Alina
"Okay, okay, dad you are embarrassing me!" she shouted out as she tried to squirm free of her father's hugs.
"That's what dads are for! Daphne come give me a hug too!" her father argued. Thankfully she was released from his grasps though as he directed his attention towards her sister.
"See you over the holiday," Daphne said, turning and practically sprinting onto the Express before their dad could get a hold of her.
"You sure you got everything?" her mother asked her as she picked up her suitcase.
"I hope so. If not I will let you know when I get to school," she replied, going through the mental checklist of what she was supposed to pack one more time.
"Write us soon and let us know how the recognition ceremony goes. And don't forget that we are both so proud of you for being number one," her father told her.
"So try to enjoy tonight, you earned it," her mother added as she wrapped Alina in a final goodbye hug.
"Dad I could never forget how proud you are, you haven't stopped telling me that all summer! I almost want to fail this year just so my next summer can be quiet!" she replied sarcastically.
"One day you will miss me ya know!" he tried to argue.
"I know I will dad. I love you dad, I love you mom," she said, giving them both a kiss on the cheek.
"We love you too Alina. Now go get on the Express before it leaves you here. I can already see your cousin and friend waiting for you," her mother replied, looking at a nearby window of the Hogwarts Express. Marik and Harry both had their faces pressed right up against a window of one of the compartments and seemed to be looking at her and laughing.
"Bye!" she shouted, her cheeks turning red from embarrassment as she pulled her suitcase behind her and boarded the train.
The inside of the Hogwarts Express was as crowded and busy as the boarding area of the train was. All around students were cramming past one another trying to find an open room or their friends. Owls that had escaped their cages were flying between cars and there was even the occasional house rat scurrying atop the compartments overhead.
This year she was a little more excited for the train ride than she had been last year. Instead of having to spend a boring few hours with her sister and her minions this year she would be getting to spend the Express ride with her best friends. It had only been a few weeks since she had last seen them all, but she had long ago already begun to miss them and could not wait to be reunited again with them.
She pushed her way past a group of lost looking first years through to the second car in the line and began looking for the compartment her friends were in. It took looking through two door windows before she found the compartment they were in. After attempting to open the door and failing she pulled out her wand and unlocked the door, pulled it open, and headed inside.
"Awe man she got in," Marik joked as she entered. She made it a point to roll her eyes over dramatically before putting her suitcase on an overhead rack and grabbing the seat next to him.
"It's good to see you to loser!" she argued back.
"You know I'm only kidding," Marik replied and wrapped her in a hug. She smiled as he embraced her and frowned when the hug was quickly over.
"Hey you two," she said, turning to face Hermione and Harry on the seat across from them.
"Hey cuz," Harry replied, a smile on his face.
"Hi alina!" Hermione added, a book already open on her lap.
"I don't think you got enough kisses and goodbyes from your parents," Harry said sarcastically.
"Yeah, for real. I thought you were about to bring them with you at the rate yall's goodbye was going," Marik added, a joking grin lit on his face.
"Sorry that I love my parents unlike some people!" she argued back.
"Oh stop it! You know I love my parents too! I just get tired of explaining to them what a wand is," Marik replied, leaning back in his seat.
"How was the rest of your summer since we last talked Alina?" Hermione asked her. Alina tried to think of what all had happened since the last letter she had written to Hermione.
"It was good I guess, slow but good. I think all I really did was go to Diagon Alley to get more supplies and books. Other than that I didn't really do much but work at home," she answered.
"Did you hear what happened to Harry? He almost didn't get to come this year," Marik said. Her ears perked up at this comment, she had not heard anything about Harry.
"You are being overdramatic Marik!" Harry tried to argue.
"Did another crazy house elf come to visit you?" she asked, curious to know what had happened.
"I am not being overdramatic!" Marik tried to argue back, ignoring her question.
"I swear sometimes it's like I'm not even here," she mumbled out, causing Hermione, who had been the only one to hear her, laugh.
"Anyways, like I was trying to say before I was rudely interrupted, Harry was trying to practice his occlumency and was off somewhere in his own head. . ." Marik started to explain.
"Off somewhere in my own head! Could you describe it any worse?" Harry interrupted.
"Oh well you tell her the story if you think you can do it better!" Marik replied, folding his arms with a dramatic huff as he spoke.
"You remember the section of Minds Magik that I showed you and we talked about last time you were over at my place?" Harry asked her.
"The one on organizing and defending your thoughts and memories against future legilimens?" she asked, trying to remember the conversation. She remembered asking Harry about legilimency and occlumency because she had wanted to learn it, but do to her busy schedule and the amount of work she already had on her plate had chose to put off the subject for a while.
"Yeah, that one. Well I was in a static state, organizing and separating my thoughts, dreams, and memories apart from one another," Harry started to explain again.
"When he sneezed," Marik interjected, laughing at his own words. Alina heard Hermione snickering a little. She had apparently heard this story already.
"You sneezed?" she asked, turning to Harry and confused about the sudden turn in the story.
"I sneezed," Harry replied, looking embarrassed. Alina still had no clue what was going on with this story.
And. . .?" she asked.
"Well when you are in a static state you aren't supposed to get interrupted by anything. So when I sneezed it ended up shooting my mind into a part of my head I had not organized yet. I had been stuck in a memory of watching my dad's old Quidditch team play for five hours before my mother found me in my room and shook me out of it. If I had been alone or in my room at Hogwarts I could have been stuck like that for weeks!" Harry explained the rest of the story and finally Alina joined in on the laughter of the other two in their compartment.
"That is the funniest mistake I think I have ever heard of," she said, trying to stop her giggling.
"Yeahs yeah, I know," Harry replied, laughing a little at his own mistake.
"Well did you at least make any progress with it?" she asked after their laughter died down a little.
"Not much unfortunately after that; I've been too nervous to try again since then too," Harry replied as the train lurched forward, signalling their departure from King's Cross Station. She removed herself from the conversation momentarily to turn to face out the window to give her parents one last goodbye wave. She smiled as she found them at the edge of the station and saw them waving back.
"And at last we are off!" Hermione said, sounding anxious.
"I wonder how big this year's first year class is. Last year was pretty small compared to our year wasn't it?" Harry asked.
"I think mine was sixty-four less than yours. I saw a bunch of first years on my way here though so who knows," she replied as she pulled out the box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. As he always did, Marik immediately shot his hand out silently asking for a handful. She poured him a small pile.
"I gave my dad a earwax flavored one the other day, thought he was going to kill me after he stopped gagging," Marik said, laughing a little at his own story as he popped a jelly bean into his mouth. Alina searched through her box to find one of her favorite cherry beans and popped it into her mouth.
"My mom hasn't eaten jelly beans in fifteen years after my father gave her a vomit flavored one," Harry added.
"Speaking of your mom Harry did she ever find her old charms notes? I know in your last letter you said she was going to give them to you if she did," Hermione asked Harry, looking up from her book as she did.
"She found some, but most of it is probably buried in the attic somewhere. I packed the ones she found in my trunk and can show them to you later," Harry answered.
"Ooh I wanna see those too! Wasn't your mom like first in charms every year back in her day?" she asked.
"Not every year, but her last few years she was. She was actually a lot better and more interested in potions in her first few years," Harry answered.
"You would think with a mother who was good in potions and charms that you would have at least gotten one of those good genes," Marik joked.
"I'm sorry what was that? I couldn't hear you over my higher potions rank!" Harry argued back, a triumphant smirk lit across his face.
"Yeah yeah yeah, that's because Snape doesn't like me!" Marik tried to argue back.
"Snape doesn't like anyone to be fair," Alina added, discounting Marik's attempted argument.
"Did any of you read the article in the Quibbler about Snape yesterday?" Hermione asked them at the mention of their potions professor.
"Why are you reading the Quibbler?" Harry asked her, looking perplexed.
"Because with news it is always important to receive all sides of a story so that you can form an opinion of your own! While I will admit The Quibbler sometimes is a little. . . out there, it does publish articles that the Daily Prophet won't since it's ran by the ministry," Hermione answered.
"Well what did it say?" she asked. It was always interesting to hear stories or read articles about their professors outside of school. It was hard to imagine them living normal lives, but many of them were leading experts in their fields and a few were even famous in certain subjects. Professor Flitwick for example outside of school was not only one of the most famous duelists in all of Europe but was also the director of Britain's largest wizarding choir.
"Professor Snape was awarded the Brewer's Award over the summer. The Quibbler said that he refused to come to the ministry and accept the award though," Hermione replied.
"What is the Brewer's Award?" Marik asked Hermione the same question she had been about to ask.
"It's a ministry award given to the brewer that in their opinion has the most outstanding achievements in the subject of potion brewing over the year. It's normally given to famous brewers that develop and research potions full time, but this was the first year in over fifty-three years that a potions professor has received the award," Hermione answered Marik.
"Why did they give it to him?" she asked, curious to know.
"Well The Quibbler was more focused on the conspiracies of why Snape refused to accept the award, but it mentioned that one of his seventh year students discovered two new uses for squid scales in wound healing potions and one of his sixth years invented an entire new and more efficient recipe for the calming draught," Hermione replied.
"I wonder why he refused to accept the award," Harry commented.
"He probably is like us and knows the Minister is trash," Marik replied. She could sense a little venom in his words.
The rest of the train ride to Hogwarts carried on much faster than it had during her first year. Their compartment throughout the entire trip was filled with conversations, debates, and gossip about the upcoming year at Hogwarts. She enjoyed every minute of it and tried to soak in as much of the familiar feeling of being home as she could. She had missed this over the summer. No amount of letters written or read could compete with actually being with her friends.
At the midpoint in the heated discussion between Harry and Hermione on the effects of pep-up potions versus energy potions the Express pulled into the familiar scenery, and Hogwarts Station came into view.
"Finally!" Marik announced, interrupting the debate in their compartment as he stood up to stretch. Alina followed his lead and kicked the cobwebs out of her muscles.
"So I guess I never thought to ask but how do we get up to the castle now?" she asked. She had only ever taken the boats up to the castle, and now that she thought of it she knew that was only how the first years got to the castle.
"You are such a rookie," Harry joked. If she had been close enough she would have hit him.
"We can either take the carriages up to the castle or walk. Last year we all walked," Marik answered her as he opened the door to their compartment.
"What do you guys want to do this year?" she asked them as they all filed out of their compartment out into the busy walkway of the Express. All around them students were coming out of their compartments making their ways towards the exit.
"I want to walk again, I enjoyed the view last year," Hermione was the first to answer as they slowly made their way off the train and onto the platform outside.
"Walking it is!" Harry said and led them away from the stagnant group of students waiting for the carriages to arrive. They made their way over to a wide dirt trail that led up the cliffside. She fell into line next to Hermione as they started off towards the school.
"Looked like there will be quite a few first years this year," Marik said.
"Which means the Sorting ceremony is going to take forever!" Hermione groaned. Alina's stomach joined in on the groan, she had forgotten how hungry she had been last year waiting for all of the ceremonies to end and the feast to begin.
"The Sorting ceremony feels so slow when you aren't getting sorted too. Last year felt like it took three hours," Harry added.
"The sorting part flew by for me. It was all the special recognition ceremonies that went slow to me," she replied as the path took a sharp turn to the left.
"That part will go buy quicker this year too. Especially since you will be getting recognized for like half of your classes in your year," Marik said.
"You will be getting recognized in just as many as I will be Marik," she argued.
"You're damn right I will. High-five for team three 'M's!" Marik joked, giving her an over exaggerated high-five. She laughed as her hand hit his.
"Team number one is a lot cooler than team three 'M's," Hermione argued, and gave Alina a sarcastic, exaggerated high-five of her own.
"You both are dead to me," Marik mumbled out in a groan. She and Hermione both fell into laughter as they continued up the path.
The walk to the castle was a fairly short one and the path led them straight up to the front gate. Most of the students had yet to arrive at the castle and the entrance hall felt empty as they entered. She followed her friends through the doors and they made their way into the Great Hall.
The Great Hall looked every bit magnificent as it usually did. Walking into it after a summer of being away felt almost as incredible as it had the first time she had set foot into the Hall. The four house tables were slowly being filled as students trickled into the Hall, and their professors were all sitting patiently up at their table on the other side.
"We doing Ravenclaw table again?" Harry asked their group.
"Of course, it's the best after all," Hermione answered as she led them down the Hall towards the Ravenclaw house table.
"It can't be called the best if it's the only one we have ever sat at before," Harry tried to argue. They found an open spot at the Ravenclaw table and took their seats. Alina was surprised that they were allowed to sit wherever they wanted during the opening feast.
"No new faces on the teacher's table," Hermione said as they sat down and got comfy.
"Guess that means we are stuck with Binns again this year," she groaned. Professor Binns was by far her least favorite professor.
"I'm interested to see how good Hagrid is at teaching. It's hard to imagine him lecturing a class," Harry added. In your third year at Hogwarts you were given the choice to add more electives to your schedule and were also given the opportunity to take care of magical creatures or ancient runes. Harry and Hermione both would be taking care of magical creatures with Hagrid this year and Alina had to agree with Harry, it was hard to imagine the half-giant teaching a class.
"I bet he will be good. We've seen him with at least fifteen different weird looking beasts and creatures since our first year so I'm sure he knows what he is talking about," Marik replied.
"I hope so, I'm actually really excited for care of magical creatures this year," Harry added.
They all made small talk for the next few minutes as the rest of the students made their way into the hall. Slowly the house tables started to fill up until only a small section for first years remained empty in each. The Great Hall filled with footsteps after that as the large group of first years entered nervously into the Hall and marched down the row between the two center tables.
It felt weird being on the outside looking in this year. It felt like it had been years since she had been one of those first years with eyes darting around the Great Hall in a mixture between awe and fear. All of the first years looked so little and fragile, and she found it difficult to believe that she was only one year ahead of all of them.
"Two rolls of parchment says that round kid in the front faints," Harry whispered as the first years arrived at the front of the hall and spread out. Alina turned her eyes to meet where his were looking and saw a small, round looking brown-haired boy shaking nervously in his robes. It was hard not to laugh a little at the sight.
Professor McGonagall began her announcement to the first years as Dumbledore levitated a stool to the center of the Great Hall. Following the end of McGonagall's announcement the Hall fell to silence as the Sorting Hat appeared atop the stool and began to sing:
In times of old, when I was new,
And Hogwarts barely started,
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
"Together we will build and teach"
The four good friends decided.
And never did they dream that they
Might someday be divided.
For were there such friends anywhere
As Slytherin and Gryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw,
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail?
Why, I was there, so I can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry's purest."
Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest."
Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their name."
Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot
And treat them just the same."
These differences caused little strife
When first they came to light.
For each of the four founders had
A house in which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance, Slytherin
Took only pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning just like him.
And only those of sharpest mind
Were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest
Went to daring Gryffindor.
Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest
and taught them all she knew,
Thus, the houses and their founders
Maintained friendships firm and true.
So Hogwarts worked in harmony
for several happy years,
but then discord crept among us
feeding on our faults and fears.
The Houses that, like pillars four
had once held up our school
now turned upon each other and
divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
must meet an early end.
what with duelling and with fighting
and the clash of friend on friend.
And at last there came a morning
when old Slytherin departed
and though the fighting then died out
he left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
were whittled down to three
have the Houses been united
as they once were meant to be.
And now the Sorting Hat is here
and you all know the score:
I sort you into Houses
because that is what I'm for.
But this year I'll go further,
listen closely to my song:
though condemned I am to split you
still I worry that it's wrong,
Though I must fulfil my duty
and must quarter every year
still I wonder whether sorting
may not bring the end I fear.
We must unite inside her
or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you...
let the Sorting now begin.
"Well that was warm and cheery," Hermione exclaimed as the Hall erupted into applause for the Sorting Hat and its song.
"Still a better history teacher than Binns though," she commented. If professor Binns taught history like the Hat told them about the history of Hogwarts history of magic would easily be her favorite subject.
"Well that song explains why we are allowed to sit together even though we are in different houses," Harry whispered as they all stopped their applause.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"The Hat says uniting the houses is important. Even though we have to get sorted into different houses Hogwarts is supposed to be united. We are an example of that. One person from each house all united together," Harry replied.
She had never really thought about that, or even noticed it to be honest. Each one of them was in a different house though, not a single one of their small group of friends was in the same house. Her train of thought was cut short as McGonagall pulled out a long scroll of parchment and began sorting the first years into their houses.
Her friends had been right, when you weren't being sorted the Sorting Ceremony felt twice as long. Her stomach had already started to growl before McGonagall had even made it through the 'F's. Thankfully though she somehow managed to make it through the entire Sorting Ceremony without dying of hunger or falling asleep from boredom.
"Welcome, and congratulations to all of our new first years. We wish you all the best of luck and the greatest of magic. Now, before we all dive into the opening feast we will begin the Special Recognition Award Ceremony. Professor McGonagall will announce last year's first year honors," Dumbledore announced to the Hall and professor McGonagall made her way to the center podium.
"You ready?" Marik whispered to her.
"Yeah, I am," she answered him with a smile.
"Congratulations again Alina," Marik whispered again to her.
"Thanks Marik, you too," She replied, unable to stop her smile from growing.
She knew she was going to be recognized for her marks today. She had been ready for this moment for a year now. Even back a year ago when she had watched Marik, Hermione, and Harry all receive honors and recognition for their marks she had known that she wanted to be just like them. Today she would be. She had worked her ass off last year to be known as one of the bests, today she would be.
"While I am announcing the following honors we ask that if your name is called that you please come up to the front of the teacher's table. First I will begin with subject awards. In Herbology, the student who received the title of Master of the course was Luna Lovegood," McGonagall announced and the Ravenclaws around them stood up and erupted into applause as their housemate made her way up to the stage.
Luna Lovegood was not one Alina's favorite people in the school. Alina shared almost all of her classes with the Ravenclaw girl and the blonde girl had become her biggest competition in all of their classes. Luna was nice, almost too nice most of the times, but even still she just rubbed Alina the wrong way sometimes.
"Due to your abilities shown in the course combined with your grade and end of year project professor Sprout as decided to give you private lessons this year on the subject. Congratulations. In Astronomy the student who received the title of Master in the course was also Luna Lovegood," McGonagall announced the next Master title and again the Ravenclaw table stop up and erupted into applause.
"I didn't know Luna was that good," Hermione commented as Luna did a curtsey at the front of the hall.
"Meh," was all she replied with as professor McGonagall continued.
"In History of Magic the student who received the title of Master in the course was again, Luna Lovegood," McGonagall announced and again for the third time the Ravenclaw burst into an even louder round of applause. Luna was beaming a huge smile at the front of the Hall.
"Damn, three 'M' marks. That means she was practically even with you Alina. You must have barely squeezed out the number one rank," Marik said as she applause in the Hall died down. His comment annoyed her.
Screw Luna freaking Lovegood. She thought to herself as she watched the blonde-girl curtsey another time.
"In charms, the student who received the title of Master in the course was Ginny Weasley," McGonagall announced the next name and this time the Gryffindor table stood up to give their housemate applause.
"Wow, who would have thought a Weasley would earn a Master ranking," Marik commented as they watched Ginny march to the front of the hall.
"You saw how good she was at the dueling tournament last year so it shouldn't be much of a surprise," she replied. She had never shared a class with Ginny before but through reputation alone she knew that Ginny was no joke when it came to spellcasting and was certainly nothing like her brothers.
"Due to your performance and abilities shown throughout the year professor Flitwick has decided to give you private lessons this year on the subject. Congratulations." Ginny's normally stoic face allowed itself a small smile as the Hall again cheered for her.
"In spell creations, the student who received the title of Master in the course was also Ginny Weasley," McGonagall announced to the Hall.
"What spell did she create?" Marik asked her curiously.
"I don't really remember to be honest. I think she just did something with blast spells or something," she answered, trying to wrack her brain and remember Ginny's spell creations end of year project.
"It's your time to shine now Alina!" Hermione whispered as the applause for Ginny again died down.
"In transfiguration, the student who received the title of Master in the course was Alina Black." As soon as McGonagall called her name out a large smile grew on her face. She was hopeless in trying to keep it down. All around her Marik, Hermione, and Harry were wrapping her into hugs and congratulating her as the Hufflepuff section cheered her on at the same time.
After getting a hug from each of her friends she made her way to the front of the Hall, her cheeks already hurting from smiling so much. By the time she arrived at the front of the Hall the applause for her had begun to die down.
"Due to your abilities shown throughout the course I have decided to provide you with private lessons on the subject. Do not make me regret my decision!" Mcgonagall told her, an evil looking grin on her face. Alina could only gulp nervously and nod her head in response to her transfiguration professor's words.
Merlin she could be scary when she tried to be. She thought to herself.
"In potions, the student who received the title of Master in the course was also Alina Black," Alina found herself blushing even more as she watched the students applaud her another time. Marik and Harry apparently were trying to cheer for her as obnoxiously as they could and the entire Ravenclaw table was watching them in shock.
"Due to your promise and potential shown professor Snape has deemed you worthy of receiving private lessons with him this year. Good luck," Alina was in disbelief at McGonagall's words.
Never in a thousand years had she ever guessed that Snape would want to give her private lessons. Sure she had been pretty good at brewing potions and earned the Master rank in the course, but that had been mainly because of the help of Hermione. Snape had given her probably three compliments in the entirety of last year, so hearing that he deemed her good enough to spend extra time with her blew her mind.
"And last but not least, in dark arts, the student who received the title of Master for the course was again, Alina Black. Please give a round of applause for all of our first year Master ranked students," The entire Hall rose to their feet to give her, Ginny, and Luna another round of applause.
"Congratulations to each of you for achieving the highest ranks in each of these courses. Before we move onto second year I have three more quick things to announce. Luna Lovegood, in response to reading your research on Thestrals for your history of magic end of year project the Ministry of Magic has granted you a research grant in order for you to continue your research further. Congratulations.
"I would like everyone in the hall to give a round of applause for Alina Black for being named the first year dueling champion of the EMSDC over the summer. Due to your abilities and performance during the European Magic Students Dueling Championship over the summer professor Flitwick will be giving you private lessons on dueling over the year as well. Congratulations," Again, Alina found herself in a state of disbelief. She would be getting private lessons in three different areas this year, dueling, potions, and transfiguration. Already this year was looking like it was going to be a difficult and extremely busy year.
"Lastly, you three have won your house fifty points for each 'M' mark that you received. Congratulations. That is all the awards for the first years. You three may be seated," Alina slowly made her way back from the front of the Hall towards the Ravenclaw table. Her mind already racing, full of thoughts. A year ago she would have killed for private lessons, now though she was worrying out of her mind that she was going to be too busy,
"Congratulations Alina!" Marik was the first to meet her as she found her spot at the table and sat down next to him.
"Looks like we won't be seeing much of you this year," Hermione added.
"I'm so screwed!" Was all she managed to get out as professor McGonagall made her way back to the teacher's table and professor Flitwick walked towards the center podium.
"No your not Alina. All of the time you spend in private lessons this year will make next year so much easier," Harry argued, his words calmed her a little.
"I hope you are right Harry. Enough of me worrying though, it's you guys's time to shine now!" she changed the subject, excited for her friends to get the recognition they deserved too. The Hall again quieted as professor Flitwick began to speak.
"Congratulations again to all of our first years. I'm sure you are all starting to get hungry so I will do my best to speed things along. First I would like to ask our top five ranked students from last year's second year class to come to the front when I call out your name. Ranked fifth, from Ravenclaw, Cho Chang! Ranked fourth, from Slytherin, Daphne Black! Ranked third, from Gryffindor, Harry Potter! Ranked second, from Slytherin, Marik Ose! And the number one ranked student, from Ravenclaw, Hermione Granger!" Flitwick read out the names and the entire Hall again rose to their feet.
Alina did her best to give each of her friends a bear hug as their names were called out and they made their way to the front. She laughed a little as she watched Marik and Hermione have a little argument about her beating him as they both walked.
"Congratulations to the five of you on being named the top five ranked students for two years in a row. Now for class awards. I would first like to ask Neville Longbottom to make his way up here. Neville achieved the title of Master for the second year straight in the course of Herbology," Neville, looking as pale as he had last year, clumsily made his way to the front of the Hall to the cheers of the Gryffindor table.
"Professor Sprout looks forward to continuing her private lessons with you this year Neville. I would next like to recognize Harry Potter. Harry received the Master ranking for two courses this year, transfiguration and astronomy. Please give him a round of applause!" Alina was the first to rise to her feet as Harry was recognized. She did her best to cheer as obnoxiously as he had when her name had been called. Harry smiled proudly and was engulfed in two hugs from Hermione and Marik.
"Professor McGonagall looks forward to continuing her private lessons with you again this year. I hope you will be happy to hear that I have also decided that I wish to provide you with private lessons in charms this year due to the potential you have shown in the subject. I look forward to working with you more Harry," Her shouts grew even louder at that announcement.
Her and Harry had never been close growing up, however over last year and the summer the two of them had grown astoundingly closer. She knew how much Harry had worked his ass off in charms and transfiguration last year. From what Hermione told her Harry's presentation of his occlumency and legilimency charms project had been so good that Hermione had honestly thought Harry might steal the Master title from Marik.
She knew very little of the mind magic Harry was diving into, but she did know enough about it to know that the fact that Harry could do as much of it as he could already meant that he was no joke when it came to charms. She was happy for him that he would be getting private lessons in the subject now too, that meant he would only get better. Marik would have to watch out for Harry this year in charms that was for sure.
"Next I would like to recognize Marik Ose. First let us all give Mr. Ose a special round of applause for being crowned the champion of the EMSDC for the second year straight, a title that is one of the more prestigious ones in all of Europe!" Alina again was the first on her feet. She did her best to whistle loud enough for her best friend to hear. She could see the look of distaste on Hermione's face as the Hall clapped for Marik but she didn't care. Hermione could be and should be upset that she had lost the tournament. Alina felt bad for her but Marik deserved recognition and applause for his achievements.
"Marik received three Master marks for the second year in a row in charms, dark arts, and spell creation! Please give him another round of applause," Flitwick announced. Alina giggled a little as she watched Marik bow to the crowd of students. Her sister was rolling her eyes and looking pissed off as he did.
"Professor Shacklebolt and myself have both decided to continue our private lessons with you this year in dark arts, charms, and dueling with you this year as well. As well professor Yarnsley has decided that he would also like to give you private lessons in spell creations this year. We all hope that you continue performing at a high level and do not slow down in your studies," It looked like Marik would have about as much free time this year as she would.
"And last, but certainly not least I would like for everyone to give a very large round of applause for Hermione Granger! Hermione not only achieved the number one rank in her year, received two Master marks, but was also the runner up in the EMSDC this past summer," she again did her best to make her shouts and cheers heard.
"Hermione achieved Master marks in history of magic and in potions. Please give her another well-deserved round of applause," The Ravenclaw table rose to their feet one last time to cheer on their housemate.
"Professor Snape would like to continue your private lessons this year and looks forward to working with you again. I would also like to inform you that you will also be receiving private lessons in charms with me this year. Congratulations, and I look forward to working with you," Flitwick told Hermione with a smile.
The Hall erupted into another loud burst of applause as the second year's Special Recognition Award Ceremony came to a conclusion and everyone made their way back to their seats. Alina remained on her feet, clapping the entire time as her sister and friends walked back.
"We are so screwed," Hermione was the first to speak as they all sat down again and the third year ceremony began.
"Yup. We are dead," Harry added, looking defeated. Marik's head fell to the table with a loud thud next to her.
"Oh shut up! You wouldn't let me be gloomy when I said I was screwed! I'm not letting you guys be gloomy either!" she whispered angrily at them.
"Mmpff." she heard Marik mumble from his spot on the table.
"McGonagall sure wasn't lying that's for sure," Hermione admitted, she too looked worried.
"You got that right," Harry replied.
"So what if this year is going to be tough! We are tough! And we are the best there is at Hogwarts! No matter how tough this year gets we will all have each other to help out. And besides no matter how tough things get and no matter how bad we do in our classes we will at least never be as bad as Marik is!" she joked, trying to bolster their spirits. Thankfully Hermione and Harry laughed. Marik's head stayed on the table but he rolled it to the side to look at her.
"Ass," was all he said as he rolled his head back facedown on the table.
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