Harry Potter and the Love of a Veela

Chapter 5 - Return to Hogwarts

(Arrival)

By: Schittlez

The rain was delivered in buckets from the skies above by the time the students reached the castle.

"Well, I feel halfway stupid for getting on Luna's case about the umbrella," Ron frowned as the airy-looking fifth year strolled by them, umbrella in toe.

"And that's different from the way you normally feel, how?" Harry smirked, deserving himself a well shot punch in the arm from Ron. It actually didn't hurt as much as when he used to do it last year.

"Well, I wouldn't," Hermione huffed, responding to Ron's comment. "Her intentions had nothing to do with rain, and were far from it! Brain-sucking creatures… honestly!"

Harry almost retorted, reminiscent of last year's Department of Mysteries adventure, and Ron gave him a sideways glare, as if tempting him to say it, but he held back. He guessed that Hermione was trying to keep what pride she had left, knowing that her and Luna didn't usually see eye-to-eye and, therefore, didn't appreciate getting the feeling of 'I told you so' from the blonde girl. But he did notice Hermione clutching her robes a little tighter.

Several students were huddled together as they scurried to the front doors of Hogwarts. The weird thing was he didn't feel a thing from the biting rain. No chills, no goose bumps, no chattering teeth… nothing.

He suspected his latest 'incident' had something to do with it, he scoffed to himself. But he had better not let it show to Ron and Hermione for fear that they would find it as something else to be peculiar about. So, he imitated his two best friends by clutching his robes tighter together as a shield against the weather and followed them in suit towards the steps.

His glance passed across the courtyard all around him as he slowly walked towards the entrance and his gaze finally rested upon the lake that settled farther away. He could see small, glittering lights flickering in the distance, like tiny fireflies. The first years would probably dock soon. Harry wondered how the smaller students were braving the weather while crossing the lake. But they were with Hagrid, so they were in good hands, he figured.

And that was when something else caught his eye—a pale, light color, contrasting to the dark all around him. It was emerging from the back of the courtyard and it only took a second to realize what it was.

Draco Malfoy's pale face and platinum-blonde hair came into view from the back of the courtyard, not looking like himself. For one, Harry noticed, Malfoy was alone, which was unusual. Neither Crabbe, nor Goyle… not even Parkinson followed in suit behind him. Furthermore, for some reason, the blonde sixth-year looked different to Harry, almost like another person. Harry knew his new, weird senses forced him to recognize the world around him a little differently, but this seemed to have nothing to do with it. Harry couldn't put his finger on it, but Malfoy was just not himself. There was no haughty, pristine presence standing before him; and it wasn't just because of the way Malfoy's light hair plastered over his eyes. His eyes themselves seemed to be expressing some type of serious emotion that Harry couldn't figure out, but knew he never saw the bratty teen express before. Whatever it was, Malfoy looked lost.

"Harry? Harry!"

"Huh?"

"What are you staring at Malfoy for?"

Harry blinked and turned around to find Hermione looking at him, studying him it seemed. How long had she witnessed him looking at the blonde boy? What's more, how long had he been looking at him? It felt like forever for some reason. He knew that if he could blush right now, his whole face would be scarlet. But for a certain 'reason', color was something that was hard come by on his skin now. He turned his attention to Hermione.

"I wasn't staring."

"It looked like staring to me," Hermione shot back.

"Maybe Harry was ogling the git," Ron laughed out and then stopped abruptly. "I can't believe I just said that." Ron raised an eyebrow. "Sorry mate, that's like the insult of the century."

Harry smiled, taking no offense, but couldn't think of an excuse to tell Hermione. He still felt like he was being studied by her brown eyes, like when she was analyzing a page in one of her books. Such an uneasy feeling, but luckily, Ron saved him.

"Oh, come off it, Hermione. He's probably just plotting some revenge on ol' ferret breath. What other thoughts could possibly be coming out of Harry's mind towards Malfoy besides that?"

If only he knew, Harry thought, but Hermione did back down.

"Besides, we need to get inside. I'm starving!"

And Harry could hear Ron's stomach gurgle. The two best friends looked at each other in silence for a moment and then busted out laughing at each other.

Hermione rolled her eyes and shoved Ron up the steps. "You're always hungry Ronald. Honestly, one-track mind!"

"What?" Ron shrugged. Harry just shook his head and walked inside, behind the squabbling pair.

But as soon as the trio stepped through the double doors, their whole demeanor changed. Harry's smile faltered, immediately followed by Hermione's, then Ron's. Their steps slowed instantly, as well as the other students'. The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty.

Lupin was right, Harry thought. Hogwarts had changed. What Harry suspected to be Aurors were posted on each side of the main entrance. They also took positions in front of the Great Hall doors and farther down the entryway towards the Grand Staircase. Harry could hear Ron gulp as Professor McGonagall took her place between the guards resting in front of the Great Hall, where the first feast of the year awaited. McGonagall surveyed the students crammed in the corridor. A sea of robes flowed outside and didn't stop until it reached the end of the entrance courtyard.

The transfiguration teacher cleared her throat and held her wand horizontally, pointing it at her neck. Harry witnessed Hermione express the most intense eyes he had ever seen as the professor opened her mouth. McGonagall's voice roared over the sea and Harry was sure that every student, from corridor to courtyard, could hear her speak.

"May I have everyone's attention? As you've noticed, there have been some slight changes among Hogwarts."

"Slight?" Ron whispered. "Ow! Hermione!"

"Well, I wouldn't have to hit you if you'd shut up." Hermione exclaimed in hush tones before rolling her eyes and drawing them back towards Professor McGonagall.

"Please be advised that all of these "new" measures are strictly for security purposes, assigned by the ministry, and will not interfere with the educational integrity of this school. These precautions are only designed for your safety as necessary."

Harry could have sworn he heard someone whisper, "Yeah right. From what I read in the Daily Prophet, they did a hell of a job protecting their own building." Harry couldn't tell if the comment he picked up was from two or twenty feet away, but it was followed by a scoff from whoever uttered it.

"Now, Professor Dumbledore will explain in more detail during his announcements at the Great Feast. So, let's calmly hurry and settle in before the first years arrive." With that, McGonagall turned on her heel, waving her arms at the Aurors, signaling them to open the double doors.

"Well, I expected as much. It's about time the Ministry took this situation seriously," Hermione said.

"Yeah, but I also wouldn't count out Fudge on trying to get in a few spy tactics in the process," Harry replied.

"But haven't you heard?" Ron cut in. Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Surely, you've known what has happened. Fudge is resigning. In fact, they're announcing who's being appointed later this week in the Daily Prophet," Hermione finished.

Harry blinked a couple of times but his reaction of surprise couldn't be hidden and it seemed to cause Hermione and even Ron to appear like they were scrutinizing him again.

"Well, I've been busy over the summer," Harry quickly explained. Desperate to divert eyes elsewhere, he began to follow the wave of students piling into the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione were right behind him and they kept silent, although that seemed to come reluctantly.

Harry drew his attention towards the guards standing on each side of the line of students. They were halting the flow of children into the room from time to time. From what Harry witnessed, the Aurors were scanning the students as they passed by. Harry examined the guards closely. The one on the left was fairly tall and lean, with light-brown hair and blue eyes. What he lacked in weight, he made up for by stature. He almost seemed to loom over the students, even some of the older ones. The other one on the right wasn't as tall but close enough and he seemed to be constructed with enough build for the two guards combined. His ear-length, black hair draped over his brown eyes a little as he looked down to stop and surveyed all who entered.

'They definitely appear to have been brought in as just hired muscle more than anything,' Harry thought. But whatever made everyone feel safer, he guessed, was necessary.

After finishing his mental statement, he was among the next to be inspected. Hermione and Ron were standing right in front of him. As Ron cautiously stepped forward, Harry felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned to the right to see Professor McGonagall standing next to him, owning the hand that touched him. Before he could open his mouth, the Head of Gryffindor House pulled him aside with her as she reached for a piece of parchment stashed in her hat.

"Read this Potter, quickly. Once you understand it completely, hand it back," she whispered, looking to make sure that no one was lurking over to see what it read. However, Ron and Hermione were obviously staring with concern as they were ushered into the Great Hall without him, so the crowd could keep moving.

Harry opened the small note and read it to himself silently.

'Harry,

I suspect a meeting is in order. I look forward to seeing you at my office after supper tonight.

-Professor Dumbledore

P.S. I find the pumpkins are well ripe this year. Perfect for those 'pumpkin-fudge nougats' I can't wait to try.'

Harry was done within a manner of seconds but lingered a minute longer to take it all in.

'Pumpkin-Fudge Nougats? Typical,' Harry chuckled to himself. He folded the parchment and handed it back to McGonagall, who then proceeded to lead him back in line before entering the Great Hall herself.

Harry's mind was swirling with thoughts as he re-entered the line, waiting for the guards. All thoughts came interrupted, however, when he bumped into another student.

"Sorry, I-"

"Watch it!"

Harry's apologetic face quickly morphed into a steely resolve when he found out who collided with him.

Draco Malfoy already had his sneer in place as Harry turned to look at him. The two rivaling boys glared harshly at each other for a moment as they always did before the insults started flying, so he waited for the frowning boy to spew out his comment, while Harry already had a comeback in the works.

Unfortunately, said comment couldn't be used because the Malfoy teen hadn't said anything yet. In fact, his sneer seemed to disappear more and more as they stood there. Suddenly, Malfoy blinked furiously, looked around as if he just noticed his surroundings and quickly strolled away in the most unusual way Harry ever witnessed the boy walked before. Harry remained planted to the floor, utterly perplexed, as the number of students left in the hall began to diminish.

'That's the second time he's done that,' Harry realized to himself, recalling the first awkward encounter on the train. What's going on? Why was Malfoy acting like this? So… un-Malfoyish. Was he really up to something? 'I know one thing,' Harry thought. 'If he does it again, I swear I'll hit him.'

Harry eventually came out of his stupor and walked behind the remaining crowd towards the Aurors. Finally, he had reached the doors and approached one of the two men who proceeded to wave his wand and survey Harry's robes. After a few moments, the black-haired guard nodded at Harry and let him pass. Harry didn't waste any time making his way to the Gryffindor table and finding Ron and Hermione. No doubt they were wondering what happened in the hallway. What could he tell them? The truth, he supposed, but he knew he couldn't let it all out. Not yet. Harry was sure Dumbledore would want to discuss his recent experience and transformation, but that was something he just couldn't confide in telling the others about. He hadn't even fully accepted it yet. So, how could he expect them to do the same?

Harry prepared himself as he approached the seat his two best friends reserved for him. Other students acknowledged Harry as he passed. Their greetings towards him were a whole lot different from last year. Now that the truth about Voldemort was out, everyone treated him like the 'Boy-Who-Lived' again. There was definitely a fervent interest for him floating through the tables. Harry didn't need his new, keen senses to notice that.

"Hey look! It's Harry."

"Did you hear about him at the Ministry?"

"Is it true he saw You-Know-Who face to face?"

"He looks kinda different."

"I think he looks kinda cute."

Harry bee-lined his way towards his seat and sat down. Any interrogation from Ron and Hermione was better than concentrating on all the buzzing.

"What did Professor McGonagall want?" Hermione got straight to the point.

"She gave me a note from Dumbledore," Harry replied. "He wants to see me after dinner."

"'Bout what, mate?" asked Ron.

"Dunno really. Probably about what's been going on lately, I 'spose."

"What has been going on lately, Harry?" Hermione retorted.

'Merlin! Does she ever stop?' Harry sighed to himself, knowing Hermione still suspected how he's changed, but he just couldn't tell her.

"'Moine," Harry whispered as he huddled the two closer together. "Voldemort's back—calm down Ron—and there's something that links the two of us… something crucial. We have to get to the bottom of it and prepare. All of us. But I'm sure Dumbledore wants to make sure that I'm prepared most of all. He is after me, remember?"

"I know, Harry, I just…" Hermione trailed off and ended it there. She seemed almost apologetic because she didn't push as much after that.

It also could have been that Harry mentioned something else Hermione was pondering. All of his friends that were with him at the Department of Mysteries knew there was a prophecy involved, between him and Voldemort. But the glowing, glass ball smashed into pieces before anyone heard its contents. Harry was sure that Hermione was the first in line in wanting to discover what it was about. She seemed quiet about it, but Harry mentioning it again made her eyes almost light up with another topic to delve into. Harry was grateful for diverting her elsewhere and turned his attention towards Ron and his fellow sixth-year Gryffindor friends while waiting for the sorting to commence.

"Alrigh' Harry?"

"Alrigh' Dean, you?"

"Summer's been a bundle of nerves, not knowing what'll happen next, but I suppose it's not as bad as what you've had to endure, 'ey?"

If he'd only knew.

Harry was well into conversation with all of his friends by the time sorting was coming to an end. Ron, Dean and Seamus were discussing with him what they thought the next Quidditch season was going to be like, while Hermione filled poor Ginny's ears with rants about how she just knew she did terribly on her O.W.L.'s and was so nervous about receiving the results tomorrow.

The first years were all sorted into their new houses and settled among their assigned tables within a manner of half an hour. Gryffindor added about twenty newcomers, which was only bested by the Slytherins who raked in about twenty-five.

Chatter amongst the Great Hall started to die down afterwards as Professor Dumbledore, strolled over to the podium standing over the students and raised his arms in the air, beckoning their silence. Harry noticed, even from far away, that the Headmaster's usual twinkle was almost overshadowed by sincere seriousness.

"I have a few announcements before we start the feast. First, as always, I'd like to congratulate the first years on their sorting. May your time here at Hogwarts be memorable."

"Also, as many of you are aware, we have some new additions to the school. Now, as Professor McGonagall clearly stated to most of you, the Aurors posted around the castle are merely a security measure, nothing more. Added defensive spells and shields have been placed on the school and grounds for added protection, so please be advised that you and your parents should feel comfortable knowing your stay here will be a pleasant, learning experience as always. Anyone who feels uncomfortable with the new measures or feel they aren't enough and have concerns, please waste no effort in making sure you inform your respective Head of Houses.

"Now, with that all settled, I'd like to introduce another obvious change in the school this year. As you well know, our Defense against the Dark Arts class is short of a teacher once more, to the delight of many of you, I'm sure. Therefore, the ministry has provided us with a new professor who I am confident will be of great asset to us all. Please help me in welcoming our newest staff member, Professor Sandra Deldri."

Most students hadn't even noticed the teacher sitting in the once-vacant chair. It wasn't necessarily because the students were unaware that they needed a new teacher for the class. It was more so that the new professor, herself, seemed almost unnoticeable. There was something very plain about her. Nothing too special physically. And she just seemed to have a way with blending in with her surroundings, considering she was a lot more engaged with them than with the other teachers.

The newly-appointed teacher stood from her seat for a moment to acknowledge Dumbledore presenting her and slowly sat back down. It was now that a lot of students were starting to take her in. Along with the presence of being simple she also seemed kind of frail. She was a little tall for a woman and very lean. And her features didn't contrast at all. They all had a sense of being 'long'. From her raven colored hair that easily reached her waist, to her perfectly oval-shaped face; from her precise, manicured fingernails, to her pale neck.

She had thin lips and her robes seemed to hang off of her body rather gracefully and nothing about her seemed out of place. From what Harry saw, she really was just plain.

The only startling thing was her eyes. They were the closest shade to the color of a clear, crystal blue sea that Harry had ever seen. Yet they were covered with oval-shaped spectacles. Harry did have to say this, though; although she seemed un-individual and basic, the way she carried it brought a beauty of her own. And Harry's assumption wasn't far off the mark, considering most boys hadn't stopped looking at her well after she was introduced, Dumbledore's speech was over and the feast began.

'Looks like we have another 'Fleur' on our hands,' Harry smiled, knowing Hermione and Ginny weren't taking her new appointment very well, judging by their looks. 'Well,' Harry thought. 'At least it looks like Hogwarts is going to be as eventful as always.'

... to be continued...