Chapter Twenty-Six

The Hallowed Halls of Hogwarts

The Ministry cars wound their way through London on the way to King's Cross.

The whole of England, despite the relatively pleasant weather, was under the darkest of clouds. News of the death of Princess Diana was wide spread — the headline of every newspaper. Every Muggle Harry had seen along the drive looked like they were dazed, moving through their day aimlessly on autopilot.

Harry knew who Diana was, of course. He might have been kept from a normal Muggle life by the Dursley's, but they were after all British, and respect for the royals was ingrained in them. Adoration for Diana, well, Harry supposed she had earned it through her actions.

The truth, however, was that he had not paid much attention either before, or especially after finding out he was a wizard. The extent to which news of her death was effecting the entire country was a little surprising to him. Of course, it was far worse than the Muggles knew, as it had been Voldemort who killed her.

The cover up had been as complete as possible and no image of the Dark Mark would appear in any Muggle newspaper. As always happened with Muggle manipulations of this scale, there were cracks in the cover. Already, accounts of flying people, freak cloud formations and bright lights had appeared in publications of lesser reputation. The Muggle conspiracy theories had begun.

As they rumbled down the A501, Harry wished they could have just Apparated to the station. He wasn't at all sure why the tradition of making the journey to King's Cross, in order to ride the Hogwarts Express, was so deeply ingrained in the Wizarding community, when faster, cheaper transportation was a wand flick away.

Perhaps it was just the journey itself, as a metaphor for transition, growth and learning, that was the point of it. After all, it was usually an adventure, a chance to meet new people, share stories of summer with friends and get caught up. This year, of course, there would be many new people to meet owing to the presence of so many additional students coming from Beauxbatons.

Bill and Fleur had brought Fleur's sister and cousins from Shell Cottage to the Burrow only this morning in order to join them on the traditional journey. Gabrielle, JeanBaptiste, Jacquelyne, Josephina and Jerard had all been happy to see them again, but the news of the previous day's events was effecting them as well, as it had happened in their country.

The cars eventually pulled into the unloading zone at the entrance to King's Cross and they all piled out. The ride in their vehicle had been mostly quiet owing to the unresolved conflict between Hermione and Harry. The French kids from the other car, however, were filled with reserved excitement and a bit of wonder, as they chattered away between themselves, pointing and commenting at the Muggle world around them.

The Ministry drivers opened the boots and pulled out each of their trunks. Harry felt odd, not having Hedwig in her cage with him, but he knew she would show up at Hogwarts once her and Kyne's owlets were old enough.

As they walked through the station, it was unusually quiet. Hermione insisted on stopping at a newsstand and bought several Muggle newspapers in order to read the varying accounts of Princess Diana's death. Having had a normal Muggle childhood for her first eleven years, Hermione was most effected by Diana's death. Harry wondered if that, more than the conflict between them, accounted for her quiet mood.

Not slowing down, Harry, Ginny and Luna, along with Bill, Fleur, and the French children, kept straight on toward platform 9¾, which forced Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to split up as Mrs. Weasley remained with Ron and Hermione.

They crossed the barrier and pushed on toward the train through what seemed an unusually crowded platform. Upon observation, Harry realized that there appeared to be at least twice as many rail cars as usual, perhaps more, and that the back half of the train was being boarded by large numbers of Army recruits.

They continued through the crowd until they reached the half way mark where a make shift wooden barrier had been placed and a couple of uniformed men were checking identification. They were politely informed that no students were allowed beyond the front half of the train.

"Why don't we go ahead and grab compartments," Harry said as he turned toward the train.

Fleur began hugging her sister and cousins.

"Wait," Mr. Weasley said, "Don't you want to wait for Ron, Hermione and Molly to catch up?"

"Actually, Dad," Ginny said. "They'll have to stay up in the first car, Prefect and Head Girl duties. So, maybe you should run up toward the front of the train to catch them." She moved in for a goodbye hug.

Mr. Weasley hugged Ginny and Luna and gave Harry a firm handshake. "Alright then," he said. "You all have a good term, and we'll see you at Christmas."

They all made their way onto the last student car, and chose the last two compartments. Harry helped the French students into the second to last compartment, assisting Gabrielle with her things before helping JeanBaptiste, with his sibling's trunks. He returned to the last compartment quickly and helped Ginny and Luna get their trucks up into the overheads before settling in for the trip.

"There is no reason to be so sullen," Luna said, sitting across from Harry and Ginny. "Hermione will come 'round you know."

"Yeah, Luna. I know that," Harry said offhandedly. "It just doesn't feel right somehow having her thinking I'm not talking to her. Why doesn't she just apologize and be done with it? It has already been three days."

"Harry, you know her better than that; she will not apologize until she is certain she is wrong," Ginny said.

"Something she is not at all used to being," Luna added.

"You just have to be patient, and let her figure it out for herself," Ginny concluded. "You simply cannot be the one to prove her wrong in this; she has to find the proof herself. You said so yourself on Friday when it all started."

Luna was nodding her agreement, but Harry was, and must have looked confused, because Luna said. "It's a female thing, Harry, just take our word for it. You want Hermione to solve this for herself."

"I know," Harry admitted. "It's just that Hermione is one of my best friends and I don't like her thinking I am mad at her."

Ginny entwined her fingers with Harry's and rubbed Harry's arm comfortingly with her free hand.

Just then, the door slid open and Neville practically fell into the compartment. "Got room for one more in here?" he asked, flailing after Trevor's wicker basket as it slid from his arms and landed on the seat next to Luna.

"Sure, Neville, come on in," Harry said as he stood up to help put the additional trunk into the overheads, reluctantly releasing Ginny's hand.

"Where are Ron and Hermione?" Neville asked.

"Hermione was named Head Girl, and Ron is still a Prefect, so they're up in the first car on Prefect duties," Ginny said.

"Oh, I didn't know. Congratulations Hermione," Neville said, making an affirmative gesture with his fist. "We'll see them on rounds then."

Neville settled in quickly and fell in to an easy conversation with Luna about events of the summer until the train began to move and they all stepped into the aisle to wave from the windows. Mrs. Weasley had found Arthur, Bill and Fleur, and they were waving excitedly, as they caught sight of Harry and company.

The train ride passed quickly with lively conversation and lots of new faces. The first years, as often happened, spent much of their time in the aisles introducing one another and speculating on house assignments. They also had a tendency to try to catch a glimpse of the famous Harry Potter, so it meant that there was always a crowd outside Harry's compartment.

When the treat trolley came by Harry bought sandwiches and cakes for his compartment and for Fleur's sister and cousins. They all crammed into one compartment to eat and visit for a while. After lunch, the French students returned to their own compartment.

Not long afterward, Ron came by without Hermione and sat long enough to devour a lunch and complain profusely.

"She's driving me loopy," Ron lamented. "She is dead convinced that you somehow set it all up, Harry. Now she is going on about how it is so nice of you to want to help her financially, but dreadful of you to do it on the sly." Ron shoved the last bite of Harry's extra sandwich into his mouth, and reached for Ginny's. (They had been purchased intentionally for that reason.) "And she is right cross with me, because she says I am taking your side." He glanced around the compartment. "Got anything to drink?" Harry produced a bottle of pumpkin juice and handed it to him. Ron pulled the cork and took a long swig of the juice. "I've not seen her this upset since I was dating Lavender last year — and let's please not be bringing that up!" He wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "Harry, you've gotta do something before I'm driven completely barmy."

"I'm afraid this one's completely on Hermione, mate," Harry said. "I'm well advised that I can't solve this for her, she has to do it herself." Harry glanced appreciatively at Luna and Ginny. "I'm sure she'll arrange to talk with Headmistress McGonagall, as quickly as possible, and if she hasn't already thought of it, you could suggest that she summon Jarvy to ask about the Librarian pay." He paused, "but I'd be careful about how you suggest it. And, remind her to be careful to maintain security."

"Will that even work, now that we'll be at Hogwarts?" Ron asked.

"It should do," Harry said. "Hermione's a resident of the manor, so any of the manor elves will respond when she calls. And the school's wards won't keep an elf out if it's responding to a rightful authority. Dobby was able to get inside the grounds to see me, and he wasn't even my elf at the time."

"Right," Ron said, recalling. "Does that mean, since I'm a resident of the manor too, that I can get them to bring me food?" He asked.

"I'm sure they would," Ginny chimed in, "but, if you want extra food, you can sneak down to the kitchens like any other student and leave the manor elves alone. Besides, I'm certain both the Headmistress and your girlfriend, you know, the Head Girl, would frown on your using personal elves in that way while you're at school."

Ron frowned, knowing Ginny was right; the visions of late night snacks vanished from his imagination in a haze of disappointment.

"And," Harry added. "Let's all remember that we here, and Hermione, are the only students aware of the true nature of the manor. The Fidelius Charm will prevent any accidental disclosures of specific information, but we should still all be careful about our conversations."

Everyone in the compartment nodded in agreement.

After Ron had returned to his duties, the compartment seemed to get quiet for a while as the train continued along its way methodically trundling against the tracks. Neville was soon lulled into sleep, snoring lightly as he leaned against the headrest, his toad, Trevor, dozing in his lap.

While Neville slept, Harry and Ginny were occupied in their own personal world, talking in confidence to one another as though the rest of reality simply did not exist. Luna wondered if they were even aware that they did this quite often. Their lips were moving and they were clearly speaking to one another, but even across the short distance of the compartment, she couldn't hear a thing. She was totally cut off from their conversation. Luna suspected that it was simply a manifestation of the bond that clearly existed between them. It seemed very few but herself were aware of the bond, and probably would remain ignorant of it until sometime after Ginny turned seventeen and it manifested more prominently. Until then, Luna was content to keep her knowledge a secret between herself, the elves and the manor fairies. She was committed to supporting her friend and cousin to the best of her ability. She was ecstatically happy for them.

As the quiet left her quite alone amongst good company, Luna decided that a stroll outside the compartment would be in order. She was unsurprised that Harry and Ginny barely noticed her departure.

The aisles of the Hogwarts Express were busier than usual but Luna navigated them with relative ease. Walking these aisles attempting to distribute copies of the Quibbler had given her plenty of practice. Today however, she was actually quite happy that she had no Quibblers to hawk. Not that she minded the Quibbler; quite the contrary, she had always adored her father and his work. She recognized her father's sometimes fanciful, always eccentric interpretation of the world. It was just that the last few years, and these last few weeks in particular, had seated in her a desire to be a bit more "normal." Not wholly − Luna was determined to follow her own understandings and trust her own perception and interpretation of the world around her.

Undeniably, meeting her great aunt, Philomena, had been an influence and the way that Harry had unquestioningly accepted her, not only as a friend, but as family, added up to Luna wanting to be something more than she had been. She was no longer okay with being known as Looney Lovegood — she hoped to discover what blossoming into Luna could mean. To that end, she had abandoned her radish earrings and Butterbeer necklace in favor of sapphire earrings and a matching necklace provided by her great aunt, through Potter Manor. Beautiful, expensive jewelry was a luxury Luna had never known and possession of such property made her feel special, and quite grown up.

In the three weeks ending the summer Luna had experienced a profound, personal, quiet, makeover orchestrated by the loving kindness of her great aunt, Philomena, Harry's grandmother, and the unflinching generosity of Harry himself. It had all been very quiet. People often talked about the wealth-less Weasley's as an example of a poor, financially struggling, family. Ron, for example, was often teased about his hand-me-down school robes, but if the truth were known, the Lovegoods were poorer still. People simply attributed to her oddity what were outright examples of poverty, her hand sewn clothes, her homemade jewelry. It had all been the attempts of a poor girl to appear to have things of value. People assumed that the Quibbler made plenty of money and that Luna's choices were merely the family eccentricity.

Philomena saw through the ruse immediately and took action. She quietly informed Harry that Luna needed a few things. Harry had of course said, "She's family, whatever she needs." He had told Ginny of his grandmother's request and the generosity had flowed from there. An account and a regular allowance had been set up for Luna at Gringotts and Ginny had taken her on several morning shopping excursions to Ottery St. Catchpole, Diagon Alley, and even with her older twin brothers, to Muggle stores in greater London.

New clothes were one thing; they made Luna feel comfortable and attractive. The more valuable experience of the past few weeks was just being around women in a regular home setting — sharing a room with Ginny, interacting with Mrs. Weasley and talking to her great aunt every day. It was so different from being at home with her father, or largely avoided at school. Luna liked her new normalcy and she wanted more of it. In fact, she thought, she just might even like to have a boyfriend. Ginny sure seemed to recommend it, and it seemed to be doing Hermione a world of good as well.

Hermione hurried through the narrow aisles trying and failing to concentrate on her duties as Head Girl. She had already let slide a number of behavioral infractions and passed over objects she rightfully should have confiscated. She had resigned herself to the idea that perhaps her overlooking these things might in some way ingratiate her to the students. At the very least if Ron found out about it, and there would surely be talk, he would be proud of her for bending the rules.

The truth of the matter was that she was upset and angry — frustrated because she was no longer entirely sure at whom, or about what. She had followed a logical chain of events to a conclusion. Had it really been a false conclusion?

If she was correct, then Harry had taken it upon himself to solve her financial problems for her, through deception, without consulting her and she was therefore right to be cross with him. If she was wrong, then her good fortune was the result of her own efforts and she had wrongly accused her best friend. She felt dreadful.

Worse still, Ron had actually taken Harry's side, which normally would have made her extremely mad at him, but in this instance made Hermione that much less certain of her own position. There was nothing for it but to uncover the truth, which first meant requesting an audience with Headmistress McGonagall. If she was indeed wrong she would just have to apologize, and she so hated to apologize… Or was it that she hated being wrong?

Oh why can't I just be cross with Ron over some frivolous, inconsequential thing, she thought in exasperation. At least then everything would be normal, and I would be looking forward to the making up. The thought made her smile in spite of herself. One thing about finally having Ron as her boyfriend… He was very good at the making up.

When the sun began to set they had all pulled down their school robes in preparation for their arrival at Hogsmeade station.

Harry always enjoyed the last bit of the trip as they came through the high pass and the track began to descend toward the lake. If the timing was right, he would see the last rays of sunset ablaze across the lake surface and the lights of the castle coming to life against its shadowed silhouette in the far distance. The tracks would quickly drop them into the denser forested hills and it would be full darkness by the time the train pulled in to the station.

Following tradition, Hagrid would be there on the platform to gather the first years and lead them down to the boat docks where they would embark on the torch lit passage across the near end of the lake, while the rest would go by carriage, arriving more quickly.

Luna returned to the compartment, accepted her robe from Ginny who had retrieved it for her, and plopped down into her seat quietly. She didn't utter a word and seemed to be staring at nothing for several minutes.

"Luna, is something the matter?" Ginny eventually asked.

"No, nothing," Luna replied distractedly, though she remained perfectly unmoved.

Both Neville and Harry glanced at Luna from their seats near the window, but neither seemed to feel that anything was amiss. Neville resumed explaining to Harry about the common species of trees that populated the area and the magical fauna that could, with proper patience, be found in the forests above Hogsmeade.

After another couple of minutes, Luna suddenly spoke again. "Harry Potter," she said loud enough to ensure his attention. "Am I pretty?"

The question caught Harry completely off guard. Before he could answer, Ginny was already speaking up.

"Of course you are pretty, Luna," Ginny said insistently. "Did someone tell you otherwise?" Ginny seemed quite prepared to get her ire up.

"No, nothing like that. Actually, quite the contrary," Luna responded.

"What makes you ask?" Harry questioned curiously.

"While I was walking throughout the train," Luna began, "I chanced to overhear bits of a conversation. I think it may have been Romilda Vane, or at least it sounded like her. Whomever it was, she was talking with one of the new French boys. They were in the exit passage back of the last compartment of one of the forward cars. She was giggling rather incessantly and it was ages before I could get past them. The boy was asking a lot of questions about you, Harry. Things like, who do you spend most of your time with? What activities are you in besides Quidditch? And, do you have a girlfriend? The girl seemed all too keen to answer. She mentioned Ron and Hermione as your best friends and listed several members of the DA. She said you were often seen with Neville and I, who were with you at the Ministry and she told him that you and Ginny were an item at the end of last year, but she was not sure yet if the relationship had survived the summer." Luna paused. "Then, the boy asked if you, being famous and all, tended to surround yourself with only the prettiest girls?"

"What did she say?" Ginny blurted out urgently.

Luna turned to Ginny conspiratorially and continued. "She said that Harry didn't seem to care about being that sort of popular and probably didn't choose friends based on appearance, because, well… Ron and Hermione… But, then she said, on second thought, that maybe Harry did care about looks, because apparently lots of boys say that you, Ginny, are one of the prettiest girls at the school. Then she said that I might actually be very pretty as well, if I were to change my clothes, take better care of myself and stop being so odd."

"Oh, Luna," Ginny said consolingly.

"And that is why you want to know if I think you're pretty?" Harry questioned.

Luna looked at Harry, wide eyed, and nodded slowly.

"Yes Luna, I think you are very pretty," Harry said deliberately. "But, as we are related, my opinion could be considered biased. Perhaps you should ask Neville."

Neville gulped hard and made a sound that could have, just as likely come from Trevor. "I think… I think you are very pretty Luna," he stammered. Both he and Luna were flushing pink.

They were saved from any further embarrassment by the train pulling into Hogsmeade Station and a flurry of activity as students flooded in to the aisles and crowded toward the exits.

They made their way off the train as quickly as possible, helping Gabriel and her cousins, before leaving the station and climbing into the first available carriage. The ride to the castle was brief and pleasant, and soon they found themselves in the Great Hall greeting friends and finding seats at the house tables.

The Great Hall had been magically expanded to accommodate a fifth house table. House banners hung equidistant along the sides and back of the hall. The new Beauxbatons' table occupied the center between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. As always, thousands of candles floated above their heads lending a steady, consistent illumination and, high above, the enchanted ceiling reproduced the night sky so completely that it was easy to imagine there was no ceiling there at all.

As they moved toward the front of the hall, Harry observed that the Slytherin table seemed rather sparsely populated. The students who had returned seemed content enough to be there, but the feeling of active conspiracy brewing that Harry usually felt when looking in that direction was all but gone. Harry suspected that had everything to do with the notable absence of Draco Malfoy and his cronies.

Harry had not released Ginny's hand since they had stepped down from the carriage, and he was aware that this was causing a small stir, particularly among the female students. Apparently, the status of their relationship had been an object of speculation over the summer. Harry was perfectly content to keep hold of Ginny's hand and thereby lay to rest any rumors of a summer, or pending, breakup. As Ginny had made no attempt to remove her hand from his, he assumed that she was perfectly in agreement with letting the students know that they were, in fact, a couple. As far as Harry was concerned, people didn't need to know how close he had come to messing it all up after Dumbledore's funeral that Spring.

Ron soon found them and they all took seats toward the front of the tables. Luna excused herself and headed off to find a seat with the Ravenclaws. Hermione remained at the back of the room where she could move about monitoring the tables. Ron kept the seat next to him so that she could join them once the feast actually began.

Ron nudged Harry, and directed his attention toward the Beauxbatons' table. "Harry, is that blonde bloke there, fifth in, on the far side, the git you said is the Quidditch captain?" He asked.

"Yeah," Harry answered, looking casually across the tables. "Jean-Pierre Lesauvage is his name. He seems a determined fellow, I'll give him that."

"Look at the way he seems to be center of his own group of dedicated cronies," Ron pointed out. "Reminds me a bit of Malfoy."

"Perhaps a little," Harry conceded.

Just then, Jean-Pierre turned and made eye contact with Harry. He smiled and made a small wave of acknowledgement to which Harry responded in kind. It was quick and seemingly casual before Lesauvage was pulled away by questions from his table companions.

Even though the encounter seemed friendly, Harry had the distinct impression that there was the cynical edge of competition contained there. Why not, he supposed, they were, by virtue of position, Quidditch rivals. Perhaps Lesauvage was the sort that lived by such rivalries. Harry turned to Ginny, who had been busy fielding myriad questions since they had entered the hall. Ginny smiled back and lightly squeezed his hand, and Harry instantly determined to think about Lesauvage at another time.

The teachers began to file in from the side doors behind the top table. Harry grinned knowingly when Alex Burgestikoff appeared just after Headmistress McGonagall. A flurry of squawking questions erupted among the students as Alex, and a number of other unfamiliar faces appeared within the ranks of the Hogwarts staff. If Harry was gauging the reactions correctly the two most pronounced reactions were to the presence of Alex who appeared in stunningly red Eastern European Style robes, and Sean Fleming, who was wearing a loose, black, Muggle style, academic robe over his otherwise casual attire. They were not the only new faces up on the teachers' platform, but they clearly prompted the most curiosity.

Once the staff settled into their seats and the room had begun to calm, the rear doors opened and Professor Sprout entered, leading the new class of first years. Half of them followed the Deputy Headmistress down the aisle between the Hufflepuff and Beauxbatons tables. Hermione stepped in to lead the other half up the corresponding aisle between Beauxbatons and Ravenclaw.

They lined up the first years at the front of the hall facing the seated students and Professor Sprout retrieved the stool and Sorting Hat. Harry remembered well his experience as a first year standing there as nervous as the students before him now, wondering wildly if he would be asked to pull a rabbit from the hat.

Several seconds past before the Sorting Hat twitched on the stool. The tear along its brim opened wide and slow as a yawn. Then the Hat began to sing.

I've sorted 'ore a thousand years

According to Founder's desire,

But now I'm old and tattered bare

And ready to retire.

I'll sort this class, one last hurrah

Before I fray to threads,

So set me firm upon your ears

Let's see what's in your heads.

If you be bold and brave and true

You'll go to Gryffindor.

The smartest and the wittiest

To Ravenclaw I'll pour.

A Slytherin is ambitious

Always driven to be best.

While the Hufflepuffs are thoughtful

With true kindness they are blessed.

But remember these divisions

Are not meant to make us part.

They are groupings meant to help us

Based on truths within our heart.

So if character divides you

Based on blood or traits expressed,

Just remember, deep inside you,

You're the same as all the rest.

Now we've guests from Beauxbatons this year

While their school is remade

And we pledge to treat them as our own

Propriety obeyed.

So for now we'll have a fifth house

Which we're glad we could arrange

As we feel there is great value

In this cultural exchange.

We look forward to the challenge

In our studies and our fun

And we hope that when you leave us

Lasting friendships will be won.

Just remember as we pass this year

A dreadful darkness looms.

There's a battle yet before us

That the Wizard world dooms.

Now I do not mean to scare you

Or to put you off your rest,

But as always when the darkness comes

It's really just a test.

Do we fall to evil's tyranny?

Or rise above the fray?

If we can but come together

Light will always win the day.

Hogwarts needs to be a haven

Not divided from within.

True allegiance to each other

That is where we must begin.

So let's place me now upon each head

And sort you to your rest

For whichever house you end up in

I assure you it's the best!

There was a moments silence before the hall burst into applause.

Pomona Sprout stepped forward and ceremoniously unrolled the beginning of the parchment scroll, reading, "Argall, Vaughn, please step forward."

A small, frightened-looking boy with wide grey eyes and mouse brown hair came forward hesitantly and climbed up onto the stool. Professor Sprout placed the Sorting Hat carefully upon his head so that it didn't fall forward over his face. There were several seconds of silence during which the boy's expression changed a number of times finally ending with a delighted grin as the Sorting Hat proclaimed aloud, "Hufflepuff!" The professor lifted the hat and the boy leapt from the stool running off to join his cheering housemates at the Hufflepuff table.

When the final first year had been called and the sorting was finished, Professor Sprout removed the hat and stool as Headmistress McGonagall stepped forward to the podium. She raised her hands to calm the room and once silence was achieved, she began to speak.

"Welcome, students, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is my great honor to greet you today as your newly appointed Headmistress. I will do my utmost to uphold the standards and traditions of the Founders, and of this noble institution.

"These past months we have witnessed several horrible tragedies. From the murder of Albus Dumbledore, former Headmaster of this school, and the wholesale destruction of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, to the overthrow of several Eastern European magical governments and just yesterday, the Murder of the Muggle's beloved Princess.

"All of these atrocities are attributable, in one way or another, to a single Dark wizard. A wizard who sadly, is an alumnus of this very school. While this may be considered a blemish on our reputation, it does not alter our goal and tradition of providing the best magical education possible. To that end there have been a number of staff changes for this term." She turned momentarily to look back at the staff table behind her. "If our new and visiting professors would please stand?"

Six new professors stood. The Headmistress gestured first to a woman furthest to her right. The woman was nearly as tall as Minerva McGonagall herself and built much the same. She wore a deep blue set of robes with a black knit shall over her shoulders. Her hair was greying, but still showed that it had once been a vibrant blonde, it was neatly coiffured into a tight bun at the back of her head. She bowed lightly at the Headmistress' gesture.

"First, is Professor Horatia Canon. Ms. Canon comes to us from the East England Museum of Wizarding History. She will be teaching History of Magic. Also, as an aluma and a member of Gryffindor House, she will be assuming my former position as Head of House. For any of you who may be concerned, our Professor Binns will continue to lecture as usual, though his lectures will no longer require any attendance. They will, however, remain available for any interested parties as extra credit and study review."

Professor Canon took her seat. Next to her stood, by appearance, a young man, no older than his mid-thirties. He was slim and slightly shorter with brown hair, blue eyes and an exuberant smile. His robes where brad new, presumably in honor of his appointment to the school. He bowed somewhat nervously as The Headmistress made introduction.

"Professor Thomas Vicissi will be teaching Transfiguration. Professor Vicissi is late of the Ministry for Magic, Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Accidental Magic Reversal Division. Mr. Vicissi is also a Hogwarts alumus.

"Next we have Professor Sean Fleming, who will be teaching Muggle Studies. In an unprecedented program of Muggle cooperation, Mr. Fleming comes to us directly at the recommendation of the Muggle Prime Minister of Britain. As many of you suspect, and to avoid continued speculation, Mr. Fleming is indeed a Muggle, and as such will bring a new, and welcome, authenticity and authority to the subject matter. We are assured that Mr. Fleming is very well qualified to instruct on the subject."

Mr. Fleming, declined to bow, but did smile quite broadly, lifting his goblet a bit higher, as he surveyed the students before him. There was a sort of swagger in his stance that seemed to challenge anyone who might make assumptions about him based on the fact that he was a Muggle among wizards. There was certainly no lack of confidence about the man. He caught Harry's gaze and they locked eyes, whereupon he gave a slight nod of recognition.

McGonagall turned and gestured to her left side.

At the far end of the row stood a female and male instructor in French style satin robes. The woman's was a pale blue, like the Beauxbatons' school colors, while the man's robes were a dark navy blue with a pale blue lining. They were each of rather average height and weight. The woman had pleasant features and a softly attractive face, though she did seem to have exceedingly blonde, almost yellow, hair which made her quite noticeable amongst her peers. The man was equally average in all respects except that he sported a looped, clearly waxed, handlebar mustache. The woman was farthest down the row.

"Please let me introduce Madame Amélie Lévsque, Deputy Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy, and Monsieur Aldéric Villeneuve, Beauxbatons Professor." The Headmistress paused for effect, before continuing. "As long as our quest students remain with us, Madame Lévsque, will be here to serve as Overseer of Visiting Students and Head of House Beauxbatons. Both she and Monsieur Villeneuve will be teaching additional curriculum specific the Beauxbatons Academy fifth through seventh years."

The two waved together and then quickly took their seats.

"And finally," McGonagall gestured to her direct left. "Alexandrina Burgestikoff, joins us all the way from Romania to serve as our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor." Alex bowed to the room from her place at the staff table.

"Professor Burgestikoff served several years as an Auror in Romania before transitioning to and ascending to the position of Chief Keeper Trainer, and Second Chief Keeper, of the world renowned Romanian Dragon Reservation. We are extremely fortunate to have her here."

With a slight bow of her head, Alex took her seat.

"I trust you will all endeavor to make our new staff members feel most welcome.

"Finally, a few brief announcements before we begin the feast. First, Professor Hagrid would like to remind everyone that the forest remains off limits, except for established, properly marked paths along the lake shore, ravine, and near his residence. I would also add that under no circumstances are any students to be wandering the grounds or forest edge by themselves. Second, Mr. Filtch has posted a complete list of prohibited items in the Entrance Hall and in each of the common rooms. Please consult this list, as there will be an opportunity to turn in prohibited items anonymously. Anyone caught with prohibited items thereafter will be subject to appropriate punishment.

"Now, with no further ado…" She flung her arms out wide. "Let the feast begin!"

Immediately, the tables filled with a dizzying array of foods and before Harry could decide upon a first item, Ron had filled his plate to heaping.

Hermione joined them at the table for the feast, but as the conversation quickly turned to Quidditch tryouts, she didn't have a lot to say and that seemed to ease the feeling of tension she was presently bringing to the relationships.

Harry had reserved the Quidditch pitch for early morning try-outs that coming Saturday and several people had already inquired about it. Clearly, Ginny was already assessing possible players and she carried most of the meal's conversation with the subject.

Once the feast had wound down, Hermione and Ron left to escort the new first years to the common room. Neville headed up with Seamus Finnegan, and Harry and Ginny were left to make their way to the common room at a leisurely pace.

While they did seem to be the subject of long looks and possible gossip, Harry was glad that for the most part people were leaving them alone. There were lots of welcome back greetings, especially from students who had been in the DA. A few students stopped to shake hands, but no real conversations started. Harry was glad of it because he was rather enjoying strolling through the torch lit castle arm-in-arm with Ginny.

Eventually they made their way to the common room where they lingered for a long time by the fire. Nevertheless, they inevitably each had to adjourn to their dormitory and settle in for the first night back at Hogwarts.

Hermione was exhausted when she and Ron finally returned to the Gryffindor common room after the final curfew chimed and they had made one final patrol through the sixth floor corridor of alcoves. That was where most of the older students went for a secluded snog when they were dating someone from a different house. The first night back after summer holiday was always a busy night for the corridor. Many couples were re-uniting after the summer apart and there were always the awkward break-ups of those who had strayed, or simply drifted apart in each other's absence. There was plenty of drama to be managed, plus there had been quite a number of Beauxbatons students to re-direct when they found themselves turned around in the new and unfamiliar castle.

By the time they entered through the entrance guarded by the Fat Lady, almost everyone had already headed up to the dormitories for the night. She noted that Harry and Ginny were snuggled together on their favorite sofa in front of the fire, but she didn't feel particularly like speaking to Harry and she doubted very much that they were even aware that she and Ron had arrived.

As there was no reason to linger she made her way to the curtained alcove beneath the stairs to the dormitories, behind which was the doorway to her private Head Girl chambers. The doorway only appeared in years when the Head Girl or Boy was from Gryffindor House and as Hermione recalled, the last time these chambers had been used was during their third year when Ron's brother Percy had been Head boy.

The chambers themselves were quite nice. There was a narrow hallway just under the stairs then it opened to a small lounge, which had a nice large window, a study table with four chairs, and a small sofa in front of a fireplace. To the left of the fireplace was another short hall from which a door opened to the left into a private bath and wash room. Beyond the hall was a cozy bed chamber, which also had its own fireplace. The bed was of the same four-poster variety of the dormitory beds, though this one was full sized.

Ron followed her into her rooms and made a quick exploration of the space. "This is very nice, Hermione," he said as he plopped down next to her on the sofa. "Percy never let me in here when he was Head boy. Always said it would be improper."

The fire crackled delightfully and Hermione edged closer, pulling his arm around her so she could snuggle against his shoulder. "Yes, it is nice," she replied through a yawn. "But, I think I shall miss my suite at the Manor."

"Of course," Ron said, content to pull her close against himself. "Nice of the house-elves to keep this fire going for you," he said offhandedly as he kicked off his shoes and stretched his toes toward the hearth, getting comfortable.

Suddenly Hermione pulled away sitting attentively upright. "House-elves!" she proclaimed abruptly. "Why didn't I think of that immediately?" she asked aloud, really only addressing herself.

"What are you on about?" Ron questioned.

"House-elves, Ron," she said, "I can ask the Manor elves — well, especially Jarphred, about the librarian pay."

"Well, of course you can Hermione, everyone's said so," Ron blurted before he thought.

Hermione turned to him. "What do you mean, everyone's said so?" Hermione questioned.

"I mean, it has already occurred to Harry, Ginny, Luna and myself that you should ask Jarphred about the Library pay," he explained.

"And, exactly why haven't you said anything if you've known this all this time?" she asked accusingly.

"I wanted to, really, I did — but, Ginny and Luna insisted that I had to let you figure it out for yourself." Ron sounded a bit panicky. "Please tell me they were not wrong!" He pleaded.

There were a few moments of silence as Hermione processed this information, then she sighed rather heavily. "No — they were right," she admitted. "I just feel a bit silly apparently being the last to figure that out."

"Well, would you like to summon Jarphred straight away, then?" Ron asked.

Hermione stood up from the sofa turning to face Ron. "Actually, yes I would." She was already fishing the false galleon from her jeans pocket. She squeezed it, and almost immediately there was a "pop" and Winky appeared in the room.

"What may Winky do for you, Miss Hermione?" the little elf questioned politely with a bow.

"Winky, I was hoping to speak with Jarphred about my responsibilities to the Library. Would you kindly send him to me?" Hermione requested.

"At once, Miss," Winky replied with a quick bow.

Before Hermione could even begin to explain that there was no particular urgency, there was another "pop" and Winky was gone. Within a dozen seconds, there was another popping of air and Jarvy stood before them.

"How my I serve, Miss Granger?" He asked.

"Jarphred," Hermione began, "You handle all the day-to-day operations of Potter Manor, do you not?"

"Of course, Miss Hermione," he replied.

"Including financial considerations?" she pressed.

"Yes, Miss," he answered calmly.

"So, you would know about my being paid as the Librarian?"

"Yes, Miss Granger," he seemed suddenly concerned. "Is there some problem with your wages?"

"No, no… Well, only… I was surprised, as I didn't expect to be paid at all. Harry didn't tell me I would be compensated. When. May I ask did he tell you to pay me?"

Jarvy had never suffered the sort of mistreatment at the hands of a master that Winky, and especially Dobby had been used to. Consequently, he was not given to profuse apologies, or self-harming the way Dobby could be. However, this line of questioning was clearly putting him off his ease.

"The truth, Miss Granger, is that Master Harry never mentioned it." Jarphred hesitated. "I am not certain that I understand the problem, do you wish to receive a greater compensation? I did not wish to burden the Master with such trivial matters, so I paid what the post had previously paid. It is my fault, Miss, I failed to compensate for time during which the Manor was closed, I do apologize, of course you will be demanding an increase."

"No, no, I don't want an increase; all I want to know is who told you to start paying me?" Hermione blurted out.

Jarvy looked quite uncomfortable at this point. "Please, Miss Granger, no one told me to pay you. You arranged the orders, you oversaw the sorting and shelving, and you spent hours in the library. In my time at the Manor, these have always been the duties of a paid librarian. You were performing these duties so, as house manager, I arranged for you to be paid. I did not seek out the Master's permission to do this, but I feel certain he would see it as only proper. I am afraid I do not understand the problem. Have I done something wrong?"

Ron was sitting forward on the sofa at this point. "There is no problem, Jarphred, no problem at all. And you most certainly have done nothing wrong."

Jarphred turned and acknowledged Ron with a slight bow.

Hermione was quite literally shaking in place. It would be easy, Ron thought, to interpret her body language as anger, but he knew it was more complex than that. There was anger there, to be sure, but it was focused inwardly. What was happening was Hermione was realizing that she truly might be wrong, and that was indeed an uncomfortable place for her.

"Jarphred," Ron said, distracting the elf from his fixed, befuddled stare at Hermione. "I think we are done here. Perhaps it is best you return to the Manor."

"Agreed, sir." Jarphred confirmed, unable to completely shift his gaze from Hermione. "Will Miss Granger be alright, Mister Weasley?"

"Oh, she'll be fine," Ron smiled at Jarvy. "However, I know it is perhaps irregular, now we are returned to school, but would you be kind enough to send round a tea service?"

"Certainly, sir," Jarvy replied crisply. "And might I include some of the lemon and raspberry tarts that are Miss Granger's favorite?"

"Yes, please, and perhaps a few of those little sandwiches I like?"

"Yes, sir, and extra honey walnut clusters as well."

Ron smiled and nodded, and Jarvy disappeared with a "pop."

A few minutes later Winky and Dobby returned with a tea service and a tray laden with Ron and Hermione's favorite treats. Ron had managed to get Hermione back onto the sofa. Winky quickly poured out, and then the elves excused themselves and were gone.

Two cups of tea and a couple of tarts later, Hermione seemed in much better spirits. She was finally coming to terms with the idea that she was most likely the one in error about the whole issue. The input from Jarphred had indeed frustrated her resolve, but it was the smaller of the financial considerations. She still needed to speak with Headmistress McGonagall about the scholarship before she would be completely able to let it go. She sighed heavily and ran her hand across Ron's relaxed chest.

Ron's breathing had become deep and steady and she was certain he was asleep. She looked at her watch. Morning would be arriving early and they had stayed up far later than they should have. She peeled herself away from Ron's side and slipped off to the washroom, emerging several minutes later in one of Ron's old Cannon's T-shirts and knickers. She nudged Ron's shoulder several times until he woke.

"Ron… Ron… Wake up, Ron," she urged.

Ron opened his eyes groggily and smiled. "Alright, I get it… Time for me to head up to my own dorm." He replied. "This is where I am really going to miss the Manor," he said with a deep sigh.

Hermione climbed onto the sofa, straddling Ron's lap and pulled him in to a deep kiss. "Well, you can't spend the night," she whispered breathily in to his ear. "But, perhaps you can stay a little bit longer."

Harry woke up at the sound of Ron stubbing his toe in the dark. That, and the string of whispered expletives that accompanied the slight thump against the bedpost. He pulled back his bed curtains. "Ron, is that you?" He whispered in to the darkness.

"Yeah, Harry, it's me," Ron whispered back.

"You're getting in kind of late," Harry observed, not really knowing the time, only noting that the glow of the stove was quite dim.

"Yeah… Well…" Ron offered no further explanation.

"You could have stayed. I'd have covered for you in the morning," Harry said knowingly.

"Hermione's got responsibilities in the morning." Ron offered. "And, we're not in the Manor anymore. Lots of curious eyes in the castle."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Well, good night, Ron."

"Good night, Harry," Ron said, before stubbing his toe once more and issuing and second harshly whispered string of expletives.

Harry pulled his curtains closed and fluffed his pillows with his fist a few times before settling in comfortably. He was plenty happy to be back in his familiar bed, in his familiar dormitory. However, he was definitely going to miss his room at the Manor.

Just months before he had thought he would not be coming back and yet here he was. He wondered what additional surprises lay in store for him this year.

Whatever comes, he felt, with his friends at his side, he would be able to face it.

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Chapter Twenty-Seven
Defense Against the Dark… Lord