club, although it varied by House. A quarter of the First through Fourth Year Slytherins were in the Club. Over two thirds of the same years' Gryffindors were in the Club with Ravenclaw and Huffelpuff somewhere in between.
For the most part, the non-Club members took little or no notice of the Club and few asked questions. Aside from Slytherin, most who did not join felt the Club was going to take too much time away from other things. Slytherins, however, hated the Club. Then again, they seemed to hate anything and anyone not in or about Slytherin. That House was now effectively divided into two camps. The Club Slytherins were in one and the rest of their House in the other.
But, as Harry saw at Camp W, in Japan and most recently on the train, House did not matter. The Club seemed to be more important to its members than that, and that attitude included the Slytherin Situation. If a non-Club Slytherin had a go at any Club member, they had the whole Club ready to come after them. The non-Club Slytherins soon learned that the only thing more likely to earn them a lengthy time in the Hospital wing than bullying a Club Member was bullying a Slytherin Club Member. In either case, the Weasley boys made an example out of them no one wanted to emulate, but picking on Slytherin Club members earned even nastier retaliation. It seems Olivia was being quite serious about placing the Slytherin loos under the Fidelius Charm (provided Club Slytherins knew the secret.)
What shocked Hermione was the somewhat cavalier attitude the more senior Club members had about their Hogwarts school work. The ones who had been to Japan tended to skive off lessons and do the least amount of work possible on their homework. Yet, they all had done well enough on exams so as to not arouse undue suspicion. What these students did with their time was work on what they had learned in Japan and try and expand on that learning, which was something their classes could not offer and attending classes was a nuisance in their mind. They only did it because not doing so at all might expose the Club and end their "proper" education. The truth was, they were so far ahead of their years that it was not fair to those who did not have their opportunity for them to do their best.
"It would give us more time to work on other things we need to do," Harry suggested. Hermione agreed, but the concept was against her nature.
Harry's feet had barely touched the platform at Hogsmeade station when he heard a booming voice calling out "Firs' Years this way!" He looked at a giant of a man approaching with a equally large beard that defined the word wild. Had Harry not known better, he might have been frightened of the large man.
"That must be Hagrid," Hermione said as she took his hand beside him.
"Kinda hard to miss," Harry nodded. "Should we say anything?"
"If we do we'll have to mention Clarice," Hermione began.
"What about me?" Clarice asked with Neville and Sally-Anne by her side.
"Just think we should wait until after sorting to give our regards to Hagrid," Hermione said. "He might remember, you know."
"Right in one," Clarice agreed.
"Remember what?" Sally-Anne asked.
"Later," Clarice said and the girl nodded not quite understanding. It was not long before all the First Years were assembled, after all the man's voice was louder than normal and he was far bigger than normal.
"Right, this way t' the boats," he said after quite obviously counting heads and what looked like his fingers. He led them off on a path through a wood until they soon found themselves on the bank of what had to be a large lake. It was pitch dark out and aside from Hagrid's lantern, the only other lights were on poles at the center of several small boats.
"Four to a boat," Hagrid said. "An' no more 'en four,' he added with emphasis. "Don' want none er you swimmin' with th' giant squid t'night."
Harry, Hermione, Luna and Dean Thomas piled into one of the boats and Harry saw that Clarice, Neville, Sally-Anne and another kid were in the boat next to them. At some point Hagrid seemed to determine that the boats were ready and suggested they hang on and the little flotilla was soon gliding across still waters towards some as yet unseen shore.
The boats seemed to glide past some unseen point of land and before them rose a cliff atop which, lit by countless points of light, stood a towering castle the likes of which Harry had never seen. It was like something out of a fairy tale and made Windsor Castle and the Tower of London look like shacks in comparison. Despite everything he had read or heard and his years of magical education, the first sight of Hogwarts Castle left him speechless.
The boats soon passed into a cavern beneath the castle and came along a quay where they came to a halt and the students disembarked. They followed Hagrid up a flight of stairs and through a set of doors into a grand entry that reminded Harry a little of Westminster Abbey. Hagrid then led them to another, and thankfully much shorter flight of stairs.
The group of new first years climbed a set of stairs as indicated by the giant of a man who had escorted them across the back lake to the Castle. Awaiting them at the top was a tall witch dressed in deep green robes that appeared to have been made from some form of crushed velvet and that shimmered in the torch light which illuminated the hall. She wore square shaped eyeglasses and a severe expression and seemed to black the way forward. The group of students came to a halt. Half of whom had little or no idea who this woman was. Harry and the others knew full well. It was McGonagall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began. "I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and head of Gryffindor House. The welcoming feast is about to start, but first you must be sorted into your houses. They are: Gryffindor, Hufflelpuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. While you are at this school, your houses will be like your homes. You will sleep in your House dormitories, eat at your House tables and attend classes with your house mates. Your triumphs will earn your House points. Any rule breaking will cost your House points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup which is a great honor. Please remain here and I will come and collect you when we are ready." With that, McGonagall left them and headed through a huge set of wooden double doors which closed behind her.
No sooner than the door had closed and Harry was standing face to face with a almost dwarf sized version of the man he had hexed at the station that morning. The boy was shorter than him by at least an inch, but held himself up with a bearing that screamed arrogance.
"It's true then," the boy announced as he was joined by two larger boys that could be best described as goons. One was a little taller than Harry, the other was shorter but both had obviously been allowed too much unsupervised access to cookie jars and sweet shops. "Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." Harry decided to look around as if he had no idea what the arrogant boy was on about.
"This is Crabbe and Goyle," the annoying boy continued obviously indicating the lumps on either side of him. "And I am Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
Harry did his best not to laugh … yet. Unfortunately, others were not as in control of their bemusement. The boy looked at them with either disdain or disgust, Harry decided more likely the latter.
"You will find, Potter, that some wizarding families are better than others. I can help you there." Draco extended his hand.
"As a shining example of the others?" Harry quipped. "Sorry. I don't do Death Eaters." Draco flushed red when most of the students laughed at him. "Gonna be a fall down drunk like Daddy when you grow up?"
"What?" Draco asked indignantly and in surprise.
"All over the train how he passed out drunk at the station," Harry said. "Bet you're real proud of him."
"He was hexed!" Draco said.
"Funny. No one else is saying that one."
Draco looked like he might start something, not that Harry was worried. Although he did not want to cause any trouble that would bring unnecessary attention to himself or his friends, he figured Draco and his stooges would be lucky to last two seconds, and that was without Harry resorting to magic. Fortunately, a clearing of a throat from behind defused the situation.
"We are ready," McGonagall said, glaring at Draco as he made his way back into the pack of students.
The students entered the Great Hall of Hogwarts and could see they were walking down an aisle between two sets of long tables, two on either side. The older students were already seated and eyeing the new students with at least some interest. Harry heard Hermione commenting to one of the Muggle Raised children that the ceiling was enchanted to look like it was not there and he looked up and saw that the arches seemed to disappear into the night sky. At the far end of the huge wall was a raised floor upon which was another long table with a row of adults seated and waiting. It was obviously the faculty. Harry wondered who was who and especially which one was Quirrell. The only ones he recognized were Professors Sprout and Flitwick as they were affiliated with the Club, although he was certain the old man with the long white beard and odd looking robes had to be Dumbledore.
When they reached the front of the Hall between the students and faculty tables they stopped. McGonagall placed a tall wooden stool just in front of the faculty table and an old, battered, wide brimmed hat upon it. The hat was tall and pointed and looked like it had seen better days about a million years ago or so, Harry thought. No sooner than McGonagall had let go of the hat and it seemed to tear in two and then began to … sing?
Harry really did not pay attention to the song. He got the gist of it. The Hat was made by the Founders to sort the students picking the ones the Founders would have chosen for their Houses in its stead. Gryffindor sought the brave, Ravenclaw the studious and Slytherin the cunning with the leftovers going to Huffelpuff, it seemed. Harry felt that was more than a little condescending, but he was not here to critique either the music which was odd if not off key or the lyrics. Fortunately, the Hat kept it short and seemed to repair itself once it deemed itself finished.
As it sang, Harry remembered the conversation he had with his friends about the Sorting. They all agreed that until the events played out, the timeline had to be preserved as much as possible. That meant that Harry, Hermione and Neville had to be Gryffindors just as they had been in Sensei's time. The question marks were Luna and Clarice as neither were part of this story yet, and the other Clarice never was. They also decided that if possible the group should be kept together. Sensei had told them the Hat had desperately wanted to sort that other Harry into Slytherin, but abided by that Harry's wish to be sorted elsewhere. Perhaps it could be told where to place people if they desired? There was only one way to find out.
"Now," McGonagall said, "when I call your name you will come up here and take a seat upon this stool. I will then place the Sorting Hat upon your head and you'll be sorted into your Houses."
"I'm gonna kill my brothers," Harry heard Ron say. "Not that I was worried, but they said they had to wrestle a troll."
"Abbott, Hannah!" McGonagall called out.
Harry watched as Hannah Abbott walked up to the stool. The blonde haired girl was a member of the Club and had already completed her first summer in Japan passing her O.W.L.s. Part of Harry was nervous for this was the first time a Watanabe student had faced the Sorting Hat of Hogwarts. He wondered whether the hat would announce the truth about her and by extension the rest of them. Hannah sat upon the stool and the hat was lowered upon her head. It seemed to take forever before anything happened.
"Huffelpuff!" the Hat announced finally. Harry could see he was not the only one who sighed in relief. Hannah jumped off the stool and instead of heading directly over to her new table, she headed to the crowd of waiting first years and received quiet congratulations from other Club members before finally heading to her table. Fortunately, McGonagall said nothing. As soon as Hannah headed off to find a seat, McGonagall continued.
The question in Harry's mind now was what would happen when the Hat was placed upon Susan's head. She had already spent three summers in Japan, after all. She was already years beyond what Hogwarts could offer and arguably could teach any of the classes she would now be taking. She was, after all, well beyond her N.E.W.T.s having earned Masteries in Defense and Charms and was currently working towards a six year Mastery in Wand Making. Again, the Hat seemed to take forever before sending Susan off to join Hannah at the Huffelpuff table. Hermione would be the next test, Harry thought.
By the time Hermione's name was called, Huffelpuff had also gained the Muggle Born Justin Finch-Fletchley and a boy named Wayne Hopkins. Club members Lavender Brown and Seamus Finnegan were the first Gryffindors. Ravenclaw had received Club members Terry Boot and Mandy Brocklehurst, Muggle Borns Michael Corner and Anthony Goldstein and two other boys named Steven Cornfoot and Kevin Entwhistle whom Harry learned were Purebloods of supremacist families. Slytherin had received Club Members Millicent Bulstrode and Tracy Davis. Ron had told Millie after she was sorted that he was still her best friend which earned a smile from the clearly disappointed girl. They were joined by two Death Eater sons: Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, both of whom looked even dumber than their reputations.
"Granger, Hermione," McGonagall called out and Harry could swear the woman almost smiled as his girlfriend walked up to be sorted.
Hermione sat upon the stool as the Hat was placed upon her head.
"Aha!" a voice called out in her head, "I see I have one of those who have made this year's sorting so … interesting. How very Slytherin convincing so many to forego a Hogwarts education…"
"Gryffindor," Hermione thought back. "Slytherins would never think of that. For themselves, maybe. For others? Some would. Most would not. What we did fits more with Gryffindor."
"Indeed? And yet it is I who decides where you fit."
"Gryffindor," she replied forcefully.
"I think not," the Hat began.
"As magical heir of Rowena Ravenclaw, your thoughts are not my concern. You will place me in Gryffindor as you had my ancestors or I and my fellow Heirs will see you to your new home in a rubbish bin!"
"Again, very Slytherin of you, young lady."
"Gryffindor!"
"Just what is a Spell Crafter doing on this chair," the Hat challenged.
"That is my business and not yours! Place me in Gryffindor!"
"As you wish," the Hat sighed. "GRYFFINDOR!" it called out.
"Cannot believe I had to argue with a hat," Hermione whispered as she passed the others on the way to the Gryffindor table.
Club member Daphne Greengrass was next and, while not surprised, she did seem disappointed to be sent to Slytherin House.
"Jameson, Clarice," Professor McGonagall called out.
Harry looked up at the Heads Table at Dumbledore as his sister stepped forward. He wondered whether the old man would react to that name and saw no reaction whatsoever. He could tell the man's occlumancy shields were at a minimum which told him that it seemed Dumbledore made no connection with the name Clarice and anything else. One day the man would be in for a bit of a shock, he smirked as he watched the Hat being lowered upon Clarice's head.
"Interesting," the Hat said to Clarice. "Dumbledore must be losing his touch not to have said anything about your being here, young lady."
"Excuse me?" Clarice thought back.
"The man has a nasty habit of talking to himself when he is alone," the Hat replied. "The sister of Harry Potter was not supposed to attend Hogwarts. He thinks he had seen to that. Then again, you're not really attending, are you? By all rights you should still be at home playing with dolls, not off to a school. And yet you're a fully qualified Healer and all that. Were I curious, I would wonder what you are doing here, but I am not. Not really. None of my business as one of your 'classmates' so clearly told me. Guess I should put the lot of you troublemakers together…" "GRYFFINDOR!" the Hat called out.
The Muggle Borns Megan Jones and Su Li were sorted into Huffelpuff and Ravenclaw respectively before the next name of interest to Harry and the Club was called.
"Longbottom, Neville," McGonagall called out. Neville stepped forward and was promptly sorted into Gryffindor as he had been in the other timeline, although Harry seemed to recall Sensei mentioning it took the Hat a while with the other Neville.
"Lovegood, Luna," McGonagall called.
Again, Harry watched to see if there was any reaction from Dumbledore. And again, for whatever reason there was not any. Harry was almost certain there would be as both of Luna's parents were former students, but then again part of him doubted that the old man paid attention to such things as birthdays and Luna was, after all, only three weeks younger than the normal cut off for this year. He then watched as Luna walked up to the stool and as usual seemed to be the least affected be the experience of anyone. The hat was placed upon her head.
"My my," the Hat said, "seems we have us a little conspiracy!"
"Hello Mr. Hat," Luna replied.
"Hello indeed. Yet another with far more between her ears than she ought. One might think that there is a plot to render this valuable school irrelevant?"
"Not the school, Mr. Hat, just the education."
"Indeed?"
"Oh yes, and it's not your fault the adults fear to teach what they should. That ignorance arose long after the Founders."
"I should say so," the Hat replied, "so you do not trust the adults of this time to see to your future?"
"Some yes," Luna replied, "most no. The ones who say what we can and cannot learn deserve no trust for trust is earned by trusting and they trust no one."
"Well spoken! A Ravenclaw if ever I heard of one.'
"Ah yes, 'Wit without measure is man's greatest treasure.' Simplistic and incomplete, don't you think Mr. Hat? Knowledge for knowledge's sake is wasted. What is knowledge without the wisdom and courage to use it properly? From wisdom one also learns when knowledge should not be used. A Ravenclaw would not see the difference, would they?"
"I suppose not," the Hat agreed. "Yet such wisdom is a Ravenclaw trait?"
"Intellect is and intellect alone is not wisdom, Mr. Hat. I should think Gryffindor is the place for me."
"And why should a keen mind like yours be wasted upon such a House?"
"We can begin with the fact that the keenest mind in this Hall is already in that House…"
"There were extenuating circumstances…"
"Ah! She told you to under her authority as Ravenclaw's magical heir."
"Erm…"
"Then you have already learned that what the heir wants in such regard she gets?"
"Don't tell me…"
"Magical heir of Helga Huffelpuff and Gryffindor shall be my House I should think, Mr. Hat."
"Trying to tell me my job?"
"Oh no. I have not said a word to you about where I think any others belong, but I belong with my friends."
"Gryffindor," the Hat said, although it seemed a little surly when it said it.
As Luna passed Harry she said: "That one's got an attitude, it does."
Harry watched as the sorting continued. The next student called to the stool was Draco Malfoy who had already made such an impression. The boy looked smug and Harry sincerely hoped the Hat would sort him into Huffelpuff to knock him down several pegs but doubted that would happen. It was a pity he had to be sent anywhere but home. The Hat barely touched the boy's head before saying "Slytherin."
A girl by the name of Morag McDougal was next and Harry could swear he heard Malfoy say the word "mudblood" as he and the Muggle Born girl passed each other. It was obvious she had either not heard him or not understood the expression. She was sorted into Ravenclaw.
The next two students were bound for Huffelpuff. Club member Ernie McMillan headed for the table just ahead of a girl named Lilith Moon. Club member Theo Nott was next and as he had suspected, the Hogwarts W.I.S.E. Junior League Keeper was headed off to the Slytherin table where Harry was certain he saw Theo smack Malfoy in the back of the head. He was followed by another Slytherin, Pansy Parkinson. They were now into the "P's" and next up were the Patil twins who were also in the Club. Padma was sorted into Ravenclaw and any belief that siblings were destined to the same House was dashed when Padma's twin sister Parvati was sorted into Gryffindor. The next was a very scared looking Muggle Born witch named Sally-Anne Perks who found herself also destined to the Gryffindor table.
"Potter, Harry," McGongall called. Harry walked up noting that for the first time Dumbledore seemed to be taking an interest in what was going on. He turned his back to the man and sat facing the students as all the others before him had done and the Hat was lowered onto his head.
"And now, one might say, the circle is complete?" the Hat began.
"Odd choice of words," Harry replied.
"You seem to be the key to this puzzle and yet you are not."
"Puzzle?"
"Half the students so far it seems are well beyond where they should be magically and you, like others, well beyond even that."
"So?"
"It has been hard to place them. Their minds are too advanced to sort by my usual means as I usually evaluate the blank canvass, not the portrait in progress or the final work, as it seems you are. The more you learn and experience, the more you can fit in any House."
"And in my case?"
"Slytherin is strong," the Hat began.
"But it is not where you'll place me."
"Oh? And why not? You're plan shows cunning and ambition."
"For others as well as myself," Harry replied. "While I know Slytherins who are generous souls, they are more likely to act in their own self interest than some."
"True, and that is not always a bad thing."
"And yet that House has become the bastion of bigotry and hate," Harry accused. "It was not that way once upon a time, was it?"
"No. It was not. Perhaps placing you there would change it?"
"I will not grace that House with my presence. It is an embarrassment to my ancestors. You will place me in the House of my other ancestor, Godric Gryffindor."
"Other? Are you saying you are the magical heir of both?"
"You are saying it, but I am not denying it."
"The four founders heirs are here?"
"We are, and you will note half of us are where I should be. You know the Legend, fulfill your duty!"
"Gryffindor," the Hat called out. When Harry finally took his seat next to Hermione he looked up at the Head Table and was a little annoyed that Dumbledore was smiling at him and once again ignoring the rest of the sorting.
Harry watched as the rest of the sorting continued uneventfully. Club member Zach Smith joined a boy named Josh Roper as the last two Huffelpuffs. Club member Lisa Turpin became the last Ravenclaw. A girl from a Death Eater family named Augusta Runcorn and a boy named Blaise Zabini closed out the Slytherin selection and Club members Dean Thomas and Ron Weasley became the last Gryffindors.
"No worries," Ron said with a smile as he sat down.
"And just what might you have been worried about?" Clarice asked.
"Er – not being in Gryffindor?" he replied.
"Like that would ever happen," Harry chuckled. "Seems your family owns this House."
"I suppose," Ron said. He did not really believe that, but there was the fact that he was the sixth Weasley sorted into the House in the last decade or so.
Harry saw that Dumbledore had risen from his seat at the center of the faculty table.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he began, "and to our new First Years and friends, welcome. A few words before we settle down to our feast. And they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you and enjoy." As the man sat down, the tables filled with piles of food and Harry and the other First Years followed the example of the older students and began filling their plates with all sorts of food.
"Is Dumbledore a bit off?" Harry asked turning to Percy Weasley who was seated beside him.
"Dumbledore?" Percy replied. "I suppose. He's been like that for ages though. Mum and Dad thought he was a right nutter when they were here. But he's supposed to be brilliant as well … and dangerous."
"I did get that about him from others," Harry said as he began to fill his plate.
"Don't forget vegetables," Hermione reminded him.
"Yes Dear," Harry said rolling his eyes as carrots, beans and asparagus found their way to his plate beside the beef, chicken and potatoes.
"So Percy," Harry continued, "I mean I know a few up there, but whose the staff?"
"Ah," Percy replied. "Well, let's start from our right, shall we? First off there's Rubeus Hagrid. He's Keeper of Keys and Grounds, whatever that is. Been here forever. They say he's third or fourth longest in tenure depending upon whether you include Professor Binns."
"Binns?"
"Magical History. Poor bloke was teaching it over a hundred years ago and died at his desk, at least his body did. The ghost keeps teaching as if nothing happened. Bloody useless really since if it happened after about 1850 it's not known to him and he does not teach it."
"Lot's happened since then," Harry offered.
Percy nodded. "Yet you wouldn't learn it from him. He's all on about the Goblin Wars which ended over two hundred years ago. Thanks to you lot, I've had a proper history class and now find his class is a good place for a kip."
"And Hagrid?" Harry asked.
"Scariest looking," Percy said, "and living proof one should not judge a book by its cover. You will never meet a more gentle soul. If you would aspire to be like anyone here, he is the one to emulate. Man has nothing, yet is the most generous person you will ever meet. He's been beaten down by life and bigotry, yet he accepts people for who they really are inside. Nothing against McGonagall, whom I think highly of, but you want the ideal person, it's Hagrid. I only wish I knew him better than I do…"
"Percy?"
"Don't get me wrong, Harry. I love the bloke. But it was my brother Charlie who really was taken under his wing. Hagrid's passion, aside from being a great guy, is magical creatures and Charlie loved that class. Pity it's not Hagrid teaching. He'd be on staff where we went. The man has a gift for that. Got Charlie his dream job, Hagrid did."
"Oh?"
"A few older students who were tight with Hagrid and into magical creatures work for a dragon reserve in Romania. Charlie's there now. Mum had kittens when she found that out, but she thinks the world of Hagrid too, so…"
"Erm … how might I get to know him?"
"Easy enough. Just pop by for tea. I do now and then. Others do as well. Just steer clear of his Rock Cakes."
"Rock Cakes?"
"I'm almost sure they are cake, but the name fits. Hard as rock they are. But the time is well spent. Pity the man is not our Care of Magical Creatures prof…"
"Why?"
"Hagrid knows that stuff. As I think I said, he would be on staff where we were. Might even be Head of Department there. Instead…"
"Instead?"
"Man seated next to Hagrid. Horatio Kettleburn. Been on staff even longer than Hagrid and by rights should be Deputy but does not want the job."
Harry looked and saw a man who seemed to be more scared than any person he had ever seen.
"Been through a meat grinder?" Harry asked.
Percy nodded. "In a manner of speaking. Man's claim to fame is he's been mauled by just about every magical creature imaginable. Only ones he's not gotten at least a scar from are basilisks, manticores and chimeras."
"Hardly inspires confidence," Harry noted.
"No," Percy agreed. "Rather have Hagrid, were it up to me. That one's now afraid of his own shadow. Won't even bring a nice creature into a class. He runs from post owls, if you must know."
"Again," Harry said, "hardly encouraging."
"Next is Madam Hooch," Percy continued. "She teaches broom flying and is our referee for House Quiddith. Then there's Madam Pomphrey. She's our school Healer. You lot ever come out, I am sure she'd love to meet Clarice."
"Clarice wishes to maintain her practice," Harry said. "She's planning on doing weekends."
"From what I've heard," Percy replied, "this school would benefit from her active participation in Healing here. Just a thought."
"I've heard the same," Clarice said. She was sitting across from Harry and listening intently. "And I would agree. But coming out might be an issue."
Percy nodded. "It might right now. Hopefully…"
"Hopefully," Clarice agreed and returned to her meal.
"Next is Professor Vector," Percy said. "Teaches Arithmancy and might have made faculty where we were. His course it not as stunted as others. Then there's Professor Sinestra. She teaches Astronomy. It's old school. She'd probably have kittens to have access to that Muggle space telescope or even its images. You know Professor Sprout, of course."
Harry nodded.
"She could teach there as well. She's top of her field in Europe and … well as she is Club, I do hope she can go and spend time there next summer. She'll be so thrilled."
"I'm told the offer is out there," Harry said. "McGonagall said she's in."
Percy nodded. "On the other side of Dumbledore and McGonagall is Professor Savant. Ancient Runes, although she seems to know nothing about non-European runes. Then there's Professor Babbage. She's new and teaches Muggle Studies. Knows nothing about Muggles really. You know Professor Flitwick, of course?"
Harry nodded. "You were there for our duel."
Percy nodded. "He said dealing with you and the other upper level Watanabe crowd was the first challenge he's had in ages."
"He got his ass handed to him a few times," Harry observed.
"And told us club types it was a good reminder that one cannot sit on their laurels," Percy replied. "Next is Professor Quirrell," he began.
Harry looked at the man wearing the turban on his head and momentarily thought about the fact that this was the man he ad to kill or see to it that the man was killed.
"Don't know what he's teaching," Percy said. "Used to be our Muggle Studies Professor. Next is Professor Snape. Everyone knows he wants the Defense job, but he's the only Potions Master so he's stuck with that unless Quirrell somehow attained that Mastery during the last year. My guess is he did not. Snape's been after the DADA post practically since he started here from what I've heard. Snape is Head of Slytherin and hates just about anything and anyone not Slytherin. Hates us Gryffindors in particular, he does. A sneeze will cost us ten points in this class. Nasty bugger. Anyway, next to Snape is Professor Trelawney. She usually never shows up to meals. Teaches Divination although if she ever had a predictions of magical merit, I'd be surprised."
"Anyone missing?" Harry asked.
"Well, there's Madam Pince the Librarian," Percy said. "Between you and me, I think she hates people in general and anyone who would dare touch a book in particular."
"What kind of Librarian would think that," Hermione asked as she was next to Harry and had been listening intently.
"Only ours, I should hope," Percy sighed. "She never attends these things. And no one wants the school caretaker Filch around so he and his familiar Mrs. Norris are absent, thank Merlin."
"And the familiar? What's that?" Hermione asked.
"A cat. Bloody annoying beast. The twins are working on a cat booby trap for it."
"I have a cat!" Hermione complained.
"A Gryffindor cat," Percy said. "Filch is a squib and the Twins trap should not affect a witches cat, Hermione."
"Why would you want to - erm - affect his?"
"Filch is a pain in our backside, Hermione," Percy replied. "If anyone would put a kink in our pranking, he and his bloody cat would. The man lives for it."
Percy soon was involved with his meal and Harry began to eat as well. As he did, he looked up to the Head Table and at the man he might well have to kill sometime that year. Professor Quirrell seemed nervous and looked out of place with the large turban on his head. If there was anyone who looked least like a vessel for Voldemort, it was that man.
Harry chose not to look at either Dumbledore or Snape. This was not because he knew they were supposedly accomplished in the mind arts. Harry was as well and knew there was no way either of them could attempts to see his thoughts from where they were. Were they to try, even with the greatest of concentration, they would fail. There were too many people between Harry for them to get any kind of read on Harry, or anyone of the other students for that matter. All they could hope to get was a confused buzz from the many minds in the Hall. He chose not to look at them as part of the act. After all, he supposedly had no idea who they were or why they might be of any import to him.
At what was about the mid point of the meal, the ghosts of Hogwarts arrived. Harry had heard about them from Sirius and others. They were interesting in their own way, and Harry was convinced that Sir Nicholas was probably the most sociable of the group. (Although the Huffelpuffs might beg to differ as the Fat Friar was his usual boisterous self). The Grey Lady of Ravenclaw and Bloody Baron of Slytherin House never said a word as near as Harry could tell.
After what seemed like a long time, and well after Harry had eaten his treacle tart and was certain he could not stuff another morsel into himself, McGonagall tapped her goblet to get the attention of the students. Harry and the other looked up and saw Dumbledore rise from his chair.
"Well then," Dumbledore began, "now that we are properly fed and watered, I have a few announcements to make.
"First of all, I would like you to welcome back Professor Quirrell. Many of you older students may recall he taught Muggle Studies. Well after a most satisfying sabbatical, he has agreed to assume the post as Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Quirrell."
The man in the odd looking turban arose from his seat to a scattered applause. As soon as the applause died down, he sat back down.
"Next, for our new students, you will learn that when you are not scheduled for class or meals, your time is your own. As such and in fair whether, you like all students may spend such time outside on the school grounds. However, First Years will note that the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students. And a few of our older students are reminded that rule applies to them as well.
"Our caretaker Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be done in the corridors. He also wishes to remind you that there are many magical items that are also banned and there is a complete list of such items on the door to his office.
"Those of you interest in trying out for your House Quiddich teams must sign up with either their head of house or team Captain by the end of the week. Again, I must remind our First Years that they are not ordinarily selected to play and may wish to put off trying out until second year when they are allowed their own brooms.
"All students should note that the Third Floor Corridor on the right hand side is off limits to all who wish to avoid a most painful death.
"Finally, due to the resignation of our Minister for Magic this past week, my duties as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot shall consume most of my time for the foreseeable future and I will only be present here at Hogwarts one day a week, barring a situation that absolutely demands my presence. Professor McGonagall shall be acting in my stead until such time as a new Minister is selected.
"Now, before we head off to our beds, let us conclude our evening with the school song."
Harry and the other first years had no idea what the words were and it was obvious from the first "note" that no one had any idea as to the melody or even the key. It seemed every student who did sing sang something different with the Weasley twins choosing what best could be described as a slow funeral dirge that ensured they were the last to finish. Once the song was done, Percy called to the Gryffindor First Years to follow him and in a line, the eleven new Gryffindors followed Percy from the Great Hall.
Percy led them up several flight of stairs at a fairly slow pace as he seemed to know that the new students would dawdle as they took in the sights. For Harry, Hermione and Clarice, it was their first time seeing magical portraits. There apparently were not any at Potter House and if there were any at Black Manor, they had not seen them. The talking and moving portraits were actually rather amusing, although Percy did warn the students that the portraits were not above reporting student misbehavior to the faculty. Finally, they reached a portrait of a corpulent woman dressed in a style that probably went out of fashion two centuries earlier.
"This is the entry to Gryffindor tower," Percy explained. "To enter, you need to know the password. For now it's 'Caput Draconis.'" Upon speaking the words, the portrait opened outward revealing a passageway. Harry and the others followed Percy through into the large room beyond.
The room was filled with chairs and couches and already some of the older students were lounging about. On one what was a huge fireplace and a fire was already burning within the hearth.
"This is the Gryffindor Common Room. There is a curfew at ten o'clock every evening at which time you must be here or up in your dormitories. There is no curfew within Gryffindor tower, but unless you are with a Prefect or faculty member, if you are out of our tower after curfew, it will cost points and detentions if you are caught. That being said, boys dormitories are up the stairs to the left and girls the same to the right. Your things are already in your rooms.
"You may leave the tower after five-thirty in the morning. Breakfast begins in the Great Hall at six-thirty and continues until ten minutes before nine o'clock. Ordinarily, you are not required to attend breakfast. However, tomorrow morning all of you must be there to receive your class schedules. That's all."
With that the First Years began to look around or head for the stairs.
"Oh," Percy continued and they all stopped. "I need to see Hermione Granger, Clarice Jameson, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Harry Potter. The rest of you can do as you like."
"In trouble already," Seamus Finnegan said.
"Don't think so," Hermione replied as the five went over to Percy.
"What's going on?" Harry asked.
"Dora Tonks said there would be a meeting tonight in the Club Corridor, did she not?" Percy replied. "As you lot are very senior Club members, you're to be there as well. Follow me."
Percy then led the five back through the portrait.
Snape was somewhat lost in thought as he stared at his lesson plans for the next day. McGonagall had been far too kind with the scheduling, he thought. He would not have to see the useless First Years for Potions until Thursday and then only one day a week. True, it was a double period in the morning with Slytherins and those insufferable Gryffindors and a double in the afternoon with the rest. He hated double periods almost as much as the students did. But, better that then seeing whose whelps two days a week, he thought. And now Potter was there. The brat looked so much like his pathetic excuse of a father and was probably just as arrogant. Well, arrogance could be dealt with.
A knock at the door to his suite broke him from beginning to plot against the son of his school day nemesis.
"Enter," he said. The door opened and a short, blonde haired boy entered. Snape knew the boy at once: Draco Malfoy. Snape had been friends with the boy's mother Narcissa since they were First Years together. He had little use for the boy's father who he felt was both reckless and arrogant, two traits he loathed in people. It was such a pity a lovely woman like Cissy had to be matched with such a man, but that was the way of the wealthy Purebloods. As annoying as Lucius Malfoy was, he was rich. That was not a condition Snape could claim, which was the main reason why he had never married. A Pureblood match with the right family was not in the cards for a Half Blood Potions Professor. There was also the little problem that he had actually been in love once. Annoying, that was. But she was his life until she betrayed him and married that damnable Potter. Still, he never lost his feelings for her. Not even now, ten years after his own stupidity cost her her life.
"Mr. Malfoy," Snape drawled, "is there some reason why you feel necessary to absent yourself from your common room and interrupt my preparation?"
"Sorry, Godfather," Draco began.
"In this setting, you shall address me as Professor or Professor Snape. Am I clear?"
"Yes - er - Professor."
"Now, what brings a First Year to his Head of House so late in the evening?"
"I need to talk to you, Professor."
"My door is not open to social calls, Mr. Malfoy. Unless this is related to school, your presence and need are not my concern."
"Something happened on the train," Draco shot back. "Surely that's school stuff!"
Snape shook his head. The boy was too much like his father and not nearly enough like his mother. That could get him into trouble one day. Maybe even today? "And what happened that needs my attention, Mr. Malfoy?"
"There were attacks."
"Indeed? Hexing aboard the train is hardly out of the common experience. Is there some reason why I should need to know?"
"Someone hexed my father in the back!"
"Did you see who this someone was?"
"No, but…"
"Was he aboard the train when he was hexed?"
"No. The platform, but…"
"The platform is none of my or the schools concern, Mr. Malfoy. Is that all?"
"But I'm pretty sure someone on the train did it!" Malfoy yelled.
"Do not use that tone with me, Mr. Malfoy. Now did you see this someone?"
"No but…"
"Did you actually see the hex?"
"No but …"
"So you are merely speculating that the hex was from the train. Is that not correct?"
"I suppose, but…"
"Mr. Malfoy, the matter is not my concern. You are aware that as a convicted Death Eater your father has more than a few enemies, any one of whom would hex him as soon as look at him?"
Draco nodded reluctantly.
"I cannot understand what possessed your father to expose himself at all. I understand this was your first trip here, but that is no reason to risk one's personal safety needlessly. He should have stayed at home."
"He wanted to see Lord Black!"
"Indeed? Why would he want to do that?"
"To get me my rights back!"
"I see. You honestly think Lord Black is about to reinstate you? He disowned you and others to break all ties between House Black and the Death Eaters. I doubt he would change his mind…unless your father was fool enough to attempt the Imperious Curse."
Draco looked nervous.
"He would have been caught. He would have been sent to prison and he no longer has the political capital to avoid a life sentence, Draco. It was a foolish thing to do and given that you are not in the immediate line of succession, nothing would have come of it anyway."
"Father does not think the Black Estate should pass to a Blood Traitor!"
"And you agree?"
Draco nodded.
"I see. Mr. Malfoy, whether you or your father like it or not, those days are over! You may have already noticed that the attitudes your father cherishes are no longer tolerated here. It's not just Hogwarts, Mr. Malfoy. Being a known Death Eater or wanting those days to return can only cause one to come to grief."
"But you were!"
"Indeed. And how often do you think I leave the relative safety of Hogwarts or my home? I don't. I have not been to either Hogsmeade Village or Diagon Alley since 1981. I know better than to be in public and perhaps your father should do likewise."
"So we're supposed to hide?"
Snape shook his head. "You are supposed to keep your head down and not attract the wrong kind of attention. This attitude of yours suggests you already have failed in that regard. Am I not correct?"
Draco remained silent.
"I am aware, Mr. Malfoy, that Slytherin Prefects found it necessary to hex you on the train. You mind telling me why? And don't lie, for I shall know and now that you are sorted, I will take points!"
"I was reminding some kids of their place in our world."
"I see. As in bullying Muggle Borns?"
"They have no business…"
"SILENCE! That attitude is not allowed and you should know that. You pull that kind of stunt here, and you may well be on the next train home. Do I make myself clear?"
"But…"
"AM I CLEAR?"
"Yes Professor," the kid said clearly hating it.
"Now go to your dormitory."
"Yes Professor." Draco said as he turned to leave. He could not believe Snape was not about to stand up for him and put those Mudbloods and Blood Traitors in their place.