This hobby is so much more productive than diary writing, I actually get to share my work with others and it makes me happy to know you all get as much enjoyment out of it as I do. Thanks for all your support.

Home Sweet Home

The train ride to Hogwarts was rather dull considering Ginny was now Head Girl and had other responsibilities to attend to. Harry found Luna and Neville in an empty compartment towards the back of the train and decided to join them.

"Mind if I join you?"

Luna hardly looked up from her copy of the Quibbler as she nodded for him to have a seat.

"I didn't know you would be here this year Neville."

"Nor did I a couple of weeks ago Professor McGonagall… I mean the Headmaster asked if I could come teach herbology for a month or two while professor Sprout goes on holiday. I jumped at the chance; I was very distraught about not being able to see Luna for a whole year."

Harry looked surprised "So are you two a couple now?" he asked.

"Yup, I saw her caring for her dad at the hospital while I was visiting my parents and we sort of hit it off. I introduced her to my mum and dad; I think they were quite taken with her."

"Well congratulations I always knew you would find someone special." Harry smiled he had never thought about it before but he was almost certain they would make a great couple.

People kept walking by the compartment trying to get a glimpse of Harry as they passed by, some even asked for his autograph which he graciously scribbled on their out held parchment. He was used to being thought of as a celebrity but autographs, photo shoots, and endorsement deals were not his type of thing. After defeating Voldemort he had gotten some significant offers from several companies but he declined them all not wanting to be in the spotlight any more. Stardom was difficult but the worst part was definitely the paparazzi.

The morning after Voldemort's defeat the swarm surrounding Harry had become almost unbearable, the daily prophet was almost always on the lookout for photographs of him and it seemed for the first few months that he couldn't't even sneeze (an article was written that speculated over whether or not he had a cold) without making front page news. Luckily Harry had come up with a clever way to evade the media frenzy that surrounded him whenever he went out into the public eye, he began to favor muggle hot spots because many journalists thought it was below them to travel into such "filth" it was because of this that he was able to ask Ginny to marry him so secretly and yet still out in public. Those days spent avoiding the media reminded him of the mounds of fan mail he and his friends had received in the days following the battle of Hogwarts. Many letters were thanking him for them for their service to the wizarding community, some were of the adoring fan variety, and some even went as far as to ask various members of the trio to marry them (these offers were severely scorched by the respective couple's partners and then obliterated). On the other hand some of these notes were deeply moving, the personal stories that had come to light brought tears to his eyes and reminded him that almost everyone had lost a friend, relative, or loved one and they all had made sacrifices so that future generations could live a safe Voldemort free life.

Lost in thought Harry almost didn't notice when Ginny walked into their compartment he awoke from his trance as Ginny's flowery fragrance wafted into his nostrils. She sat next to him and he put his arm instinctively around her forgetting where he was.

Ginny whispered "Love will you kindly remove your arm? Remember what McGonagall said 'keep your relationship secret' I dunno about you but if I saw a professors arm curled around a student I would definitely think something was up but you can hold me all you want tonight after the feast" Ginny said suggestively raising her eyebrows,

"Sorry I forgot it's just so natural to me now, but Gin I don't think it's a good idea for you and me to be sneaking around the castle at all hours of the night especially on the first night. You're supposed to be setting a good example; after all you are the head girl now."

"Did I just hear you correctly Harry James Potter? I thought I heard you just turn me down on my offer to spend time with you; this from the guy who has never followed any school rules whatsoever including the one about wandering the halls after curfew. If I didn't know any better I would say you were avoiding me." Ginny said in a facetious tone.

They had almost completely forgotten about Neville and Luna who were still in the compartment. Changing the subject Harry told Ginny about Neville and Luna's new found relationship and she congratulated them cordially. Politely Luna asked how things were going with them, "It's great we are really happy together" Harry said

Just then Ginny spoke up looking around to make sure no one was around "he even worked up the courage to propose to me" Ginny said showing off the ring around her wedding finger it was bewitched so that only people they told they were engaged could see it, one of Hermione's more brilliant plans if he did say so himself.

The beautiful countryside that the train was passing was gradually becoming more hilly which signaled that it was time to change into their robes. A short time later Ginny departed for the front compartment to organize the prefects and hand out common room passwords.

At last they had arrived back at the only place Harry had ever truly felt at home, only this time he would be the teacher instead of the student.

Stepping off of the train he hardly recognized the place as Hogwarts any more. Just as this thought entered his head a large hairy shadow engulfed him in a bone breaking hug of monumental proportions, it was none other than Hagrid (sorry if I totally butcher Hagrid's voice but he is extremely difficult to get right).

"How'd ya like the new place A'rry?" Hagrid grunted in his characteristic gruff voice.

"Well it sure is… different than I remember it that's for sure" Harry said scratching his head trying to figure out what was so unusual about the new Hogwarts.

"Design'd it me'self down to the dragon look'in scales on tha column over yonder" he pointed proudly to the vicinity of a massive looking memorial to commemorate the men and women who died during the last stand.

"N'ough bout tha how'ya been? Feels like I aven't seen ya for age's"

"Not bad actually but I tell you all about it later, maybe Gin and I will swing by tomorrow evening after my first set of classes so we can get caught up, you know for old time's sake."

"Tha's perfect, how's bout seven?"

"We'll be there, it's nice to be back home" Harry said with a smile.

"Gott'a go, but A'rry good luck on yer firs' classes se yer later professor" He proclaimed with his booming voice as he led yet another group of frightened first years toward the castle.

He remembered when he had been a scared first year not to long ago with Hagrid leading the way to the best seven years of his life. After reflecting a moment he climbed into a carriage with Neville and Luna which set off on its course towards the school.

Harry soon realized however, that the buggy took a rather different route than normal which seemed to be the longest way possible to the school. Finally he realized they were not headed directly to the great hall but were instead being dropped off by the new memorial on the grounds near the place Dumbledore had been buried. The ceremony was short and sweet it revealed the still raw emotions that day evoked for many of them and although Ginny was not near him he could feel the pain she was going through so he searched through the crowd to find her eyes watering, all he could do now that he was a part of the faculty was to pull her away from the scene and try comfort her. He gave her his handkerchief, and piece of chocolate while rubbing her back soothingly. He wanted nothing more than to pull her lovingly into his arms but he had to resist the temptation it was way too soon in the year to reveal their relationship already. She looked up into his green eyes thankfully "I'm sorry I don't mean to be such a blubbering mess" she said whipping away her tears "It's just so fresh you know it's hard to believe he's really gone."

"I know exactly how you feel Ginny, I want you to know I'm here for you whenever you need me" he winked at her gave her a quick hug and escorted her back to the ceremony. Her crying miraculously abated as she remembered with detail the entire story Harry had told her from start to finish on how he defeated Voldemort a smile spread across her face not only because she was happy he had returned from the brink of death for her but because she was also so proud of him. The memorial service was almost over and after a few dedications there was an open floor for students to speak their mind and let things off their chest. After several students had gone and no one else volunteered Harry got up feeling that it was his duty to address those who supported him so valiantly that night.

As he reached the podium he began "For those of you who do not know me, I am Harry Potter" the hushed silence became even quieter as those starting to become restless sat still and alert in their chairs on the Hogwarts lawn. "As you well know by now Voldemort is dead…(pausing for dramatic effect)… and it is due in large part because of the courageous heroes whose name is inscribed on this wall behind me. These brave witches and wizards not only gave their lives to protect Hogwarts when it was in grave danger, they also made a huge sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice some would say, in order that we could all live better lives free from fear and uncertainty which was rampant during Voldemorts reign of terror. While it is true that our hearts are still heavy with sadness for the loved ones we have lost, in time those feelings will fade. We must never forget what these people afforded us and that is freedom. A wise old man once told me that my greatest gift was the ability to love; he said the capacity for love within each one of us gives us incomprehensible strength. So I urge you, even in these difficult times to look ahead to a future, full of love and happiness it is then and only then that these valiant men and women's lives have not been spilt in vain." With that and a glimmer of sadness in his eyes Harry left the stage a roar of applause erupted from all of those in attendance. McGonagall thanked Harry for his speech and promptly dismissed everyone asking them to join her in the great hall for supper.

Again Harry climbed into the carriage and was whisked away towards the castle. By the time they arrived it was almost seven o'clock and the sorting had not even begun yet. He wondered if they would never get to eat, at this rate it would be breakfast before the whole process was over.

As soon as McGonagall entered with the first years she gave a quick start of term speech reminding students of the school rules which included the banning of all Weasley's skiving snack boxes as well as the forbidden forest being strictly off limits. So without further ado I give you the sorting hat (hope you like it the song took forever to write).

Sitting on the stool looking even more tattered than it had in previous years, now singed from battle the sorting hat began its song:

T'was long ago when first this school began,

When the four founders were the best of friends,

They hatched a flawless plan.

To educate young wizards and obtain the perfect blends:

Great Godric Gryffindor picked the brave of heart,

Sneaky Salazar Slytherin wanted pure-bloods and taught them the darkest art,

Rational Rowena Ravenclaw choose the brightest so her knowledge she could impart,

Humble Helga Hufflepuff elected to accept the rest and gave them a fresh start,

And so it was the standards of Hogwarts School were made,

But it wasn't long before thoughts of greatness started to invade.

Each house began to quarrel with the others and alas they were divided

Who could have guessed their friendship would become so dis-united?

To choose the students whose qualities that each founder held supreme,

They left a tattered hat to carry out their final dream.

Two years ago I warned you of an external deadly foe,

My call for unity between the houses went disregarded and thus I turned to woe,

I feared that Hogwarts could not withstand its enemies whilst still there was a rift,

And my mind was lost in thought, adrift.

At last my fear came true,

Would we make it through?

I was scared this was the end, but to my surprise this violence gave rise

To an upwelling of students, an irregular potpourri that devised,

A plan to kill the man they all equally despised.

And the houses were united

As they once were meant to be.

Forever will my brim be frozen in that silent jubilee,

It proved me wrong that these students could indeed be of one mind,

So proud I was that day, it will forever be enshrined.

We must continue this unity,

To strengthen our community,

So please take this opportunity,

Or we'll crumble from within.

And with all that being said let the sorting now begin.

Applause erupted from great hall after which was followed by several minuets of sorting the first years into their houses, Harry tried but failed miserably to watch the ceremony. The procession of his new students was far less interesting to him than Ginny who was sitting near the head of the Gryffindor table her beauty irresistibly captivating his attention.

Once the sorting had ended a cornucopia of every food imaginable appeared on the tables. It took Harry only a short while to consume his fill of the feast but already the onset of drowsiness had begun to take a hold of Harry's eyelids. At last the feast was over and they were dismissed from the great hall. Harry was shown the way to his new living arrangements, office, and classroom so he could settle in. He was encouraged to make the space his own and McGonagall left him without any further comments. After she had left he threw himself onto the bed sprawled across it taking in the pleasure. It was just like the feeling you get when you have been away on a long vacation and then return home to your own bed pure bliss.

Just as he felt himself slipping into a deep trance like sleep there was a knock on his door then the distinct sound of the door opening and finally the mattress indented ever so slightly next to him but before he realized all of these things and put them into context he drifted off to sleep.

Note: Please give me some feedback on this chapter I want to know what everyone thought of the song it literally took hours with a rhyming dictionary to complete but if there is someting missing or something you think I should add don't hesitate to comment. Also if any of you have ideas for upcoming chapters your input would be greatly appreciated I have hit a major writers block lately so suggestions are always welcome (try and make them believable/kosher). Also ideas may make the next chapter come out more quickly hint hint nudge nudge. Thanks to all my loyal readers and fans it makes my day to see all of your reviews keep it up.