Chapter Two recap~
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Soon, McGonagall was down to her last student. As she read the name, small gasps came from Ron, Harry, Hermione, and the two new Gryffindors who recognized it
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Wow long wait for this, but you can't hate me because its here and that's what you all wanted right? The update? =) So enjoy, enjoy and I hope I surprised you with this! In case anyone was wondering, this was the plan since the middle of Camp Muggle. So if you are ready Camp Muggle and you get to about chapter five, that is when I decided who was a witch and who wasn't. AND AS always, its those reviews that keep coming in that remind me I want to write another chapter for you all. A special thanks to those he keep poking around to remind me that I need to update!!
I don't want to ruin the surprise so scroll down after refreshing your memory to see who the new student is!!
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Falling Forward: Chapter Three
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"Allison White," called Professor McGonagall as a tall (obviously not a first year) girl walked up to receive
the sorting hat.
After a moment of deliberation, the sorting hat called out, "RAVENCLAW!"
Allison stood up and smiled as the Ravenclaw table cheered and the rest of the houses clapped. Most of the students were clapping just because they were relieved that the sorting ceremony had finally come to an end and they could finally begin eating.
As Allison walked past the Gryffindor table, she stopped and winked at the still stunned Ron. He continued to stare in disbelief as she pulled a piece of paper out of her robes and handed it to him.
"It's from Meegan," she said before heading off to join her house.
As the feast appeared on the table, Ron read his note. Harry and Hermione both looked at him anxiously from their position at the head table. Neither of them knew what had just happened, but they assumed they'd find out soon.
"Dear Ron,
I knew all along. Thank you for finally telling me yourself though.
Love, Meegan
P.S.- You can send owl post to me now"
~*~
After the feast, Dumbledore began making the start of term announcements. Both Harry and Hermione squirmed as he got closer and closer to announcing them. Neither were prepared for their classmates reactions to the fact that they'd be teaching, especially not those of the Slytherins.
They were also both preoccupied thinking about Allison's entrance. They both already had a laundry list of questions to ask her. They knew they weren't the only ones who wanted to get to her as soon as possible and start questioning.
"And lastly," said Dumbledore loudly, snapping Harry and Hermione back to attention, "I'd like to announce this year's Head Boy and Head Girl. For the first time in quite a few years, the both come from the same house. Ms. Hermione Granger and Mr. Harry Potter of Gryffindor."
The Gryffindor table erupted with wild cheers and the other houses clapped except for the Slytherins who remained quiet as usual.
"I'd also like to announce that along with their duties, Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter will be assisting Professor White with his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Before any questions arise, they are both more than qualified having tested our of the Hogwart's curriculum last year."
Before anyone could speak again, Dumbledore dismissed everyone to their houses. Prefects began standing and asking the first years to follow them and soon the whole Great Hall was on their feet.
Harry and Hermione let out small sighs of relief. It didn't last long though as they looked up to see Ron storming across the room straight toward Allison. With a quick look at one another, they both jumped up and began running through the people hoping to reach Allison before Ron did.
They managed in getting to her just second after Ron. He touched her shoulder as he got there and Allison turned to see three out of breath people looking directly at her. None of them looked all too particularly happy.
"Hey guys!" she smiled, "Hermione, I missed you!" said Allison rushing into a hug.
Hermione was still befuddled but hugged her back. Even though she was confused, she was still happy to see her friend. Before she could talk however, Ron loudly cleared his through. The expressions of his face made it obvious that he wanted answers and that he wanted them now.
Allison suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable. She had a lot of explaining to do. "Okay, I'll talk. Just not here, alright?"
"Our room will work. It's private," suggested Harry. He started out the doors but didn't get very far before stopping and turning around sheepishly. "Er, I don't really know where our room is actually."
"I do. I went there to study last year with Emma. We used her room because it was more private," said Hermione taking over the lead. Harry was greatful to follow. Ron and Allison didn't say a word and followed the silently the entire way.
Soon, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Allison were sitting on the couches in Harry and Hermione's common room. Neither Harry nor Hermione took time to check out their new residence as they entered. The both of them were anxious to hear what Allison's explanation would be.
No one was more anxious than Ron however. Even though they all wanted to hear what she has to say, no one spoke. They all simply looked around waiting for someone else to start the conversation.
"So, I bet you're all wondering why I never told you that I was a witch," smiled Allison.
Everyone laughed nervously a bit in return and nodded.
"Well, you all met my father, Professor White," she began.
"Oh!" said Hermione catching on and making connections. She didn't say anything though wanting to let Allison finish.
"He's your dad?" asked Ron in surprise.
"Yes, He used to be an Auror, but was attacked last year by death eaters while on a raid back in America. The ministry here in England immediately asked our family to move back. See, my dad got hit with a curse. No one had record of this curse before but they wanted to be able to keep my dad safe while they did testing on him," said Allison.
"Dumbledore told Harry and me about the curse. Has there been any progress made in lifting it yet?" inquired Hermione.
"Not yet, but he has a better chance at recovery here than back in America," replied Allison.
"After the attack, we didn't have anywhere to live since the move was so sudden. Meegan's family asked us to stay with them until things were settled. Then we found out they wanted dad to stay at Hogwarts. Meegan was already going to camp this summer just before I got there. I went along so that I'd have something to do all summer."
"So you knew all along that we went to Hogwarts?" asked Ron thinking back to Meegan's note that he'd just received.
"I knew who Harry was. I mean, who doesn't?!" said Allison excitedly causing Hermione to sit a little closer to her boyfriend.
"I knew he attended Hogwarts and you two," she indicated toward Hermione and Ron," said you went to the same school . . ."
"Is Meegan a witch?" said Ron bluntly as Allison trailed off.
"No, but she's always known that I was and my mum and dad too. My dad was Muggle born and the only one in his family with any magical talent. Meegan's mom is my dad's sister. His family was very accepting so it's never been a problem."
"Why didn't you tell us that you were a witch?" asked Harry still a bit red from her earlier praise.
"I was told not to tell anyone because of my dad," she shrugged. "The ministry wanted to keep it quiet where we were at least until my dad came to Hogwarts and was safer."
"So Meegan knew the whole time," said Ron meekly. "He felt like he thought Meegan was going to when he told her he was a wizard, deceived.
"Yes, I told her as soon as I recognized Harry. Then I confirmed it when I fout out that you all went to the same school," answered Allison.
Ron still looked distraught.
Allison could tell and kept on talking, "Meegan wanted to let you know right away that she didn't care, but I made her promise not too. Please don't be mad at her. She really cares a lot about you."
Ron's expressions lightened up a bit, "Really?"
"She never stops talking about you!" Allison grinned.
"Ron is the same," said Harry with exasperation and rolling his eyes. Everyone laughed.
"Allison thanks for explaining. I really am glad that you're here. I think we'll have a lot of fun this year." Said Hermione as she stood to hug her friend again.
"Ya! I'm so relieve that I could finally tell you guys the truth!" said Allison playfully wiping her brow.
Everyone laughed again and smiled. The feeling in the room had already shifted to a more relaxed tone. It was more like it used to be back when they were at camp.
"So Meegan . . ." began Ron hopefully. He missed her so much.
"She's fine with everything and though I wasn't supposed to say anything, her school allows her weekends off so we've already arranged for her to come on the first Hogsmeade weekend." Allison interjected.
"Are you kidding me?!" Ron jumped up and began hollering and dancing around the room until he realized that everyone was staring right at him. "Sorry," he straight faced and sat down.
"I'm sorry that I have to do this but I probably should go to my house. Everyone will wonder where I got off to," said Allison as she stood to leave.
"We understand," said Harry. "Mione and I still have to speak to Dumbledore about our teaching tonight."
"Oh ya. You two are helping my dad," she replied with a sad not in her voice.
"As best as we can," said Harry with a warm smile.
"Thanks," Allison spoke quietly, "Well good night. See you tomorrow." She smiled as she left.
"Bye Allison," they all called together as she disappeared through the door.
"I . . . oh no! I didn't ask her for Meegan's school address!" said Ron jumping up and chasing after her.
Harry and Hermione laughed as he dashed after Allison.
"Well," smiled Harry turning to Hermione who was still seated next to him. "Now that I have you all to myself." He leaned in to kiss her but before he could, a school owl soared through an open window and interrupted him. Harry frowned and walked over to the owl, untying the note from its leg with a sigh of frustration.
"It's a note from Dumbledore," he said with disappointment in his voice. He wants us to come to his office to discuss our teaching plans."
"I guess this will have to wait until we get back then," said Hermione as she stood and kissed Harry before winking and walking to the door.
~*~
"I assume you are worried about your studies?" Dumbledore was in the thick of his meeting with Harry and Hermione. The pair had each of their own large cushion chairs that were seated in front of his desk. The chairs dwarfed them and made them looked almost intimidated in his presence.
"Well, I believe I actually had a larger load previously, so I should manage," shrugged Hermione. She was still disappointed that she couldn't take more that the classes necessary for her career choice.
Harry on the other hand didn't mind only taking the basic required classes. Besides, he truly enjoyed his work with Dumbledore's Army and had a feeling he'd like teaching the actual class just as much.
"I've managed with classes and the DA before professor," replied Harry. "I know Head duties will be a lot, but I really think this is something that both of us can manage."
"I feel the same way," Professor Dumbledore smiled. "I wouldn't have suggested it unless the both of you could be successful and I think you will be. There is however the issues of certain students who may now appreciate being taught by their peers."
"Slytherins.." Harry hissed under his breath a folded his arms in disgust.
"As a teacher, Mr. Potter (he rarely used his surname in his presence, but wanted to make a point), you will be expected to show the same desire to teach and courtesy to all students."
"Yes sir," said Harry quietly. He still didn't like the idea, but he would be the won with the authority if anything were to arise.
"I'll also remind you that as Head Boy and Head Girl, you are free to add and take away points in any situation. If you students are misbehaving or causing grief, that is an acceptable time to do so. I wouldn't worry much though. Professor White will sit in during all of your classes to assure that there is no trouble."
"Will we be grading?" Hermione had been listening intently before, but now spoke up.
"You may create a point system and reward them accordingly to your liking. Whatever you do will way fifty percent along with Professor White's practicum classes. Be aware that what you assign you must grade and you must stick to what you choose."
"Yes of course. When should we turn lesson plans into you?" Hermione had already whipped out a quill and parchment and was jotting down ideas.
"That won't be necessary Ms. Granger. Simply make sure the required skills for each year are gone over in a timely manner. If you choose to go beyond that, it is again up to you," Dumbledore had a pleasing twinkle to his eye. He'd always appreciated Hermione's enthusiasm.
"And we begin tomorrow?" said Harry gulping a bit. It was suddenly dawning on him that they did have to teach soon and that they didn't have many plans on what to teach.
"That is correct. I suggest you head off now to prepare," said Dumbledore as he stood to see them off.
"Thank you Professor," they both chimed as they stood and headed out of the door.
"One more thing. I suggest you don't let anything -distract- you tonight until you are done with your plans. You have a big day ahead of you," Dumbledore's gave them a knowing look before sitting back down and reaching for some papers on his desk.
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances and hurried out of his office. One they were all the way down the staircase and around the corner of the corridor, they stopped to talk.
"You don't think he knows about us, do you?" Harry was the first to talk.
"I don't see how he could. We haven't told anyone and those who do know are supposed to be quiet," Hermione frowned. They'd both wanted to keep their relationship a secret but then again, they knew Dumbledore had a way of figuring things out.
"You don't suppose Allison told her father and he told Dumbledore, do you?" asked Harry.
"I suppose that's what happened," said Hermione with a concerned look on her face. "You don't think he'll be upset that we're living together, do you?"
"Not a chance. Since I know you've already mapped out the next month at least for both of us and just haven't told me yet, how about we go back and do some of that -distracting- behavior that Dumbledore was talking about?" said Harry with a wink as he linked her arm through his and started off walking toward their quarters.
"How'd you know I did all that?" said smiled trying to look cross but letting her smile peak through the façade.
"Because I know you and you kept scribbling on something during dinner," he looked down at her lovingly then glanced around quickly. When he saw that now one was around, he leaned over and gave her a soft peck on the end of her nose before they turned the last corner to their room and headed off to start distracting themselves.