Chapter 30
The Hat's Tale
.
Professor McGonagall was livid. After all his promises, it seemed Albus was up to his old tricks. Following a sharp rap on his office door, McGonagall barged in not caring if he was busy or not.
"Ah, Minerva, please come in and have a seat and…" Dumbledore paused after noticing the look on his deputy's face, "something wrong?"
McGonagall marched up to his desk, and threw down a letter. "It's from Miss Granger, she turned down the prefect position."
"I see," Dumbledore said, as he reached for the letter. "May I?"
"By all means, please do," McGonagall said rather testily.
Dumbledore pulled the letter out and started to read.
Dear Professor McGonagall,
When I opened my Hogwarts letter and discovered that you had chosen me
to be a fifth-year prefect, I was ecstatic. That joy faded into oblivion however
when I read who you had chosen for Gryffindor's male prefect. There are simply
no words to describe how utterly disappointed I am.
I may be prejudiced, but I cannot for the life of me understand how you could have
chosen Ronald Weasley over Harry Potter. From an academic point of view, Ron's work is bare minimum. While I'll admit That Harry's first three years weren't much better, last year's certainly was. It should be clearly obvious to all, that Harry is taking his studies much more seriously. We both know the same cannot be said for Ron. However,
school is more than just academics, it's also about personal growth as well.
Last year I watched a young boy grow into a young man far sooner than necessary. Forced to compete against students far older, Harry struggled on with virtually no help from the staff at all, yet he didn't quit, and he never gave up. Even when those around him were calling him a cheat and a liar; among them, Ron was one of his biggest antagonists. I have never been more proud of someone in my life and you and the school should be too. Yet you reward the one who sat on the sideline and did the bare minimum. The one who ridiculed Harry for studying, working hard, and going beyond what was simply required. It's more than a slap in the face to Harry, it's a travesty of the worst kind and I refuse to be a part of it.
Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I must refuse your offer of fifth year-prefect.
I am saddened, not because I'm turning down something that I have worked
hard for since my first year at Hogwarts, but because apparently hard work
and personnel achievements no longer mean anything when choosing a prefect.
Once, I looked at it as a badge of honor, a symbol that a person had put forth
his best effort and had excelled. A symbol of recognition for a job well done.
Sadly, I see now that they are only tokens, handed out to those in favor
without regards to the individual's accomplishments, or even the school's own
definition of what a prefect is supposed to be.
I am saddened, that the proud house of the lions has acted so shamefully… it's
truly an embarrassment to Gryffindor, and to Hogwarts as well.
Regretfully, Hermione Granger.
Dumbledore set the letter down and sighed, "Most unfortunate, she would have made a fine prefect."
"Yes, she would have, and so would have Mr. Potter!" McGonagall snapped, "Why did you override me, and why in Merlin's name did I have to find out about it, in a letter from a student!"
"I am sorry, Minerva, I meant to tell you," Dumbledore started, "it was a last-minute decision. I felt that with Harry's new workload and the return of Voldemort, that adding the duties of prefect might have been too much for him."
"Too bad you didn't feel that way about his involvement in the Tournament last year," McGonagall said sarcastically. "And don't think for one minute, that I believe this codswallop you are dishing out. You're up to something. It's obvious to me you did this for some other reason, one which it appears you are not going to share." Standing up, she glared down at him, "Returning to your old ways so soon, Albus? How disappointing."
Dumbledore stood up and made a pleading gesture with his hands, "Minerva, please, believe me, I honestly made the decision at the last minute. I had wanted to tell you about it first, but I was running out of time."
McGonagall was still not convinced, and it must have shown on her face because Dumbledore went on. Realizing he had made yet another mistake while dealing with Harry, he tried to explain, "Minerva, I was planning on talking to both Miss Granger, and Harry right after the opening feast." Dumbledore sighed, at the time, he really hadn't thought it was all that important. And perhaps from his point of view it wasn't, but from Harry's… and Miss Granger's, it most certainly was. 'Am I that out of touch?' He wondered briefly. He was going to have to reveal one of his precious secrets if he wanted to appease his deputy. "Minerva, there's more. I was going to tell you later, but perhaps sooner would be better."
"Is that so?" McGonagall asked, as if she really didn't care.
"It is so," Came Dumbledore's serious reply. "It concerns a… a prophecy." Dumbledore looked almost as surprised for saying it, as McGonagall for hearing his reason. Dumbledore sat back down and closed his eyes. With the preverbal cat out of the bag, he might as well tell her the whole story behind it. "I feel it will take some time to cover it properly, why don't we meet after dinner."
McGonagall, still upset, only gave a curt nod, "Very well, after dinner then," she said as she stood.
Relieved, Dumbledore leaned back, "Thank you," he said softly.
As McGonagall turned to leave, Dumbledore, thinking the crisis was over had the audacity to ask, "Minerva, who do you plan to pick as a replacement for Miss Granger?"
McGonagall just shook her head and said over her shoulder, "Oh, I have no intention of replacing her, you wanted the job, you handle it. I'll have nothing more to do with it."
~oOoOo~
As the Express made its way to Hogwarts, four friends sat quietly in a compartment towards the rear of the train. Harry had his arm around Hermione's shoulder as she sat snuggled into his side reading a book. Across from them, sat Neville and Luna, mirroring their positions.
The mood in the compartment was somewhat somber. Harry was still upset that Hermione had turned down her chance at being a prefect. Although he had understood her reasons and had even been touched that one of them was in support of him, he also knew how much it had meant to her.
Watching her nervously opening her Hogwarts letter, and then jumping up and down while squealing like a little girl who had just gotten a pony for her birthday, was proof enough. Harry hadn't seen her that happy or excited in quite awhile. Then to see her crestfallen look of disappointment upon finding out he hadn't also been offered the title. The look of disbelief as she read the accompanying letter that listed the other prefects. Harry was sure he'd never forget the righteous anger that burned in her eyes, as she wrote her letter to McGonagall returning her badge.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted when the compartment door suddenly banged open.
"Hermione! What are you doing just sitting there? We have a prefects meeting," Ron yelled, "the Head Boy is about to have kittens waiting for you."
Hermione didn't even bother to look up, she just said, "I'm not going, Ron."
Ron was at a loss for words, "W-what? Why?"
"Because I'm not a prefect."
"Oh…" Ron said, thinking he knew what the problem was. "Sure you are, you're on the list. Didn't you get your letter?"
Hermione looked up, "I got the letter Ron, and I sent it back. So, like I said, I'm not a prefect."
Ron stood in the doorway staring at her like she'd lost her mind. Then it clicked, "You sent it back… why, because your precious Harry didn't get one?"
Hermione slammed her book shut and sat up, ready to tear into Ron, but Luna beat her to it. "Tell me, Ronald, were you a little surprised to get a prefects badge?"
Caught off guard, Ron hesitated, "Well… yeah, a little."
"Why?"
"Well, I thought Harry…" Ron caught himself, "Doesn't matter, must have thought I deserved it because they gave it to me." Then turning back to Hermione, he added bitterly, "You don't want it, fine, I'm sure they'll find someone who does." Without waiting for anyone to say something else, Ron turned and left, slamming the door again on his way out.
Neville laughed, "What if they don't?"
Hermione smiled briefly at the thought, "Oh, I'm sure they'll find somebody."
"Maybe," Harry said with a smirk.
Looking at Luna, Hermione said, "Well I'm glad you said something first. I am pretty sure I would have lost my temper once I got started on him."
Luna smiled, then with nothing more to say went back to her reading.
Harry really hadn't given it much thought, not getting the prefect badge. Up until now, he'd been too worried about Hermione and her reaction to the whole thing. However, now that it was quiet in the compartment again, Harry began to think about it. He was sure it was still a touchy subject for Hermione, but she was quickly getting over it; though he was sure there'd be some heated words with Professor McGonagall in the near future. It was seeing Ron with the gold badge pinned to his robe that really got him wondering. 'Why did Ron get to be a prefect? Harry asked himself, 'Does Ron deserve it more than me?' Harry didn't think so. 'Does that mean I'm jealous?' This time, Harry thought that he might just be, at least a little anyway. Harry closed his eyes; he could easily visualize walking through the halls on patrol holding hands with Hermione, 'That would have been nice.' Yep, now he was definitely sure that he was jealous.
Harry tried to imagine why McGonagall had chosen Ron over him, but he couldn't quite figure it. 'Maybe she thinks it will help Ron in some way; get him to study more or something. Or, maybe she has something else planned for me.' Harry chuckled, 'Or… maybe I'm overthinking this!' He finally thought. Knowing her to have always been fair with him before, he decided she must have had a good reason. Like Hermione, he'd let it go. Maybe when he had a chance, he'd ask McGonagall about her decision. In the meantime, Ron was the chosen prefect, and he'd try and respect that, even though he was now sure he would have liked being a prefect, especially for Hermione's sake. He'd let Ron have the spotlight for a change, 'Might even help our friendship,' Harry thought with a smile.
Harry's smile didn't stay put for long though as he thought more about Ron and their fading friendship. As much as he had changed the previous summer, it seemed it was Ron's turn to change this summer. They had hardly seen him all summer long. Besides not staying the night of the party, Ron had also begged off visiting them during their short stay at Grimmauld Place with Sirius just last week. Ginny had said that he'd made some excuse about not feeling well, but thought the real reason was he wanted to hang out with his new friends. With a sour look on her face as she mentioned them, Ginny had said, "Bunch of gits, the lot of them, don't do nothing but muck about." It had been pretty obvious to both him and Hermione that she didn't particularly care for them. As Harry thought more about it, he realized he didn't mind Ron changing, the problem was he didn't know if it was for the better, or for the worse.
Ginny had changed too, but with her, it was definitely for the better. She was much more relaxed, especially around him. Hermione had told him, that she had finally let go of all of her childhood fantasies. Ginny just wanted to have fun, and enjoy herself, and Harry couldn't have been happier for her.
~oOoOo~
The last couple of months had been exhausting for Fudge. Being Minister was hard enough when things were going good, but when things got ugly you really had your work cut out for you. Between the disaster that was the Triwizard Tournament, the death of a student, and the return of You-Know-Who, Fudge just didn't think it could get much worse. He'd be the first to admit that he was not cut out to be Minister under the current conditions. He was a politician, not a general. Unfortunately, he was stuck with the circumstances as they were. He did get plenty of advice though, in fact too much sometimes. Between Albus and Lucius, he sometimes felt like the proverbial strawman being pulled apart, as they each tugged in two different directions.
Today had actually been one of his quieter days. Both Albus and Lucius had been busy with the first day of school. Dumbledore, making sure the school was ready, and Lucius seeing his son off. But the best part, the part that put a smile on his face, was getting rid of his annoying assistant, Umbridge. As far as he was concerned, it had been one of his better ideas, sending her to Hogwarts; 'Let Dumbledore deal with her for a while,' he thought. In the meantime, she'd see to it that the students were properly trained in the defense against the dark arts without going overboard. He had been quite clear, "Teach them the proper material, make sure they know the basics, but don't try to turn them into Aurors." Dumbledore had fought him on allowing her to teach, but Dumbledore had wanted something of his own, so in the long run, he gave in. Fudge couldn't wait to get some progress reports back so he could show Dumbledore what a great choice in professors he'd made.
~oOoOo~
Getting out of the carriages and starting their walk up to the castle, Hermione noticed a sudden smile form on Harry's face and had to ask, "What's got you in such a good mood?"
Harry turned to his girlfriend, "Oh, I was just remembering the look on your mum's face when Dobby told her he would be coming back to Hogwarts with us."
Hermione laughed, "I think she's going to miss him more than us." After a moment of thought, she went on, "Dobby really grew on her. I think he kind of made her feel more… connected to our world when he was around."
"Yeah, I can see that. And Dobby liked her too, he actually hated to go."
Hermione nodded, "But I thought you came up with a pretty good solution."
"Yeah?"
"Yep."
Ginny, who had been walking with them, asked, "So what's he going to do?"
"Dobby will stay here at Hogwarts during the week; I think he likes being near Harry. Then, he'll go stay with my parents on the weekend. They're gone most of the day at work during the week anyway, so it works out pretty good," Hermione explained.
"He doesn't mind going back and forth?"
"Dobby said, traveling back and forth was easy, and so it wasn't a problem." Hermione looked at Harry for a second, then turned back to Ginny with a gentle smile on her face before she continued, "Even with the new wards on the house, Harry asked him to keep an eye on them as well. Harry, of course, wanted to pay Dobby, and it took almost an hour to convince him to take a galleon a month."
"Hmm, that all makes sense I guess, he is a free elf after all and can do want he wants. I bet your mum…" Ginny stopped talking abruptly.
When Harry and Hermione both glanced at Ginny to see why she had stopped talking so suddenly, they found her staring up the path.
Hermione asked quietly, "What's wrong, Gin?'
Ginny ticked her head forward… towards her brother Ron. "He's been hanging around with that lot quite a bit lately. They're trouble, but he's too thick to see it."
Harry followed her gaze, Ron was standing with a couple of boys he didn't know. "Why do you say that, do you know them?" Harry asked.
"Kevin Entwhistle, and, Stephen Cornfoot. They're both fifth-year Ravenclaws."
"Why don't you like them?" asked Hermione.
"They've got a bit of a reputation… at least in Ravenclaw," Ginny said with a sneer. "Luna told me about them when she saw Ron with them. Real smooth with the witches… as long as they're a year or two younger. Then, as soon as they get what they want they move on, and they only want one thing."
Hermione glared at the boys, "And you think Ron will do the same?"
Ginny shook her head in disgust, "Already has. As soon as he started hanging around them, he broke up with Lavender." Ginny sighed, "I think he only did it to impress them, show them he could be like them too. Don't know what they want with Ron, I really don't even think they like him. If you ask me, I'd say they were just using him."
"Like they use witches," mused Harry. Then turning to Hermione, he said, "You best let the younger witches in Gryffindor know."
Hermione nodded, "I'll let them all know." As they continued their walk up to the castle, Hermione thought back to what Luna had said last term. That Ron needed to find himself. Knowing Ron better than most, she was fairly certain he wouldn't find it with his new friends.
~oOoOo~
Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table next to Hermione and looked around. Everyone seemed to be excited about being back and were busy catching up with old friends they hadn't seen since last term. As Harry scanned the tables, his eyes momentarily locked with Draco's. Harry was about to look away; he wasn't ready for a sneer, or nasty comment so soon, but something caught his attention. They continued to stare at each other, and there was no sneer, and no nasty comment. Instead, Draco seemed to be studying him, like he'd never seen him before. Harry wondered if Draco was really paying attention, so he nodded ever so slightly. That seemed to break Draco out of whatever train of thought he had been in, and he looked away without saying a thing.
Hermione noticed the thoughtful look on Harry's face and asked softly, "Harry?"
Harry turned back to Hermione and smiled at her questioning look. "Ron is not the only one acting strangely." He leaned his head a little towards the Slytherin table, "Notice anyone not smiling over there?"
Hermione looked over casually and studied the table. "Hmm… Draco looks a little put out." Like at all the other tables, everyone was laughing and carrying on as they got caught up. Normally, Draco would be going on about how wonderful his summer had been. Telling anybody who'd listen just how great being a Malfoy was. However, that wasn't the case this year. He sat there seemingly lost in thought, and for the most part ignoring the rest of the Hall. Turning back to Harry for some kind of explanation, all she got was a raised brow and a shake of the head.
However, before Hermione could say anything else, the main doors to the Great Hall opened. Professor McGonagall walled in leading a line of first years. Hermione smiled, it reminded her of a mother duck leading her ducklings.
Harry leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear, "Tiny, aren't they?"
Hermione swatted playfully at Harry, "Stop it, you."
McGonagall stopped partway into the Hall and turned around, "Please wait here," she said to the new students, "and when I call your name, please come forward to be sorted." Turning back around, McGonagall walked over and retrieved the stool and the hat, and placed them in the middle of the room in front of the head table. Knowing the hat would want to say something before starting, she stepped back and waited.
Everyone now turned their attention to the tattered old hat sitting on the stool and waited patiently.
Finally, a long tear near the brim opened wide like a mouth, and the hat broke into song: *
.
In times of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted:
United by a common goal… *
.
Hermione was only half listening; her attention was on the first-years. Like Harry had said, they did look small. They were obviously nervous, and probably a little scared as well. It was now that she wished she'd been a prefect, so she could comfort them and tell them everything would be alright.
Harry saw her longing look and knew what she was thinking. "You know, you don't have to be a prefect to help them."
Hermione turned and gave him a grateful smile, "Yeah, you're right…" she started, but stopped when something the hat was saying caught her ear.
.
…And never since the founders four
Were whittled down to three
Have the Houses been united
As they once were meant to be.
And now the Sorting Hat is here
And you all know the score:
I sort you into houses
Because that is what I'm for,
But this year I'll go further,
Listen closely to my song:
Though condemned I am to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong.
Though I must fulfill my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within.
I have told you, I have warned you…
Let the sorting now begin *
.
A smattering of applause broke out, mixed with concerned whispers. The clapping seemed toned down considerably from years past as best Harry could remember.
"I wonder if it's ever given warning before?" said Hermione, sounding slightly anxious. *
"Yes indeed," said Nearly Headless Nick knowledgeably, leaning across Neville towards her (Neville winced, it was very uncomfortable to have a ghost lean through you). "The hat feels honor-bound to give the school due warning whenever it feels…" *
"Yes, well," McGonagall said, partly to herself, and partly to the hat. Then turning around, she was back to the business at hand, "When I call your name please come up."
"Abercrombie, Euan."
Harry and Hermione shared an uneasy glance as the sorting got underway. Both sat quietly and watched the sorting, deep in thought. When it was finally over, Gryffindor had eight new members. After welcoming the small group to the table, they turned their attention back up to the head table when Dumbledore stood.
Harry had mixed emotions as he looked at Dumbledore standing before them. Despite his headmaster's words of assurance, Harry still felt the need to be cautious around him. And yet, with Voldemort on the rise again, it was somewhat reassuring to know the most powerful wizard alive was living with you. Some things were different; like the skeletal looking horses, that Luna had called Thestrals, or the ominous warning from the hat. While others remained the same; Dumbledore's welcome back speech, was as usual, short and to the point, quickly ending with, "… tuck in."
While they ate, Harry and Hermione talked politely with others around the table, about how their summers had been and how their families were doing. They also talked among themselves about Hagrid's absence and his replacement. Maybe Dumbledore would shed some light on that before dismissing them to bed they both hoped. The other topic of conversation was about the new professor sitting at the head table. Hermione leaned forward and slightly towards Harry and whispered to him and Neville, "Well, I certainly hope she can teach better than she can pick her wardrobe." This earned a chuckle from both boys.
Seamus, who was sitting a couple of seats down, suspiciously close to Ginny, picked up a dinner roll and chucked it at Harry. Nobody seemed to care about the flying food, as if it was a perfectly normal way to get someone's attention.
After bouncing off his chest and landing on the floor, Harry looked in the direction the biscuit-shaped missile had come from. Spotting Seamus laughing at him, Harry just said, "What," while trying to ignore Hermione's indignant look for wasting food.
"Heard you got to spend some time with Professor Lupin's pet dog."
Harry laughed, Sirius might have fancied being called Padfoot, but those who had heard about his first visit to the Grangers preferred calling him Lupin's pet. "Yeah, that's right. Only got to spend three days there, but still, we had a great time."
"You'll tell me more later, right?" Seamus said before leaning closer to Ginny and whispering something in her ear.
Harry shook his head, Seamus was as much of a fun-loving character as Ginny, and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of couple they'd make.
Thinking along the same lines, Hermione smiled and said, "Never a dull moment with those two around."
A short time later, as Harry was finishing a plate of treacle tart, the noise level in the Hall slowly started raising; apparently, he wasn't the only one who had finished his dinner. Dumbledore took that as a sign, it was time to make some announcements.
"Well, now that we are all properly fed…" Dumbledore began, and then went on to give the usual start-of-term notices. Warnings about the Forbidden Forest and the use of magic in the halls were pretty much as Harry remembered them. Although, he thought Mr. Filch's list of banned items was quite a bit longer than last year.
"We have one returning professor, and one who is new to us; I will let Professor McGonagall give you the specifics in a moment.
"Hem, hem."
"Lastly, tryouts for…"
"Hem, hem."
Dumbledore stopped and turned his attention to the new professor who was slowly starting to stand. "Dolores, something caught in your throat? Perhaps a sip of water." Then completely ignoring her obvious attempt to be introduced immediately, he turned back to the Hall and continued his announcements.
"How rude," Hermione hissed.
Harry noticed that she wasn't the only one that thought that. McGonagall's scathing look was as severe as Harry had ever seen. He was sure that if she could put the plump witch in detention, she would. Professor Sprout looked scandalized, while Professor Snape clearly disapproved of her actions. You just didn't interrupt Dumbledore in front of the whole school unless it was extremely important. Harry also noticed the twins further down the table smiling like Cheshire cats, and knew what they were thinking; if the professors were busy fighting with each other, they'd have less time to bother them.
With an obviously forced smile, Dolores sat back down as slowly as she had stood.
With nothing left to say, Dumbledore sat down, and Professor McGonagall stood up.
"Seeing as it is Friday and you'll have two days off before your first class, I would strongly recommend you spend some of that time preparing. Being late with the excuse that you got lost trying to find the classroom, or not having read ahead a little, will not go over very well I assure you." McGonagall paused only long enough to make sure everyone was still paying attention. "There will be two changes to the teaching staff this year. While Hagrid is away, Professor Grubbly-Plank will be taking over Care of Magical Creatures." McGonagall turned and tipped her head at the elderly witch. "Welcome back, Professor." Facing the Hall again, she continued, "New to Hogwarts, is Dolores Umbridge. She is from the Ministry and will be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor." McGonagall glanced towards her but didn't smile. "Now, I believe she has something to say." McGonagall sat back down without saying another word.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Professor Umbridge mocked, "for those kind words of welcome."
"You get the feeling nobody likes her?" Neville asked rhetorically.
Dolores walked around the table and stood in front of it. She began her speech with how nice it was to be back, and how she was looking forward to being friends with everyone. Harry glanced around. Nobody looked eager for that to happen, and not just because she was a teacher. If they were getting the same feelings as him, then Harry didn't blame them. It seemed everything about her screamed revulsion and hostility. From her girlish condescending voice to her hideous pink cardigan, Harry could feel it in his gut, and somehow, he knew she was trouble.
Hermione was also worried, as she listened carefully for the undertones in her message.
"The Ministry of Magic has decided to take a more pro-active role in your education here at Hogwarts. It has always considered it important, but now with the return of You-Know-Who, it has become even more so." Umbridge continued to drone on and on. She talked about treasure troves of knowledge, and ancient skills on the verge of being lost forever.
When Umbridge started talking about discouraging progress and balancing the old with the new, Hermione started to fidget. She soaked up every word as she chewed on her bottom lip. When Umbridge reached the part about old habits being retrained, and others being abandoned, Hermione was past being worried, she was filled with apprehension and anxiety.
"… with regards to the teaching of the Dark Arts, we'll move forward and make changes for the better. Preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited." *
As she sat down, Dumbledore stood and clapped unenthusiastically. The rest of the staff and the Hall in general half-heartedly followed his lead. "Thank you, Professor Umbridge, for the forewarning… in regards to changes of course." As he sat back down, he made sure to catch Harry eye.
Harry turned to Hermione, while Neville leaned forward, both anxious to hear her thoughts, but Hermione just sat there staring at the table deep in thought. After a moment, Harry could no longer stand the suspense, "Hermione…"
She looked up, first to Neville, and then to Harry before saying, "This is not good. Three warnings. And on the first night back."
"What do mean?" asked Neville.
"First, the hat said, 'We must unite.'" Hermione started as she raised a finger for each item. "Second, McGonagall just happens to mention that Umbridge works for the Ministry. So that means she and the Ministry might start interfering with how Hogwarts operates, and possibly our education as well. And lastly, judging by the look Dumbledore gave Harry… he wanted to make sure we knew."
Harry leaned back, "Bugger. Why can't we have just one normal year?"
"Language, Harry," Chided Hermione gently.
"Sorry," Harry said with an innocent smile.
Neville laughed, "I think you got it backwards, Harry," After his two friends turned to see what he meant, Neville added, "Isn't this normal for you, Harry?"
Before he could answer, the noise level again, suddenly grew. Apparently, Dumbledore had dismissed the Hall. It had been a long day, and in a hurry to get to bed, everyone was quickly standing up and starting to leave. Hermione, along with Harry and Neville also stood and made ready to go.
Before reaching the doors, Hermione glanced over her shoulder at the students following, and noticed all the first years hanging back looking a bit confused. Hermione quickly scanned the Hall for Ron, and finally found him already out in the hallway forgetting he was supposed to show the first years where to go.
"Ron!" She called, but he was too far ahead to hear her. Hermione quickly made her mind up and turned around and headed back to the table. She gave Harry a grateful smile when she found him right behind her ready to help.
"First years," Hermione called, getting their attention. "I'm not a prefect, but since there isn't one here, we'll show you where to go. I'm Hermione Granger, and this is Harry Potter." Eight pairs of eyes grew wide as they stared at The-Boy-Who-Lived.
Harry gave a little wave, and with a weak smile said, "Hey."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the look on his Harry's face and the fact that he had been somewhat intimidated by the little group of first years. After a look that told him she'd make it up to him later, she turned back and said, "Right then… this way please!"
Eight shy students slowly fell in line behind them as Harry and Hermione lead the way to the Gryffindor Tower. Reaching the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione gave them the password and showed them inside. After a brief tour, she led the girls up to their dorm, while Harry did the same for the boys. A half hour later, after answering a barrage of questions, Harry and Hermione met down in the common to relax a while before turning in.
~oOoOo~
Hermione was sitting in her favorite spot near the fire in the common room the following day after dinner. It was their second day back and so far, things were going fine, but Hermione was still anxious for Harry to return. She had spent most of the day going over everything with him one last time, and any minute now she'd know if it had been enough.
Deciding she needed a distraction, Neville got up and went over and sat down next to her. "You know he's going to do just fine, right?"
Hermione colored a little, "Am I that obvious?"
Neville smiled, "Only to those who know you."
The sound of the portrait opening caused both to look over. Standing just inside with a huge smile on his face, was Harry.
"Looks like your Ancient Runes class is going to need another desk," Harry said to a relieved Hermione.
With a smile of her own, Hermione jumped up and ran over to him and wrapped Harry in a tight hug. "Oh, Harry, I'm so proud of you. Congratulations." Then she pulled back just enough to give him a long kiss.
Neville stood and started clapping, "Way to go, Harry."
A few other Gryffindors, who didn't know anything about Harry taking a placement test, thought Neville was referring to the rather passionate kiss Harry was getting, and so let loose with a few wolf whistles.
Stepping back from the kiss, Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and was about to pull him over to their spot so she could ask him how it went. However, as soon as she turned around, she found McGonagall heading straight for them. Hermione tensed slightly, and instinctively pulled Harry closer.
Harry noticed her distress right away and wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, would you both come with me please, there are a couple of things I'd like to discuss with you tonight before you turn in," McGonagall said plainly.
A short walk later found Harry and Hermione in McGonagall's office. After closing the door, McGonagall moved around behind her desk, "Please have a seat," she said, while gesturing to a pair of armchairs.
"Professor, what is this about?" Hermione asked rather coolly.
"Hermione, please," McGonagall said softly, and again pointed to the seats.
Hermione raised a brow and slowly settled into her chair, with Harry following her lead. McGonagall rarely addressed a student by their first name, and there was something in her tone that told her to be patient.
"Has the Headmaster talked to either of you yet?"
Harry glanced at Hermione to make sure she wasn't going to say anything before answering for the both of them, "No, ma'am."
McGonagall closed her eyes and thought about what she was about to do. Normally, she would never discuss school politics; especially ones involving the Headmaster, with students. However, in case she felt they needed to know.
Opening her eyes, she looked at her two best students and began. "First, I want you to know, that you Mr. Potter, and you Miss Granger, were my first and only choices for my fifth-year prefects." McGonagall shook her head sadly and sighed, "Dumbledore decided; without talking to me mind you, or anyone else that I know of, that the position of prefect would be too big a burden for Harry and overruled me. The first I learned of it, was when I got your letter, Miss Granger."
Hermione lowered her gaze suddenly unable to look at her Head of House. Harry had suggested, that there might have been a reasonable explanation, but her trust in authority figures had been badly shaken recently, and she had assumed the worst. 'Harry was right,' she thought, feeling worse by the second.
Harry knew what she was thinking. He reached out and put his hand on her arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Hey, you didn't know."
Without looking up, Hermione answered, "You did, and you even tried to tell me… but I was too stubborn to listen."
"You were angry," Harry corrected her.
"And you had every right to be," McGonagall cut in. "Miss Granger, look at me," when Hermione looked up, McGonagall continued, "It's common knowledge that the Head of House picks their own prefects. You had no reason to suspect otherwise. Everything you said in that letter was spot on, and personally, I couldn't have agreed with you more."
"Still, you must have been terribly upset with me for not talking with you about it first."
"Nonsense, that would have been ideal of course, but I was never upset with you. In fact, I was quite proud of the way you stood up for not only Mr. Potter but for your principles as well," McGonagall said with a smile that quickly faded as she went on. "Oh, I was upset, furious, if you must know, but as I said, not at you. I was mad at the Headmaster for the injustice of it all, and for painting us all in a bad light."
Hermione nodded once, "Thank you for telling us, Professor, and for being so understanding."
"Professor, do you really think Professor Dumbledore had my best interest in mind?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," McGonagall said, "but not for the reasons he stated." Slowly shaking her head again, "I just can't help but think he's holding back again." At Harry's hard look, she added, "I honestly think he's a good man, but I'm more convinced than ever that he has serious trust issues."
Harry glanced at Hermione who was nodding in agreement. "I understand ma'am. I know he's an old friend, thanks for being so open with us."
"You are welcome, Mr. Potter." Then wanting to change the subject to something lighter, McGonagall said, "While you are here," she reached into her desk and pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Harry, "here is your new class schedule. Congratulations, Mr. Potter, Professor Babbling said you did exceptionally well on the exam and is looking forward to having you in her class."
Harry took the parchment and handed it to a beaming Hermione, "Thanks Professor, but just so you know, I couldn't have done it without Hermione's help."
"Then congratulations to both of you for a job well done," McGonagall said with just the hint of a smile. "And don't think I didn't notice your help with the first years after dinner last night. It was much appreciated by both them, and me… thank you."
"Your welcome, Professor, it really wasn't a problem," Hermione said, still smiling.
Laughing, Harry asked, "Were we that little in our first year Professor?"
"Indeed, hard to believe isn't."
Hermione wanted to ask another question; one about Umbridge, but decided not to, at least for now. McGonagall had already told them more than she had probably felt comfortable with. There would be time enough later if need be. For now, she'd wait and see just what the new pink loving professor had in store for them.
Knowing that their Head of House had picked them to be prefects, regardless of the final outcome made all the difference in the world to Harry and Hermione. With their faith restored in their House, it was a happier and more content couple that made their way back to Gryffindor Tower.
~oOoOo~
Harry and Hermione had just gotten back from their first morning run at Hogwarts since returning to school. In a hurry to get inside out of the rain, Harry and Hermione came racing in through a door to one of the back hallways. Sliding to a stop on the wet floor, Harry turned to Hermione and was about to ask why her charm to keep them dry failed so dramatically, but paused at the sight of her. She was dripping wet from head to toe. Her hair plastered to the sides of her face, and even though they were now out of the rain, water still dripped from her chin. Harry thought she looked beautiful. With a hand on each side of her face, he gently pushed her hair back behind her ears. Then without letting go, he leaned in. Hermione's arms went up around his neck, and she pulled him closer, encouraging him to deepen the kiss.
Pulling back a minute later, Harry let his hands slide down to the base of her neck. He used his thumbs to wipe away the tiny trickles of water that were making their way down her cheeks. "Wow!" was all he could think of to say.
Hermione beamed and she stretched up on her toes to give him a quick peck on the lips. "Yeah, wow!" They kissed quite frequently, even did a fair bit of snogging when they had some free time, but every once in a while, for whatever reason… a kiss would just stand out. It would turn an ordinary romantic moment into a truly magical one. They continued to just stand there and stare at each other with soft smiles, lost in their own world.
"Really, even in the pouring rain?"
Harry and Hermione both annoyed at the interruption, turned to find Ginny standing about fifteen feet down the hall grinning like a crazy woman.
"You came all the way out here to ask us about the rain, or our running habits?" Harry asked, even as Hermione started using a drying charm on him.
"Actually, I was referring to snogging in the rain," Ginny answered with a telling smile.
"I'd never let a little rain stop me from snogging my Harry," Hermione said as she smiled coyly up at him.
Harry wrapped his arm around her, and added, "To right, my Hermione." Wiggling his eyebrows as he said the last part.
Ginny shook her head, and laughed at their antics, "Well… if you two are quite done, they're a few people who would like to have a chat with you."
"Oh, who?" asked Hermione.
"And about what?" Harry added.
"Not here," Ginny said more seriously.
Hermione looked at Harry with a slightly raised brow, then back, "Okay…"
"Lead the way," Harry said, as he held out his hand, gesturing down the hall.
Ginny led them down a couple of halls and up several sets of stairs, before stopping at the entrance to the Room of Requirement. Three short paces later, and she ushered them in.
Inside already were Neville and Luna, plus the twins, and Seamus.
Harry looked around, then mumbled, "This ought to be good."
Neville stood, "Sorry about snatching you so early in the morning guys. We thought that if we were to meet here at this hour on a Sunday, we'd not likely be noticed."
"No worries, Neville, but what's this all about?"
"Well Harry, and you too Hermione," Neville began, "We know you've both been training really hard, and have learned a lot more than most students probably ever will." He paused a second, hoping his next question didn't upset either of his friends. "And a while back you said you might be willing to teach me and Luna some of that. Well, who knows what our new Defense professor will teach us, and with You-Know-Who back… we kind of hoped you two would train us to fight. I know it more than what you first agreed to, and there's more of us, but we'll work hard, and try to make it worth your time."
"We know You-Know-Who is mainly after you Harry," Seamus added, "but I know I'd sleep better if I had some extra training."
Harry looked at each in turn before he said, "I'm," then after a quick glance at Hermione, corrected himself, "We're flattered, really, and I don't think spending time helping others learn something new would ever be a problem." Harry still didn't think he could really teach them much. "Speaking for myself though, I don't know how much I could teach you, I'm not a professor."
Hermione had seen this aspect of Harry before and was sure once he got started, he'd be a natural. With that thought in mind, she said, "I have an idea," and she closed her eyes, and willed the room to change. A moment later and there was a dueling platform in the center of the room. She walked up to Harry and said in a quiet voice meant only for him, "Harry, I want you to watch Fred and George as I duel them. I want you to tell me later, what they did wrong, and don't worry about me, these two should be easy after Remus and Tonks. Okay?"
Harry nodded okay, thinking Hermione was going to do the teaching by herself and just wanted his input later.
Hermione gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then walked up on the stage while motioning to Fred and George to follow. Addressing the group, Hermione started, "In a real-world situation, you often find yourself outnumbered, because that's how the bad guys like to operate." Turning to Fred and George, she said, "You two are going to be my bad guys!"
Fred looked at his brother and smiled, "Wicked!"
"I want you to spread out a little… that's it. Now, when you're ready, I want you both to attack without warning… this is not a duel, it's a fight." Hermione then just stood there without even drawing her wand.
Fred and George shared a puzzled look wondering what the catch was. Surely, she didn't expect them to attack an unarmed girl.
Harry smiled, Fred and George would never know what hit them.
Hermione, getting tired of waiting finally said with a hint of aspiration, "Well?"
Fred looked at his brother again, who only shrugged. Deciding to show her what they could do, the brothers slowly started to circle her with their wands out. When it appeared that Hermione was only watching his brother, George fired a curse. As if she had eyes in the back of her head, Hermione dodged out of the way and spun around and returned fire. She had moved so fast, George was caught off guard and barely managed to raise a shield in time. Fred too, was caught off guard when she turned towards him and fired off three spells in quick succession. The first bounced off his shield, the second broke it, and the third blasted him backwards five feet. George managed to get one more spell off before he too found himself laying on his back wondering what the hell had just happened.
Seamus leaned closer to Ginny and said, "Remind me, never to piss her off."
Ginny smirked, she liked the fact that it was a girl who took out her brothers so fast.
After helping the two boys up and off the platform, Hermione walked over to Harry, "Well Harry, what do think, what did they do wrong?"
"You mean besides being suckered into getting on that platform with you," he answered jokingly. Then turning to the group with a more serious look on his face, he started to give his analysis. "First, I'm going to assume you both thought she'd be an easy target since she didn't have her wand out. Big mistake, never underestimate your the enemy. You both had your wands out and ready… that's good, but you held them low until you were ready to attack, thereby telegraphing your intentions. Next, you circled her, hoping to get on both sides, making it more difficult for her to keep an eye on both of you. Basically, you split your forces and lost the ability to coordinate your efforts. Unless it's necessary, and you have a good plan, it's normally better for a pair to stay close, and work as a team. Add to that, you had to vocalize your spells, and she heard you. Plus, Fred's eyes gave you away, George. They grew a little wider when you raised your wand. Fred knew you were about to fire, and because of that, so did Hermione. She dodged to the right, because that put her directly between the two of you, increasing the odds that one of you would hit the other by mistake." Harry smiled, "You were both caught off guard by her speed and the use of chained spell work. Again, never underestimate your opponent."
Seamus snorted, "And he doesn't think he can teach us anything."
"He's right Harry," Neville said, "we're already leaning."
"Bloody hell Harry," Fred said as he rubbed the spot on his chest where Hermione's last spell had hit, "just teach us to do half of what your girlfriend can do, and I'll be happy.
"Harry was able to tell you all that, because he good at it." Hermione began, "He has an instinct for combat that I don't." Knowing Harry would protest, she added, "Don't get me wrong, I'm no slouch. I can hold my own, but Harry's a natural. I'm actually better at the more complex spells, where Harry's strength lays in his quick thinking, and his speed and power."
Harry nodded, he'd been told all this before. Smiling at Hermione, he said, "We make a pretty good team."
Luna nodded also, "In more ways than one."
Hermione walked up to Harry and put her arms around his waist, "So, how about it, Professor, are we going to teach these guys to fight?"
Harry eyed his girlfriend, "Don't think I don't know what you just did here." Then with a grateful smile, added, "As long as it's we, I'm willing to give it a go."
Hermione gave him a quick kiss, then turned to the group and said, "Let's see how things go with Umbridge and the rest of our classes. I'll have a better idea of what we might need after that, and then I can make some kind of schedule. Let's meet back here next week, same time, and we'll talk about it more then."
"Oy, already acting like a professor, and already giving out orders," George said to his brother.
"Your right brother," Fred said with a chuckle, "I guess they do then."