"Lord Black, welcome to Longbottom Manor", said Neville to Sirius who was stepping out of the floo.
"Thank you for your cordial welcome, Heir Longbottom", Sirius said to the boy, "Will you please take me to Dowager Longbottom? I believe I have an invitation."
Sirius was led to Dowager Longbottom who was waiting for him at her table. She rose when he entered, and he did his courtesy with her before she asked him to take a seat.
"Lord Black", she began saying, "I am not one to talk on pretexts or talk in riddles. I have invited you here because I believe that we can be mutually beneficial to each other in the Wizengamot. House Black may not have been seen on the body for years now but the influence that you still hold is substantial. I want that influence in my faction."
"And what is your faction, my lady?", Sirius asked her.
"I am in the Light Modernists", she said, "I used to be in the Traditionalists but things that Dumbledore did after the war ended have me disenchanted. He could have used his influence to put the dark faction in its place after they were thoroughly routed but he allowed the status quo to remain. We had taken an immense beating in the war, and we needed that sort of leverage that he could have got with his position, but he did not raise a finger. Then there is the issue of the Order of the Phoenix. I admire him for what he did in the war, but he was too passive and couldn't persuade the Ministry to take an aggressive instance against you-know-who during the war until it was too late. If Harry Potter hadn't vanquished him by some luck, we wouldn't be sitting here discussing things. He had the best wizards in his order, but he never allowed them to take the fight to the Death Eaters."
"Madam Longbottom, I am not in Dumbledore's camp either", Sirius said, "But if you know the history of House of Black, you'd know that we have never toed the line, as they say. House of Black has been a force and I intend to continue the tradition. My forefathers were all Slytherins and my last lord, Arcturus Orion Black, despicable man that he was, taught me a few things. The first thing that he taught me was that a Black bows to no one. One of the reasons that we held up for so long in Dark Faction was that we didn't want to do anyone else's bidding by being a part of the light or neutral factions. I don't want to go Light or Neutral all of a sudden."
"Do you mean that you'll go dark?", she asked.
"One of the aspects of my family magic is that we are quite crafty and play the game of illusions well. If we went to any other faction, the Dark Faction would try to load us off the wagon and I'd lose whatever advantage I hold there", Sirius said, "I intend to make waves, Madam Longbottom and that can't be done if I am trying to swim opposite to the current. You know that with Malfoy on the run, the Dark Faction is without a leader. I intend to fill that spot and take whatever advantage it'll offer to me."
"How does that benefit us?", she asked.
"I am honestly not thinking ahead about the Wizengamot or what anyone will gain. My priority is my heir, Harry James Potter and I'll do anything for his benefit", Sirius honestly told her.
"What do you intend to do?"
"I will not join any faction but will remain sitting in Dark Faction. I control a lot of seats directly or indirectly as you may know. I intend to use that to my advantage. I'll sit in Dark Faction, but I'll not throw my lot behind them", he said, "I am open to offers from others and will choose the offer which will be most beneficial to me and my heir."
"Any chance that I can make you think otherwise?", she asked speculatively.
Sirius grinned, "Now that you talk about it, there is indeed something."
"So, Harry what new show are you planning for us this year?", Lee Jordan asked him.
They were sitting beside the pool in the partywhich had been arranged by Sirius with butterbeers in hand. Everyone who had been invited had turned up to the party and it was a very nice gathering. All the Weasley children had come to the party with Hermione Granger except Bill and Percy of course. Bill had refused to chaperone his younger brothers and sister to the party and told Molly that they were quite safe in Black Manor. Percy had refused to come because he was busy at the office with Bartemius Crouch Senior. Neville Longbottom had also come at Harry's invitation and so did Susan Bones, Ernie Macmillan, Benedict Fawley, Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Lee Jordon, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Terry Boot and few others who were heirs of members of the Wizengamot.
"What do you mean, Lee?"
"Well ever since you arrived at Hogwarts, interesting things have happened around you. Life with you has never been boring at Hogwarts", Lee explained, "So I wanted to get a head start this year on your adventures."
"Well, there is a lot to be done", Harry said mysteriously, "It's all in the future at the moment though."
"Come on Harry", said Gred (Or was it Forge), "Don't leave us in suspense."
"That would be telling", Harry said, "Who do you guys reckon is going to be Quidditch team captain this year?"
"Blimey", said the twins, "We had forgotten that Wood passed out last year. Well, I don't think McGonagall will make either of us the captain."
"Why?", Harry asked, "You blokes are the oldest on the team."
"We come as a package deal, Harry", they said, "And there can be only one captain."
"You guys are gonna stay here all day?", said Sirius, coming to them with a butterbeer in his hand.
"We are going to the Quidditch pitch in a minute", said Harry, "How about lunch?"
"Lunch is ready", said Sirius, "Get them to the big dining hall."
"Lunch is ready, guys", said Harry and they all rushed to the tables which were laden with food.
As lunch was underway, Harry was joined by Susan, Neville, Hermione, and Ron.
"Harry, this is great party", said Hermione, "I never knew that the wizarding world is so closely connected."
"Hermione, we are a minority in comparison to the muggles", said Neville, "so we must stay together. The wizarding world isn't very large and since most of the wizarding families marry amongst each other, we all are related. There was a marriage between House Longbottom and House Potter few generations ago, so I and Harry are distantly related. Charlus Potter had married Dorea Black, so the Blacks and Potters are also related. The Blacks are related to almost all the families, in fact."
"How so?"
It was Ron who answered, "Callidora Black married into the Longbottom family, Lucretia Prewett married in the Black Family, Cedrella Black married Septimus Weasley, Arcturus Orion Black married Melania Macmillan, Narcissa Black married Lucius Malfoy and so on. In fact, there are a very few families that the Blacks are not related to."
"It is mind boggling", said Hermione, "I mean the mere thought of the complex family trees gives me headache."
Harry snorted, "You can't imagine how I felt when I was made to learn the Potter and Black Family tree. The sheer amount of people on those! Then I also had to study the Peverell family tree."
"What is the Peverell family?", Hermione asked.
It was Susan who answered, "The Peverell family is older than any. They were old when most of the houses weren't even born. The last scion of House of Peverell was Iolanthe Peverell who married Hardwin Potter, and the lines merged into one."
"How do you know about it?", Harry asked.
"Because the House of Bones and House of Potter used to be in close ties with each other a few generations ago. When Lord Charlus died, the alliance practically ended because Lord James hadn't renewed the alliance before he went into hiding and was killed."
"The House of Longbottom was also a part of that alliance", Neville said, "My gran told me that father and Lord Potter had decided to renew the commitments before everything happened."
"What is this alliance?", Hermione asked.
It was Ron who answered, "The old houses who sit on the Wizengamot are divided into factions. They vote on issues according to their preferences, generally on the basis of faction. However even in factions, there are divisions. Some members prefer to join to form an alliance which would always stand together. The House of Potter, Bones and Macmillan were part of one such alliance before the war."
"How do you know about it?", Hermione wheeled on him.
It was obvious that she was stunned by Ron's knowledge because he was usually laid back and never tried to learn anything with heart. His happy-go-lucky attitude grated on her,so it was obvious that she was surprised.
"Hermione, I may not show it, but I am a Pureblood. The Weasley family is one of the oldest families in Wizarding Britain going back several hundred years. This is part of our traditional knowledge and family history. All the Pureblood children are taught these things since they are little."
"Okay guys, enough talk", said Harry, "Now who is up for a game of Quidditch?"
There was loud jubilation at this proclamation. Teams were formed on the spot and the game began.
The party went on till late in evening and after it was done, it was one of the best days that Harry had had so far this summer.
Harry woke up around 8 in the morning when Dobby came to wake him up, "Master be waking up!"
Harry sat up and realised that today they were going back to Hogwarts. The last 2 months had been intense for him, and he was now looking forward to some fun. Remus and Sirius had taught him a few tricks which he was going to use this year. And then he had learnt from Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody himself. Moody was a great Auror and a hard task master, but Harry had liked him because the old Auror taught him a lot. Today was also the day that he'd start making inroads with the Hogwarts students.
Sirius had told him how important it was for him to maintain friendly ties with others and to possibly gain allies. They had done a lot in this direction, and he was willing to do more however right now his concern was to reach the station in time. Remus had already packed his trunk and put out the clothes that he was going to wear to the station. Once on the train, he planned to change into his school robes.
When Harry came down, he found Remus and Sirius sitting at the table, "Good Morning Harry, nice day?"
"Yes, it feels good to go back", Harry said, "But this time, I feel like I am not very excited to go to Hogwarts. I mean I have found a family and I love you guys. It will be sad living alone at the castle again."
"We are just a mirror call away, Harry", said Sirius, "If you need us, just call me or Moony and within the hour, we'll be with you. Now have you packed your trunk?"
Remus answered, "Stop fretting like a mother, Sirius. I told you already that I have packed his trunk."
"Harry, remember our lessons and your tasks in the school", Sirius said, "You are the heir of Black and you should look the part. If someone gives you a hard time, show them what a Black can do. And please do a lot of pranks."
Harry grinned, "I'll. I am looking forward to it. I wish Malfoy would come to my compartment aboard the train."
Sirius laughed, "I am unleashing a monster in Hogwarts!"
"What are you guys planning to do once I return to Hogwarts?", Harry asked them.
"We have something to do for Dumbledore. We are going to find those Horcruxes and do it quickly. Also, there are businesses to manage and money to be earned. What sort of precedent I'd set if I don't increase the wealth that I have inherited."
As they were talking, an owl entered the room and sat on Harry's shoulder. Harry recognised the owl and the letter. It was that scented parchment which he had been waiting for.
Eagerly he tore open the envelope, as Sirius singsong in the background, "Pup got a love letter!"
"Heir Potter,
It's been a few days since I wrote to you. I can't wait to meet you finally. I will wait for you at the top of Astronomy tower tonight.
Later"
"So, what is in the letter?", Sirius asked.
"She wants me to meet her on the Astronomy tower", Harry said.
"Well, I should stop you but considering my own adventures, I feel I have no right to do that", Sirius said, "I'd only say that be careful."
They arrived at the train station well ahead of time. Remus stored his trunk in the last compartment and then joined them on the platform.
"It feels good to stand here and watch the hustle-bustle of the station", said Sirius.
"Yes, it feels like yesterday that we were at this platform waiting to ride the train for first time to Hogwarts", said Remus, "I missed it like you, so I rode the train to Hogwarts when I started teaching there."
Sirius laughed, "I'd have done the same. I remember how I met James on the train, and we instantly clicked. I mean I knew him from before, but my hag of a mother didn't want me to visit the Potters when I was a child. She thought that they were blood traitors."
Remus was talking to Harry, "Be a good boy this year. Don't go breaking any school rules and have a lot of fun."
Sirius winked at him, "What Moony wants to say is that break the school rules but just don't get caught. It'd be a shame if you were caught in mischief making despite having the map and the cloak."
Harry grinned, "I won't get caught."
"Now where are your friends?", Sirius asked him.
"There is Neville", Harry said pointing, "I saw Susan get into the train near the front. The Weasley's won't arrive until it is ten minutes left for the train to depart."
Neville reached them by that point and bowed to Sirius, "Lord Black."
"Nonsense, Neville", Sirius said, "I have told you to not to bow to me if we are not in Wizengamot."
Harry was greeting Augusta, "Lady Longbottom, Harry James Potter-Black at your service."
"Heir Potter-Black, it's an honour to meet you again", she said, "Good luck for the term ahead."
By that time, the Weasleys with Hermione had arrived. After putting their trunks on the train, they joined the adults.
"Remember you lot", Molly Weasley was saying, "Don't go looking for trouble. We'd have called you home for Christmas, but I have a feeling that you'd like to stay the castle this year."
"Yes, I wish I was going to Hogwarts with you lot this year", said Bill, "This year is going to be amazing."
"Mom, what is happening at Hogwarts this year?", Ron asked.
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "I am not going to tell you. It's a surprise."
At that moment, the train blasted its whistle and they all started boarding the train. As they came into their compartment, Ron said, "I wish she'd tell us what this is about. All the summer they have been dropping hints that this year is going to be different."
"We will know once we reach Hogwarts", Harry said, "I've a feeling that this year is going to be great."
"I know you have been busy this summer", Hermione said, "I wish you'd tell us about it."
"At the start of summer, I returned to Privet Drive with Sirius. The two weeks that I stayed there were fun. Aunt Petunia actually behaved herself and Uncle Vernon was terrified of Sirius. He made them work and do chores. He treated them as if they were beneath him. When the two weeks were over, I went to Black Manor where I am living right now. Sirius also engaged an old professor Horace Slughorn to teach me potions…."
"But why'd you need extra lessons in potion brewing?", Hermione asked, unable to stop herself.
"Because Snape has failed to teach me anything", Harry said as a matter of fact, "He hates me. Slughorn used to teach at Hogwarts before Snape. He taught my parents and even Tom Riddle. I learned loads from him."
"Is that what you did entire summer?", Hermione asked, "Potion lessons?"
"Sirius also taught me a few spells", Harry said, "And I also took lessons in wizarding customs which I should have taken since I was a child."
"Didn't you visit somewhere?", Ron asked.
"Yes. Sirius and I went to Africa on a jungle safari", Harry lied, "He wanted me to see the wildlife and it was a thrilling experience."
"So, what else you learned?", She asked him.
"I am going to drop Divination", he announced, "And I am going to take up Ancient Runes."
"But Harry, you can't change subjects", Hermione exclaimed.
"I can", Harry said, "Sirius had asked McGonagall and she told me that I can drop Divination and take Runes."
"But you haven't studied Runes. How will you compete in class?", she asked in exasperation.
"Hermione, Remus has been teaching me all the summer and I am confident that I can take the class", Harry said before turning to Ron, "What happened to you?"
"Mate, why would you leave an easy owl?", Ron asked.
"Because I want to learn Runes", Harry said simply, "Runes are fantastic things and are used in a lot of applications. Sirius showed me some tricks that one can do with Runes."
"Will you teach us?", Hermione asked.
"Hermione, I know very little in Runes", Harry said, "It is you who can teach me more about it."
Before Hermione could say anything, the door opened and in stepped Susan Bones with Ernie Macmillan in tow, "Can we join you guys?"
"Sure Susan", Harry said offering her to sit beside him.
"You are looking flustered?", Harry asked Susan.
"Malfoy is causing trouble with his lackeys out there", she said.
Harry pulled out his wand, cast a locking charm at the door and grinned at her, "Now Malfoy can't get in."
Hermione looked sceptical, "Anyone can cast Alohomora, Harry."
Harry grinned, "Why don't you show us then?"
Hermione pulled out her wand and casually cast the spell at the doors. There was distinct sound and the door unlocked. Smirking, Hermione tried to pull the door open but to her consternation, it had locked itself again.
Frowning, she cast the spell again. Again, there was a distinct unlocking sound but when she tried to pull it open, it remained in its place. This happened for a few times and others in the compartment were trying to hide their smiles. When it was apparent that Hermione was frustrated, Harry said to her, "Hemione, this is a special spell. It will let Alohomora do its work and then promptly override it, locking the door again."
Susan said excitedly, "You'll have to show me that spell."
"Sorry Susan, trade secrets", Harry said, "The Marauders told me to not to teach it to anyone who hasn't taken the Marauder oath."
"What is Marauder?", she asked.
Harry grinned, "Well that is a long story, so dig in…."
The story session went on for an hour before there was a loud bang on the door. Harry looked up to see Malfoy on the door, trying to pull it open.
Ron, who was beside Harry, said, "Let him try to open the door. The git will go away when he realises that he can't open it."
Harry shook his head, "Oh no, not happening. He needs a lesson."
He flicked his wand and the door opened. Draco walked in, strutting like a peacock, "Well well, St. Scarhead and his gang of…."
Before he could say anything, there was slight movement of Harry's wand and Draco started clawing at his throat. It looked like his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.
Harry shoved his wand under Malfoy's chin, "Listen here and listen well, Malfoy. This is the only time that I am going to warn you. You have been a pest to me all these years and I kept tolerating you because I knew no better. But it ends now. I am the heir of Potter and Black and I hold your future in my hands. Your father is on the run and your house is under the protection of House of step out of line and Lord Black will not hesitate to withdraw that protection. When you are talking to anyone, be respectful. Don't insult them and if I find you are committing any mischief, Lord Black will be having words with your mother."
He then turned to Malfoy's lackeys, "You two! Stay away from him and mend your ways if you know what is better for you. Lord Black controls your lifelines in his hand. Your fathers will be disappointed if they have to lose their family fortune because their sons were being idiots. Now get out."
The three turned around and walked out as if they were under some enchantment. He then realised that his friends had gone silent. He turned to them, "What happened to you all?"
"Bloody Hell, mate", Ron exclaimed, "That was scary. When did you change so much?"
Harry turned to look at Hermione and saw an emotion in her eyes which he had never seen before. She was scared!
"Hermione, what happened to you?"
"What you did to them was scary", she confessed, "What you have been learning this summer?"
"I may not be Malfoy, Hermione but I am a member of the elite society. I come from the Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Black. I can't just let him walk all over me", Harry said, "I have let that happen in the past but no more."
Susan, from his other side, agreed, "You did the right thing, Harry. Malfoy is a pest, and he deserves to know that he can't boss everyone around. I myself would have put him in his place long ago but my father forbade it."
"Who is hungry?", Harry asked, standing, "I am going to look for the Trolley lady."
"Get me some of those Cauldron cakes", Ron said, offering him a handful of coins. Similarly, others made demands of him and gave him money.
As he was walking forward in search of the trolley lady, he collided with a girl who was coming out of a compartment.
"I am sorry", he said automatically, before he realised it was Daphne Greengrass.
She nodded curtly, "Heir Potter".
Automatically Harry nodded in return, "Heiress Greengrass. I didn't see you at the Wizengamot."
"My father doesn't let me go there unless there is something interesting happening. When you were invested, I was on vacation so I could not be there."
"Right", he said, "I'll see you later, Heiress Greengrass."
She nodded, "Of course, just call me Daphne."
"Harry", he said over his shoulder as he walked in the search of the trolley lady.
It was raining when they reached Hogsmeade. They all scrambled together to get a carriage and found one empty. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ernie, and Susan took the carriage which was waiting in line for them.
As they travelled towards the castle, Harry's thoughts turned to Sirius and Remus. He was already missing them for they had become indispensable part of his life since this summer. At this time, they would be sitting for dinner in the Manor. May be, they were doing whatever they were supposed to be doing for Dumbledore.
"Harry, what do you reckon your chances are for Quidditch cup this year?", asked Ernie, "I mean Oliver Wood graduated last year."
"I almost forgot that Wood is gone", said Harry, "I dunno who is going to be the captain, but we will need a keeper as good as him."
"Won't hurt to have new blood", said Ron, "Would it? I mean we can't make assumptions before we try someone for the position."
As they talked, the carriage passed the gates of Hogwarts flanked on both sides by two statues of Winged Boars. The students had congregated at the Double Doors, and it became apparent when they reached there. Peeves was throwing water balloons at every student who was coming in, drenching them.
Before anyone could think of something, Harry shot a spell at the poltergeist. He started clutching his throat as if something had lodged in his throat and he flied away.
When they reached the Gryffindor table, they looked up on the teacher's table where Dumbledore stood in his usual throne like chair. McGonagall sat on one side while Severus Snape sat on other. Filius Flitwick was talking with Pomona Sprout and others teachers were sitting in their seats. Only two chairs were vacant, and he knew one of them was Hagrid who was leading the first years to the castle on the lake. He wondered how he was faring in this weather. With Remus gone at the end of last year, the chair for Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor was also vacant.
"Who do you reckon is going to be the DADA teacher?", Ron asked.
"Maybe they could not find anyone to fill", Harry mused, "I mean with the record of teachers never lasting more than one term, it will be hard to find anyone."
As they mused, Colin Creevey joined them and excitedly said to him, "Harry, my brother Dennis is also coming to Hogwarts this year. I hope he'll be in Gryffindor. Keep your fingers crossed, eh?"
Hermione asked, "It is not necessary that siblings go to the same house, isn't it? I mean the Patil twins are in different houses. The Greengrass sisters are also in different houses, aren't they?"
"I don't know", Harry said, "Reckon we will see how the sorting goes."
As they were talking, the Double Doors opened with a bang and McGonagall entered leading the first years in a line behind her. One of them was a very young child who was wrapped in what appeared to be Hagrid's moleskin coat and he was drenched in water from head to toe.
The sorting hat burst into a song which Harry tuned out. However, he realised that this song was different from the one that it sang in their sorting.
"It is not the same song", Harry said.
"Of course, not", Hermione said, "It sings a new song every year."
"I will be calling your names and you will come up here", Professor McGonagall was saying, "I will put this hat on your heads, and it will decide where you will go."
They watched the sorting as each student came and went. The mousy haired boy came up when Creevey, Dennis was called. The hat had barely touched his head when it bellowed, "Gryffindor."
They clapped enthusiastically as Dennis joined his brother, "Colin, I fell into the lake, and something pushed me back in the boat."
"It was the Giant Squid", said Colin, "It is very friendly."
Dennis grinned, "Cool."
Colin was pointing Harry out to him, "You know who he is? He is Harry Potter…"
Harry tuned them out as he heard "McDonald, Natalie" was sorted in Gryffindor.
Dumbledore stood up when the last student had been sorted in Ravenclaw.
As the students were getting comfortable in their seats, the DoubleDoors were thrown open with a thunderous roar and a figure stood there. He was leaning heavily on a staff, a travelling cloak wrapped around him. As he walked, they could see that the newcomer's face was a criss cross of lines, a chunk of his nose was missing and one of his eyes was replaced with an electric blue one. Mad-eye Moody had come at Hogwarts.
"Blimey, that is Mad-eye Moody", said one of the twins. Harry recognised Mad-Eye alright and was surprised to see him. He had no idea that the old Auror was going to join Hogwarts as a DADA Professor this time. It had never come up in their discussions during the summer. He however chose not to say anything because he had promised everyone that he will not tell that he was being taught by Alastor Moody.
"Who is he?", asked Hermione.
"He is an Auror, one of the best that the Ministry has ever seen", said Ron, in awe.
"What is an Auror?", asked Dean Thomas.
"They are dark wizard catchers", explained Gred (or was it Forge), "He was one of the best. They say that half the cells in Azkaban are filled by the prisoners that he had caught. They also say that he is very paranoid."
"What is he doing here?", Seamus asked.
"I guess he is the new DADA Professor", said Hermione, "we will know soon, won't we?"
"Dad had gone in the morning to help him with something involving Muggle police", Ron said, "I heard Amos Diggory talking about it to Dad this morning."
The newcomer was talking to Albus Dumbledore who welcomed him with a beaming smile as they talked in whispers. Harry noticed that McGonagall was pleased with the newcomer, but Snape looked like he had tasted a lemon. In fact, if Harry were to guess, he looked terrified.
"Welcome to Hogwarts", said Dumbledore, "And welcome back to our returning students for another year of enlightened learning. Now before we begin the feast, there are a few start of the term notices that I must give. First the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. All the new students and some of our old students would do well to remember it. The list of forbidden items in school is now at nine hundred items which can be seen outside Mr. Filch's office. And for the thousandth time, M. Filch has today reminded me that no magic is allowed in corridors between the classes. Now an important announcement, there will be no Quidditch Cup this year at Hogwarts."
This declaration met with outrage with people standing in their places and waving their arms furiously. Dumbledore's amplified voice reverberated in the Great Hall, "Silence! This year Hogwarts is going to host an event which will ensure participation from two premier magical schools in the world which will take the better part of a year. This year Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Cup."
There was murmuring in the Great Hall at this declaration and one of the twins bellowed, "You are joking!"
"I am not joking Mr. Weasley", said Dumbledore, "However now that we are talking about it, I heard a great joke this summer about a hag, a leprechaun and…."
McGonagall cleared her throat and Dumbledore changed tracks, "We are digressing. The Department of International Magical Co-operation, Hogwarts and others have decided to revive the tradition of the Triwizard tournament to bolster friendship between the three schools. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Academy will be sending their contingents to Hogwarts at the end of October to participate in three tasks which will take place through the year. Three champions, one from each school will be selected to represent their school by a magical Goblet of Fire. The tasks will thoroughly test their aptitude, their skill, and their courage. At the end, the winner will be given 1000 Galleons prize. Now the rules. It has been decided that only those of age will be allowed to participate in the tournament."
At this there was outrage from the students, but Dumbledore was unmoved, "This has been decided by the Ministry of Magic and it will not change. I will be drawing an age line around the Goblet, and it will not allow any underage student to put their name inside. Now let me introduce our newest addition to the faculty. Please welcome Professor Alastor Moody, who is a retired Auror and has consented to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts this year. Good Luck Professor."
A mild applause greeted this statement as Moody stood and promptly sat down. Harry noticed that he kept drinking from hishipflask. Harry knew it was his habit and he never touched any food prepared by others unless he saw it being prepared in front of him.
As the applause died, Dumbledore said,"Let the feast begin now."
As he clapped his hands, the tables were filled with mountains of food. Ronald grinned, "About time. I am so hungry I could eat a Hippogriff."
As they ate, Sir Nick floated down to the table, "It is miracle that there is a feast at all."
"What do you mean?"
"The ghosts were discussing about banishing Peeves from amongst us. He is not even a ghost, and he gives us a bad name. He went into the kitchen, upended the utensils, scared the Elves…"
Hermione's spoon clattered on her plate, "House Elves in Hogwarts?"
"Yes, Hogwarts has the largest number of house elves in all of Britain", he said, "I believe there are about 100 of them here."
"But we never see them!"
"It is the sign of a good Elf that it can't be seen while it works", Nick said, "Who do you think cooks the food, cleans the commons rooms, dormitories, does your laundry?"
"They get paid for this right?", she asked.
"House Elves don't get paid", Nick said.
Hermione pushed her plate away, "This is slave labour!"
Harry asked, "What are you on about, Hermione?"
"House Elves are enslaved by generations into serving wizard kind! They have been exploited and mind washed. It is only despicable persons who would slave another."
Harry coldly asked her, "Hermione, I have a House Elf. So does Neville, Susan, and many other pureblood families. Do you think we all are despicable?"
"It is wrong to enslave them."
"What has got you riled up, anyhow?", Harry asked her.
"You saw how Mr. Crouch was treating Winky! How can you stand that? They should be able to live free lives", she retorted.
"What do you know bonding between a House Elf and a wizard?", Harry asked her, "I really mean what have read in any of the books? What do you know about House Elf lives?"
She had visibly no answer, but she was not one to back down, "I will find out and come back to you."
"You do that", Harry said, "And if you can't find anything then come see me. I will tell you about them. Until then please keep quiet."
Before Hermione could retort Dumbledore stood, "It is time for you all to retire to your beds to be fresh for your lessons tomorrow."
As the students were returning to their houses, Ron said, "It is going to be interesting this year."
"What do you mean?"
"I have heard that this tournament has not been held in over 200 years", Ron said, "Because it was considered too dangerous."
"Any idea what the tasks will be?", Harry asked.
"I have read in 'Hogwarts:AHistory' that the three tasks are really dangerous for the contestants, may be even life threatening. That last time it was held, it resulted in death of the three contestants and many students were injured. It was the reason that it was discontinued", Hermione said, "I don't know what they were thinking reinstating the tournament."
"I am glad that no underage student is going to be a participant", said Harry.
As everyone went to sleep, Harry Potter was walking towards the Astronomy tower hidden under his cloak. The corridors were deserted because everyone was in their dorms. It was the first day back after all.
He had consulted the Marauders Map before he left the Gryffindor tower, but the Astronomy tower was deserted at that time. He hoped that his mysterious friend would be there or it was all for naught.
He reached the tower without any interference from anyone and hid in a corner under the cloak and waited.
After about 10 minutes, three girls reached the tower. He identified two of them as Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis from Slytherin and another was a younger girl who looked like Greengrass and Harry had a fair idea that she was Greengrass's sister.
Not even in his dreams, he had expected the mystery girl to be a Slytherin, not especially those three. At once he thought about going back to the tower but then he changed his mind. Sirius had asked him to make more friends and there was no time better than the present.
"He is not here yet", one of them was saying, "wonder if he will come?"
Harry took off the cloak and put it under his robes before he walked towards the girls, "Ladies, Harry James Potter-Black at your service."
The girls jumped in surprise, "Where did you come from?"
"I was here", he said, "Hiding in a corner. Now who among you ladies has been writing me letters?"
The younger Greengrass stepped forward grinning, "It was me!"
A/N- well this is it. I sure put the bee in the bonnet. I guess none of you thought that it was going to be Astoria Greengrass, of all people.