Harry Potter and the Protectors of Hogwarts

ix. of rescue missions

The students of Hogwarts were stunned. Slimy, snarky Snape was no longer Head of Slytherin. The new Head of Slytherin was now going to be Professor Killian.

Of course many students were asking: why the change? There was no answer the question. Not that they were complaining. Snape was always blatant in his favouritism, and they knew by the way Killian treated students in her classes, that she would also be fair whilst she was the Head of Slytherin.

Potions classes were also the talk of Hogwarts. Even though Snape was the same snarky bastard he always was, he didn't take points from any of the houses. Nor, did he award any to his former house, the Slytherins, always a plus. This news made many ecstatic.

Looking towards the house point counter, the students realised that all houses were ahead of Slytherin, by more than 50 points. Just one day had made the difference, and they realised that Snape was always awarding his house points unfairly. They hoped now that all houses had an equal chance to win the house cup. After the peculiar stand still when all house points were equal, now Ravenclaw were well ahead of the other houses, whilst Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were neck and neck. The students of Hufflepuff were really happy at the turn of events and worked harder than ever to stay ahead of Slytherin.

It looked like things were looking up at Hogwarts and thing were definitely getting interesting.

Draco looked around the crowded common room. Professor Killian had left a notice on the board for all Slytherins to meet in the common room after dinner, or she'd personally track down anyone who was missing. Draco's first loyalty within Hogwarts was to Snape, who had helped Draco since he started the school. True, Severus didn't have much time in the last few years, especially since the Dark Lord came back. But Severus made time for him whenever he thought necessary; he was his godfather after all.

Although, Draco did actually like Killian. She had quickly become one of his favourite teachers, even though her lessons did make him roll about in the mud like a common muggle. But he had never felt more physically fit in years, especially when he was practicing Quidditch. He knew many other Slytherins liked Killian as well. But they were torn as to whom to support now that she's replaced Snape. Not that they liked Snape all that much. Draco knew that Snape hardly liked many of the students in his own house, but outside, to the others, he put up the charade of protecting them all. Those who didn't like Snape were glad that he was replaced. He'd be keeping an eye on them.

Draco looked around again. He knew many of the students whose loyalty lay with Snape were boycotting meeting, locked up in the dorms. Close by to get an immediate report, but absent enough to demonstrate which Head they supported.

Draco was lost in his own thoughts when he realised everyone had quietened down at the sound of the opening of the portrait. Killian walked through with the Bloody Baron, and for some reason... Peeves, floating along behind.

Peeves, though he was oddly subdued, still had a maniacal grin on his face. Killian looked around at everyone's expectant faces, occasionally her gaze resting on a particular individual. The gold gaze slowly turned silver, as it was rumoured to do when she had a vision. Her last vision had saved the Hogwarts Express. What would her vision be of this time?

Her eyes turned back to their original colour, and she spoke quietly to the ghost, and Peeves.

"Baron, Peeves, there are some students missing, hiding in their dorms. Please bring them down. And Peeves," she called back the expectant poltergeist, "there's no need to be gentle."

Peeves let out a cackle. The sound grated on Draco's nerves, and he almost felt sorry for his housemates.

They didn't have to wait long until there was a crash, and a yell, and the missing seventh years came running down, tripping over their own feet, and pushing each other in their haste to get away from the poltergeist. Killian just smirked.