Harry Potter and the Cult of Shadows

by chadsgirl824

AFTER HOGWARTS Harry now works at Hogwarts and has his hands full as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. But Voldemort's fate is still a mystery and dark forces are closer than anyone imagines. Written before OotP

3. Chapter 3

Once he'd gotten back upstairs, Harry grabbed a few files from his quarters, and left the room, making his way to his office. McGonagall had given him the option of which room he could have, not wanting to force him to use Remus' old office if it would be too painful for him, but Harry felt just the opposite. He loved being in there, it only made him think of all the talks he'd had with his beloved friend, the lessons and the laughs they'd shared. Those were things he didn't want to forget.

He entered the room, lighting the candles with a wave of his wand, and crossing to the large desk. Over the past week he'd tried to make it as homely as possible, bringing in a few pictures of Mel, his friends, Sirius and Marzia. He'd not changed the layout from the way Remus had set it up, leaving the great file cabinet just against the wall beside the desk in the corner of the room closest to the window. He could see out over the grounds for miles from up here, including Hagrid's hut and the dark forest. There was a large fireplace, of course, and the walls were littered with Hogwarts banners, containing the emblems of all four houses. There was one banner, just behind the desk, which bore only the Gryffindor emblem, and Harry left that as well. He vowed to himself that he was going to be a fair instructor, but he would always be proud of his own house.

The walls were a soft beige, while the candles that hung around the room gave off a warm, inviting glow, and Harry sighed contentedly, still not sure he was the right person for this job, but feeling glad to be here just the same.

One thing he'd found out over the last week was that there was much more to teaching then just…well…teaching. Each student had files on hand, which contained all information that might be needed should they fall ill or should a parent need to be contacted. Harry had never realized how careful you had to be, to make sure you weren't inadvertently endangering any of your students. It had never occurred to him that when planning for practical lessons, you had to make sure the students were able to handle the creatures they'd be dealing with in class. It wasn't often, but on occasion, a student might be found to have an allergy to Jobberknoll feathers, or Horklump bristles. While it wasn't part of any lesson plan to have the students make physical contact with any of the creatures they would be learning about in class, Harry had to be aware of these things just the same, as the unexpected was just that, you never knew what was going to happen.

For about an hour, Harry went through the files of his first year students, scouring the pages for any information that he would need to have before classes started. Minerva had given him a list of the new students, so he could compare them against the files as he went along. There was one however, he couldn't seem to find. He was sure he'd kept the files together at all times, so he didn't think he'd misplaced it, but it wasn't there just the same.

"Murrt…Murrt…Murrt," he repeated quietly to himself as he thumbed through the stack of papers for the fourth time. "Nope, no Devon Murrt," he said, finally giving up and leaning back in his chair.

"Who's Devon Murrt?" a very welcome voice spoke up from across the room. Harry looked up happily, to see Mel standing the doorway.

"Mel!" he smiled brightly, coming around the desk and starting towards her. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I didn't get to wish you luck properly for your new job," Mel said with a wry grin as she moved towards Harry as well. The two met just a few feet from the door, and kissed briefly before Mel began talking again.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you or anything," she said, nodding towards the desk, and the mess of papers covering it. "I don't want to make you lose your place in what you're doing…"

"No, you're not at all," Harry said, waving off the comment and grinning. "I was actually just about to take a break anyway."

"Going to look for Devon Murrt?" Mel asked lightly.

"His file, yes," Harry nodded, taking Mel gently by the arm and leading her to the opposite corner of the room from the desk. There were several chairs, and a small couch, all a light cream color with a scattering of throw pillows. "But it can wait," he said, smiling as they lowered themselves onto the couch. "I'm glad you came," he said softly, truly meaning it.

"Well I told you, I had to…I'm not sure how much we'll get to see of each other after today."

"I have weekends off…" Harry began quickly.

"Well I don't always," Mel said. "And you never know if you'll be needed here for something…I seem to remember some of our professors needing to hang around during the weekends."

"Are you staying at Madam Malkin's?" Harry asked, knowing Mel had only even begun working there so she had a flexible schedule to take care of Jack.

"Probably not," Mel said with a shrug. "For a little while, yes…but I think I'll be looking for a new job soon…"

"Where would you like to look?" Harry asked.

"I haven't the slightest clue," Mel admitted with a small grin. "Though I was always good at potions while I was here…maybe something with that. I liked transfiguration too though…so I'm really not sure."

"Too bad Minerva didn't know that," Harry said with a half-hearted laugh.

"Know what?" Mel asked.

"That you liked transfiguration…"

"I'm sure she knew," Mel smiled, "but why do you say that?"

"Because as of the moment, I don't quite care for the new transfiguration professor…Troy Ryan."

"Don't care for him? What's he done?" Mel asked.

"Nothing too bad," Harry said with a shrug. "He just doesn't like me…and I'm not quite sure what I did to make him feel this way…"

"Doesn't like you? No, surely not…that can't be true!" Mel said, feigning shock, and trying to hide her smile.

"Ah yes, always good to know you're right there for me, Mel…a real confidence booster, you are…" Harry joked, rolling his eyes.

"No, I was being cynical…" Mel explained gently, still straining to keep her expression blank.

"Thank you," Harry replied, sardonically, giving her a withering look. "I might never have guessed that…"

"Well then it's a good thing I've told you now, isn't it?" Mel asked, smiling innocently.

"I love your visits…have I told you that?" Harry asked with a wry grin.

"That had better not be sarcasm I detect in your tone Mr. Potter," Mel said, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"Oh so it's good for you, but not me, is that it?" Harry asked with a wide grin.

"That about sums it up, yes," Mel nodded quickly, smiling sweetly at him.

"Well…as long as we have that straightened out," Harry said, shaking his head and grinning.

"We do," Mel nodded, leaning back onto Harry's chest and sighing softly as he wrapped his arm around her, before her tone went serious again and she continued. "So tell me about this Troy person…what has he done to make you think he doesn't like you?"

Harry explained as best he could remember, the brief conversations he'd held with Troy, deciding not to mention what happened with Snape in the hall just yet. He wanted to talk with the potions master about that himself first. But he did explain what he'd just found out from McGonagall earlier that day.

"Do you think his behavior towards you has anything to do with what happened to his parents?" Mel asked quietly when he'd finished talking.

"I really don't know," Harry replied honestly. "I know what he must feel like…we both lost our parents at the same age, in much the same way…but I just don't see how he could think it's my fault…"

"I think you're right, it doesn't make sense for that to be it," Mel said, and Harry could feel her shaking her head against him. "We need to know more…"

"The problem is that's about all Minerva would tell me…and I have no doubt that talking to Troy won't help the situation any…he doesn't like to talk to me about anything, so I'm pretty sure he won't exactly be eager to share personal information about his past with me.

"Maybe things will cool down as the school year goes on," Mel suggested lightly. "He might be willing to speak with you after he's had some time to get to know you."

"Maybe," Harry repeated with a nod, not believing it for a second. "I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"I'm sure it will all work out," Mel said confidently, "McGonagall wouldn't have chosen Troy to work here if she didn't trust him…"

"I know," Harry nodded, having gone over that again and again in his mind whenever he was thinking of Troy. It was the only thing that set him at ease. McGonagall had always been a wonderful judge of character, so despite Troy's attitude towards him, he must be a good person…deep down.

"Any change with Snape?" Mel's voice spoke again, startling him from his thoughts.

"Not really, no," Harry replied, rolling his eyes and grinning. "But that doesn't actually surprise me."

"I'm sure he'll come around as well," Mel said with a faint nod. "He may be angry now, but he won't back down from his responsibility when it comes down to it…he just needs some time."

"I hope you're right," Harry said softly, leaning his chin against her soft hair, gently.

"Don't worry about it right now," Mel said quietly, pulling away from him slightly and smiling up at him. "You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow, just concentrate on what you need to for the time being…"

"I know," Harry nodded, smiling back at her. "And you're right…that's exactly what I'm going to do. Snape can do what he wants, I can't worry about it right now."

"Of course I'm right," Mel said with a mischievous smirk, causing Harry to laugh at her. "Now," she continued sitting up further, "I don't want to keep you here…I'm sure you're very busy…"

"Oh I've still got a bit of time," Harry said quickly. "Though I should probably at least try to find that file before I forget…want to walk with me?"

"Absolutely," Mel grinned, taking his hand as they stood together. They walked through the silent halls, side by side, as Harry told her more about what he'd been having to do to prepare for classes. When they reached the file room on the second floor, Harry reached out, grasping the handle and pushing the door open.

"Lovely, isn't it?" Harry commented sardonically as he and Mel walked through the rows, upon rows of files, stacked as high as the ceiling in the rather small, stony cold room.

"Is there any order to it?" Mel asked, her eyes wide as she took in the site. The piles were so high they looked as if they might topple with the smallest of breezes.

"I'm not sure, exactly," Harry replied with a shrug, carefully inching around a particularly uneven stack before turning to help Mel past as well. "Let me show you how…" he trailed off as the sound of footsteps nearing them from the back of the room suddenly became clear. He hadn't realized anyone had been in the room with them. Glancing over his shoulder, Harry narrowed his eyes in confusion, as he finally saw who the person was…and it was the last person he'd ever expected it to be.

"Mr. Thurston?" Harry called out, raising an eyebrow questioningly, as the older man stepped into view.

"Potter," Thurston sneered, looking up with a start as he heard Harry's voice, and narrowing his eyes upon seeing him.

"What are you doing in here?" Harry asked, trying to sound stern, spying a file clutched in the minister's thin hands.

"That would be none of your business," Thurston replied, arrogantly, fixing Harry with a smug grin.

"And these files are none of yours," Harry replied evenly, refusing to back down. "This isn't one of the ministry archives, you have no authority to just go through these records without permission."

"The ministry is the reason this wretched school is even open, Mr. Potter," Thurston said in a dangerously low voice. "You will do well to remember that. If we want it shut down, it will be closed. And never speak to me about authority and needing permission. I'm not the one who has brought an unauthorized visitor into the student record room…" he trailed off, glancing pointedly at Mel.

"I'm not letting Mel go through the files," Harry said quickly, before continuing on. "Does Professor McGonagall know you're here?"

"I can come and go as I please, Potter."

"Only until tomorrow," another voice suddenly spoke up from the doorway. Harry turned his head quickly; glad to see Minerva glaring severely at Thurston. "Starting tomorrow, I need to see written notification in order for you to be anywhere in this school without an escort."

"I'm quite aware of that, Minerva," Thurston replied with a strained smile. "You know I'm only here to make sure things are running smoothly for you."

"Oh I'm sure that's all there is to your little visits," McGonagall replied with a faint nod, sounding entirely unconvinced.

"Albus himself asked me to check on you…in the event you needed help…" Mr. Thurston continued.

"Then I'm sure if he still wishes you to do so, he'll have no qualms with writing it up…as is the rule set in place by the ministry, after all," McGonagall stated evenly. She smiled sweetly at Thurston, before speaking again, in a softer tone. "Will there be anything else you need today, Mr. Thurston?"

"No," Thurston replied darkly. "I'm quite finished here, thank you." He nodded curtly, before starting forward again; he was nearly at the doorway, however, when Harry called out to him.

"You're not taking that file, right sir?" Harry asked, trying to keep his tone as polite as possible. Thurston simply glared back at him, a murderous look in his eyes, before turning with a flourish. He thrust the papers at McGonagall as he passed her, and stormed from the room without another word.

"That arrogant man," McGonagall spoke under her breath as she watched Thurston stalk down the corridor.

"Has he been here a lot over the summer?" Harry asked.

"At least once a week," Minerva replied, still looking somewhat agitated over the minister's attitude and intrusion. "Usually I'm able to stay close by him, but he does manage to slip away now and again…" she trailed off, shaking her head slowly. "Thankfully it will all stop as of tomorrow," she went on, coming into the room further. "Albus will be in charge at the ministry, and Marshall will have no choice but to ask his permission before coming here."

"Why would he be after one of the files though?" Mel asked, glancing down at the papers in McGonagall's hands.

"I don't know," Minerva replied gravely. "Though I've been very precise in keeping track of all the files we have on the students, among other things…none of them are missing."

"Well that one would have been the first then," Harry said, pointing to the file. "Because he seemed none too pleased about having to leave it here," he stated, before looking questioningly at the headmistress. "Who's is it, anyway?"

Minerva glanced down at the paperwork briefly, before meeting Harry's gaze once more.

"Hadley Thurnes, one of our first-years this term."

"Hadley Thurnes?" Harry repeated softly, barely recognizing the name from the list he'd gone through in his office. "Do you know anything about her? What would Thurston want with her file?"

"As I said, Harry," McGonagall began quickly, "I'm not certain what he would want with it…though I've been keeping Albus informed of Mr. Thurston's little visits for the last two months now. We'll find out what he's up to, sooner or later."

Harry nodded faintly before turning to glance around the room again, as Minerva set the file down on a stack of folders.

"Were you missing a set of records, Harry?" McGonagall spoke briskly as she looked up again. "Or was there something else you needed from in here?"

"I can't seem to find my file on Devon Murrt," Harry explained quickly. "I think I must have overlooked the name when I was last down here to collect the folders."

"Ah, very well then," McGonagall replied with a nod. "I shall leave you to your work, let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you," Harry smiled as Minerva nodded at both of them politely, before she turned and left the room.

"So," Mel began, giving Harry a funny smile. "Now that that ordeal has passed…"

"Never a dull moment, I know," Harry grinned and rolled his eyes.

"I've noticed," Mel nodded with a small laugh.

"Alright," Harry said, wanting to change the subject, "let me show you how this room works…"

"This I can't wait to see," Mel replied, giving a cautious look to the nearest stack of files. It was teetering precariously, stretching several feet into the air, towering above their heads.

"It's not much, actually," Harry said with a grin, before turning away and pulling out his wand. A set of letters appeared out of thin air before him the moment his wand was out, and quickly touched it to the letter M, waited a moment, then touched D. The letters quickly swirled out of view in a glittering of dust, reforming into the numbers 1 – 7. Harry touched his wand to 1, and the numbers disappeared. Two names came into view, and one of them was Murrt, Devon. Harry touched that one quickly, and the glitter light disappeared entirely.

"See?" Harry asked. "You use the initials for their first and last name, and the year they're in…that way it narrows it down for the names you have to choose from."

"I caught that," Mel replied with a wry grin. "So what now? How do you get…?" she trailed off as a bright light suddenly filled the front half of the room.

"There we are," Harry said with a grin. He crossed to the stack nearest the door, and raised his wand towards the light. It dimmed instantly, and a folder was slowly pulling itself out from the rather tall stack, which remained immobile as the file removed itself. Once it was completely free from the tower, Harry pocketed his wand and turned to Mel.

"Ah…wasn't that exciting?" he asked, jokingly.

"Mmm…the highlight of my day, yes," Mel replied with a smirk.

"I thought it would be," Harry laughed, faintly. "Though we should probably head back now. McGonagall didn't seem upset, but Thurston did have a point, I probably shouldn't have let you come in here…only staff members are allowed."

"Oh Harry, you should have told me that," Mel said, her face suddenly etched with worry. "I don't want to get you in trouble…"

"No, you didn't!" Harry said quickly, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry…like I said, Minerva didn't look angry. And she's really the only one who has a real say in the matter…"

"Either way you have to tell me these things," Mel replied admonishingly, starting forward and taking Harry by the arm.

"Yes ma'am," Harry laughed as Mel pulled him forward. They paused for a moment in the hall, so he could shut the door, before starting back towards the stairs. They'd only made it a few feet, however, when Harry spotted someone coming towards them from the opposite end of the corridor.

"Oh wonderful," Harry muttered under his breath.

"What is it?" Mel asked, looking from the person coming towards them, to Harry, and back. "Is something wrong?"

"No, let's just keep walking," Harry replied hastily, hoping to simply pass by, when suddenly he heard a sneering voice call out to him.

"Who's that you've got with you, Potter?"

"Hello Troy," Harry replied stiffly, looking directly into his eyes. "Sorry but I'm in a bit of a hurry today and…"

"Yes of course, you'll want to be ready for your adoring public tomorrow," Troy replied scathingly, before turning his gaze away and resting his eyes on Mel.

"No that's not why I'm in a rush, now if you don't mind…" Harry began again.

"Hello," Troy cut him off, stepping forward towards Mel, a slick smile on his face. "My name's Troy Ryan, I'm the new transfiguration professor here."

"Yes, I've…heard a little about you…" Mel began uncertainly as Troy took her hand in his, gazing into her eyes.

"Might I have the pleasure of your name then?" Troy asked graciously.

"Take your hands off her," Harry cut in suddenly, narrowing his eyes warningly.

"Why?" Troy asked, his eyes flashing angrily as he glared at Harry, "I'm sure this lovely young lady can make decisions for herself."

"Melanie," Mel cut in suddenly, causing both men to stop and look at her. "My name is Melanie Tristen," she said evenly, slowly pulling her hand away from Troy's grasp.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Melanie Tristen," Troy spoke courteously, smiling warmly at her while he spoke. "Do you work at Hogwarts as well?" he asked.

"No, I don't," Mel replied simply, and Harry couldn't help but smirk at her response. She wasn't telling Troy where she worked, or any other information about herself other than her name.

"We should get going," Harry spoke up then, slipping his hand softly into Mel's, feeling her entwine her fingers in his own. "See you around, Troy," he added, off-handedly.

"I hope to see you again, Melanie," Troy said quickly, ignoring Harry. He smiled at her, as if waiting for a response, and after a brief moment, turned away at last. He continued up the hall and Harry watched as the other man entered the file room they'd just come from.

"Everyone's looking for files today it seems," Mel commented, having followed Troy's progress as well.

"Yes well, it is hectic around here right now," Harry nodded, turning back to her as they began walking side by side through the corridor. "Sorry about that."

"You're sorry about everything, Harry," Mel laughed. "Try not to say it unless what you're apologizing for is actually your fault, won't you?"

"Yes well I'd really rather you not have met him…" Harry said, feeling a coldness inside of him as he thought of the way Troy had been staring at Mel. It wasn't as if he'd never seen other guys look at her when they'd been out together, and he didn't let it get to him when they did. But he didn't trust Troy, and he had a strong hunch Snape felt the same way. Until he knew more, he'd prefer Mel be nowhere near him. "C'mon," he continued, forcing the thoughts from his head for the moment and smiling down at her. "Let's head back upstairs."

"I probably shouldn't keep you from your work any longer," Mel said as they reached the entrance to Harry's office. "You must have so much to do still…"

"No it's alright," Harry said quickly, smiling reassuringly at her as he pushed the door open. "I'd love it if you'd stay a bit longer…if you don't have to be somewhere, that is…"

"I don't have to be anywhere today," Mel shrugged, looking suddenly sad. Harry slowly slipped his arm around her, drawing her into a comforting embrace as he led her towards the couch in the corner.

"I know this must be hard for you," Harry said softly as they sat back against the soft cushions. "I'm right here if you need to talk…"

"No, thank you," Mel replied quietly, before looking into his eyes, giving a half-smile. "I'm fine."

"Well, I can't say that I believe you," Harry said gently, meeting Mel's gaze directly. "But I'm not going to force you to talk about it."

"Really there's nothing to talk about," Mel began hastily, looking down at her hands. "I've done everything I can do…Jack doesn't want to be found. By now he's…he's probably…" she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. She brought her petite hands up to her face, covering her eyes, but Harry could tell by the slight shaking of her shoulders that she had begun to cry, and his heart went out to her.

"It's alright Mel," he whispered gently, wrapping his arms around her, feeling her press her face into the crook of his neck as he pulled her closer, her hands grasping weakly at his shirt as she wept, not trying to hide it any longer.

"It's n-not alright," Mel spoke after several long moments, her voice thick with grief. "He d-d-didn't even let me say g-goodbye…"

"I know," Harry whispered, stroking her hair gently. "I know…"

He didn't argue with her, didn't try to get her to calm down. It was probably best to let her get this out…and he would be by her side as long as she needed him there. After a short while, Harry felt her breathing begin to even out again, as Mel began to stir.

"I'm sorry," she said suddenly, starting to pull away, a glassy look in her eyes. "I didn't want to do this to you…you have so much on your mind and…"

"Don't apologize," Harry interrupted quickly. "You have nothing to be sorry for." He paused, before continuing with a half-smile, "what was it you were just telling me…about saying you're sorry?" he asked with a hint of playfulness.

"I don't do that nearly as often as you do," Mel replied quietly, looking up at him, but Harry was glad to see a small grin on her face.

"That's true, you don't," he admitted with a faint nod. He felt her body pressing into him again, and rested against the back of the couch as Mel laid her head upon his damp shoulder once more.

"Oh," she laughed slightly, "your shirt…I'm sorry…"

"No more apologies from you Miss Tristen," Harry spoke up, smiling down at Mel. "My shirt will dry, it's not as if you've ruined it or anything."

"Yes sir," Mel replied softly, grinning back at him. She put her head down again and the two simply sat, Harry holding Mel in his arms, content to be in each other's presence. He knew he could do nothing to ease her pain short of finding Jack and bringing him to her. But he had to admit he agreed with Mel's assumption, Jack wasn't expected to make it this long. When Harry had seen him just over a month ago he'd seemed very weak, and the fact that he hadn't bothered to take any of his medication with him when he left only reinforced the feeling.

"Alright," Mel began with a soft sigh, slowly pushing herself back from Harry. "I know you say you aren't busy, but I don't want to keep you from getting ready any longer. I do have a few things to do today as it is before the ceremony tomorrow.

"Oh you're going? That's wonderful," Harry said, standing up as Mel did.

"Yes I'm going," she replied smiling. "At least one of us has to be there when Dumbledore gets sworn in. You, Hermione and Ginny won't be able to make it…and I'm not sure about Ron…so that leaves me."

"Well I hope you have fun…take a picture or two if you can. Oh and make sure one of them shows Thurston's expression…I'd love to see his face as Albus becomes head minister…"

"I'll try," Mel laughed, looking like herself again. The crossed the room to the door together, before she turned to face him once more. "Good bye Harry, I'll try to visit when I can."

"As often as you can…and as often as you like," Harry replied with a nod. He leant down as she raised her face to his, and kissed her softly, drinking in her scent, letting it fill him. He already missed her terribly and she was right there in his arms. Slipping his hand down her back, he deepened the kiss, feeling her hands sliding up his arms, towards his neck. When at last he felt her begin to pull away, he loosened his grasp slightly, and took a deep breath.

"I'll see you soon, I promise," Mel spoke after a moment, the longing in her eyes reflecting what he felt perfectly. He nodded faintly, giving her forehead a soft kiss before releasing her entirely.

"Take care," he said softly. "And stop by whenever you need to…I don't care what I'm doing…if you need me, I'm right here, okay?"

"Thank you," she replied, smiling sincerely. They both said good-bye once more, before Mel finally tore her eyes away from Harry's gaze and stepped through the door. For a moment, he looked after her, watching her walk away until she was completely out of sight, before shutting the door softly, and heading back towards his desk.

The next morning Harry awoke feeling anxious and excited. He dressed quickly in a set of deep green robes and stepped in front of the full-length mirror, which was just next to his closet. Try as he might to work with it, his hair would forever refuse to cooperate with him. He considered, for a moment, perhaps using a spell to force his unruly locks down so he might look more like a teacher, but shook the idea off quickly. He wanted to work on simply feeling like a professor first, which seemed impossible at the moment.

Worries that he'd been mulling over the past few weeks were suddenly magnified today, and he didn't even start lessons until tomorrow. What if he couldn't get the students to listen, or do as he asked? What if something went wrong? And worst of all, what if a student was hurt?

"Alright Harry," he said aloud to himself, in a firm tone. "This is not the way to start out your first day."

Taking a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, he grabbed his wand and pocket watch, before starting downstairs for the great hall.

All through breakfast, McGonagall went through exactly what was to happen when the students arrived. Hagrid, as always, would be escorting the first years in by way of the lake, while the rest of the students would take the carriages.

"Severus," she said briskly, not taking her eyes off the papers in front of her as she spoke. "You are sure you still want to take care of the sorting?" she asked.

"Of course, Minerva," Severus replied respectfully, "You have a great deal on your mind and I know you have many duties and responsibilities to appoint, that is why I offered."

Harry raised an eyebrow, looking curiously at Snape, who paid no attention to him, but didn't say anything. It would feel strange seeing the potions master lead the students in, hearing him call out the names for the sorting, but as headmistress it could no longer be McGonagall's responsibility.

"Very well, you will need to be at the lakeside entrance when Hagrid arrives, lead the students up the great hall from there. I will have the list of names prepared for you."

Snape nodded faintly, and the small meeting went on. Harry ate very little of his meal all throughout the discussion, and when it was finally over, he made his way back to his office to wait for that evening, and whatever it would bring.

"Over here Harry, Minerva asked that you be seated next to her."

"Thank you Pomona," Harry replied, nodding at Professor Sprout as he slipped behind her towards the empty chair. The day had passed quickly and it was nearly time for the students to arrive. McGonagall was of course, making sure a few last minute details were in order. During the meeting earlier she had gone through all the announcements she had intended to make to the students tonight, and how she was going to introduce both Harry and Troy as new professors.

Harry glanced around, feeling a small twinge of anxiety as he took in the very empty hall. For the past seven years he'd spent a great deal of his time in here, and had a mix of both wonderful and unpleasant memories from the events that had taken place throughout that time.

One by one, the other teachers filed into the room, taking seats all along the head table. Harry saw Professor Vector speaking to Troy as soon as he entered, and directing him towards the seat on the opposite side of McGonagall's.

Troy took his seat, not bothering to even glance in Harry's direction. He turned his chair slightly away and began speaking animatedly with Professor Flitwick, who was acting as jovial as he ever did. This didn't offend Harry in the least, however, as he had no desire to speak with Troy tonight anyway. He turned away as well; glancing down his end of the table, noticing the chair beside him was still vacant.

"All prepared for the school year, Harry?" Professor Sprout's voice floated over to him from two seats away.

"I hope so," Harry replied with a faint grin.

"Not to worry, dear. You'll do fine," Pomona nodded confidently. "Everyone goes through the first day once."

"I know," Harry nodded. "And I hope you're right."

He stopped speaking abruptly as the soft swishing of robes brushed his arm, causing him to glance up.

"Hello Harry," the airily soft voice spoke.

"Good evening Professor Trelawny," Harry replied politely, inwardly groaning as he watched the divination instructor stop at the empty chair just beside him.

"Sybill, Harry dear," she corrected him gently. "We're colleagues now, no need for such formalities, right?"

"Right," Harry nodded faintly, praying she would keep going. He didn't think he'd be able to take it if he had to endure her horribly false predictions through yet another school year.

"Sybill, please take your seat down the end, we need to get started," Minerva's brisk voice spoke up suddenly, for which Harry couldn't have been more grateful. Trelawny gave McGonagall an insulted look, before stiffly continuing on down the row of chairs.

"Thank you," Harry said quickly as the headmistress took her seat next to him.

"You didn't think I'd make you put up with her all year, did you?" she smiled wryly back at him.

Harry laughed slightly, shaking his head in reply, before simply sitting back in his chair to wait. Still no one came to take the seat beside him, and Harry started to wonder who it would be, when the doors to the great hall slowly swung open, and the upper classmen began to file in.

Harry tried to look casual as he watched the students enter the great hall. Most of them were busy talking to one another, engrossed in their conversations, but a few glanced over the head table as soon as it was in view, and every one of them did a double take when their eyes fell upon Harry. He watched as the word spread like wildfire, all the students who'd spotted him quickly notifying the others, whose eyes would immediately widen as they too saw him, and the fierce whispering began. Harry looked over at McGonagall who smiled reassuringly at him, before turning her gaze back upon the hall.

When Harry finally saw Ginny step through the double doors, he felt slightly more at ease. She smiled up at him brightly, having already been told of Harry's job by Ron, and made her way towards the Gryffindor table. But the calm Harry felt was short-lived, however, when the Creevey brothers entered the hall. Dennis spotted Harry first, and immediately turned to his brother.

"Colin! Look at the head table!" he said rather loudly, an excited gleam in his eyes as he smiled widely.

"What is…?" Colin began, trailing off as his eyes widened in surprise. He'd looked in the direction his younger brother was pointing and immediately spotted Harry.

"Harry!" he yelled happily. "What are you doing up there?"

Harry could feel the blood rushing to his face and cringed inwardly as many of the students grew quiet. Colin had been able to act somewhat normally around him for the past few years, why did now have to be the time he acted up again?

A soft snickering coming from his right caught Harry's attention, and he knew it was Troy, but paid no attention. He forced himself to meet Colin's gaze, and motioned for him to get to his table, before releasing a long breath and sitting back in his chair.

"Well that was amusing, won't he be fun to teach?" Troy spoke up, looking quite entertained.

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Harry replied stiffly, turning his head to meet Troy's eyes as the both leant forward in their seats.

"But I'm sure he won't be the only one who's excited to have you as their instructor, right? Wouldn't any kid be happy to have someone they consider a friend as their teacher? Gives them a sort of freedom in class, does it not? They feel they can get away with more…"

"That's enough Troy," Minerva said firmly, with no hint of anger in her tone. She gave the young man a stern look, however, before turning back to the students.

Harry was grateful for McGonagall's interruption, however it didn't ease his tension any. Troy had begun to address the many issues Harry was worried about having to face. What was going to happen the first time he needed to punish or take points from a Gryffindor?

He had to force this feeling away however, as the students were at last finished seating themselves. It was time for Snape to bring in the first years.

Barely a full minute passed, before the doors to the room swung open once more, and Snape walked in, leading a good sized group of children in a straight line behind him. Harry smiled as he watched them staring in awe at their surroundings, the floating candles, the bewitched ceiling, and the elaborately laid out house tables. Their eyes were all wide with wonder and anxiety as they were brought to a halt at the front of the room.

The same nervous look was also in each student's eyes, which he well remembered from his first day. They realized they would be tested in some way, and didn't feel prepared to pass.

Snape was just setting the four-legged stool down in front of the first years, when Harry felt a brush of material against his left arm, and turned to look at who was there.

"Hagrid!" he whispered happily as the large man tried to maneuver himself around into the small space left for him.

"'Lo Harry," Hagrid replied quietly, a small grin on his face. He started to pull the chair in front of him back from the table, raising an eyebrow at it skeptically. The sorting hat had already begun its song, for the entire hall to hear, while Hagrid was straining not to make too much noise.

"Here," Harry whispered quickly, slipping his wand out of his pocket. He tapped the chair twice and in the next instant, it had grown double its size.

"Thanks," Hagrid nodded gratefully, lowering himself into the chair. He kept slightly back from the table, as it was still a tight fit, but he looked much more relaxed then he had a moment ago.

Harry wanted to talk to his friend, he'd barely gotten any chance to see him throughout the whole week he'd been at the school, but he knew now wasn't the time. The hat had finished its song and the hall had erupted in applause.

"Now, when I call your name," Snape began as the chatter died down, his voice stiff and authoritative, "I want you to come sit on the stool, and you will be sorted into your house."

He cleared his throat faintly as he unfurled the scroll, and began reading off the names.

"Anderson, Natalie!"

A short girl with olive skin, green eyes and dirty blonde hair moved out of line hesitantly, moving forward and lifting herself up onto the stool. Snape lowered the hat over her head, covering her eyes as it always did, and everyone waited.

"RAVENCLAW!" shouted the hat.

The table second to the left began cheering and clapping as Natalie slid off the stool and made her way over to them, beaming happily.

"Clements, Ariele!"

A pale-skinned girl with dark brown – nearly black eyes and light brown hair stepped forward softly, going through the same process as the first.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Ariele jumped off the stool excitedly amongst all the cheering, and made her way to the Gryffindor table.

On and on it went, student after student. Harry listened carefully to each name, trying to commit them to memory by matching them with the students' faces, feeling this would be a much harder task than any instructor had ever made it seem to him, when one of the names caught his attention.

"Murrt, Devon!"

Harry recognized the name instantly as the file he'd been missing only the day before. Leaning forward, he saw a small, pale boy with short black hair and blue eyes step forward, looking quite tense. He heaved himself up onto the stool and the hat came down over his eyes. The hall waited in silence for a moment when the hat seemed to suddenly make its decision.

"GRYFFINDOR!" it shouted for all to hear.

Harry could see Devon smiling happily as the hat was pulled back from his head and he ran over to meet his cheering housemates. The boy was beaming so fiercely that Harry couldn't help but smile for him. He could well remember the feeling when the hat had called out the same verdict for him as well, he couldn't have been any happier.

Neblin, Nusseckt, Peram, Rimmer…the names continued to be called, and the group of first years standing at the front of the room grew thinner and thinner. Harry was sitting back; ready to give up the task of memorizing names. He already couldn't place the ones that had been sorted early on, and would just have to hope it would be easier to do when he had them in class.

"Thurnes, Hadley!"

Harry sat forward again instantly, recognizing this name as the one from the file Thurston had tried to steal, as a small girl stepped towards the stool. He raised an eyebrow curiously, feeling she looked strangely familiar. She had long black hair that fell past her hips, and piercing blue eyes.

Harry waited, somewhat tensely, as the hat was lowered over her eyes and the silence came once more. What felt to Harry like ages passed by one long second at a time, when finally the hat's voice filled the hall once more.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The petite girl slid delicately off the stool, getting a faint smile from Snape, as only the new Slytherins had received thus far, and headed for her table, which was applauding loudly. Harry stared after her, still feeling she looked somehow familiar, but unable to place where from.

The sorting continued and Harry tried to pay attention to the few remaining students, but his mind was racing, trying to figure out why he thought he recognized Hadley Thurnes. He'd certainly never heard her name before, or met anyone with the same surname, so he didn't think he knew her family, but still there was something.

Soon enough, however, Snape was carrying the stool off to the side of the room and taking his seat just beside Troy at the head table. McGonagall had decided to give the announcements before dinner this year, and tapped her water glass with a spoon lightly before standing and looking out over the school. If she was nervous in the slightest, Harry couldn't tell. Her features were set in an expression that commanded authority, but not fear. The hall went silent as they realized the professor was going to speak, and she had their rapt attention.

"Good evening," she began with a soft nod. "As many of you may be aware, Albus Dumbledore, the former headmaster of Hogwarts, will not be here with us this year. He is moving on to work with the ministry of magic, and has asked that I take his place."

There was a light scattering of applause, which McGonagall let go on for a few seconds, nodding faintly, before continuing.

"There are several new changes taking place this year among the staff. Two new professors have joined us. Taking my place as your Transfiguration instructor," she said, turning and gesturing to her right, "Professor Troy Ryan."

Troy stood up, giving a faint smile and nod to the students, who applauded quite loudly. McGonagall had been a very good instructor, but no one minded the fact that she wouldn't be teaching any longer, or miss the piles of homework she would assign.

When the applause had died down, the headmistress now turned to her left.

"We also have this year, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Harry Potter."

A loud cheering rang out through the great hall, and even though a great many of the Slytherins weren't making a sound, the applause Harry received was far louder than that of Troy's.

He couldn't help but smile as he looked out over the students, feeling a wave of relief wash over him due to the simple fact that it seemed so many of them were happy to have him there. He wasn't sure they'd be accepting of him taking Remus' place, as Professor Lupin had been loved by so many students.

"And," McGonagall went on before Harry could take his seat, "as I will no longer be able to continue my position as head of Gryffindor house, Professor Potter will be taking on that responsibility as well."

The cheer that rose up this time was enormous, and the whole of the Gryffindor table stood, some banging their mugs on the heavy wooden table as they applauded their new head of house. Harry couldn't have hoped for a better reception. He smiled once more as the clapping went on, before taking his seat. The instructors nearest him were all smiling for him, and Hagrid was positively beaming with pride, clapping him on the back affectionately to show his congratulations.

As he turned away to look back towards McGonagall, however, Harry didn't fail to notice the look of anger and jealously on Troy's face as he glared at him from just below the headmistress' view.

Harry took his seat as McGonagall continued addressing the students. He didn't pay any further attention to Troy, as he was now getting tired of this game. If Troy was going to throw dirty looks at him but never admit that anything was wrong then Harry was simply going to ignore him from now on. And if Snape didn't see fit to tell him what he knew about the new transfiguration professor, then it probably wasn't all that important, now was it?

As Minerva finally finished speaking about the rules and restrictions of Hogwarts and sat down, every plate in the great hall immediately filled with food, and the students began to eat ravenously. Harry could easily remember how hungry he'd been each year after the very long train ride to the school, no matter how much candy they'd consumed on the way there.

"All set fer yer firs' less'n there 'arry?"

Harry glanced to his side to see Hagrid grinning at him between shoveling food into his mouth at an alarmingly fast rate.

"I hope so," Harry replied with a faint nod, feeling a twinge of nervousness just thinking about class tomorrow.

"Yeh'll do jes fine," Hagrid said with a casual wave of his hand. "Once yer pas the first less'n it gets much easier."

"I'm sure it does," Harry grinned, not voicing the fact that it was the first lesson that had him so nervous to begin with. It was with the first-year Gryffindor and Slytherins, student's he'd only just seen for the first time today. He only hoped that it would go smoothly.

As dinner went on, Harry listened while Hagrid told him what he considered to be helpful and sound advice for a new professor. While Harry had his doubts that Hagrid was the best person to be taking any advice from, as every year in his class there had been one disaster or another, he would never hurt his friend's feelings, and thanked him for his help. It had been a long while since he'd really sat down and had a talk with Hagrid, and Harry realized how much he'd missed his friend. Even though he'd been back at Hogwarts for Harry's seventh year, the two rarely got to see one another outside of class.

When dinner was finally coming to a close, Harry and Hagrid waited while McGonagall instructed the prefects to lead their houses back to their dormitories, before speaking once more.

"How's about we have a spot 'o tea at the end of the week? Yeh can tell me all about your first less'n then, and we can do a bit 'o cetchin up."

"Sounds good to me," Harry nodded, as he stood with the rest of the head table. They waited until every last student was out of the great hall and on the way to their common rooms, before exiting the room themselves.

The next morning, Harry woke up very early. He'd had a bit of trouble getting to sleep, and had woken several times throughout the night. Despite the wonderful reception he'd received at the opening feast, his nerves were still working at him, and he just wanted to get the first class over with, and get into the flow of things.

McGonagall had told him that it wasn't necessary that he look in on his house at night unless he felt he had to. As head of Gryffindor, it was now his decision if he wanted to make that a new rule or not, but he opted to keep things as they were. He'd always enjoyed being able to sit up late in the common room while he was a student, and didn't want to take that away from anyone living in that tower now. His quarters were close enough to the common room anyway, and if there was too much noise being made, he would hear it easily.

Slipping quietly out of bed, Harry went to his closet and pulled out a white shirt and a pair of dark blue pants. The robes he chose for his first day were also blue, but a few shades lighter. Changing quickly, Harry examined his reflection in the long mirror just beside the closet, fussing in vein with his hair for just a moment before giving up. The students that knew him would recognize him easier as he was anyway.

He left his quarters quietly, walking the short distance through the silent halls to his office and stepping inside. Crossing to his desk, Harry sat down and began to rifle through the papers once more. He grabbed his lesson plan for the first-years and started to scan the file's contents, wanting to make sure he hadn't overlooked anything while knowing full well he hadn't. He'd been over these papers so many times now he had them nearly memorized, but when it came to actually trying to teach these children, to convey his knowledge into an understandable lesson, that's what worried him.

"Just relax Harry," he told himself softly as he sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. There was still two hours until the class would begin, and he didn't want to spend that time getting himself worked up over it. He had to stay calm, or at least give the impression that he wasn't nervous to everyone else.

Standing up from the desk, he started towards the large window to get a breath of the cool morning air, when a large, dark shape caught his eye, coming straight at him.

After less than a second, Harry recognized the shape to be an owl, and stepped back out of its way as it glided gracefully into his office. It dropped something on his desk in one swoop, before giving a sharp squawk and flying back out the window, leaving a few stray feathers behind.

Harry moved towards his desk, plucking the rolled parchment from its surface and unfurling it. It was the Daily Prophet. He'd nearly forgotten that Minerva had told him all professors received a copy of the wizarding newspaper for free starting on the first day of classes.

Sitting back down in his chair, he started to scan the front page, not surprised to see it was taken up entirely by an article about Dumbledore being sworn into office on the previous day. He smiled as he read through the story, and laughed to himself when he saw the pictures. There were several of Dumbledore, addressing the crowds and shaking hands with his fellow ministers, but the one Harry loved the most was one showing Marshall Thurston, standing just beside Dumbledore, with a very strained smile on his thin face.

Harry wished he could have been there for his professor, his friend, on such an important day for him, but he knew Albus understood. No one from Hogwarts was able to attend, though they felt nothing but pride for the former headmaster. He deserved this honor, he had for a long time, and now he was where he should be, where he could make a real difference for the wizarding world and not have to argue with some pompous fool over every situation that presented itself. Fudge had been bad, and Thurston was worse, things could only improve now that Dumbledore was head of the ministry.

For a little under an hour, Harry flipped through the pages of the newspaper, skimming the articles and simply relaxing. It was nice to have something else to occupy his mind for the time being. He pulled out his pocket watch as he set the paper down and noticed it was time for breakfast. Turning back to the stack of papers, Harry grabbed the pile that he would need for today's class, and set them aside, before crossing the office floor and exiting the room quietly, starting down the corridor towards the great hall.

Harry didn't have much of an appetite as he sat at the head table between Minerva and Hagrid. There was a very familiar twisting sensation going on within him and he was strongly reminded of the morning of his first ever quidditch match. In another attempt to get his mind off of things for the time being, Harry began to think about the Gryffindor house team this year. They would need both a keeper and seeker, and it would be best to find them soon so as to begin training them right away. He would have to ask Ginny what they were planning on doing for that. He also realized they would need a new captain as well.

A brief wave of nostalgia flitted through Harry as he wished he could still play for his house this year. He'd not been allowed to play a full season since his fifth year, and now he wouldn't be able to at all. He knew he wasn't head of the team any longer, and would never push the current members into doing anything they didn't want to, but he hoped they wouldn't mind him asking every now and again, about their training and such…

Breakfast passed by quickly, and even though Harry knew he'd spoken with Hagrid while he attempted to eat, he couldn't for the life of him remember one thing they'd talked about. He just needed to get through this lesson, that was all. The first one would be the hardest, for sure…once it was over, the rest would start to get easier…or at least he hoped.

As the students began to file out of the hall, Harry made his way back up to his office and grabbed the stack of papers he'd set aside, making sure yet again, they were the correct ones, before exiting the room once more. His heart was beating in his chest as he walked the halls to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and he had to stop outside the door and take a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. This was far more nerve-racking than any other experience he could bring to mind at this moment, though given his current state, that probably wasn't saying much. He was surprised he'd found his way down here without taking a wrong turn.

Entering the room slowly, Harry was glad to see none of the students had arrived yet, and he crossed the room to the head desk, setting his papers down gently. No sooner had he done this, however, than he heard footsteps behind him, and the first student entered the room. Harry was surprised that he not only recognized the girl, but he remembered her name from the sorting, Ariele Clements. She stepped through the doorway, clutching her books to her as she walked, and was followed immediately by another Gryffindor girl, but one that Harry didn't recognize right off. He smiled warmly at the two girls as they made their way over to the desk at the front of the class, while other students slowly began to file in.

Harry simply stood at the front of the classroom, getting a good look at each student that came through the door, trying to remember their names from the previous night as they found seats. As was usual for the Gryffindor/Slytherin classes, the students divided the room in half, neither house wanting to mingle with the other.

Harry smirked to himself, having known this was going to be the case. Even he, who had only just learned of the wizarding world a short while before he actually arrived at school for his very first year of classes, had wanted to stay as far from the Slytherins as possible. He supposed most all of the students knew about the house rivalry between the two long before they received their letters of acceptance.

As Harry glanced towards the door again, he at last spotted another student he recognized, Devon Murrt. Devon had only just begun to put his foot through the door, however, when he was obviously pushed from behind, and had to step forward quickly to keep his balance. Harry stiffened instantly, hoping there wouldn't be a fight before class had even begun, but ready to break it up just in case, when he saw the student he'd been waiting for step through the entrance, Hadley Thurnes.

"Sorry," she said, smiling sweetly as she passed by Devon, who was staring suspiciously after her, but she never gave him a second glance, she strode across the room confidently, her long black hair billowing softly with her movements, as she stopped at a desk which was occupied by another Slytherin girl. The two began chatting immediately and Harry watched them for a moment, before glancing back towards Devon. The boy was already at a desk, paying no further attention to Hadley and looking through the book for class.

As the last few students trickled slowly into the room, Harry checked the clock on the wall to see the time had come at last, his first class as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had now officially begun.

Clearing his throat softly, Harry went to the door and shut it quietly, before slowly moving back to the front of the class and facing the many eyes that were following his progress.

"Good Morning," he said with a warm smile as he looked out over the class. "Will all of you please turn to page four in your books."

He moved back behind the desk as the students complied, trying to keep up a calm appearance. He had decided not to give a big introduction, but rather simply to get right into the lesson. The only instructor he'd had who'd done otherwise had been Gilderoy Lockheart, and Harry wanted to stay as far away from his teaching methods as possible.

When the rustling of pages died down, Harry took a deep breath, before beginning to speak.

"How many of you know what a Billywig is?" he asked simply, glancing over the room. A few students raised their hands into the air, but the majority seemed unsure. "Would any of you like to explain to the rest of us what it is and where it comes from?" he asked. Several hands dropped instantly, whether they didn't know how to explain it or they just didn't want to speak in front of the class, but of the few remaining, Harry glanced around before choosing a student.

"Hadley," he said softly, nodding towards the girl whose hand was raised lazily above her, "please give us your explanation."

"It's a bug," the girl replied simply, shrugging as she dropped her arm back to the desk. Harry started to reply when Hadley continued, a sardonic, bored tone to her voice. "They're really rather boring creatures actually…"

"Thank you Hadley," Harry said gently, but with a firm edge to his voice. "I'm glad you seem to feel confident about this particular creature, but some of your fellow classmates might not…"

"But professor, they're not even dangerous," Hadley persisted, the expression on her face showing Harry full well she was doing this on purpose.

"Many of the creatures we learn about in this class will not be a great danger, no," Harry explained. "But it is still necessary that you are all made aware of them." Hadley opened her mouth, most likely to make yet another snide comment, but Harry put up a hand. "If you would still like to continue this discussion, we can do so after class Miss Thurnes. For now, however, we need to get back to the lesson."

He turned away as Hadley's expression darkened at her fun being cut short, and looked out once again over the rest of the class.

"Would anyone else care to give an explanation?" The hands went up again, and Harry called looked at the table directly in front of him. "Ariele?" he asked, hoping he'd remembered the girl's name correctly. He saw her small smile at hearing her name called and knew he had.

"A Billywig is a bright blue insect with wings on the top of its head that spin around in a circle. It's not very long but it can move so fast you might not be able to see it, and it has a stinger on its lower end," Ariele said with ease, looking pleased with herself as she finished speaking.

"That's right," Harry nodded with a small smile. "Five points for Gryffindor."

As he started to glance up he noticed Devon had a strained expression on his face, as if he had something to say but wasn't raising his hand to take the initiative. Deciding to take a chance, Harry met the boy's gaze and spoke in a curious tone.

"Devon? Was there something you wanted to add to the explanation?"

For a moment, the boy didn't give any indication that he was going to respond, and Harry hoped he didn't embarrass him, when suddenly he began to speak, in a low tone.

"Well, Ariele got it right…I didn't have much to add…"

"If you'll tell us I'd like to hear it anyway," Harry said with an encouraging smile.

"Okay," Devon nodded faintly, his hands clasping his robes, twisting them absently. "Basically, I was only going to add that the Billywig is native to Australia, is around half an inch long and its body is sort of bulbous on top, before it slims down into the stinger at its bottom. Um…it doesn't like bright lights…oh, also…when their stings are dried up they're used in several different potions."

Harry smiled down at the boy who seemed quite nervous and fidgety at having been asked to speak in front of his classmates.

"Excellent," Harry said happily, "another five points for Gryffindor."

As he started to turn away from the class, for the next part of the lesson, he heard a voice from the Slytherin half of the room and recognized it as Hadley's immediately. She was speaking very quietly, almost under her breath, and Harry hoped she wasn't going to start in again. He would hate to take points away from Slytherin so early in the class, and knew she was probably upset that she had gained no points for her answer, but it hadn't been correct. He wasn't going to give points just to make sure both sides were even, he would only give them when they were deserved.

"Now," Harry spoke firmly, "we aren't exactly going to have a practical lesson today, but I would like you all to get a better idea of what exactly these creatures are. Would one student from each table please form a line at the front of the room please."

Almost immediately, the students broke out in muffled chatter, quickly deciding amongst one another which from each pair would head up to the front. When at last a full line had been formed, Harry gestured for them to come closer to where he stood, nearest the left side of the class, where a rather large chest was lying.

Opening the trunk swiftly, Harry began to pull out small black boxes, each covered with a small curtain, and handed one to each student. The line moved quickly and after several minutes the class was seated again, with a black box sat on every desk. Pulling out his wand, Harry dimmed the lights to a soft glow, before addressing the class once more.

"Alright, now if you will, please draw back the curtains to your boxes."

The students did as they were instructed, and a scattering of whispers could be heard here and there, as the students glimpsed the sapphire-blue creatures. It was always an entirely different experience seeing a creature in person, rather than just looking at a picture in a book, and Harry hoped to do that for his first-years as often as possible, as they were pretty much the only class that would be working with semi-safe creatures.

"These, are full-grown Billywigs," Harry said as he now walked through the desks, looking around at the students' reactions to seeing the creatures. "As you can see they have the capability of moving at incredible speeds, and their stinger is exceptionally sharp. Can anyone tell me what happens to you if you are stung by a Billywig?"

Before anyone was even given a chance to raise their hand, however, a hushed yelp was heard from the right side of the room. Harry looked up immediately to see Hadley gripping one of her hands in the other, a faint grimace on her face. His eyes instinctively went to the black box on her desk, to see the top of it had been pulled open slightly, and the creature that was supposed to be flitting around inside of it, was missing.

"Everyone close the curtains to your boxes immediately," Harry stated firmly to the class while pulling out his wand. The students responded at once, all of them doing as they were told, while throwing nervous glances towards Hadley and the empty box in front of her. She was absently rubbing her hand now, and the wounded expression on her face had slowly become a silly grin. The girl giggled quietly, looking at the air around her.

Harry knew the fluid that had been injected into Hadley from the Billywig was already taking effect. And while it wasn't particularly dangerous, she still needed to see Madam Pomfrey right away. He waved his wand quickly causing the dimmed lights to grow brighter instantly, and the Billywig that had been let loose was immediately visible. It was hovering in the air, well above the desks on the right side of the classroom, but as soon as the light hit it, the small creature seemed to panic. The wings on the top of its head began spinning furiously, and it darted towards the floor so swiftly it blurred nearly out of sight.

Harry kept his eyes on it, however, and started towards Hadley's desk as he saw the Billywig dash beneath it. He began to kneel down as he reached the table, intending on simply immobilizing the creature long enough to get it back in its box, when there was a sudden movement just beside him.

"No!" Hadley cried giddily as she slid off her chair and started to crawl beneath the desk. "Don't kill it!"

"Hadley, please…" Harry started to say in a fierce whisper as he reached out to pull the girl back to her seat. The fluid was already clouding her mind, and she wanted more. She was faster than he'd expected, however, and ducked out of his grasp. Harry heard a yelp from under the desk less than a second later as the Billywig must have stung her again, followed immediately by a playful laugh.

"Fantastic," Harry muttered sardonically and he ducked his head under the desk as well, taking hold of Hadley's arms from behind. She didn't fight him, and he pulled her out from under the musty table, only to find she'd managed to catch the Billywig in her hand. The rest of the class, who had been watching with great interest, now broke out in a hushed laughter when they caught sight of the small Slytherin girl.

Hadley was holding the tiny top-shaped creature in her left hand, its wings twirling frantically in an attempt to escape, while she kept thrusting the stinger down repeatedly on her right arm, wincing slightly each time she felt its sharp prick, but obviously enjoying the sensation that followed.

"Alright Hadley, that's enough," Harry said firmly as he reached for the girl's hand.

"No!" Hadley whined, not wanting to lose her new toy, but at the same time laughing uncontrollably. She tried to scramble away but couldn't, as she was no longer touching the floor.

"Dammit," Harry muttered inaudibly. Hadley had been stung so many times that she was levitating now, which meant she needed to get to the hospital wing fast. The situation wasn't fatal, but if the antidote wasn't given to her soon, she'd be floating for the rest of her life.

"All of you please stay seated," Harry called out, now easily snatching the Billywig away from Hadley, who was looking entirely content with her new predicament. He placed the small, frazzled creature back in the box, before turning to Hadley once more, and taking her by the arm. The lightheaded girl was now trying to push herself through the air in much the same way one would swim through water, and having little success.

"I will be back in a few moments," Harry continued quickly. "No one is to touch the boxes or leave the room."

He glanced over the students briefly, to see them nodding faintly while still whispering eagerly to one another about what they'd just seen. Deciding they'd most likely be just fine with their gossip, Harry carefully maneuvered Hadley's floating form through the doorway, as she laughed at anything in sight, before starting to lead her up the corridor.

Harry got Hadley to the hospital wing right away, and Madam Pomfrey did a double take when she saw who had just entered the room. She was in her office as there was no one to take care of yet, being the first day of school, and saw Harry walk in through the window which looked out into the waiting area.

Coming out of the office, Madam Pomfrey crossed the room and directed Harry where to bring Hadley so she could examine the amused girl. Harry explained what had happened, preparing himself for a lecture, but none came. Madam Pomfrey simply listened to what he'd had to say and then went to work.

Harry supposed he shouldn't have been surprised, seeing as how he was no longer a student. He was still getting used to being treated differently by the people who were now his co-workers.

Less than ten minutes had passed, during which time Madam Pomfrey managed to get Hadley to swallow a small vile of blue liquid, and the girl had immediately settled back down to the floor. As the seconds ticked on, her giddy manner began to tone down as well, until the effects of the Billywig stinging had completely worn off.

Harry thanked Madam Pomfrey, who graciously suggested that it might be a good idea for locks to be placed on any containers he didn't want opened in class from now on. He nodded with a somewhat sheepish grin, before turning and gesturing Hadley to follow, back through the halls towards the classroom.

"Are you going to take points from Slytherin?" Hadley asked immediately when they were back in the corridors.

Harry glanced down at the petite girl. She'd been utterly silent for the past few minutes, having kept her eyes on the floor ever since the antidote had taken effect. He could now see the look of shame on her face as she looked up at him earnestly.

"Why did you open the box, Hadley?" Harry asked gently.

"I…don't know…" she stammered quietly, averting her eyes, then looking up again quickly. "But you never said we couldn't…"

Harry had to stifle a small laugh at her comment.

"That's true, I never said you couldn't," he admitted. "But didn't you think I had the Billywigs in the boxes for a reason?"

"Well I didn't mean for that to happen," Hadley said, quietly, a slight edge to her tone. It was obvious she wanted to argue, but knew she could already be in a lot of trouble as it stood, and didn't quite want to push it.

"I'm sure you didn't," Harry said with a nod, not quite sure he believed himself. "But I still would like to know why you did it. Since you were so bored with the creatures we were studying, and seemed to know what they were before we got far into the lesson…did you know what would happen if one stung you?"

"No," Hadley replied shaking her head slightly. Harry raised one eyebrow faintly, looking down at the girl who had her eyes firmly planted on the floor. She'd answered too quickly, she'd known exactly what would happen, but Harry also had a strong feeling that she was embarrassed by her actions. Why, then, would she have done it?

"No," Harry said after a few moments of silence. "I'm not going to take points from Slytherin…this time. If you say you didn't know what would happen, I believe you, but from now on you will check with me on whether or not it's okay to touch any of the creatures we will be studying in class. If this happens again, however, it will mean a loss of points and detention.

"Alright," Hadley nodded, relieved at what she'd just heard. Harry met her gaze briefly, hoping he'd made the right decision this time, but not having much time to think on it, as they'd reached the classroom at last. He waited until Hadley had entered the room before following her through, and heading back towards the front of the class.

The rest of the lesson ran surprisingly smooth, no one daring to touch the top of the box after what they'd just witnessed. Hadley behaved herself, keeping her hands to herself and barely speaking for the remainder of the class.

Harry's second class of the day was with the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff first-years, and before they'd arrived Harry quickly put a locking charm over each of the boxes, not wanting a repeat of the first class.

When the morning was at last over, Harry was grateful for the break. He didn't have any more classes that day, being one of his half-days, and he went back to his office to go through his lesson plans for the following day. He got so caught up in his work, that he didn't even realize it was dinnertime until he heard his stomach rumbling. Having skipped lunch earlier, Harry felt nearly ravenous by now, and left his office at once, starting for the great hall.

Just as he reached the double doors, however, he heard a most unwelcome voice from nearby.

"Had a rough time with your first class today, did you?" Troy asked snidely, walking slowly up to the door, a smug smirk on his face.

"How would you know anything about my lessons today?" Harry asked flatly.

"Well the girl you nearly got killed is in Slytherin, and if you take a student to the hospital wing Poppy must inform the head of house for that child what happened.

"And Snape told you what happened?" Harry asked, taken aback. He knew it shouldn't be surprising that Snape would jump at the chance to make him look bad…but he still hadn't expected him to run to Troy with the information.

"No, I did not," came the reply from a dark voice just behind Harry. He didn't need to turn around to know it was Snape. "Professor Ryan happened to be in my office when Madam Pomfrey came to tell me about your stupid blunder this morning."

"My blunder?" Harry repeated, feeling his face get start to get hot. He was not going to let Snape lecture him here and now, not like this. If he wanted to talk, he could at least attempt to handle it professionally, instead of causing a scene just to embarrass Harry.

"Yes, your blunder," Snape spat. "What were you thinking handing out unlocked boxes of Billywigs to all your first-year students? The least you could have done was have a vile or two of the antidote on hand…"

"I didn't think that…" Harry began.

"No, you didn't think," Snape cut him off sharply. "Not at all. I told Albus this was a bad idea from the start."

Harry glared darkly at the potions master. He was angry and humiliated by Snape's words, but in part because he was right. Harry should have had the foresight to lock the boxes; to have the antidote on hand…he just hadn't thought there would be a problem. Forcing a calm expression to his face, Harry looked up directly into the potion master's gaze.

"Professor Snape, if you truly want to have this discussion, we can continue it elsewhere. I don't believe this is the time or place to be handling a disagreement."

"No we have nothing to discuss, Potter," Snape spoke hastily, looking suddenly annoyed with the conversation. He straightened up stiffly, and started forward, striding past Harry and pushing the doors open.

"I'm sure Minerva will be thrilled to hear about the great job you're doing," Troy said, still grinning mischievously at Harry, before turning and following Snape into the great hall. Harry watched them disappear behind the doors, taking a deep breath. He hadn't had the best first day, but he'd handled the situation and everyone had come out alright. He would just have to be more careful from now on…he would have to be more prepared.

Sighing inaudibly and shaking the thoughts from his head for the time being, Harry pushed open the doors and started up towards the head table.

As he neared the table, Harry spotted Snape in Troy's seat beside McGonagall, speaking to her quietly. Feeling he had a very good idea what Snape was telling the headmistress, Harry tried to ignore the mixture of anger and anxiety in his gut as he came around to his own seat beside Hagrid.

"Firs' less'n go well?" Hagrid asked pleasantly as Harry settled down into the chair.

"Not exactly," Harry replied dismally, trying to listen in on what Snape was saying, but unable to hear the whispering over all the chatter in the hall.

"You had firs' years t'day, didn' ya?" Hagrid asked.

"Yes, that's right," Harry replied with a nod.

"An tha' Slytherin girl…'adley Therns…she 'cause any trouble?"

Harry looked up at Hagrid, raising one eyebrow curiously.

"Did someone tell you…?" he started.

"She's getting' inta trouble everywhere t'day it seems," Hagrid explained quickly.

"Really?" Harry asked, sitting forward in his chair, his still untouched dinner in front of him. "What has she done?"

"I 'aven't had 'er in my class yet," Hagrid began. "But I 'eard from a few 'o the other profes'rs that she's a bit outspoken."

"Just a bit, yes," Harry laughed lightly. "But it's nice to know I'm not the only one she acted up on. Though I probably am the only one who ended up bringing her to the hospital wing…" he added dropping his gaze.

"What 'appen'd?"

Harry shook his head, still feeling disgusted with himself for not preventing the situation before it had happened, and explained quietly to Hagrid what had gone on during class.

"Oh tha's nothing teh worry abou'!" Hagrid laughed when Harry finished. "Sounds teh me like you took care've everything jes fine."

"But it shouldn't have happened at all," Harry insisted stubbornly.

"Yeh can't get yerself upset o'er summat as small as tha'," Hagrid said, still grinning. "I've had worse 'appen in some 'o my classes…"

"Well, that wasn't your fault, really," Harry said, remembering very well how Hagrid's first lesson had gone. "If Malfoy had paid any attention to what you'd said, everything would have been fine. But for my class, I never told them not to open their boxes…"

"An I'll bet yeh ne'er told them they could, didja?"

"No, but…" Harry began, when another voice spoke up from behind him.

"Harry, I would like to speak to you in my office after dinner," Minerva said evenly as Harry turned to face her.

"Is this about…" he began quietly.

"After dinner, Harry," she cut him off simply, then went back to her meal. Harry nodded faintly, glancing past her to where Snape sat, a smug expression on his face.

"Please have a seat, Harry," McGonagall said, crossing the room as Harry entered the office behind her. He moved silently to one of the chairs facing the desk while Minerva lowered herself into the one across from him.

Taking a deep breath, Harry glanced around the office that used to be Dumbledore's, thinking how strange it looked with all of the decorations he was used to seeing there. But he couldn't concentrate much on that now, he very much wanted to find out what McGonagall had asked him here to talk about, having a strong sense of foreboding that he was in trouble for what had happened in his class today, but he decided to wait and let her speak first. It wasn't a long wait.

"Madam Pomfrey has informed me you had to bring a student to the hospital wing this morning," the headmistress stated evenly. "Hadley Thurnes, correct?"

"Yes that's right," Harry nodded, trying to sound less like a schoolboy and more like he thought a professor should. But he couldn't help the worry he was feeling, having no idea what exactly Snape had been telling the headmistress at dinner.

"Please, if you would, tell me what happened during the class which led to Miss Thurnes needing to visit the hospital wing."

Harry nodded, and for the third time that day, explained exactly what had happened during his first lesson as a professor at Hogwarts. When he'd finished, he sat there, waiting to be told off for his lack of foresight, and endangering his students…

"You made sure the boxes were locked for your next class of first years, I trust?" McGonagall asked lightly.

"Yes, absolutely," Harry nodded.

"Very good," McGonagall nodded faintly, a small grin on her face. "Thank you Harry, that will be all."

Harry sat there for a few seconds, before the words he'd just heard slowly sank in.

"So…then…I'm not in trouble?" Harry asked disbelievingly.

"In trouble?" Minerva repeated, "Why would you be in trouble? I understand that as a new professor with no prior experience there will be mistakes made. From what I've been told today, you handled the situation quickly, no students were seriously injured, and you learned from the experience by making sure the same thing could not happen in the following class. Well done Potter."

Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him, while still feeling somewhat confused, but he smiled at the headmistress gratefully.

"Thank you," he said with a faint nod. "I thought…well…I guess…" he stammered, not sure what he wanted to say. "When you asked to see me, and didn't want to talk at dinner, I assumed you were angry with me," he managed to get out at last.

"Yes, well, to be perfectly honest I didn't want to discuss it at dinner any further," McGonagall said stiffly. "I spoke with Severus on the matter long enough, and felt it would be better if I spoke to you in private."

"I figured that's what he was talking to you about," Harry nodded, hearing the frustration in his own voice.

"Don't let him bother you, Harry," McGonagall said quickly, noting the tone in his voice as well. "He's never gotten on well with anyone who's had your position in this school, and there's nothing any of us can do to change that. I will always listen to both sides of any story before any decisions are made, I promise you that."

"I know you will," Harry nodded, grinning again. "Thank you Minerva."

"Good night, Harry," she replied gently.

As he made his way back down to his quarters, Harry felt considerably relieved. He felt silly for getting himself worried in the first place, actually, thinking he should have known that Minerva would never have just taken Snape's word on the matter and be done with it. Though he would have liked to know what exactly the potions master had said, as he looked quite pleased with himself when McGonagall had asked to see Harry after dinner. He wondered if Snape would try to get him in trouble this year, and couldn't help but feel this was quite probable.

Deciding there was no point in worrying about it, Harry shook the thoughts from his head for the time being. What he wanted to know right now, was why Hadley had acted the way she did in class. Even though he hadn't spoken to her much, he got the impression she wasn't unintelligent at all, but for some reason she was acting contrary to that notion.

As he passed the door to his office he decided to stop quickly, and grabbed Hadley's file from his drawer, before continuing on to his quarters. He wanted to have a closer look at it tonight.

"And? What did it say?" Hermione Granger asked, somewhat impatiently.

Harry shook his head and shrugged. It was late Saturday morning, and he was sitting in his office telling his good friend about all that had happened over the last two days. As classes had begun on a Thursday, Harry had the much-appreciated break of the weekend before he'd have to continue with the 'first lessons.' He'd gotten through the first, third and fifth years, and still had eight classes left until he'd meet all of his students for the year.

"It wasn't helpful, I can tell you that," he replied glumly. He'd just finished telling of his discussion with McGonagall two nights ago, and how he'd wanted a closer look at Hadley's file. "There was basic information about her, when she was born, where she lives…"

"That's it?" Hermione asked, seeming disappointed.

"Unfortunately yes," Harry nodded. "But that's what's supposed to be in those files…I don't know what I was expecting, really…"

"You're right," Hermione sighed, sitting back against the couch as the summer sun filtered lazily in through the window. She'd decided to drop in for a surprise visit, as she too had off from classes for the weekends. Ron couldn't make it, however, as for him it was exactly the opposite. Quidditch practice was held when the coach said it was held, and that's exactly where he was right now. "Can you tell me anything that it said though?" she pressed curiously. "I'm not asking for her home address or any private information, but maybe there's something that…"

"Only you, Hermione," Harry laughed, sitting forward, leaning his elbows against his knees. There was less than three feet between them on the couch, and they sat partially facing one another in the cool office. "Alright…what I can tell you, is that she's traveled a lot with her family for many years now…and that neither her parents nor her grandparents attended Hogwarts…it may go back further than that, I'm not sure…"

"It doesn't say where they went though?" Hermione asked.

"It's not a file on her parents, Hermione," Harry laughed. "I'm not quite sure why the information is even in there, really."

"Probably because it might explain certain behavior on her part," Hermione replied quickly. "The way a child is brought up can have a large effect on their attitude towards so many things. Lots of traveling isn't always good."

Harry sat for a moment, considering what she'd said before replying.

"I suppose you're right…but still…Hadley's smart, Hermione. Don't ask me how I know, because she certainly wasn't displaying any intelligent behavior the other day, but she is. What I don't understand is why she's hiding it…in all of her classes, apparently."

"Well, it's obvious we need to know more about her, and the answers aren't in her file," Hermione said softly. "Maybe you could ask McGonagall…?"

"I just don't know," Harry said, shaking his head faintly. "I don't even know why I'm so concerned about this to begin with…"

"I think I do," Hermione spoke up quickly, drawing Harry's gaze to meet hers. "It's because Thurston wanted her file, and you want to know what he wanted it for."

"Maybe I should just go ask him…think that will work?" Harry asked jokingly.

"Oh and I'm sure he'll be all too willing to give you any information you ask for," Hermione replied with a smirk. Harry just laughed lightly, before pushing himself forward and standing.

"C'mon," he said, turning around and extending a hand to help her up. "I'm tired of sitting in here when it's so nice out. Let's go for walk…and maybe talk about something else for a while…"

The two friends moved through the corridors they both knew so well until they'd reached the front entrance to the school, and stepped out into the warm, summery air. Harry was listening as they moved slowly along the grounds towards the lake, while Hermione went on animatedly about her classes at the university she was attending.

"Sounds like you're taking a lot of history classes there," he commented when she'd paused to take a breath.

"Well there's just so much to learn!" Hermione gushed, smiling. "I mean, while still at Hogwarts we learned so much from Professor Binns in our history of magic lessons…"

"You learned so much," Harry interrupted with a wry grin. "The rest of us caught up on our sleep."

"Yes, I remember," Hermione replied, rolling her eyes playfully. "But what I was saying is that even with all we learned in that class, after seven years of it, it's like we barely scratched the surface…"

"Well I guess there's no question as to which subject is your favorite then," Harry said with a grin.

"Oh I don't know about that," Hermione replied, smirking. "I've only just begun, after all…"

"Hey you two!" a familiar voice from behind called out to them. Harry and Hermione turned to see Ginny Weasley trotting down the hill.

"Ginny," Hermione smiled happily as the younger girl finally reached them.

"Good to see you Hermione," Ginny smiled as the two hugged quickly.

"Good to see you as well," Hermione replied. "How're classes going?"

"Great so far," Ginny shrugged with a smirk. "I haven't had a class with Harry yet, though…" she laughed, when suddenly her expression went stiff. She clapped a hand over her mouth and looked towards Harry wide-eyed. "Um…am I still allowed to call you that?" she asked uncertainly.

Harry tried his best to stifle a laugh, but couldn't help himself…she just looked so serious.

"Of course you're allowed to call me Harry!" he exclaimed lightly. "The only time I don't want you to is during class…I wouldn't care really, except your class is with the Slytherins, and I don't want them to go run off and complain that I'm playing favorites or anything…"

"Like their head of house does," Hermione added quickly.

"Exactly why I don't want to do it," Harry said, before turning to look back at Ginny. "So, just out for a walk? Or are you heading somewhere…?"

"Actually, I'm meeting the rest of the team in a few minutes," Ginny replied. "We have to get started right away…we need a new captain, a seeker, a keeper, a chaser…there's just a lot that needs to be done before we can even begin normal practice sessions."

Harry felt a pang of sadness, knowing he would never play for the Gryffindor quidditch team again. During his last year as seeker, he'd only played one full game, but it was better than nothing. He fought back the urge to start giving Ginny suggestions on what should be done at the meeting, if they wanted his help they would ask for it, and he didn't want to make it seem as if he were trying to control the team still.

"I'm glad to hear you're getting an early start," he said at last, putting on a large smile as he did so. "If you don't mind, I'd love to watch the try-outs when you hold them…I promise not to interfere…" he added hastily.

"Would you?" Ginny asked, sounding as if this is exactly what she'd been hoping he'd say. "I'd love it if you'd come! And if you don't mind," she continued pointedly, "we might just be asking your opinion during the sessions."

"I wouldn't mind that at all," Harry smiled.

"Alright, enough with the quidditch talk you two," Hermione cut in with a faint smirk. "I'm only here for a little while, and you've got all year to talk about your little game…"

"Little game?" Harry repeated, pretending to be appalled at how casually she'd brushed off his favorite sport, but he put up his hands defensively as she threw him a warning look.

"Alright, well I'll let you two alone then," Ginny laughed, watching the exchange between the two friends. "I should get going anyway, the others are waiting for me."

"See you later Ginny," Harry said with a friendly nod.

"Good-bye Ginny," Hermione said with a smile. They watched her go for a brief moment; her red curls which hung loosely down to the middle of her back bouncing softly behind her as she walked.

"So," Harry spoke up after another moment, "did Ron end up going to the ceremony for Dumbledore on Wednesday?"

"Yes, he went there with the rest of his family," Hermione nodded, as they began to walk slowly back towards the school. Quite a few students were out and about now; as the day was just so lovely no one really wanted to be inside.

"I'm glad," Harry nodded. "I would have loved to have been there…I wanted to…"

"I wanted to as well," Hermione said softly. "I know Dumbledore understands completely why we couldn't be there though."

"Well, just the same," Harry persisted. "I wanted to congratulate him for it. He really deserves this Hermione, and he'll do the job better than any minister before him. I know it."

"Why don't you just go see him then?" Hermione asked.

"Don't you think he'll be too busy?" Harry asked, uncertainly. He had considered taking a day trip to the ministry building while he didn't have to worry about classes for the weekends, but he definitely didn't want to do anything that would interrupt the new head minister.

"Well I don't doubt he'll be busy," Hermione replied with a grin. "He must be, but I don't think he'd mind a small visit, do you? We can just pop in for a moment…and if he's in the middle of something…we leave."

"What, you mean right now?" Harry asked.

"I'm not doing anything," Hermione said, slowing down and coming to a stop as Harry did the same. "Do you have the time?"
"Well…alright," Harry said after a moment of considering, a small smile touching his lips. "I guess a quick visit won't hurt."

"Great," Hermione grinned, taking Harry by the arm and leading him back towards the school quickly. "Let's go then. We can fly to Hogsmeade and use the floo network to travel to the ministry building from there."

Once Harry had retrieved his Moontrimmer from his quarters and grabbed his money sack, attaching it to his belt loop, the two went back outside quickly. Harry mounted the broom and held it steady so Hermione could get on behind him. When he felt her arms around his waist he kicked off, and together they sped towards the nearby village of Hogsmeade.

When they arrived, Hermione led the way to the nearest floo station amidst the many shops and stores. Harry was glad they had a side area where you could leave your broom, as he didn't want to bring it into the ministry building with him. He paid the attendant at the desk three Knuts to keep watch on the broom, before he and Hermione crossed the station to the nearest grate. Harry paid the attendant there as well, and only moments later, the two friends were stepping out into the lobby of the ministry building.

"I guess we should ask the receptionist…" Hermione began.

"I know where his office is," Harry interrupted softly. "We can just head up, and if he's busy we'll turn around, rather than have someone call ahead and disturb him."

"Alright," Hermione nodded, looking the slightest bit uncertain. "Lead the way."

Harry started across the atrium to where the wizarding elevators stood against the far wall. He kept Hermione close by, as there was a rather large crowd surrounding them, moving every which way at once, but they reached the other side soon enough.

"After you," Harry said, stepping aside to allow Hermione to enter the grate and then following her in. The orange numbers appeared in mid-air and Harry swiped through the number six, before feeling the ground vanish from beneath him. It lasted only half a second, just as it had last time, and the two friends stepped out into the hallway of the sixth floor.

"It's just over here," Harry whispered, gesturing Hermione to follow as he started off to his left.

"Excuse me, but do either of you have an appointment with the head minister?" an unexpected voice suddenly spoke from behind them. Harry and Hermione spun around immediately, to find Mr. Thurston striding up the hall towards them. As soon as the thin man saw who he was speaking to, however, he stopped suddenly. Harry noticed the briefest look of disdain cross the man's sharp features, before he forced a bony smile to his lips.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," he began, his tone exuding graciousness and hospitality. "I shall let Albus know you're here at once."

Harry felt his jaw drop as the tall man passed him in the hall, heading for the office just beyond. He exchanged an utterly shocked and confused expression with Hermione, before they started after him puzzled by the man's bizarre change in attitude.

Thurston had pushed the door open now, without having bothered to knock and took a few steps into the office. Harry and Hermione stepped tentatively in behind him, stopping when the older man came to a halt, and noticing someone else in the room with them.

A young man, who looked to be about in his mid-twenties was examining a small, flat, dark object in his hands, standing just beside the large, mahogany desk. He had sandy blonde hair, fair skin, and the most curious expression in his chocolate brown eyes as he inspected the item in his grasp.

"Mr. Venable," Thurston's sharp tone sliced through the air, startling the younger man into nearly dropping the item. He looked up reluctantly, placing the object onto the desk with a soft tap as Thurston rushed on in haste. "What have I told you about keeping your hands off of what isn't yours? These are not your things, you can't…"

"Thank you Marshall, that will be all," an authoritative voice interrupted. Harry and Hermione looked to their right, to find Dumbledore staring pointedly at the thin, gray-haired minister. Thurston's expression softened somewhat hesitantly, and after a brief pause, he bowed his head faintly.

"Of course, Albus," he said evenly. "I was only looking out for what is yours."

"And I thank you for that, Marshall. Now, if there is…"

"I didn't mean to disturb you," Thurston continued quickly, interrupting the head minister. "But you have guests…I wanted to make sure they were shown in properly."

"Thank you again, Marshall," Dumbledore nodded as his gaze flickered over Harry and Hermione, a small grin crossing his face.

"I shall be in my office if you require anything further, head minister," Thurston said softly, stepping back several paces before turning and exiting the room. Harry exchanged a suspicious glance with Hermione as the tall man passed between them, before turning and facing their former headmaster.