A/N - Although some people believe that Head's don't have separate dorms, for my story, they do (reasons for it are put in the chapter).
CHAPTER TEN
Dumbledore's Offerings
The hall remained quiet as the small number of first years where sorted into their houses. Many of the first years were hesitant to place the hat on their head, but did so after some encouragement from Professor Flitwick.
The majority of the students where sorted into Gryffindor, with small amounts going to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Harry was expecting no one to be sorted into Slytherin, but was surprised when two were, a short dirty blond haired girl, and a very disgruntled looking boy. Once the sorting was completed, and the Sorting Hat put away, Professor McGonagall stood up from her chair. The hall didn't need to quiet, because it had been like that since the Sorting Hat began to sing.
`Let the feast begin' she spoke plainly, waving her wand. Instantly, the house tables became piled with food, and students started talking loudly about the Sorting Hat's song. Ron, for what must have been the first time ever, did not jump at the food and start eating like a starving hyena.
`Harry, did the Hat just say what I think it just said?' he asked shakily.
`I . . . I don't know' answered Harry. The hat's voice was repeating in Harry's head over and over again, like a broken muggle record player.
`Harry, we need to talk to Dumbledore's portrait, and McGonagall' advised Hermione. Harry nodded in agreement. The impacts of the song were too important not to go for help. Harry and the others continued their meal in quietness, while the rest of the hall continued to talk loudly about the topic. When the deserts finally left the table, leaving them clean and polished, Professor McGonagall stood again, and the hall fell hushed.
`Welcome to Hogwarts to our new students, and to our old ones, welcome back. Firstly, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has added thirty seven new items to the list of forbidden items allowed in the school, bringing the total to nine-hundred and sixty two. The full list can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office. He has also reminded me to tell you that no magic is allowed in the hallways or in between classes.
`Next, our school this year will be under constant guard, care of the Ministry of Magic. Aurors will be stationed within the school, as well as on the grounds to ensure safety in these troubled times. Now I have been told that they will not interfere with school activities, or studies. If you encounter any problems, please contact one of your house prefects, or your Head Boy of Girl' she stated, looking at Harry and Hermione.
`Finally' she faltered, looking down at the table she stood over for a moment, `in light of the current situations, and of the events last year, I must implore all of you to work together, and obey the rules. Quidditch will not be taking place this year, and Hogsmede trips as of this point are suspended for all students.' She put up one hand, telling students to calm down. Mentioning no Quidditch or Hogsmede trips caused the hall to moderately burst into noise. The racket died down quickly, and the hall returned to quiet.
`Now, it is late, Prefects please escort your houses to your dormitories. Everyone have a good night's sleep, and let's start this year off right' she finished. She sat back down as the students rose with a clatter, and started their slow saunter out of the Great Hall. Harry and Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Ginny, and moved to the staff table. They had been told in the letter to meet with Professor McGonagall, however not where.
`Hello to both of you. If you please, I'll meet you in my office in a few moments. I must tell you though, I liked the name of Albus' phoenix' she said, getting up from the headmistresses chair, and leaving out a side doorway, the bulk of the staff following. Hagrid turned and gave a wave to the two of them, and ducked into the room before the door closed with a thud. Harry and Hermione made their way out of the empty hall, and up towards the headmistress's office.
`I hope this won't take too long. I mean, I know it's important, but I'm tired' yawned Hermione, as they walked up the stairs. Harry was tired too, and was hoping the same, as they reached the gargoyle in front of the headmistress' office.
`Fawkes' enunciated Harry. The gargoyle sprang to life, and moved out of the way for the two of them, as they stepped on the ascending spiral staircase. They stood in front of the door with the griffin door knocker for a moment.
`Should we let ourselves in?' Hermione asked. Harry nodded, and opened the door. When he did, and entered the room, he saw the last person he wanted to ever see in Hogwarts again.
`You!' Harry snarled as he walked into the office. A squat, mouse haired woman was standing, looking at some of the portraits. All of them were seeming to be asleep, however Harry noticed many of them opened an eye or two, and looked at himself and Hermione, before closing them again. Hermione was just as baffled and angry to see the woman as Harry.
`You horrible woman, what are you doing here?' she demanded. Both Harry and Hermione walked forwards, and pulled out their wands simultaneously. The woman gave a small laugh, the same one Harry learned to hate a few years earlier. She turned towards the two advancing students, her toad like face looking all the more loathsome to Harry, her smirk making him think of some curses he would use on her.
`Now now, we mustn't be attacking an official from the Ministry of Magic, now should we kids. I don't think the governors would be happy with that, now would they' Umbridge replied sweetly, her pouchy eyes looking only at Harry. Harry had enough of this woman in fifth year, and was not going to stand for anymore of it. He advanced even more, Hermione right next to him, as they came within feet of the woman. She had started to back up, and bumped into the desk.
`I don't care what the governors think. You will tell me why you are here, or I will have the pleasure of cursing you out of this office, and out of this school' threatened Harry. Hermione didn't need to look at Harry to know he was telling the truth. Her wand was pointed right at the same spot as Harry's, at the frumpy woman's heart.
The gargoyle outside made the sound of moving out of the way for someone, and Harry glanced back. When he did, Umbridge moved, and when Harry turned around, he found her wand pointing at his chest. He was surprised, but smiled. This seemed to slightly infuriate their ex-defense professor.
`What's so funny Potter? I could curse you, and have no repercussions, while if you cursed me, you'd be out of Hogwarts by midnight' she laughed. Hermione took a step forward, her wand jabbing into Umbridge's rather flaccid neck.
`If you curse Harry, I'll be the repercussion' she growled. Umbridge's eyes looked at Hermione with fear, realizing how much it could not be a bluff. Harry couldn't help himself smiling at Umbridge's reaction, and what Hermione said.
The door behind them all opened, and Professor McGonagall came in, stopping after only a few steps, a look of befuddlement on her face at what she was seeing.
`What's the meaning of this!' she stormed, waving her wand and all three of their's zooming out of their hands and into hers. Harry and Hermione backed away, and Umbridge let out a noticeable sigh of relief. Harry now noticed all the portraits were awake, observing the scene.
`Why, we were just having a nice chat, weren't we kids.' Umbridge looked to Harry and Hermione, and was met with anger filled stares.
`Be silent Dolores' McGonagall snapped. Umbridge must have realized the position she was in. She slouched slightly, and took a seat in front of the headmistress's desk. McGonagall moved briskly around in behind the desk, and sat down. Harry and Hermione slowly took seats on opposite sides of Umbridge, making sure to keep their distance simply out of anger. Harry felt if she insulted him even once, he would seriously try to strangle the woman. McGonagall placed the three wands on the top of her desk, and looked at Umbridge.
`What are you doing here Dolores? I told you I would meet with you tomorrow. Surely you know how to read a clock' she said assertively. Harry held his laugh in. He knew how much McGonagall disliked Umbridge, and how she must be enjoying the situation now.
`Yes, well, I took the liberty of coming here tonight, to discuss the patrol routes and rotations. I had figured it would be your highest priority, and came to visit with you. I trust you don't mind I let myself into your office' Umbridge replied sweetly. McGonagall did not look too impressed.
`It is a priority Dolores, and I do mind you coming into my office. Know that I will be changing the password the moment you leave, which is now. I will meet with you tomorrow, as I told you before. Good night.' McGonagall waved her wand, and the door to the office opened. Umbridge stood up, and grabbed her wand. The other three did not stand as she departed, and she quickly exited the room. McGonagall noticeably relaxed after the door was shut, leaning back in her chair and taking off her witches hat.
`Why is that old bat here?' Harry asked angrily.
`The Ministry, in its infinite wisdom, put her in charge of the Auror's stationed at Hogwarts. Of course, I asked them to put me in charge, or anyone else for that matter, however the Ministry avowed that neither the Aurors, nor Dolores would interfere with school affairs. I highly doubt that, however I have no need to worry about her. Neither do you two, understood?' Harry and Hermione both nodded. Harry still knew Umbridge would try to make his time as hard as possible.
`Now, let me first say congratulations to both of you for making Head Boy and Head Girl. I hope that you both take the position seriously, and help the professors and staff when needed. You will both be staying in the Head Dormitories, located in the East Tower' McGonagall informed. Hermione looked perplexed.
`I thought we stayed in our house dormitories? And the East Tower? I didn't know Hogwarts had one' attested Hermione, looking a bit sad, realizing she didn't know something about Hogwarts. McGonagall nodded.
`Well, you see, Head Boy and Girl positions have many duties to attend to. Being in a regular house dormitory would be too crowded, and you both would need some space. Also, being Heads, you need to be accessible to all house prefects and professors. If you where in your house dormitories, for example, a Hufflepuff prefect could not come and see you, because they would be unable to get past the portrait. And I'm sure you would agree, a Slytherin prefect would definitely not make it far into the Gryffindor common room before being thrown out.' Harry and Hermione agreed. It made sense to Harry. He would miss being in a house dormitory with Ron and everyone else, but maybe being in his own would be nice too.
`And yes, there is an East Tower, although it is quite small. You walk along the corridor on the fourth floor, going past the library, and down a narrow hallway. At the end of this hallway, there is the painting of Evander the Enlightened. Simply give your password, and you can enter. Right now, the password is "Everlasting Magic", however if you choose to change it, simply tell Evander, and he will remember, although you would be best to tell me the password as well.' Harry and Hermione concurred again. He was sure Hermione would think of a good password. He could imagine if he had to pick one, it would be probably something foolish like "I hate Snape".
McGonagall got up, and slowly picked up a piece of parchment from a bookcase behind her. The desk, which in Dumbledore's time had numerous silvery objects, was fairly clean, with some quills, a stack of parchment, and a bowl of mints. Harry looked up, and only now noticed Dumbledore's portrait, which was, along with the rest of them on the walls, looking at the three of them. McGonagall was looking at Dumbledore's portrait, which nodded to her. The portrait Dumbledore then turned, smiled and winked at Harry, causing Harry to smile back. McGonagall turned around, and sat down.
`I asked you two here, because of Albus' will. He left it here in the office, and asked that I read the parts pertaining to you when you returned to Hogwarts' she started, sounding rather uncertain of herself. Hermione and Harry were both on the edges of their seats, nodding. McGonagall unfolded the parchment, and read.
`To Harry Potter, I must say that I am sorry for my passing. I know you are hurt by it, however you will understand why my passing happened the way it did. Keep confidence in yourself, and your friends. Never give up on your quest, or your love.' McGonagall paused for a moment, then continued.
`I leave to Harry, my Pensieve. Search my memories Harry, and I shall hope they will aid you in your journeys. Godric Gryffindor's Sword shall remain to Hogwarts, however Harry will have full access to it when needed, along with the Sorting Hat. I must also ask the Headmistress if Harry could have access to her office when required, if he needs to talk to my portrait.' McGonagall lowered the parchment, and looked at Harry.
`Potter, you have permission to come and talk to Albus' portrait whenever needed. In his note to me, he made it plainly clear he wanted you to have access.' Harry nodded, and McGonagall continued.
`To Miss Hermione Granger, I will say that I know you will do great things in the future, as long as you never give up on life's hard questions. Always look at these questions, and their answers from different perspectives. Also, listen to your head, as well as your heart, and stay close to your friends.
`To you, I leave my most cherished books. My personal notebook, with spells that you will not find in normal charms books. Show this to Harry as well, since he will need them too. The second book is an old, but unimaginably genius work called "Magic of the Ages." It says it's written by Walvane Worcrane, however I have never found that name in any history books, and as far as I know, it is the only copy of it in existence. Finally, there is a potions book. Keep this book close. It was written by two people, one of whom is now dead, the other who soon might be, if not already.
`Please use these books, read them, and make sure they do not fall into the wrong hands.' McGonagall looked to Hermione. She nodded very quickly, and McGonagall continued.
`Please both know that I am proud of you both, and what you have become, as well as Ronald Weasley. Harry, your parents would be proud of you, and I am as well. Please do not shut away your friends in hard times Harry. Embrace them, and find the love you have been without for so long. Remember Harry, what makes you and Voldemort different, is your love.' McGonagall looked up from the parchment, and leaned back in her chair.
`Do you both understand what was written?' she asked. Both Harry and Hermione nodded again, having not spoken since Umbridge was in the office. McGonagall stood up, Harry and Hermione doing the same, and she moved to the glass cabinet on the side of the office. She opened it, and extracted the shimmering Pensieve, placing it on the desk. She returned to the cabinet, which looked very devoid of other items, and retrieved three very old, very tattered looking books, placing them next the Pensieve.
`Professor, could we possibly talk to Professor Dumbledore's portrait?' asked Harry hesitantly. She looked to Harry, however didn't need to respond.
`Harry, you don't need to ask Professor McGonagall's permission to talk to me' replied Dumbledore's portrait nicely.
`Would you like me to leave Potter?' asked McGonagall.
`No, please stay. I just wanted to tell him what the Sorting Hat sung about, and ask him what he thinks it could mean.' McGonagall nodded, and Harry went ahead and told the portrait about the song. The heirs, the fate of Hogwarts, the part about wielding the sword and such. When he finished, the portrait scratched his head, while many of the others on the walls were talking amongst each other.
`Well Harry, I think it would be obvious then. You are the Heir of Gryffindor. I am not surprised really' replied Dumbledore.
`But how? I mean, how could I be related to Gryffindor?'
`Well, from your father's side. Your father was a pure blood, and came from a family long known to be sorted into Gryffindor, and be surrounded by friends who where in the same house, and of noble heart. Your father was just the same, as are you' answered Dumbledore. Harry still couldn't understand.
`So, you're saying that my father's side goes all the way back to Gryffindor?' he asked. Dumbledore nodded his head, and Harry couldn't stop his mouth from opening in awe.
`I'm surprised you didn't make the connection earlier. Your parents lived in Godric's Hollow. Did you never notice the name?'
`Well, yeah, but I never thought it actually meant Gryffindor' said Harry.
`Yes, it does. The house that originally stood there was Godric's summer house, although it has been rebuilt over time.' Other portraits were conversing amongst themselves, not really trying to quiet their whispers.
`But you said you weren't surprised?' asked Harry. Dumbledore nodded again.
`When I found out what happened in the Chamber of Secrets in your second year, and how Fawkes brought you the Sorting Hat and Godric's Sword, I knew then what you were. The Sorting Hat had mentioned the Heir of Slytherin, and the Heir of Gryffindor before, the year the Chamber was first opened. It said then that the Heir of Slytherin could only be stopped by the Heir of Gryffindor. When you defeated Voldemort in the Chamber with the Hat and the Sword, I knew then you where that Heir.'
`So, what do I do?' Harry asked, his nervousness slipping slightly into his voice. He felt like things where going out of control almost. First it was learning of his parents, and now this heir business, he felt it was becoming too much. Dumbledore, even in portrait form, still had a way of making things easier though.
`Harry, it means little, other than reinforcing that what we already know. I think you would be best to focus on your studying, and the tasks set in front of you. I think you would also do best with a good night's sleep. We can talk more another day' Dumbledore affirmed. Harry still had many questions, however agreed. He had yawned more than once while being in the office, and could feel the sleepiness in his body. Professor McGonagall led the two Heads with their possessions out of the office, both Harry and Hermione waving at Dumbledore's portrait, who nicely waved back.
`If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If Dolores causes either of you trouble, come and see me at once. I know you will both not let me down' she indicated with probably the warmest smile McGonagall could give. Harry and Hermione both thanked the Professor, and started their way out when Hermione turned before the door.
`Professor, did you find new professors this year?' she asked. McGonagall sat back down in her chair, and nodded, looking slightly drained.
`Yes, luckily. You may have seen them at the welcoming feast. The new transfiguration professor will be Professor Iona Fourmove, lovely girl, with a good talent at transfiguring. Our new defence against the dark arts professor will be Professor Topher Terrwynebas. He was home schooled in magic by his father, but is more than qualified. Both are young, and I would ask that you both introduce yourselves and encourage students to be supportive of them.' Harry and Hermione said goodnight to the headmistress, and exited the office. As they walked along towards the fourth floor corridor, they kept quite silent.
Harry liked that Hermione didn't run into conversation about what transpired in McGonagall's office. His mind was going around in circles fast enough as it was. As they passed the library, they turned and walked down the narrow hallway, lit dimly by a few lanterns hung from the ceiling. As they reached the end, they approached a painting of a dashing man in maroon robes, holding a silver scepter. He was standing in front of a white curtained wall in the painting. He looked at the two tired students coming towards him, and noticed their badges.
`Ah! The new Head students! Good evening, I am Evander the Enlightened. I hope that I can help you when needed, and if not, at least be a nice face to see before you go to your dormitories. What are your names?' he asked. Harry never really gotten used to talking to the paintings, however this one seemed to have his head on correctly.
`I am Hermione Granger, and this is Harry Potter' stated Hermione, giving another yawn.
`Potter? Oh yes, I remember now. Are you related to James Potter?'
`Yes, he's my father' replied Harry sleepily.
`Really? And your mother?' Evander asked again.
`Lily Evans.'
`Oh, that is splendid! The tradition never dies! How are they now?' he asked enthusiastically.
`They're dead' Harry replied flatly. He wouldn't have minded talking to Evander a few hours earlier, however it was late, and they both needed to get up early the next day. Evander seemed disheartened by the response.
`That is too bad, I'm sorry. I can see you are tired, and rightly so, it's quite late. Password?' Harry was glad he had gotten the message to finish the conversation.
`Everlasting Magic. And what did you mean, "the tradition never dies"?' asked Hermione.
`Oh, I can't tell you now. But don't worry, you'll figure it out' Evander replied with a smirk, the painting hinging outwards to show a hole that lead to a common room. Hermione gave a wondrous look to Harry, and they entered the dormitories.
The circular common room was small, but more than enough space for two people. A fireplace stood opposite the entrance way, with two comfy armchairs sitting in front of it. A desk sat on the right side of the room, and a couch and two chairs on the other in front of a few bookshelves. The stone walls had numerous paintings and portraits of wizards and witches, as well as landscapes. A painting of Hogwarts stood above the fireplace, although the school had less towers and the greenhouses did not exist. Harry figured it must have been an earlier Hogwarts.
As the two looked around the common room, Harry noticed two doorways on opposite sides of the room. Both had stairways in them, which lead to their respective rooms. Harry placed the Pensieve on the table, and sat down in one of the armchairs by the fire. Hermione put the books on the table as well, and sat down in the other. The fire crackled quietly as Harry stared into it, Hermione looking over Harry.
`Are you alright?' she asked softly. Harry moved his glance away from the fire, and towards a blank space of carpet in front of his feet.
`I don't know. There's so much now. I mean, it's all so confusing. I wish things were easier' he admitted. Hermione reached over, and placed her hand on top of his. He felt a sense of relief knowing how Hermione was there for him, even at a time like now. He knew that of all the things someone could have done at a moment like that, placing her hand on his was all he needed for a smile to wipe across his face. They stared at the fire for a few moments, before Harry spoke again.
`Thank you Hermione' he said, looking over at her and giving her hand a light squeeze.
`Anytime' she replied simply, squeezing back, and giving Harry a smile. She slipped her hand away, said goodnight, and went up the set of right hand stairs towards her room. Harry remained in his chair for a few minutes longer, before he trudged his way up the left hand stairwell into his room.
Inside, he found a four poster bed, not unlike those in the regular dormitories. The room itself was slightly larger, with a curved wall on one side, and flat one on the other. He figured half the turret was his, the other half was Hermione's. Harry opened up one set of doors, and found a wardrobe to hang clothes and robes. He moved over, and opened the other door, and found it lead to a washroom. Again, small, but more than enough space for one person.
Harry put Hedwig's cage up next to the window, and let her out to hunt. He changed in silence, and opened his
trunk, taking out his parents' photo from Godric's Hollow. He placed it on the nightstand next to his bed,
pulled over the covers, and laid down. He looked at the photo, his parents still looking back at him and waving, and
grasped his mother's locket in his hand. He silently wished for things to be alright, closed his eyes, and fell
into much wanted sleep.
A/N - Please folks review and let me know what you think about the story. It has over 8000 reads here on Portkey, and few reviews. Again, please review.
Oh, and please do not answer the name meanings in a review. If you have a guess, then keep it, and let others figure it out on their own rather than being told (it's much more fun that way!)
Spell / Name Meanings -
Evander - Roman form of Greek name Euandros. G. eu: good, aner: man (Evander = good man)
Walvane Worcrane - This name is an anagram of another. I won't be saying what the original name is
now, but you're welcome to guess.
Iona - Name of an island off Scotland. The name of the island itself comes from Old Norse, and is
derived from the word ey: island.
Fourmove - L. formo: to shape, amoveo: shift (Fourmove = to shape shift) (hence why she's good at
Transfiguration)
Topher - Short form of the name Christopher, which is my name (name connection to that character for
me).
Terrwynebas - Alas, this is yet another name I will not be saying right now. It is a combination of
two words, however I will help people out those who are eager to know it: neither of the words are Latin or Greek. Good
luck!
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