I took the Sorting Hat song and Umbridge's Welcoming Feast speech from Order of the Phoenix.
September 1 brought relief from the heat that had been plaguing England the whole summer. The sun shone but the clouds kept it from being oppressive, and a sweet breeze kept the humidity away. Aria sat in the living room of Grimmauld Place as Harry and Sirius raced about, Harry doing some last minute packing as he had been irresponsible and had not packed everything the night before like Remus had told him to, instead, he and Sirius had gone out doing whatever it was godsons and godfathers did in Muggle London.
As she waited for them to be ready, she thought about Spinner's End and the last day she had had there. She and Harry had gone around the neighborhood saying goodbye to neighbors so that when they weren't there in the morning, everyone would assume they left before the sun was up and not through the fireplace.
She and Harry had gone into town to wait for Robert, Samuel, and Tommy to get off work. Their various jobs all got out roughly at the same time (she was pretty sure they had worked their schedules that way). Afterwards the three older teenagers had taken her and Harry out to dinner. They had gotten takeout and had picnicked at a scenic outlook over the river, very far away from Spinner's End in terms of the beauty of the water.
Afterwards, when they had arrived back at Spinner's End, and Harry had gone into the house to let Aria have her private good-byes, the boys had dropped a bombshell.
"So . . . um . . ." Robert, Samuel, and Tommy, all gave each other nervous looks. Aria frowned.
"What'd you do?" she asked.
"We didn't do anything!" Tommy cried.
"So suspicious," Samuel accused with a shake of his head.
"What we're trying to say," Robert said, cutting off his friends, "is that we hope you have a good time at school this year and that . . . um . . . no one curses you."
Aria blinked. And blinked again. Her heart picked up speed and it was getting harder to draw in a breath. What . . . what did Robert mean? How did . . . they were supposed to be Obliviated!
"Aria!" Samuel shook Aria's shoulder. "Breathe."
"But . . . but . . . you were . . ." she stuttered.
"Our memories were supposed to be erased?" Tommy questioned. Aria nodded dumbly. "Well, whatever was supposed to happen didn't happen. I will admit, my brain felt very fuzzy after the party and I went to bed immediately when I went home, but when I woke up I could still remember everything. Including how you cried when they tried to wipe our memories." He scowled at that.
"Same thing with us," Robert said, motioning to himself and Samuel. "Had quite a headache in the morning too. Mum thought I had been out drinking and I had to listen to her shouting about being a good example to you and had I snuck you alcohol?"
Aria giggled, though it sounded a bit hysterical.
"Sorry," she muttered. Turning serious she added, "but you can't say anything to anyone! We could all get in loads of trouble if it was discovered that the Obliviation failed, and I didn't tell anyone. Then they'd come back and make sure you didn't remember."
"We're not going to say anything," Samuel assured her. "Promise. I'm taking History for A-Levels and've studied the witch trials in Europe and America. I don't blame you guys for wanting to stay hidden after what we did to you."
"Just . . . write us a bit more often this year," Robert suggested. "We just want to make sure you're safe after what you've told us."
"I will," Aria said, tears pricking at her eyes. "I promise." She hugged them all tightly before disappearing into her house.
Harry appeared in the doorway of the living room.
"We're ready to go!" he cried.
"Finally!" Aria said, sliding off the couch. "I thought we were going to have to get Apparated to Hogsmeade."
Remus came in and handed Aria her shrunken school trunk which she tucked safely into her robe's pocket. They planned to take the subway to King's Cross so that Kenneth could say good-bye at the station and not at Grimmauld. Aria also knew that he planned to host a brunch for the Muggle Parent's Wizarding Network. Justin's dad had booked some posh restaurant and was splitting the bill with Kenneth.
Taking Sirius on the underground was fun. He had never been and got stuck in the turnstile. He thought the whole thing was brilliant.
On the Muggle side of the platform, Kenneth drew Aria into a tight hug.
"Be good this year," he whispered in her ear. "And be safe."
"I'll try," Aria promised. "On both accounts." She kissed his cheek and followed Harry, Remus, and Sirius through the barrier onto Platform 9. She pulled her trunk from her pocket and let Remus resize it before dragging it to the carriage car where a porter put it on the train.
"Lord Black!"
Percy came through the throngs of people, a little out of breath.
"Percy?" Sirius questioned. "Are you here to see your siblings off?"
"I don't want my mum to see me," Percy admitted. "But I'm here to see you. I didn't want anyone at the ministry watching me go to you."
Thankfully, the platform was loud, and no one was paying attention to them.
"Minister Fudge and Dumbledore have come to an agreement," Percy told them. "The Board of Governors isn't really happy with it, but are willing to play along so long as it keeps both Fudge and Dumbledore on . . . friendlier terms."
"I don't like the sound of that," Remus muttered.
"Minister Fudge has selected this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Percy stated. Aria and Harry glanced at each other. They had been holding out hope that Professor Moody might change his mind and come back, but it was clear that he would rather be with Barty at the moment in Switzerland which was understandable.
"That . . . that . . ." Sirius heaved a heavy sigh. "I'm not going to like the person will I?" Percy shook his head.
"It's Madam Umbridge, sir."
Remus actually growled and his amber eyes flashed. Aria stared at the usually calm man with wide eyes.
"That bitch?" Remus hissed. Percy nodded. Remus banged his head against Sirius' shoulder.
"Why Umbridge?" Sirius asked. "Does she even have a certificate or mastery in Defense?"
"No," Percy said. "She only passed Hogwarts with a couple of NEWTs. History, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, and I think Arithmancy. But from what I've gathered, she passed her NEWTS with nothing higher than Acceptable."
"Of all his minions to send to Hogwarts and he sends her?" Sirius questioned. "He really is a dumb as a rock."
"Who's Umbridge?" Aria asked.
"She was that woman in pink who looks like a toad," Sirius answered. "Remember from that botched trial?"
"Oh yeah. That sucks."
"You two will need to be very careful this year," Percy warned. "She's absolutely adamant that Harry's some kind of psycho looking for attention and is of the belief that Dumbledore's looking to launch a coup or revolution and oust Fudge whom I'm pretty sure she's in love with even though he's absolutely oblivious to it. She also doesn't like werewolves, she's been behind some of the anti-werewolf legislation that has been pass or attempted to pass in the last seven years or so, and she definitely doesn't like Muggleborns."
Aria made a face.
"Sounds charming," she said.
"Thank you, Percy," Sirius said, patting his shoulder. "That's been helpful." He glanced across the crowd. "Your family's just arrived so either go or greet them."
Percy glanced over his shoulder. The Weasleys had just come through the barrier looking as late as ever. Aria caught the hesitation that came over him before his face went serious again. Percy spun on the spot and disappeared with a crack.
Sirius immediately marched through the crowd towards the Malfoys. Aria and Harry hurried after him, not wanting to miss whatever drama was about to unfold, even though Remus tried to grab them and pull them back as they only had four minutes before the train left.
"What's this I hear about the Board of Governors going along with the insane agreement of allowing Fudge to choose the next Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" Sirius demanded without preamble. Lucius turned around, only a little of the surprise he felt showing on his face while Narcissa and Draco appeared confused.
"Where did you hear that?" Lucius asked.
"Sources."
Lucius rolled his eyes.
"The Board felt that it was best to allow Fudge to pretend that he has some semblance of control over the school if it meant that he stopped encouraging the Daily Prophet to print such articles against our headmaster, Lucius answered. "It looks bad to on the international stage for education."
"Hogwarts is a private institution, separate from the government," Sirius stated heatedly. "It's in the charter. The ministry tried and failed to gain control of Hogwarts in 1456!"
"I know, Lord Black," Lucius answered, stressing Sirius' title. "However, the ministry can plant seeds of doubt into the minds of parents with less than stellar intelligence and so the Board feels like it should show some good faith in our interactions with the ministry. Then, when the ministry attempts to assert control, we can easily show that we have been the ones cooperating and that the ministry who is causing the problem. Much like how the whole dementor incident played out, I suspect. That is what you did isn't it? Let it play out so that Fudge walked into his own embarrassment?"
"Yes, but it wasn't at the expense of anyone else except my family! This could affect all seven years of students!"
"I'm certain Fudge has selected one of his aurors that Madam Bones has ignored for being too in the pocket of the minister."
"Well you thought wrong," Sirius retorted. "I have it on good authority that he's sending Umbridge."
Narcissa laughed, cutting it off with a cough.
"The kids really need to get on the train," Remus said as the train blew a warning whistle.
"But it's just starting to get interesting!" Aria whined as Narcissa pushed Draco towards Remus who began pushing the three teens towards the train. "I want to hear what happens."
"Send me a letter tonight!" Lucius called after Draco. "I want to hear everything!"
The three climbed into the train and closed the door, not moments too soon. They nearly lost their footing as the train gave a lurch and began to slowly pull out of the station.
"Is that Umbridge toad really going to be our professor?" Draco asked.
"That is what we have been told," Harry answered. "It's going to be a fun year, isn't it?"
They parted ways, but not before Draco dropped a quick kiss to Aria's cheek when the coast was clear. Harry pulled Aria from Draco, making a face as he did so that had Aria swatting at the back of his head. They found Ron and Hermione in a carriage with Lavender, the Patil twins, Seamus, and Dean.
"You gonna punch Aria again?" Harry asked from the doorway.
"You punched Aria?" Lavender cried as all the girls glared at Seamus. Seamus' face fell into his hands with a loud groan.
"I was aiming for Harry!" he cried.
"Why were you trying to punch Harry?" Padma cried. "He's so nice! There are many other boys you could punch at Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Padma," Harry said, settling beside her. Aria sat by Dean.
"Seamus was just being an ass," Dean said, nudging his best friend. "And he's very sorry isn't that right?"
"Yes," came the muffled reply.
The door to the compart slid open again, revealing Neville. Immediately the compartment was filled with loud exclamations and questions and concerns. Neville was yanked in and placed between Lavender and Parvati which made him blush a deep pink and made everyone laugh good naturedly at him. He showed off his wand while answering questions about his dad, about Barty, about Switzerland, and finally, his mother.
"Mum's healers only just managed to pull her out of her own mind," he said. "I didn't want to leave because she isn't awake right now. I haven't been able to see her since they pulled her out her of mind because they want to introduce her slowly to her new reality. Dad and Uncle Florian say she is fine though and that she recognizes them. She remembers what was happening just before Algernon showed up which is also good because it means that the important memories haven't been lost, but the healers think that some things may have been."
"What about your grandmother?" Lavender asked.
"She's going to be transferred to another facility in Switzerland," Neville answered. "Uncle Algie used quite a bit of potions and compulsion charms on her over the years and cleansing her has taken a lot of her strength. So it's less about getting her medically fit like my parents and more just allowing her to regain her strength both physically and mentally. Dad's visited her a few times as have I, but he was very unimpressed with the fact that she went along trying to scare my magic out of me so, even though she was under compulsions and potions, it'll take some time for my dad to regain his trust in her."
"Oh, Neville!" Padma cried. "I'm so sorry that your family's had to go through this. Though I'm glad that you've got your parents back."
"I am too," Neville answered. "I know many aren't so lucky." He glanced at Harry.
"I've got Sirus and Remus now," Harry said. "And Kenneth."
"Kenneth?" Lavender asked.
"My dad," Aria supplied. "He and Remus had a . . . romantic relationship going before Remus became a professor before we even knew Remus was a wizard! And before the death of Harry's parents, Remus and Sirius were in a relationship. So, they've formed . . . what did they call it, Harry? A triad?"
"Oh wow!" Padma cried. "You don't see those nowadays. And with a Muggle too. Very progressive."
"What exactly is a triad?" Hermione asked. "I meant to look it up, but never got a chance."
"It's part of the history of covens," Ron said. "It sort of fell out of fashion in Britain when Christianity became the norm and began to slowly influence even the magical world, but it's still done on occasion. Basically, covens started out as groups of people who were romantically involved with each other and because of that, they were able to perform certain magics and rituals."
"Eventually covens expanded to more than just romantic groups," Lavender piped up. "Sometimes covens have been really close friends and their romantic partners. Or sometimes no one is romantically involved. But certain magics are amplified when you're . . . you know . . ." she blushed bright pink. "Having sex."
Hermione blinked, an interesting look coming over her face, part horrified, part terrified, part intrigued.
"A lot of these practices fell away," Parvati said, "either because of the influence of Muggle values brought in by Muggleborns, or because certain people, meaning the purebloods, didn't want to pass down the tradition of covens to Muggleborns or even halfbloods, so it became less known as a whole."
"The smallest type of coven is a triad," Ron added. "I think at one point before the Statute of Secrecy Muggles were involved in some covens."
"How do you all know this?" Hermione asked. "If it's not so well known anymore. Is it something you learn because you're all purebloods?"
"Er . . . maybe in the more traditional circles," Lavender said. "Like the Malfoys and their lot. But Mum and Dad brought it up with the Patils because they thought we three might be a triad. We're not, thank you very much, but we got a whole lecture about it. It was very interesting."
"Bill went through a phase where he was really interested in stuff like that," Ron explained. "He read a bunch of stuff out loud to us. Mum put a stop to it when she found out. The Prewett family isn't quite so traditional."
The compartment door opened revealing Susan, Hannah, Ernie, and Justin. Everyone made room for them though the compartment was beginning to get very crowded.
"This summer!" Susan cried as way of starting the conversation. "I hardly saw Auntie because of you." She scowled playfully at Harry.
"I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only person causing drama this summer," Harry said.
"I think Justin was the only one who had a normal summer," Ernie stated.
"I don't get The Daily Prophet," Justin explained. "We've got too many Muggle friends and family coming in and out of our home during the summer. However, Mum has had a lot of fun working with your dad, Aria. She was the one who convinced Dad to help pay for today's brunch."
"What're your parents up to?" Neville asked.
"Dad's starting a group called the Muggle Parent's Wizarding Network," Aria replied.
"Sounds like a wireless station," Lavender commented.
"I know, right? Anyway, he's gathering all the Muggle parents he knows, and a few Muggleborns who have graduated Hogwarts, and they're creating a support group to help welcome new Muggleborns into the wizarding community, but also be a place to answer questions for Muggle parents. Dad was sorta of . . . inspired after the events of the last year. Especially since it's so hard for Muggles to gain access to Hogwarts if something bad happens to their kids."
"Not everyone is as lucky as to have a Muggle parent enter a triad with a Lord," Lavender agreed. "But what else will it do besides give them information and resources?"
"Dad's hoping to eventually pull in some wizards and witches, who are willing to sign on as a magical guardian for Muggleborns. At the moment, if a Muggleborn doesn't have a magical guardian their Head of House acts in loco parentis, but if Muggle parents wanted an extra layer of security, they could choose someone to be their child's magical guardian."
"That's smart," Padma said. "I guess I never really thought about how difficult it would be for parents having to just let their children enter a new world they can't really access. And to be at a school where they can't come if something happened. Like when the Durmstrang students attacked you, I was really surprised your dad wasn't able to come back."
"Someone at the ministry denied the request because he had already been to Hogwarts," Aria muttered darkly. "He doesn't want that to happen to another student. Frankly, I was lucky that Dumbledore allowed Prudence and Tracey and Penny to come onto Hogwarts grounds to help me."
Conversation screeched to a halt as the compartment door slammed open and Cedric hurried in, closing the door hard behind him. He drew down the blinds and locked the door.
"Hello," Susan greeted sardonically. "What can we do for you?"
"Keep me from throttling people," Cedric muttered, sliding down to side on the floor. "Everyone's been coming at me wanting to know about that night and what do I think about Dumbledore and Harry and blah, blah, blah. I had a very lovely summer just hiding out at home prepping for seventh year and now it's just . . . chaos!"
"Gee, I wonder what that feels like," Harry said. "I've only the one of the most powerful people in the country encouraging the newspaper to slander me and I've another one of the most powerful people try and take me away to 'train' so that I can defeat Voldemort."
Their classmates shuddered at the name.
"It's just newspaper talk though isn't it?" Hannah asked.
"No!" Aria cried. "Someone sent dementors after us in Cokesworth and we," she gestured to herself, Harry, Hermione, and Ron, "had to use magic in front of Muggles to chase them away. Of course, we all got warnings from the Improper Use of Magic office, but Harry got an expulsion letter!"
"No!" everyone gasped.
"But we're allowed to use magic in life and death situations," Ernie argued, "and it's clear you didn't end up getting expelled because you're here."
"Sirius called Madam Bones and the aurors," Aria continued. "Eventually they rescinded the expulsion but then Harry had to go to a hearing at the ministry. So, we went to the ministry and on the day of, they changed the time of the hearing, and we were ten minutes late. But it wasn't at the Improper Use of Magic's office, it was in Courtroom Ten in front of the whole Wizengamot!"
Everyone gasped.
"That's awful!" Ernie cried.
"Completely uncalled for!" Parvati stated.
"No wonder Auntie's been so angry this summer," Susan mused.
"Yeah, your aunt was not happy," Harry said. "No one was once they figured out what was going on because the Wizengamot, Sirius included, had been called in for an emergency meeting. So, everyone was kinda upset that this was what constituted as an emergency. So the hearing happened in front of the Wizengamot, I was cleared of any wrong doing, and that is why Minister Fudge got a formal reprimand."
"I'm very glad Minister Fudge hasn't turned his sights to me," Cedric murmured. "Though I am sorry that you've had to deal with all this."
"I think it's mostly because I've become associated with Dumbledore," Harry said. "The minister seems to have it out for the headmaster. Speaking of which . . . Aria and I overheard a rumor that Fudge's undersecretary is going to be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
"Percy Weasley?" Cedric cried.
"No," Aria said as Harry laughed. "Though that wouldn't be so bad. The other one. The pink one."
Susan and Cedric made faces as did Ernie.
"Oh, no!" Susan cried. "I've met Madam Umbridge. She's awful!"
"Father hates her!" Ernie agreed.
"Yeah, she basically implied at my hearing that I was lying," Harry said. "I'm kinda hoping the person we overheard say it is wrong, but I'm going out on a limb to say they're not."
"Why would Umbridge be our professor?" Hermione asked.
"Because, what we overheard, Dumbledore wants to show goodwill towards the ministry and show Fudge that he's got nothing to hide at Hogwarts."
"So he send someone who probably isn't qualified to teach?" Neville questioned.
"I've got NEWTs!" Cedric moaned.
"We've got OWLs!" Susan cried. "Oh, this is a disaster!"
Many in the compartment did not get to spend more than hour talking to their friends before they had to leave for the first prefects meeting of the year. Cedric, who had been chosen as Head Boy, led Aria, Ron, Hermione, Hannah, and Ernie to the prefects' carriage at the front of the train. The whole carriage was one large compartment with comfy chairs and couches scattered around with a snack and drinks bar. Aria met Mr. Polk who was in charge of the little bar. He was an older Squib, soft spoken, but seemed to have a permanent smile on his face. He took Aria's Galleons for a Cauldron Cake and a cold bottle of butterbeer before she settled next to Draco and the other Slytherin prefects.
"Are we going to have to fish you two out of broom cupboards?" the Head Girl, a former Slytherin prefect named Cecily Dubois asked them.
"No," Draco sneered. "You will not."
"Got it out of your system then?" the new female seventh year prefect asked. Katherine Yarrow gave Aria a once over as if disapproving of the choice of fifth year prefects.
"You could say that," Draco replied. Adrian Pucey, who was not only the Quidditch captain this year but also the seventh-year boy prefect for Slytherin, kicked Katherine's ankle.
Aria looked around at the other prefects gathered. The other Slytherin prefects for the sixth years were Damian Perriss and Emmaline Haberdasher. Aria wasn't well acquainted with either. In Gryffindor, Ron and Hermione joined the prefect ranks with Leonardo Haggerty and Katie Bell, who was also a star Chaser on the Quidditch team, and Kenneth Towler and Alicia Spinnett who was also on the Quidditch team. Aria didn't really know them that well either, but she did know that Kenneth Towler was a Muggleborn.
In Ravenclaw, the new fifth year prefects were Anthony Goldstein and Lily Moon. Aria had had brief but pretty pleasant interactions with Anthony, but she had not really ever interacted with Lily beyond being partnered in class sometimes. She took Ancient Runes and Divination, but they had never really spoken outside of class. Cho Chang was the sixth-year female prefect and her partner was Marcus Belby, who was the nephew of Damocles Belby who had invented the Wolfsbane Potion. Aria didn't have a high opinion of Marcus as he was one of the students who stole Luna's shoes and hid them throughout the school. Roger Davies and Margery Opal rounded out the rest of the Ravenclaw prefects.
Finally, for Hufflepuff, Cedric had been chosen as Head Boy, and a boy named Robert Hawking had been chosen to be his replacement as the male prefect for the seventh years. He was partnered with Patricia Stimpson who was another Muggleborn. The sixth-year prefects were Eric Murley and another Muggleborn named Piper Farnsworth. Of course, Ernie and Hannah rounded out the Hufflepuffs.
"Welcome to a new year at school!" Cedric greeted everyone once they all had their drinks and snacks. "Cecily and I have worked out a preliminary schedule for the first semester regarding nightly rounds. Here they are." Copies of a schedule appeared in their laps. "As prefects, it is your duty and responsibility to ensure that Hogwarts runs smoothly and that the students of all houses are obeying the rules. It's also your responsibility to help the younger years find their footing here at Hogwarts. Fifth year prefects, your specific duties tonight are to guide the first years sorted into your houses to your house and show them how the passwords work. You're also in charge of giving the tour of the dormitories."
Another paper appeared in front of Aria with the password to the Slytherin common room.
"Now," Cecily continued, "prefects are allowed to take points, but we can't assign detentions. We also have a point maximum, meaning we can't take more than ten points at a time. Most prefects don't like taking points, preferring to leave that to professors, but it's there if necessary."
Cedric and Cecily went on to go over the rules of Hogwarts, curfews, off limit areas, the usual. The meeting was not as long as Aria thought it would take, and once it was done, the prefects were sent back to their compartments with the seventh-year prefects taking the responsibility of patrolling the train corridors.
"Out of my way, Bourne," Draco snipped, pushing Aria out of the way as he exited the carriage. Aria felt him slip something into her pocket.
"How rude!" Katie Bell cried, glaring at him. Aria shrugged, unsure what the rest of Hogwarts expected her to be. Should she be heartbroken or indifferent?
"It's so sad that the two of you weren't allowed to really give a relationship a go," Katie said to her. "I think you two make a very nice couple."
"Er . . . thanks," Aria answered. That was . . . unexpected.
In Hogsmeade the Hogwarts carriages waited for the upper years while Professor Vector waited for the first years. More than one upper year stared at Professor Vector as she called the first years over to her side. Where was Hagrid?
"You don't think he's sick, do you?" Aria questioned as she and her friends went looking for a carriage. It was a pleasant evening, there was still a purple glow in the sky just over the western mountains, and the tops of the carriages had been rolled down so that every carriage was open air. As only seven students were allowed in a carriage at a time, the friends had to rearrange themselves into separate carriages. Aria snagged a carriage with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Usually, they would have shared with the other Slytherins, but Aria knew that wasn't going to happen at the moment. So, they ended up sharing with Ginny and Luna and, surprisingly, Cedric.
She spotted Cho glaring at the carriage before climbing into another with her Ravenclaw friends.
"Trouble in paradise?" Aria asked, pointing with her chin towards Cho. Cedric glanced towards the other carriage as their carriage began to move forward.
"We've . . . had some arguments over the summer," Cedric admitted. "Her parents are convinced I've gone off the deep end with Dumbledore and Harry and Cho . . . is use to pleasing her parents. But I think she's also jealous of someone . . . I haven't figured out who yet . . . but she's made veiled references to me looking at other people."
"She thinks you're cheating on her?" Ron questioned. "You, Cedric Diggory?"
"She doesn't think I'm cheating on her, she thinks I'm thinking about doing it."
"She has a lot of Wrackspurts in her head," Luna stated sagely, opening up the latest edition of The Quibbler. She wore a new pair of funky pink sunglasses that tapered at the corners into wings and the lenses weren't the normal color of sunglasses. She pushed these on top of her head to smile serenely at Cedric.
"Thanks, Luna," Cedric answered.
"Daddy also wanted me to let you and Harry know that, whenever you are ready to tell your side of the story, he will put it in The Quibbler." Luna turned the page. Aria noted that the page she was on actually had a decent article about her lycanthropy research and a few other interesting information regarding current research in the field of potions.
"That's very kind of your dad," Cedric said.
"I don't think I'm ready to say anything," Harry admitted. "Sirius has me seeing a Mind Healer and . . . it's a lot."
Aria recalled the first time Sirius took Harry to see the mind healer. At first she thought they would utilize Healer Tonks since Andromeda was Sirius' cousin, but she had refused to take Harry on as a patient sighting that since he was family, she could not treat him on ethical grounds. She had, however, gotten them in touch with another Mind Healer who she worked closely with on a professional basis named Healer Greeley who also had a private practice out of Canterbury.
The first time Harry had seen the Mind Healer, he had sulked all the way up to the moment Sirius took him. When he had returned an hour and a half later, Harry had had red-rimmed eyes and had immediately gone and taken a three-hour nap. Aria had seen Healer Tonks a few times over the summer, to talk specifically about the Second Task and the Durmstrang attack, but it had also been nice to talk to her about all the changes in her family structure. It wasn't that Aria disliked the new family she had, she loved it a lot, but there were times that she wished she wasn't the only girl!
When they arrived at Hogwarts, the friends split off to their house tables. Aria and Harry finally joined their fellow fifth years, though the seating was clearly arranged so that Blaise, Tracey, and Daphne (and Ginny because she decided to sit with them) acted as a buffer between Aria and Harry and the rest.
"Is that Minister Fudge's undersecretary?" Daphne asked, nodding to the head table where the woman sat in her customary pink beside Professor Snape. He looked like he was praying for Death to come take him.
"I heard she is going to be our new Defense professor," Aria said.
"How did you hear that?" Tracey asked.
"I have my ways."
"Does she have a mastery or certificate in defense?" Blaise asked. "Was she like . . . an undercover bodyguard while pretending to be his undersecretary?"
Aria didn't think that was the case, but a deplorable personality would be an excellent cover for someone who didn't want people to know they were capable of being dangerous.
The first years were led in by Professor Vector who brought the conversation of Hagrid back as everyone whispered to their neighbors to speculate what had happened to Hagrid.
"Maybe he eloped with Madam Maxime," Theo suggested.
"That would be romantic," Tracey agreed.
The Sorting Hat began its customary song. Usually, Aria didn't dwell too much on it, but this year, she could not help but listen to its words.
"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 someday 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 and so can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry is 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
Retained 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 dueling 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 fulfill 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."
Everyone in the Great Hall seemed frozen after the Sorting Hat's song which was more warning than anything. Professor McGonagall eventually broke the silence by thanking Professor Vector for ensuring the safe arrival of the first years, and then she unrolled the list of names and began calling people to the stool.
"What was that?" Daphne whispered.
"I have no idea," Aria whispered back. "Does the Sorting Hat have more powers than we thought? Can it see the future?"
"Or maybe Dumbledore helped write its song," Harry suggested. They clapped as the first Slytherin of the year, Castor Attlebury, was sorted.
"Think he's related to Prudence?" Aria questioned.
"I think he's a cousin," Tracey answered. "Prudence comes from a large family though most of its members are adults at the moment."
Finally, the last first year was sorted, an Anton Zillow into Ravenclaw, and Dumbledore rose.
"Welcome back for another exciting year at Hogwarts!" he greeted everyone.
"Hopefully not too exciting," Aria muttered to Harry.
"Enjoy the befuddling feast," Dumbledore told the students, "announcements will be made at the end of the evening. Nitwit! Pickwick! Tumber!" At the last of the nonsense words, the feast appeared. The first years gasped in delight and Aria couldn't help but smile at their bright enthusiasm.
"So, what do you think the Sorting Hat meant?" Tracey asked as they served themselves.
"That it wants all of us to be friends?" Harry suggested. "Which I think is a bit silly as we're already friends with people in other houses."
"Well, it wouldn't know that would it?" Aria asked. "It's stuck on a shelf all year! It only gets to come out of Dumbledore's office once a year."
"What external forces do you think it meant?" Tracey asked. Aria caught Draco's eye. Had he not told the other Slytherins what he had overheard from Sirius?
"Maybe it means the interference from the ministry," Daphne muttered, stabbing her steak and kidney pie rather viciously. "Like Draco told us. That's who the pink toad is."
"Oh . . ." Tracey studied the Head Table. "Professor Snape doesn't seem to be happy that he was placed next to her. I've never seen him in such deep conversation with McGonagall before."
"I wouldn't want to be sat next to Umbridge either," Harry muttered.
At the end of the feast, as everyone was finishing up their favorite desserts, Dumbledore rose to give his standard beginning of term announcements. Aria hurried to grab the last piece of pavlova before Draco could get his hands on it, and Harry was licking the fork having just finished his favorite treacle tart.
"What another lovely feast," Dumbledore observed with a smile. "Now, please give me your attention for just a little while longer before I release you to your beds."
Bed was the last thing on Aria's mind as she consumed her pavlova. There was so much to talk about, and a side glance from Daphne told her that there would be much discussion in the Slytherin bedrooms tonight.
"First-years ought to know that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds to all students except Miss Bourne who will resume her lessons with the centaurs." Aria grinned at that announcement, though she thought it could have been sent as a note. "Some older students should remember this as well."
The Weasley twins could be heard snickering.
"Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you, for the five hundredth time according to him, that magic is not permitted in the corridors and that there is a list of banned items hanging outside his office door."
"Do you think anyone's ever checked that list?" Blaise asked.
"Percy," Aria, Harry, and Ginny said together.
"There are two changes to the staff this year," Dumbledore continued. "Professor Grubbly-Plank will be taking over Care of Magical Creatures this year, and we are delighted to welcome Professor Umbridge to the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
"Delighted?" Daphne whispered.
"Is Hagrid gone for good?" Theo asked as the students around them clapped for the new professors, not particularly enthusiastically, as several loud groans could be heard throughout the Great Hall. Professor Moody had been popular, not as popular as Remus had been, but after two years of competent professors, more students were not looking forward to the possibility of one that may or may not teach well.
"For those of you who are interested, Quidditch will return this year—," Dumbledore was cut off by the enthusiastic cheering of the students.
"GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR!" Fred and George chanted.
"HUFFLEPUFF! HUFFLEPUFF!" Cedric and his friends answered back. A sharp look from Snape kept the Slytherin Quidditch team from shouting across the room even as the Ravenclaws did.
"Yes, yes," Dumbledore said, patting the air in front of him in the universal gesture of 'calm down'. "Quidditch tryouts will be held—,"
"Hem, hem."
Dumbledore looked taken aback for a moment as he turned towards Umbridge who had risen to her feet. It was clear that she desired to speak. The headmaster sat down and turned himself to stare at her, as if there were nothing more in the world that he wished to do than to listen to her talk. The other professors were less versed in whatever it was Dumbledore had, for none of them could hide their own surprise or horror at having to listen to Umbridge. Professor Sprout's eyebrows had risen so high they had disappeared into her wild hair. Professor Flitwick was not even looking at Umbridge, rather, he was busying himself by asking Professor Vector to pass him the last piece of pavlova on their side of the Head Table. McGonagall's lips were in their usual thin line of disapproval, and Snape had glared at Umbridge for only a moment before turning to stare across the Great Hall with a nearly blank face.
"Thank you, Headmaster," the woman simpered. "For those kind words of welcome."
Aria felt a headache coming on.
"It is certainly lovely to be back at Hogwarts," Umbridge said, turning to look over the students. She spoke like they were toddlers. "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!"
Aria immediately scowled. Looking around, she noted several people who were also scowling or looking insulted at being spoken to like they were in the first year of primary school.
"I can already tell it's going to be a long year," Blaise murmured.
Umbridge continued.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you. I am sure we will all become very good friends."
Why did she say it like that? Aria thought. That was just creepy.
"I'll be her friend," Pansy whispered to Millicent, "so long as I don't have to borrow that cardigan!" the two of them dissolved into silent giggles.
Umbridge cleared her throat again. Aria was certain she would come to hate that little 'hem, hem' before the week was out.
"Now, the Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young wizards and witches to be of vital importance," Umbridge continued, sounding less breathy and far more businesslike. This was the voice Aria remembered from that attempt of a farce trial at the ministry. Blaise was right. This was going to be a long year. "The rare gifts which you were born with may become nothing it they are not nurtured, strengthened, and honed by careful, dedicated instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be protected and passed down through the generations. If not, we risk losing them forever. The magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors, a treasure trove, must be guarded, replenished, and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."
Umbridge turned and gave a little bow to the professors at the Head Table. The woman definitely knew how to speak well, Aria thought, catching the significant glances shared between the four Heads of House before Umbridge turned back to the students with another 'hem, hem'.
"Every headmaster or headmistress of Hogwarts has always brought something new unique to the weighty task of leading this historic and ancient school – as it should be – for without progress there would only be stagnation and decay. Yet, progress for progress' sake must be discouraged. Tried and tested traditions ought not be tinkered with. There must be a balance between the old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation . . ."
The students started to get restless. Umbridge took no notice. Pansy had pulled out a Witches Weekly and was flipping through it with Millicent. Over at the Ravenclaw table, Cho was chatting quietly with her friends while Luna had pulled out her copy of The Quibbler. Padma and Lisa were even willing to look over Luna's shoulder at the magazine if it meant not having to listen to the woman anymore. At the Hufflepuff table, but Cedric and Ernie were staring at Umbridge, but Ernie's eyes had a glassy-look to them as if he had checked out but was trying to prove that he deserved to wear his shiny new prefect badge. Hannah had no qualms with chatting with Susan and Justin. And at the Gryffindor table, Hermione sat straight backed, her eyes on Umbridge, clearly paying attention to every word the woman spoke, though from the expression on her face, Aria could tell that nothing Umbridge said was to Hermione's liking.
Umbridge continued talking. Aria wondered if she would notice if the students got up and walked out. The professors, however, continued to pay attention like Hermione, though like Hermione, it was clear what they thought about what Umbridge was saying.
". . . because while it is true that some changes will be for the betterment of all, others will come to be recognized as severe errors of judgement. Some old habits should be retained while others, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned with haste. Therefore, let us more onward into a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfect what which needs to be perfected, and pruning away the practices that ought to be prohibited."
She sat down and Dumbledore clapped. The professors joined him. Students, startled at the abrupt end to the speech, and because most had stopped paying attention early on, gave a smattering of applause. Dumbledore rose to his feet before the rest of the students could begin applauding.
"Thank you, Professor Umbridge, that was truly inspiring and illuminating," Dumbledore said with a nod in her smug direction. "Now, as I was saying, Quidditch tryouts will be held . . ."
"It certainly was illuminating," said Aria.
"You're not telling me you enjoyed it?" Ginny asked quietly. She had as glazed a face as Ernie had over at the Hufflepuff table. "That was the dullest speech I've ever heard and I grew up with Percy."
"I said illuminating, not enjoyable," Aria said, remembering listening to a few of Percy's lectures while he was prefect and Head Boy. He was a wonderful person but sometimes his speeches . . .
"It did explain a lot," Daphne agreed from across from them.
"Sounded like a load of waffle to me," Ginny muttered.
"There's so much you've still got to learn, little one," Daphne said, the ending teasing because she grinned at Ginny's scowl. "There was some important stuff hidden in the waffle."
"Like what?"
"How about, 'progress for progress' sake must be discouraged'? Or what about 'pruning away the practices that ought to be prohibited'?"
"Well, okay," Ginny said impatiently, "how about you tell me what it means instead of being cryptic about it?"
"It means," Aria picked up the conversation, "that the ministry wants to interfere at Hogwarts. Whether or not they're meant to or not."
A great clattering and banging interrupted them. Dumbledore had finished his announcements and had clearly dismissed the school because everyone was rushing, more than normal, the escape the Great Hall.
"Come on, Bourne," Draco said. "We've got to show the first-years where to go."
Aria rose and turned towards the far end of the table, closes to the Head Table.
"First years!" she called commandingly, "over here! First years! This way, please!" The group of new students walked shyly towards her and Draco between the gap of the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables, each of them trying very hard not to be the leader of the group. They were very small, Aria mused. She was certain she had never appeared that young when she had arrived at Hogwarts.
"Right," Draco said. "I'm Draco Malfoy and this is Aria Bourne. We're the fifth-year prefects for Slytherin and your go-to people if you have any questions about the school, the house, classes, or anything else. We're going to wait just a minute so that we don't get crushed in the exit, and then we will show you down to the Slytherin common room. Pay attention to where we are going because you don't want to get lost."
The first years nodded, staring wide-eyed at them.
After a few minutes Aria and Draco led the first years out of the Great Hall and down into the dungeons, passing Ernie and Susan as they led their first years down the corridor leading to the kitchens and the Hufflepuff common rooms.
"There's a lot of stairs," one of the first years commented.
"It's Hogwarts," Aria said, "you'll get used to it."
They arrived at Salazar Slytherin's portrait. As they approached, Aria's mind went back to the Sorting Hat's song. She knew that Slytherin had had a falling out with the other Founders and had left the school, but surely, they must have made up later in life if his portrait was here?
"This is our illustrious Founder," Draco told the first years. "He guards the common room. The password changes weekly and the changed password is always posted on the common room's announcement board. Don't give out the password to anyone. Other houses aren't allowed in each other's common rooms except over the winter break."
Aria caught his eye and the two of them did their best not to laugh, remembering the victory party that had taken place after the First Task last year where nearly every student in the school had found their way into the Slytherin common room.
"Pourer's Method," Draco said, and the portrait swung open. The two prefects guided the students into the common room and got them situated on some couches while the rest of the house milled about waiting for Professor Snape. Aria made her way to Harry's side as he stood nearest the hearth, Ginny sitting in the nearby armchair, Daphne bookending the other side of the hearth with Tracey.
A tense silence fell over the common room. The first years shifted nervously, and Aria felt bad for them, having to have their first year be filled with such tension.
"Surprised they let you back in, Potter," Astoria said.
"Why am I not surprised that she's the one to speak?" Aria whispered. Harry snorted.
"Why's that, Astoria?" Harry asked.
"Well, it would be unsafe, wouldn't it be? With your clear mental delusions."
"Well, they did let you back in," Aria retorted. "So, it's clear Hogwarts doesn't care about such things."
Daphne chuckled even as Astoria scowled at Aria.
"I can't believe you of all people got to be prefect," she stated with a toss of her hair. "Someone more worthy should've received the badge."
"And what's your definition of more worthy?" Aria questioned. "Being a pureblood?"
"Astoria, shut up," Daphne ordered. "You grow tiresome. Don't forget the lecture I had to suffer through because Father insisted on giving us a lecture on behavior because you can't keep your mouth shut."
Several titters went around the common room.
"Yes, I doubt the new Chief Warlock would like to have his daughter make as many faux pas as she last year," Tracey agreed.
"Indeed, he would not." Professor Snape came swooping into the common room, startling everyone. Astoria backed off with a scowl in Tracey's direction. Snape gave her a sharp look until the scowl dropped.
"Welcome to Slytherin," Snape said. "As I am sure nearly all of you are aware, this year will be like no other. As always, I expect my Slytherins to put their best foot forward and strive for excellence in the classroom. I do not suffer slackers well." He glared at Crabbe and Goyle. Crabbe was already snoozing in the armchair. At least Goyle had the self-preservation to pay attention. Those two had, again, landed in dead last for the year. Aria wasn't sure how they were going to pass their OWLs.
"You'll also have taken note of our newest Defense professor," Snape said. "She came highly recommended from Minister Fudge."
"Wasn't she just his undersecretary?" someone asked.
"Indeed she was," Snape replied. "Now, I am not one to comment on the qualifications of my colleagues, but I doubt she will reach the same level of instruction as your last two DADA professors provided. However, that being said, you will continue to do your very best in her classes. I expect nothing less from my Slytherins but for you to rise above whatever circumstances are placed in front of you. Make sure you all go anywhere with partners, I want no one taking any unnecessary chances. That means someone will need to at least escort Miss Bourne to and from the Forbidden Forest. We wouldn't want a repeat of last year."
Aria shuddered but was gratified to see some sixth- and seventh-year boys cringe and cover their crotches. It was well known that she had windlessly castrated the Durmstrang boys who had attacked her, and that Madam Pomfrey had almost not been able to reattach the offending body part.
"Some last reminders," Snape continued. "Show a united front outside the common room. Arguments remain here in the common room, not aired out for the public to see." He glared at Astoria who wilted under his gaze. "And Hogwarts is a private institution. It is not controlled by any other entity except the Board of Governors. If you're interested in how the Ministry has . . . attempted to infiltrate and take over Hogwarts in the past, I'm certain Madam Pince can direct you to the appropriate books. It is quite a fascinating topic, but it is what the Four Founders wanted. While Slytherin did spend time away from Hogwarts, there was reconciliation eventually, which is why his portrait hangs here in the school and why he is buried here on the grounds with the remaining Founders. Behave. Do the House proud. My office hours are posted outside my office door."
When the rest of Slytherin had finally gone to bed, and it was believed that most were asleep, the fifth year Slytherin boys (minus Crabbe and Goyle) snuck up to the fifth-year girls' dormitory.
"We all need to be on the same page," Draco stated, pacing in front of the smaller hearth in the dorm which kept the cold edge off the room, a standard cold that permeated the dungeons. "Whatever happens going forward, there's no going back."
"Well, I think it's clear why we're all here," Blaise said. "None of us are joining the Dark Lord and those of us for more neutral families are picking sides." A heavy silence fell over them as they all let Blaise's words sink into their hearts and minds.
Aria felt a small thrill knowing that people like Pansy and Millicent weren't following after their parents and choosing to follow Voldemort and his blood purist ideals. Yet, at the same time, that put them at odds with their families. Families that Aria had seen really cared about them unlike Lord Malfoy who didn't care about anyone but himself.
"That's good," Harry stated. "I'm glad you're not going to join him."
"It doesn't come easy," Pansy stated. "My parents . . . they have expectations for me. They think I think like them. But . . . I've come to realize that their view on certain things may be too restrictive. Too . . . wrong." She glanced at Aria. "There's still stuff I agree with them on. I am worried that the traditions of the wizarding world are getting replaced with the values of the Muggle world that Muggleborns bring in, but I don't agree that the way to combat that is by getting rid of Muggleborns. Educating and excepting Muggleborns into the wizarding world will go much farther to combat that than simply getting rid of them."
"Same here," Millicent muttered.
"But I want it made clear," Draco stated, "that we aren't joining Dumbledore's side of the war that's coming either. We're joining your side, Harry."
Harry frowned.
"Theo mentioned something about that last year," he said, "just before the Third Task."
"You're independent of Dumbledore," Theo told him. "We can see that in how Lord Black acts towards the Headmaster. We can see that in how you yourself are not a fan of the headmaster."
"He's quite the fan of me," Harry said bitterly.
"While it may not happen quickly, you are a third side to this war," Daphne said. "Whether you like it or not. And we need a third side. One where the leader isn't going to make his followers feel indebted to him for the rest of their lives."
"That's what you think Dumbledore does?" Aria asked.
"It's what we know to be true," Draco said. "Or do you really think Professor Snape chose the teacher profession on his own free will?"
Arai thought back to the Order meeting at the Burrow. How Dumbledore had tried to manipulate Snape into spying again, into going back into Voldemort's ranks, and how "disappointed" he was when Snape refused to go back. How he was "disappointed" in Remus for not wanting to go back to the werewolf packs in Britain. She thought of Hagrid who had been expelled in his third year, and how he now lived here at Hogwarts and how he seemed to practically worship Dumbledore. How Molly and Arthur also seemed to be infatuated with the man, to the point that they'd cut off one of their own sons over it.
Yes, she could see why others might be worried about joining up with Dumbledore. He was used to getting his way because he had had power for so long. He had defeated the last Dark Lord and people had fallen over themselves to be grateful to him.
"Should name our little group like Dumbledore's done?" Aria asked Harry. He gave her an unamused look.
"Speaking of Professor Snape," Harry said, looking back at their classmates. "If we're talking about sides and who people are loyal to, I think it's safe to say that Professor Snape's on the third side. Along with Remus and Sirius. They're still playing friendly with Dumbledore, keeping enemies close and all, but if you need an out . . . Snape'll have your back and he won't take you to Dumbledore."
Draco and Theo's shoulders relaxed.
"Good to know, thank you," Theo said.
"That goes for your parents too," Harry said. "If they want to defect too."
Their housemates stared with wide, surprised eyes.
"You'd . . . extend that to our parents?" Theo asked.
"If they really want out," Harry said, "and if they're too wary of Dumbledore, then yes. However . . . Theo . . . your dad is very nicely placed to give us information."
Theo looked thoughtful.
"Is the sanctuary attached to whether or not he's willing to spy for you?" Theo asked.
"No, it's not. If anyone wants to defect here at Hogwarts, then they are welcome to defect. If they defect to spy on us, however . . ." Harry trailed off and their friends nodded.
"Understood," Theo said. "But I think you're missing how to take advantage of other people."
"It's my Gryffindor roots showing," Harry said unapologetically. "I might expect a favor or two, but I'm not going to enslave someone to me for protection against a mad man."
The fire crackled loudly as they lapsed into silence.
"We've still got to play our parts," Tracey stated. "I think Umbridge will be expecting some of you to be acting in a particular way, and I'm not sure letting Dumbledore know about a growing third faction is the wisest action."
"No, you're right," Draco agreed. "Pansy, Millicent, Theo, and I will have to act like we don't like any of you anymore. Blaise, Daphne, and Tracey's families are neutral or not in the political game at all so you three can chose where you land for this charade."
"With Harry," Daphne stated immediately. "And Aria." Tracey nodded.
"I'll back Harry publicly," Blaise stated. "And to make the break of our group believable . . ." he hesitated, looking between Aria and Draco. "I think you're going to have to be really mean, Draco."
Draco looked pained and Aria bit her lip. She knew that that was going to happen. What with Abraxas Malfoy breathing down Draco's neck and with the Malfoy allegiance to Voldemort. Still, to hear it put so bluntly was hard to hear.
"Draco and Pansy may have to pretend to be a couple," Daphne said. Pansy didn't look to put out about that.
"We can work with that," Pansy stated.
"Pansy, you're like my sister—,"
"Yes, yes, you explained this summer. I get it. I really do. But I won't say I won't enjoy every minute of it. And we can always have a breakup during the school year or something."
"And you two can always sneak off somewhere," Theo said, looking between Draco and Aria. "I'm sure you've got some hidey-holes you two have gone to before."
Indeed they did! Aria grinned at Draco who had to clear his throat.
"And with that!" Blaise cried as Draco's face started going pink. "Best be off to bed now!" The boys snuck back out and the girls dissolved into giggles before going to their own beds and dreaming about the new school year and what may come.