Chapter 5: Back to School
On September 1st, the Malfoys and the Riddles woke early and had a hearty breakfast to prepare their children for the long train ride. Harry, now more secure in the idea that he had loving parents, was excited to go back to school and spend more time with Luna. Out of respect for his parents, however, he tried to conceal some of his excitement.
Harry and Draco shrunk down their trunks, which reminded them of the need to research England's Underage Magic laws, before being Apparated to King's Cross. They walked onto the main platform at precisely 10:40 am, leaving them plenty of time to greet their friends and their friends' parents.
"Draco, we'd better claim a compartment first."
Draco nodded. "Good idea. Mother, Father, we'll be right back." The adults nodded their acceptance as the boys set off, weaving between the students, parents, pets and luggage. The platform wasn't ridiculously crowded yet, but it was busy enough to require them to pay attention. When they found an empty platform, they tossed their shrunken trunks up onto the racks before enlarging them.
"Should we change into our school robes now?"
Harry shrugged. "Might as well." A few minutes later, they rejoined their parents on the platform.
"Already changed, Draco?"
"Yes, Father, I thought it would be easier to do so now."
"Good thinking, son." Draco smiled at the praise.
"Hey, there's Luna! I'll be right back." Harry took off and returned a few moments later with Luna and Xenophilius in tow. "Draco, I think I saw Hermione over that way. I figured you'd want to be the first to greet her."
Draco grinned. "Thanks, mate. I'll be back."
"Mr. and Mrs. Riddle, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, it's good to see you all again." The adults all returned Luna's sentiment. Bella pulled the girl close for a hug. She still thought of the blonde girl as a surrogate daughter, and was very happy with the budding relationship between Luna and Harry.
The adults also exchanged greetings with Xenophilius. As Lucius was asking about The Quibbler, Draco returned with Hermione and her parents. The adults all chatted pleasantly, while the children caught up on what they had missed the past few days.
Harry lowered his voice and leaned into his group of friends. "Hermione, Luna, I need to tell you something important once we get on the train. Don't let me forget."
"Ok, Harry," nodded Luna. Harry grinned. It was great to know that he would be seeing Luna on a daily basis again.
A few minutes later, the train whistle blew, and the students shared hasty, and rather tearful, good-byes with their parents. Draco led the way to the compartment he and Harry had claimed earlier, with Hermione by his side. Harry noticed that they weren't holding hands.
As soon as they reached the privacy of the compartment, Harry decided to clear the air. "Before I tell Hermione and Luna the big news, I just want to say that I hope you two don't limit yourselves because we're around. I'm perfectly OK with public displays of affection as long as you don't go overboard. Don't feel embarrassed on my account."
Draco and Hermione both blushed. Hermione looked as though she was going to say something, but Luna beat her to it. "I agree with Harry. The world could use a little more affection."
"Thanks, you two." Hermione nodded, showing her agreement with Draco.
"So Harry," said Hermione. "What was it you wanted to tell us?"
"Oh, right. Um, well do you two know about Sirius Black?" Luna nodded, but Hermione shook her head.
"I think I should start having the Daily Prophet delivered. I get so out of touch with the wizarding world when I'm at home with my parents."
Harry shrugged. "It's something to look into, I suppose. Ok, so, Sirius Black was a prisoner at the wizarding prison, Azkaban." Harry quickly caught Hermione up on the story of Sirius Black as the rest of the wizarding world knew it. Draco and Luna helped him some, too.
"That's horrid! But, Harry, how is that possible?"
"It's not, see, what really happened is even worse." Harry then went on to tell both Hermione and Luna exactly what Sirius Black had really done. When he was finished, neither girl could speak. Luna's eyes were flashing in anger, and Hermione's were sparkling with unshed tears.
When the two girls finally regained their composure, they launched into a joint tirade, about what a foul git Sirius Black was.
Harry and Draco were amused by it, but were soon distracted when the train started slowing down. Draco held up a hand to the girls to get them to quiet down.
"Do either of you have a watch?"
Hermione glanced at hers. "Well, we certainly can't be to Hogwarts yet, it's far too early."
"So, why are we stopping?" asked Draco.
The train was getting slower and slower. As the noise of the pistons fell away, the train became eerily quiet. Harry, who was nearest the door, got up to look into the corridor. All along the carriage, heads were sticking curiously out of their compartments.
The train came to a stop with a jolt, and distant thuds and bangs told them that luggage had fallen out of the racks. Then, without warning, all the lamps went out and they were plunged into darkness.
"What stupid prank is this?" questioned Draco, angrily.
"I don't know," answered Harry. "But no sense staying in the dark. Lumos." Harry's want lit up, illuminating the small compartment nicely. His friends quickly followed suit.
"Do you think we've broken down?" asked Hermione.
"Perhaps a blathering drumsickle is on the tracks," replied Luna, in a very small, frightened voice.
Harry turned to ask her what she meant, but Draco, who was sitting next to the window spoke first.
"There's something moving out there. I think people are coming aboard."
"Perhaps we should go ask the driver what's going on," said Hermione.
"That's a good idea. Would you like me to come with you?"
"Sure, thanks Dray." Harry saw Draco blush before standing and opening the door to the compartment. The moment he stepped out, however, he jumped back in and slammed the door shut, looking as white as a sheet.
"Draco," questioned Hermione. "What is it?" Before Draco could answer, the door slid slowly open.
Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the light of their wands, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harry's eyes darted downward, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak, and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water…
The horrendous appendage was visible only for a split second. As though the creature beneath the cloak sensed Harry's gaze, the hand was suddenly withdrawn into the folds of its black cloak.
And then the thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it were trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.
An intense cold swept over the four friends. Harry felt his own breath catch in his chest. The cold went deeper than his skin. It was inside his chest, it was inside his very heart. He felt as though he would never in his life be happy again.
He suddenly heard a small moan come from Luna. His head snapped to hers, the spell caused by the creature momentarily broken by his concern. He noticed her eyes were rolled up in her head.
Harry swooped forward and caught her just before she fell. He was no longer afraid of the creature, he was enraged. Turning to the cloaked being he hissed Leave here, creature, you are not welcome! At his words, the creature turned to flee, but was halted by a white light. In seeming desperation, it turned and fled down the corridor in the other direction.
Harry barely even noticed the creature was gone, as he had turned all of his attention back to Luna, who was still cradled in his arms.
"Luna, LUNA! Wake up." Luna slowly opened her eyes then pulled Harry tight in a hug.
"Harry, it was horrible," she whispered in his ear. "I remembered coming home the day my mother died." Harry felt his shoulder getting wet and knew she was crying.
"Shhh, Luna, it's ok. The thing is gone. I'll keep you safe." As he held her and whispered comforting words, a man wearing an extremely shabby set of robes that looked darned in several places walked into their compartment. He looked somewhat ill, and, though obviously rather young, his light brown hair was flecked with grey.
"Are you four alright?"
Harry glared up at the newcomer. "Does she look alright?"
The man seemed taken aback by Harry's vehemence, but recovered fairly quickly. "I'm sure you're all rather shaken, but I meant, are any of you injured at all?"
"No, Sir," replied Hermione.
The man breathed a sigh of relief. "Good." He pulled a large bar of chocolate out of his pocket and broke off decent sized chunks, handing one to each of them. "Eat this, chocolate helps dispel the effects of Dementors."
Hermione was the first to take a bite. "Mmm, thank you. That does help."
The man chuckled. "I'm very happy you're all safe. I'm Professor Remus Lupin, by the way. I'll be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Harry and Draco just managed to stifle gasps.
"It's nice to meet you, Professor Lupin. I'm Hermione Granger."
Lupin shook her hand then turned to Draco. "I'm Draco Malfoy." The boy did not offer the man his hand. He remembered his aunt's story.
Lupin looked down at Harry and smiled. "I know you, Harry. You look like James, but you have Lily's eyes."
Harry had to keep himself calm. He pulled off a fairly good impression of surprise. "You knew my parents?"
"Yes, we were good friends. Please stop by my office later, we can discuss them. Now, I don't wish to disturb you further, and I need to speak to the conductor. Enjoy the rest of your trip."
"Filthy liar," spat Harry, as soon as Lupin was out of the compartment.
"You don't know that, Harry," cautioned Hermione.
"Yes I do, Mia. He was part of James Potter's little gang." Hermione's eyes bulged.
"HIM? He's a Dumbledore supporter? Then what's he doing walking around in rags? I would have thought old Dumbles would treat his supporters better."
Hermione's nickname for the Headmaster got them all laughing, even Luna. In an attempt to lighten the mood even more, Draco brought up Hogsmeade.
"It'll be our first legitimate visit, you know. No more sneaking around."
"What do you mean?" asked Luna.
"In our first year, we snuck out to Hogsmeade using my invisibility cloak and the Marauder's Map."
"Oh, well, as I can't go for another year, please tell me about it." Harry, Hermione and Draco, proceeded to do just that. They told her all about Dervish and Bangs, Honeydukes, the post office, Scrivenshaft's, and the Three Broomsticks. Hermione mentioned some historical facts as well.
Before they knew it, the train was pulling into Hogsmeade station. The four friends clamored into a carriage and rode up to Hogwarts. They were met at the entrance by none other than their head of house, Professor Snape.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, Miss Lovegood, please come with me. Mr. Malfoy, you may proceed to the Great Hall." Draco gave them a quick, confused glance before he was swept away with the group of students making for the hall. "Follow me."
They did as they were told and followed Professor Snape down to his dungeon office. It was a cold, stark place, somewhat like the man himself. He did not have them sit.
"We must do this quickly. I am merely checking that you are all alright. Miss Lovegood, how are you feeling?"
"I'm doing much better, Professor. Thank you."
"Did Lupin give you chocolate?"
"Yes, sir, he gave us all large chunks."
"Good, at least he did something properly. Now, I want you three to be careful around them, and make sure to let Draco know as well."
"Don't worry, Sir," said Harry. "We know all about him and his friends."
"Good, now, I need to speak to Miss Granger privately for a moment regarding her course schedule. Wait outside then I will escort you to the feast."
Luna and Harry stepped outside and waiting quietly. They had to wait only a few minutes; then Hermione emerged looking very happy about something, followed by Professor Snape, and the four of them made their way back up to the Great Hall.
It was a sea of pointed black hats; each of the long House tables was lined with students, their faces glimmering by the light of thousands of candles, which were floating over the tables in midair. Professor Flitwick, who was a tiny little wizard with a shock of white hair, was carrying an ancient hat and a three-legged stool out of the hall
"Oh," said Hermione softly, "we've missed the Sorting
Professor Snape strode off toward his empty seat at the staff table, and Harry and Hermione set off in the other direction, as quietly as possible, toward the Slytherin table. People looked around at them as they passed along the back of the hall.
Luna, Harry, and Hermione sat down by Draco, who had saved them seats.
"What was all that about?" he muttered to Harry.
Harry started to explain in a whisper, but at that moment the headmaster stood up to speak, and he broke off, curious as to what the old codger would say.
"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast…"
Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises – or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly.
"It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the Dementors," he said.
"On a happier note," he continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.
"Look at Professor Snape!" whispered Draco.
Professor Snape was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. Even Harry, who knew Lupin's story, was startled at the expression twisting Professor Snape's thin, sallow face. It was beyond anger: it was loathing.
"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."
Harry, Draco, Luna, and Hermione stared at one another, stunned.
"Who decided to let that oaf teach?" shouted Draco over the tumultuous applause. Harry leaned forward to see Hagrid, who was ruby red in the face and staring down at his enormous hands, his wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard. This was better than he had expected. Now he would have a chance to work on pulling Hagrid over to their side.
"I suppose we should have know," said Harry. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"
The clapping died down, and as Professor Dumbledore started speaking again, they saw that Hagrid was wiping his eyes on the tablecloth.
"Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore. "Let the feast begin!"
The golden plates and goblets before them filled suddenly with food and drink. Harry, suddenly ravenous, eagerly helped himself to everything that was passed his way.
It was a delicious feast; the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks. Harry, however, was eager for it to finish so that he could talk to Hagrid. When the last morsels of pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters, Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for them all to go to bed, and he got his chance.
"Congratulations, Hagrid!" Luna, Hermione, and Draco had reluctantly followed him up to the head table, but hung a bit behind.
"Thanks, Harry," said Hagrid, wiping his shining face on his napkin as he looked up. "Can' believe it… great man, Dumbledore… came straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said he'd had enough… It's what I always wanted…" Overcome with emotion, he buried his face in his napkin, and they walked away.
Well played, old man, thought Harry. But Hagrid is a valuable ally, and I'll win him in the end.\
AN: So, I'm sure you noticed the quotes from canon, but some things are great just the way they are. Also, thanks for the Muggleborn prejudice ideas. I think I've got the backstory pegged. :D