Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Bailey and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Dog's Purpose Is Strange Magic Chapter 21
Bailey and Harry traveled down to the Gryffindor table with their tails between their legs under the laughter of the students and stern glares from the teachers. Once they got there though they were welcomed with open arms. Students patted Harry on the back and stroked Bailey's fur. Harry sat and she settled with lying down under the bench partially under the tables.
So the remainder of the new first years was sorted into their proper Houses. Once that was accomplished Albus Dumbledore rose to his feet beaming at the assembled students. His arms open wide in welcome.
He boomed "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
Bailey cocked her head at the strange wording, but that was quickly forgotten with the onslaught of smells that came to her nose. She realized this a hell of a lot faster than Harry did.
"Is he a bit mad," he asked, uncertainly.
Percy said "Mad? He's a genius! Best wizard in the world! But he is a bit mad, yes. Potatoes, Harry?"
The dishes that had previously been empty were now piled high with food. Bailey was catching smells from foods that she found were quite delicious to eat, but never sampled before. The only time she did was when she used to scavenge for scraps and even that was a lucky break. Harry proceeded to pile his plate with a bit of everything sampling it all as he conversed with those around him.
Bailey made absolutely sure he wouldn't forget her. Each time he picked up something she liked Bailey would paw persistently at his leg until he slipped some of it to her underneath the table. What a feast this was turning out to be not just for the people, but for her as well. She even stole a drumstick from Ron when he was otherwise distracted. The people surrounding him were amused while he was distressed. This boy definitely liked his food.
When the main entrees were consumed as much as the students could take the leftovers of the food faded from the plates, leaving them sparkling clean as if they hadn't just been used for dinner. Then desserts appeared to replace the. Harry had always been very stern about desserts back at the Dursleys. Most she could not eat for fear of getting sick so these were no different. That was ok. She was much too full anyway. In fact, she began to doze underneath the table fit to bursting.
Bailey had nearly fallen asleep until she heard her boy cry out in pain.
"Ouch," said Harry, clapping a hand to his head.
"What is it," asked Percy.
"N-Nothing," said Harry. "Nothing I'm fine."
Bailey wasn't so sure about that. She whined planting her head on his left licking his fingers.
Rubbing her head, Harry said "I'm all right, Bailey."
"Percy, who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrel," asked Harry.
Bailey growled at that name.
"Oh, that's Professor Snape. The Head of Slytherin House," said Percy.
"What's he teach," said Harry.
"Potions, but everyone knows it's the Dark Arts he fancies. He's been after Quirrel's job for years," said Percy.
Harry continued to watch this person closely from the corner of his eye. Bailey couldn't see from her position underneath the table.
Soon the assortment of desserts vanished from the tables. Professor Dumbledore got to his feet and the hall instantly fell silent.
"Now that we are all fed and watered there are a few more words to speak. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First-years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students should do well to remember that as well. I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their House teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death," said Professor Dumbledore.
Harry laughed, but he was only one of the small handful who did.
"He's not serious," he muttered to Percy.
"Must be," devised Percy. "It's odd because he usually gives us a reason why we're not allowed to go somewhere. The forest's full of dangerous beasts, everyone knows that. I do think he might have told us prefects, at least."
"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song," said Professor Dumbledore.
Dumbledore gave his wand a flick and a long golden ribbon flew out of it. It rose high above the tables and twisted itself, snakelike, into words.
"Everyone pick their favorite tune and off we go," said Dumbledore.
All the houses appeared to go off in their own versions at the same time and Bailey compared it to someone scraping on a chalkboard.
Everyone finished the song at different times and Bailey was mighty happy when they did. In the duration of the song, Bailey felt like her ears were about to fall off from all the terrible singing. She even had her paws covering her ears. The Weasley twins were the last ones singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last couple of lines with his wand. He was the one who clapped the loudest when they were finished.
"Ah, music," said Dumbledore, emphatically, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"
Authors Note:
Hope you all like this one. See you next time. ;)