A/N - Now this chapter has a Sorting Hat song in it, and I'd really appreciate if you could review, and let me know what you think of the song, and of the story so far. Thank you!
Oh, also, there's a little change of view here at the beginning, but it shouldn't be too confusing.
CHAPTER NINE
The Sorting Hat's Last Song
Hermione was staring at the note left on the counter of the kitchen. She and Ron had just returned from their date, and came to see if Harry and Lupin had returned yet. As she read the letter left by Harry, she couldn't hold in her feeling of mixed anger and anxiety.
`He went to Godric's Hollow!' she proclaimed loudly to herself, Ron coming into the kitchen a second later.
`What did you say? Are you OK?' he asked worriedly. He didn't hear what she said, but judging by the expression she wore, it wasn't anything good.
`No, I'm not! Harry went to Godric's Hollow!' she stressed, flashing the letter at him quickly. She wanted to be there with Harry when he returned, to help him with everything, and to show how much she was there for him. Ron saw the look on Hermione's face, and tried his best to reassure her.
`Don't worry Hermione, don't forget, Lupin went with him. Maybe this was something Harry wanted to do by himself' he said, sounding almost too mature for Ron. Hermione was not going to give up that easy though.
`I know Ron, but we promised, both of us, that we'd be there when he went back to the Hollow. I wanted to be there, to show we'd support him.' She was so torn between yelling and crying, so she settled to pacing around the kitchen, the note still clutched in her right hand, her left glued to her lip. Ron moved over slowly, stopped her, and she immediately broke down and hugged Ron as hard as possible. Ron felt uneasy, but tried to console her by patting her back lightly.
`I just hope he's safe' sniffled Hermione. Ron placed a comforting hand on the side of her head.
`Don't worry, alright? I'm sure-` was all Ron could say, for at that moment, he was cut off by a loud cracking sound. The two jumped apart, their hands at their wands, and turned towards the fireplace where the sound emanated.
`Quick, I need your help!' yelled Lupin, with an unconscious Harry on his shoulder. Ron quickly ran to Lupin's side, and helped him with Harry. Hermione was frozen on the spot. Her face was one of overwhelming shock. She looked at Harry, and panic overcame her. She quickly ran to help the three men, as they started to move across the kitchen.
`What happened?' she asked weakly, as they moved the unconscious Harry up into his room. Lupin did not respond until they laid Harry on the bed, his chest rising and falling at a phenomenally slow rate.
`We went to Godric's Hollow. Everything was alright, but when he touched his old crib, I don't know, he just collapsed. He was yelling, and his hands where over his head. Then the pain I guess became too much, and he passed out. I have to go get a healer. There's a few in the order, don't move him!' he urged them flatly, Apparating away.
Hermione went over to Harry's bed, and watched him, Ron pulling up two chairs for them to sit on. Harry's breathing was shallow, and his face was sweaty. Ron put an arm around Hermione, to try and support her, but it didn't work. Seeing Harry like that could not stop her from crying, and tears started to rain from her eyes. She turned to Ron, and buried her face in his shoulder. Ron held her tightly, as he looked at his best friend lying on his bed.
`We shouldn't have gone' squeaked Hermione from Ron's shoulder.
`Harry wanted us to go, probably so he could go alone. And don't blame yourself for this, alright?' whispered Ron.
`This is exactly why I wanted to go, so nothing bad would happen. Now look!' she sputtered, taking some of her anger out on Ron. She knew it wasn't his fault, but the way he was talking was not making her feel any better.
She moved over, and sat on the side of the bed, placing her hand on Harry's. Ron moved his chair closer, and looked on. He knew Hermione just wanted to make sure Harry was alright. It wasn't anything else, he told himself.
As Hermione took her hand out of Harry's, and moved it to his forehead, to move some of his hair out of his eyes, she noticed his scar. She placed her hand on his forehead over his scar, and closed her eyes, hoping like so many other times, that Harry would be alright.
*
Harry's eyes opened wide, his lungs taking in a large gulp of air, and he grabbed the hand that rested on his forehead. Hermione shrieked slightly, and nearly fell off the bed in surprise, but managed to stay on.
`Harry! Harry, are you alright? What happened?' she asked hurriedly. Harry's eyes moved to Hermione's, and he saw they were filled with panic. He gave her hand a warm rub with his thumb, and sat up slowly, Ron moving over to help him.
`I'm . . . alright' he managed to say, trying to get his bearings. He saw that he was back at Grimmauld. Lupin must have brought him back after what happened.
`What happened mate, you don't look so good' indicated Ron, sitting back in his chair. Harry didn't look good at all. The colour from his face was gone, and he looked as pale as a ghost. His hair was sweaty, and his hands were shaking.
`I . . . I don't know. I was in my room, at the Hollow. I put a hand on the crib, and I don't know. My scar, it just . . . burned. More pain than I've ever had before. I heard my mother screaming, and Voldemort' he breathed. Hermione's face was still looking grave, her hand behind Harry just incase he fell back. He was swaying slightly, so the chance was high.
`Maybe it was being where your mother died that caused the flash' proposed Hermione. Harry thought about it, and it made the most sense. Being right at the spot where his mother died would probably cause his scar to hurt, but to such a degree?
`Yeah, it was probably that' added Ron. Hermione turned her head over, and gave Ron a sympathetic smile.
Just at that moment, there was the loud crack of Lupin returning, with an older woman with a handbag, and Mad-Eye Moody. The woman, who Hermione knew to be Freya Aberton, a member of the Order who worked as a healer at St. Mungo's, quickly moved Ron and Hermione away from Harry, and started looking over him with her wand. Harry wanted his two friends to stay there, but let the healer do her thing.
Hermione and Ron moved over to give her some room, and went to Lupin and Mad-Eye. Harry could hear Hermione and Ron tell Lupin that he had just woken up, and that it was probably caused by a flashback.
`That's what I figured' Lupin replied, nodding, looking worried. Freya took out a beaker with an amber substance inside, and gave it to Harry. Harry was unsure as to whether to take it or not, considering he never met the woman before, however remembered that Hermione must trust her enough with the secret, so she was alright. He tipped the beaker bottoms up, and gulped down the viscous apple juice like substance. His vision became hazy, and he quickly faded into sleep.
*
As Harry's head hit the pillow, Freya snapped close her handbag, and walked to the four of them.
`He's exhausted, but otherwise I think he will be fine. I gave him a sleeping potion for now. He should be alright in the morning, I can imagine. If there are any more problems, just call. Oh, and I found this in his pocket' she said, giving a smile to Hermione, and giving her a picture frame. She Apparated away, and Hermione turned the frame over to see Harry's parents smiling back, on some far off beach.
`I think it's alright Moody, I'll take care of things from here' said Lupin. Moody nodded, his electric blue eye swiveling around in every direction as usual, and Apparated away as well. Hermione smiled at the picture she held, and put it on the nighstand next to Harry. The three left Harry in his room, resting soundly, and proceeded to the kitchen. Lupin explained what happened on their trip, in more detail, and then asked about Ron and Hermione's date.
`It went alright' put Ron. Hermione nodded in agreement, and gave a sigh. The night had been very busy, and she was starting to realize how tired she was. She was a little more relaxed now, knowing that Harry would be alright. She said goodnight to the two men, and went to bed, still worked up over the night's events.
The next morning, Hermione woke early. She had a hard night's sleep, filled with nightmares. She woke numerous times sweating, and having to slow her breathing and try to relax before drifting back to sleep. When she woke for what must have been the sixth time, the sun was on the verge of rising. She was not pleased, but resolved to get up, and putting on her house coat, decided to go downstairs to the kitchen, to wait for Ron to wake up. When she entered the kitchen, she was surprised to see Harry sitting at the table, facing the fireplace.
`He looks so lonely' thought Hermione. She decided to leave him alone, since he was obviously in deep thinking, and would want to be alone. She turned, and started out of the kitchen quietly.
*
`I made toast' said Harry, still facing the fireplace. He heard Hermione come down the hallway, and could tell she was going to leave. He had been down there for a while, however had enough of sitting alone, and would enjoy company. Hermione smiled, turned back around, and sat down next to him. Harry was eating some toast, with peanut butter and jam.
`How are you feeling?' she asked. He looked better than last night. Some colour returned to his face, and his hands had stopped shaking.
`I'm better. And thank you for last night' expressed Harry, giving Hermione a smile. She furrowed her brow slightly as she helped herself to some toast.
`Last night? Harry, I didn't do anything' she said, reaching for the jam. Harry passed it to her, and replied.
`You did. You woke me up' he explained, taking a bite of his toast and smiling.
`Woke you up?' questioned Hermione. Harry nodded, and put his finger up indicating he would answer after finishing his toast. Hermione let a small smile wipe across her face, remembering Ron and how he answered with food still in his mouth.
`Yeah. I don't know what was going on before, but I felt your hand on my forehead. It woke me up, so thank you' he said nicely, taking a drink of pumpkin juice.
`Enough of me, how was your date last night with Ron?' asked Harry, changing the subject. He knew Hermione would pick up on the change, and he hoped she would allow it and not press the matter.
`Oh, well, it was alright, I guess' she replied, not sounding too convincing. Harry lowered his glance at her. He knew she wasn't telling the whole truth. He had wished it went well for them, but could tell it didn't exactly.
She went on and told Harry about the dinner. She mentioned some encouraging events to take place, however Harry felt she was still holding back a little. As she finished, Ron came groggily into the kitchen, slumping himself into a seat across from Harry and Hermione.
`Morning. How you feeling mate?' he asked, as he took the remaining four pieces of toast.
`I'm better, thanks. It was weird. I mean, I was worried if something would happen, but didn't expect that' responded Harry. He had decided that morning that he would not tell Ron or Hermione about the sentence Voldemort said yet. He himself was trying to understand it.
Their souls would be intertwined? Dumbledore talked about how Voldemort, by marking Harry, had given him the powers he would need. He never mentioned anything about their souls. Harry realized as he was sitting in the kitchen before Hermione came in, that that one sentence would take a while to fully understand.
`So, how was it? I mean, Godric's Hollow?' asked Hermione hesitantly. Harry knew she had been aching to ask, and had no problem telling them. After all, they probably wanted to come with him. He felt they at least deserved an explanation of why he wanted to go alone, and how the Hollow was.
`First, let me say, I'm sorry. I should have told you where I was going, because I knew that you both wanted to come' he started. Hermione put her hand out, and shook her head. Harry got the idea, and stopped.
`Harry, me and Ron aren't upset. We wanted to go, yes, but it was your decision. You had every right to go there alone. I was just glad Lupin showed up when he did' she added, the other two agreeing.
`For sure. Lupin asked if I wanted to go alone, but he's my dad's last friend left alive. He deserved to go as much as I did, so we both went. That, and I didn't know where Godric's Hollow was anyways' Harry smiled, letting a small laugh escape.
Harry went on, and told them about the Hollow. The paintings, the desk, the bedrooms, and finding out what his parents did for a living. Hermione didn't seem as surprised about his parents occupations compared to Ron.
`Well, Slughorn did go on and on about your mother and potions. The Wolfsbane Potion though? I mean, it is one of the hardest potions in the world to make. To actually create it? She must have been very skilled' she complimented, as an owl descended through the open window, and landed in front of her. It held out its leg, and Hermione put a Knut in its pouch. She picked up the Prophet, and started to read. Ron was still going on about Harry's parents, and sounded very enthused about Harry's dad's profession, almost more than Harry himself.
`Still though, you dad, an Auror! Think of it, you're following your father's footsteps!' exclaimed Ron, as he put the plates in the sink, and used the Self Washing Spell on them. `Anybody we know?' he asked, as he came back to the table. It was almost every morning he asked Hermione that as she read the paper.
`No, luckily. I haven't seen anyone in here since Terry that we know. Some more people missing though. There was an Auror raid at some place called Spinner's End just outside London, but they found no one there' she said miserably. Auror raids where happening more often, but every time it seemed they found nothing. Meanwhile, more people went missing every day. A few days ago, the Deputy Head of Administration for the Ministry was found dead, along with his wife and four children. The Dark Mark was cast over their house.
The three decided that today would be the day to go to Diagon Alley. August had passed quickly, and the first of September was only two days away. Hermione, surprisingly, had lost track of time, and the mention of two days until back to school sent her into a ruckus.
`Oh no! I need so many things! I mean, there are our books, quills, parchment, robes, everything! Com'on!' she insisted, dragging Ron and Harry through the doorway of Flourish and Blotts. Very few people where on the street, and if they were, they generally stayed in packs, moving from store to store at top speed. The three friends decided if trouble arose, to Apparate back to Grimmauld regardless of what happens. They heard from Hagrid and few other Order members that they had guards on Diagon Alley to protect students, but there was still a high chance of an attack.
As the day moved on, and they quickly bought what they neeed, Hermione finally loosened her grip on the other two, literally. Harry was relieved, considering the arm of his shirt had ripped twice because she pulled too hard.
Coming along the street, they passed by Ollivander's. The store was still closed up, however a sign posted in the window caught Harry's attention.
A WAND YOU WISH?
GO TO FALBHANAC'S WAND SHOP
LOCATED AT 18B DIAGON ALLEY, NEXT TO OBSCURUS BOOKS
'They found someone to replace Mr. Ollivander?' Hermione questioned, looking at Harry and Ron.
'I guess' Harry answered. Looking at his watch, he found they had the time, and walked down towards the wand shop. Passing a few groups of closely knit people, they found the extremely small shop, which looked about the size of a broom cupboard. There was a small group waiting outside, and Harry carefully approached the tiny front window.
Looking through the dirty window, Harry could see a tall beefy man standing in the room, rummaging through a mirad of boxes for a short and scared looking girl, while her mother waited behind her. The large man seemed jumpy, and sporatic in his pickings for a wand. His white, waving hair jumped around like a ghostly wildfire as he moved through the boxes, and the mother held her daughter tighter as the man moved in more haste.
Finally, the large man pulled out a box, and slammed it on the table in front of him. The girl and woman both jumped, and quickly threw down several Galeons, before grabbing the box, and skurrying out of the store as quick as possible.
'NEXT PLEAZE! ZEND IN ZEH NEXT CUSTOOMER!' boomed from inside the store, and out the doorway. The group waiting outside took careful look at each other, and a small boy hopped into the store with an older man who looked like his father.
The little girl and her mother came out and opened the box quickly to find a dark wooded wand.
'Who is that man?' Hermione asked, after taking a look inside and seeing the odd man.
'That's Mr. Falbhanac' the little girl said. The mother looked at Harry and the others, and held her daughter closely as they walked away quickly. Harry looked to Hermione, who gave a strange quirk of her brow, and Ron moved away from the window.
'That man's mental! He doesn't even tell them what's in the wand, or measure them!' he said, as the group moved away from the tiny store as the man shouted for the next customer.
'I hope Mr. Ollivander is alright' Hermione stated, as they moved back up the street. Harry was looking around carefully for anything odd.
'I'm sure he's alright. Ollivander's strange, but he's not stupid' Ron put in.
Soon enough, they finished their purchases quickly, and made a brief appearance at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. The twins where excited to see them, especially Ron.
`Hey there Harry, Hermione, and oh, who's this one?' propounded George overly excited.
`He looks kinda ugly, don't you think?' said Fred beamily.
`Almost troll ugly I'd say. That must mean he's our oaf of a brother. What's his name again?' asked George, turning to Fred, a mock look of confusion on both their faces. Harry and Hermione smiled at the twins. Ron, on the other hand, was looking quite agitated.
`I think I remember . . . what was it, oh yeah, WON WON!' expelled Fred, throwing his arms into the air.
`WON WON!' bellowed the two of them together, both with hands flying into the air, and coming from behind the counter and giving Ron an overly elaborate hug. Harry and Hermione were laughing so hard, they had to prop themselves on the nearby shelves from falling over. Customers in the store, a large amount compared to on the street, looked at what the commotion was, and joined the laughing. Ron wasn't too pleased.
`Geroffme!' he shouted angrily, Harry and Hermione, along with the rest of the store, still laughing too much to help. The twins finally let go of him, and Ron stomped out of the store, almost breaking the door on the way out. Harry and Hermione's laughs died down, and they helped each other to standing position. The twins still looked very pleased with themselves.
`I'd better go calm him down. Meet you outside, alright?' asked Hermione quickly. Harry nodded, and she rushed out the door, turning left and running pass the window of the shop.
`So Harry, what brings you to our fine establishment?' asked Fred as if nothing happened. George went back behind the counter, to deal with a customer.
`We just thought we'd see how things are' answered Harry, looking at some of the boxes on the shelves. He noticed such products as Unbelievable Underpants, Bombastic Bubblegum, Fainting Fancies, and the well known Nosebleed Nougat.
`Business is going well. Our defence products are selling splendidly. Our shield hats and cloaks are in full production. We even started on something I think even you might buy, although you already have one' divulged Fred, moving Harry into the back room of the store. He flicked his wand, turning on the oil lamp, and picked up a silver coloured cloak.
`Looks nice' Harry complimented. Fred laughed.
`Maybe now, but it looks much better like this' he said, throwing the cloak around him, and vanishing.
`You're making invisibility cloaks!' smiled Harry, Fred reappearing a second later, two feet to the right of where he left.
`That's right mate. They are hard to make though. This is the first one that actually works. Takes a few months to make the material correct. First few we made, we accidentally put both sides of the cloak in the invisibility potion. Can't seem to find them now' he explained, putting the cloak back down, silver side up.
Harry said goodbye to Fred and George, and went to find Ron and Hermione. Once he was outside, it wasn't too hard. The two of them were standing in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, which was closed, probably because business was too low. Harry figured as much, wondering who would go out for icecream now.
As Harry walked towards the two of them, he could hear them bickering. At first he was hesitant to approach, but if they wanted to fight, they could do it at Grimmauld. Out here on Diagon Alley, it was not good to linger.
`Oh Ron! It was only a joke!' snapped Hermione. Ron was walking away from her at the time, but turned around and glared.
`I don't care! I don't like it when they make fun of me! And how did they find out about what Lav called me?' he fumed. Hermione was about to respond, looking fairly enraged, when Harry stood between them, facing Ron.
`Look, chill out, alright? We've gotten what we needed here, and we need to head back, alright?' he finished firmly. Ron looked a little disappointed with himself, and nodded. Harry turned around to Hermione, still not in the mood to argue. She nodded as well, her eyes not meeting Harry's.
`Alright, lets go then' expelled Harry flatly. He thought of the kitchen at Grimmauld, and Apparated away. His feet hit the stone floor a few moments later, quickly followed by Hermione and Ron. Ron apologized, and they all went up to their rooms, and put their items away in their trunks. By time they finished, and went back down to the kitchen, it was about time to go to The Burrow.
Mrs. Weasley had sent an owl a few days before, telling them to come out for supper. Harry was more than pleased to go back to The Burrow. They Apparated there, and knocked on the door, Mrs. Weasley talking through it.
`Who's there?' her muffled voice asked.
`It's us Mom, Ron, Hermione, and Harry' answered Ron.
`OK. Ron, what was the first broom you flew on, Hermione, what did we talk about at Harry's birthday party, and Harry dear, what shape did the boggart take when we cleaned Grimmauld?' she asked in succession. Ron answered the first correctly, the first broom he flew was an old Swiftstick. Hermione told her they talked about being a Healer as a career. Harry told the door the boggart turned into Ron, and the rest of the Weasley's, and himself.
`Mom, why did we never go to the Undry?' asked Ron, with a smirk to Harry.
`Because all the weird ones go there, and there's no need to spend money when we can conjure food for free' she declared, sounding rather sickened by the idea of going to the Undry. Ron laughed, and nodded to the other two, telling them that was the correct answer. The door unbolted, and swung open.
`Sorry you three. You know, have to be safe' she confessed as they entered. She closed the door quickly, and gave all of them separate hugs. Harry came to expect the bone-crushing hugs now whenever he came to visit. They all carried on to the sitting room, where Ginny was sitting with her pygmy puff Arnold.
`Hi guys. It's so good you guys came. I've been going nuts, being the only one here' she admitted as Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down. Harry still felt a little odd around Ginny, but he could tell she was just happy someone around her age was here.
`Hi Ginny, excited to be going back?' asked Hermione.
`Definitely! I've been writing a few people. Luna is coming back. Her dad said it was up to her. Said he was more worried about some monster or something. Can't remember the name exactly. She was made a prefect though' she informed them.
The dinner was very nice, and Harry enjoyed his time. He carried on many conversations with Ginny, and found they where without a hint of worry or concern. She seemed to enjoy just being friends, and so did Harry. Mr. Weasley joined them just before the meal started. Things at the ministry were not going well. At least six Aurors had gone missing in the past week, and numerous people where being screened for the Imperius Curse. The worst news was that guards at Azkaban hadn't been heard from for the past two days, and a Ministry scout team had been sent to check on them.
On the last day of summer, Harry decided to make sure all the relevant books had been checked in the library, and his room, and to make sure his things where packed. Slytherin's Locket was still there, under numerous books, as well as the picture from the Hollow Harry brought with him. A few Order members, like Tonks, Lupin, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, and a newer member, Baldric Branwen, stayed at Grimmauld to escort the three students to Kings Cross in the morning.
Harry liked Baldric. He was a tall, gangly looking man with diminutive brown hair and hazel eyes, who worked at the ministry in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and was a seventh year Ravenclaw in Harry's first year. For a while now, he had been getting information to the Order about crimes happening around Britain, murders and kidnappings mostly.
Just as Harry began thinking of going to sleep that night, Hermione came to see him in the kitchen. Harry had been talking to Baldric and Tonks about the recent victory for the Falmouth Falcons over the Appleby Arrows in the British Quidditch League.
`Do you mind if I talk to Harry?' she inquired shakily. Harry turned around, and smiled, motioning her to sit down next to him. Baldric and Tonks said goodnight, and left them.
`What's up Hermione?' questioned Harry, wondering why she had waited until this late at night to talk.
`Well, you know, tomorrow on the train, we'll have to tell the prefects what to do and such' she started. Harry had totally forgotten about being Head Boy. He hadn't even read the booklet that was sent with his letter. Hermione seemed to notice his dismayed look.
`Don't worry Harry, I'll do most of the talking. If you can say a few words here and there, that'll be alright. OK?' she said. Harry agreed, thankful she had a better idea of what she was doing than he did, and the two went to sleep.
In the morning, Harry woke up from yet another nightmare. It was more a dream than nightmare, since nothing horrible actually happened. He had been having on and off during the summer.
Harry would start in the Department of Mysteries, with Hermione, Luna, and oddly enough, Hagrid. Harry would open a door, and regardless of which one it was, it would be the room with the veil. Harry would enter the room, and the door would slam behind him, leaving him by himself.
Harry would walk up to the veil, and start to hear the voices again. The voices where quiet, and he would move closer. Just as he almost touched the black curtain, a voice would speak louder than the rest.
`Don't touch the veil' Sirius' voice would calmly say. Harry would jump back, and wake up every time at that point. He didn't like it, because it left him usually disoriented and upset he wasn't able to talk back.
As he gathered his bearings, and saw his packed trunk on the floor, he remembered today he would be returning to Hogwarts. He smiled at the fact that in a few hours, he would be on his way to the magical school.
He got up, and moved his trunk and Hedwig downstairs. Since they where all of age, they could simply Apparate to the platform. Lupin and a few other order members insisted on accompanying them anyways. They grabbed their items, shrunk them to fit in their pockets, and got ready. Harry was worried about bringing Hedwig, wondering what Apparating would do to her, but figured if he could survive it alright, she would too. Just end up a little scared maybe.
The group stood in the kitchen, and Apparated to Platform 9 3/4. Once they arrived, Harry checked on Hedwig. The siphoning seemed to disorient her, and she was squawking and flapping her wings madly. Harry tried to calm her down, but it wasn't working. He opened up her cage, and she immediately flew out, her right wing smacking Harry across the face as she took to flight. She seemed to fly alright, and stopped squawking after a while. He decided to let her fly, and get her when on the train, hopefully allowing her to vent some anger. Looking back down, Harry snickered at Hermione's attempts to calm Crookshanks, who was hissing madly, his eyes darting every direction trying to follow the endless noise on the platform. Ron was already meeting up with his mother and Ginny, who were farther down the platform.
Harry said goodbye to the guard, and walked down to say goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and Mad-Eye, who came with her and Ginny. Lupin made Harry promise to owl or use Floo to contact the order incase anything was wrong, and Mrs. Weasley very much ordered them to come to the Burrow for Christmas, and to Floo if they had any problems, or talk to Professor McGonagall. Once they where on the train, Harry felt very odd, as he moved to the front, since he was always one to sit closer to the back. Still, the fact that only a few months ago, he had been expecting never to be on this steamer again, he was incredibly happy to be back.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny reached the front car, which had two large compartments. The first was marked "PREFECTS" on the door, the second "HEADS". Harry went ahead, and put his trunk and empty cage inside the head's compartment, on the seat to the right.
It was much like the ones in the rest of the train, except that it had a bit more space and a wooden table in the center, which was bolted to the floor. Hermione followed behind slowly, and put her trunk and Crookshanks on one of the seats on the left. She plopped herself down next to Crookshanks' cage, and let him out. He was much more hospitable now, and purred lightly as Hermione pat him, while she observed the compartment.
`Harry, do you think Ron should stay in here with us?' she asked. Harry had sat down, and was watching students outside enter the train. It was hard to tell if less people where coming to Hogwarts, but he hoped most would come back. Hearing Hermione, he pulled his face from the window.
`Why wouldn't we?' wondered Harry. Ron had always been with them. Now that Ron and Hermione where sort of going out, it would make sense they would sit together. Harry just hoped they wouldn't snog or anything in front of him. It still made him a little uncomfortable.
`Well, I mean, he's a prefect, and we're heads. We can't show favouratism' she explained, looking a little concerned. Harry still couldn't really understand her worry.
`I don't think it matters much Hermione. I mean, everyone knows we're friends. Just as long as we do our head duties, and he does his prefect duties, there's nothing wrong. Don't worry about it' he assured. Hermione smiled, and as she put Crookshanks on the seat, the whistle blew, and doors could be heard closing.
`We should go check with the driver, and get our directions' she proposed. Harry nodded, and the two of them moved to the hallway, making sure Crookshanks didn't get out of the room. Prefects where loading into the second compartment, and Harry was glad to see some familiar faces. Ron had already entered the compartment with Ginny, and was talking with other prefects.
They walked across the walkway, and into the engine room. An old man with a striped conductor's hat was at the whistle, looking down the train, hanging outside the window. When Harry closed the door, the man looked in quickly, letting go of the whistle.
`Whos are you?' he asked harshly, coming back into the room.
`I am the Head Boy, and she is the Head Girl. We came for our instructions, and to make sure things are alright' replied Harry confidently. Hermione looked to Harry and smiled, her glance lasting a few moments as Harry observed the drivers reaction. The driver loosened his expression, and gave a smile as well, the creases in his face doubling, giving it a resemblance to melted plastic. Harry thought he looked better upset.
`Alrigh'. Sorry for bein' so mean. I gotta make sure none `o the other students come up here yeh know. Ah, here we are' he said, opening up a drawer, and taking out a roll of parchment, and giving it to Harry.
`We'll be out'n a sec'. Shouldn't have any problems t'day' he indicated. Harry and Hermione waved goodbye, and went back to their compartment, to read their instructions.
`That was very mature Harry' complimented Hermione. Harry smiled, and put the parchment roll on top of the table. The whistle blew a final time, and the train gave a jolt. Harry took out his wand, and tapped the parchment, which unfolded flat.
Hermione moved over, and sat down next to Harry, and they read the parchment together. Harry more than once found himself enjoying the honeysuckle scent again, the memory of that summer hug creeping back into his mind. He shook his head slightly, and focused on the letter. The fact that Hermione smelled nice never distracted him before. Then again, he never really noticed her scent before.
He got back to himself, and quickly read the parchment. It was from McGonagall. They finished reading after a few moments, and made sure they both understood. It basically told them to keep up the rotations for patrols, to take care of any problems, and make sure nothing happens in general. Members of the Order and Aurors where on board just incase, but only as a precaution. McGonagall also said that she wants the heads to hold weekly meetings with Prefects this year to "discuss issues they wished resolved." A list of prefects was included, and she told them to make up a rotation for patrols. It also stated they had to get into robes right away, to "show the proper example". Both sighed, but put their robes on, along with their head badges. The letter finished with McGonagall saying she would be having an important meeting with them after the welcoming feast.
As Harry put on his robes, his hand rubbed against his mother's locket. He hadn't taken it off since it was given to him, aside when he had showers. He glanced at it for a moment, then tucked it inside his shirt. They quickly made a rotation for rounds, putting Ron, Ginny, and Luna's first to get them out of the way. They finished, and the two heads went to the prefect's compartment.
As they entered, they found the compartment full of people. Harry could only guess that most of the prefects had returned, and was happy to see some friendly faces. Ron and Ginny were sitting with Luna, who still looked as dreamy eyed as ever. She luckily did not have a copy of the Quibbler with her. Harry looked around quickly, and could see only two Slytherin's, Pansy Parkinson, and Theodore Nott. Harry was surprised to see him, considering he had named his father as a death eater. Hermione looked around the room wearing a smile, and took a breath.
`Hello everyone. I'm Hermione Granger, and I'm Head Girl. As everyone knows, this is Harry, and he is Head Boy. This year at Hogwarts will be hard, not just for us, but for everyone. Dumbledore isn't there anymore, and less students will be returning because of what's going on with Voldemort' she said confidently. Everyone in the room shuttered except for Harry and Hermione. She let them settle down, and continued.
`Me and Harry will be very busy this year, and will rely on you all to help us, the professors, and Hogwarts. Report to us on any problems you can't deal with. This year, we will be holding weekly meetings with all the prefects to voice any concerns or problems. Please write down your names, what house you belong to, and what you want to do for a career on this sheet of parchment here before you leave. I'm hoping that we can work all together and make this year at Hogwarts the best it can be.' She put the sheet of blank parchment on the table in the room, along with a quill, and returned to Harry's side. She smiled at everyone, and looked to Harry, motioning him to speak. Everyone was very silent, as the train chugged its way along. Harry took a breath, and tried to figure something to say. He never liked public speaking.
`Err, well, keep a good eye out for anything alright? Any problems, or worries, come to us or your head of house. That's about it' he finished. Hermione looked a bit disappointed for a moment, then smiled at everyone, and put up the rotation schedule with a Sticking Charm. As Harry and Hermione went and said hello to Luna and other prefects they knew, everyone else went to check their times for patrolling. Ron went ahead and did his patrol for the first twenty minutes, along with a fifth year Ravenclaw girl. Harry and Hermione meanwhile returned to their compartment. Harry sat down, and let out a relieved sigh. Hermione, on the other hand, gave him a displeased look.
`What?' he asked sardonically. She rolled her eyes, and pat Crookshanks, who had just jumped on her lap.
`"Keep a good eye out"? Harry, com'on, you could have done way better than that' she replied moodily.
`Well, what did you expect me to say? You said everything that needed to be said' he responded. It was true, she had said everything that was in the letter for them to say. What else could he say to a group of people that didn't like him anyways.
`I don't know, you could have maybe encouraged them, or let them know that things will be alright. Everyone's worried about this year. With Dumbledore gone, and Voldemort on the loose, the school's in a lot of danger this year' she fretted, looking downcast.
`How could I encourage them Hermione? I know things won't be alright, they're going to get worst. You know it too. Besides, it wouldn't help them anyways. None of them would believe me' he said, looking out the window. The train was passing open fields. Harry took a quick glance at Hermione, and saw a sad look on her face. Her head lowered, taking a look at the purring ball of ginger cat sitting on her lap.
`It would help me' she whispered. He looked over to see her still looking at Crookshanks.
Harry felt horrible. He moved over, and sat down next to her. Crookshanks gave him a glance, and moved so he was half on Harry, half on Hermione. Harry pat the cat, and looked down at the side of Hermione's face. Her hair was covering it, but she moved her hand over to wipe it, Harry knew, because she was on the verge of crying.
`Hermione' he started gently. She sniffled, and wiped her face again. Harry put his hand on her cheek, and moved her face so he could see her. Her hair was still in her face, and she moved it away with her hand. Harry looked her right in the eyes.
`Hermione, I'm sorry. It's like at the beginning of summer, everything will be alright, OK? I just get flustered sometimes. Don't worry alright, we'll get through it' he finished. She sniffled lightly, and sighed.
`Harry, please say you'll beat him. I don't want you to die' she breathed, the last word barely escaping her mouth.
`Hermione, I don't-` he was interrupted. Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder, and looked at him pleadingly.
`Please Harry' she asked faintly. Harry looked at her, and saw how troubled she was about this. He knew, like during the summer, she was looking for support.
`I will finish him, and everything will be alright' he said quietly. He rubbed her cheek, and she smiled, still with tears in her eyes. Harry smiled back, and they gave each other a hug, Crookshanks jumping off to avoid being squished.
For the second time that day, Harry found himself awash in the Hermione's scent. He embraced her warmly, and closed his eyes. The smell made his head swim lightly, and he found himself not minding it one bit. Hermione put her head on his shoulder, and he felt a shiver run through his chest. He allowed himself to bask in the moment, only to hear the compartment door slide open. He opened his eyes quickly, to see Ron coming in.
He looked at the two of them, just as they separated hurriedly. Ron stood for a moment, a dazed look upon his face, looking from Harry to Hermione. Harry was worried that Ron would think something was going on, and his heart was beating a little faster. He was glad that Ron's face lightened a bit, and he took a seat across from the two of them
`We finished our rounds. Things are alright. Some fourth years in the third car were playing some wild games, but I stopped them. Are you guys alright?' he asked, now looking closer at Hermione. She had wiped her eyes more, but it was clear she had cried. Ron had tried to pet Crookshanks while talking, but the cat had found himself under the table, not wanting to be disturbed.
`I'm fine, don't worry' said Hermione tiredly. Harry felt a little odd in the room.
`I'm going to check on the other prefects. I'll be back in a moment' he declared quickly, getting up, and leaving before either of them could protest.
Harry went ahead and decided to check the train, for fellow Gryffindors, and to just think, while giving time to Ron and Hermione. He was liking how he and Hermione were becoming close friends, being able to help each other out in situations like back in the compartment, but was confused as to some of the newer things he was feeling. He knew she was important to him. She always was, but even more so now, being his secret keeper, and of course, as one of his best friends. He liked how she made him feel at ease, and had a knack for knowing what he was thinking, or what to say. But why was he noticing how wonderful she felt, or her scent? He though about it for a while, and concluded it was simply because he had not been as close with Hermione as he was now. It couldn't be anything else, because she was with Ron, and Harry was happy for the both of them.
As Harry walked along, he met up with Dean, Seamus, Neville, a few other Gryffindors, and members of the Order, who where patrolling the train. When he came back and reached the Head compartment, he decided to knock, so he wouldn't have to see Ron and Hermione snogging. He went inside, to find Ron just sitting back down on the right side of the compartment, both he and Hermione looking at ease.
The rest of the journey was much like years before. Harry and Ron played wizard's chess and Exploding Snap, while Hermione read more on their head duties as well as reviewing some of the texts. The food trolley came early, which pleased Ron. Luna and Ginny came in and spent some time with them, enjoying the larger space, and that their patrols were at the beginning of the ride. After a while, Harry and Hermione went to check with the driver again, and found out they where only twenty minutes from Hogwarts. They went back to the compartment, and told the others to change into robes. When the train finally came to a halt, they had arrived at Hogsmede station.
The sun had set a few hours before, and the lights at the station showed the students their way to the carriages. It was cool, but wearing their cloaks was enough to keep warm. Harry stepped off the step with his trunk, and Hedwig. She had returned about an hour after leaving Kings Cross. She was much nicer when she came back, seeming to forgive Harry for the Apparating.
As they departed the train, Harry breathed in the wonderful smell of Hogsmede. Harry couldn't explain it to anyone if they asked, but he always loved the smell, the sound, and site of the town and Hogwarts. He looked up, and since he couldn't see stars, he knew an overcast sky hung above him. Harry walked a little down the platform, and said hi to Hagrid, who was waiting for the first years. He had a few Aurors with him as well.
`Hiya there Harry! They're here jus' `n case' he motioned at the Aurors. `Now come along firs' years!' he bellowed, waving his lantern. Harry gave him a wave, and moved to the carriages. Hermione had made sure the prefects got everyone on, and they started their way to Hogwarts in the last carriage to leave. Harry ended up sharing it with Hermione, Ron, and Luna.
`Well, hopefully this year, we won't have any problems with Flying Franbockers. I heard they had troubles with them in Scotland this year. They do terrible damage to people's toes' Luna said abstractedly, winding her finger in her hair. Hermione eyes looked up and she sighed, no doubt realizing that this year would not be without Luna's oddness. Harry shook his head and stifled his laugh. He knew how much Hermione just wanted to rage on about how something like Flying Franbockers could never, or will never exist. Ron and Ginny were busy looking out at Hogwarts, as they starting up the slope towards the castle.
When they exited, they found Professor Sprout and two tall, however very young, Aurors getting students into the castle with haste. Harry thought the security that he saw so far was a bit extreme, but followed inside with the other students. As he passed the Aurors, he was surprised to see them scanning over Harry, watching him as he entered the castle. They went through the Entrance Hall, and into the Great Hall.
Just as it should be, the Great Hall had thousands of candles suspended above the four house tables, and the overcast sky mimicked above. Harry, along with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, who had met up with them after getting out of the carriage, said goodbye to Luna, and made their way to the Gryffindor table. Students filed in from the outside, and Harry was glad to see the bulk of students had returned. The Slytherin table was noticeably thinned, but most other houses where the same. Gryffindor looked almost identical as the year before.
`Did you see, Pavarti and Padma didn't come back' pointed our Ginny. Harry looked up and down the table, and found that it was true. Pavarti wasn't there. Lavender was back, however looked very upset. She must be feeling that way because of Pavarti.
`Well, I can imagine so. Lavender was saying on the train ride back before summer that Pavarti had to beg her mother to stay for the funeral. Her mother agreed, but picked them up right afterwards' explained Hermione.
The commotion in the hall dwindled as the professors came in through a side door, and sat down. Professor McGonagall was sitting in the high-backed golden chair located in the centre, wearing dark purple, almost black robes, with gold moon crescents and stars lining the bottom. Harry thought it was nice she tried more Dumbledore-like attire, although he considered it funny that even with these, the moons and stars where evenly spaced along the bottom of her robes in a single line. Professor McGonagall was never one for disarray and disorganization.
Filch, Madame Hooch, and Madam Pomfery where on her right along with a few others, while Professor Sprout, and Professor Trelawney sat to her left with some other older wizards and witches. A middle aged black haired witch was also present at the staff table, sitting next to Madam Pomfery. Harry figured she must be a new professor, filling for one that had left. As he looked at the others, he was surprised to see Professor Slughorn had returned. After Dumbledore's death, he could imagine that Slughorn would feel safe no were, and still believed that Hogwarts was the safest place to be, which was probably true.
As Harry continued to observe the staff table, he was reminded how many of the staff he had never met. Harry always knew there were some professors he would never really know. Although he figured by the end of this year, Hermione would probably know them all, since she had once taken every class available.
Hagrid came in from the side, and waved to Harry, who happily waved back. He was almost at his seat, when another man came through the same door.
A young, auburn haired wizard came through the doorway, and walked along the staff table. He shook Hagrid's hand as he passed by, and Hagrid seemed very happy to see the man. He continued on, and took a seat next to Professor Vector. He looked very young, only a couple of years older than Harry, and wore murky blue robes. The wizard studied the hall with a smile for a moment, glancing at the four tables, the ceiling, and then started talking to Professor Sprout.
`Do you know who that is?' Harry asked Hermione. She looked up at the man, and shook her head.
`No. Maybe he's our new Defense teacher, or Transfiguration. He's awfully young though' she added. Harry was about to agree, when Professor McGonagall stood up, and the hall silenced quickly.
`The first years will be arriving any moment with Professor Flitwick. Please be encouraging, and show respect' she stated simply. She sat back down, and the doors to the hall, which had been shut only moments ago, opened.
Professor Flitwick lead a group of young, nervous looking first years. Harry noticed the frightened looks on their faces, and remembered being in their shoes. For him, Ron had gotten him worked up over some horrible task he would have to do to be sorted. Harry also noticed the small number of them as well of these first years as well. Almost half of what is normal for a year.
As they reached the front, Professor Flitwick placed the three legged stool on which an old and patched hat stood, in front of the short first years. It seemed he had a fun time trying to balance the stool without having the hat fall off, considering the stool was almost as tall as he was. The first years lined up before the staff table, and faced the house tables.
Harry looked at them, and saw how pale they looked, accentuated by the candlelight. Everyone in the hall was gazing at the old hat sitting in the centre. The hat's brim opened to form something like a mouth. Harry, like everyone else took a breath, and he was surprised to see the Sorting Hat do the same, as if it was getting ready for a long melody.
For a thousand years I've sung,
Always a different song,
But this year will be different,
And requires one that's long.
So please listen closely,
For I hope you always do,
For this year is important,
To the fate of Hogwarts School.
But let us begin at the start,
Of this wonderful school of ours,
To understand its future,
And recognize its deep scars.
For when Hogwarts school was founded,
Over a thousand years ago,
Four wizards stood united,
Under one unwavering goal.
To teach and pass on their learning,
For those of talent and heart,
For at the beginning they all believed,
They could never fall apart.
"We'll teach those who work hard"
Hufflepuff was heard to speak,
"We'll teach those of purest blood"
Slytherin wanted to seek.
"We'll teach those of cleverness"
Ravenclaw came to attest,
"We'll teach those who are bravest"
Gryffindor told the rest.
So Hogwarts School was started,
For years the Founders taught,
But divisions became apparent,
And houses formed and fought.
Slytherin sought to be unsparing,
"Only pure bloods the school should take,"
While the other Founders believed,
That it would be a mistake.
The houses continued to fight,
And friendships began to degrade,
For Slytherin would no budge,
And the others would not be swayed.
Then one day Slytherin left,
And the Founders reduced to three,
But Slytherin could not embark,
Without leaving one last decree.
"A millennia from this day,
My heir shall return to this school,
To cleanse of its impurities,
And leave only those meant to rule."
And so time has past within these walls,
With Hogwarts safe and sound,
How fast a thousand years can travel,
To find what I have found.
For the year has now arrived,
When Slytherin's heir will return,
But do not worry and do not fret,
For there is one thing left to learn.
Gryffindor left a message too,
Before he passed away,
A message that he told to me,
And now, I will convey.
"When the heir of Slytherin,
Comes to carry out his acts,
Another heir shall stand in his way,
To defend the school from attacks."
"But how to tell who is your heir,"
I asked the man from wild moor,
"He shall be sorted into my house,
And will have yielded my old sword."
And this year it shall be,
Heirs of Slytherin and of Gryffindor,
Decide the fate of Hogwarts,
So there is something I must implore.
You all must stand together,
And protect Hogwarts from its foes,
For if there are divisions,
Then Hogwars will come to close.
I tell you this in worry,
For never have I been wrong,
I feel that this may be,
My last and most important song.
But there can be a first time,
When I can be incorrect,
For I am just a thinking cap,
And was not made to be perfect.
But have sung longer than needed,
For I could not go very fast,
Let us begin this years sorting,
And hope it is not the last.
The last words rang out in the hall, as it lay as quiet as a cemetery. The professors, including McGonagall, looked petrified at the Sorting Hat, along with the rest of the hall. The Hat simply closed its brim, and settled. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all turned quickly to Harry. He knew what they were thinking. His mind, no doubt like the others, was racing faster than a Quidditch match.
He was the one who used Godric's Sword, when he killed the Basilisk. Slytherin's Heir was Voldemort. If he was the only one to have used the sword, and only he could destroy Voldemort, like the prophecy said, then it all fit. Like hearing about his parents from Lupin, he just discovered something new about himself, probably the most important thing of his life.
Hermione, who was sitting next to him, leaned in close, still looking aghast.
`Harry . . . ` was all she could manage. Harry barely heard her, she was whispering so low. It didn't matter though, he already knew what she was going to say.
The hat that once suggested he would have done well in Slytherin, had just announced that he, Harry Potter, was the Heir of Gryffindor, and would decide the fate of Hogwarts this very year.
After a few silent moments in the Great Hall, Professor Flitwick apprehensively cleared his throat, and told Almeton, William to sit down, and be sorted, his hollow voice ringing in the taciturn hall.
Spell / Name Meanings -
Falbhanac - Scottish Gaelic: falbhanach: wanderer (Falbhanac = wanderer)
Baldric - From the Germanic elements bald: brave, and ric: power (Baldric = power and brave)
Branwen - Welsh. bran:raven, gwen: fair (Branwen = fair raven)
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