Professor McGonagall was meeting with the Headmaster. "With Professor Quirrell reporting that he will be leaving after this year, have you made any attempts to secure a professor for next year?"
Albus Dumbledore nodded. "I have placed an advertisement in the Daily Prophet. As of now, I have had one applicant. I am hoping for more so that I can choose well."
Minerva nodded. "Please be certain to ask for prospective book lists. I will need to submit the proper one to the Trust."
Albus sat back and twinkled. "Yes. The Magical Education Trust Group is a remarkable endeavour. I was curious as to why I wasn't asked for input."
The Deputy Headmistress shrugged. "It was the brain-child of Harry Potter. He learned that many students don't get properly matched wands and wanted to contribute. It snowballed from there. I believe you were considered too busy to approach. The other Trust Executives also wanted it as neutral as possible. They wanted to keep it out of the hands of traditional elements."
Albus nodded. "Yes. You mentioned that Sirius Black was the President of the Group. How has Mr. Black been since his release?"
"He's been re-introducing himself to society. He currently is spending time with a female companion and making plans to increase the scope of the Trust Group." McGonagall had a small smile as she thought of her former Lion.
"Excellent." Albus paused then and moved toward something he had been curious about. "It was interesting to note that Sirius did not take custody of his godson."
Professor McGonagall nodded. "Mr. Potter was asked, but told Sirius that he needed to retain residence with his Aunt. Something to do with wards, I believe."
"Yes. The wards I placed are based on his family connection and keep him quite safe. Did he mention where he learned of these wards?" THIS was the question Albus had been dying to ask.
Minerva had, of course, seen the letter left by the Lone Traveler. However, she was leery of passing on such information as it was not her secret to tell.
"I don't know. Perhaps it was something that was discovered during the lad's introduction to the magical world. He didn't mention it to me."
Albus made a non-committal noise as he considered this. He really didn't want to push too far as things were proceeding as he considered proper, but the exact method that was used to uncover this secret was nagging him.
He would have to spend some time ferreting out the information.
"Very well. I shall ask the one applicant so far that he send a prospective book list to you." Albus then dismissed the Deputy Headmistress to get back to his plan … er, duties.
Late Thursday morning, Harry got out of bed to prepare for the day. Most of the first years were still waking up, having had Astronomy late the night before. He dug around in his trunk and found what he was looking for.
Moving downstairs, he saw that there were no other first years around. He thought about it and realized that Hermione was most likely already in the Library – her favorite pastime.
There was always a light breakfast available until 10:00 for the students who had Astronomy. The second morning period was History of Magic and most of the students promptly took a nap for that time as well.
Harry made his way to the Great Hall. As the first years arrived, Harry got each to sign it and, once he had everyone's signature, he put it in his bag.
History of Magic was just as boring as it had been for the first two weeks. Harry greeted Hermione shortly and took his own nap. She had finally gotten over the idea of keeping her friends awake during the class.
As the end of period rung, Hermione woke them up and they all made their way to Lunch.
Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Neville all sat together as was their habit now. As Hermione dug into her bag for her book for the class after lunch, Harry grabbed the item for his bag. When Hermione turned back, she saw the envelope on the table with her name written plainly.
She looked around and saw all of the other first years grinning at her. "What is it?"
She hardly dared hope.
"Open it up." Hermione picked up the envelope and carefully opened it. It was exactly what it looked like: A muggle birthday card. Every one of the first years had signed it.
It said, "Happy Birthday to my Bookworm Friend," on the front; inside it said, "I tried to get a book-flavored cake, but they were fresh out." It wasn't that funny – but it was more than Hermione had ever received outside of her family.
She saw that every first year had signed it and promptly broke into tears.
She stumbled off the bench and moved from first year to first year and hugged each. Some of the people watching asked and word moved out from there. Hermione was given Happy Birthday wishes a number of times that day.
Even though Ron and Hermione weren't the best of friends (she was a bit too studious for him and he was a bit too lazy for her) they were friends, he spoke to his brothers and made arrangements for them to get cake and refreshments delivered to the common room at 7:00. Upon hearing this, Harry took a few galleons and convinced them to sneak out to Hogsmeade before dinner but after class.
It was widely known how resourceful the duo were. Harry (between classes) got a list of gift ideas from the other first years. Some had money to contribute and some accepted his offer to cover the price.
Neville agreed to distract her asking for help with a transfiguration essay and Harry made arrangements for the twins to deliver the small gifts before dinner. One of Hermione's roommates delivered them to the common room.
Harry corralled Hermione before she could go to the Library after dinner. It wasn't easy. But Ron and Neville agreed with him that she should relax a bit for her birthday. After all, she was at least five days ahead in her homework.
Never having the friends to celebrate with when she was younger, it was far easier to convince her than they had expected.
So, Hermione and the three boys returned to Gryffindor right after dinner. Hermione was expecting to play a few games and to socialize. She was totally surprised by the number of people waiting for them to come in.
All of the first years, the twins, Lee (a friend of the twins), Percy (although he was a bit stiff) and a few other random Gryffindors from random years all greeted her with song. After the traditional song and the traditional cheer, Hermione looked to be completely red.
The Weasley twins yelled out, "Cake!"
Fred and George carried the cake out from behind the couch. "And, as is tradition, the birthday girl must demonstrate her excellent breath control." The two placed the cake on one of the tables among the squishy chairs.
"Come on, Hermione. Sit down," Neville said. Hermione sat next to the cake.
Harry said, "Make a wish, and then blow!"
Hermione grinned at those watching and did so. The room cheered. The twins pulled out some plates and cups and pitchers of pumpkin juice. Once everyone had cake, Ron called out, "Presents!"
Hermione was shocked, "I have birthday presents?"
Lavander said, "It's your birthday. Of course there are presents." Percy was levitating a pile out from behind another chair.
Hermione looked at the pile. Harry said, "Your parents sent theirs via McGonagall. She helped deliver more than one."
Hermione was having a hard time holding her tears in as she began going through them. Most were small, including some candy and other items like that. Her parents had sent a pair of earrings as well as a book.
She was confused when she got to the largest box. "Umm. Harry?"
"Yes, Hermione."
"Cat supplies?"
Harry grinned and turned to the fifth-year female prefect. She had agreed to keep Crookshanks a secret until the proper time. The girl pulled up the cage from behind another chair and said, "Professor McGonagall kept him in her office until dinner at Harry's request."
Hermione was shocked as the cage was presented. She looked inside and squeed. Upon opening the cage, the cat jumped out of it directly on her lap.
"He's gorgeous!" rang out. The boys were dubious of this statement, as were some of the girls, but it was obvious that Hermione really believed that it. Hermione turned. "What's his name?" she asked even as she cuddled the large, flat-faced cat.
Harry grinned. "Crookshanks. That's what the clerk said. The rest of the supplies were delivered to your house. He's half-kneazle and pretty smart."
Hermione looked once-more into the cat's eyes and said, "Of COURSE he's smart. You're the best looking and smartest cat in the world, aren't you, Crookshanks?"
The cat nuzzled her face with its face and purred.
The students all settled into a routine. Harry's included regular quiddich practice, games of chess with Ron, exploding snap with his other dorm mates, and study sessions run by Hermione.
Hermione's routine included far more studying and less relaxing, but she was slowly changing. Crookshanks helped as he would demand attention at times, forcing Hermione to stop reading and play with him.
Harry, Ron, and Neville thought it was good for her.
The other Gryffindor boys all had routines similar to Harry's without the quiddich practice.
Harry kept up correspondence with several people including Sirius, Ginny, and Luna.
Sirius spoke most about his new girlfriend and plans for the Trust Group. Ginny told stories of her family and her new kitten. Luna wrote about strange creatures, blunt observations, and visits to Ginny.
The two girls had bonded once again over Blackie. Luna and her father had become somewhat reclusive after Luna's mother had died in a magical accident. They had withdrawn within themselves and now were a bit stranger than the traditional Lovegood strangeness. Ginny's letters mentioned it, but she was happy that her friend had started visiting again.
The first year Gryffindors also regularly visited Hagrid on Fridays.
Soon, Halloween was approaching.
As the date got closer and closer, Harry became more and more morose. Since learning exactly what the date signified, he had begun dreading it a bit. Especially since most students seemed to become more excited at the holiday's approach.
Hermione noticed this and cornered him one day. "Harry, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Hermione. Just something personal I'm thinking about."
Hermione paused. Finally she asked, "Harry?"
Harry looked at her.
"We're friends, right?"
"Yeah, sure." Harry looked confused.
She was really hesitant but she really wanted to be a good friend. "I've noticed you've been a bit down and I really was concerned. Is there anything at all I can help you with? Even just a little?"
Harry sighed. Finally, he fessed up. "Well, everyone seems to be excited that Halloween's coming. I just learned this summer that this was the day my parents were killed. Everyone keeps talking about me being 'The Boy Who Lived' but ignore the sacrifice. Remember the letter I sent to the Prophet?" Hermione nodded. "Even though it's better than it was, people seem to forget in all the excitement."
Hermione nodded and then flung her arms around Harry. Even though it did make him a bit uncomfortable, he finally did relax a bit. Talking about it really did make him feel better.
Halloween had finally arrived. Harry had gotten better after talking with his friend and so he was not as sad as he had anticipated he would be. He decided that he would try to enjoy the day.
Charms had been fun. They all had completed the levitation charm. Hermione's drive to study ahead had allowed them all to begin practicing early. Even though none of them had perfected it, each one was ready for the class – even Ron, who had grumbled a bit.
Flitwick had been positively giddy that so many accomplished the task and handed out many points.
As the day progressed, excitement built. Just before 5:00, the student body made its way to the Feast, which was starting earlier than dinner normally was scheduled.
Harry was completely shocked at what he found.
"Sirius! Remus!" Harry had thrown away decorum and rushed to embrace his parents' friends. "What are you two doing here? And Healer Stansbury, welcome!"
Sirius grinned and said, "Minnie made a few arrangements. After talking to your friend, Hermione, she invited a few people to the Feast."
Harry looked around. He now noticed that there were a number of adults present. Susan Bones, the Hufflepuff, was speaking with Amelia Bones. The Weasley parents had a congregation of redheads around them. Even Ginny had been brought and enthusiastically greeted Harry when he said hello. Neville was visited by his Grandmother.
The Great Hall was decorated in grand tradition. There were large pumpkins, live bats (transfigured, Harry later learned, as they were less messy), and billowy spider webs placed in corners.
At 5:10, the Deputy Headmistress stood and tapped her glass repeatedly until the Hall was silent. She sat down and the Headmaster stood.
Whatever else could be said of the man, he knew how to keep an audience enthralled.
"Halloween. The Autumn Harvest. Samhain. The Day of the Dead. All Soul's Day. Tonight's Feast marks a celebration of the year and has traditionally been important in many circles and societies. While normally we would begin the Feasting in good cheer and with full cups, it is important to remember that we are beholden to the past and to those that came before.
"Ten years ago the magical world was living in great peril and great fear. Brother against brother, friend against friend, none knew exactly whom could be trusted or whom was being controlled by Dark forces to harm their neighbours and community. Ten years ago tonight, that changed. Two remarkable individuals took steps to protect their young son and due to their magical prowess and ingenuity, the man who threatened all of Magical Britain was laid low.
"We do not know exactly what happened nor were there any witnesses to proclaim what was done. What we do know is that whatever was done bought a reprieve for us all. While the young boy was celebrated as a hero, we forgot or ignored that the true heroes were those parents that sacrificed their lives and magic to ensure that their son was safe. We forgot that this family was not the sum of all heroes.
"Many more were lost and many more sacrificed. Names like Prewitt, Bones, McKinnon, Dearborn, Longbottom – the litany of the names and deeds could fill a great tome and our tears could overflow a great river.
"So, while I implore you to Feast and enjoy and celebrate, I would ask that you all first join me in a toast to all those that sacrificed and all those that were lost. Raise your glasses, all." A wave moved out and everyone soon held a glass in front of them.
"To absent friends, in memory still bright." The entire hall as one lifted their glasses and drank. The Headmaster then put his hand out again and the Great Hall mirrored his motion. "May we all live in peace, safety, and prosperity." The Great Hall once again all drank.
The Headmaster placed his glass upon the table and raised his arms. "Now, let us all celebrate life and the future! Let the Feast … Begin!" He clapped his hands authoritatively.
There was a great cheer and the tables were now groaning under the weight of the traditional Feast that they now held.
A/N: I want to thank fringeperson for the concept of a remembrance toast at the Halloween feast (Calculation – FF Story ID 7619993) and J. Michael Straczynski from which I borrowed the first toast (Bablyon 5 final episode – Sleeping in Light).