Chapter Twelve: Addams and Americans

THE REST OF NOVEMBER PASSED by as fast as Harry could have expected. NEWT's were still months away and many seventh years began to grumble at the adding pressure they received from their teachers. Harry was having difficulty with keeping up. With the first Quidditch game rapidly approaching, the third day of December, as well as his studies and his social life, Harry began to buckle under the load, and he wasn't the only one. Ron was taking his studies more seriously than Harry had ever seen him, and he continued to tackle each day with a sort of manic-obsession. He was even being complemented in Potions once in a while.

Even Hermione, the golden student was complaining.

'It's like our entire lives are just for studying!' she exclaimed after a dreadful Defense Against the Dark Arts course where Professor Castor, now back but on crutches, had the class pair up and duel using stunning, disarming and even bone-breaking spells. When the class heard this, everyone became very nervous. No one, not even Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini tried using the curse. Afterwards, Castor exploded in anger.

'We're at war ladies and gentleman,' he hissed. 'And Death Eaters will have no problem breaking your bones and killing you on the spot. Try not to forget that.'

Because of their fear, Castor added an extra foot to their homework assignment on advanced shield charms and counter curses, and exclaimed furiously that their next class will pertain to throwing bone breaking curses.

'And if no one will cooperate during your next dueling session,' Castor said angrily, 'I'll be the one throwing curses at you! Dismissed!'

'You know,' Ron muttered sadly, 'compared to him, Sevagio ain't all that bad.'

Hermione giggled, and Ron looked at her. To Harry's surprise, Ron smiled at her. The rest of the day, Harry noticed Ron and Hermione talking to each other with less tension than usual. It was nice to see them not trying to kill one another for a change.

In light of Professor Castor's return, Sevagio had left. Harry saw him along with Castor speak for several minutes on the morning of Castor's return, and then left the Great Hall with not so much as raising his head as he passed the Gryffindor Table. Out of a strange reaction, Harry gripped his wand underneath the table as Sevagio passed him and walked out of the Great Hall.

Harry had told Ron and Hermione all Castor had told him the day he visited him in the hospital, which wasn't much to their disappointment.

'He said it isn't a coincidence that Professor Nathaniel Addams is coming to Hogwarts,' Harry exclaimed. 'But he didn't tell me the reason he's coming.'

'Damnit!' Hermione hissed.

Both Ron and Harry looked at her, shocked.

'You swore,' Ron said looking at her, mildly impressed.

'Well,' Hermione said, her breathing hard, 'This is irritating.'

They both shook their heads, at a loss.

Hermione took a deep sigh and plunged into it.

'There's no connection,' she said angrily. 'First Castor comes to Hogwarts because of you Harry, and then he doesn't even look at you up until now. I can't figure out his relationship with Elizabeth Ann Albin. I've checked all the books I could find in the library on references to the Holy Grail and there's nothing. Absolutely nothing! On top of everything, the Headmaster of Balmorhea is coming to Hogwarts because of Castor but I still can't figure out why!'

Hermione huffed for a few seconds until Ron leaned over and put a hand on her shoulder.

'You really think too much, 'Mione,' he said softly.

Harry laughed.

'Well,' Hermione said, her voice evening, 'it's just frustrating.'

The three of them stood up and started walking towards Transfiguration when something clicked inside Harry's brain. He stopped in his tracks, and Hermione and Ron immediately wheeled around.

'What?' they both said.

Harry looked up. 'What do we know about Elizabeth Ann Albin?'

Hermione shrugged.

'What you know,' she said plainly. 'That she went to school during the same time as your dad and the other Marauders, that Castor has a photo of her in his bedroom, but we don't know why, and that she was murdered the same night that your parents,'

Her voice trailed off. Of all the times they had spoken about Harry's parents, Hermione still felt tense when bringing it up.

'It's okay, Hermione,' Harry said walking up. 'It's just I figured out how we can find out a piece of information that might lead to other answers.'

'And that is?' Ron asked catching on.

'Who is the only person we know that went to school with Albin that we can talk to?'

'Well that's a short list,' Ron said sarcastically. 'Wormtail is a foot stool for You-Know-Who, and so is Snape, and everyone else is, well, you know.'

'Not all of them,' Hermione said looking at Harry and smiling.

'Who?' Ron asked, then it hit him.

'Of course,' Hermione said breathlessly. 'Lupin.'

'Do you think he knew her?' Ron asked. 'I mean, wasn't she a grade above him?'

'Worth a shot,' Harry said shrugging. 'We tell him what we know, except we leave out the photo in Castor's room.'

'Why?' Ron asked.

'Because,' Hermione said rolling her eyes. 'Harry wasn't supposed to be in Castor room, and that's the whole reason we're interested in Elizabeth Albin, her connection to Castor. And if Professor Castor ever found out Harry disobeyed him and went into his bedroom..'

'You can stop right there Hermione,' Harry said shuddering at the idea. 'I'll write Lupin a letter tonight.'

IT WAS THE LAST DAY OF November as Harry, Ron and Hermione left breakfast and headed for Advanced-Transfiguration. Harry had written a letter to Lupin asking bluntly if he knew Elizabeth Albin. To make it look less suspicious, Harry had exclaimed that Hermione had found an article about Albin who was mysteriously killed the same night his parents were. Harry asked in the letter if there was a connection, making sure he left out Castor completely and then sent Hedwig off.

Harry had sent the letter nearly a week ago, and as November closed, he still had not received a response from Lupin. Harry was approaching the Transfiguration classroom when someone called his name.

'Harry,' said a voice from behind them. 'Hey Harry, wait up!'

Harry turned around to see Colin Creevy jogging up to him, smiling breathlessly. Harry groaned inwardly.

Six years at this school, you think he'd get used to me.

'Harry,' he said coming to a halt, catching his breath. 'Professor, Professor Castor gave this to me, told to give it to you immediately.'

Harry took the parchment.

'Thanks Colin,' he said.

'It's not a problem,' he said still panting. 'But I need to get to class.'

'Yea,' Harry said lamely wanting nothing more but to dash into McGonagall's classroom, 'me too.'

He thanked Colin one more time than walked into Transfiguration. He, along with Hermione and Ron found a table in the back, and Harry unfolded the parchment and read, Ron and Hermione hunched over his shoulders.

Potter,

I want you in my office tonight, at six o'clock sharp, before dinner. We have a few things to discuss, and I want to get it out of the way before our visitors arrive.

P. Castor

'What do you reckon he wants?' Ron asked.

'Don't know,' Harry said. 'But it must be pretty important. I've never been to his office before.'

'Do you think he found out about the letter you sent to Lupin?' Ron asked wearily.

Before Harry answered, McGonagall's sharp voice bellowed through the room as the lesson began. Harry put the parchment within his robes. For some unknown reason, his hand moved up his left forearm and gripped the handle of the knife that Castor had given him on his birthday. Harry had yet to use it and still and not taken the dagger out of its holster, but nevertheless, keeping to his word, he always had it strapped to his arm.

Transfiguration class went by in a blur as well as Potions where Harry humored himself by thinking of putting a glamour charm on himself so Slughorn wouldn't recognize him. Harry came to the distinct conclusion that Slughorn drank probably too much, as he never said anything about a missing bottle in his office. A missing bottle to Slughorn, Harry mused was probably like missing a penny.

After lunch Harry, Ron and Hermione all had a free lesson. They trooped out of the Great Hall together noticing the chill air from outside, the rain letting up.

'I think I'm gonna go say hi to Hagrid,' Harry said. 'Wanna come?'

Ron and Hermione gave quick glances at each other.

'Actually, mate,' Ron said, his ears turning red. 'I got some homework to do and I want to get a jump start on it.'

Harry looked at him for a minute, utterly perplexed until turning his gave to Hermione, who was turning red herself.

'Aren't you suppose to say that?' he asked her.

'Well,' she said. 'I, er, have homework to do so we'll just meet you back at the common room before dinner.'

'Got that meeting with Castor remember?'

'Oh!' she said. 'Then we'll see you at dinner.'

Confused, Harry walked out onto the damp grounds, past the Aurors and security trolls to Hagrid's hut. He climbed up the steps and knocked on the door.

'Who is it?' said a familiar voice from inside but it wasn't Hagrid's.

'Uh,' Harry said. 'Is Hagrid in?'

'That you Harry?' came the voice again, this time, a lot friendlier.

Harry heard footsteps, the sound of papers rustling then the door opened, and Charlie Weasley's large grin appeared.

'Charlie!' Harry said stunned, shaking the second oldest Weasley boy's hand. 'I haven't seen you since the wedding. I completely forgot you were here.'

'Ouch,' Charlie said letting Harry step inside and shutting the door. 'That hurts Potter, really hurts.'

'Well,' Harry said not caring for Charlie's mock sarcasm, 'I haven't seen you at all. Where've you been?'

At that moment, there was a loud roar from somewhere off near the Quidditch pitch. Harry winced. Charlie, on the other hand, grinned.

'That answer your question?'

'How is Norbert?'

'He's good,' Charlie said leaning back. 'He ain't too happy about moving into the forest because of the match in a couple of days. The centaurs aren't very pleased either, but McGonagall said it's only temporary.'

'So that's where Hagrid is?' Harry asked.

'Yep,' replied Charlie. 'Even with twenty dragon handlers, including yours truly, only Rubeus Hagrid can get that dragon out of that pitch. I guess that dragon still thinks of Hagrid as his mommy.'

Harry snorted.

'Don't look at me,' Charlie said laughing. 'I handle the damn things, I don't like getting cozy with him. You know how Hagrid gets.'

'You know about Professor Addams coming to Hogwarts?' Harry asked.

'Yep,' Charlie said standing up and grabbing the kettle off the fire as it began to whistle. 'Him and twenty of his best students are coming I hear. Though I think it might be more, I didn't get much of the details.'

'Do you know what they're arriving in?' Harry asked. He hadn't thought about it before, but if the American wizards made an entrance like Durmstrang of Beauxbatons, he certainly didn't want to miss it.'

'Nah,' Charlie said. 'I don't know much about American wizards, honestly. All my work has been in Romania and what not. But one of the guys I work with, he's American, pretty cocky if you ask me, says you should be in for a show.'

Charlie poured two mugs and sat back down at the table. They talked for a while about Quidditch and the arrival of Balmorhea until Charlie grinned.

'What?' Harry asked.

'Harry,' Charlie said grinning like Fred and George, 'Can I ask you something?'

'Sure,' Harry said but he said it uncertainly.

'How's my brother doing?'

Harry shrugged.

'Fine,' Harry said. 'Just fine.'

'Fine?'

'Yea, why do you ask?'

'How's his romantic life going?'

'Romantic life?' Harry asked nearly choking on his tea.

Charlie took a long drink from his tea, and wiped his mouth with his fingers.

'Word on the grapevine is that ickle-Ronnikins nearly killed Blaise Zabini at lasts Hogsmeade trip because of Hermione Granger. And I've also been hearing things about him taking a liking to Pavarti Patil.'

Harry looked at Charlie for a minute, trying to cover up the wide look in his eye but feigning a faked cough.

'Where have you been getting your info?' Harry asked Charlie incredulously.

'I got my sources.'

'You're sources are way off the map.'

'So it isn't true?' Charlie asked, pressing him.

'No, well, yea,' Harry said. 'It's true that Ron broke Zabini's nose and Hermione was there but I don't think he's interested in Pavarti. He just thinks she's hot.'

'Is she hot, Potter?' Charlie asked, his eyes bobbing.

'Damn hot,' Harry admitted, grinning a bit. 'Really really hot.'

'Oh, so you got a thing for her,' Charlie said leaning back more, grinning, his mug sitting on his stomach.

'Course not,' Harry said indignantly. 'She's on my team, we're teammates, I couldn't date her if I wanted to.'

'And yet you dated my sister.'

Harry's head shot up. He hadn't thought of that and the mere fact that his feelings for Ginny were just as strong as ever, not to mention the fact that he was back at school and could see her if he wanted to, well, and if she wanted to didn't make him feel any more comfortable sitting with her older brother.

'I guess,' he said dumbly.

To Harry's great relief, Charlie didn't press the matter. They talked a little more until it was getting dark and Harry knew he had to get to Castor's office. He would be damned if he was going to be late. On his way out, Charlie said he'd tell Hagrid that he had stopped by. Before blowing out the door, Charlie laughed and said, 'You know Potter, for a guy who has the world on his shoulders, you seem to take it pretty lightly.'

Harry spun around. 'I don't take it lightly Charlie, I just choose sometimes to forget about the world and just enjoy my own time.'

'That being said, can you do me one big favor?'

'And what's that?' Harry asked.

'While our visitors are here, I strongly advice you to get yourself some American tail.'

'I'll work on it,' he said still laughing and dashed back towards the castle.

Harry arrived ten minutes before six at Castor's door. He was panting heavily from running through the castle and was about to knock when he heard an angry voice from within the room.

'Well excuse me Castor but I am less than thrilled with your rate of progress!'

Harry knew that voice anywhere.

Rufus Scrimgeour.

'It's not exactly a snatch and grab assignment Minister,' came Castor's voice, controlled yet boiling with irritation. 'These things take time,' he added.

'You have had time,' the minister retorted, his voice louder than before. 'And don't give me that bullshit either. You are within these castle walls, you teach inside the classrooms and you have unlimited support from the Ministry.'

'Unlimited support,' Castor said in a cynical tone.

'Yes!' the minister yelled, his voice booming off the door. 'And you have succeeded in nothing that the job has required from you.'

Castor was silent for a minute. Harry pressed his ear against the door, hoping no one would walk along the empty corridor and catch him eavesdropping.

'I want results,' Scrimgeour said angrily.

'And you'll get them,' Castor said. 'You're a damn good Auror Scrimgeour and a mastermind at propaganda, that is easily concluded in the trash I've been reading in the Daily Prophet, but you don't know the first goddamn step in reeling in the bait.'

'Now see here, Castor,' the minister began but Castor cut him off with a ferocious voice.

'No!' Castor hissed. 'We're not on your block at the moment and even if we were I'm not gonna take this shit from you. I will perform my job and it will yield results but it will be in a matter that I see fit, and unless you can't handle it, I'll be glad to resign from this little assignment you gave me.'

Harry reeled back at the words. Assignment?

'Demetrius,' Scrimgeour said evenly. 'You have never failed the Ministry but this is getting out of hand. Look at you. You can barely stand. I'm not doubting you in the least but I am having doubts about your tactics in accumulating results.'

'I see,' Castor said, his voice rising with every word. 'You think I'm going to waltz into Hogwarts, find all the artifacts, including the Grail, and then leave, that it? Like this whole fucking castle is swimming with information and assets and I'm supposed to just stroll in and dunk my head into the water. Sorry to point out the blatantly obvious Rufus, but considering this little factoid can't penetrate your thick skull but it – is – not – that – fucking – simple.'

'Damn it Castor!' Scrimgeous screamed. 'I want to know where you found the Grail, and I want to know right now, or so help me Merlin -'

Harry took this as his cue and knocked on the door loudly. To make sure he sounded more convincing, he said in a loud uncertain voice. 'Professor Castor?'

There was an immediately rustling of cloths, hushed whispering, and then seconds later the door blew open. Standing in the middle of the room was the Minister of Magic, wrapped in a black traveling cloak. Underneath Harry registered was a very formal looking suit with a blue silk shirt. Although he dressed formally, his hair was a mess, poking out in all directions, as though he had been pulling at it. Castor, on the other hand, was dressed in simple black robes, somewhat like Professor Snape's, though Castor's did not rise pass his neck and he wore his dragon hide boots. He stood behind a large oak desk five feet behind Scrimgeour, at the base of a spiral staircase that let up to his personal chambers. Both men froze as Harry walked through the door.

Scrimgeour flattened out the front of his cloak and turned to face Castor.

'We'll finish this later tonight, Professor,' he said coldly and marched out the door, not even giving Harry a quick glance. The door shut with a fury behind him.

'Can't fucking wait,' Castor said sarcastically.

Harry stood next to the door, uncertain as to whether or not he should walk further into the room. He took the opportunity to inspect Castor's office. It was nothing like any room he had ever seen in Hogwarts.

Though it was the same room that was once occupied by the entire previous Defense teachers, this room had been magically enlarged. To Harry's right was an enormous fireplace which was burning what looked like a full eight foot long tree trunk. Above it was a mantle lined with candles, empty whiskey bottles, and a picture of an unknown man, sitting behind a large desk with a blue flag in the background. The man was atleast fifty, with grey hair and rectangular glasses wearing an expensive muggle suit. Castor, Harry presumed had stuck a knife right through the man in the photograph, and let it rest in the middle of the mantle. In front of the fire were several couches of dark brown leather, all looking very comfortable. To the right of the desk which faced Harry was a large liquor cabinet filled to the brim with bottles of gin, whiskey, scotch and one or two bottles of what was labeled as Blue Agave. Perched next to it was Grant, Professor Castor's owl, his large orange eyes peering at Harry curiously. Next to Grant was a single black leather arm chair with an expansive leg rest. There was a small table next to it which had an open book leaning on the edge, a cigar box, an ashtray cluttered with brown colored cigarettes, and a half-empty glass of wine.

'Been outside my door long?' Castor asked sitting down at his desk and lighting one of those brown colored cigarettes.

Harry flinched until walking forward and sitting down at an empty chair in front of Castor.

'No, sir,' Harry lied, already kicking himself for thinking he could get away with it.

Castor glared at him for a moment until looking up. He opened a drawer and took out a vile full of dark green liquid. He uncorked it and drained the contents, grimacing at the taste. He took a few deep breaths until regaining himself and taking another drag, blowing the smoke into the air.

'The Minister and I are not really getting along at present,' Castor said mildly, shifting in his seat and wincing with pain.

'Er, why not?' Harry asked.

Castor sighed.

'Because most fucking politicians are so hell bent on the perfection of others that they don't notice what monsters they themselves are.'

Harry didn't know what to say to that. They remained silent until Harry shuffled his feet nervously.

'You wanted to talk to me about something, Professor?' he asked timidly.

Castor nodded, and opened another drawer, took out a large piece of folded parchment and flung it over the desk onto Harry's lap.

'Can you explain that,' he said in a cold voice.

Harry unfolded the parchment and read the first line at the top. There, in perfect writing, in large letters, in Hermione's handwriting were the two words that made Harry's heart plummet to the regions of his toes.

DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY.

Harry looked at the parchment for what felt like an eternity. There were the names, all staring back at him, mocking him. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, and more than half of the sixth and seventh year students. Harry felt immediately sick.

'I'm waiting, Potter,' Castor said idly spinning the cigarette with his fingers.

'Well,' Harry stammered, his tongue feeling enormous. 'The thing is sir, that back in my fifth year, I started this -'

'You didn't start anything,' Castor said cutting him off. 'You met at the Hog's Head, it was Hermione Granger's idea, and because of your popularity and fame, many of your fellow classman joined this little study group, nearly getting yourselves expelled, not to mention getting Dumbledore chucked out of his own damn office.'

Harry felt like sinking through the floor. The fact that he had barely given a thought to the D.A. club at all this year and mostly last year made him feel even worse. Now, here he was, his nightmare coming back in full force, with the worst possible candidate to shove it right in his face.

'I'm,' Harry said, his hands starting to shake. 'I'm sorry Professor, but we haven't had a meeting since we got caught back in fifth year.'

'By Draco Malfoy no less,' Castor said smugly.

'Actually sir,' Harry said, his voice rising in anger at the words of Malfoy, 'We got ratted out by Marietta Edgecombe. If it wasn't for her snitching on us, we would have never been caught.'

'Oh you would have been caught soon enough, Potter,' Castor said calmly. 'Make no mistake about that, but you're not here right now to get punished for something you've already been punished for, in fact, I think this is a good idea.'

Harry was taken aback.

'What is a good idea?'

'The D.A.,' Castor said standing up and walking over to his liquor cabinet. He didn't used his crutches, but Harry noticed that he limped somewhat. Although the green vile wasn't familiar, Harry concluded it was probably a strong painkiller. Castor conjured two glasses, filled them with ice and poured two healthy measures of scotch into both glasses.

'The D.A. sir?' Harry asked as Castor handed him a glass.

'Don't call me sir, goddamnit,' Castor said smoothly. 'And yes, the D.A. only this time we make it public. Anyone can join, provided they're fourth years and above. I've been teaching you how to duel, learn defense and how to attack, so on and so forth, so while I'm at it, I'll teach the rest of the damn school.'

Harry gave Castor a long look, then shook his head.

'All due respect Professor,' he said evenly, 'But this doesn't sound like you.'

Castor nodded.

'Exactly, Potter.' He drained his glass, refilled it and went on. 'We inform the school that the D.A. is back in full swing. I'll teach it, and you, of course, will be my assistant. That gives us the cover we need.'

'Cover, Professor?'

'Potter,' Castor said, a touch of frustration in his voice. 'If I'm going to keep giving you lessons on dueling and Occlumency we're going to have to do it privately. And if anyone, including McGonagall gets wind of me teaching you what I have been, you and I are both in deep water.'

'So,' Harry said catching on. 'You'll give me private lessons here and everyone will think we're merely discussing the next D.A. meeting?'

'Yep,' Castor said throwing on his cloak. 'Of course, it'll have to be convincing, so I'll make a big announcement of you being my assistant, I'm sure you'll love that.'

'I can hardly wait,' Harry said with all the sarcasm he could muster.

'We have the D.A. meetings on Saturday night, our private lessons Friday night.'

'And what about my social life?' Harry blurted, immediately regretting saying them. To his astonishment, Castor grinned.

'You got no broad, far as I know Potter,' he grunted. 'Besides Quidditch, you don't' have a social life.'

'Thanks Professor.'

Castor turned to face him, looking amused. He put out his smoke, cocked his neck and checked his watch.

'Nearly seven,' he said. 'Our visitors will be arriving soon.'

'Visitors?' Harry asked. 'You mean, Professor Addams.'

'Tomorrow is the first day of December, Potter,' Castor said. 'He's coming tonight, somewhat of a surprise. The man likes to make an entrance.'

'Does anyone know?' Harry asked

'McGonagall, and the rest of the teachers, not to mention security,' Castor said walking towards the door, Harry following.

The door magically opened as Castor and Harry walked out. As the door closed, Castor grabbed Harry's arm.

'One thing I wouldn't mind knowing,' Castor said grinning. 'How are things going with that Weasley girl of yours?'

Harry turned red from the question, just like every time someone brought up Ginny or when he thought about her in class.

'Alright, I guess,' he said shrugging.

'You dating her?' Castor asked.

'Why do you want to know?' Harry asked a bit sharply.

'Are you?'

'No,' Harry said and he got angry at the statement. He squared his shoulders and looked at Castor with narrowed eyes. 'Why is that so damn important?'

'I'm just thinking,' Castor said running a hand along his chin, 'That I believe you are in need for some female attention.'

Harry felt his jaw drop at his Professor's statement. Then, something clicked.

'You know,' Harry said gazing at Castor curiously. 'Charlie Weasley said the same thing earlier.'

'Did he?' Castor said mocked innocently. 'How bout that.'

'This doesn't have anything to do with these Americans coming does it?' Harry asked as he folded his arms over his chest.

Castor looked down the corridor as students began to make their way down to the Great Hall. He cocked his head sideways at Harry and smirked.

'It might, Potter.'

Harry grunted in irritation.

'What?' he asked dramatically. 'Are girls from the states gorgeous or something?'

'You know what a veela is Potter?'

Harry felt his face go red.

'Yea.'

'Times that by ten.'

Harry gulped nervously.

'Really?' he asked his Professor.

Castor straightened his cloak and ran a hand through his hair sighing with content.

'Really. And I suggest acting as British as possible. American girls love that accent.'

CASTOR SAID GOODBYE TO HARRY and left him at the large front doors of the Great Hall, where it seemed the whole school was meeting before heading out to greet Nathanial Addams as well as his students. Harry spotted Ron and Hermione by the staircase and jogged over.

'Well?' Hermione asked hurriedly. 'What did he want?'

'Not here,' Harry said.

'Attention,' came McGonagall's voice from atop the stairs. 'Our guests will be arriving shortly. We are greeting them outside the castle at the front entrance but do not stray far. Prefects, be alert.'

Hermione walked forward and met Ernie MacMillan waiting for her. Ron tried not to notice but Harry saw Ron clench his fists. The whole school walked outside, past the Aurors and security trolls and waited. It occurred to Harry suddenly that they didn't know what they were waiting for. Many students were scanning the lake, others, the sky. It seemed that no one had any clue on how Professor Addams was arriving. Harry saw Professor Castor stand next to Professor McGonagall in front of the students, both looking rigid in the cold. Professor Flitwick and Sprout stood in front of their Houses, looking anxious. Ten minutes went by until Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. He wheeled around to see a smiling Professor Slughorn.

'Harry, m'boy,' he said happily. 'Are you as excited as I am to see these new visitors?'

'Uh, yes sir,' he said trying to inch away from him.

Slughorn looked around then lowered his head along with his voice.

'Have any idea why they came here, do you?' he asked.

'No, sir.'

Slughorn heaved himself up. 'I'm sure they just want to marvel in the superb level of accomplishment we have here at Hogwarts. It is the finest magical school in the world you know. I'm sure it was only a matter of time before curiosity got the better of them.'

Harry just nodded.

'Now then my boy,' Slughorn said landing a heavy hand on Harry's shoulder. 'You stand right next to me while our visitors arrive.'

Before Harry could think of any lame excuse to get away from Slughorn and his stardom, Ginny ran up, grabbed him by the, said 'excuse us Professor,' and dashed through the crowd.

'Thanks,' Harry said still holding Ginny's hand. 'That's the second time you've bailed me out of a tight jam.'

'Don't mention it m'boy,' Ginny said grinning.

'Not funny.'

'You know anything about these visitors of ours?' she asked.

Before he could answer there was a tremendous bang from over head and Harry looked up to the sky.

'Over there,' shouted someone and everyone turned to see half a dozen steel objects fly over the Forbidden Forest. They were small, Harry figured, by the quick moves and accuracy of the flying as they flew closer and closer to one another. As they came closer, Harry did a double take to make sure what he was seeing was actually real. Six black luxury sedans, just like the one Harry had flown in with Castor over the summer, only these cars were twice as long. Harry had seen cars like these on the television at his Uncle Vernon's. Limos, they were called. The six limos flew over the Forest, circled the castle once and dropped down and landed on the opposite end of the grounds, near the lake. From there, they drove single file until they reached the students and teachers gathered outside the front doors. The first car in line stopped, and Harry noticed that this car, was twice as long as the others, nearly forty feet in length and was painted a dark maroon color rather than jet black. The five cars behind it sat idling until the first shut off its engines and became silent.

No one said a word for a moment until finally the driver of the maroon front car finally got out. He was a short round man wearing a tuxedo at least two sizes too small. His small watery green eyes didn't look up as he passed the front of the car and stood next to the back door. He straightened his bowtie and opened the door in a flourish, bowing as he did so. Many students strained their heads, standing on tip toe as the occupant got out of the car and stood up. Although Harry had never met the man, he knew immediately who he was.

Professor Nathaniel Addams was well over six feet in height. He had long grey hair like Dumbledore's but not incredible long, just skimming his shoulders. He had a beard, which was short and trimmed with black wire rimmed glasses that shielded his hazel golden eyes. He wore a muggle suit that looked very expensive, and a dark blue shirt. He had a wiry frame and long fingers littered with silver rings. He stood there for a moment, glancing over the students and teachers until his eyes rested on a figure moving past the crowd.

Professor Castor didn't smile as he walked forward but as he took in his former Headmaster's hand, he grinned good-naturedly.

'How was your trip Professor?' Castor asked solemnly. Harry had yet to see Castor give such respect to anyone, and figured that he had a high respect and diligence to his old teacher.

'Long, in truth,' Addams replied, but smiling all the same. 'How has the weather been here?'

Castor smiled, shaking his head.

'Professor, have you ever heard of the weather being good over here?'

Addams laughed, a deep throaty laugh cut by the years of smoking and patted Castor on the arm. He along with Castor walked forward towards McGonagall.

'Minerva,' Addams said happily, his powerful voice permeating over the hushed crowd, 'So happy to see you again.'

Minerva McGonagall bowed and shook Addams' hand. She waved her hand gracelessly over the students and the castle behind them.

'Welcome to Hogwarts Professor,' she said formally. 'I'm sure you'll be wanting some dinner after your long trip, as well as your pupils.'

'Thank you, Professor,' Addams said. 'The reputation of Hogwarts being the finest of hospitality will probably be easily ascertained.' Addams looked over his shoulder and jerked with his thumb. The five remaining drivers jumped out of their sedans, and opened the back doors. Immediately, two dozen figures, all dressed in suits and skirts very familiar to the style of their Headmaster got out. The men were dressed in the exact same suit as Addams, though they wore dark red shirts rather than blue. The women wore pleated skirts barely touching their knees, along with white blouses and dark grey rain jackets. Harry noticed, as well as most of the other boys, were giving each girl all the attention in the world. All twelve of them were stunning in their own right. Seamus nearly tripped over himself as one of the girls, whose skirt was a little shorter than the other's, smiled at him.

'We'd be more than happy to handle your transportation,' McGonagall said peering at the sedans.

'Not to worry, Professor,' Addams said warmly. He clicked his fingers and the drivers dashed back into the sedans, grinded the engines to life and bolted into the air.

'Have good food here?' Addams said wrapping a hand over Castor's shoulder and strolling into the castle, the Hogwart's students making a gap as he passed them, his students right behind him walking two by two.

'The food is about as good as the weather,' Castor said grumpily.

Addams laughed.

'I'm suppose to be on a diet anyways.'

The Great Hall was filled in a matter of minutes. Professor Addams sat next to Professor McGonagall and Professor Castor, who seemed as happy as a man like him could get with Addams' presence. The students of Balmorhea stood in front of the staff table, all taking in the four tables before them, looking hesitant on where to sit. They looked at their Headmaster uncertainly. He stood up slowly and spoke in a commanding voice.

'Just squeeze in among the lot of them,' he said cheerfully. 'I'm sure they will accommodate.'

Ron and Harry sat across from each other looking up at the newcomers. Before they could move, Professor McGonagall stood up and addressed the Hall.

'I would like to formally welcome our guests from The Balmorhea Academy of the United States, with their Headmaster, Professor Nathaniel Addams.'

There was a roar of applause. Addams bowed, as did his students.

'Before we get into our dinner,' McGonagall continued. 'Be advised that the students from Balmorhea will be with us until the end of term. They will partake in daily activities, sit in on your classes for you sixth and seventh years, and they will also be attending the Quidditch game this Saturday. Also, a reminder that the Winter Ball will be held the last night before winter break. Fourth years and above though you may wish to invite someone from a lower year. With that, enjoy the feast.'

The Balmorhea students were a bit hesitant in sitting. They cast nervous glances at the tables trying to figure out which house looked the safest.

Gradually, they began to disperse and sat down at all four tables. A tall good looking brown haired boy sat down next to Susan Bones at the Hufflepuff table and immediately started chatting. A curly haired red haired boy sat next to Luna Lovegood at the Ravenclaw table but looked even more nervous when he took in Luna's radish earrings. Ron was halfway through a mouthful of potatoes when Harry looked over his back at the newcomer.

'Do you mind if I sit here?'

Harry was already gaping at her even before Ron swallowed and turned around. Standing right behind him, blushing and with a timid smile was one of the most beautiful girls Harry had ever seen.

She was tall with light blue eyes and long platinum blonde hair which she let hang over his shoulders. She had a perfect form, Harry noticed. She was only wearing her blouse that was unbuttoned fairly low, her skirt shorter than the rest of the girls, exposing long tanned legs. Ron gaped at her for a full five seconds until Harry kicked him under the table.

'Ouch! I mean, sure,' Ron said in tiny voice. Harry caught Castor looking down from the staff table. Castor smirked and gave Harry a small wink.

The girl smiled and sat down next to Ron. She had to squeeze in a bit and her leg brushed against Ron and he nearly passed out at the contact. Ron was clenching the end of the table so roughly his knuckles were turning white. Harry saw Hermione chatting with Neville down the table, Hermione not really listening to Neville, merely staring daggers at the goddess who had just sat down.

'Hi,' she said smiling at Ron extending her manicured hand. 'I'm Sarah Davenport.'

Ron just looked at his good-fortune until Harry kicked him again.

'Ow,' he said but covered it up with a cough. 'Sorry, I'm Ron Weasley.'

'Are you okay?' the girl asked still showing perfect white teeth.

'Yea,' Ron said in a tiny voice then grunted, and continued with a much deeper tone. 'I mean, yea, I'm fine.'

She smiled and loaded her plate to nearly the edges and started devouring a two pound piece of steak. Ron nearly lost it.

Sarah, who was eating that steak as though she hadn't eaten anything in a week, looked up and smiled at Harry. She introduced herself again.

'Harry Potter.'

The girl stopped chewing and looked up at him. Her eyes lit up.

'Wow,' she said. 'So you are. I've heard all about you, but I'm sure everyone has by now.'

Harry shrugged. Sarah got the impression Harry didn't like his famous name being brought up so she turned her attention back to Ron.

'You're a prefect?' she asked noticing the badge on Ron's robes.

'What?' Ron asked bewildered. Harry hoped she didn't catch him looking at her legs. 'Yea, I'm a prefect. Kind of boring.'

'I'll say,' said Sarah.

'You're a prefect too?' Ron asked.

Sarah pointed at her chest, which Ron, Harry, Seamus, Dean, Neville, and Terry Boot who was passing by the table all gawked at.

'Cool,' Harry and Ron said together.

Sarah flashed another smile and downed her pumpkin juice, refilled it, and went back to her steak and potatoes.

'Hungry are you?' Ron asked.

Sarah looked up, chewing.

'Starving,' she said. 'Then again, I'm always starving. I eat way too much.'

'Doesn't look like it,' Ron blurted then immediately went red.

Sarah looked at him, arching her eyebrows.

'Are you saying I'm thin Mr. Weasley?' she asked playfully.

Ron turned his head to look at Harry, his eyes pleading for help. Harry shook his head, hiding his amused grin as best he could. Ron turned back to Sarah who was turned half-way in her seat, her leg brushing against Ron's.

'Well,' Ron said, his voice cracking. 'You just don't look like you eat much. I mean, you're not fat at all, you're pretty, I mean, I wasn't staring at you, but, what I'm trying to say is that you're leg.'

'Yes?' Sarah asked, a gamely smile on her lips.

'Uh, Harry?' Ron said begging for help.

'Don't look at me,' Harry said completely enjoying this.

'It's okay,' Sarah whispered to Ron which made him shiver. 'Don't worry about it. You're not bad yourself.'

Ron wheeled towards her, stunned. Sarah smiled and tapped her fork to his plate.

'In the eating department that is,' she said.

Harry let out a breath.

'Oh,' said Ron and he managed a weak smile. 'Thanks.'

'I like your accent Ron,' she said smiling prettily.

Harry nearly choked on his steak.

'Uh,' Ron said bewildered, trying to figure out if she was joking. 'Thanks, I like yours too.'

She flashed another smile and went on.

'I didn't know there was going to be a dance after the end of this trip. Professor Addams didn't tell us. We've never had a dance at our school before, but I overheard someone saying that you guys had a ball a few years ago.'

'Yea,' Ron said shrugging. 'It wasn't that fun though.'

'Oh,' Sarah said. 'Did you have a bad date or something?'

Harry tried to hide his amusement and focused on his food, hoping that Ron didn't make a total idiot of himself.

'Not really,' Ron said. 'I just didn't go with the girl I wanted to is all.'

'Oh,' Harry said looking up, grinning. 'And who would that be?'

'You don't know her,' Ron said looking from Harry then back to Sarah, who was still smiling.

'I don't?' Harry asked innocently, taking the game one step further, completely enjoying his friend's misery.

'Well,' Sarah said putting a hand on Ron's shoulder, 'I hope this time you go with the girl you want.'

Ron looked at her with wide eyes, then down at her hand which was still on his shoulder.

'Thanks,' he whimpered.

'Rounds,' said a cold voice from behind them.

Harry looked up and Ron and Sarah half turned in their seat to see Hermione standing like a drill sergeant, hands on her hips, looking exceptionally put out. She eyed Sarah's hand on Ron's shoulder and her eyes narrowed. Sarah, probably getting the hint, removed her hand, and extended it to Hermione.

'Hi,' she said. 'I'm Sarah Davenport, are you friends with Ron and Harry?'

'Hermione Granger,' she said not shaking Sarah's hand. 'I'm Head Girl and yes, I am friends with Ron and Harry. Best friends.'

Sarah dropped her hand and pulled a smile. 'That's nice.'

'It is,' Hermione said coldly. 'Ron, we have rounds to do right now.'

'It's the middle of dinner, Hermione, give me a minute.'

'Now, Ron Weasley.'

Ron looked hopelessly at Harry then back at Sarah, sighed, put down his fork and stood up.

'It was nice meeting you Ron,' Sarah said taking her hand out which Ron took in an instant. 'Maybe I'll see you around.'

Ron gulped so loud half the Hall could have heard it.

'Yea,' he managed. 'Nice meeting you too.'

Before he could get off another word, Hermione grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the Great Hall.

Sarah watched Ron go and turned back to look at Harry. She leaned over the table and whispered-

'You know something Harry? Whoever this girl is that Ron wanted to take to the Ball, I'll bet you anything that it definitely wasn't her.'

Harry couldn't help but smile.

'Do you like pudding Sarah?' he asked holding up a bowl of chocolate pudding, completely unaware that Ginny was down the table, staring daggers at him.

A/N: Alright, I was in Ireland and France for a month, I just got back a week ago. I tried to get this out as soon as I could, sorry its so damn late. Hope you enjoyed it, review review review. Peace.