Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. As Proof of this, notice the sixth book does not have Luna searching for Crumple Horned Snorkacks... in Harry's pants!
Chapter 7- The Great Gummy Rampage of 96
The next two weeks went by in a blur for Harry. A very slow and painful blur, which seemed to grow ever more torturous. Training had become a daily routine of waking up earlier and earlier, and doing different exercises that left Harry sorer than he had ever been. He had weekends off from his hellish schedule to do as he pleased, and spent most of it with his friends; catching up on their activities and taking their last few visits to the nice little beach town they had found earlier in the summer.
At first, the group seem polarized gender wise, but soon seemed to drift back into their old routine, with no mention of the awkward few days when the 'incident' had occurred. Surprisingly for Harry, Hermione never blew up as he had come to expect over her transfiguration grades. She had taken a different route all together.
Stopping every now and then she would randomly have Harry transfigure items she could not have possibly have needed, to test Harry's transfiguration abilities. She never called it a test, she always made excuses for needing a beetle turned button or a toothpick turned worm. After Harry would return from training she would query Harry on different aspects of transfiguration, claiming she needed help on her summer studies. They were all reasonable explanations but no one was fooled.
She was not-so-secretly evaluating Harry's aptitude for transfiguration, and his knowledge on its workings. Harry wasn't sure to what end… but didn't call her on her activities.
:-..-..-..-..-:
It was Thursday, August 31st and Harry was given the day off from his normal schedule to pack his belongings. He was told his training would continue but at a slower pace during the school year. Harry was pleased to note that all the training while torturous, were noticeably improving his body and performance… he wasn't prepared to call himself ripped… or to say he had a six pack of a God… he was still a little on the short side, and a little thin; but he had noticed his shoulders widening ever so slightly and some meagre but very welcome muscle developing. He was well on his way to perhaps duelling one of the nameless order members to a draw… he had never managed to beat, or even stay conscious throughout an entire day of training but he had managed to greatly improve his performance... to even earn himself a respectful nod from a few order members.
Even 'sir' refrained from giving him a derogatory compliment and managed a week 'good work today' every now and then instead of his usual 'do better tomorrow.'
Harry and Ron were finishing packing their things… greatly expedited by Harry's freedom to Accio.
"Who knows we might actually be early for once" Ron said optimistically; dooming them to a late arrival.
Neville was in a frenzy searching for Trevor.
"Every year!" Neville cried as he ran from room to room searching for the toad. Harry had kept quiet about Neville's night time wanderings and covered for him if someone ever noticed his absence.
"You think you should Accio Trevor for Neville?" Ron whispered.
"Remember the last time you tried to Accio an animal?" Harry raised his eyebrow in emphasis... willing Ron to remember the pain.
Ron winced at the memory of accioing Pig… Harry learned that day when Ron was scurrying away from his projectile owl… animals and summoners don't mix well together.
The door to their suite opened to let in a brow furrowed metamorph.
Harry watched the women, as she bemusedly walked across the living room, and absentmindedly seating herself on the couch Neville had just violated searching for his pet.
As it became obvious that Tonks wouldn't reveal her source of confusion Harry decided to start the conversation.
"Tonks… what's going on?"
Tonks, who was still looking back at the door she had entered through, looked towards Harry in question before replying.
"Your friends are weird…"
"How so?" Harry asked as he made his way to the door Tonks was continuously staring at. He wanted to know what was so interesting that it had phased the kooky Auror.
"Well I just saw…" Tonks paused to watch as Harry opened the door to immediately reveal a hunched over Luna running back and forth between the walls carrying a small cardboard box with a handle, whispering….
"Bob….Bob…. Where are you boy?"
"…That!" Tonks finished.
Harry turned to the right… and saw the unflappable male presence he had become found of, standing guard outside his door. Luna zig zagged right into his minder and just as suddenly, zig zagged away after checking Bobs pant legs… shaking them in case something were to fall out.
Harry turned back to Luna and watched as she continued her search pattern, calling for his other bodyguard. Every now and then, warning that if he did not show his presence, she would let Crookshanks get him.
Harry closed the door… and turned back to face his female watcher.
"What's so weird bout that?"
:-..-..-..-..-:
"How is it were always late…" Ron moaned. The group had woken the next morning waiting on the third floor of the view to catch a ride to platform 9 ¾. They had been informed at the Dinner Table the night before they would all be taking a portkey together.
They had not expected the other families housed in the Citadel to be there as well. The view was as crowded… if not more so than platform 9 ¾. There were a few injured individuals, who were hooked up to the magical equivalent to an I.V. hugging their children goodbye... they could not actually leave the tower due to their health… but were capable of seeing their children outside the confines of the hospital.
Harry recognized a few second years and forth years… but many of the children appeared to be first years. By the confusion and awed wonder some of the parents were showing… Harry understood that many of them were Muggleborns.
Even though Dumbledore had assured Harry that Voldemort would most likely err on the side of caution… it appeared the order were playing it safe and taking in what appeared to be the entire Muggleborn first year class for the summer. Harry momentarily wondered why he did not see the families before… but reminded himself that if he was not away from the citadel with his friends… he was in training most days.
It had been a confused melee of witches and wizards, who managed to pack themselves onto the portkey platforms and were tugged away to the train. Harry's group were one of the last to go thus resulting in the traditional Weasley stampede to the train minutes before it was to depart. The twins had taken an afternoon off to see their younger siblings away. They had adamantly refused return to Hogwarts to finish their seventh year. Mrs. Weasley was less than impressed and voiced her objections frequently. Dumbledore had taken the matriarchs side on the matter, and tried to convince the twins that it was in their best interests to finish their education. The twins had almost given in, but managed a weak but firm refusal. Dumbledore had relented but advised them to contact him at their earliest convenience to finish their studies through night courses. The twins had agreed readily at their mothers' stern glare warning them to not refuse.
The group said their goodbyes to their parents and the matron Weasley, going in search of a compartment. Surprisingly, there were quite a few. At first Harry thought that some students had not returned but when they came across the few compartments that were occupied, they realized why. It seemed like most of the students had taken to grouping up while riding the train. Not unheard of but odd to find so many doing so.
The train suddenly whistled before it started forward. At the initial lurch the group staggered and clung to the walls. Ginny managed to stumble awkwardly into Harry forcing him to stabilize the girl... "Ohh ... thanks Harry!" She fluttered her eyelashes at him flirtatiously as she clung to him.
Harry smiled weakly to the girl, while righting her and trying to get her to let go of his biceps, without making it noticeable. Harry caught Ron's eyes and saw him wink approvingly at him.
Harry blushed, for no other reason than like most things in his life, the situation wasn't what it seemed to be.
They finally decided on a compartment around the middle of the train and filed in. just managing to fit the six. Harry pulled his trunk up and watched as Ron wordlessly helped load Ginny's and Hermione's trunks up top. Harry could hear the start of an argument as both girls immediately took offense to Ron's gesture.
"I'm not an invalid Ron!" Ginny chastised.
"I just thought I'd help put the bags away for you...?" Ron asked bewildered as to why he was getting chewed out for his assistance.
"Do you think we can't handle the weight?" Hermione asked annoyed.
"What... no I was just..."
"You were what?" Hermione asked testily as Ginny again took on her mother's angry stance.
"...I was... I ... Forget it... Harry we've got to go to the prefects meeting…" He segued as he opened the compartment door and walked out. Hermione huffed and was about to follow through when the door was closed in her face.
"Thought you might want to hold the door open for yourself..." Ron remarked snidely as his voice disappeared down the hallway.
Hermione growled as she pulled open the door while affixing her pin to her blouse and stalking off to catch the boy.
Harry thought Ron was going to be in for an earful as he watched the amused face of Neville watch Hermione exit. Ginny looked on forlornly after her brother... Harry was confused for a second as to why until he remembered the day her letter finally arrived… she was not chosen as a prefect. She had claimed confidently that it was because she was more like the twins… laughing off the idea of her as a prefect, maintaining school rules… but Harry could tell she had wanted the little badge.
Luna on the other hand had been offered the position, but in a moment of solidarity towards Ginny… returned it with thanks claiming she did not want the responsibility during her O.W.L.'s. Harry thought that was a sweet gesture on her part but watched as Ginny reddened noticeably.
It appeared Red hair wasn't the only inherited trait the Weasley shared.
Harry had not actually seen or hung around Ginny very much since his birthday. There had been the odd crossing of paths, but with Harry's schedule, he had managed to avoid Ginny most days. Harry honestly preferred it this way, as she had been creeping him out. Unlike previous years where Ginny had been too embarrassed to approach her crush, this year she had taken a more proactive approach and become quite forceful. She seemed to think that Harry wanted his love interest to be aggressive and ultra confident in all aspects of her life. While not a bad trait in theory... Ginny did not portray it in the spunky way he thought she had intended it. She seemed more angry and volatile, not to mention cocky.
The few rare instances she had been around Harry and they talked about the order or anything to do with the war... she would immediately try to get others to hear her perspective on how things had to be done. Every major or minor error that had happened she would analyse and explain as to how it should have obviously been handled.
Harry thought that Ginny had to realized that everything seemed obvious in hindsight.
Harry missed the Ginny who stuck her elbow in the butter dish. This girl was annoying.
For this reason and many others… Harry was a little sorrier that Ginny didn't get her prefects badge; as he was left alone with her, Luna, and Neville. Unfortunately Ginny had claimed the seat next to him and was leaving him little room. Backing Harry into a corner as she had Harry scoot over, she leaned into him as everyone became settled.
'This is some kind of sexual assault... unwanted touching!'
She smiled brightly at Harry as he looked down at her from his seat beside the window. He only managed a weak smile while pulling his coat a little tighter around himself.
"You guys wanna play cards… I brought a deck with me?" Neville asked. He had become quite taken with his recent Muggle purchase; often whiling away his time, consistently beating anyone willing to play him.
Harry wondered if he would ever be able to find a game other than quidditch he was unbeatable in. 'never played scrabble… who knows?'
Luna waved off playing in favour of … starring in her little cardboard box.
"Luna what's in their?" Ginny questioned the girl as she watched her stick a finger in it, and smile.
"Hmm…" She asked dreamily as she continued to wiggle her fingers around inside the box.
Ginny turned to Harry and smiled amusedly while rolling her eyes, ignoring the week smile Harry sent back. It was the only smile Harry knew to send her without frowning. She was about to ask her again when the Compartment door slammed open, and she found herself nudged to her left as Harry had already stood.
Harry who had been trying to take a peek himself at the mystery box felt a slight vibration and angry whisper near the entrance and on instinct pulled his wand, well before the door had opened. He felt no guilt in pushing Ginny away in his haste to defend himself.
There, between the wooden frames of their compartment door, stood Draco Malfoy. Behind him his standard bodyguards… and an assortment of other Slytherins lurked.
"Scar head…" The Malfoy scion said by ways of greeting… his wand already extended loosely but readily at the black haired teen.
"Ponce…" Harry said by ways of his own greeting.
Harry knew that his friends had already drawn their wands… he could hear them murmur behind him. He couldn't hear their words but from the general tone of their whispers… he could tell they were anxious.
"Where've you been hiding Potter. You haven't made the paper once this whole summer. Is your fan base dwindling already?" Malfoy sneered as he took in the situation. Harry recognized Nott from their year, and the familiar face of one other boy who looked to be a year older, standing outside the doors to their compartment. Crab and Goyle between them and Malfoy. Harry realized that as it was he was outnumbered. But that would only become a problem if they were to leave their compartment. As it was if they stayed inside the only way they could attack would be to get through the door Malfoy was blocking. It was a bottle neck situation, and Harry was glad.
"Well don't you worry your gelled little head one bit ferret, on where I've been… I'd be more concerned with where your Daddy is. I doubt Azkaban is very hygienic." Harry goaded. He wanted to see how far Malfoy was willing to go in this fight with so many witnesses; that and he didn't actually know how good Malfoy was in a fight.
Some might call Harry's approach foolish, as he was taking on an unknown hostile variable. But Harry knew that for all Malfoy's blood purism and support of Voldemort… He was still only a child playing a man's game… Harry who may have been a child in his own rights… was still vastly more experienced in its intricacies.
But one day Malfoy would not be the angry boy he was. He would become an angry man and Harry needed to take whatever opportunity he could get to study his reactions while he could.
Malfoy reddened at the insult… and Harry could see the other boys tense at Harry's blatant use of the prisons name.
'They're all little junior death eaters… but who's the other kid?'
"Bold words Potter… especially since you're slightly outnumbered." Malfoy reminded Harry, as he grit his teeth.
"What numbers got to do with it… and how come your not at the prefects meeting?" Harry asked cockily. The more confident he sounded the more aggravated Malfoy became.
Malfoy reddened at the question.
"Oh this is too good." Harry was having a good day.
"Shut it Potter… it's not like you've ever been chosen to be one." Malfoy reminded him.
Harry was about to correct him on that, but wisely kept quiet on the subject. Instead he just grinned a charming grin.
"So as nice as this little chat was Malfoy… we're a bit busy here… you wanna go slink away to wherever you usually slink to." Harry said dismissively.
Not willing to be dismissed so easily. Malfoy glared at Harry angrily.
"You'll pay for what you did to my father…"
"Yes… and I'll bet it'll be painful, and all that other wonderful stuff…" Harry twirled his wand in a circle indicating he wanted Malfoy to move on...
What no one but Harry noticed was the slight refraction difference around the boys. As they were trapped in a stabilized bubble around their bodies, as Harry mentally shifted air away from them. Harry in essence had created a vacuum around the boys after he gave them a limited amount of air to breath. Surprisingly this feat was quite easy to master.
Harry had been taught the technique when in training… Even his instructor had commented on Harry's quick success at the spells involved. Harry was use the silent approach which while stealthy in this case… took much longer as he did not receive the additional control he gained by vocalizing the name of the charms he was using. It had taken him two weeks' worth of practice to be able to confidently use most charms silently. Even that, his instructors said was abnormal as in general... it should have taken him at least another month to reach the level he was at.
Harry focused on splitting his attention between the situation and the spells he was using. It was difficult to start, but Harry quickly picked up on the natural rhythm he needed and maintained his slow but steady manipulations.
Harry estimated that each boy had about a minutes worth of air left. No one commented on how Harry continued to twirl his wand in a lazy circle as he held the air about 5 feet away on either side of the teens.
"Why you… Stupe…" Malfoy was momentarily paused by the fact that a wand had appeared out of nowhere pointed at his groin. Harry followed the wand back up to the slightly less dreamy eyed girl with blonde hair and an infectious smile.
"Luna…" Ginny asked a little shocked by her friend's choice of targets.
"Hmm..." the girl asked dreamily as she held a firm stare towards Malfoy.
"Your wand...why there." Neville explained... a little paler as he sympathized with Malfoy in this rare instant.
"Daddy taught me to fight this way... he says it's the best area to attack when I'm in danger. He was very insistent I always aim there. "The girl finished a tad confused at her father's actions...
Harry almost bought the act but saw the glimmer of amusement hidden behind Luna's eyes. She knew very well why her dad wanted her to aim low.
"Your dads very smart." Harry praised as he was hoping Malfoy would use up the last of his oxygen trying to attack, just so he could watch him get blasted in his giblets.
Luna beamed at the compliment and smiled indulgently before her eyes focused on each member of the Slytherin group. She paused to frown at each of them and take in their appearance.
"It's like looking at fish?" she commented as she observed the fidgeting Slytherins, as she scrutinized him.
"What are you on about, you crazed loon!" Malfoy sneered, agitated by Harry's friend; even more so as her wand lazily sparked near his groin at his remark.
Harry realizing that Luna had noticed the bubble decided to explain.
"She's talking about the fact that you have about half a minute left of breathable air before you start to pass out." Harry explained, while indicating to the heavily breathing Crabbe and Goyle who were turning a little purple.
"You're bluffing, you can't do that." Malfoy accused… he was slightly anxious as he continued to stare at the wonder twins out the corner of his eye. They seemed to be taking deeper breaths than normal and their color was not indicative of a healthy air supply.
Crabbe and Goyle looked at their leader in desperation before stumbling away to their left… moments later having to switch carts as they passed Harry's sphere of influence.
Malfoy who had realized that Harry wasn't bluffing starred his nemesis on… trying to telepathically transmit his utter loathing. Not willing to risk using up his air in a verbal sparring he would be forced to abandon.
"You know if you pass out… I'm not going to wake you… you can lie there for the rest of the trip…" Harry added helpfully.
Malfoy reddened noticeably, but stalked away imperiously if not angrily.
Nott watched Harry critically, he seemed to be sizing Harry up. He had not said anything during the little affair… but Harry could tell from the looks he was receiving… Nott was someone to watch. The Slytherin smiled charmingly and bowed imperceptibly towards Luna before making his way casually towards the already retreated Slytherins.
It was the other boy that gave Harry pause. He had not taken the same approach as Nott and masked his emotions as he stared Harry down.
He had openly displayed a level of loathing and hatred Harry had rarely seen in his life. The thing that intrigued Harry though was that he was not focusing his ire towards Harry… but Neville. Harry gripped his wand a little tighter as he watched the Slytherins knuckles start to turn white as he clenched his fist around the base of his wand. He took one last look at Neville before dismissively striding away… in the opposite direction the other boys had headed.
Harry looked on in worry before turning questioningly towards Neville.
"Who was that?"
Neville who had been getting a little flustered with the attention…shrugged in ignorance.
Harry looked outside the hallway, having already dispersed his vacuum with an imperceptible wave, and checked for any more surprise visitors. He started to close the door to his compartment when the train suddenly lurched. Harry who had fallen backwards onto the floor managed to soften Luna's decent as she landed on him as well. They formed a slight X shape as they tried to regain their footing. Harry felt more than saw the fall of their things. Harry was glad he sent Hedwig to Hogwarts early as she would just add to the chaos in the compartment.
Harry looked down from his perspective to watch as Luna slowly looked up to meet Harry's line of sight.
"You're really comfy…" She said. Harry thought, he really liked her dreamy tone of voice.
"I could say the same about you…" Harry tried to play it smooth, but his voice was slightly higher in pitch than he thought was normal.
Neither saw Ginny scowl at the girl as Harry displayed a very different reaction to Luna in comparison to herself.
Luna smiled with a faint reddening of her cheeks before her face became grave…
"Oh no…" She moaned as she groped Harry for support as she crawled over him to somewhere past his head. Harry grunted in surprise as Luna's knee padded across his chest as she crawled over him.
"What?" Harry asked as he tried to get up without toppling the girl.
"This isn't good… not good at all." She moaned, she quickly stood as if she had springs in her legs and pulled Harry up to his feet with surprising strength. Harry swatted at his forehead as he felt a fly buzz past.
"Luna?" He questioned…
" They're gone… we have to find them I haven't finished training them yet… Oh Bob … Why…" She moaned as she scanned the floor twirling in a circle.
Harry confusedly swatted at his forehead again as he stared at the girl in clear bewilderment. He turned to find Neville looking at him in surprise and Ginny pointing at her left eyebrow.
Harry felt above his eyes and experienced a tingling sensation move up towards his hair. His skin felt slightly sticky as he managed to grab a squishy object. Harry momentarily still thinking he had managed to grab a bug… almost dropped it, as he had a thing about touching insects… not as phobic as Ron's reactions were to Spiders, but similar.
He refrained from flicking his hands away from him and looked towards the writhing green body he clutched in his fist.
Their on his palm trying to make a daring escape… was a tiny, clear, green bear. It was one of the Gummy bears, the twins had charmed. Harry had not realized Luna had managed to save any from Crookshanks hunts.
Harry paused to contemplate what Luna had said earlier…
"You named a gummy bear Bob?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Focus Harry… we can discuss names later..." Luna chastised as she spotted the bear Harry clung to. She cooed at it as she stuck out a finger and let it craw its way over it towards her.
She proceeded to tickle the little bear with her finger and nudged it gently over in the direction of the cardboard box she had retrieved from the floor. Harry watched amused as the bear looked towards Luna, and seemed to fall over and give the end of her index finger a mighty hug before walking into the cardboard prison.
Luna turned around and immediately dived towards the door. Harry managed to catch her before she slammed into the door head first.
"Let go… they're… getting away!" she exclaimed in frustration. Harry set the girl down as he looked at the door in confusion…
Harry watched as he spotted a sugary red body disappear around a corner. Harry pulled the door open and spotted a stampede of colourful candies running away in all directions.
"Cool" Harry heard an excited scream from the compartment next door followed by the high-pitched screams of first year girls. An exclamation that one of them had gotten in someone's hair… and the admonishments of one particularly strict sounding girl, scolding someone from trying to eat the little treats off the floor.
Harry felt the tug of his shirt as Luna dragged him out of the compartment…
"Quick… Catch em all… don't let one escape." She called as she pulled Harry into the compartment next door.
She quickly found a partially chewed one lying on the floor. She pulled the limping clear candy up and gave it a supportive smile as she put it in the box she carried with her. She scowled at a guilty looking first year before dragging Harry to the next compartment… and then the next… and the next.
"Luna why don't I…" Harry raised his wand up as he prepared to call out a spell. He never saw the surprised paling look on Luna as he yelled… "Accio Gummy bears!"
An instant later dozens of screams emanated from all around the train as Luna looked at Harry accusingly.
Harry looked down at his wand and back up the corridor emanating screams and then to Luna in question…
"What just happened?" he questioned a little uncertainly.
"Oh now you've done it…" she vaguely warned.
"What?" Harry asked perplexed.
"Harry... the twins charmed those bears…" Luna explained. As she dragged Harry away from the hallway back towards their vacated compartment.
Harry was stopped from pondering what chaos the twins had unleashed this time when every compartment door opened simultaneously, Harry and Luna looked on the foreboding scene of the long corridor with what seemed to be endless open doors releasing shocked screams.
"Poo…" Luna deadpanned. As she watched hundreds of little colourful bodies who appeared to be slightly bigger than the average gummy bear gathered around the pair.
The little critters seemed to be split into the two factions… three quarters of them seemed to be cautiously approaching Luna with the same reverence the one Harry had pulled from his forehead had… the other quarter seemed to stare at Harry and Luna frigidly… walking along the carpeted floors menacingly.
"Now Bob… I was only kidding when I said I would let Crookshanks get you…"
Instead of pacifying the red gummy army, it seemed to galvanize them as they charged the pair. Luna grabbed Harry by his shirt once more as they sprinted away.
Harry did not want to leave as he watched the larger faction defend them…. They charged the angry red bears and attacked with sugary ferocity Harry would probably never see the likes of again.
Some of the bears used their sticky hands to their advantage as they climbed the walls over the defending group. Some managed to detach themselves but many seemed to permanently bind to the wall.
Luna Pulled Harry into an empty compartment and slammed the door. Harry locked it for good measure as he had just witnessed a hundred plus candies open every door in their train car.
"This is so Bobs fault… making them rebellious. I so will feed him and his clones to Crookshanks." Luna threatened. Harry watched ominously as he could make out the outline of a dozen bears climbing the sandblasted glass on their doors… forming an ominous cute display of tiny bodies trying to get in.
Harry turned to look at Luna…
"What the hell?" he cried. He wasn't sure whether he was more shocked or amused by the absurdity of the situation.
"Hey, you multiplied them Mr. I-got-a-big-fancy-wand-and-I'm-going-to-use-it" Luna admonished, as she plonked back down into her seat.
Harry gapped at her for a few seconds before the screams of students brought him back… they weren't pained wail of torture as much as they were the screams of over excited children being rampaged by sugary demons.
Harry decided he would be a little selfish and stay in the compartment, instead of living up to his hero reputation and rescuing them from sweet chaos.
'The hat said I'd do well in Slytherin...'
He looked toward Luna; she continued to watch the rapidly reddening gummy tinted window of their compartment.
"So… how much trouble you think we'll be in?" Harry asked by way of conversation.
:-..-..-..-..-:
Hagrid had found the train station quite empty when he arrived; as the students had refused to exit their compartments for fear of becoming a casualty of the gummy wars.
News had spread quickly throughout the train some how about a sixth year Ravenclaw who had tried to duel his way out… the boy's friends were still trying to pry him off the wall where the melted carcasses of gummy bears clung him.
Hagrid had managed to tame the wild creatures with his talents with dangerous creatures, long enough to allow the students to leave. He was met by many an applause from the crowd. Ron and Hermione had met Harry at a carriage, alongside a slightly sticky Neville, and Ginny, who was covered in multicoloured gelatinous goo. The prefects had tried to regain order once they had learned of the battle… but quickly made the situation worse as the bears either multiplied or exploded in sticky, sugary, chaos from each spell. Often times doing both.
They had wound up retreating back to their compartment where they had stopped along the way to lock students in their compartments to limit the amount of magic the student body could send at the little militia.
Once Harry and company had, made it to the school. They bore witness to an eager peeves listening carefully to overexcited first years retelling the story of the havoc that ensued as they travelled from the paddock to the antechamber to be sorted. Peeves seemed enraptured by the tail. As he floated along with his head propped upon his hands as if he were lying on a carpet.
"What were you thinking Luna…" Hermione admonished. She seemed to be more irate as she was having a hard time picking out the treats from her hair.
She was a kaleidoscope of colors as was Ron and a few other prefects who had led the charge.
"It's not like Luna cast the charms…" Harry meekly defended the girl. Luna was getting a lot of glares from people around her as news had spread that it was her gummies that started the incident. Harry thought she was going to be in for a rough month as he had firsthand experience with the Hogwarts collective shunning tactics.
"It's really just another prank by the twins… a really big one." Ron added. He seemed a bit more accepting of the incident and took it with better cheer than most. He openly chuckled at the hordes of children covered in gummy bear bits.
"That's not the point… the train is a mess… and what must the first years think." She added irately.
"A lot of them seemed to enjoy it…" Harry said remembering the many fascinated and curious boys. And the few girls who commented on how cute the little blighters were.
Hermione seemed to be working herself up for her next argument but was cut off by Albus Dumbledore clearing his throat loudly indicating the annual Sortings', start.
Luna waved her goodbye as she continued to lug her slightly full cardboard box with her to Ravenclaw table… she received no shortage of glares and whispers from her house mates.
Everyone took their seats as Professor McGonagall entered with the first years. It was a much more excited bunch who had accompanied the strict professor this year. No doubt some had feasted on the armies of Bob, and were experiencing a mighty sugar buzz.
McGonagall took on an irritated countenance as she tried to suitably shut the children up to start the sorting… a difficult feat considering the amount of sugar they were exposed to.
"Hmm… hmm" mimicking professor Umbridge seemed to do the trick as the returning years shut up on instinct and the first years calmed due to the sudden silence.
Harry watched as Professor McGonagall turned her attention to the hat and nudged the chair slightly. She turned back to the crowd and awaited the song.
"…"
A few moments had passed and all that could be heard from the hat was silence. McGonagall poked the hat firmly trying to get its attention. She continued to poke until the hat twitched to life.
"Stop Poking me women… I felt it the first time!"
A few first years screamed in surprise to the talking hats... Words.
"Yes, well… if you could start" the professor demanded flustered with the unusual beginning of the year.
"Fine…" The hat cleared its throat and opened its mouth.
"I'm the sorting hat… welcome to Hogwarts… I'm supposed to sort you… try me on and I'll see where you belong."
The hall looked on in surprise at the shortest song they had ever heard… some weren't even sure if it had been sung or spoken.
McGonagall looked towards the hat in surprise but said nothing.
McGonagall glared once more for effect and unrolled her parchment. Clearing her voice once more she called out.
"Alipse, Patrick"
A child a little taller than dobby, walked across the floor and sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall raised the hat and placed it on the boys head… it seemed to mumble a little bit and Harry could see what little of the face that appeared on the boy seemed confused as he whispered back to the hat.
The boy took off the hat confusedly and handed it to professor McGonagall waiting for instructions.
"Mr. Alipse if you would place the hat back on… we must continue the sorting."
The child mumbled something contritely. Professor McGonagall seemed to not even be able to hear it as she told him to repeat himself.
"It said it already sorted me… which table do I go to?" the child asked red-faced from the staring audience.
McGonagall huffed indignantly but took the hat firmly and stuffed her head in its nether regions where she had a hurried, whispered conversation.
"This day was not meant to be normal was it?" Ron asked rhetorically as everyone watched the increasingly irate professor.
"Professor Dumbledore… If you could…" McGonagall pulled the hat off her head as she irritably demanded the headmaster fix this.
Dumbledore smiled indulgently greatly amused by the situation… walked over to the hat and pulled it on to have a short but what seemed to be pleasant conversation.
"Very well…" the headmaster finished as he pulled the hat gently off his head, and placed it on the stool.
"Mr. Allipse, of all the traits of the houses you know about… which do you wish to represent." The headmaster asked gently to the stuttering first year.
"Sir?" the child asked confused.
"If you were to choose one house, to call home for the rest of your Hogwarts experience which house would it be… it can be based on the principals the house represent… whether you believe you already exemplify… or perhaps will strive to exemplify in yourself… or based on the kind of peer group you wish to share dorms with. You are not forbidden from interacting with other houses… all this will decide is your dorm situation and your head of house." The headmaster explained.
"Umm… I like Hufflepuff… sir" the little child admitted. The indicated table cheered at the declaration.
"Then a Hufflepuff you shall be... congratulations Mr. Alipse. Hufflepuff." The headmaster nodded to both as the child ran off to his table.
"Headmaster?" McGonagall asked in clear confusion.
"It would appear…" the headmaster projected his voice so the entire hall could hear.
"… that the sorting hat is refusing to sort students openly… he will privately sort the student… with Hogwarts itself to register them as an occupant of the castle… but after that, the students will decide where they wish to stay." The headmaster explained to the mass of students and teachers.
"This is because no one was listening to its warnings before…" Hermione said aloud. Explaining to Harry and Ron the situation.
Harry thought that was obvious… and by the slightly patronizing look Ron was sending Hermione Harry thought he had already figured as much.
'I'm not that dense…' Harry internally commented as he refocused on Professor McGonagall as she called the next name.
The students went by the new routine… professor McGonagall would call them up, they would try on the hat and have a little conversation, and then professor Dumbledore would ask them to decide on what house they wished to be sorted in.
Ron had commented on the ones that chose to be sorted in Hufflepuff and Slytherin… he joked about how they chose to be in the wrong house. Hermione huffed that he shouldn't judge… but Harry knew that it was all a joke as even Ron for all his aggression towards the Slytherin house, would never pick a fight with a 11 year old unless he was one… or if they started it.
Harry heard Colin excitedly whisper…" she's next… Denis look!"
Harry paled as McGonagall called the next name.
"Creevey, Pauline!"
"Not another one…" Harry moaned. As he watched a pigtailed little girl excitedly flounce up towards the hat.
Harry could have sworn the hat snorted as it left her head and twitched in Harry's direction but kept quite on the matter. The girl looked over in the direction the hat had twitched and instantly spotted Harry.
"Now Ms. Creevey… which house would you like to…"
"There… that one the girl excitedly called as she pointed directly at Harry."
Harry could hear McGonagall chastise the girl for interrupting the man and Dumbledore's chuckling while trying to get the girl to first consider all the houses… but she was resolute in her demands.
Harry let his head thunk beautifully on his empty dinner plate as Dumbledore announced the next Creevey… A Gryffindor.
Ron only laughed heartily at his friends' plight as the girl ran towards Harry but was pulled quickly into a group hug with her brothers as she struggled to meet the teen hero.
:-..-..-..-..-:
The sorting had finally ended and Harry was resolutely looking anywhere but at his table as he did not want to see the deeply disturbing puppy dog eyes of a special little Gryffindor.
"Today has been quite eventful, more so than I can recall in many of the years I have served as headmaster." The headmaster announced to the masses of hungry students.
"Now before we eat I must make a few announcements." Harry heard Ron's stomach growl in frustration at being denied food.
"After the impressive events of this summer. It has been decided by the international confederation of wizards in conjuncture with the non magical governments. That various Non magical representatives will be available in the school and other wizarding facilities." A surprised murmur rose up from the student body at the declaration that Muggles would be stationed at the school.
"Our guests here…" he pointed to the side wall where a group of 7 smiling figures in Muggle business suits stood against. Harry could not remember seeing them upon entering the room and wondered if Dumbledore had hid them magically just for the theatrics.
"They will be available throughout the year and will be here to observe the workings of the wizarding world as our summit with their governing bodies continues. Unlike previous years high inquisitor they have guaranteed that they will not try to have any say in school matters. They are here to observe and help when available, that is all. Please treat them as guests."
At the disgruntled tone of some students… Dumbledore added "They have also been given point privileges and the additional ability to reprimand students who would try to cause problems. Please do not force them to use this power."
After the muttering had subsided slightly and everyone had taken a good gawk at the friendly bunch. Dumbledore cleared his throat to continue his speech.
"Some of you may have noticed that in your summer letters a booklist was not included for Defence against the Dark Arts… That is because I was not fortunate enough to find a defence instructor willing to teach you all throughout the year."
At the shocked and surprised whispers that ensued from this, the headmaster raised his hands to get the students attention.
"That is not to say that you will not be taught in the subject… throughout the year you will be subjected to many Auror level instructors from both the Ministry of Magic, and The order of the phoenix. I will teach should the need arise as well. Can't be called a professor if I don't teach now can I" the headmaster joked brightly at the student body.
The students perked up immediately and resumed whispering for entirely different reasons than before at the prospect that they may be taught by Albus Dumbledore himself.
Even Harry was suitably impressed by the proclamation. He had undergone training by the order… but surely learning to defend yourself from the headmaster must have been something special.
"Yes… yes I'm sure you will all manage to do well in spite of me. Now the last announcement. Standard school rules are still in effect… sans the controversial educational decrees from the year before. You will be allowed to restart your clubs and study groups but you are still required to not venture in the forbidden forest lest we have to change its name. Sixth years please consult with your head of house during your appointed times, check your notice boards in your common rooms for the schedule. These appointments are to plan your course schedule. Now… lets us eat."
The headmaster joyously waved his wand about making mounds of food appear on the long tables.
He beckoned the still standing Muggle inspectors to join him and the rest of the faculty at the head table.
They graciously accepted and took seats interspersed with the teachers. Harry inspected the head table and realized…
'Snape's missing?'
He was about to comment on the fact, when he noticed a white envelope placed on his plate.
He looked at the familiar loopy writing that spelled out his name, and opened it to reveal a note from Dumbledore asking him to meet him in his office, tomorrow at 3.
At Hermione's curious looks Harry decided to throw her a bone and offer up the irrelevant information. After appeasing Hermione's curiosity… Harry started to load his plate with some fried rice and chicken. He was about ready to dig in when a stream of laughter caught his attention, followed by a sensation of sad resignation.
He turned his head around and searched the room. Each table was interspersed with laughing students… but his eyes were drawn to the Ravenclaw table.
Luna was reaching for a bun but a boy across from her who was covered in a light red film of gummy entrails quickly grabbed up the bowl and passed it along the table away from the Ravenclaw witch. He seemed to pause and look at Luna as she pulled her hand away slowly. Harry was sure as the child turned back to talk to his friends, he had denied Luna the simple baked goods on purpose.
It was pointless, and childish, but it was still cruel and it incensed Harry like so few instances did.
"Excuse me he growled as he pulled his fork from the table and resolutely placed it on his plate as he grabbed two buns from a nearby bowl. At the confused look of his friends he just filled his mug with iced water, and carried it and his plate away from the Gryffindor table.
He heard the surprised whispers from his fellow students at his actions but ignored it as he made his way past the Hufflepuff table, short of the Slytherins, and walked down the narrow expanse between the curious Ravenclaw, and jeering elder Slytherins.
He made his way over to the dreamy if not slightly more perturbant eyed Luna, who watched his approach.
"Hello Harry. What brings you here?" she asked casually. The boy across from her seemed to shrink under the glare Harry was sending him. Harry turned back to Luna, losing his glare and in a confident voice that didn't betray his nervousness as he realized he was making a spectacle of himself for Hogwarts, asked. " Just wanted to sit with a friend… do you mind if I…?" He pointed at a seat to her left.
Luna shook her head a little faster than usual and scooted over unnecessarily betraying her portrayed aloofness. Harry smiled disarmingly as he replied… "Thanks" and took a seat.
Placing his plate and mug down… he looked to Luna and raised his bun…" Want a roll… I grabbed two by accident?" Harry said unconvincingly.
Harry was a little afraid Luna would become indignant with Harry trying to defend her so obviously, but she only smiled thankfully, and a lot more happily as she stole one from his plate and thanked him.
They were soon joined by Neville, Ron, and Hermione… followed by Ginny. Many other students took the opportunity to switch tables to eat with brothers, sisters twins, friends or, significant others. No one mentioned Harry's little act of defiance against the norm… but a few people in the room showed their pleased expressions. The two heads of the respective houses involved smiled at the supportive gesture… the headmaster twinkled proudly and one or two other adults amusedly laughed at the students antics.
Through all this no one noticed as Luna quickly squeezed Harry's hand under the table in thanks as Hermione listed all the courses she was allowed to take.
Also, no one noticed as Peeves slinked away with the cardboard box of gummy bears… but that was beside the point.
AN: Here you go… I think I like this version of events better than what I had originally planned. Credit to Nonjon for the part where Luna says… "poo"
I typed it automatically as it seemed like such a Luna thing to say but I think nonjon said it first in one of his stories and just the way he said it made it uniquely his. I never asked permission for it as its only a one line word but it seemed important I point it out as I think his Luna slightly inspired my Luna.
Actually it might have been Rorshablot... not sure?
I was going for a more light-hearted chapter and to start the Luna Harry romance on its little journey… no they aren't going to start dating off the bat… you shippers will have to wait a while. But I think I made it quite clear that there is some affection there.
This chapter was littered with so many little hints to different aspects of my future chapters… it's ridiculous. Until this story is completed you may never know how many little hints I added here. Some are blatantly obvious… while others you may have missed. Well at least I hope you missed them as I was going for subtlety. Crosses fingers
Hoping you all didn't mind the approach I took with the sorting hat… it seemed the most sensible one and the most realistic… plus I sure as hell didn't want my hat to sing… no more songs! I think others have had the hat not do anything… nothing comes to mind but I'm fairly sure it's been done.
I'm a little concerned with my Ginny as I do have plans for her but I just can't seem to write a chapter with her saying anything constructive to the plot… I'll try to work that in the next chapter… got to get started soon. She does have a role in my little ensemble… and yes I plan to make DLP Proud.
Please send me your criticism as I really do appreciate it.
Next chapter… The Guide! And finally I get to introduce my real Hermione subplot… it'll be subtle but as the story goes it will help in character development.
Till next chapter
Quazi