Chapter 6: A New Year
"Harry."
.
.
"Harry."
.
.
"Harry!" He jumped in his seat at the Gryffindor table as Hermione's whispered shriek pierced his eardrums. Shaking his head slightly he broke his gaze from that horrid woman who strongly resembled a toad, planted at the head table.
"Umm, what?" He didn't even need to be looking to know that Hermione's eyes rolled towards the enchanted ceiling. But he was, as it turned out.
"Have you even been paying attention? I asked you five times!"
"Honestly mate, she's going mental over here." Ron piped up from his spot next to Harry. His stomach added to the conversation with a pained grumble, one that gave pause to the conversation that had just begun.
Hermione looked offended. "Honestly, Ronald… you're a pig."
Ron opened his mouth to protest before Harry cut him off. He had enough on his plate to deal with, he couldn't listen to their bickering five minutes into the school year. "Would you guys stop it." He snapped at his two best friends. Satisfied at their lack of protest, he returned his gaze to the head table.
"What's your problem, mate?"
"The woman up there, at the head table."
"Which one?"
"The one wearing the pink - looks like a toad."
"Oh yeah, real resemblance." Ron responded elegantly. "Who is it, do you reckon?"
"Not sure, but she was at my trial. Only one besides Fudge who voted to get me expelled."
"That can't be good."
"No it can't, Ronald." Hermione's matter-of-fact voice rejoined the conversation. "Hagrid is also missing."
Harry somehow missed the hulking softie's absence from the head table. He had been so focused on the toad, he had failed to notice his friend had gone missing. Care of magical creatures was one of the classes he looked forward to the most and he was disheartened to see that Hagrid would not be their professor. Maybe he was just running late… hopefully. Whoever they got to replace Hagrid, the lessons would definitely not be as exciting. Possibly less dangerous, but not as exciting.
"Where do you think he is?"
"Don't know, Ron. But wh-" Harry paused as a lightbulb flickered into existence above his head. He remembered Percy mentioning something about the half-giant a few days ago. He might have just put the dots together. "Hey, do you guys remember a few days ago, back at…" Harry scanned his surroundings for a moment, eyes open for eavesdroppers. Satisfied, he leaned his head in towards his friends, voice in a whisper. "...headquarters? Percy mentioned something about news from Hagrid."
"Yeah, the day he showed up with all those gashes." Hermione nodded, her eyes deep in thought. "I'm almost positive he said it was bad news, too…" Harry's heart sank even further at the reminder, settling in his stomach. The expression on his friends faces mirrored his own, downtrodden and full of worry. What had happened to the man who had always treated them kindly, who had helped them any chance he could get? It was a somber note to start the year on.
"Look, maybe h-" Hermione was cut off by the sound of the massive doors to the Great Hall slamming open, sending a shock through the Golden Trio who had been lost in their own private world.
On cue, every head in the Great Hall whipped around to face the entrance, the yearly tradition beginning anew. The stern visage of Professor McGonagall led the gaggle of first years down the hall, the robes billowing around her impeccable posture. Harry lost himself following the innocent children down the hall. What he wouldn't give to be them, to be able to experience Hogwarts for the first time again. To stare up at that glorious ceiling, a look of wonder plastered on his face. He looked back on that time fondly… and wished he could return.
How he longed for his biggest worry to be how much homework would be assigned for the night. Instead of revived mass murderers, 'guardians' who wouldn't tell him anything and a whole government who seemed to hate his guts. But alas, he wouldn't trade his love/hate relationship with the wizarding world for anything - well… maybe his parents.
Harry retreated from his thoughts as the group reached their spot at the front of the hall, the stool ominously looming over the young children. He could imagine all the horror stories they've heard about the sorting, perhaps fighting a troll - maybe from a certain pair of redheads.
The room was deadly quiet, the first years fidgeting in the uncomfortable silence, eyes darting from side to side awaiting the possibility of whatever their minds could conjure. Quiet gasps rushed through the crowd as McGonagall dramatically raised the old tattered hat to rest on top of the stool, her stern eyes sweeping over the firsties. A chuckle escaped Harry's lips. She was quite intimidating when she wanted to be.
A few first years jumped, hand flying towards their hearts as the mouth of the Sorting Hat ripped in two, its less than stellar singing voice ringing throughout the hall.
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 some day 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.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes.
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you…
Let the Sorting now begin.
The hat ended its song with what could be interpreted as a bow, the leathery tip dipping towards the first-years. Three of the tables erupted in applause for the hat's yearly performance, the Slytherins showing their indifference to the whole production. Professor McGonagall clearing her throat was louder than it had any business being as it was heard above the cheering, silencing the raucous students. She looked down her nose as the last few ended their excitement, becoming sheepish under the gaze of the transfiguration professor.
"AARON, HENRY!" The first name on the list bellowed from the professor's mouth. Harry tuned out the sorting as the group continued to shrink as the new students joined their houses. His thoughts lingered on Voldemort, the order, his Godfather and the enigma that was named Percy. Trying to make sense of the whole situation left his head spinning, especially before he had a chance to eat.
"Finally!" Ron's exaggerated outburst expelled the thoughts that swam around Harry's head as the last first year scurried towards the Hufflepuff table.
McGonagall had already vanished from the front of the hall, the sorting hat having left with her. The students' faces were filled with anticipation as every pair of eyes focused on the ancient headmaster shuffling up to the podium.
He cleared his throat, a warm smile gracing his thin lips. "I know you must all be starving, it is a long train ride, after all. So, I have merely one thing to say… Tuck in!"
At his declaration, a brilliant feast popped into existence on the tables. Harry heard gasps from the end of the Gryffindor table, presumably the new students' surprise at the sudden appearance of the meal. His stomach grumbled as the wonderful smell wafted into his nostrils, forcing his arm to reach for the closes plate. By the time he loaded his plate up with whatever he could find, Ron had devoured nearly a full plate. Hermione looked on, affronted by the bits of half eaten food stuck to his robes, her utensils hovering above her own serving.
Harry just ignored the two and ate his fill. Idle chatter surrounded him, picking up on a few topics of conversation as the meal progressed. Hermione ranting about house elf mistreatment, the Weasley twins convincing some new Gryffindors to test their products, Seamus editing his list of the hottest witches of Hogwarts… all in all, it was a relatively normal welcome feast - something Harry was plenty grateful for.
The food disappeared with a small 'pop' as Harry was reaching for another treacle tart, sending groans of disappointment through the house tables. Dumbledore raised his hand as he stood at the podium, silencing the crowd with the simple gesture.
"Hello all, and welcome to a new year at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Just a few housekeeping points before you return to your dormitories to cap off a wonderful first night. First of all, the Forbidden Forest is, as always, off limits to all students." He paused for a moment, sweeping his grandfatherly gaze across all four tables. " has the expanded list of items banned from the grounds posted. Refer to his list for any inquiries."
"Unfortunately, Professor Hagrid will be unable to join us and will be taking an extended leave of absence." Harry's heart fell at the confirmation of their suspicions. "Professor Jackson, who would appear to be running late, will be taking over Care of Magical Creatures and gamekeeping duties in the meantime." Whispers erupted from the tables, who was this new Professor who dared to be late to the welcome feast?
"You know who that is, 'Mione?"
"I can't say for certain, Ronald. Though I think I heard someone mention Percy's last name was Jackson."
"My brother?" Ron adopted an incredulous look on his freckled face.
"The other Percy, Ronald. Honestly…" Hermione deadpanned from across the table.
"Oh.." Ron's lips thinned, as if he had just eaten a poor flavor of Berti Botts' beans. "That bloke."
"What's your problem, Ronald? I, for one, am excited. He's probably an exceptional wizard if he can be a professor at that age, could probably learn loads from him."
"'Course you'd be excited." Ron shot back. "Besides, It's Care for Magical Creatures, Mione, not DADA or somethin. Can't be that impressive… Right Harry?" Harry just gave a noncommittal shrug of his shoulders, unwilling to get involved in their argument.
"Whatever.." Hermione turned her attention back to the front of the hall.
"I would all like you to join me in welcoming our newest Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Dolores Umbridge!" Dumbledore's announcement was met with a spattering of applause. As the sound died down, Dumbledore continued. "My last po-"
Ahem. Dumbledore paused, looking back towards the staff table, searching for the cause of the disruption.
"Before you all ret-"
Ahem. Dumbledore paused once again, looking towards the staff table. This time, the new DADA Professor had stood, bringing her toad-like visage in plain view of all the students. She sauntered to the front, a sickly sweet smile adorning her fat lips. Dumbledore stepped back from the podium as Umbridge replaced him.
"Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright, smiling faces looking up at me." Harry did a quick scan of the hall, he didn't see any smiles. Umbridge continued with her painfully obvious fake cheeriness. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards of vital importance. Although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school… progress for the sake of prepress must be discouraged. Let us-"
Shrieks ran through the Great Hall as the mighty castle shook, as if the floor was collapsing out from under them. Harry clutched onto the edge of the table, angry dark clouds gathering among the once clear ceiling of the hall, cloaking the hall in an eerie darkness. Large drops of rain smacked against the grand windows like rocks impacting glass, the noise echoing in the room. Deafening rumbles of thunder shook the hall and the eardrums of each student, flashes of lightning illuminated the terrified faces of the students who were trapped in the confines of the great hall, their screams joining the chorus of noise thundering from outside. It was a scene from one of those disaster pictures Harry had caught glimpses of his relatives watching.
Hermione clenched her hand on his arm, her eyes shut right as they rode out the storm, the tables shaking underneath their legs. He could feel her breaths come shallow and quick, on the verge of a panic attack. Harry didn't blame her, he was more scared at this moment than he could ever remember. The sheer power of nature that had been summoned from a clear sky terrified him, and he had stared down plenty of dangerous foes in his life. Ron has fallen off the bench, having curled up on the floor, muttering incoherently, probably praying for his life.
And then, when Harry was sure the castle would fall apart… it stopped. The thunder ceased to crack and the clouds cleared from the ceiling, allowing light to flood the hall once again. The screams slowly died out and Hermione hesitantly opened her eyes, keeping her hand clenched on his arm. Harry cast his gaze to the staff table. Umbridge had fallen on the ground, her pink hat missing from her ensemble and her neat hair sticking up every which way. He was sure raucous laughter would have reached his ears if everyone weren't frozen in fear.
Dumbledore seemed to be the only one not affected, his elderly feet planted firmly on the floor. The professors wore varying expressions of shock, Flitwick's gaze was unfocused, Sprout's mouth was wide open and breathing heavy, even McGonagall had a hand placed on her heart.
Umbridge stood from the floor, shakily smoothing out her pink coat, her flustered face stuck forward. She waddled back to the staff table, her speech completely forgotten in the commotion.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron has returned to his spot on the bench, his white undershirt soaked with sweat.
"I be - believe that was, uh, well. I'm not really sure." Hermione answered hesitantly, her hand still on Harry's forearm. She seemed to be regaining control of herself, deep breaths accompanying the relaxing of her shoulders, and subsequently her grip on Harry.
"Not a great time for firsts, Hermione." Harry monotoned.
Dumbledore calmly retook his place at the podium, the twinkle in his old eyes clearly visible, a light of comfort after the disaster that most likely scarred the first years. "Everyone needn't worry, we are all safe in the castle." He waved his hands, a calming gesture that, combined with his serene words, eased the tension from the shoulders of the students and faculty. "The situation is under control, it is being handled by an individual that holds my utmost confidence." He finished with a calming expression, one that forced Harry to believe his every word. He felt his fears wash away as Hermione released a deep breath she had presumably been holding since the storm began.
The start of the year festivities were interrupted yet again, the doors swinging open to reveal a young man who was familiar to the Golden Trio. His black hair was quite the mess, but Percy looked about the same as the last time they had seen him at headquarters. He strode into the hall, confidence oozing from each powerful step as whispers broke out in the hall - especially from the witches. Grumbling from Harry's left caused him to turn his head, Ron's eyes locked on that table.
"Apologies, Headmaster. There was an… issue in the forest." His voice was filled with mirth as if he recited a joke that only he knew.
"And is this 'problem' resolved, Perseus?" Dumbledore questioned the young man.
Percy raised his arms in a shrug, a lopsided grin aimed towards the headmaster. "Didn't think I could handle it?"
Dumbledore allowed a smile to appear, hands clasped in front of himself. "Of that, I have no doubt, my boy." Percy continued up the stage, making his way towards the staff table, pulling out the chair where Hagrid usually occupied. Before he sat down, Dumbledore took a breath to address the crowd.
"I would like you all to join me in welcoming our new gamekeeper, who will be taking over Care of Magical Creatures until Professor Hagrid's return. Professor Perseus Jackson!" Applause erupted from the four house tables, a Hogwarts welcome to the new professor. He shot a grin and gave a small salute with two fingers on his right hand before plopping down on the chair that was slightly too large.
"Merlin, that guy needs to be taken down a peg or two."
"Oh, shut up Ronald. You're just jealous." Hermione didn't even look at Ron, her attention focused towards the front of the hall.
"A few words before you retire for the night. I would like to welcome you to another year at Hogwarts. May you excel in your studies and forge new friendships, for in these trying times… friends are more important than ever. You must always be prepared, or what lies ahead. Now, with your appetites satiated, I bid you goodnight. May you begin the new year with a good night's worth of rest." Dumbledore smiled as he stepped away from the podium, dismissing the students from the feast.
"Oh, Ronald." Hermione jumped up from her seat. "We have to show the first years the way to the common room."
"Oh, yeah…" He took a deep breath. "Oy, firsties!. Get over here." He bellowed towards the end of the table. Hermione rolled her eyes, looking towards Harry.
"We'll see you in the common room, Harry." She said, before taking off after Ron. Harry watched her back disappear into the crowd. He waited patiently before rising from his seat, allowing the crowd to thin out before attempting to retreat to the Gryffindor common room.
He was lost in his thoughts as he walked towards the door, the events of the welcoming feast fresh on his mind. He didn't notice the girl until it was too late. He ran face first into her shoulder, stumbling back at the unexpected contact.
"Watch it, idiot!"
A muted apology died in Harry's throat as he laid eyes on the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, more than those magazines Dudley kept under his bed. Her pale skin accentuated her regal features. High cheekbones framed her cold blue, almost gray, calculating eyes. Her blonde hair fell in waves around her face, framing it beautifully, leading to her thin, lithe body.
How have I never seen her before? Then his eyes fell to the green patch with the image of a snake sewed to her left breast. That explains it.
"Who knew the great Harry Potter was so clumsy?" The girl sneered in his direction. His retort caught in the back of his throat as he locked eyes with the girl.
"Cat got your tongue?" She scoffed as she began to walk away, presumably towards the dungeons. "Typical…" she stormed away down the hall, leaving Harry frozen like a statue in the middle of the doorway.
"Daphne really is nice, once you get to know her." A voice startled him out of his thoughts. He turned to find another girl dressed in slytherin robes. She had straight, dark brown hair and warm brown eyes. Her face was pretty, and a hell of a lot nicer than 'Daphne'.
A snort filled with disbelief escaped Harry's nose. "Could've fooled me."
"She's like that with everyone… Tracey by the way. Tracey Davis."
"Har-"
"I know who you are." She cut him off, a smirk playing on her lips. "It's hard not to." A flash of annoyance crossed Harry's face, something she must have noticed, for she immediately backtracked. "Sorry, I imagine it must be hard… everyone knowing who you are."
"You don't know the half of it." He grumbled.
"You're right, I don't. And I'd like to keep it that way." Her voice was warm, traces of amusement were present in her words as she finished her sentence.
Harry couldn't help but share in her amusement as a smile inadvertently formed. "You're not too bad, Tracey. For a slytherin, that is." And he meant it, she was much easier to talk to than Daphne, even more so than some girls in his own house. She wasn't enamored with the legend of 'Harry Potter' - or she didn't seem to be - she just talked to him like a normal person, something he sorely wished to be.
"That's because the only slytherin you've talked to is Malloy." She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Not everyone is on that pure-blood supremacy train." She threw her hands in the air, as if to emphasize her point. "Anyway, gotta go catch up to Daphne. See you around."
"Yeah..." He watched her go down the hallway, brown hair flowing behind her as she hurried to catch up to her friend. Before he knew it, he was left alone in front of the Great Hall, not another soul in sight. He began to move, leisurely, his mind once again on the night's events. Umbridge, the storm, his run-in with the two slytherins… it all raced through his mind. Until he realized how late it was and started to pick up the pace. Wouldn't do to be caught out after hours on the first night of a new school year.
"Mimbulus mimbletonia."
"You're the best, Neville."
It was a good thing Harry had ran into Neville on the way to the Gryffindor common room, else he'd be stuck in the stairwell with only the Fat Lady for company. Not that she wasn't good company, mind you, but she tended to be a tad… overbearing.
As it were, Neville proved to be a lifesaver tonight as they both crossed the threshold into the Gryffindor common room. They had returned quite late, the majority of their housemates having already retired for the night after the eventful feast. The fireplace cackled, casting flickering shadows over the seated forms of his friends.
"Right. Night Harry." Neville said, turning towards the stairs that led up to their dorms. Harry returned the sentiment as he made for the fire, his friends sitting slightly straighter as he approached. His rear found the plush cushion of the armchair, elbows resting on his knees. His hands removed his circular glasses as they ran down his face, releasing the tension in his shoulders.
"You alright, mate?" Ron asked from his prone position on the couch.
"Yeah." He said, releasing a breath. "Yeah I'm fine. Just a long night."
"Bloody right about that one, Harry." Ron said, rising to a sitting position. "You should know, before you got here, Seamus was going on 'bout you. Something 'bout his mum didn't want to send him back 'cause of you. Kept calling you a liar."
"Well if Seamus has a problem, he can say it to my face." Harry had just about had it with this night. "So, what happened?"
"Well, Harry." Hermione slammed her book shut, placing it on the table. "We stood up for you, of course. Reprimanded him for talking behind your back."
"Bloody brilliant, mate. Thought Seamus was about to wet his trousers after 'Mione was through with him. Fred, George and Ginny came to your defense too."
A chuckle escaped Harry's lips at the image of Hermione screaming at the Irish wizard in front of the whole common room. "Wish I could have seen it. Thanks, guys." A yawn accompanied his words as he rose from the chair. "Well, I'm going to sleep… I'm beat."
"Harry." Hermione's voice stopped him at the bottom of the stairs. "What did you say about Professor Umbridge?"
"I recognized her from my trial. She voted to have me expelled. Why?"
Hermione's face adopted a grim expression, the shadows of the firelight dancing across her features. "Because that means the ministry is interfering in Hogwarts."
