Three days before the start of classes, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny found themselves in Diagon Alley, shopping for school supplies. Hermione had insisted on finding new dress robes for herself and Harry, and insisted on helping him pick out several new outfits as well. Ron eagerly offered his recently acquired fashion sense and Ginny merely laughed at Harry's growing discomfort the entire morning. Exasperated after trying on what seemed like the hundredth outfit, Harry insisted they break for lunch. Harry muttered all the way and swore he would never go clothes shopping with either of them again. He insisted he would create a golem that looked just like him to go with them instead the next time they felt the need to recreate his image.
They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron and sat around a medium sized table and ordered some sandwiches. Several minutes later, they saw Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas and waved them over. A few minutes later, Padma and Parvati showed up with Lavender Brown. They brought over an extra table and joined the growing group. Halfway through their lunch, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood arrived, followed a few minutes later by several of Ginny's friends. By the end of lunch, Harry looked up and noticed that the large group of Gryffindors, with a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs from the DA had conscripted two thirds of the tables in the pub for their use. Harry chuckled as he looked around at all of his friends gathered round him.
"What's so funny?" asked Hermione.
"Last year, I felt so alone for most of the year, what with the training and the fear I wouldn't be ready in time to face Voldemort, that I never really paid much attention to all the people around me. Now look at this group. I've been in class with most of them for six years now, I've taught most of them in DA, and I've even fought with them against Voldemort. But it's like I don't even recognize them-it's like I'm seeing some of them for the very first time. I don't know quite how to explain it."
Hermione smiled. "I think we're going to have a very good year Harry."
Returning her smile, he replied, "I hope so. I certainly hope so."
So far, all the conversation had been focused on the upcoming school year and their plans and had avoided the recent events of the summer. Harry was very glad, he really didn't feel like discussing it and was grateful that nobody had mentioned it. One of the Hufflepuffs, Justin Fletch-Finley, finally asked Harry a question that quieted the rest of the chattering teenagers.
"So who do you think will be the next Minister of Magic, Harry?"
Surprised, Harry responded. "How should I know? It's not like…"
"Oh, come on Harry. Don't be so modest. Everyone will be wanting to know what you think about the new Minister of Magic," insisted Neville. Harry turned and stared at Neville in absolute shock.
"What do you mean? Why would anyone care what I think about…"
Laughing, Ginny responded. "Of course everyone is going to want to know what you think about any possible candidate Harry." She reached over and pulled the Daily Prophet away from Hermione, who had finished reading it, and pushed it across to Harry. "Now normally, this isn't a very good paper, but the news it has today is fairly accurate. The Wizengamot is struggling to find someone to replace Fudge as the Minister of Magic."
"You've got to be kidding. There must be dozens of wizards and witches who would love to be Minister of…"
"Oh yes, probably a hundred or more-but the Wizengamot can't just appoint anyone, especially in light of the events of this past year," observed Ginny. Hermione simply sat and watched Ginny shrewdly while Harry listened as Ginny continued. "They've already asked Dumbledore, and he refused, saying he had a greater duty at Hogwarts to fulfill. They've talked with Madame Bones, but she insists she has too much to do within her own department to be able to take on additional duties. Obviously the Chief of the Aurors is in a very dubious position, what with the recent problems with some of the Aurors following Fudge's instructions and the inquiries that will be made shortly."
"What about other ministers at the Department? Surely there must be somebody? Or someone who isn't at all associated with the Ministry," protested Harry.
"Well, it seems like they want someone from the Ministry who at least knows how it works and who might already have connections within it to make the transition smoother. So they probably won't ask anyone from outside the Ministry. But most of the ministers of important departments had very close ties with Fudge, and right now that's not exactly a plus," finished Ginny. "So you can see their problem. Personally, I think they'll end up appointing one of Fudge's former stooges, one that probably didn't have too many connections with him. Maybe Ernst Burdict from International Wizard Relations or Robert Skaggles from the Legal Review department. Or they might end up going with some member of the Wizengamot who is retired from the Ministry but is still an important and wealthy contributor, someone like Michael Dearvey or Carole Watkins."
"Hmm. Well, I know who they should appoint," stated Harry.
"Who?" asked Hermione curiously. "Do you know any of those people Ginny just mentioned?"
"No, but they'd be insane not to at least consider him," responded Harry.
"Who?" pressed Ginny, leaning forward.
Harry didn't notice how all conversation in the tavern had quieted, as if everyone was holding their breath waiting for Harry to speak. "Well, your dad."
"My Dad!?!?" exclaimed Ron in shock and then started laughing. Hermione and Ginny looked at him, and then gazed back at Harry with very thoughtful glances.
Harry glared momentarily at Ron and then explained. "Don't sell him short, Ron. I would trust your dad with my life."
Holding his hands up, Ron defended himself. "I know, I know Harry. He's a great guy. But he's only Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, mainly because he…"
"Because he didn't see eye to eye with Fudge on a number of issues. Your dad has experience in the Ministry, he has lots of friends and connections, he understands how the Ministry works. And nobody would accuse him of being a Fudge lackey. But more importantly your dad knows what has to be done. He's been right in the middle of the wars against Voldemort and the Death Eaters for years. He knows that things have to change at the Ministry, change in the wizarding world, if we are to avoid the mistakes of the past. I'd vote for Arthur Weasley for Minister of Magic in a heartbeat." Suddenly Harry realized that he had everyone's attention in the entire pub and lowered his voice. "But I don't have any say, so it doesn't really matter. Anyways, I think I'm ready for some ice cream." Harry waved goodbye to most of his schoolmates and left the pub with Hermione, Ginny, and Ron.
After finishing off their ice cream at the special Weasley table where nobody could see them as Hogwarts students, they finished buying the rest of their school supplies. While Hermione looked at books, Ron, Harry, and Ginny spent over an hour in the specialty Broomstick shop debating which models of brooms would serve them best in the coming year. Both Ron and Ginny had received enough money from the settlement of Black's estate to purchase new brooms. Ron eventually settled on purchasing a Starduster Five, renowned for its stability and lightning fast response, the perfect broom for a Keeper. Ginny finally decided on a Streaking Comet 2002, which, though not as fast or maneuverable as Harry's Firebolt, was built more sturdily to hold up better under the greater abuse and physical contact a Chaser usually experienced. They returned late in the afternoon to the Burrow and spent the rest of the evening breaking in their new brooms.
--
The next morning, as Harry and Hermione returned from their sparring session with Saldar, they stepped into the kitchen at the Burrow and heard the loud exclamations of Molly and Arthur Weasley. Concerned, they both rushed to the table to see what was wrong. Arthur and Molly wheeled to look at Harry as he approached and then looked back down to the paper sitting on their table.
Hermione whispered, "Oh my!" as Harry looked over her shoulder to read the headline.
"Boy-Who-Lived Endorses Arthur Weasley for Minister of Magic!
Speaking before a large public gathering yesterday debating various candidates for the vacant position of Minister of Magic, Harry Potter strongly recommended the appointment of Arthur Weasley, currently serving as Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. A long serving official within the Ministry, who according to sources within the Ministry is widely popular, it is speculated he would have risen much higher if not for various personal differences with former Minister Fudge. Furthermore, Mr. Potter argued that Mr. Weasley's experience in fighting with those who opposed You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters (see accompanying article examining Arthur Weasley's actual participation in the final battle) demonstrated not only his tremendous courage, but also his ability to recognize and face current challenges to the wizarding world. Anticipating counter arguments challenging his fitness for the job, Mr. Potter explained that Mr. Weasley's past actions also revealed his understanding of what the Ministry needed to do in order to meet the challenges of the present and avoiding repeating past mistakes in the future. Mr. Potter finished his ringing endorsement by stating emphatically, "I'd vote for Arthur Weasley for Minister of Magic in a heartbeat." If that statement does not seem persuasive enough, Mr. Potter expressed his complete confidence in Arthur Weasley when he declared simply, "I would trust him with my life." There can be no higher compliment than that.
What effect Mr. Potter's public declaration of support will have on the deliberations of the Wizengamot remain to be seen. Arthur Weasley is not currently a member of the Wizengamot, though sources within the assembly insist there have already been motions raised to make him a member shortly…"
Harry's face glowed red with embarrassment. "I am so sorry Arthur. I never meant to put you in this position. I was just talking with some friends from Hogwarts yesterday-I can't believe all of this ended up in the paper, there must have been some reporter eavesdropping or something. I…uhh…"
Molly gave him a huge hug, much to his surprise. "It was very sweet of you to say those things, Harry."
Harry felt Arthur's hand on his shoulder, "I appreciate your faith in me Harry. It means a lot to me. Thank you."
"You're…you're not upset. But surely there will be all kinds of reporters harassing you now, and it's all my fault…"
"Oh, don't worry about it Harry. I'm sure all of this excitement will blow over very quickly. You know how fickle the press is. This is just a way of selling papers for most of them."
Arthur was interrupted by several owls arriving and tapping on the back window. Surprised, he moved to open the window. As soon as it was open, another half dozen owls forced their way inside as well. Molly helped him sort through the incoming mail, most were requests for interviews with a variety of wizarding newspapers. One rather large envelope had the seal from the Wizengamot embossed on the front. His hands shaking slightly, Arthur opened the envelope and read it slowly, with Molly looking on, tears glistening in her eyes. He turned to look at her and announced in an awed tone, "They've just extended me an invitation to join the Wizengamot. I'm to meet with Dumbledore and several of the other leaders this afternoon at two to inform them of my decision." Molly shrieked in delight and gave him a huge hug.
"Oh, it's about time you finally got your due recognition, Arthur! I'm so proud of you!"
Harry tried to leave quietly, with Hermione tiptoeing behind him, but their escape was cut off as Ron, Ginny, Charlie and Bill burst into the room wondering what was happening. Once they knew, the boys roared their approval and Ginny shrieked in excitement as well. Many hugs later, Molly insisted they should have a celebratory breakfast. Bill went to notify the twins and tell them to come home to share in the fantastic news. Harry simply shrugged at Hermione, still in disbelief at this latest turn of events.
--
Joining the Weasleys for dinner, Harry and Hermione got to hear the full account of Arthur's visit at the Wizengamot. Apparently the vote to make him a member had been nearly unanimous, and according to Dumbledore, there was a growing consensus in favor of appointing Arthur as the new Minister of Magic. The family talked happily late into the night.
The next morning was typically chaotic for the Weasley household, since Ron and Ginny had to finish their packing. Hermione was already packed of course, and Harry had already dropped his things off at Hogwarts, since his house was just outside of Hogsmeade. That afternoon, after the packing was done, all of the Weasleys, except for Arthur who was deeply involved in a number of meetings and interviews, joined Harry for a final Quidditch game and feast at the Burrow before returning to Hogwarts. It was a long and very enjoyable evening for everyone and nobody was hurt too badly during the wild match that ensued. Molly finally called it a night, since they had to be early to King's Crossing to catch the train. She had to remind Ginny and Ron several times that they needed to set particularly good examples tomorrow since they were both prefects now.
The following morning, Molly was true to her word, and the family arrived very early at King's Crossing. Harry hung out with the twins, cracking jokes, while Hermione, Ron, and Ginny helped direct arriving students that needed assistance.
"Look at them-so helpful," muttered Fred in disgust.
"Harry, you're our only hope," lamented George.
"Actually, I think I've got Ron convinced to help me pull a few pranks,"
Just then a soft, feminine voice shocked them into stillness. "I hope you have some jokes left for me, boys. I'm sure Harry has already made arrangements with the two of you to provide him with the necessary materials to…shall we say…advertise your products. Let me assure all three of you, that if I don't receive my fair share of joke products-free of course-that I will have no choice but to dock points, hand out some detentions, and turn the lot of you in to Hermione and Mum," she threatened quietly. All three turned slowly to look at Ginny with a wide, mischievous grin on her face.
Fred was the first to recover from the initial shock and gave her a huge hug. "Oh Gin, you don't know what this means…"
"We can finally rest at night, knowing that…" continued George.
"the honourable name of Weasley will continue…"
"to be remembered with laughter by most…"
"and fear by the Slytherins…"
"within the halls of Hogwarts."
Smiling, Ginny replied. "If you two are quite done now, you've just reminded me of one of my most important duties. I think I see some Slytherins that need a few points docked."
"It brings a tear to one's eye," began Fred.
"You teach them, you nurture them, you do all that you can for them,"
"And all you can do is hope that they too can go forth and carry on the time-honoured legacy of the Weasleys."
Trying to hold in his laughter, Harry managed to spit out, "I don't think this is exactly the kind of legacy your parents envisioned for Ginny."
"Too true, Harry, but we can't"
"let her future be restricted by the limited vision of our parents."
Harry could control his laughter no longer. Finally, gasping for air, he replied to the twins, "Well, it seems I will certainly have plenty of help, if not some competition this year. I trust you'll inform me of all the stuff you pass on to her-I'd hate for either of you or her to think that you could pull one over on me."
With a much too innocent face, Fred quickly protested.
Harry smiled and saw through the lie easily. "Because what goes around comes around. Just keep that in mind."
"Oooh, Fred, I think we've just been challenged. I think the Boy-Who-Pranks thinks he can get us. Ohh noo!"
Laughing again, Harry replied again. "Oh, stuff it you two. I better go say goodbye to your Mum before I catch the train." Harry trotted over to Molly and gave her a huge hug, and then chatted with Charlie and Bill before running over to board the train. With all of his friends making their prefect rounds, Harry found himself a compartment at the back of the train all to himself. He waved goodbye again as the train pulled out, feeling slightly depressed at being all alone.
A few minutes later the door burst open. Harry's wand was already out and pointing at the thin, silver-blonde haired wizard who sauntered through the door and sat down easily across from Harry.
"Always greet people with a wand in their face, do you Potter?" drawled Malfoy easily. "Not very friendly for someone of your reputation."
"Make yourself at home, Malfoy. Can't find any first years to pick on?" teased Harry.
"Nah, Mu-Granger and the Weasleys are patrolling the corridors. The Weasel in particular seems to have it in for me."
"What, not a prefect any more? What happened?"
"I guess the old geezer has finally flipped his lid. Check this out Potter." Malfoy tossed something shiny across to Harry.
Harry caught it easily and looked down. His eyes widened as he read the words Head Boy inscribed on the silver badge.
Harry just laughed. "So I guess you get to move out of the Slytherin dungeons, ehh? Congratulations."
With a hurt look on his face, Malfoy replied, "Hey, those dungeons are very cozy and…"
"slimey and drafty. Yeah, wonderful place to sleep."
Draco almost smiled and then looked at Harry sharply. "How do you know what they're like?"
Harry just smiled.
"So how was your summer? Did you stay with Snape?"
"Yeah. It was decent all things considered. Not as exciting as your own, of course."
"Yeah," replied Harry. "Uhh, how is your mom doing?"
Malfoy's eyes flashed angrily. "Oh, so Weasley spilled the beans, eh? Had to go to Potter and tell him…"
Harry looked at Draco with a look of confusion. "What are you talking about? Ron didn't say anything about running into you, let alone having a conversation with you."
Draco stopped and looked at Harry with surprise. "Er, nothing. Never mind Potter. She's fine, as good as can be expected."
"OK," replied Harry slowly as he tried to think of something to do besides swap more idle chatter. "Do you play Wizard's Chess?"
"Am I a wizard, Potter?"
"Do you really want me to answer that? Let me go borrow a set-I'll be back in a minute." Harry disappeared and then reappeared a few moments later with a board and a large, ornate box in hand. Opening the box, Harry asked with a smirk, "Red and gold or green and black?"
"I better take the red and gold pieces-you've probably done something to the green and black ones." He reached out to grab a pawn only to have it explode loudly in his fingers.
Harry was beside himself with laughter. "Good thing you didn't reach for the bishop or the knight."
Waving his wand and muttering Finite Incantatum, Malfoy sneered, "Funny, Potter, real funny. Just wait until I mop up the board with you."
Three hours later, they were in the middle of their fifth game. They were currently tied at two games a piece, but Malfoy had a decided edge in this game, having already taken both of Harry's bishops and one of his knights to a measly three pawns that Harry had captured. The friendly bantering had continued between the two almost nonstop the entire trip.
"You're much better at this than I expected, Potter. Usually only Slytherins or Ravenclaws do very well at wizard chess. So which Ravenclaw taught you-no, let me guess. Cho Chang?"
"Actually, it was Ron."
"Ron? I've never heard of a Ron in Ravenclaw."
"No, Ron Weasley."
"The Weasel? Shut up Potter. Next you'll be telling me that he's actually better than you."
"Oh, but he is. He could beat either one of us in his sleep."
"The Weasel? Beat me at Wizard's chess? While the thought is slightly amusing, I also find it highly offensive. I would never lose to…"
"Didn't he thrash you in five straight games last Christmas at Grimmauld Place before the pieces stopped playing for you?"
"Shut up right now Potter-I will not have your delusional fantasies messing up the order of my universe right now."
Harry just grinned as they played in silence for a few more minutes.
"You know, Potter, I was just thinking that wherever the Head Boy's room is, maybe it will be right next to the Head Girl's room, you know what I mean? With any luck it will be Hannah Abbot or that delicious looking Ravenclaw-what's her name?"
Harry had suddenly turned rather pale.
"What?" asked Draco and then he whitened slightly too as he realized. "Oh no! Don't tell me. Please don't tell me that Granger is the Head Girl. Oh of all the damn rotten luck…"
"Well, it's nice to know that you're looking forward to working with me, Malfoy. And before you get too excited Malfoy, or too worried Harry, they keep those rooms apart, even if they happen to be from the same house. And since you're in Slytherin, your room will be down in the dungeons somewhere and my room will be up by Gryffindor's common room somewhere. Haven't either of you ever read Hogwart's, A History?"
"Ahh, the dulcet tones of your siren, Potter."
"And just what the bloody hell is going on here? That's my set! What is Malfoy doing with the red and gold pieces?"
"Don't overanalyze that Weasel. Besides, even you should be able to put the clues together and recognize a game of Wizard's Chess when you see one. Though I would hardly call this a game-a rout, a slaughter, or a massacre, would be more accurate. And here Potter was saying that you're the one that taught him-no wonder I've been cleaning his clock for the past three hours."
"Hey, we're tied," protested Harry.
"And I absolutely pounded on you last Christmas…"
Malfoy brushed Harry's protests aside with the wave of a hand and simply ignored Ron. "Yeah, I took pity on you and gave you two games, Potter. Wouldn't do to shatter the Boy-Who-Lived-but-Can't-Play-Wizard's-Chess-to-Save-His-Own-Life's confidence over a mere game, would it? Well, now that your entire fan club is here Potter, I think I'll take my leave before I overstay my welcome," sneered Malfoy.
"Too late for that, Ferret," muttered Ron darkly.
Malfoy stood up to leave.
"Why weren't you at the prefects' meeting? You were supposed to help with the students and patrol…"
"Yeah, yeah. You and the Weasleys had it under control. I was here protecting the Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry snorted and Hermione shot Maloy an angry glance. "Well, step out in the hall with me-there were a few notices that you need to know about."
"What?! You can't go out there alone with…with Malfoy!" barked Ron.
Hermione glared daggers at him, Harry simply shook his head, Ginny rolled her eyes, and Malfoy just laughed. "Honestly, Weasel. How thick are you? If I really had it in for Granger or Potter, I could have just let my cousin kill them last year!" Rubbing his cheek absentmindedly, he continued, "Besides, it's not like Granger can't stand up for herself, and bloody Potter here could probably incinerate me on the spot if I tried anything stupid." Malfoy chuckled again and motioned elegantly for Hermione to precede him out of the compartment. He nodded at both Harry and Ginny briefly as he left, "Potter, Weasley." Before he closed the door, he turned back and added, "By the way, I think you'll enjoy the new DADA instructor this year." Then he left laughing.
Fuming, Ron sat heavily in his seat. Harry turned to Ginny to see if she wanted to finish the game. Hermione returned later and she chatted with Ginny and Harry as the three of them took turns playing chess until the train arrived at Hogwarts. Ron sat sullenly for most of the trip. Disembarking from the train, they moved quickly to find a carriage. Harry noticed many of the students looking in awe at the thestrals resting in the traces waiting to pull the carriages to Hogwarts. Harry then heard a pair of thundering footsteps and a booming voice calling out his name.
He spun around to be caught in a bone crushing hug by Hagrid. When he finally convinced Hagrid to put him down, they all chatted with him for a few minutes before Hagrid began gathering the first years with their help.
With the first years on the way, they settled into one of the carriages and watched for the first sight of Hogwarts. Minutes later they were walking across the field towards the large oak doors of the castle. Slipping inside, they followed the crush of students towards the Great Hall in anticipation of the Sorting Ceremony and the Welcoming Feast. Harry had never felt happier coming back to Hogwarts.
--
Sitting at the Gryffindor table, surrounded by his friends once again, Harry felt his spirit soaring. Listening more than talking, he tried to find out how everyone else's summer had been. The Great Hall slowly quieted down as Professor McGonagall led in the first years to be sorted. Harry couldn't believe how many there seemed to be, or how small they looked. And then another small group stepped forward, but these larger students did not appear to be eleven years old, most of them seemed much older. Professor McGonagall introduced them as a group of transfer students. Harry's jaw dropped in amazement, there were several students from both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, but also schools in China, India, South Africa, Brazil and the United States. He glanced over at Hermione who looked excited, but not surprised.
"Oh, won't this be a fabulous opportunity this year to get to know students from other parts of the world?" Then her enthusiastic grin turned to a scowl. Harry turned to see what had set her off, and realized that every other boy in the school was staring at the same student. A willowy thin girl, with long, silver hair and sparkling blue eyes. Her gaze met Harry's and she gave a little wave with a dainty hand. Harry could feel his cheeks redden and he quickly looked away. Hearing Hermione mutter under her breath, he focused on the table in front of him, rather then risk meeting eye contact again with either of the two girls.
When her name was called, Gabrielle Delacour stepped lightly to the stool and waited as McGonagall placed the hat on her head. Harry glanced around at the various tables where nearly every male eye continued to rest on the girl in the chair. After a long pause, the Hat announced Ravenclaw and their table erupted in cheers as if they had won the House Cup. Boys of nearly every age from every other House were shooting angry glares at all of the Ravenclaws.
Harry then heard a number of sighs of relief from several girls at the Gryffindor table over the continued grumbling of Hermione. He braved a glance at Hermione, but she was still glowering at Gabriella's back as she sat at the Ravenclaw table, where a number of boys had tried to provide an open space for her to sit in. He slipped his arm around her shoulder and thought softly, "What's wrong, Mione?"
"Isn't it obvious, Harry? All that little witch has to do is toss her hair over her shoulder and every boy in the school starts drooling. Even you were staring at her. And then she waved at you and…"
"What? You're not jealous are you?"
Her fiery glance met his and he paused for a moment, thinking fast. He tightened his grip around her shoulders and stared back into her eyes. "Mione, you know I love you. There isn't anyone else I'm interested in-there never could be. I was just surprised at seeing her, that's all. It's been two and a half years since the Tri-Wizard Tournament after all." She seemed to relax a little after that and he continued. "Look, you're more beautiful than her in so many different ways. You have absolutely nothing to worry about, Miss Hermione Granger." He then pulled out her right hand and turned the palm over and traced the faint scar that the Sword of Gryffindor had left there.
She gave him a big hug. "Thanks, Harry. I don't know why I was being so silly." They had missed the rest of the sorting ceremony and Dumbledore was standing to make his yearly announcements.
"Welcome, welcome, old friends and new, to another year at Hogwarts. It is my great pleasure to thank all of the transfer students who have joined us this year. It is my hope that in making new friends, we can help strengthen the bonds that unite the magical world.
Now I am afraid that I have several more mundane announcements to make. First, the Forbidden Forest remains just that-forbidden to all students, even the seventh years," he added, glancing at the Gryffindor table. "Mr. Filch has been kind enough to post a revised and extended list of banned items at Hogwarts. In addition to all the items on the list last year, everything sold by Weasley's Wizard Wheezes has been prohibited." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily.
There have been a few teaching changes as well. Unfortunately, Mr. Lupin will no longer be able to serve as our DADA instructor this year."
Harry and most of the Gryffindors looked up at the Professors' table in surprise, because Remus Lupin was seated there, between McGonagall and Hagrid.
"He will be visiting from time to time, and has graciously offered his assistance to some of the various clubs this year." Dumbledore looked directly at Harry and winked. Or so he thought.
"I would like to introduce our new Professor of Potions, some of the older students may recall her last visit to Hogwarts, Miss Fleur Delacour." A slightly older, more elegant version of her sister Gabriella emerged from a side door by the Professors' table and strode gracefully to an empty chair near Dumbledore. She bowed perfectly before the keen glances of every male in the school.
"Damn veela," hissed Hermione. Harry thought he heard the same sentiment echoed by other girls at the table as he grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Then a sobering thought struck him.
"Mione, if Fleur is now teaching Potions and Remus won't be teaching DADA, you don't think that Dumbledore would appoint…" Hermione quickly looked up with a look of surprise on her face and they both turned quickly back to Dumbledore.
"Welcome to the staff, Miss Delacour. Now I would like to introduce the new DADA instructor, a wizard who really needs no introduction, Professor Snape."
The Slytherins, led by Draco Malfoy, were on their feet, cheering wildly. The other three tables looked on in shock with only a few students clapping hesitantly. Eyes all along the Gryffindor table slowly turned in amazement to see Harry clapping loudly, and Hermione only slightly less eagerly. Looks of stunned disbelief passed among the Gryffindor table as Ron slowly pounded his head on the table.
"I could have been with that Goddess in Potions, but now I'm stuck with that hellspawn Snape for another year in DADA. What did I do wrong? What did I do?"
"Oh shut up Ron!" snapped Hermione. "I think he might be a very good DADA teacher," insisted Hermione a little uncertainly.
"You think?" doubted Ron. "That has been you attending all those horrible Potions classes with us all these years, right?"
"Well, I hope he'll be a better DADA teacher than he was in Potions," stated
Hermione fervently.
Harry glanced at Dumbledore, who was nodding his head in approval and then at Snape, who was looking at him oddly. It seemed to be an odd assortment of eagerness, excitement, and satisfaction. And was that amusement? Or malice? He couldn't tell for sure, reading Snape had always been a near impossible task. His focus returned to Dumbledore as he spoke once again.
"I am afraid I have one final announcement before we can eat. We will not have a regular Quidditch season this year." The Great Hall erupted with outrage and protest. Harry and most of the Gryffindor table were on their feet, with a vast majority of the other students as well. Dumbledore raised his hands, calling for silence and the roar slowly subsided. "Instead, we will have two special Quidditch tournaments this year. The first, played over a special three-day weekend in the third week of October will determine the winner of the Quidditch cup for the year. The captain of the winning team will work with several Professors to assemble a special Quidditch team to represent Hogwarts in a special tournament against the best Quidditch players from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. We will play Beauxbatons at their school in November, and then play at Durmstrang in December. In March we will host Durmstrang, and then Beauxbatons will come here to finish the tournament in May. Special arrangements have been made to provide transportation for all the students, who have permission from their parents or guardians and who wish to attend, to go and watch the matches."
The cheers that followed were truly deafening. Dumbledore smiled brightly and amidst the general chaos signaled for the food to appear. Many of the students were still cheering as the Professors began eating. Harry cheerfully loaded his plate, listening as Ron excitedly began discussing Quidditch strategies. Hermione ate more thoughtfully, occasionally glancing up at the Professors' table and at the other students. As people began finishing the wonderful feast, she kicked Ron under the table and motioned with her head to follow her. Harry leaned forward and whispered, "What's the password?"
"Victory!" she replied. Harry smiled. How appropriate.
"Come on runts! Follow me if you don't want to get lost in the dungeons with the trolls," bellowed Ron.
"Stop scaring them!" hissed Hermione as Ginny stood up to help as well. Harry leaned back at his bench, smiling as he watched his friends herd the first years and the new transfer students to their dormitories. Finishing off another slice of pie, he then wandered up to the Professors' table past the rapidly thinning crowd of students. He visited briefly with Hagrid and Lupin.
"I thought you liked teaching DADA, Remus. What happened?"
"I will be working on a few, uhh, special projects over the next year that would not allow me to continue teach here at Hogwarts regularly, much as I would like to do." Harry nodded, having suspected as much. He then spoke with McGonagall for a few minutes and then Dumbledore. Dumbledore told him they were still working out a few of the details in his class schedule. Fleur said hello and spoke with him for a few minutes. Her time at Gringotts and her private lessons with Bill had apparently paid off-her English had improved greatly. Harry then moved down the table to congratulate Snape on his recent appointment.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I hope you will find some of the material I plan on covering challenging enough for you this year." Snape had an odd smile on his face.
Harry replied, "I'm sure it will be, sir. Good night." Harry gave a wave, and then walked out of the Great Hall, up to the Gryffindor common rooms. It certainly was going to be a different year, he thought. After giving the password, he walked into the common room and saw a familiar looking head of brown hair sitting in a sofa by the fireplace. He fell easily into the spot next to Hermione and they watched the fire die down slowly.
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Next Chapter: First Week of School
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