Harry Potter and the Battle of Hogwarts

Harry Potter and the Battle of Hogwarts

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter and never will.

OoOoO

Chapter Seven

Unusual Appearances

The train pulled into Hogsmeade Station with steam billowing out into the night sky. Harry and his friends piled off the train, squinting through the darkness.

“First years! First years over `ere!” called a booming voice over the students rambling chatter.

“Hello, Hagrid!” Harry greeted the half-giant, looking up into his bearded face. Hagrid's beetle black eyes glittered in joy as a smile broke out under his long, bushy beard.

“'ello, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, have a good summer?” he asked, as the first years grouped around him.

“Sure did, you heard about Sirius, right?” Harry said. Hagrid nodded enthusiastically.

“I certainly did; now get along now, before the carriages leave without ya,” he said as Harry and the others scrambled away, leaving behind a group of awe-struck eleven year olds. As Ron climbed into the carriage before him, Harry paused and watched the nearest Thestral re-adjust its bony wings. The creature turned to face him and bared its sharp teeth.

“C'mon, Harry!” Ron called out. Harry tore his eyes away from the Thestral and clambered into the carriage, just as it started to move towards the castle. The ride up the drive was a silent yet comfortable one, with each of them lost in their own thoughts. Neville and Luna were sitting in the carriage with them, just as they had on the train.

Harry and Luna both glanced at the Thestrals when they climbed out of the cart, and Harry even patted its bony muzzle. “Thanks,” he murmured softly, before following his friends up the stone steps and into the Entrance Hall. The Great Hall was just as magnificent as ever, with the magical ceiling depicting a clear, cloudless night sky. Thousands of stars and candles glittered down at them, as they sat at the long tables.

Harry looked up at the staff table, to spot Tonks sitting between Snape and Dumbledore. She waved brightly at them before turning her attention back to the headmaster. Talkative chatter reverberated around the cavernous hall, and silence only reigned when Professor McGonagall led the first years in, placing the sorting hat down on a three-legged stool.

All eyes were on the ragged old hat, as a brim opened up along the seam, and it started to sing.

“For many years I have sat

In the darkness thinking

About the times that are rising

And the light slowly sinking

Its times like these when we should

Stand tall and side by side

Because there are evils out there

Determined to make us divide

Like the Founders Four

So many decades past

We are slowly drifting apart from the

Friendships we thought would last

Good Hufflepuff once said, a long time ago

That we should all stay friends

But like the fate of that dear battle

Another friendship ends

So here I am to determine

Where you shall be placed

Should it be Slytherin?

The house of the many faced

Or could it be Gryffindor?

That of those loyal and brave

Or perhaps good Hufflepuff?

With the plant life she strives to save

Or could it be smart Ravenclaw?

That of those clever and wise

I must choose now, before

Anymore should demise

So place me on you head and be warned

That those together are more strong

Than those standing in the dark

Trying to find a place to belong”

Only a few people clapped, Harry included, but it was a forced applause. There had never been a Sorting Hat Song that dire and dark. Dumbledore's brow was furrowed and he ceased clapping as McGonagall pulled out a long scroll of parchment. Harry scanned the group of first years, and realized it was quite a large line of shivering children, all pale and nervous.

“Brown, Cynthia,” Professor McGonagall called out, as a small, blond haired girl stepped forward. Harry thought she looked somewhat familiar and as the hat called Gryffindor, the girl quickly ran down and sat beside Lavender.

“Cook, Louis.”

“Hufflepuff.”

“Crandle, Mathew.”

“Ravenclaw.”

“Derwent, Eliza.”

“Gryffindor.”

The list went on and on, while Ron's stomach growled even louder. It seemed like a lot of them were being sorted into either Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, with only a few being put in Slytherin and Gryffindor. Harry thought it must have to do with the upcoming war, and those who would join either the Light side or the Dark side; enemy or ally.

Finally, as Jeffrey Zebra was placed in Hufflepuff, the headmaster stood, ending all noise.

“Welcome, old and new, to another year at Hogwarts. I have a rather lengthy speech to get through,” Ron groaned loudly and Dumbledore's eyes flickered to him, “But I shall wait until you all are fed and watered. Enjoy!” he said as hundreds of steaming dishes appeared on each table. Ron looked as if Christmas had come early and loaded his plate up with a bit of everything.

Harry idly began to eat, his eyes scanning familiar faces. He got a shock when his eyes landed upon the Slytherin Table. Draco Malfoy sat at the end of the table; alone.

What was really amazing though, was the fact that Crabbe and Goyle were sitting in the middle of the table, on either side of a black haired boy who kept throwing Malfoy scathing looks. Now that he thought about it, the blond-haired Slytherin was staring blankly at his food, his face paler than normal and his hair shaggy and unkempt. Harry was still staring at him when Malfoy looked up, as if feeling Harry's gaze. Their eyes locked and Harry raised an eyebrow. Malfoy, surprisingly, looked back down at his food.

Wondering what was up with his enemy of six years; Harry began to eat again, his mind trying to figure out the mystery. Half an hour passed and the tables were cleared. All attention was directed at the Teacher's Table, where Albus Dumbledore stood slowly.

“I hope you all have enjoyed the feast,” his eyes lingered on Ron for a second, “and please listen to these announcements. Argus Filch, our caretaker, has lengthened the list of banned objects, now including all items by Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.” There was a small outbreak of amused chapter before it died down just as quickly. “Also, all rules, decrees, bans or any other forms of fabrication, created last year by Dolores Umbridge, have been removed.” Harry grinned and cheered with the others; this meant his life-time ban upon Quidditch had been removed. He could play again.

“Yes, yes, it is a relieving matter. But now is not the time for celebration. As you all know, Voldemort has been growing stronger over the last year, making his rebirth ever more present. And in this time of need I have chosen Nymphadora Tonks as our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!” Tonks blanched when the headmaster revealed her full name but stood none-the-less as the student population applauded. As she sat, Harry caught her throw Dumbledore a mock glare.

“Professor Tonks is an Auror for the Ministry and will provide Hogwarts any necessary protection this year. On another note I would like to announce that there will be a Ball this year, to be held on Christmas Eve!” At these words, all the girls broke out into excited chatter while the boys all groaned as one. Ron looked like his worst dreams had been destroyed and was proceeding to bang his forehead on the table. Harry looked over to the Ravenclaw Table to just see Cho Chang look away. In his fourth year, there had been a Yule Ball and the only girl Harry had wanted to take had already been taken. Although they had shared a relationship last year, Harry did not necessarily want to have to go through that unpleasant experience again. Ever.

“There will be a Hogsmeade weekend on the seventeenth and eighteenth of November for you to purchase the appropriate attire. Also, Quidditch Try-Outs will be held in the first week of October to be ready for the first game in the last week of that month. The Forbidden Forest is as its name suggests; forbidden to all students alike.” The headmaster's gaze landed on Harry and he smiled.

“With all that in order, would the fifth year prefects please show the first years to their common rooms and please, have a nice sleep and be ready for classes first thing Monday Morning.” The school stood as one and Harry was glad tomorrow was Saturday, as he was feeling incredibly tired.

“I'm so happy we aren't in fifth year,” Ron said as he watched Ginny and another Gryffindor boy round up the first years. Harry grinned as Hermione frowned but kept silent.

Harry, Ron and Hermione slowly made their way through the castle, following the well-known route to the Gryffindor Common Room. Students from other house greeted them as they went, most from their own year, with a few, such as Luna Lovegood, from others.

“Goodnight, Ronald, Harry, Hermione,” the blond-haired Ravenclaw said as she turned left at the top of the stairs. They wished her farewell, while Harry noticed Ron's face slightly red.

“What's the password?” Harry asked them as they approached the portrait hole.

“Hippogriff,” Hermione said as the portal opened and they clambered inside. The Common Room was full of chattering people and they quickly made their way to the seats in front of the fireplace.

“Ah, this is good.” Ron said as he sank down into a deep scarlet armchair. Harry and Hermione sat down on one of the couches as the fire let off a soft light and warmth. They sat in relative silence, just listening to the conversations playing around them or the faint crackling of the flames.

“Hey, Harry, are you going to continue the DA this year?” Harry looked up to see Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas standing in front of him.

“Erm, I'm not sure,” the truth was that Harry hadn't really thought about it. His summer had been so hectic and joyous that it had slipped his mind. What with Sirius returning and the continuous cleaning of the house, there hadn't been much time for anything.

“I hope you do, mate!” Dean said, nodding quickly. “It was great! I got an Exceeds Expectations on my OWLs because of you!”

“Same with me! If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have passed my OWL for DADA! You have to continue it!” Seamus said. Harry felt his face flush with embarrassment but couldn't stop the feeling of pride from welling inside him.

“Maybe, but we have a good professor this year. I only started the DA last year because of Umbridge not teaching us anything!” Harry said, as their faces drooped slightly. “But I'll think about it, OK? And can you see if anyone else wants it to start again?” this brought grins to their faces and they both nodded, thanking him before moving off to talk to Lavender and Parvarti.

“So, you're going to continue the DA?” Hermione asked him, a smile playing on her lips. Harry sighed.

“Yeah, I suppose. I wasn't going to because we have Tonks this year, but it looks like everyone wants it to start up again,” Harry said, staring into the fire.

“But it was really good!” Ron said, “The only reason I got an Outstanding OWL was because of you!” Harry looked over to him and asked, “What did you end up getting on your OWLs?”

“Oh, erm - eight...” Ron said, trailing off as his face grew red. Harry grinned as Hermione hugged him in congratulations.

“That's really good, Ron,” Hermione said, “What about you, Harry, what did you get?”

“Ten,” he said, blushing as Hermione hugged him tightly and only let go after Ron snickered from the other armchair.

“What about you?” he asked her as she moved back into her spot at the other end of the couch.

“Oh, thirteen,” she said brightly, her face lighting up.

“Whoa, Hermione, you beat Percy!” Ron said before his face grew confused. “Hang on, thirteen? The most you can get is twelve!” Harry watched as Hermione's cheeks turned pink and she turned her face to the floor.

“I got an extra mark in Transfiguration,” she said.

“That's brilliant!” Harry said truthfully as she smiled shyly at him. “I didn't expect anything less!” They laughed as Ron shook his head in disbelief.

“Now no one can say purebloods are better than muggle- borns! You're living proof that they're not!” Ron said as Hermione grinned broadly.

“Thanks, Ron!” Hermione said, hugging him again. When she pulled away, Ron's face was redder than the flames flickering in the fireplace. It was nearing ten o'clock when Hermione wished them goodnight before heading up to her dormitory. The Common Room was almost empty by now, with only a few solitary friends sitting at the tables, talking softly. Harry and Ron were the only ones sitting in front of the fireplace and they were silent for a while.

“Harry, can I ask you something?” Ron said, breaking the silence. Harry turned to his friend to see him looking back nervously. He nodded quickly, wondering what had gotten Ron so worked up.

“Um, I was wo-wondering if you - that is, if you think that - umm...” he stammered, face growing red.

“Just spit it out, already!” Harry said, grinning. Ron took a deep breath.

“DoyouthinkIshouldaskHermioneout?” he blurted and Harry stared at him blankly.

“I kind of didn't catch that!” Harry said humorously, shaking his head. Ron's hands were playing with the end of his shirt nervously and he didn't meet Harry's eye.

“Do you think that I - I mean...that I should a-ask Her-Hermione o-out?” he stuttered quickly, his face practically glowing with its own red light. Harry's mouth opened and moved soundlessly, although he made a weird gurgling sound. Ron looked over at him and he quickly shut his mouth.

“So, wh-what do you think?” Ron said shakily, looking back down at his hands.

“It took you this long to work out you two should be together?” Harry said, laughing. Ron's head whipped up, his eyes wide and confused.

“Wh-what?” he stammered, clearly unprepared for Harry's answer.

“I figured out that you fancied her in fourth year. I think everyone figured out that you fancied her in fourth year!” Harry said, chuckling at the appalled look on his friends face.

“Then do you think th-that Hermione knows too?”

“Probably, you know how smart she is,” Harry said lightly, turning back to look into the flames. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours and he was already missing Sirius.

“Then do you think I should ask her out?” Ron asked again, breaking Harry's concentration on the flames.

He shrugged. “You can if you want. Why should I mind?”

“Then you wouldn't care if I did? I mean, you won't feel left out if we become an i-item?” he said the last word in barely a whisper, his eyes looking around to see if anyone had heard. But they were the only one's left now, and the crackling fire was the only noise other than their conversation.

“No, it would be weird though. But I would get used to it,” he said as he heard Ron exhale a large gust of air.

“That's good. Then I mi-might do it tomorrow then...” Ron said, his eyes widening in disbelief, as if he didn't really believe he was going to do it.

“That's good,” Harry said, smiling encouragingly at Ron.

“Well, I'm off to bed, “Ron said, yawning. “Coming?” he asked. Harry shook his head.

“I might come up in a little bit,” he said as Ron nodded curiously but left Harry to his thoughts. After he was sure Ron was gone, he furrowed his brow, wondering why the thought of Ron and Hermione getting together made his stomach clench painfully.

OoOoO

Hey everyone. Here's the next chapter, out a bit sooner. And it's really longer as well! A few things happened in this one, but nothing really exciting. I somehow deleted the first few chapters of the old version of this story and I'm trying to remember what was in them and where they're meant to end to get the proper story-line back on track.

Also, I need to ask you all something. For those who read the last copy of this story, did you like the ending? I want to make that ending, the ending for the seventh year Fic, instead of this one. But I don't know what to make this one end in. Maybe a different battle, fought somewhere else? I'm not sure. I have to think on it.

If you can review or email me and tell me what I should do, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, you can give me tips on what the ending should be and I can build it on that.

Okay, on another thing, this story WAS Harry Potter and the Prophecy of Light and Dark! I changed the name, and I might be doing it again soon, so watch out! And I should advise you DO NOT READ Harry POTTER AND THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECY! It is the sequel to this one and needs to be rewritten also. So some things in that one may not happen or even exist because I'm changing this one around! Okay?!?!?!

All right, please review and thanks to those who have so far!

Bye

DW