CHAPTER 3: BACK WHERE WE BELONG
Once they reached the Great Hall, the familiar buzz of chatter and the warm glow of the floating candles welcomed them. Harry took a seat between Ron and Hermione, the comforting routine of the start-of-term feast grounding him a bit more.
Dumbledore stood up, spreading his arms wide to greet the students. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our feast, let us welcome our new students and staff. And may this year be filled with learning, friendship, and adventure!"
As Dumbledore's eyes swept over the hall, they seemed to linger on Harry for a moment. Harry's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly looked away, focusing on his empty plate. The feast began, and the tables filled with an array of delicious food. Harry tried to eat, but his mind was still racing with thoughts of the time travel, the potential dangers, and the secrets he now had to keep.
"Eat up, Harry. You need your strength," Hermione said gently, placing a piece of roast beef on his plate.
Harry managed a small smile. "Thanks, Hermione."
Ron, with his mouth full, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, mate. You look like you could use a good meal."
Harry chuckled, the normalcy of the moment easing his tension. "I guess you're right."
As the feast continued, Harry found himself relaxing bit by bit. The familiar faces, the laughter, and the sense of belonging he felt at Hogwarts started to overshadow his fears. He still had a lot to figure out, but for now, he was back where he belonged, with the people who mattered most to him. And whatever the future—or the past—held, he knew they would face it together.
Both Ron and Hermione glanced at each other before they followed Harry out of the compartment. The rain was heavy just as they got off the train. All around them, students, pushing against each other, were making their way towards the line of carriages that were waiting to take them to the castle. Harry himself was busy looking up and down the platform until all of a sudden a familiar figure caught his eyes. He smiled.
It was Hagrid. Like always, he wasn't difficult to notice, sticking out like a sore thumb amidst the sea of much shorter people. Harry missed the gentle half-giant. Hagrid was a good friend and loyal to the end. He passed away 25 years after the war ended. He did get married, actually, to none other than Olympe Maxime. Madam Maxime eventually succeeded him for another five years. The couple somehow weren't blessed with children throughout their marriage. They moved to France after they got married, and Harry would always make it a point to visit them every time he stayed at his in-laws' house. Fleur loved them as well. Like Harry, she too had a close relationship with Madam Maxime.
Harry truly missed Hagrid, but at that point, the gamekeeper was busy herding the first years. He decided that he would let Hagrid do his job, knowing that there would be time—lots of time—for them to meet.
As he made his way to the carriage, someone bumped him hard on the shoulder from behind.
"Watch it, Potter!"
It was Draco Malfoy and his male escorts, Crabbe and Goyle. Draco gave Harry a sneer and a middle finger before making his way towards the awaiting carriages.
"What an arse," grumbled Ron.
"Leave it, Ron," said Harry, rubbing his shoulder. "He's not worth it."
"He's still an arse, Harry. You know he's not going to leave you alone," said Ron.
"Then let's not give him any more incentive to do more than what he did."
Ron muttered something under his breath, but he let it go. The three of them climbed into a carriage, the Thestrals pulling it unseen by Harry and Ron. Harry felt a pang of sadness, knowing that one day he would see them, a testament to the losses he had yet to experience.
As they rode towards the castle, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was back in a time when things were simpler, yet also more dangerous. He had knowledge of the future, but the weight of it was heavy. He glanced at Ron and Hermione, their faces illuminated by the lanterns inside the carriage, and felt a surge of determination. He would protect them, no matter what.
The carriage ride was short, and soon they were climbing the steps to the grand entrance of Hogwarts. The Great Hall was just as he remembered, the enchanted ceiling reflecting the stormy sky outside. The first years were being led in for their sorting, and Harry felt a wave of nostalgia as he watched the ceremony.
The feast began in earnest, and Harry found comfort in the familiar tastes and sounds of Hogwarts. He ate heartily, the nervousness of earlier fading away as he enjoyed the company of his friends.
"Tomorrow, we'll go to the hospital wing first thing," Hermione reminded him between bites.
Harry nodded. "Alright, Hermione. I promise."
Ron, with his mouth full, added, "And after that, we can start planning our next adventure."
Harry chuckled. "Always thinking ahead, aren't you, Ron?"
"Well, someone has to," Ron said with a grin.
As the evening wore on, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him. He was back at Hogwarts, with Ron and Hermione by his side. They had faced countless challenges together, and whatever lay ahead, he knew they would overcome it. The future was uncertain, but for now, Harry was content to be home. The trio reached one of the still unoccupied carriages. Harry took a glance at the creature pulling the carriage as he climbed in. It was a Thestral. He knew that he would be the only one who could see it. At this age, both Hermione and Ron had yet to see death. The pair sat side by side while Harry had the whole bench for himself.
"You've changed, Harry," stated Ron just as the carriage began to move.
"Yes, Hermione did make that clear," said Harry. "What's your point?"
"I would have thought, you know, that you would get a little mad for what Malfoy did back there."
"It was just a shoulder bump, Ron. That's hardly a reason for me to get all worked up," said Harry.
"I don't get it, Harry. You always rise to the bait he throws out."
"And that's all he can do, Ron. Baiting people every now and then," said Harry.
"But—" Ron began, but Harry cut him off.
"Listen, Ron. Draco Malfoy will always be an arse and a coward. We all know that. We all saw what he did. But that's not a reason for us to go down to his level. Trust me when I say that someday he's going to get what's coming to him. His status as the Malfoy heir will be the only thing that can save him, but only just. You'll see."
Ron leaned back on the bench. "I hope you're right, Harry. Can't wait to see the look on his face when that happens."
Harry smiled, then turned his gaze to the outside of the carriage, watching the night scenery fly past.
Truth be told, Harry did not feel angry at all when Malfoy bumped his shoulder and made an obscene sign at him. In fact, what he told Ron was half the truth. Malfoy did show some form of bravery back in his old timeline. He did save Harry's life once. Harry shuddered to think what would have happened if Malfoy had decided to expose him to Bellatrix. He was sure that Malfoy recognized him despite the heroic effort Hermione took to conceal his identity.
Of course, both of his friends did not know this. They had yet to experience it in this timeline. How could he tell them about what Malfoy did, let alone telling them that he came from the future? He saw Hermione's reaction to the 'strange behavior' he exhibited back on the train. It would be better for him not to exaggerate it any further.
The castle came into view as the carriage trundled past the magnificent gate that marked the boundary and entrance to the school's compound. As before, the view never failed to amaze him. The ancient castle was his home back then, after all.
The castle suffered extensive damage after the Battle of Hogwarts concluded. It was rebuilt immediately, and while the builders were at it, they decided to include new designs and features as well. A bigger Great Hall, new greenhouses, larger dormitories were among the new additions. The Quidditch field was redesigned as well. Players got bigger locker rooms and hot showers as well.
This one that stood in front of him, though, its design remained unmolested. Harry remained silent as he let the beauty of Hogwarts wash over him. At the same time, he was painfully aware that Hermione's eyes had not once wavered from him. It was unusual to see her keeping her voice to herself, though. Talk about strange behavior.
The carriage ground to a halt right at the bottom of the stone steps that led into the Entrance Hall. The trio got off and immediately climbed the stone steps, eager to arrive at the cavernous hall and be embraced by its warmth.
Just as they got near to the landing, Harry suddenly stopped. "Wait!" Both Ron and Hermione shadowed his movement. "What is it, Harry?"
Harry did not answer. Instead, he took out his wand and immediately fired a curse towards the ceiling. There was a scream and a ghost wearing a bell-covered hat and a bow tie appeared out of thin air. One of his hands was holding several red and white water balloons, and the other fervently rubbed his butt.
"Oi! What was that for?" Peeves the Poltergeist whined, glaring at Harry.
"Peeves," said Harry sternly, "knock it off with the pranks, or I'll tell the Bloody Baron."
Peeves stuck out his tongue but floated off, grumbling under his breath.
Hermione shook her head in exasperation. "Honestly, Harry, how did you know he was there?"
Harry shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just a hunch."
Ron laughed. "Nice one, Harry. Peeves really doesn't know when to quit, does he?"
They continued their way into the Entrance Hall, and Harry felt a wave of nostalgia. It was good to be back, even if things were different this time around. As they entered the Great Hall, the buzz of chatter and laughter filled the air, and Harry's heart swelled with a sense of belonging. This was his home. And whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he had his friends by his side.
"Potty shot me!" the ghost cried. "Nasty smelly Potty!"
"I won't if you stop being naughty, Peeves," said Harry calmly. "All of us had our bath on our way here. We're not in the mood for another one. At least not immediately. Now stand down, Peeves."
But Peeves decided to ignore his warning. He took one of his water balloons and took aim at Harry.
"Fine then," said Harry. He threw several curses at Peeves, each of them hitting the exact same spot as the first one. Peeves cried in pain and immediately disappeared through the adjacent wall, throwing up all of his water balloons in the process. The floor of the Entrance Hall was wet as a result, but at least none of the students ended up as victims.
"How did you do that?" asked Ron in awe.
"Do what?"
"That thing you just did!" exclaimed Ron. "I thought ghosts were supposed to be immune to curses. I mean, it would just fly right through them, wouldn't it? You can't hit a ghost, can you?"
"Well—"
"And when did you learn to use nonverbal spells?" asked Hermione. "We weren't supposed to study that until our sixth year."
Silence fell upon them as Harry suddenly realized that every student within the vicinity had their eyes trained on him. But just as he cranked his brain real hard in trying to come up with a good response, he heard someone calling out his name.
"Mr. Potter!"
Professor McGonagall had just come out of the Great Hall and was heading towards them.
"Potter attacked a Hogwarts ghost, Professor!" said Malfoy, who was watching the whole event from the sidelines. "We all saw it!"
Ron growled at him, but the Malfoy heir completely ignored him.
"I am fully aware of what Mr. Potter did, Mr. Malfoy," said McGonagall as she stopped in front of Harry. Turning her attention back towards the boy in front of her, she said, "Five points to Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. Now scoot, all of you. Get yourself into the Great Hall. The sorting ceremony will begin at any moment."
Malfoy looked as if someone had slapped him with a letter saying that he was expelled from Hogwarts and Christmas would be canceled for the next five years. He opened his mouth to protest, but McGonagall's stern look silenced him.
"Come on, Harry," Ron whispered, tugging at Harry's sleeve. "Let's go."
Harry nodded, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. As they walked into the Great Hall, he could feel the eyes of many students following him. Hermione's curiosity was palpable, and Ron's awe was clear. Harry took a deep breath and focused on the present moment.
The Great Hall was just as he remembered it, with its enchanted ceiling reflecting the stormy sky outside. The long tables were filling up with students, and the staff table at the front was occupied by the familiar faces of the professors. Harry's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sights and sounds of the place he had missed so much.
They found seats at the Gryffindor table, and Harry allowed himself to relax a bit more. The Sorting Hat was brought out, and the ceremony began. As each new student was sorted, Harry found himself lost in thought, contemplating his situation.
He was back in time, in his younger body, but with all the knowledge and experience of his future self. It was a strange and disorienting situation, but he knew he had to make the best of it. He had to be careful, to not let on too much about what he knew, and to figure out why this had happened and what he was supposed to do.
As the last student was sorted, Dumbledore stood up to make his welcome speech. Harry watched the headmaster closely, trying to gauge if there was any sign that Dumbledore knew what had happened. But Dumbledore's twinkling eyes and warm smile were just as he remembered.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore began. "Before we begin our feast, I have a few start-of-term notices to give you..."
Harry's attention drifted as Dumbledore went through the usual announcements. He glanced at Ron and Hermione, who were both listening intently. Whatever lay ahead, he was grateful to have them by his side. For now, he would enjoy being back at Hogwarts, and he would take things one step at a time.
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