Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 32 – Year 2
"Ravenclaw!", shouted the hat, and the last student to be sorted ran towards her new housemates welcomed by their cheers, and by polite claps from everyone else. The atmosphere inside the Great Hall was certainly festive: once taken away the stress of being one of the new prospects, the sorting was a nice ceremony to attend to. In particular Harry enjoyed seeing the new kids being welcomed at the tables of houses where they already knew someone. Ginny, that had been accepted as a Gryffindor, was certainly a perfect example of this, with all her brothers – from the loud whistles of the twins to the polite claps of Percy – smiling widely at her.
As the chaos of the last selection slowed down Professor McGonagall picked up the hat, vanished the chair, and walked back towards her seat next to headmaster Dumbledore, who stood up to address the school – something that started, slowly, a wave of silence to spread among the students. Standing tall, the headmaster – long beard and a weird dress – appeared as an unusual but benevolent figure.
"Welcome, everyone, to the start of another year at Hogwarts. To our new students, I know that you will find yourself a second home here. To our returning students, I know that you will keep making us proud. I have more to say, but that can wait until the rumble of your empty stomachs is placated. So" said Dumbledore, clapping once – at which point food of all types appeared on the tables - "please enjoy yourself and our dinner!"
At this, noise spread over the main hall once again as students of all houses started to pile food on their plates while talking with and over each other. Hufflepuff was no exception but it was soon clear what was the main topic of the night, not exhausted by the whispers that they had exchanged during the sorting ceremony: the recognizable presence of a blonde, smiling man in his thirties sitting close by Dumbledore.
"I knew it!" said enthusiastically Justin, a big grin on his face, while some of the girls nodded, their cheeks slightly redder than normal.
"I feared it" said Zacharias immediately after, disdain dripping from his voice.
Harry remained silent, limiting his activities to picking up the food in front of him. Mrs. Weasley was certainly a good cook, but there is only so much a single witch can do compared to the hordes of house elves that must have been working especially hard for the first meal of the year. And, indeed, the dishes on the table were all elaborate. Variety itself was a quality on its own, also.
Meanwhile, the debate between his classmates continued raging on and Harry guessed it was probably the same for every other year, and houses too. Looking around he could see many occasional glances aimed at the head table. Except one: among the freshly enrolled Griffyndor Ginny was looking at him, a mixed expression of joy and sorrow on her face. When Harry caught her stare, he smiled and waved her hand. She reciprocated, only to turn her head when one of her new classmate addressed her.
Lazily, Harry glanced at other first year's faces. Some he thought he could recognize, faces that gave enough hints of what would become one day wizards and witches he would deal with eventually…. others, he honestly had no idea. The school ghosts were also floating around them, probably giving their traditional speeches and welcome.
'I have been told he shows up, occasionally' thought Harry about the Fat Friar, and how sometimes he showed up in Hufflepuff's common room. The few times Harry managed to saw him, unfortunately, he was on his way to other things and couldn't stop even if just for a simple chat. 'A shame, really' thought Harry scrolling his head: he missed having some adult conversation, once in a while, and the Friar was pleasant to have around.
"Listen, maybe he is good. Maybe not. I can't simply ignore how he is making a his fortune out of the school" said Ernie, some unusual contempt in his voice. Startled, Harry re-focused back on his class mates.
"One hardly gets rich teaching classes, Ernie" countered a puzzled Megan.
"The books, Megan. He forced us to buy his whole set" said Wayne, evenly. His face was cold, though.
"Not just us, actually. Every year had to buy them" added Harry, joining in the conversation. "In a way, it is admirable"
"Not in the other ways, Potter" said Zacharias.
"It might look bad" added Susan "but his are first hand experiences on how to deal with dark creatures. Those are priceless. You are unfair!"
"Or jealous" said Justin, smirking. At this, the other boys just scrolled their head, refusing to be baited.
"Give him a chance. At least let's wait for his first class" said hesitantly Hannah, and this time the girls were nodding.
"Five knuts he will make an ass out of himself" said Ernie.
"You are on!" countered Justin. And with that, the conversation about Lockhart seemed settled, and the kids started talking about other topics.
With Harry's relief, no one seemed interested in talking about Quirrell. Hopefully, the news of his dead was confined to his classmates… but, he recognized bitterly, that was probably hoping for too much. Other Hogwarts students had aurors as parents, and chances were they received some gossip or straight up warnings about being more careful than usual this year.
No, the calm was probably just due to Lockhart's celebrity, enough to drown anything else, at least for a while. Idly, Harry wondered if that was at least part of the motivation that pushed Dumbledore to hire such an incompetent man. No matter how infamous Defense against the Dark Arts was for being a cursed position, there must have been someone at least slightly competent interested into teaching at Hogwarts, even if only for a year.
Unfazed, Harry kept eating and talking with his classmates. Lockhart himself wasn't important, just an amusing distraction. 'Not a cheap one, true', thought Harry: Ernie had actually raised a good point against him.
Once most students seemed done with their meals, and the loud noises inside the hall had turned to a mild murmur of well fed kids, Dumbledore stood again and moved in front of the teacher's table, Lockhart right behind him. It didn't take long for the students to notice and appropriately quiet down, and soon the headmaster started to talk.
"My dear students, i know you are all tired from your trip here, and excited from the start of a new school year, but I need a bit more of your attention" he began.
"Unfortunately, I can't start with good news. Most of you are aware of the unfortunate accident that befell our teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts, professor Quirrell. I am dismayed at having to tell you all that professor Quirrell's injuries were so severe that he passed away due to them".
At this, a silent shock travelled through the Great Hall. Harry, looking around, could tell that many faces were not showing any surprise – some might be due to self control, but most probably because they knew of Quirrell's death already – but the vast majority had clearly been caught unaware. Before they could show a more active reaction, though, the headmaster continued his speech.
"His accident was related to his extra curricular activities at Hogwarts, and I want to stress how no danger has been found for you students. It is a terrible tragedy, but also an isolated one. We will forever remember the service professor Quirrell gave to our school and the best way to honor him is for you, his beloved students, to remember what he taught and to continue improving on it, every single day."
At this, unfortunately, Harry could hear a couple low snorts and muffed laughs coming from the bottom end of the Hall, far away from Dumbledore. Obviously, even the shock of his death couldn't cancel the memory of how terrible Quirrell had been at teaching. 'You won't laugh for long with his replacement, brats' thought Harry, irritated.
"And, to help you in this endeavor, I am happy to introduce the new teacher for Defense against the Dark Arts: Gilderoy Lockhart. Even those that do not know of his achievements will recognize his name as the author of your books for the subject. I have full confidence that, under him, you will flourish in such an important class and I invite everyone to welcome him as warmly as possible" concluded Dumbledore, starting a tentative claps. All students followed his example, even if some did it half-heartedly, and it took a while before the clapping died down. "And now, It is time for all houses' prefects to guide all the new students to" said Dumbledore, stopping mid-way as Lockhart, a full smile on his face, took a step onward and addressed him quietly.
No one could hear what he said, but there was little doubts about his intents. Harry, tiredly, just waited for the inevitable.
"Yes…. of course, you should hear some words from your new teacher. Students, once again, please welcome professor Lockhart" said Dumbledore, giving up his central spot. Lockhart immediately occupied it, rising his hands in a peaceful gesture. Perfectly dressed, hair carefully combed and a bold smile on his face, he looked competent and in control – that much was undeniable. 'If only the interior matched the exterior' thought Harry, a small disdainful snort coming out of his nose.
"Students of Hogwarts! It feels amazing to be here again, and to be able to share with you my vast, vast well of knowledge at the very place that started me on the path to become the wizard I am today. Our esteemed headmaster, professor Dumbledore, introduced me to the unlucky few of you who might not have heard of me yet – and, to those few, let me reintroduce myself" started professor Lockhart. Even among Harry's classmates, the difference between those that admired him and those who scorned him was more than obvious. Harry himself tried to kept an emotionless face, a good match for what he felt inside. Lockhart was too distant of a memory, and unimportant too, to elicit from him any real reaction but light amusement at his pompous arrogance.
"For I am Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award! And to you, my young students, I will impart all the knowledge and skills I earned during my adventures! Indeed, it is hard to say who among us is the luckiest" continued professor Lockhart. Meanwhile, Harry swore he could have heard a couple of girls sigh nearby him…. and a couple of guys snort. Such a presentation was way too flamboyant for his tastes, and apparently others felt that way too: at the teacher's table, professor Snape stood up, addressed briefly the headmaster, and then walking close to the walls headed for the entrance.
"Our classes will be full of excitement and adventures, I promise! We will examine the deadliest creatures known to witches and wizards alike, and… and…" drabbled on professor Lockhart, only to slow down at the sight of professor Snape opening the doors and leaving the hall. Briefly turning around, he – and every other student in the Great Hall – could see a stoic Dumbledore and a clearly flustered group of teachers, a couple of them mid way to standing up themselves.
"But there will be time for all this in the coming days" recovered quickly Lockhart "Thank you, my dear students, and thank you professor Dumbledore", concluded Lockhart, a confident smile back on his face, stepping aside to let the headmaster speak again.
"Thank you, professor. Time for you all to head to your houses, dear students. Prefects, make sure not to lose sight of our first years. I wish a good night to you all" said briefly Dumbledore, and at this the whole hall stood up. Harry, too, ready to get out only to stop and turn when he heard a voice next to him say "Come on, are they serious?". Wayne, maybe? With another one that joined him with a poisonous tone. "He just has to join in. Muggle."
Turning around, he saw what Zacharias meant: Justin, a sheet of paper and a pen in his hands, heading towards the teacher's table where a sizeable line had already formed in front of professor Lockhart; along the line, most girls from 2nd year Hufflepuff could be seen too. The amount of parchments and quills clearly showed what most if not all of those in line wanted – as if the quill in Lockhart's own hand, or his posturing, were not a clear enough sign.
At this, Harry actually sniggered a little, shook his head and walked on. It was so… mundane, so normal in a way. Half of the students were ecstatic, the other half exasperated – and therefore, with something trivial to complain about and keep them entertained. Finding himself alone along the hallways Harry suddenly headed outside, towards the fields. His need for companionship had been satisfied, even too much, by the train trip there and he had no desire for more words, at least with more children.
The moon was already high, outside Hogwarts. The main gate was probably close, locked by deputy headmistress McGonagall after she let in her new students, but Harry avoided the doubt by passing through one of the many smaller doors that linked the ground floor of the castle with the gardens, the quidditch training grounds and all the other external sections of the school. In truth, the door he picked was close too but it was nothing that an Alohomora couldn't unlock.
Walking in the cold air of the night, along the border of the forbidden forest, Harry transfigured a pebble into a wool cloak and moved on. It had been only a couple months of absence, but his nostalgia of Hogwarts had somewhat re-awakened. During his life Harry had toured the muggle world too, occasionally, and he couldn't deny how impressive their cities were – especially compared to the much "cozier" feel of even the centers of magical Britain like Diagon's Alley or Hogsmeade, but even among Muggles few buildings gave the same impression that Hogwarts could. It wasn't simply the size – even if that helped – but the feeling of importance, of being a symbol of a community.
'Merlin, do I sound old' thought Harry, shaking his head. Still, he felt… at ease, even if for just a moment. He hadn't forgot all his suspended businesses - 'Riddle, Riddle's diary, my relatives, Ron, Ron's rat' he counted mentally - but those would be dealt with at the right time. Beside his usual sting of fear every time a memory of his family sneaked up on him, everything was well in Harry's world. Enough to waste time and enjoy the night, at least.
A rustle behind Harry startled him, but he calmed down immediately when he heard a booming voice, familiar in its own way, speak "Down, Fang, down! Whats'a matter with yeh?"
'Lumos' thought Harry, wielding his wand. The light that appeared on top of it allowed both him and Hagrid to easily recognize each other.
"Harry!" said Hagrid, a wide smile on his face "It's been so lon' since we saw last! But… what are yeh doin' out here?" he asked, puzzled, while Harry approached him. Fang jumped between them, his tail wagging around.
"Hagrid, Hi. Hello Fang" said Harry "I was just strolling, you know. Too much food and too many people".
"Oh, sure, I 'nderstand yeh. I too feel like the castle is too crowded at time'" said Hagrid "But yeh shouldn' be so close to the forest, alone. And at night!"
"You worry too much, Hagrid" joked Harry "Don't you know I am a second year now?"
"As old as professor Dumbledore, and twice as wise" laughed Hagrid "Come on, let me escort yeh back inside."
Harry, smiling, followed obediently with Fang on his side. Along the way, they chatted a little about their summer.
"Yep, Mrs. Weasley is a good cook, Harry. With all those boys to feed, she know' her stuff. Not like Hogwarts, though" said Hagrid at one point - "It's a shame you couldn't visit Norbert this summer, Hagrid, but so long as Charlie writes he is ok, that's good" said Harry at another.
"Yep, Mr. Malfoy has always bee' a nasty piece of wizard" concluded Hagrid, when told about Harry's trip to Diagon Alley "but to make Mrs. Weasley upset, that is a new low. And in front of her brood! Horrible, really."
"They reacted to the whole scene as well as you could imagine" commented sadly Harry, who had no desire to share more details about the Weasley childrens' infight. At least the main confrontation had been public, so he was not betraying their confidence on that. "With that kind of background, I am not surprised Draco and Ron are always bickering. You remember Ron, right?"
"The boy you introduced me last year, right? Sure, sure. His red hair are a giveaway anyway, Harry" said Hagrid, opening a door to the castle but not stepping inside. "I never really spoke with the son of Malfoy, that Draco… but being Slytherin and all, I don't kno' if…"
"He is not that bad, I assure you. Most of the time. When he is not angry at you" said Harry, resigned. Draco and Ron, young as they were, already shared a genuine hostility and there was not much to be done about it. "So, I guess this is goodnight Hagrid. One last questions, though. You raise animals too, right? Magical and not."
"Yes, Harry. Why, you want to adopt one?" said Hagrid, excited.
"Oh, I would be happy just to see some once in a while. Nothing special to start with. A kneazle, some chicken, a unicorn maybe…" said Harry.
"A unicorn! Just to start, eh?" joked Hagrid "They live inside the forest, and…. well, I would be happy to take yeh there, actually. But you need the permission of a teacher, Harry. Nah. And I have no kneazle, but I got plenty of rooster close by my hut. Come see them whenever you want."
"Thanks, Hagrid. I'll take your word on it. 'night" said Harry, and with a nod to him and a wave of his hand to Fang, he stepped inside Hogwarts and walked on. Behind him, he could hear Hagrid reciprocate the greeting and lock the door with an old-fashioned key.
Both silent and without thoughts, Harry walked back to his common room. Some of his classmates were still up, and welcomed him back. With a smile, Harry noticed how some of them – Justin and Hannah – also had their notebook with them, Lockhart's signature probably inside.