Disclaimer: All rights to Harry Potter belong to Warner Media.
Author Notes: A thank you to everyone who has supported the story so far by reading, reviewing, favouriting and following it, the support is much appreciated.
A big thanks to the following people who are the latest to support the story by favouriting, following or reviewing; Shadowlonewolf, AshimaBlackRaven, team HEA, Labbylady, DipsyandPo, LIGHTTHESKY123, Monster King, BarbeBell and mjeffrey416. The support is much appreciated.
Harry Potter-Weasley Chapter Nineteen:
Preparation for the car journey up to London King's Cross had been hectic as usual at the Burrow. People had collided multiple times on the stairs, half dressed and with bits of toast in their hands and Arthur had nearly broken his neck due to a pile of clothes that had been left on the stairs by Ron, resulting in Ron being told off for carelessness by Molly.
At last though, the Weasleys were in the car and on the road to London. Due to the long drive and setting off later than intended, they were later arriving at King's Cross than they had planned with the result that there was only fifteen minutes to go until they needed to get on the Hogwarts Express.
"Come on, we're short on time. This way everyone!", Molly called out as she found a trolley for Ginny and helped her daughter put her luggage on there. They trundled away and soon enough, Harry, Ron, the Twins and Percy were hurrying on behind them with trolleys and Arthur rushing on beside his two youngest sons.
The Weasleys reached the barrier that separated the muggle world from Platform 9 & 3/4's and Harry watched as Percy and the Twins ran through with their trolleys. "Ready Ginny dear? Lets go through then", Molly said.
Molly and Ginny vanished through the barrier as the clock struck ten fifty am. "Ten minutes, we'd better get through boys. Ron, you go first and Harry will follow", Arthur instructed.
"Right Dad", Ron replied. He aimed his trolley, made sure no muggles were watching and took the barrier at a run, disappearing as usual. Harry sighed with relief. Maybe nothing odd was going to happen after all?
"You go through Harry, I'll be right behind you", Arthur declared with a smile. Harry did as Ron had done, looking forward to meeting up with his friends and riding in the famous scarlet train to Hogwarts.
"Ow!", Harry cried out as he hit the barrier. His trunk fell from the trolley with a loud crash, while the cage containing his snowy owl, Hedwig, went flying and was only stopped from hitting the floor due to the quick thinking of Arthur who said calmly "Arresto Momentum". The cage slowed enough for Arthur to catch it and set it down.
Once the cage was safely on the ground and Arthur was sure Hedwig was alright, he rushed over to his son and knelt down his face full of concern. "Harry are you alright?", he asked.
Harry nodded, though he winced. "I banged my elbow but I'm fine Dad".
Arthur helped him to his feet and father and son stood up, facing the barrier in confusion just as an irate voice called out "oi, what do you think you're doing with that trolley!". They whipped around and were confronted by an angry looking station worker.
"I...err...", Harry wasn't sure what to say but luckily his dad came to the rescue. "My son lost control of his trolley, he didn't mean to cause any trouble", he said placantingly. His tone changed slightly as he said "you could show a bit more concern as well, he might have been injured".
The station worker sighed. "Sorry, it's been a strange day, a lot of oddly dressed people been coming through here today", he apologised.
The station worker walked off and Harry and Arthur turned their attention back to the barrier. "Why didn't the barrier let me through?", Harry asked him.
"I don't know son", Arthur replied with a frown. "It certainly had no issue letting Ron or any of your other siblings through". He walked up to the barrier and pressed a hand against it.
Rather than the wall being flexible and like a doorway, the brickwork was resolutely solid. "Something must have happened to the barrier", he murmured.
They were startled by the sound of the station clock striking eleven. "No! It's eleven o'clock, that means I've missed the train!", Harry shouted in distress. Tears formed in his eyes as several people looked over, expressions of confusion on some and concern on others.
"We were meant to be taking a train to Scotland but we've missed it, meant to be seeing his grandparents", Arthur improvised by way of an explanation. He rubbed Harry's back comfortingly. "Come on Harry lad, we had better head back to the car while I think of what's be done", he frowned and swallowed heavily as a horrible thought popped into his mind. 'What if Molly and the other parents and guardians can't get back through?'. He decided to put this thought aside for the moment and get his son out of the station, Hedwig was attracting attention as it was.
Father and son returned to the car, both of them looking confused and Harry feeling utterly miserable. "What happened to you two!", a familiar voice shouted.
Harry and Arthur frowned for a moment only to break out into smiles of relief as Molly stepped out of the car, hands on hips and a look of anger and concern on her face. "Arthur, you were supposed to ensure that Harry and Ron got onto the platform, where did you go?", she turned to Harry "your friends and siblings were all very worried when they realised you weren't on the platform or the train young man!".
Seeing Harry's teary expression, her anger morphed into motherly affection as Molly hurried over and pulled her son into a tender hug. "Harry tried to go through the barrier Mollywobbles", he said, using his endearment for her. "He took the barrier at a run just as Ron did only to crash right into it. The barrier was solid, as if it had been sealed up".
Molly pulled back from Harry slightly, her arm still around his shoulders, as she looked up at her husband. "But who could or would have done such a thing...and how?", she asked.
Arthur sighed heavily and shrugged. "I have no idea. It doesn't make any sense. Why did it close at that specific time? It wasn't yet eleven after all. The only way would be if someone or some thing knew that it was Harry trying to pass through and managed to seal it at the exact time".
"And it would take some very powerful magic to do that", Molly pointed out.
Arthur nodded. "It certainly would, far beyond most witches or wizards".
Molly huffed. "Well the only thing to do now is to go home and contact Albus. We need to let him know that Harry is not on the train but is safe. Perhaps he will know the best way to get Harry to Hogwarts".
"I'll contact the Ministry and let them know I will be late into work", Arthur said.
Molly gave him a look of concern. "Won't they be annoyed? You were supposed to go straight to work from here".
Arthur waved the concern away. "It's fine, Perkins can hold the fort until I get there", he looked at Harry "my son comes first". Harry smiled, feeling a lot better now that his parents had a solid plan.
"I hope Harry's alright", Ron said in a worried tone. His stomach felt tight with anxiety. He sat down in the compartment on a seat next to Neville. Hermione, Luna and Ginny sat opposite them and a look at their faces told him that they too were worried about Harry, even the normally relaxed Luna seemed concerned.
"Your parents will make sure Harry's alright", Hermione tried to sound optimistic.
"Well said Hermione, we must keep believing that Harry is fine and simply missed the train", Ginny agreed.
Ron and Neville exchanged looks. Both of them had been told stories of the Death Eaters who had escaped justice and were just biding their time to strike.
"Where's Harry?", a voice asked and Seamus entered the compartment carrying his luggage, Dean just behind him.
Ron sighed and Neville shrugged helplessly as he informed them "Harry didn't get on the train. Ron, Ginny and his other siblings haven't seen him since they went through the barrier".
Dean frowned. "That sounds strange, if he was right behind you then he must have got onto the platform".
"Maybe a bunch of reporters waylaid him and caused him to miss the train?", Seamus joked trying to alleviate the tension.
Ron glared at Seamus as did Ginny causing him to throw his hands up and apologise "sorry, I didn't mean to make light of things".
They were eventually joined by the Twins and their friend Lee Jordan all of whom tried to tell jokes and relieve the tension, to no avail.
Once Molly, Arthur and Harry were back at the Burrow she set to the task of firecalling Albus Dumbledore to inform him of the current situation.
"Headmasters Office, Hogwarts", she announced clearly as she took some floo powder, threw it into the fireplace and placed her head inside. She grimaced at the familiar odd sensation of her head spinning around and around as the connection sought out the correct fireplace for her.
Eventually the spinning stopped and Molly found herself gazing up at the back of a wizard wearing startling purple robes and a pointed purple hat both of which bore designs of moons, suns and stars upon them. The wizard had long white hair and was seated behind a large oak desk scratching away with a quil.
"Ahem, excuse me Albus", Molly said as she tried to attract the man's attention.
the older wizard turned around and smiled. "Ah Molly, how lovely to see you", he seemed puzzled "I am somewhat confused as to why you are contacting me however, the school year has not yet begun and your delightful twin son's Fred and George have no arrived. In fact I am not expecting the Hogwarts Express for another few hours at least".
Molly sighed. "That is precisely what I am calling you about Albus. You see, Harry is not aboard the Hogwarts Express with his siblings and friends".
She watched as Dumbledore stood up, his face full of alarm, more alarm than she had ever seen from the man. "What has happened? Is young Harry alright?"
Molly raised a hand to stop any further questions. "He is quite alright Albus, thank you for your concern. He ran at the barrier, attempting to go through as he had done last year. This year however, the barrier refused to budge and he ran straight into the wall. As luck would have it he only hurt his elbow, though he was confused and then upset when he realised the Hogwarts Express had departed without him".
Dumbledore stroked his beard in thought. "That is indeed an odd occurrence. I take it no one else had any issue getting through the barrier".
Molly nodded. "All of our other children, including Ronald, who went through just before Harry's attempt were able to pass through without incident, as was I".
"I shall visit the Platform myself and examine the barrier when I have a free moment", she marvelled at how quickly Dumbledore returned to business. "In the meantime, my office floo is available for young Harry to use. I shall be glad to welcome you both with a cup of tea and some custard creams and bourbon biscuits. Will I have the pleasure of Arthurs company as well?"
Molly smiled. "Thank you Albus, speaking for myself a cup of tea would be most welcome and I think the same can be said for Harry. Unfortunately, Arthur has to go into work, an issue with some biting teacups".
Dumbledore nodded. "I quite understand, it must be difficult for Arthur given that there is only him and his assistant Perkins".
Molly sighed. "It's not easy on him at all. Well anyway, Harry and I shall see you very soon Albus".
"Goodbye until then Molly", Dumbledore replied.
Molly broke the connection and turned to Harry and Arthur who were stood nearby. She gave them a reassuring smile. "Albus says that Harry can use his floo to head straight to Hogwarts", she told Arthur and then said to Harry "you'll have to thank Headmaster Dumbledore for his kind offer Harry".
Harry nodded happily. "I will Mum".
Arthur checked his watch. "Oh goodness look at the time. I really must be meeting Perkins about those biting teacups", he walked over to Molly and kissed her cheek "see later Molly love, hopefully it won't take too long". He ruffled Harry's hair and pulled his son into a hug, telling him "you have a good term Harry and don't forget to write to us", he pulled back "love you son, I'll see you at Christmas if not your first Quidditch match".
Arthur headed for the fireplace and the floo. Once he was gone, Molly said to Harry "we'll get your luggage shrunk down and head straight there. I can shrink down Hedwigs cage but I don't want to risk shrinking her so you had better send her off to Hogwarts ahead of us".
Harry grinned. "Okay Mum, I'll go and send her off now". He rushed off into the kitchen where they had placed Hedwigs cage, opened it and took Hedwig out. His snowy owl flew up onto his arm and stood there giving him a quizzical look. "I know girl, it's odd that I'm letting you out, but I'm heading to Hogwarts using the floo this year since we missed the train. Mum says she can't shrink you so I need to send you off to Hogwarts on your own, are you alright to find your way there?"
Hedwig gave him a withering look as if to say "of course I can find my way, I'm not stupid". Harry laughed "sorry Hedwig, that was a silly question", he took her out through the back door to the yard and said "I'll see you when you get to Hogwarts girl, take care".
Hedwig took off into the blue September sky and Harry sighed as he watched her go.
Harry returned to the house, took Hedwigs cage and headed back into the living room where he found his mother waiting. "Ready to go Harry love?", she asked kindly.
Harry nodded. "All set Mum".
"Right then". She shrunk Harry's trunk and Hedwigs cage down and handed them to Harry to put in a secure pocket of his jeans.
Harry and his mum stepped into the fireplace, Molly called out "Headmasters Office, Hogwarts" and the pair of them disappeared in a burst of green flames.
"Ah Harry, Molly it is wonderful to see you both arrive safely!", Dumbledore greeted them enthusiastically as Harry and Molly stepped out of the fireplace and walked over to him.
Dumbledore shook hands with them and informed them "the tea is all ready if you would like to help yourselves", he then addressed Harry directly "and then I imagine you will want to settle in ahead of the arrival of the Hogwarts Express Mr Potter-Weasley".
Harry nodded. "It would be good to get settled in Sir".
"I imagine it has been a pretty tiring day what with one thing and another", Dumbledore replied kindly. Harry nodded.
As they drank their tea and helped themselves to biscuits, Dumbledore told them both "rest assured I shall speak with the Head Auror about the unusual incident regarding the barrier and will also have a look at the barrier myself. It's clear that only very powerful magic could have sealed up something such as the barrier to Platform 9 & 3/4's".
"That was our thought as well. Someone or some thing must have tampered with the barrier and sealed it for Harry alone", Molly agreed.
Once they had finished their tea Molly unshrunk Harry's trunk and Hedwigs cage. She then hugged Harry and kissed his cheek. "You have a wonderful term Harry and I will see you at the first Quidditch match in November".
Harry hugged her back and said "I promise I'll write Mum and I'll make sure Ron writes as well", he smirked and added "I don't have to make that promise for Ginny since I know she'll be itching to tell you how she's getting on anyway".
Molly said goodbye to Dumbledore and Harry and disappeared through the floo back to the Burrow. When she was gone, the Headmaster turned to Harry and said "I will firecall Professor McGonagall and ask her to escort you to Gryffindor Tower".
Dumbledore firecalled Professor McGonagall and a short time later the office door opened to reveal Harry's Head of House.
"Good afternoon Headmaster and good afternoon Mr Potter-Weasley", she gave Harry a warm smile in place of her usual stern demeanour. She walked over to them and said to Harry "I understand from Professor Dumbledore that you were unable to get on the Hogwarts Express this morning".
"That's right Professor, though I'm not sure why the barrier refused to let me through", Harry said.
"Well we had better get your belongings to Gryffindor Tower and your dorm room Potter-Weasley and then the time will be your own for the next few hours until the other students arrive", she asked Harry "would you like to go to Hogsmeade Station with Hagrid to meet your siblings and friends?"
Harry smiled at the kind offer and nodded. "Yes please Professor, it would be good to make sure they know I'm safe and to let them know what happened to me".
"Very well then, follow me and I'll take you to Gryffindor Tower", Professor McGonagall replied.
Harry stood up and said to Professor Dumbledore "thank you for letting me use the floo Professor".
"You are most welcome Harry", Dumbledore replied.
As the spiral staircase took Harry and Professor McGonagall down to the seventh floor, his Head of House enquired about his summer. He smiled and replied "it was brilliant Professor, thank you. Me and Ron spent a lot of time with Neville, Dean and Seamus going over each others houses and we even had a sleepover at Seamus' house and went to see a film and went ten pin bowling, I never knew muggles had so many cool activities!", he asked "how was your summer Professor?"
"I am glad to hear you had a good summer Harry", Professor McGonagall said warmly "and I am even more happy to hear that you are becoming good friends with Mr Longbottom, Mr Finnegan and Mr Thomas, you can never have too many friends".
"I'm happy too", Harry admitted. "It makes spending so much of the year in the same room easier since we all get on well together".
After a lot of walking, Harry and Professor McGonagall reached Gryffindor Tower and his Head of House strode up to the potrait of the fat lady that guarded the entrance to the Tower giving the password "Mimbulus Mimbletonia".
The portrait of the Fat Lady raised an eyebrow at Harry and enquired of Professor McGonagall "why is Harry Potter here early?"
"He missed the train and arrived at the castle via the floo network", Professor McGonagall answered. The Fat Lady seemed to want to say more but instead swung aside to allow them entrance to the Tower.
When Harry stepped into the Common Room, he gasped in surprise. "Hedwig!". His snowy owl hooted happily at the sight of him and flew over to land on his arm. He stroked her wing affectionately and asked "when did you get here girl?"
"You have a truly remarkable owl Mr Potter", Professor McGonagall declared "she arrived only a short time before you. She must have flown almost non-stop to get here".
Harry grinned at Professor McGonagall. "She's the smartest owl I know", he said proudly. His Head of House smiled and said "well now that you're here lets get your trunk and Hedwig's cage up to your dorm room and then I'll leave you to rest and enjoy a rare nearly empty castle".
With the trunk and Hedwigs cage stowed away Harry allowed his owl to head off hunting and then made the choice to go down to Hagrid's Cabin.
He had just reached the Entrance Hall when an unwelcome voice called out "and just what do you think you're doing here this early Potter?", the voice was cool and unemotional but clearly hostile.
Harry heard Snape's voice and closed his eyes. He blew out a breath and turned around to answer, making sure to keep his voice polite. "Professor Snape, hello. To answer your question Sir, I missed the Hogwarts Express due to a strange occurrence involving the barrier to Platform 9 & 3/4's and so had to use the floo network to Professor Dumbledore's Office".
Professor Snape sneered. "I suppose you enjoyed that bit of favouritism eh Potter?"
Harry sighed. "Not really Sir, I was hoping to spend the train journey with my friends and siblings".
Harry's response appeared to not be what Snape had been expecting given his inability to further criticise him. "Well, try not to make a habit of it", was all Snape said as he breezed past heading towards the Dungeons.
Harry watched Snape go and scowled. He still didn't understand why Snape disliked him so much. None of the adults he asked seemed to know, or if they did know they weren't telling.
Harry headed out of the castle and down across the sloping lawns of the Hogwarts grounds towards Hagrid's Cabin, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face as he did so.
Harry reached Hagrid's Cabin and knocked loudly on the front door, grinning as he heard barking from within and a booming voice shouting "back Fang! Move away from the door yeh daft thing!".
Footsteps sounded, moving towards the door and the door opened to reveal a smiling Hagrid "can I help...Harry?", he blinked in surprise "what are yeh doing here? The Hogwarts Express isn't due for another few hours".
Harry grimaced. "Long story Hagrid and one I'd prefer to tell over a cup of tea if you have any".
Hagrid smiled sympathetically. "Of course, come on in Harry you're always welcome". He stepped aside to allow Harry inside, shut the door and grinned as he turned around to watch Fang excitedly greet Harry. "There yeh are, even Fang is pleased to see yeh", he commented with a chuckle.
Hagrid bustled Fang away. "Sit down Harry and I'll make some tea". He strode over to the kitchen area and set to work making tea.
"Help yourself ta milk and sugar", Hagrid said as he placed a cup of tea in front of Harry.
Harry duly helped himself to milk and sugar, piling in three spoonfuls as was his custom while Hagrid sat down opposite him and poured out his own tea. "So, what happened then?", Hagrid asked him after awhile.
Harry sighed and related the story to Hagrid.
When Harry had finished speaking Hagrid shook his head in amazement. "So the barrier closed just like that eh? Well I'm glad that you weren't hurt and that your parents were able to find a way to get you to Hogwarts in the end".
Harry smiled. One of the things he liked about Hagrid was how his friends biggest concern was for other people and them being healthy and happy. "By the way, Professor McGonagall gave me permission to head down to Hogsmeade Station with you so I can meet my friends and siblings on the platform", Harry told him.
Hagrid nodded. "That's fine me Harry, yeh are more than welcome to join me in greeting the other students and I'm sure your siblings and friends'll be glad to see that yeh are safe and well".
An hour and a half later, a silvery-white form in the shape of a Phoenix burst into the room causing Harry to jump out of his seat and knock over his chair in fright. He was just about to ask Hagrid what the thing was when it began to speak. "The Hogwarts Express is due in twenty-five minutes Hagrid, I thank you once again for being willing to meet the first years and guide them across the lake".
The voice died away and the silvery-white phoenix evaporated like a puff of smoke as if it had never been there at all. "What was that thing Hagrid? It nearly frightened the life out of me!".
Hagrid grinned. "Don't worry about that Harry, it was jus' a Patronus", at Harry's questioning look he further explained "a witch or wizard uses a Patronus primarily to combat dark beings, most especially the guards of Azkaban, Dementors as it drives them away. However, some witches and wizards also use the spell as a means of communication. It can be quite handy so I've heard".
"Wow!", Harry breathed. Magic never ceased to amaze him even after being around it for his entire life. "I want to learn to make a Patronus!".
Hagrid smiled. "Maybe someone will teach you when you're older Harry, as for now it's a very difficult spell to learn. I know you're smart but it's hard for even adult wizards and witches to learn let alone a twelve year old".
Harry's face fell. "Oh well, I can always get the theory down now and be ready to learn later".
Hagrid grinned at Harry's enthusiasm and replied "and I reckon you will as well", he gestured "we'd better be heading down to Hogsmeade Station to greet the students".
Harry followed Hagrid out of the cabin and carefully shut the front door to keep Fang from wandering off.
Harry and Hagrid had just reached the station platform when the gleaming scarlet steam engine pulled to a stop and the carriages began to disgorge their passengers, most of whom were chattering away, the cacophony of voices being almost defeaning.
"Firs' years over here!", Hagrid shouted and held up his lamp which shone a bright light across much of the platform. "Firs' years this way, come over to me!".
"I'm going to find Ron and the others", Harry told Hagrid and waved to him as he headed off down the platform, keeping a sharp eye out for any of his siblings or friends.
Harry had gone halfway down the platform when he bumped into someone, or rather, several someones. "Harry!". He found that he had bumped right into Fred and George. They helped him up and Fred called out "we've found Harry, he's over here with us!".
Harry was surprised to be enveloped in hugs from Fred and George.
"What...", Fred began.
"Happened...", George continued.
"Harry?", Fred said.
"We were so worried!", they finished together.
Before Harry could answer there was the sound of footsteps and he was swamped by his siblings and friends. Neville, Dean and Seamus were grinning and looking relieved while Hermione, Ginny and Luna hugged him fiercely as all of them expressed their happiness at him being unhurt.
Ron meanwhile grinned at him and clapped his shoulder looking overjoyed that he was safe. "Thank god you're safe", he said "we are all worried when you missed the train!".
"Harry, they found you, oh god I'm relieved!". He was surprised for the second time that evening as Percy reached them, saw Harry and pulled him into a warm hug. "Are you alright? You're not hurt or anything are you?", he asked as he pulled back.
Harry smiled. "No Percy I'm not hurt, I'm fine".
percy blew out a relieved breath. "Well thank goodness for that. What happened though?".
Harry, having alright told several people his story that day, said to Pery and the rest of the group "I'll tell you all later on when we're up in Gryffindor Tower and in the dorm room. It doesn't matter if someone overhears it's just that the whole thing was very weird and I think it may be connected to something that happened back in the summer".
Everyone was satisfied with this and Percy and the Twins went off to find their friends.
"Come on Ginny, Luna, I'll take you both over to Hagrid. You're going to love heading to the castle in the boats, it's the best way to see the castle", Harry told them as he led them towards Hagrid.
Hagrid smiled as they reached him. "I see yeh found them then Harry", he smiled at the others "hello Ron, Neville, Ginny", he paused at Seamus and Dean "Dean and Seamus right? Harry's told me a lot about yeh both". When he got to Luna he nodded to her and said "hello there and who might you be?".
"I'm Luna", Luna replied in her usual dreamlike tone "it's nice to meet you Hagrid", she cocked her head "you don't seem to be affected by any Nargles".
Hagrid gave Luna a baffled look. "Err...pleased to meet you Luna, what are Nargles?".
"They're creatures who cause mischief and chaos. They enjoy stealing things from people and causing a loss of balance", Luna told him sound quite serious.
"Err, I see...", Hagrid looked at the others and they shrugged, being quite used to Luna's talk of Nargles and Crumple-Horned Snorkacks by now. "Right then, Ginny, Luna, if yeh'll follow me and the other firs' years we're heading down the steps to the boats".
Harry gave ginny and Luna a thumbs up. "See you in a bit", he said with a grin and then led Ron, Neville, Hermione, Dean and Seamus along the platform and over to the line of waiting carriages.
"This is a bit of an anti-climax after heading to the castle in those boats last year", Seamus commented as they all piled into a carriage together and it set off a calm pace along the road to Hogwarts.
"Well I personally think it's pretty cool", Dean objected "I mean a carriage pulled by nothing but magic? What a great way to travel!".
The six of them were engrossed in conversation as they rode up to the castle, making the journey a nice and relaxing one.
They reached the castle at last, alighted from the carriage and hurried up the stone steps and into the Entrance Hall which was swiftly filling up with students from second through seventh year all heading towards the Great Hall for the welcome feast.
"I can't wait to eat, I'm starving!", Ron proclaimed as they entered the hall.
"Already? You had three sandwiches, a packet of crisps and a pumpkin pasty on the train!", Seamus exclaimed "good god Ron, where you put it all?".
"Yeah mate, you eat like a horse yet never seem to put any weight on", Dean agreed.
"Are you sure you don't have worms or something?", Neville teased lightly.
Hermione and Harry were both laughing as they took their seats while Ron muttered "sod off you three".
The Sorting Ceremony began and Harry was rather startled when a small boy with mousy blonde hair and a wide grin flopped down on a seat near him and said in a breathless voice "you're Harry Potter aren't you? I've read all about you, you're absolutely brilliant the way you stopped You Know Who! I'm Colin by the way, Colin Creevey!".
Harry groaned. The last thing he needed was a fan following him around everywhere. For one thing it would give Malfoy no end of material to make sly digs at him and for another he hated his fame and wanted nothing to do with it. He decided to be straight with Colin. "Look Colin, it's nice to meet you and everything but please don't go on about my fame or me being brilliant. I'm just a regular student like you. I was only a baby when Voldemort was defeated and I don't know how it happened or why so please don't treat me like I'm some kind of hero, ok?".
Colin looked a bit disappointed but nodded. "Okay Harry, fair enough", he brightened "but can I at least have a picture?".
Harry groaned and banged his head on the table, realising that his words had been completely futile.
and Harry and his siblings cheered and applauded when Luna was sorted into Gryffindor but cheered and applauded even more loudly as Ginny was also sorted into Gryffindor.
As Ginny took a seat near Luna, who had earlier got sorted into Gryffindor, Harry flashed her a grin and said "I just knew you'd be a Gryffindor Sis, you've got more bravery and heart than anyone else here".
Ginny grinned back. "Thanks Big Bro, I'm just glad Luna was sorted into Gryffindor too, it's nice knowing my friend is in the same House".
The Sorting Ceremony wrapped up with Professor McGonagall taking away the stool and famous old hat and they then heard the usual start of term notices, to which Harry was not really paying attention, waiting for the actual feast to start, when Professor Dumbledore made two announcements, one of which he knew about, but the second made him sit up and take notice. "As you will all know, Professor Quirrell is no longer with us being that he is now imprisoned, and right so, in Azkaban for various crimes", many people voiced their approval that Quirrell was gone. "In his place I am pleased to announce not one, but two, new Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers". He indicated to two men sitting at the staff table.
Harry groaned at the sight of Gilderoy Lockhart sitting there, giving out his usual gleaming smile, not a hair out of place. He couldn't believe this prat was going to be teaching the lower school students Defence. "I bet Lockhart just quizzes us on his books", Ron muttered.
"That's not a bet I'd go against because I'll lose", Harry muttered back. Neville, Seamus and Dean all nodded in agreement.
Dumbledore continued. "First off Mr Gilderoy Lockhart, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for the lower school. He will teach the students in first year through fourth year".
Lockhart stood up, nodding, waving and smiling as people applauded. Dumbledore too applauded politely, though Harry noticed that Professor McGonagall and the other professors were not applauding, clearly they didn't approve of his appointment at all. He was amused to see that Snape, in fact, was openly glaring at Lockhart and for the first time was able to agree with Snape on something, admitting that even Snape would be an improvement over the prat.
"And teaching the upper school students of fifth through seventh year, having taken a sabatical from the Auror Department of the Ministry of Magic, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt".
Kingsley stood up and smiled at everyone giving them all a nod. In contrast to Lockhart, Harry liked the dark skinned wizard immediately. As he seemed to be much more sensible, which was something Harry preferred in his teachers.
Most of the students applauded the announcement of Auror Shacklebolt being named co-teacher. "How bloody lucky are the upper school students!", Seamus said "they get Auror Shacklebolt, a real life Auror, teaching them DADA and we get that moron Lockhart instead".
"Well they have important exams to prepare for", Neville pointed out "they need someone competent teaching them so that they pass".
"And we don't?", Dean cut in, piling beef and potatoes onto his plate.
"Well of course we do", Neville replied as he added chicken, beef and pork onto his plate alongside carrots, crispy pototoes, swede and parsnips and lavished it with bread sauce, apple sauce and gravy. "The point is though that obviously Auror Shacklebolt has been asked to prioritise the upper school".
"I'm sure Professor Lockhart will be a perfectly good teacher", Hermione objected "it stands to reason that he's a great wizard, you only have to look at his books to see all the great things he's done, like that village he saved from a werewolf and that vampire he turned onto eating only vegetables".
"I'm sorry Hermione, but I agree with the boys", Ginny interrupted "Lockhart is a fraud. "I bet he hasn't done half the things he's written about, he's probably either lied about it or stolen the glory from someone else who did do it".
Hermione was about to retort when Harry interjected "lets not argue on the first evening, eh?".
Hermione said nothing more about Lockhart and neither did rest of them, the feast going by happily without incident. Soon enough Harry was heading up to Gryffindor Tower with his friends and siblings, feeling thoroughly ready for a nice relaxing evening in his dorm room.
"In here and close the door please", Harry requested as Ron, Seamus, Neville, Dean, Fred, George and Hermione piled into the second year boys dorm. They were joined by Ginny and Luna who had both, thankfully, been sorted into Gryffindor. Percy too joined them, much to everyone's surprise and seemed just as eagar to hear what had happened to Harry as everyone else, though he expressed some disapproval about girls being in a boys dormitory.
Once the door was shut, Harry again relayed the story of why he had missed the Hogwarts Express and when he was finished everyone began to speak at once.
"That's bizarre, wonder who was behind it", Seamus said, causing Dean to nod and put in "maybe it was a goblin, they're quite powerful so I've heard, though why one would seal the barrier I don't know".
"What a weird occurrence", Fred and George said together.
"I'll research the barrier and what could have disrupted it", Hermione offered while Ginny and Luna added "we'll help you Hermione". Hermione looking pleased at the offer of assistance in the research.
"It could have been a house elf", was Neville's contribution. "They are powerful beings and probably the only being capable of sealing a magical barrier for one specific person".
Percy agreed. "A house elf as the culprit would make sense. I've researched house elf magic before and found that they have a lot of magical abilities to draw upon, including sealing access points to hostile beings".
"I think it was a house elf", Harry confessed to them. "See, back in August, this house elf named Dobby appeared in mine and Ron's bedroom and gave me this load of nonsense about a terrible plot happening at Hogwarts this year".
"Of course me and Harry decided that Dobby must have been put up to it by someone", Ron told the others "you see, Dobby belongs to Lucius Malfoy, you know, Draco Malfoy's father and both are complete gits".
"Language Ronald!", Hermione chided Ron but he merely shrugged.
"Well I wouldn't listen to this warning Harry. It's clear to me that someone is trying to make trouble for you this year", Percy advised to general agreement from the others.
After Percy had left the room, Harry told the others "I'm planning to get Malfoy back for pranking me with his house elf, are you all in?".
Luna shook her head as did Hermione, neither of them wanting to be involved in pranking. Ron, the Twins, Neville, Dean and Seamus however eagerly agreed to help prank Malfoy and it was decided that they would all talk again the following weekend to work out the details.
Later that night in bed, snuggled down feeling all relaxed. The others having poured scorn on Dobby's warning made him relieved.
"That warning was a load of rubbish", Harry decided and settled down to a good nights sleep, not worried about meddling house elves or absurd ideas of dangerous plots.