Chapter 5
Aquapaths
August left as soon as it had come and, before he knew it, Harry found himself in a bedroom that he was used to calling his own, at the lighthouse, packing for the Hogwarts Express. It was one of those rare occasions during which he found that he would rather spend another long summer away from the wizarding school and remain at the lighthouse than return to Hogwarts. A sinking feeling from the expectations from his team mates for being the new Gryffindor Quidditch team captain had formed itself at the pit of his stomach, not to mention the fact that he would have to behave normally around Hermione, as in like her best friend, and not her boyfriend, while watching Ron holding her hand or hugging her, even though he knew very well that it was not something that Ron pleased. And then there was, of course, the fact that he would have to face Luna and admit to her that it was his fault that she would no longer be able to speak to her parents again, including the heavy-duty classes that included Advanced Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, and whatever else Professor McGonagall had mentioned he would have to take this year.
Harry had just finished packing all of the new books that Ron and Ginny had picked up for him at Diagon Alley and was eyeing the gifts that he had gotten from Sirius that had lain forgotten in his trunk. However, he stuffed the last bit of his belonging on top of them and shut his trunk; thinking about Sirius was not something that Harry longed for at this very moment.
"`Morning, Harry," said Hermione, as she slowly made her way from the door to his bedroom. Harry noticed that she had done something extremely pretty with her hair; it was not it's old bushy self, yet it didn't suspend the new straight-and-sleek look. Instead, he guessed that Hermione had probably straitened her hair and then made soft waves appear at the top, which made it look very lively and intriguing.
"I like what you've done to your hair," said Harry.
"Oh, thanks," she said. "Packed already?"
"Yeah," said Harry, "you know how Mrs. Weasley gets when we're late."
"Right," said Hermione, but he could tell that she had the same air of not wanting to return to Hogwarts about her.
"Hermione, listen - "
"Look, Harry. Don't worry about it, okay? I mean, we'll manage, won't we? It's not like we won't be together at all, right? And I was just thinking that I'm sure we'll be able to sneak away now and then without anyone noticing."
"We'll find time to be together, Hermione, I promise," said Harry, taking her hands into his. "And I'm sure that it won't make that big a difference. We've managed it for the past five years, haven't we?" Harry grinned and Hermione giggled.
"You're right," said Hermione. "We're going back to Hogwarts. What's to be sad about, eh?"
"Harry! Hermione! Come quick!" came Neville's voice. "Come! There's something you've got to see!"
Neville had remained at the lighthouse with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest of the Weasleys, along with some members of the Order. Harry felt it important to tell him about the prophesy considering the fact that it could have well been about him and found that he was rather not as shocked as everyone else when he told him. "Yeah, I figured it was something like that," he said after Harry explained everything to him. "I can't believe that it could have been me, though. And I was worried about passing my O.W L.'s! Blimey, Harry, I don't know what to say..."
He led Harry and Hermione towards where most of the Weasleys were standing and staring out into the open windows on the side of the stairway.
"What is it?" asked Ginny.
"I dunno," said Bill.
"I know what those are!" said Charlie. "There were paintings of them in the downstairs Art Gallery. Wow! I can't believe Dumbledore actually managed to find some!"
"Well, what are they?" asked Hermione.
"I'm surprised, Hermione," said Bill. "I thought you'd know by now, for sure. Having read all those books and all."
"Just get to the point," said Ron.
"Well, those are supposed to be really rare..."
Harry finally looked out into the ocean and saw several people speaking with what appeared to be gigantic sea monsters. But they were unlike anything that Harry imagined they would be. In fact, they looked like anything but monsters. The creatures were entirely made of water and pillared feet above the ocean. Their manes seemed to be a burning red fire as piercing as their eyes that glowed bright aqua. They appeared to have the giant body of a man and the head of what was unmistakably...a lion. Harry stared at what was about a good ten of them, his jaw hanging loose.
"...Dumbledore's amazing, of course, don't know of anyone else who could have gotten them, or at least gotten the courage to speak to them - "
"Sorry, what did you say they were again?" said Harry, who had been staring at the creatures, and apparently not taking in a word that Charlie was saying.
"Weren't you listening, Harry? They're called aquapaths; home to the Bermuda Triangle. They're the reason so many of those strange things that Muggles call aeropolanes - "
"Airplanes," Hermione corrected him.
"Right - go missing. They pull them down, of course, don't like to be bothered. They're very powerful, they are. Muggles can't see them, though. Can't say how many lives were lost because of them. But it's not like it's their fault; you can't imagine the trouble the Worldwide International Ministry's been having trying to keep Muggles from going near them. They barely ever leave the Triangle though, I can't believe Dumbledore got them to come."
"Does that mean that they're on our side?" asked Harry, anxiously.
"Oh, no. They don't take sides, they don't. Too powerful. Like I said, they like to be left alone. Dumbledore's just probably asking them for permission. They're the owners of the Seas, you know; regulate everything and every living creature in the waters. They like to be updated and it seems as if Dumbledore's been wanting help from some sea creatures. For the war, you know."
"Oh, right," said Harry.
"Wait a minute," said Hermione beside Harry, "aquapaths? There's not related to heliopaths, are they?"
"Heliopaths? Those myths? Nah," said Charlie, "heliopaths don't exist! They were just made up from folk legends."
Hermione exchanged a nervous look with Ron.
Harry looked back at the aquapaths and had a surge of feeling minuscule compared to the hovering creatures. He watched as they suddenly began to shuffle and, eventually, plunge back into the water, swimming away with their flaming manes hovering above the disturbed ocean.
Mrs. Weasley sighed, "Well, then. That's that. Nothing to see here. Come on, all. Breakfast is ready. Don't want to be late for the train."
"Oooh. Are we going to take the metro, mum?" asked Ginny, hopefully.
"No, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "There are far too many of us."
Ginny looked slightly put out.
"Going down to breakfast?" Ron asked Harry and Hermione.
Hermione looked around at Harry and then Ron.
"Er, no. You go ahead, Ron. We'll catch up," she said.
"No kidding," said Ron, grinning, and went downstairs with the rest of the Weasleys. In the mean time, Hermione took Harry's hand and they walked out onto the deck where they have occasionally slipped away from everyone else to be alone.
Hermione sighed, "I'm definitely going to miss this place," looking out into the ocean.
"Yeah...no wonder Dumbledore chose to live here."
"He's pretty lucky," said Hermione.
"He's not the only one," said Harry, taking Hermione into his arms. No sooner had he done so than music surprisingly burst out from an old speaker on the deck.
Harry gave Hermione a quizzical look, at which she laughed.
"Milady," he said, offering his hand, which she gratefully took, "would you do me the honor of accompanying me in a dance?"
"Dance?" said Hermione. "You can't dance!"
"Ah, but one does not always need to know to enjoy oneself," said Harry.
"You're starting to sound like Dumbledore!" she giggled.
"Am I really?" asked Harry, one hand on her waist and the other in her hand, twirling around with her about the deck. She was laughing now, which made Harry feel incredibly wonderful inside.
"Harry, stop! I'm dizzy!" said Hermione, still laughing, after what seemed to be several twirls.
Harry had thankfully avoided stepping on Hermione's feet but, then again, this really wasn't dancing. They both slowed down as the music changed into a romantic melody and Hermione carelessly hung her arms around Harry's neck as he put his hands on her waist. She finally put her head on his shoulder and said, "Oh, Harry. I don't want to go anywhere! The thought - the very thought that Voldemort is out there looking for a way to destroy you - to destroy us...and then there are the N.E.W.T.'s - "
"Don't think about that right now," said Harry.
"I'm sorry. It's just hard to get of mind, isn't it?"
"Yeah...," said Harry.
Harry and Hermione stayed out on the deck, swaying to the slow music, until Hermione drew her head back and said, "We need to go. We're going to be late if we don't have breakfast now. Unless you want to go hungry, that is."
Harry nodded and they left downstairs, not knowing how long it would be until they would have the chance to be together again like this.
They found Ron, Ginny, and Neville at the table, still covered with bottomless water, and almost done eating breakfast.
"Finally," said Ron and whispered, "How long does it take the two of you to snog, anyway?"
"We weren't snogging!" Hermione whispered, though in a clearly harsh tone. "Just because everything's about making out to you, Ron, doesn't mean it's the same for everyone else!"
"Whatever," said Ron. "So are you two going to eat, or am I going to have to shove some pancakes down your throats?"
"No, I think we'll feed ourselves. Thanks, Ron," said Harry.
The both of them rushed through their food very quickly and met Mr. and Mrs. Weasley at the main entrance with Ron, Ginny, Neville, Lupin, and Mad-Eye tagging along.
"Now remember," growled Mad-Eye, "we're going to make as little noise as possible. We can't risk having our hideout being discovered...again." He eyed all five kids heavily. "I will be putting the Disillusionment Charm on you. Potter, here, already knows what I'm talking about and, from the look on her face, so does Granger." Hermione flushed and Moody continued, "Not to worry, though, it doesn't hurt a bit. A bit chilly, but perfectly safe."
Moody stepped up to Harry and taped him on the head while Harry felt the familiar sensation of someone placing a bundle of ice on his head. While Moody also succeeded with Ron and Hermione, Lupin Disillusioned Ginny and Neville.
"Right then," said Mr. Weasley. "I assume we're all ready to go, then. Everyone gathered everything? Are you sure? Don't want to be coming back, now. Come to think of it, I don't think we could."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, along with Moody and Lupin, also Disillusioned themselves and the grand doors of the lighthouse opened, revealing a massive ray of light.
"Off we go," said Mr. Weasley and all nine of them stepped out into the rocky hearth outside of the lighthouse, watching it sink back into the ground behind them.
"Er, Mr. Weasley," said Harry, "how are we getting to the station?"
"Glad you asked, Harry," he said.
He walked over to one of the most particularly flat rocks and laid down what looked like a miniature square rug. Mr. Weasley whispered something under his breath and it suddenly enlarged to a size on which ten or more people could easily stand.
"Hey, I have one of those," said Harry, "only smaller."
"Really?" said Mr. Weasley, rather amused. "Where in the world did you get one, Harry?"
"Er," he said, unsure of whether or not Mr. Weasley would believe his answer, "Sirius."
"Ah," he said, "thought so. Yes, he would have most likely happened to have one of these."
Mrs. Weasley, however, scowled at the thought of that Sirius would give Harry something as dangerous as a Transporting Carpet.
"Right, now," said Mr. Weasley, "huddle up, all of you. Make sure to keep all of your arms and legs inside of the carpet. Mind you, we wouldn't want to leave one of those behind! On the count of three....one - two - three - International London Train Station."
Harry closed his eyes and barely felt his insides slightly closing in for a mere second and then spacing out freely again when he opened them to see themselves at the side of a building that was definitely the train station.
"There we are now," said Mr. Weasley, looking around. "All here? Splendid!"
One by one, Moody and Lupin undid the Disillusionment Charm on Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and then themselves.
The group began walking towards platform nine and three-quarters when a short man in a hood, and a good head-and-a-half shorter than Harry, accidentally bumped into him, clasping Harry's arm with his hand when Harry felt a familiar twinge of pain sear through his scar. The man immediately let go of Harry, mumbled something, and was out of sight.
"What is it, Harry?" asked Hermione. "Who was that?"
"I don't know," said Harry, still clutching his scar. Whoever it was, thought Harry, he was sure in a hurry to get away from someone or something. Harry remembered the touch of his hand...It was so strange, as if not a human hand at all. He shuddered.
"Are you sure you're alright, Harry, dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Yeah," said Harry, reassuringly. "I'm fine. Honestly."
"If you're sure..."said Mrs. Weasley, and all of them made it past the barrier that separatd them from the Hogwarts Express in groups of three. Harry, Mad-Eye, and Lupin went first, followed by Hermione, Neville, and Ron, and, finally, Ginny with her parents.
"Now, watch yourselves this year," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Yeah," said Moody, "especially you three." He pointed at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"If things, you know, come up," said Lupin, looking Harry directly in the eye, "don't worry about it, alright? There's nothing you can do about it. Alright?"
"Yeah," said Harry, though he couldn't guarantee any promises. If Lupin said that a true war was bound to break out, there would be no way that Harry could stay out of it. Lives would be lost, and this was only between him and Voldemort...
"You're only sixteen, remember that. Only - " said Mrs. Weasley.
"It's never stopped me before," said Harry under his breath.
"Harry!" said Lupin.
"Sorry," he breathed.
"Well, I hate to see you go.." said Mrs. Weasley, and Harry could see tears forming in her eyes. She gave each of them a warm hug, as if she was never going to see them again, and left them to board the train.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville got into the nearest compartment and waved Mrs. Weasley and the others goodbye while Ginny told them that she'd see them later because she had to go along with the other new prefects to get instructions from the Head Boy and Girl. Harry watched her go and he saw her join Colin Creevey, who seemed to be overenthusiastic about being a prefect and kept tripping over his robes, while he searched the corridor for Luna. He wondered if she had even come back to Hogwarts, or if someone had at least dropped her off...
He suddenly jumped as he saw a pare of big brown eyes emerge from the entrance and look painfully into his. Luna Lovegood was, in fact, returning to Hogwarts, accompanied by no other than Nymphadora Tonks.
"Tonks! What are you - how did you - you're alive! You're okay?" said Harry, completely taken by surprise.
"Shhh. Watch it now, Harry. Don't want to draw too much attention to me, now wouldja?"
Neville, Ron, and Hermione had now also emerged from their compartment, their mouths hanging open.
"Oh, my - " said Hermione. "Tonks! What -?"
"Quiet, all," said Tonks. "Let's talk in your compartment."
They walked inside and settled down. Tonks led Luna in by the shoulders, as if she wouldn't be able to find the way herself, and made sure that she was comfortable.
"You okay?" she asked her.
"I'm fine. Don't worry, really," Luna replied, strangely enough, in the same lively tone that she always spoke, only quieter.
Everyone was looking at the two with a compete look of confusion and mixed happiness on their faces. Ron sat next to Luna and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, at which she smiled, though meekly.
"Tonks?" said Hermione finally. "Do you mind - ?"
"Giving you an explanation?" she finished of her. "Yeah, I guess I do owe you one of those, don't I?"
"Y-yeah," said Harry, still astonished.
"Sorry," she replied, "can't say anything in here. Too risky. We'll have to wait 'till we get to Hogwarts, you know."
There was an awkward silence.
"Er," said Harry, not sure of what to say to either of them. "Wait! Hermione, can't you do that charm again? You know, the silencing thing?"
"Oooh, yes, that's a good idea," said Hermione, stepping up to the door of the compartment and shouting, "Iperturbio!" a second time.
"Wait a minute," said Harry, "how come whenever I do magic outside of school, I get in trouble with the Ministry, but when you -?"
"Never mind that, now," said Hermione, briskly, "Harry, don't you have something to say to Luna?"
"Yeah, but - er - Tonks, I don't think - "
"Say no more, there, Harry. Don't worry about it. I have to go up to the front of the train anyways. Orders from Dumbledore, you know. We'll talk later. But, as a matter of fact, I'm sure Miss Lovegood here can explain everything, can't you?" she asked her.
Luna nodded.
"There now! I'll see you at up at the school," and she left with a wave of her hand, shutting the glass door behind her.
"How come she's going to be at Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
"You don't think she's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, do you?" asked Ron.
"No," said Luna quietly, and all of them looked towards her, "she just needs to speak to Dumbledore about something...important, I think."
"Oh," said Hermione and looked around at Harry, "well..."
"Right," said Harry. "Luna, I'm - I'm really sorry about what happened to your parents. I - er - well, you see, it's sort of my - my fault."
She looked up at him, a questionable look on her face.
"Your fault? Harry, it's not your fault. Don't go blaming yourself, now," she said.
"But - but, the truth is that it is."
Harry told Luna all about the prophecy, his insides squirming at having to retell it's prospect, and his dream about Sirius with a sigh. She listened with the same dreamy look on her face.
When Harry finished, she smiled and said, "You ought not have explained everything, Harry. I knew about the prophecy."
"You - you knew?" said Harry and looked around from Hermione, to Ron, and then Neville, who all seemed to be just as shocked as he was.
"Yes. Dumbledore explained everything to me that - that night, you know." Her eyes fell to the floor. "Tonks took care of me. Took me back to my home - "
"But everyone though she was captured by Voldemort, or d-dead," said Hermione.
Luna looked up at her and said, "Oh, no. See, Dumbledore never wanted anyone to know about what happened to me. It was all supposed to be hushed up. But since Ronald came and found me, well, things got a bit turned around."
Ron's ears went red. "Sorry," he muttered.
"Don't blame yourself. You were only concerned. But the point is, Tonks was supposed to be undercover with me. No one was supposed to know what happened to my father and me. Then of course, she left me at home one time and went out for some mission, the day after the veil was destroyed. That's when Ronald came and found me. He saw that I was hurt and took me to St. Mungo's, though I assured him that I wasn't in pain. That's when everything got screwed up. See, no one at St. Mungo's or outside the Order was supposed to know about the attack on the veil or my father's death. Then Ronald returned to the two of you" - she looked up at Harry and Hermione - "and told you everything. Things go so messed up...so messed up..." Luna was shaking her head.
"I'm really sorry," said Ron, who was pink in the face.
"Once again," said Luna, "I repeat that you must not be for you were only following your kind heart as Harry would have done when he heard that you might be in trouble, but held himself back for the sake of the prophecy."
Ron went even more red.
"But why did Dumbledore want to hush it all up?" Neville spoke, finally.
"I - er - don't know," said Luna, once again, looking down at the floor.
Harry heard a muffle of footsteps near their compartment and suddenly snapped back into reality. He turned to Ron and Hermione and said, "Quick, now's you're chance. Do something!"
"What are you - ?" asked Ron, but Hermione suddenly understood what Harry had meant and dragged Ron over to sit next to her, taking his hand.
He looked at her in disgust and she rolled her eyes, saying, "Just play along, remember?"
The compartment door swung open and Harry found himself staring up at a smirking Draco Malfoy alongside his crones, Crabe and Goyle.
"Evening," he said, still smirking.
"What d'you want?" said Neville, bravely.
"Nice guts, Longbottom," said Malfoy. "I don't suppose you picked them up at the Department of Mysteries last year, did you?"
Harry got up, but Malfoy turned his head to Ron and Hermione, and then to the space between them where their hands lay, one on top of the other.
He snorted and said, "You're kidding me, right? Weasel and Mudblood? What a combination! Wait 'till the rest of the school hears about this."
Harry had now swung his wand arm around and took his wand out of his robes, pointing it at Malfoy. "Get out," he hissed.
"Relax, Potter. I'm just having a good laugh. Or, maybe, you're just jealous that Weasel King got to Granger before you did?"
Hermione had now also gotten up and taken out her wand as well. "Leave, Malfoy!'
"Oh, I'm scared now, Granger."
"I said get out!" yelled Hermione.
"Why, Granger. What happened to you? Had a nice little make over, did you? Or is it that you've finally come to your senses combed that bushy head of yours?"
Harry and Hermione acted at the same time and Malfoy was thrown against the side of the train, whimpering in pain, but got up and said, "Alright, alright. Keep your hosiery on, Granger. I'm leaving."
And, with that, he walked away laughing along with his thugs.
Hermione shut the door behind them and Harry made out a clear "This is gold!" remark from Malfoy.
They both sat down and Ron said, "The git! Who does he think he is?"
"But it's brilliant!" said Hermione. "He believed us! Do you have any idea how fast that's going to travel through Hogwarts with him on the loose, knowing that information?"
"Like a therstral," said Harry.
"Exactly," said Hermione, a grin spreading across her face.
"Wait," said Luna, "what exactly are you three planning?"
"Well," said Hermione, tentatively, "Harry doesn't want me to be in danger, so he's making me and Ron pretend like we're dating."
Luna's face fell.
"But we're not really dating!" Ron added quickly. "We're cousins, actually. But don't tell anyone; they're not supposed to know. We're just, you know, trying to convince everyone because, er, well - "
Ron looked at Harry and Hermione.
Luna smiled.
"You two are in love with each other, aren't you?" she asked the two of them.
Harry and Hermione blushed.
"It's okay," said Luna. "No need to hide it. It's only been too obvious."
Harry finally spoke.
"That's the problem. It's a bit too obvious. That's why we have to pretend - you know - that nothing's going on. I can't risk losing anyone any longer."
"It's alright, Harry," said Luna. "I understand."
Harry nodded, only just appreciating how good it was to have someone who understood the exact pain that he was going through. But then he remembered that Luna couldn't feel pain; neither physical nor mental. He felt a pang of jealousy reside withing him - Luna had no idea just how lucky she really was.
The compartment door swung open a second time and Hermione grabbed Ron's hand again, only to see Ginny rush it.
"Oh, it's only you, Ginny," said Hermione and thankfully let go of his hand.
"So, what's up?" Ginny asked, and then noticed Luna, at which she gasped.
"Luna! Oh, dear. What happened to you? Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine," Luna said, dreamily.
Ginny smiled, though rather nervously.
"Anyone know who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?" asked Neville.
"No," said Ginny, "but you'll never guess who's Slytherin captain."
"Let me guess," said Harry, "it starts with slimy git and ends with filthy Malfoy?"
"Yep," said Ginny, "but it's perfect! He doesn't know a hair about team work! The Quidditch Cup is almost as good as ours this year!"
"What d'you mean, almost?" asked Harry.
"Well, I heard the Ravenclaws have got a pretty sturdy team this year, you know. I heard Cho Chang's left her Seeker position and became a Beater."
"What? Why?" asked Harry.
"Because," Ginny snickered, "she reckons that she has no trouble taking out her anger at the bludgers. I heard she's quite good at it, actually."
"What about Hufflepuff?"
"I don't know about them yet because they have a lot of unfilled positions, but, then again, so do we. You better start looking, Harry. You're the Captain, you are. Won't look too good if we don't get enough players."
"Don't worry about it," said Harry, "I'm sure we'll find - "
"She's right, you know, Harry," said Hermione, "you need to start looking."
"And since when have you been so interested in Quidditch?" he asked her.
"I'm not! I just don't want you to lose your position," she said.
"Well, if you want a spot on the team, Hermione, don't reckon I'll go soft on you. I haven't seen you fly that much."
Hermione dropped her jaw and said, "I wouldn't play Quidditch if it was the last game on earth!"
"You cut me deep, Hermione. Really," Harry teased.
"Oh, will you two stop that!" said Ron. "It's getting disgusting!"
Hermione frowned at him, "Why don't you go and find something useful to do, Ron? Like stay out of it?"
"You're right! Next time, I'll just wait until he's proposing, why don't I?"
Hermione crossed her arms and didn't speak to Ron the rest of the way to Hogwarts.
The train stopped and they were getting out of their compartment when Ron noticed something.
"What the devil is that thing on your finger, Harry?" Ron asked again, pointing to the green and golden ring that Harry had gotten from Hermione on his birthday.
"Hey, you have one, too!" said Ginny, pointing at Hermione's hand.
"They're, er, promise rings," said Hermione.
"Oh, it's getting sick, I tell you!" said Ron and Ginny giggled.
"Shut up, Ron!" said Hermione.
"Firs' years. Firs' years. This way. Come on, all," came Hagrid's booming voice through the train station. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville looked up at him, beaming.
They walked over the carriages and Harry recognized the familiar therstrals as one of them came up to him and waited to be petted.
"Hey, I think this one remembers me!" said Harry.
"Oh, yeah. Those things are still here, aren't they?" said Ron as they climbed into one of the carriages and rode up to the school.
Walking into the familiar Great Hall, Harry whispered to Ron and Hermione and suggested that they hold hands once again, at which they unwillingly intertwined their fingers. No sooner had they done so than Harry heard an explosion of whispers emerge from all four sides, at which he smiled.
They settled themselves down at the Gryffindor table; Harry, Ginny, and Neville opposite of Ron and Hermione, while Luna joined the Ravenclaw table. Looking up, Harry saw Professor Dumbledore in deep conversation with Tonks, who were standing behind the teacher's table, after which Tonks nodded and left the hall, waving goodbye to Harry and the others. His eyes darted on Professor McGonagall, who was fussing with the first years and placing the Sorting Hat at the center front of the Hall, to Professor Snape, who was, by no doubt whatsoever, in conversation with no other than Narcissa Malfoy who, to Harry's utmost surprise, was sitting in one of the chairs next to him.
"What's Malfoy's mother doing here?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione, who shrugged.
Professor Dumbledore finally settled before his chair and, standing up, acknowledged the students, at which the noise in the Great Hall died and he sat down.
As soon as Professor McGonagall stepped away from the hat, it came alive and began to sing:
"Hello, the new and welcome back
To those who've been here longer
I pray and remember that last time
I told Hogwarts to be stronger;
Among the Houses, to unite
And care to be as one
However, you know all the same
That it simply was not done
And, this time, listen closely
For more I won't repeat
Don't be in haste to be split up
For, together, we're complete
No matter, you must go your ways
And find your favored paths
For as I look inside your heads,
I'll do a little math:
In Gryffindor, you know the brave
The noble and the modest
They never liked the Slytherins,
But, at least, they were honest
The Slytherins, of course you've heard
Will conquer any challenge
However, the one thing that they make
Sure to do is fulfill their revenge
Then Ravenclaws are known to be
Among some of the wisest
Unfortunately, their superiority
Never really seemed the cleverest
And then there are the Hufflepuffs,
They know when to be kindest
However, if there's a space apart,
This House was one of the farthest
So let me ask you this one thing:
Are you all not ashamed?
To be so proud, to be split up
As if my advice is lame?
And, finally, I'd like to add
As you're watching me with guilt
Let me tell you where you should go
For that's why I was built."
They Sorting Hat finished it's song and, once again, returned to a still position on the stool while silence filled the Great Hall; no one seemed to know what to say.
"That's interesting," Ron breathed, "It's never really insulted us before, has it?"
"It's not insulting us, Ron," said Hermione, "It's just telling us that we haven't been listening to what it's been telling us."
"Yeah," said Ron, "in an insulting sort of way."
Hermione shook her head.
"When I call your name, you are to come up, sit on the stool, and I will place the Sorting Hat on your head. Once you are sorted into your house, you are to join your classmates at the appropriate table," said Professor McGonagall to the nervous first years. "Avante, Evelyn."
"RAVENCLAW!" announced the Sorting Hat after it was placed on the girl's head.
"Cameroon, Cordelia."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Davies, Richard."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Davies?" said Ron. "Not related to Roger Davies by any chance, is he?"
"Probably," said Harry. "I mean, how many Davies are out there? Can't be too many, can there?"
"Evans, Mark,"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry chocked on his very breath. Mark Evans? He thought. No! It - it can't be! Harry watched as the small boy that he easily recognized to be beat up by Duddley's gang before sit himself at the Gryffindor table as the others applauded him.
Harry rubbed his eyes to make sure that he wasn't hallucinating.
"Gobblecreek, Dillan,"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Destone, Frederick,"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Destone, Sebastian,"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"What d'you reckon? Twins?" asked Ron.
"Looks like it," said Hermione.
At last, the sorting finished as John Worshenbank became a Hufflepuff and Professor McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat and the stool while Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement to the students.
"Welcome, welcome all. As some of you may know, and most of you may not, it is not in any way my pleasure to state that, unfortunately, the Maneosioan War is, after all, beginning."
Several worried whispers filled the Hall. Harry, on the other hand, had no idea what Dumbledore had meant. He knew that he was referring to the war that Lupin had mentioned, but he couldn't possibly imagine what it was that scared some of the students about it's name. Surely, there must be some significance to it, thought Harry.
"I am in no way, or are any of our teachers, except perhaps our Divination and History of Magic professors, to explain anything about the war in hindrance to the request of your parents. If they wish, they will have the right to tell you about it on their own account, but I am afraid that I can do nothing about the matter."
Several soft groans echoed through the room.
"Now, moving on. I would like to remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest on the grounds of Hogwarts is to remain forbidden to all pupils as long as they wish to stay at the school. If, and only if, unfortunate and sudden events are to take place at Hogwarts, then the school will be escorted to the forest for safety reasons. Though, I assure you, the forest is not safer than Hogwarts at any point. However, precautions must be taken into account. Yes. Now, I would like to welcome a new teacher to you all" - Dumbledore nodded to the woman seated several spaces to his right - "May I introduce to you, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Malfoy."
Harry felt absolutely everything inside of him drop to the floor and his brain grow cold. He turned to look at Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Neville only to see them look just as stricken as him.
He looked over at the Slytherin table, which had broken out into a booming applause, and watched as an enormous grin spread across Draco Malfoy's face.
Narcissa Malfoy stood up and tucked her chin in, though not smiling, and sat back down.
"Yes, yes. Thank you all for welcoming Professor Malfoy. I assure you that she will do a splendid job. And, on another note, all of the Educational Decrees issued by Professor Umbridge last year have, indeed, been canceled. Which means that all Clubs, Teams, and Organizations are free to run successfully without any pressure." His eyes twinkled at Harry and the Gryffindor table.
"Seeing as to the fact that we are all hungry, I would like to wrap up this session with a couple of quick words: Tickle! Rosemary! Sappy! Bash!"
At that, the plates in the Great Hall filled with delicious foods, drinks, and deserts at which the first years "ooh"ed and "ah"ed while the Slytherins yawned.
When they had finished dining, Ginny ran on to attend to her prefect duties while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville made their way back to their dormitory.
Ron and Hermione had taken Harry's advice to heart and began to hold hands wherever they went. When they reached the common room and sat on the sofa, Lavender Brown came up and sat next to Hermione.
"So, have you kissed him yet?" she referred to Ron.
"Kiss him! I wouldn't - I mean yes, of course I've - I mean, no, no, not like that - "
Lavender rolled her eyes and got up saying, "Whatever," under her breath.
"I don't think you're very convincing, Hermione," said Ron.
"Well, what do you want me to do?" asked Hermione angrily. "Wear a banner around my neck saying `I'm with stupid?'"
Ron scowled, but Harry laughed and said, "Actually, that wouldn't be too bad of an idea."
Harry looked at Hermione and his eyes locked with hers, unable to look away.
Ron made out a clear cough at which the both of them snapped and he said, "Oy, you two better stop staring at each other like that or people will think you're cheating on me, Hermione."
"Shut up, Ron!" said Hermione, following Lavender's action and getting up. "I'll see you two later." She made her way past a group of giggling Gryffindor girls and out of the portrait hole.
"Where's she going?" asked Harry. "It's the first day back!"
"You know Hermione," said Ron, "never miss a chance to go to the library. So have you asked if anyone's interested in joining the Gryffindor Quidditch team?"
"I forgot about that!" said Harry.
He had been too occupied with the start of term to think about his Captain duties.
"Who do we need again?" asked Harry. "We have Katie as Chaser, you as Keeper, me as Seeker, and Ginny said she'd try out for Chaser too, right?"
"Right," said Ron.
"So all we need to do is find two great Beaters and another Chaser!"
"You got it!" said Ron.
"So how do we do that?" asked Harry.
"I have no idea," said Ron. "And, by the way Harry. We don't do anything. It's you that's got to find someone to fill those positions!"
"Thanks, Ron," said Harry with a frown. "I appreciate your support."
"No problem."
Ginny had just walked in and joined them on the couches.
"Any luck yet?" she asked.
"What d'you mean, any luck? I only figured out which positions we need to fill."
"Sorry," said Ginny. "Don't worry, Harry. All you have to do is make a notice on the Gryffindor Bulletin Board. They'll come. Trust me."
"Yeah. That's a good idea. Thanks, Ginny. See, she helped," Harry said.
"Good for her. Now if you don't mind - " said Ron " - d'you want to play some Wizard's Chess, Ginny?"
"Sure," she said.
Harry ignored them and went up to his dormitory, gathering a quill, some parchment, and ink from his belongings only to stumble across the necklace that he had received from the old woman at the metro station. He opened it once more to look at the picture of his parents, only to find a note in it's place written in neat handwriting.
Harry,
How are you, dear? I'm afraid I didn't give you much of an explanation when I met you down at the metro station, did I? Well, I suppose this might scare you a bit, but I'm - well, I'm your grandmother, on your father's side.
Harry felt a lump form in his throat, but continued to read the letter.
Of course, I'll understand if you don't want to keep in contact with me, but, it was sweet to see my son's face in my grandson, alive and well. James was a wonderful son and I miss him more than you can imagine. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter-in-law either, of course. Your mother was a brilliant witch. They were both Head Boy and Girl, you know. This locket is a Potter family artifact and I will trust you to keep it safe. Don't lose it now, or, if you ever wanted to contact me again, well, I don't think it could be possible. I know you were forced to live with those awful Muggles on your mother's side and I truly am sorry, but I was living practically on the other side of the world. I didn't even know that Lily and James had you until, oh, I don't know, several months ago, I trust. You see, my home is in Brazil; I've lived there ever since your grandfather died. Oh, how Lily and James begged me not to go. But I couldn't stay, Harry, you understand that don't you? It was a difficult time. I suggested that they leave as well; times were not safe for them. But they insisted they remain in London and, well, from what I've heard, one thing lead to another with You-Know-Who and here you stand. Famous is your name, yet I barely even know you. I wish to spend more time with you, dear, I really do, but if you feel as if I am not someone to trust or someone you can forgive for making an old woman's mistake, I fully understand that. Take care now, Harry, dear. If you chose to, please write back.
With love,
Your Grandma,
Cilia Potter
Harry read this over and over, not believing his eyes. He had a retaliative. He, Harry Potter, the orphan, had a grandmother! Harry swung the necklace around his neck and placed the note in his pocket, shutting the locket safely. He still couldn't believe that no one had ever told him anything. Not even Dumbledore....or Sirius.
Harry sighed heavily and, instead of writing the Quidditch positions on the parchment, he wrote,
Dear Grandmother,
I accept. Thank you for your locket. I truly do wish to speak to you again. I would do anything to find out more about my parents and my family. I trust that you already know about the loss of my godfather, Sirius Black. Therefore, I have no remaining relatives left with the exception of the Dursleys, who were and are always horrible to me. Thank you for coming back. If I knew you, I'm sure I would have missed you.
Harry
Harry read the letter and nodded, grinning. But what was he to do? Would he send it to her by owl? And what did she meant by it when she told him that if he lost he locket, he wouldn't be able to communicate with her again? He concentrated and then decided to stuff his letter into the locket, which was far easier than he imagined. He closed it and opened it again, only to find the letter that he had written gone.
He grinned to himself and descended the stairs, excited to tell Ron that he had just discovered his long-lost grandmother.
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