The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Potions Professor

The three had exited the train, Harry not with them. Hermione wanted to wait for him, but Carson and Ron convinced her to just go to the castle, both thinking Harry wouldn't get hurt if he was here at Hogwarts.

They made their way into the great hall, a walrus looking professor sat in the chairs.

"Must be the new defense against the dark arts teacher." Carson muttered to Hermione, as she nodded in agreement, still looking out for Harry.

"He isn't here...."

"Weird...do you think he's with Dumbledore 'Mione?"

"Yeah. That must be it."

As the feast started, Harry still hasn't shown up yet. Hermione kept looking back to the doors of the great hall, as Carson ate his meal.

"Will. You. Stop. Eating! Your best friend is missing!" Hermione screeched, hitting Carson with her book after every word.

"Turn around! He's right there! Stop hitting me!" Carson mumbled, sounding muffled as there was food in his mouth.

Hermione turns around, sees Harry and Luna approaching. In the light of the hall, Harry's blood-spattered face is quite the sight.

"He's covered in blood again. Why is it he's always covered in blood?" Ginny muttered, looking at Harry.

"Looks like his own this time."

"Where've you been, Harry? And what happened to your face?" Hermione questioned, as Carson nodded in agreement.

"Later. What've I missed?"

"Sorting Hat urged us all to be brave and strong in these troubled times, easy for it to say... it's a hat, isn't it? First Years seemed to enjoy it, though. Wankers. Filch give you the wand outside?" Ron asked, still eating his dinner.

Harry nods. Ginny, damp napkin in hand, begins to dab his face, then feels suddenly awkward. Harry takes it from her.

"Thanks..."

Just then, the light in the Hall begins to gently dim and all eyes turn to Dumbledore, standing at the top of the Hall, ashen hand raised to the enchanted ceiling, where clouds respond to his gestures and shroud a gleaming full moon.

"What happened to his hand?" Carson asked, bewildered.

"The very best of evenings to you! First off, please join me in welcoming the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn. Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Meanwhile the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be assumed by Professor Snape."

"What?!" Harry and Carson shouted at the same time.

This is greeted by stunned silence. Dumbledore frowns, then attempts to generate something by clapping his hands once. A few Slytherins join in and some dim-witted First Years.

"Now, as you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why. Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very Hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle. Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains... you."

Harry eyes Malfoy, slouched low, lazily levitating a fork with his wand, as if Dumbledore were unworthy of his attention.

"Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed. Pip pip!" Dumbledore ended, as everyone got up and went to their common rooms.

"That was cheerful!" Carson muttered, Hermione kissing his cheek and taking his hand as they walked to their dorm.